The devs, in their infinite smartassery, have placed themselves in a convenient position where they can tease the “new story” and “unknown journey” even if it ends up largely following the OG since we don’t actually know how new/familiar the next parts will be yet...crafty bastards
I’m conflicted on this as I’m expecting a reunion with Zack to be more tragic than anything (especially if we fight him) but I think even that could make for a good opportunity to learn about their relationship especially if we get a Crisis Core-era flashback or something
I would hope having already defeated the remnants of Sephiroth through the Whispers, potentially later defeating Jenova and Sephiroth permanently, and maybe even preventing Cloud from falling into depression this time around would mean he could actually live with Tifa in peace...or they go full despair and just kill everybody in the end