Final Fantasy 7 Remake Will Be ‘Multi-Part Series’

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In a post-PlayStation Experience press release, Square Enix revealed that the Final Fantasy VII Remake for PlayStation 4 will be, “told across a multi-part series.”

Announced at E3, fans have been very excited for the Final Fantasy VII Remake on PlayStation 4. And “very excited” is very much an understatement. Despite the hype, there’s still very little known about the classic Japanese RPG from Square Enix. It’s for certain being rebuilt from the ground up and will feature an entirely new combat system. That much is obvious from the trailers that have been shown up until now. It will also be, “told across a multi-part series,” according to a new press release. Wait, WHAT!?​

In a post-PlayStation Experience press release regarding the latest Final Fantasy VII cinematic and gameplay trailer to be made public. Just a few sentences in the press release focused on Final Fantasy VII, but it only took one to change every expectation previously held for the game:​

Speculation is running rampant about what “multi-part series” specifically means, but the everyone seems to agree that at least one thing is clear: Final Fantasy VII‘s remake will not be launched as a single, wholly complete product.​

“FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE will be told across a multi-part series, with each entry providing its own unique experience.”​

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The argument and speculation focuses on exactly how Square Enix plans to split Final Fantasy VII into parts. Many have been quick to say that this means Final Fantasy VII Remake will be released as an episodic game, similar to say Telltale’s adventure games, an entirely reasonable conclusion. However, it comes with a slew of new questions. What would it mean for the world map aspect of Final Fantasy VII? And how would the second part of the quotation, “each entry providing its own unique experience,” fit into the typical episodic paradigm.​

Because of those questions, and also perhaps because Square Enix used the language “multi-part series” until saying specifically “episodic,” a second theory was formed. This theory takes to consider how Final Fantasy XIII‘s trilogy seems an appropriate comparison given the language of the press release. Three different games, three different experiences — each unique, but each similar in meaningful ways. Could Final Fantasy VII be broken into three distinct games, each with different systems of gameplay? Or perhaps smaller chapters in the same vein?​

Perhaps not so significant a question, but still important to ask, is whether Square Enix intentionally tried to slip this information out without causing a stir. It’s hard to imagine, knowing how big of an even a Final Fantasy VII remake is, that Square Enix would think this isn’t something people would be very confused about. There’s also the possibility that it is simply incorrect — perhaps a translation error which originally just said Final Fantasy VII is a chapter in the grander Final Fantasy franchise. Most likely it was just information about the game released unintentionally before Square Enix was adequately prepared.​

What will the effects of this revelation prove to be? Will this effect any purchasing decisions? And will this new game live up to the legacy of Final Fantasy VII with such dramatic changes?​

Final Fantasy VII Remake has been announced for the PlayStation 4 and has no currently revealed release date or window.​