Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3’s Airship Must Be More than Transportation

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As a seasoned gamer who has traversed countless virtual landscapes and soared through skies on the backs of airships, I can confidently say that the Highwind is more than just a vessel—it’s an iconic symbol of freedom and adventure within the Final Fantasy universe. With the final installment of the remake trilogy on the horizon, Square Enix has an opportunity to breathe new life into this cherished mode of transportation while honoring its rich history.

I remember my first encounter with the Highwind in the original Final Fantasy 7, and how it opened up a whole new world for me to explore. The airship’s return in the remake trilogy should not just be a nostalgic trip down memory lane but also an opportunity to innovate and push the boundaries of what we expect from gameplay mechanics.

Imagine engaging in epic aerial battles against massive Weapons or using the Highwind as a mobile base to customize party builds and upgrade equipment. Environmental storytelling could make the world feel more alive, with crew reactions and hidden interactions during flights. The airship could even act as a bridge between realities or a tool for combating Sephiroth’s ambitions in a climactic sequence.

Balancing nostalgia with innovation is crucial, and Square Enix has already shown they can walk this tightrope successfully. So let’s hope that when we finally set sail on the Highwind in the final installment of the trilogy, it will be a testament to the evolution of Final Fantasy as a franchise—and maybe even find time for a joke or two along the way. After all, who says saving the multiverse can’t be fun? Just remember, if it’s not cloud-surfing, is it really an airship adventure?

The airship has always been a distinctive feature of the Final Fantasy series, providing a means for exploration, independence, and development. With Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 approaching, the updated Highwind presents Square Enix an opportunity to modernize the airship functions while preserving its heritage.

Since Final Fantasy 7 Remake has significantly reshaped the concept of exploration with its “broadly linear” design, it’s crucial that the airship in the trilogy’s finale evolves beyond mere transportation to secure a lasting impact within the annals of Final Fantasy 7.

The Legacy of Airships in Final Fantasy

In the world of “Final Fantasy” games, airships have consistently played roles that extend beyond mere transportation. For instance, the Enterprise in “Final Fantasy 4” ignited a sense of adventure as players soared through unexplored skies. The Invincible from “Final Fantasy 9” became instrumental to the game’s plot leading up to its climax. Encountering the Highwind in the original “Final Fantasy 7” was a significant milestone, granting players the ability to delve deeper into the map and face the ominous presence of Sephiroth head-on.

Incorporating modern elements into the airship gameplay for Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 could be achieved by merging story relevance with interactive functions. This approach would not only pay tribute to the series’ legacy but also enhance the gaming experience in substantial ways.

Expanding Airship Features in Final Fantasy 7

As a dedicated fan, I’m thrilled to share that Square Enix has given us a hint about the significance of airship gameplay in the final chapter of the trilogy. Unlike previous iterations of airships in the Final Fantasy series which primarily served as a means of transportation, the Highwind in Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 might offer a far more interactive and dynamic experience.

Incorporating battle integration might mark a groundbreaking development. Characters may find themselves employing the Highwind for intense aerial conflicts against formidable adversaries like Ruby or Emerald. This would resonate with the series’ tradition of grand confrontations while introducing an innovative gameplay aspect. Moreover, the Highwind could serve as a versatile base, empowering players to tailor their team composition, enhance gear, or engage in conversations with NPCs amidst mission breaks.

Furthermore, incorporating narrative elements connected to the Highwind could enliven the game’s world. For example, the crew might respond to story progressions, and players could discover additional dialogues or quests by engaging with them during airborne journeys.

Sticking the Landing with a Lofty Story

The task for Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 extends beyond just airship operations. Square Enix needs to wrap up its grand trilogy, ensuring a fulfilling and consistent conclusion to the epic story that began in Final Fantasy 7 Remake and was further developed in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

The scope of Sephiroth’s plans across different universes and the branching paths of time have significantly escalated the situation. The airship might play a crucial role in this tale, either serving as a connection between realities or a device to counteract Sephiroth’s schemes. A dramatic scene featuring the Highwind is likely, be it a thrilling escape, an aerial battle, or a voyage into the Lifestream. This could solidify its status as a vital element of the story. This method echoes the original Final Fantasy 7‘s seamless integration of gameplay and storytelling, transforming the Highwind from a mere resource to a symbolic narrative element.

Honoring Final Fantasy 7 Nostalgia While Embracing Innovation

Maintaining a delicate equilibrium between nostalgia and advancement, Square Enix has deftly navigated this fine line in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake series. The ultimate goal is to preserve the endearing qualities of the 1997 original within the Highwind, all while taking advantage of the possibilities offered by contemporary technology and gaming mechanics.

In a similar vein, the Highwind might offer more personalized adjustments to its look, speed, and performance, just like in earlier iterations of Final Fantasy. Additionally, incorporating an element reminiscent of the open-ended exploration found in those classic games could be beneficial. Yet, this freedom should go hand-in-hand with substantial content – concealed spots, mysterious foes to conquer, and destinations teeming with lore – all reachable exclusively via the airship.

Blending classic and modern elements, the Highwind in this new setup won’t merely pay homage to our past, but also demonstrate the progression of the series. With Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth broadening the game world, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 could establish airship travel as a significant element in the trilogy’s enduring legacy.

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2025-01-04 20:55