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The four Ws and one H of a Final Fantasy VII remake

Posted Sep 11, 2007 at 11:46PM by Glen D. Listed in: Games, Opinions & Analysis Tags: Square Enix, Sony, FFVII, Tetsuya Nomura, Hironobu Sakaguchi
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FFVII logo - Image 1 


The debate on whether or not Square Enix should remake Final Fantasy VII has raged on for years, and everyone's anxious to get an answer as to whether it will materialize or remain a dream. Those who are for it are dying to see Cloud and the gang in next-gen glory while those who are against it are holding the PSX version sacred and are telling everyone to leave the game alone for fear of getting a bad rendition.

This article won't throw more fuel to that fiery topic. Instead, this one assumes that a remake will eventually come to be. The only questions are what the particulars will be and how it's going to be pulled off. While no single post will be able to cover such a broad subject, this blogger would like to offer an overview of possibilities using the general queries: what, who, where, when, and how. Let's start.

What: This is perhaps the trickiest question of them all. What do we want to be in the game content-wise? Do we want an exact reiteration of the original story where the events take place in the exact same way with the exact same dialogue or do we want it to be told in another perspective with the same context? Perhaps some more light on interesting people like Zack and Hojo's experiments? How about if we have the game re-told with Tifa or Red XIII narrating it in the manner that a witness recounts an experience? Think of the possibilities.

On a personal level, this blogger would love to have the game told in the exact same manner that made it the legend that it is today. However, it would be even more interesting for me if it's done in a way that we wouldn't be able to tell exactly what happens next in every sequence. The highlights shouldn't be changed, such as Sephiroth with flames in the background or Cloud riding his bike, but for the minor parts, Square Enix may have better ideas than before. In any case, it's their game, and we're the audience, so anything goes.

Cloud Strife - Image 1 Cloud Strife - Image 2 Cloud Strife - Image 3 Cloud Strife - Image 4 

Who: This isn't a who as far as the characters are concerned. Few people would disagree that we want the same cast back and we'd have it no other way. This question of "who" deals with the people who'll be working in the development team. We all know FFVII producer Hironobu Sakaguchi has already left the Square Enix fold, but the core group that comprised the original dream team is still active and better than ever. Therefore, this blogger suggests that the following people be placed in the inner circle with the following roles:
  • Yoshinori Kitase - Director
  • Yusuke Naora - Art Director
  • Kazushige Nojima - Scenario Writer
  • Nobuo Uematsu - Musical score composer
Where: Again, this is a question which shouldn't be taken literally. This isn't a question of which geographical region it should be released in. This game will be sought after all over the world and it should be available everywhere a series fan is. The real deal, though, is a question of where when it comes to platforms.

So where does an FFVII remake land? There's no question that at this point, the Sony PlayStation 3 is the odds-on favorite. The relationship between Sony and Square Enix remains strong and that will mean a lot in the bid for exclusivity. However, nobody will dispute the fact that the PS3 is struggling at this point, and that could lead to a few complications.

Will we see an initiative from Square Enix to go cross-platform and develop a Microsoft Xbox 360 version? Nobody really knows. Everything's possible in the business world and Square Enix is an enterprise that exists to generate revenues. We'll have to wait and see.

Whether the franchise remains exclusive or goes multiplatform, will it really matter? Sure, there might be whines and moans here and there from purists, but is there really anything wrong about making more people happy and doing good business at the same time? PS3 exclusive or otherwise, this blogger sees nothing wrong with each scenario. As long as the project does justice to the original, we should be happy.

Sephiroth - Image 1 Sephiroth - Image 2 Sephiroth - Image 3 Sephiroth - Image 4 
    

When: Another interesting question not often asked is "when." How soon do we want the remake to be in our hands? Sure, there's an off-chance that we could hear a confirmation in TGS 2007 or something of the sort in the near future, but realistically, will we? Everyone knows that most of Square Enix' key people are hard at work in the development of Final Fantasy XIII and its spin-offs, and the game is still in its early stages. It's reasonable to think that they'll be busy for at the next year's first half, maybe more if delays occur.

Bottomline, it means that if we want the best people working on this endeavor, we would have to be real patient. A couple of years won't be so bad, maybe more if the project gets really huge. If this game does come out on Sony's PS3, a lot of us will want it to come around the time when developers have mastered the system's architecture. We'll want the best experience possible and that will only happen if the hardware resources are maximized.

   
Aeris - Image 1 Aeris - Image 2 Aeris - Image 3 Aeris - Image 4 
 

How: This is undoubtedly the toughest speculative question to ask about this topic: How do you rewrite a legend? Everyone knows that this is arguably the greatest RPG ever created due to the fact that in every conceivable aspect, it sets the gold standard. From the storyline, the characters, the graphics, the gameplay and the music, the original FFVII simply fired on all cylinders.

Speaking to people who favored the idea of having a remake, this blogger found out the lofty level that an FFVII remake must attain in order to at least equal the success of the original: RPG fans are looking for a rendition as far above the original as the original was far above SNES RPGs. It's a tall order which is a stop short of asking Square Enix to revolutionize the genre, but if anyone can do it, it's them. Squaresoft caught lightning in a bottle a decade ago, let's hope they catch it a second time.

Fans will probably bicker about two main things here: the graphics and the gameplay. As anyone who ever played the first Final Fantasy VII would know, the off-battle animations were done in cutesy-style considerations wherein the characters were chibi-fied with tremendous success. The question now is do we want that changed? We know that FFX didn't use the same look but was still excellent. However, will changing the ambiance alienate long-time fans or improve it to a more realistic level?

When it comes to pre-rendered cinematics, this blogger would personally be happy to see something of the same quality as FFVII: Advent Children with some HD bling. If Square Enix can come up with something way better, then that makes the deal all the more sweet.

Cid Highwind - Image 1 Cid Highwind - Image 2 Cid Highwind - Image 3 Cid Highwind - Image 4 

The combat system would also be a tough question to answer. Will we rather have the classic turn-based fighting driven by menus or do we want an action-RPG overhaul similar to Crisis Core:FFVII and FFXII? It all comes down to personal preference, but in the end, Square Enix will be making the call for us.

Other curious things would be how the materia system would work this time around. The RPG kingdom has seen a lot of innovations that may make the simple materia system seem simplistic with today's standards. In another angle, the old-school style may just make the remake that much more fun and nostalgic.

Summons will probably experience a deviation away from the simple casting model which the original PSX version used. It would be nice if the mighty beasts had more of a lifelike feeling to them rather than seeming to be a little more than a spell with a mythical animal in the animation.

At the end of the day, these are just suggestions on how we might arrive at a successful remake to an immortal title. Square Enix, among other people probably have better suggestions and we'd love to know what's on their mind. Square Enix did hint at not creating a remake for FFVII in a recent statement, but with how they've been doing business lately, this blogger would have to never see it to believe it. What do you think?

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12 Comments


Sort by:
   by smooth123 - 2007-09-12
 » It would be a complete crime if this did not happen
I sometimes wonder how Square Enix must think, i mean they know this remake would sell millons and they know fans want this game in Next gen and Hi def but they still refuse to make it. Yes i know they are busy making FF XIII and other games but come on please, if they said they were going to make it their shares would rocket but still no remake in the pipe line.

I won't deny it this is my best game ever and it angers me to see how Square make spin off which quite frankly don't live up to the hype and grandness of the original.

It would be a crime not to remake it. If it all goes wrong we still have the great original so its a win win situation.

   by Manny151 - 2007-09-12
 » This has to happen
I would definitely want it to be more realistic and in the style of Final Fantasy Advent Children. Keep the materia system the same except of course with more flare and in HD. I would also like it to have voice acting preferably with the same actors from Advent Children reprising their roles for the remake, that would be freaking great. It should also be available in a collectors edition, with a figurine of Cloud and a Blu-Ray with extra content in HD, and a bad ass metal case. This would sell millions of PS3's if it was to be an exclusive, which it should be. Hell I would rather wait for FFXIII. Can't wait to see Shiva, Ifrit and the others in HD, it's gonna be bad ass. Hee hee hee (giggle like little school girl)


   Re: Manny151 - 2007-09-12
 » ooops deleted something by mistake
Hell I would rather wait for FFXIII and get this first.
   by Vecha - 2007-09-12
 » hmm
...i'd like to see this for the ps4...maybe they can work on it up till the ps4 launch...release it shortly after...would be good.

I'd like them to at least release it has a download on psn...maybe in parts...

   by Vecha - 2007-09-12
 » i'd also..
like to see a remake of 8 and possibly 9...

I wish X would never had exisited...

   by Big Daddy - 2007-09-12
 » I disagree
As I've said before, I disagree with the remake of this marvelous game. In it's time, the release of FFVII was a beginning of a new era in video games. Not only did Final Fantasy VII place RPGs on the gaming map, it proved that RPGs were here to stay. Yes, there have been many games before FFVII, and I still believe that FFVI was better, BUT none had never succeeded in delivering an experience that included groundbreaking graphics, a colorful cast of characters, a perilous story, wonderful soundtrack, and unforgettable gameplay. FFVII was also the first step Square took in maturing the series with vulgarity, which was never tested in the RPG realm...at least not outside Japan. The game left millions worldwide crying when Aerith was executed by Sephiroth. Raising chocobos was a game of its own, and all of the minigames in FFVII was revolutionary by letting players have open ended play. The game was a masterpiece.

Although I agree that SE would make millions of this game just because of the install base, and possibly making the PS3 the greatest system of all time, I would have to say no on a remake and stand by it. Although a remake would benefit from new graphics, great sound, physics, and presentation, it would never live up to the original in terms of status. Every little thing or bug that comes up will completely hinder the remake's overall score. Even with great Hollywood acting, the game might fail in the voice over department because everyone was used to depicting their own rendition of Cloud's or Barret's voice in their mind. And that's another point: it allowed gamers the freedom of imagination. Sure, the game can come shipped with the option of turning of the voice-acting, but that feature alone would be criticized because turning it off may be somewhat redundant.

There is no way Square Enix can pull it off even if they are the greatest RPG makers of all time. I am a huge fan of the game, and would only hope that they keep the game sacred by not milking it. Althought the current generation game consoles are strong, they have not revolutionized gaming in any way. The closest thing to that is the Wii, but it fails in the aesthetics department, where Final Fantasy always shines. Remakes never live up to the original, nor do they even get close to surpassing it. That includes, games, movies, and music. Sure, I may buy it and enjoy it, but I'd feel empty knowing that there is no mana left...

Btw, I thought FFVIII was garbage except for the cutscenes. FFIX was great since they went back their roots, and FFX was the best since FVII.

   by Raven4960 - 2007-09-12
 » A remake will come...
I think it is just a matter of time. Currently Square Enix has a ton of content on their collective plate. Some things they are working on:

Remake of Final Fantasy IV for DS
Releasing Crisis Core for the PSP
3 different iterations of XIII for PS3 and mobile
The recently announced Star Ocean titles (two or three?)
Remake of Final Fantasy Tactics for PSP

That's not including the Mana Series, any of the Dragon Quest titles, Valkyrie Profile, or the ever-growing behemoth that is Final Fantasy XI. Now take a look at what they have done over the past few years. Every Final Fantasy title from I to VI (not including Mystic Quest or the older hand-held titles) has been re-made, moved to other consoles, and re-done with enhancements both in content as well as graphics, not to mention the improvements in translation.

This is why I say it's just a matter of time. I believe that Square is using XIII as a test bed for what the PS3 is really capable of. They always push Sony's consoles to the limit. In doing so they will learn everything needed to make use of the PS3 as best can be done. Also, I think that Square wants to tell the whole story of the VII universe, hence the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII.

Once Square has mastered the newest Playstation and finished the compilation, they will go back to its roots and crown the project with Final Fantasy VII. Now they will have the ability to go in and add additional content and storyline where they could not before. It makes sense, to me at least, that they would tie in the series to the original in this way. This is just speculation on my part.

I know that when Square does finally remake Final Fantasy VII that it will come to a very eager audience, Square will make a ton of $$, and the game will be the best that you could expect from a company who is known for making great games.

   by BrendanL - 2007-09-12
 » FF7
This game was great. There's no need for a remake! The story and gameplay of FF7 was great. Can't you guys leave it at that? Just say, they do make a remake. What if it's very, very crappy (like FF10). It'll ruin a perfect classic. There's already so many other iterations over this game. And you see how it already has messed with the story.


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   Re: Big Daddy - 2007-09-12
 » Good point but...
FFX was a great game. I loved the cinematics in that game, the characters were memorable, the graphics were groundbreaking for its time, and the soundtrack was near-perfect. The only thing I didn't like about the game was that it was quite linear, but it was great nonetheless.

VI
VII
X
Tactics
   by Annony - 2007-09-12
 » Delicate Situation...
As far as remakes go, there's rarely any good ones. However, Square has a pretty good scorecard when it comes to bringing their classic games to newer platforms. But for FFVII, if you want to appease (almost) everyone here's what you do:
- Don't mess with the story. period. The 'other viewpoint' from different characters would create a mess, so just don't do it. if Square and FF fans want some 'new content', then do something that doesn't interfere, like maybe have the OPTION to play branching storylines (ie: Reno and Rude).
- Graphic and audio overhaul is a must. New cutscenes (new, not longer or more), new character models, and fully orchestrated music.
- How about the option to play the traditional FFVII 'turn-based', or a new 'Action RPG' battle style via the Options menu?
- Finally, Include the original PS1 game. If you want to take it a new level, how about the option to bounce back and forth between 'classic' (PS1 version graphics, etc) and 'overhaul' (PS3 version) at each save point?

   by Kite - 2007-09-13
 » I sometimes wonder..
When people will stop making articles on how much they want a remake when Square gave it's answer for now.


It's good to dream, but seriously, isn't there anything else to possibly report on?

   by infinitysend - 2007-09-13
 » whatever
Square hasn't made a good game since 1995. Everyone that's a "Die-hard" fan of FF VII are the ones that never played VI, and all the ones that have all believe that VI was a better game. VI had everything that VII had, except the FMV -- which was a clever tactic Square used in their commercials. Don't show how crappy the graphics were -- just give 'em the FMV eye candy and they'll flock to it, making them believe that the game looks "that good." I don't respect a damn thing Square makes nowadays. Most of it is overrated bull***** anyway. F Square. Chrono Trigger was the last "great" RPG and it will remain that way.



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