As we've been told multiple times (in various confusing and unclear ways), Final Fantasy VII Remake is actually the first part of a new series. While each entry will be a full-sized game (allegedly), developers Square Enix will split the story of the original PlayStation RPG into chunks, spread across the remake releases.
The first part, set to release for PS4 on March 3rd next year, will focus on the Midgar section of the original game. It will presumably end when Cloud and his friends escape the city after that epic showdown with the Shinra Electric Power Company. You know the one.
Advert
What we still don't know is exactly how many games will be in the Final Fantasy VII Remake series. The 1997 RPG was a pretty massive game, and Square Enix seems keen on fleshing out certain plot elements and characters. With that in mind, it could run for two, three, or maybe even four installments.
It's just not clear, and Square apparently has no intention of telling anyone anytime soon. Possibly because the developer doesn't actually know yet, either. Fortunately, we now know that Final Fantasy VII Remake: Part 2 has already started development. That's something, at least.
In a Square Enix blog released alongside a stunning selection of new screenshots for Final Fantasy VII Remake, the game's director Tetsuya Nomura confirmed that Square Enix has "already begun working on" the next part of the remake.
"We've already begun working on the next one as well," he said. "But I'm confident that playing through this title will expand your expectations just like the world that extends beyond Midgar."
Advert
This confirms what we heard at Gamescom, in the summer, when the game's producer Yoshinori Kitase told a room full of journalists that a second game was underway. Check out the 3.30 mark of our impressions video (or watch it below).
Nomura also wanted to reassure fans that there will be more than enough content in each installment, despite the view from some more concerned that Square is essentially chopping up the 1997 original.
"Opportunities for discussing our true intentions are few," the director explained. "But with regard to the size of the game that many are asking about - there's no reason at all to worry. Even in this Midgar portion alone, the density and volume are so great that I had to give directions to lighten them."
Advert
If you're still worried, Nomura went on to confirm that the remake will feature entirely new bosses, and side characters have been fleshed out considerably. There are even a few completely new characters in the game, though they apparently don't play major roles.
"Though they aren't main characters, their numbers ended up growing considerably in the process of creating a rich depiction of Midgar," Nomura explained. "When you think of Midgar's final boss, you probably think of the M.O.T.O.R., but in this game new bosses will appear and add to the excitement of the story even more."
Advert
Having had the chance to go hands-on with Final Fantasy VII Remake at E3 this year, I'm immensely excited to dive back in and get the full experience. The way Square has managed to create a gorgeous new action RPG that retains the essence of the iconic PlayStation classic really is impressive.
Featured Image Credit: Square EnixTopics: Final Fantasy VII Remake, PlayStation, Square Enix