Final Fantasy VII remake: Is it happening?

Eyebrows raise as talks of Final Fantasy VII remake renew

This week’s top Final Fantasy VII story.

The FFVII remake rumor mill is in full swing once again, this time in the immediate wake of Final Fantasy series producer Yoshinori Kitase denying that such a thing is underway, as well as making the astonishing claim that “It would probably take a lot longer than ten years, even if we ever do it.”

The next day, it was reported that Square Enix had filed a trademark for the name “Shin-Ra/Shinra Company” (神羅カンパニー) in Japan, as well as the alternate spelling シンラカンパニー. The trademark was filed with use for video games, leading many to ponder if this is related to an upcoming video game project — perhaps even a FFVII remake.

Others have wondered if perhaps this is just Square Enix’s legal team covering their assets in the wake of the production team behind the failed FFVII Web Series using the name “Shinra Productions.”

Only four days after that, industry insider Verendus made the following claims about Kitase’s earlier statements:

“It’s happening. He’s obviously not going to give any indication as such though so it hardly matters until they’re ready to announce something. His comments make sense. It’s a huge project that will take a lot of effort, and demand a lot from him personally, in order to ensure the end result is something satisfactory.”

What do you think? Is this insider to be trusted? Is Kitase playing a coy game? Is all this just people getting excited over corporate lawyers doing their usual business? Let us know on the forum.

Sources: Joystiq, Siliconera, DualShockers

Thanks go to forum/site member Shademp for contributing to this update with a link to the Shin-Ra article; likewise to forum member Tennyo for the Verendus link.

More Final Fantasy news

New Gold Saucer under construction (IGN)

FFXIV director Naoki Yoshida says the previously announced Gold Saucer for FFXIV: A Realm Reborn is now in development. While he says he can’t offer a promised date of release at this time, he does say that it will have at least three minigames for players to get lost in.

Do you have any predictions or hopes for the minigames that will be included? If so, share them on the forum in our FFXIV thread.

Thanks again go out to site member Shademp for this bit of news too.

No plans for FFX-3 or HD remaster of XII (Nova Crystallis, Examiner)

Despite the release of a recent FFX-2.5 novel and the warm reception to the Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster in Japan, Final Fantasy producers Yoshinori Kitase and Shinji Hashimoto have shot down the idea of either a X-3 or HD remaster of FFXII being in development. Kitase says a remaster of XII depends on whether the development team of the original wants to do it, while Hashimoto says fans need to demand it. At least it wasn’t “please be excited,” right?

Final Fantasy goes opera; sort of (Square Enix)

On April 23, a new Final Fantasy piano album will be released featuring tracks from FFVII, FFVIII and FFIX. “Piano Opera Final Fantasy VII/VIII/IX will include the following tracks:

FFVII: “Opening ~Bombing Mission~,” “Those Who Fight Further,” “Interrupted by Fireworks,” “Cosmo Canyon”
FFVIII: “Ami,” “Force Your Way,” “Liberi Fatali,” “The Man with the Machine Gun”
FFIX: “Hunter’s Chance,” “You’re Not Alone,” “Melodies of Life,” “Rose of May.”

Thanks to forum member hitoshura for the heads up on this.

Theatrhythm: Curtain Call receives Type-0 characters, new modes and new enemies (Siliconera, Shacknews)

Curtain Call producer Ichiro Hazama expects Curtain Call to be the last Theatrhythm game, so he’s planning to pack this one chock full of as much as possible, including all the previous tracks, in the hopes of creating the most complete experience. In addition, the Quest Medley mode from the iOS port will be included along with a versus mode and incoming Type-0 characters Machina and Rem. New enemies will include Golbez, Zeromus, Braska’s Final Aeon, Magitek Knights and Reno of the Turks.

Future Final Fantasy games may come to PC (EuroGamer)

According to Kitase, Square Enix may be interested in bringing future FF titles that aren’t MMOs to the PC platform. He acknowledges, though, that this is still relatively unknown territory for the developer, so it may be a while yet.

Video of the week

With the North American and PAL releases of the Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster fast approaching (March 18th and 21st respectively), now is as good a time as any for a reminder as to why complaining about the Laughing Scene in FFX makes you look unobservant.

Post of the week

Several of our members are currently playing through the newly released Lightning Returns. Forum member Alex Strife offers his memorable perspective and possibly unique approach to playing the game in this post:

I’ve been out of Internet life (save for work stuff, etc.) for the past few days… which I have also used to play a bit!! Finished Day 4 now… moving steadily and safely.

I REALLY like the character of Lightning now. Whereas before I liked the concept but found it not well explored enough, I think that the fact we spend the whole time with her makes her shine. It’s a shame that Square seems to have trouble managing a large cast these days since the fewer they have, the more fleshed out they are. For instance, I really liked Noel and Serah in FFXIII-2… and now Lightning’s finally broken the last barrier with me. I really, really like her. And while the first few cutscenes in Japanese felt odd to me, now I like the originals more than the English voices… and they were already good, as you know!! Maybe I still prefer Sazh’s English voice, actually…

Sorry that I can’t actually comment much on your stuff but I’m not reading too many spoilers since I am unspoiled so far!

Also, I have to admit I am surprised at how little annoyed I am by the whole time thing at this point. It’s true I still dislike it but as I have decided to do each in-game day in one real time day… it kind of works for me.

EDIT: I’m obviously not going to say my way is how the game should be played but I’ve realised that likening in-game days to my days creates a VERY unique feeling. Every time I get back to the arch and time stops, it’s time to finally rest after all that has happened. Time to rest before leaping into a world that’s ending and where time is vital. I admit I quite like that!

Do you like Alex’s idea? How are you approaching the game? And what are your overall thoughts on it? Let us know on the forum!

News

Final Fantasy VII remake: Is it happening?