The Final Fantasy 7 Remake story finally comes to a close when Revelation launches next April. Even though millions have been invested since the first part was released in 2020, plenty of new players are likely jumping in for the first time, which begs the question: Should they play the original first?
GamesRadar posed this question to game director Naoki Hamaguchi and, long story short, it’s complicated. He notes (via interpreter) that existing fans “aren’t mistaken at all” for recommending the classic since “the storyline of the original Final Fantasy 7 is very much enshrined within the story [and] the narrative of the Remake series as a thing in the world.”
Of course, the trilogy is also notable for subverting expectations and changing certain plot points – something that will hit those who played the original hardest. “If you know what that original storyline is and you can pick up on what’s changing or looking like it’s going to change, you’re going to have more fun. And you’re going to get more out of it.”
That said, it’s also “designed very much so that even someone who’s not played the original can jump in on any of them [and] still have a really great experience.” He even believes that you could “actually look at it the other way around, too, and maybe say that it’s better to start with the Remake series for a different reason.” That being the “graphical splendor” which may make it “easier to have that emotional impact maybe than the original did.”
“So, in that sense, you could argue coming into Final Fantasy 7 without any prior knowledge [is better]. You’re experiencing it for the first time in this modern graphical splendor. That might also be a better way of doing it. So I guess really it’s down to people’s preferences. It’s not as clear-cut as one way or the other.” Again, complicated.
Regardless, Hamaguchi isn’t wrong, and whether you’re approaching the story as an homage to the original presented in a brand-new way, or find the gameplay more involving, the Remake trilogy has something for everyone. That’s especially so with Final Fantasy 7 Revelation.
While the combat hasn’t changed too much, the addition of FITS lends an old-school Final Fantasy feel to battles since it functions as a Job system of sorts. Vincent and Cid bring compelling new playstyles to the forefront, and you can either focus on the story, automatically leveling up along the way, or explore the entire world and take on every side activity.
Of course, the real question is whether the ending will live up to everyone’s expectations. We’ll find out when Final Fantasy 7 Revelation launches on April 8th, 2027, for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.
