So, Final Fantasy VII Remake isn't going to be one game. The news rocked the very foundation of the Push Square office earlier today, but even though we're still reeling from the shock, we've managed to get editors Sammy Barker and Robert Ramsey together to have a good old rant about the whole thing. You can read their bewildered, thankfully legible thoughts below.
Update (18:45PM GMT): Since going to press with this article, Square Enix has clarified that, while the story of Final Fantasy VII will be broken up, each so-called "episode" will consist of a full-length game.
Sammy Barker, Editor
I can't believe it. Final Fantasy VII Remake was an absolutely gigantic announcement at E3 2015 for good reason; I'd written hours before Sony's infamous press conference that it'd never happen, so it was nice to get served crow in such dramatic fashion. And it looked incredible at PlayStation Experience 2015 – alright, a bit too "anime" for my personal tastes, but I can still appreciate massive potential when I see it.
So I woke up to a real sucker punch this morning when I read that the game would be episodic – or something. I keep adding that clarifier because the details are shaky; I'm not expecting a Telltale Games-esque series by any stretch, but I'm no longer anticipating an isolated experience either. It sounds like it's going to be some kind of trilogy, with several self-contained entries a la Mass Effect.
And I get it: Final Fantasy VII is a gigantic game and splitting things up into multiple parts is going to ensure a high-level of quality across the board. But what if the first entry sucks? Will people be shrugging it off like Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII by the time that the third instalment graces us with its presence? And how long is it all going to take to make – we could be waiting until 2020 and beyond for the full story to unfold.
It just seems strange to me. I understand that this is supposed to be a remake, but I'm not sure why they feel the need to adhere so rigidly to the rules of a 20 year old game. The combat has changed. The dialogue is almost certainly going to have to change. I know I'm going to be labelled a heretic, but why not make a full, complete, isolated experience that successfully captures the spirit of the original game?
Oh, right – Square Enix.
Robert Ramsey, Associate Editor
It's taken me a good few hours to actually gather my thoughts on this topic, but to be honest, I'm still in slight disbelief. I think what gets me is that Square Enix was seemingly doing everything right with its most iconic franchise. Final Fantasy XV is supposedly coming along well with some solid new info due next year, while Final Fantasy VII Remake – something that I and many others never expected to be a reality – got genuine gameplay footage at Sony's PlayStation Experience press conference. Final Fantasy VII Remake gameplay footage. If you'd told me that such a thing would exist when I was but a boy gazing at that infamous PlayStation 3 tech demo, I'd have probably exploded.
And somehow, within the space of roughly one day, Square Enix has managed to tarnish the hype. Somehow, it's managed to take what is arguably the most anticipated video game project of modern times and turn all of the excitement on its head. It's extraordinary.
At least, on the surface it is. The Internet is no stranger to knee-jerk reactions, and the news that Final Fantasy VII Remake will take some sort of episodic form certainly got one from me. "F***ed it!" I exclaimed as soon as I saw Sammy's story on the matter. "Absolutely f***ed it!" I added, partly for comedic effect and partly because I was caught between total horror and complete disbelief.
But okay, let's give Square Enix the benefit of the doubt and say that an episodic remake of Final Fantasy VII may not be the end of the world. Let's start by saying that the word 'episodic' may conjure up the wrong ideas. When we think of 'episodic', we think of Telltale Games and the studio's ridiculous output: individual seasons of games that tend to be made up of around five separate episodes, each lasting around two to three hours in length.
Personally, I can't see that happening with Final Fantasy VII Remake. How the heck could you split an epic role-playing release like that into three hour chunks and maintain the gameplay structure that people would expect? Simply put, I'm not sure such a thing is possible – not without butchering the core ideas of the game, at least.
So what are we left with? Well, for starters, I'd say that the original Final Fantasy VII can indeed be split into different, defined story arcs that could be separated into episodes – but they'd each need to be fairly lengthy. In that sense, I don't think I'd mind an episodic structure that's more akin to something like Mass Effect than it is Tales From the Borderlands. Mass Effect's main story carries over a trilogy of games, and I reckon that as long as each released part of Final Fantasy VII Remake feels complete in its own right, there won't be much of a problem. That's a pretty significant gamble, though – especially when you're toying with people's emotions for a game that's so iconic.
Ultimately, I think it's hard not to be sceptical of this whole thing, and that's purely on the basis that only Square Enix could appear to cock something up this badly. The publisher needs to release some more concrete information regarding this situation as soon as it possibly can, because if there's one thing that the Internet's good at, it's having a meltdown without clarifying the facts. And that's a bit like what Sephiroth did when he murdered all of those people.
So what's your whole take on this? Are you left scratching your head, or are you patiently waiting for more information? Become a model member of the community in the comments section below.
Comments 43
you know i haven't seen the word "Episodic" used by Square once they said the story Multi part release and that can mean ANYTHING hell it could even mean for example 3 games with the same story from 3 different angles
i think people are jumping the gun here and should wait until Square themselves tell us what's going on
"But okay, let's give Square Enix the benefit of the doubt - we've been doing it long enough as it is thanks to Final Fantasy XV."
This is why you can no longer give SE the benefit of the doubt. XV was supposed to be XII vs, but that never got off the ground. FF XIV, although fixed now, was a huge mess and failure for over a year.
The chances SE get this right is 50/50 at best anymore.
SE doesn't need to say episodic. Multi anything means they want to charge you $30 3-4 times to get more money out of you, and that doesn't even include the DLC that will come so you can dress as Tidus and Yuna for an extra couple of bucks.
I was on board, ready to get a PS4, but now... no thanks. I can't see this game being anything but a very pretty shell of its former sell.
And it's a turn-based game. There are plenty of RPG fans that like turn based. You didn't need to change that out of fear it has to be action-oriented. Just dumb.
People be crazy!
I'll wait for more information, the trailers look great so I'm still super excited for this remake. Not going to jump to negative conclusions.
I personally do not think it's that big of a deal. FF7 is a huge game in its own right. All those towns and cities have to be rebuilt and look good. This all takes time and if left to Square we probably wouldn't see the full game in its entirety until late 2017 at the earliest. This way we at least get to play it sooner. It's not ideal but it's reality.
@stevie85 Er, I don't think you're seeing Part 1 until late 2017 to be honest.
@get2sammyb That could well be true. However if that's when the first part is released imagine actually waiting for the full finished game.
@stevie85 Agreed. But I'm saying if they can't include absolutely everything from the original in a timely manner, make the kind of full, standalone experience that you can.
I dunno, I'm a bit torn because I think if Final Fantasy VII becomes it's own franchise with multiple standalone stories, that's totally fine. And I do think that's what this will be. But they've got to clear it up now.
@get2sammyb I agree we need clarification. I'm fully prepared for FF7 to become it's own franchise. It's not what I would have done but if there is one game which has the scope, fanbase and pull it's definitely FF7. Square know this all too well and it's more than likely it was a business decision instead of a creative one.
Just been clarified by Square Enix that it will be a series of standalone, complete games.
@get2sammyb so the first game will be the complete thing then? IE the first wil lbe the whole of the original FFVII
@FullbringIchigo No. There will be multiple games developed over many years. We need to think of Final Fantasy VII Remake as its own franchise. The full story will be told over the course of several, full-length games. Here's the quote from Square; @ShogunRok's writing an article now:
"It means instead of concluding in one entry, multiple entries are being considered in development. Each entry will have its own unique story. As a gaming experience, each entry will have the volume of content equal to a full-sized game."
@FullbringIchigo Doesn't look that way, but long and short of it seems that they are splitting it up (somehow, who knows how) in an effort to a) get it out the door more quickly and b) include (and in some cases expand) upon the content from the main game.
Still gunna have to wait and see!
@kyleforrester87 @get2sammyb ah ok i get it now, thanks
still super excited for it
To me the most hilarious thing, as somebody who doesn't really care much for FF VII, has been sitting back and watching the reactions. To be honest there's not as many defending the decision as I thought there would be but some of the outrage at SE making a stupid decision also has to be faked. There are people pretending to be legitimately surprised by the way SE is going about this. The same company that ripped Tomb Raider away from its largest fanbase, the same company that turned Hitman into an episodic game and the same company that thought 'augment your pre-order' was a smart way to market a game. This decision surprises people? C'mon now.
@Gamer83 Let us have our fun!
@kyleforrester87
By all means. I'm not really bothered what happens one way or the other in regards to this game, but ones I'm looking forward to like Deus EX and Dragon Quest XI, I get nervous about because it seems like SE won't be satisfied until it has destroyed the reputation of every franchise under its umbrella.
@Gamer83 I agree, they are doing some odd stuff lately - but then so are all the big publishers.
@get2sammyb what does that mean Sammy like disc one, disc two and disc three? Kinda thing?
@marston1983 It means you're going to get a Final Fantasy VII-1 which will be a full-length RPG, but won't tell the entire story of Final Fantasy VII PSone. You'll then get a Final Fantasy VII-2 which will continue the story at a later date, until the full plot is complete.
So basically, multiple full games devoted to telling the story of the one PSone game.
@get2sammyb This news took my excitement and squashed it in the same way the tomb raider exlusive anouncememt removed any chance of me supporting that game regardless of the fact that I own both consoles. I saw something today about square saying they wanted to get the game in people's hands as soon as possible, and it seems that was a part of the decision to move to episodic releases.
Now if this is true, and I know I'm not speaking for all when I say this. I would rather wait an extra 8-12 months for a full release. And here's an idea! And I know it's a novel concept. But maybe, just maybe, release a demo.and not a hey buy this, or pre order this, or sign up and maybe you will get it demo.
If squares other reason is also so they can get feedback on certain gameplay choices, and they can make alterations in between chapters, release multiple demos that have you fill out a survey or gives you a feedback option after completing.
Now I know companies in general seem to abhor demos nowadays, but Il tell you what I have purchased way more games due to getting into open betas than decided against because of beta impressions, and among my friends, this seems to be pretty common. Battlefront being the only game so far that got voted down due to the beta.
@kyleforrester87
That's true, SE is certainly not alone, Capcom and especially Konami are right there atop the clueless tree. At least Sony still seems to be on point. Slower than I'd like with some of the first party games but still making a lot of the right choices in what multiplats to align the PS4 with and the exclusive lineup for 2016 looks pretty stellar.
@BigDaddyT0101 Honestly, they will be looking to monetise the release as much as possible, hence splitting it into multiple games. The quality of the product will dictate whether this is justifiable, but it has been on hold for a long time due to apparent costs, so this was probably one way they were able to proceed with making it.
@Gamer83 I feel the same way. I've never played VII, but I understand it's special to people, because well, everybody keeps talking about it to this day. But I'm actually more irritated by the reactions more than anything. The idea that the company wouldn't change a thing for a remake is honestly ridiculous to me. But everyone was surprised when the battles would get a makeover. I can understand feeling disappointed, but some of the reactions I've seen for every change are just childish.
Now that the episodic thing turns out to be fine, another storm was raised for practically nothing.
@kyleforrester87 maybe they would be in a better spot financially if they had not made the stupidest business decision in recent history (imo) in making tomb raider exclusive for a year. Sorry that still bothers me despite having all consoles and a gaming pc. I can't remember the last time a developer immediately lost my respect that quickly, konami included.
Final Fantasy 7 is only 10 dollars on ps3 right now (I don't have a ps4, but I plan on getting one). should I play the original first or wait until the remake (whenever that may be) for maximum shocking plot twists!!
@BigDaddyT0101 I'm sure they did the sums and decided whatever MS were paying them for exclusivity was a better deal.
@Utena-mobile Buy the original, its dated but if you can get over that the story is still great. And I still love the gameplay, mysef.
@kyleforrester87
Old graphics don't really bother me. I kind of think ps1 graphics are kind of charming in their own way. lol. Ok, I'm off to go play FF7 for the very first time!!
(^_^ )/
@kyleforrester87 Oh I'm sure it was a truckload, and I say that more in jest just because I'm still pretty salty over it and I'm voting with my wallet in terms of the practice of buying exclusivity to sequels of on going active ips. I just think the paying for exclusives is getting out of hand. If sony has made the same decision, I still would have the same opinion.
So does this mean that the story and the game will be extended and each piece is going to be a huge chapter? Won't it be a physical release including all chapters like Resident Evil Revelations 2?
@BigDaddyT0101
Sony doesn't really need to buy exclusives. They have like 90% of Japan developing exclusively for ps4, even for a series that at one time was multiplat, but now are going to be exclusive (like Nier 2).
What Sony IS doing though, is buying exclusive advertising rights and timed content.
@Utena-mobile nice, hope you enjoy - let us know what you think!
Man, this could be awesome. They could really expand on the scope of the game and make it really amazing. Imagine how good this COULD be. I like to think of it as a Mass Effect style, 3 full games that connect story wise with an overarching story. This could be great.
This episode of game's seems to be coming a trend of SE of late, first Hitman & now this don't be surprised if other games follow suit especially if these episodes sell well.
I would honestly rather wait 3-4 years for them to release one game rather than have an episodic release.
I see what square Enix are doing here. Relax guys. To pay ultimate homage to the original it will be like Disc 1, disc 2, and disc 3 all over again......
@Gamer83 yea, but I think to be honest, Konami is the worst. I don't think Square Enix can go Konami. It's not called going kamikaze its called going Konami.....
@kyleforrester87 that makes sense with something I read awhile back when XIII first came out, maybe a couple years after. Square said they weren't going to do a remake of VII like the graphics of XIII(it looked amazing) because it would take forever to do, and they already have other things in production. It was awhile ago on wikipedia I believe. May not be there now. But it would make sense. Making the series like this would make it a bit easier to make. Still would rather wait though.
@Utena-mobile You get a awsome game for next to nothing so its a steal go get it now I played the game for 200+ hours.
So i dont get the big fuss about this episodic release and I loved the first gameplay trailer. If they want to make the game with so much detail like it was. There is no way to make it financial responsible to do it any other way.
@VanillaLake I think they will do it the same like FF13 with a 13-1,13-2.
@BigDaddyT0101 tombraider is big franchise but it will never be as big as a GTA or COD. You have to be realistic Im sure they really crunched the nummers first before they took the deal.
@Flaming_Kaiser Probably. Actually, FFXIII produced three games.
@Flaming_Kaiser @kyleforrester87
I bought the game. I didn't think they would look so blocky. lol.
I love how they move their arms and walk forward, and their faces are like the adorable kind of dorkiness. I'm liking it so far. (^_^ )
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