Final Fantasy 7 Director Weighs In On the ‘Original vs Remake’ Debate

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As a gamer, I heard from the director, Naoki Hamaguchi, that if you’ve never played Final Fantasy 7 before, the Remake is probably the best way to jump in. He still says the original is great, but the updated graphics and how the Remake trilogy is presented will definitely make a bigger first impression. Basically, it’s a more modern and engaging experience for new players.

Final Fantasy 7 is a legendary Japanese role-playing game from the PlayStation days, and it played a huge role in bringing the genre to a wider audience in the West. The game is known for its beloved characters, powerful story, and iconic music like ‘One-Winged Angel,’ all of which have become deeply ingrained in popular culture. After years of anticipation, Square Enix released Final Fantasy 7 Remake on the PS4 in 2020 as a limited-time exclusive. Since then, both FF7 Remake and its follow-up, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, have been released on multiple platforms, and the final installment of the remake trilogy is currently being developed.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Offers A Better First Impression For Newcomers

Although both the original Final Fantasy 7 and Final Fantasy 7 Remake are available on various platforms, the game’s director, Hamaguchi, suggests that new players might enjoy starting with the Remake. He explained that while both versions appeal to fans, the Remake offers a fresh experience that could be more impactful for those unfamiliar with the series. He believes the updated graphics and presentation in the Remake could create a stronger first impression, even though it was also designed with longtime fans in mind.

Hamaguchi confirmed that after Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade releases on Switch 2 and Xbox on January 22nd, both Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and the third, currently untitled, game in the series will receive similar treatment. The Switch 2 and Xbox versions of FF7 Remake Intergrade will feature a ‘Streamlined Progression’ system, letting players quickly experience the story with options like a full limit break meter, double experience, and maxed-out materia.

Good news for fans of the classic Final Fantasy 7! If you’ve been hoping for a physical copy, Square Enix will release one on December 9th as part of a $40 bundle that also includes Final Fantasy 8 Remastered for the Nintendo Switch.

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2025-10-26 01:04