Nomura and Kitase Expand on what Final Fantasy VII Remake will be as a Product

[Andromeda]

After the press release put out by Square Enix, there has been a lot of uncertainty and questions about what sort of product Final Fantasy VII Remake will be in the end. Nomura and Kitase have responded in some interviews and questions clarifying and expanding on the brief information of what multi-part series means for Final Fantasy VII Remake and what the players can expect from the game.

The answer what they are making it a multi-part game, they said that the size of Final Fantasy VII is too big as a single product. They feel if they made it one product they would have to cut, reduce or simplify parts of the game. This is not something that they want to do. In fact, they've already stated that there will be more in the game than the original has available. He did say there might be the chance some things from original are cut, but didn't say why or what might be. He did assure that the crossdressing scene with Cloud will remain in game, which some question if it would be cut.

On the point of expanding the game. They've said that they've been focusing on Midgar and Sector 1 and 8. And that there is more exploreable area in Midgar than there was previously for players. They said the city is dense. And this seems to be something they plan to carry through for the rest of the game, not just Midgar. Giving a bigger picture of how large the game could become.

As a clarifying response asked by Kotaku, Square Enix replied that each part of Final Fantasy VII Remake will be equal to a full sized game.

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.

No remarks on release schedule or timing between releases have been said.

Explaining some of the gameplay trailer, Nomura and Kitase confirmed that the ATB remains part of the combat. But that it is being used in a different way than the original. They note it is important to see the meter when it turns red as that is important. They also confirmed that it will be 3 player parties with switching controlled characters as well. Combat they said will be more like Dissidia, giving a ranking of Dissidia, then Kingdom Hearts and then Final Fantasy VII for pacing and speed.

They said they want the old players to have some surprises coming to the game, not referring to story, but expanded content, different gameplay. CyberConnect2 are helping them in development known for the .hack series and Naruto games. And Final Fantasy VII Remake is being made in Unreal Engine 4 rather than an internal engine.

Source: Sounds Like The Final Fantasy VII Remake Will Be Episodic [UPDATE] ; The Final Fantasy VII Remake Runs On The Unreal Engine 4 - Siliconera ; Final Fantasy VII Remake Will Be A “Multi-Part Series” - Siliconera ; Final Fantasy VII Remake Details On Its Action, Midgar Exploration, And Cross-Dressing - Siliconera ; This Is Why the Final Fantasy 7 Remake Is In Multiple Parts - IGN