As video game remakes become increasingly popular, many fail to hit the mark. In contrast, Final Fantasy 7 Remake and its sequel, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, shine as exemplary models of what a remake can achieve. While they have introduced modern elements, both games are celebrated for their remarkable ability to rejuvenate what is often hailed as the best Final Fantasy title. Still, with such a strong legacy, Square Enix might want to think about different approaches for future remakes.
After witnessing the remarkable work Square Enix has done with Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, it’s understandable that fans might crave more of this style for other classic Final Fantasy titles. Yet, there’s a strong case for wrapping up the remake saga with the third and final chapter of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy. This approach would prioritize time management and fidelity to the original spirit of classic games, indicating that future remakes could benefit from a fresh perspective.
Square Enix’s Final Fantasy 7 Remake Approach Should End After Part 3
Future Final Fantasy Remakes Should Adopt a Simpler Approach for Time’s Sake
Square Enix should consider abandoning the strategy used for the Final Fantasy 7 Remake when it comes to future remakes, primarily due to time factors. Sticking to this approach could mean that many dedicated fans of the series may no longer be here to enjoy the remakes of their favorite titles. For reference, the Final Fantasy 7 Remake was launched in 2020, with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth scheduled for 2024. If the timeline remains consistent for the trilogy’s final installment, it won’t be released until 2028 at the earliest.
For time’s sake and for the sake of remaining as faithful as possible to classic Final Fantasy games, future remakes should tread a different path.
Subsequently, the first part of the next Final Fantasy remake is likely to be released no earlier than 2032, with the trilogy’s final segment not coming out until 2040. This timeline indicates a 15-year wait for just one more remake, and with several Final Fantasy titles, including Final Fantasy 6, Final Fantasy 8, and Final Fantasy 9, deserving of a remake, the current development strategy for the Final Fantasy 7 Remake appears to be too lengthy.
Future Final Fantasy Remakes Might Benefit From More Faithfulness
Another factor Square Enix might consider when thinking about stepping away from the Final Fantasy 7 Remake format is the slight backlash the first two games of the trilogy have encountered for straying from the original. For example, both Final Fantasy 7 Remake and its follow-up have taken creative liberties with the original narrative, changing important plot points, and presenting the characters and their dynamics in a different way, which has led to some passionate debates among franchise enthusiasts.
If Square Enix decided to move away from the Final Fantasy 7 Remake style, it could pave the way for remakes to stay truer to their original versions. Many newcomers to Final Fantasy 7 probably don’t have much to compare the remakes against, given their unfamiliarity with the classic game. This is certainly a factor Square Enix has had to keep in mind while working on the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy. Still, there’s plenty of justification for the next Final Fantasy remake (if it happens) to take a different approach that better captures the essence of the original game it aims to reimagine.