FF7 Remake Part 3 To Be 'Concise' After Rebirth Feedback
Following the massive, world-spanning adventure of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the development team is already looking ahead to the trilogy's grand finale, and they're taking fan feedback to heart. In a recent discussion, co-director Naoki Hamaguchi confirmed that the upcoming third installment of the remake saga will aim for a more "concise" experience, directly addressing conversations about the scale and pacing of its predecessor.
While Final Fantasy VII Rebirth earned widespread critical acclaim for its ambitious scope and faithful-yet-surprising retelling of the classic story, its sheer size was a frequent topic of discussion among players. The journey across the Planet was packed with vast open zones, dozens of side quests, and a wealth of minigames. For many, this was a dream come true, but others felt the pacing could occasionally slow under the weight of its content.
Now, it appears the creative team is listening closely to that feedback as they craft the final chapter.
Acknowledging Player Feedback on Rebirth's Scope
In comments regarding the development of the next game, Naoki Hamaguchi, who co-directed Rebirth and will continue in a leadership role for Part 3, addressed the feedback on the second game's length. While he defended the creative choices made for Rebirth, stating he doesn't believe any sections were longer than necessary, he also showed a keen awareness of the modern player's time constraints.
Hamaguchi noted that in today's gaming landscape, players have an overwhelming number of titles competing for their attention. This understanding appears to be a driving force behind the design philosophy for the trilogy's conclusion. The goal isn't necessarily to make a shorter game, but to create an experience that feels more focused and respects the player's investment. This shift toward a "concise" structure suggests a focus on narrative momentum and ensuring every piece of content feels essential to the overall adventure.
What Does "Concise" Mean for Part 3?
The term "concise" is a deliberate choice and likely does not mean that Part 3 will be a small or short game. The narrative ground the final installment must cover is arguably the most expansive and dramatic of the entire original Final Fantasy VII. Instead, a concise approach could manifest in several key ways to refine the gameplay experience:
- Tighter Narrative Pacing: The story may move at a brisker, more urgent pace, focusing heavily on the high-stakes hunt for Sephiroth and the race to save the Planet.
- More Integrated Side Content: Optional quests and activities might be more directly woven into the main plot or character arcs, making them feel less like a checklist and more like a meaningful part of the journey.
- Refined World Traversal: Part 3 is expected to introduce the Highwind airship, granting players unprecedented freedom. A "concise" design could mean streamlining world travel to be exciting without becoming tedious.
- Focused Exploration: While exploration will undoubtedly remain a key pillar, the design may guide players more efficiently toward important discoveries, ensuring that time spent off the beaten path is always rewarded.
Ultimately, this new focus signals a move toward density over sheer breadth. The team's goal seems to be to pack the same amount of emotional impact and epic storytelling into a structure that feels purposeful and relentlessly engaging from start to finish.
The Massive Narrative Task Ahead
Adopting a more concise design philosophy is a fascinating challenge, given the sheer volume of iconic story beats Part 3 must adapt. The final section of the original 1997 game is packed with some of its most memorable and world-changing events.
The narrative must address the aftermath of Rebirth's shocking conclusion at the Forgotten Capital and propel the heroes into the final act of their conflict with Sephiroth. This includes pivotal moments like Cloud's psychological breakdown and recovery, the raid on Midgar to stop the Shinra Electric Power Company, the underwater search for ancient knowledge, and the epic quest to gather the Huge Materia. All of this culminates in the descent into the Northern Crater for a final, cataclysmic confrontation.
Balancing this immense narrative scope with a "concise" gameplay structure will be the ultimate test for the development team. Successfully doing so could result in the most focused and emotionally resonant entry in the trilogy, delivering a powerful conclusion that has been nearly 30 years in the making. While the wait for the final chapter continues, this insight from the game's director provides a tantalizing glimpse into how the legendary story will finally come to a close.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Has Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 been officially announced?
A: Yes, the existence of a third and final part to the remake saga has been confirmed by its creative leads, though an official title has not yet been revealed.
Q: Is there a release date for Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3?
A: No official release date or window has been announced. Development is currently underway.
Q: Who is directing the final game?
A: Based on recent comments, Naoki Hamaguchi will serve as a co-director for the project, continuing his leadership role from Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
Q: Will Part 3 be shorter than Rebirth?
A: Not necessarily. The director's use of the word "concise" suggests a focus on tighter pacing and meaningful content rather than a shorter overall playtime. The game still has a massive amount of story to cover from the original.