Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will not feature significant DLC, as Square Enix prioritizes the trilogy’s swift progression. Director Hamaguchi emphasizes fan desire for the third installment rather than additional content. He carefully navigates the narrative, particularly Aerith’s storyline, aiming to avoid fan service and remain true to the original creators’ vision. Additionally, mini-games are incorporated to reflect the game’s diverse culture, with plans for innovation in the next installment, expected post-2027.
Staying True to the Vision
In contrast to its predecessor, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is not set to receive a significant DLC. While Square Enix could explore such an option—perhaps focusing on characters like Vincent—this is not part of their current strategy. The studio is committed to swiftly advancing the trilogy, as emphasized by Hamaguchi in an interview with Daily Star:
“We certainly recognize the fans’ interest in additional content. I understand that sentiment, but from my perspective, what fans genuinely yearn for is not merely a DLC; they are eager for the third installment of the series to arrive as soon as possible.”
His viewpoint resonates with many, as this remake journey has kept fans engaged and hopeful for years. Hamaguchi is also mindful of the need to balance fan expectations without succumbing to every request.
This careful consideration influenced his approach to the ending of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. He aimed to sidestep the pitfalls of pandering to fans, choosing instead to align closely with the original creators’ vision—Tetsuya Nomura, Yoshinori Kitase, and Kazushige Nojima—particularly regarding pivotal moments in Aerith’s narrative (as shared in an interview with Eurogamer):
“There was a risk of falling into a common trap. As a fan of the original game, I have my own interpretation of that iconic scene. I realized that if I dictated the direction based solely on that perspective, it could easily devolve into mere fan service. I’m determined to steer clear of that.”
Despite acknowledging that not everyone may be satisfied with the ending, he remains unfazed. His focus for the upcoming third installment remains steadfast, particularly regarding narrative pathways:
“The true function of these narrative threads is to signal to players that this is a potential turning point in the story. It doesn’t guarantee a change, but it opens the door to new possibilities. This approach helps maintain engagement and fosters a sense of wonder about what lies ahead.”
Reimagining Mini-Games in the Sequel
Turning to another topic of discussion, Hamaguchi has shared insights on the role of mini-games in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, as noted in an interview with VG247. The game features a variety of activities, but some players feel the quantity may be overwhelming. The director explained his rationale for including numerous mini-games, aiming to reflect the diverse culture of the game’s world and avoid monotony:
“I enjoy playing various games, especially open-world titles, and I often notice that many rely on the same core mechanics and combat systems. The content can feel repetitive, limiting players’ exploration of different regions. […] While Rebirth boasts an enjoyable combat system that keeps battles exciting, my goal was to ensure each area feels refreshing and distinct.”
Although pleased with the results, he hints that changes are on the horizon for the third installment. This doesn’t imply a reduction in mini-games; rather, he seeks to innovate:
“If we simply replicated what we did in the previous game, it wouldn’t offer anything new or thrilling. I aim to introduce a fresh perspective, slightly adjusting elements to ensure the next game remains engaging and dynamic. We’re not interested in merely scaling up; we aspire to craft entirely new experiences.”
Fans will have to wait to see these developments, with the next chapter of Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 3 likely not arriving until after 2027.