Final Fantasy 7 Director Naoki Hamaguchi was a participant in one of gaming’s most persistent modern disputes, stating that the Remake trilogy is the best place for newcomers to dip their toes into the legendary JRPG saga. Speaking about the different versions on offer on various platforms, Hamaguchi said that should players have that opportunity, “play the Remake first and enjoy it as a fresh experience on its own.” This piece of advice clarifies the stance of the creative leads as to which iteration would serve best as a gateway into the world of Gaia.
The director’s point is made on the fact that the Remake will utilize technologically advanced communication presentation. The updated graphics, paced out in a cinematic style, and modern action-based combat system, he argues, are far more capable of leaving a stronger and more immediate impression on whoever is not familiar with the 1997 original. This is not to mean, however, that there is no merit in the PlayStation classic. Hamaguchi stated that the original Final Fantasy 7 is a must and is worth experiencing by an array of fans and historians of the genre, while at the same time conceding that the technical limits of the day may create some hindrance to a contemporary audience trying to pick it up for the first time.
There will be new releases and quality-of-life updates with the creative team supporting the entire saga. Hamaguchi affirmed that the next console ports will be with the Steamlined Progression feature, specifically noting Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade to arrive on platforms such as the Switch 2 and Xbox. This new accessibility option gives players the possibility to toggle some perks that facilitate a quicker voyage through the campaign-like filling limit break gauges, double experience points, and maximum materia levels. This way, players that are solely focused on the storyline or replaying the game in preparation for the saga’s conclusion are now being offered a fast track.
With the Remake trilogy heading toward its unnamed third and climactic chapter, Square Enix is simultaneously celebrating the legacy of the game. Very soon, fans will have a chance to grab a bit of history by way of a twin-pack featuring physical Switch copies of the original Final Fantasy 7 and Final Fantasy 8 Remastered set for launch on December 9. Hamaguchi’s obvious preference provides helpful guidance, but in the end secures the accessibility of both the modern and foundational pillars of the Final Fantasy legacy for all gamers.
