Spoiler Alert: This interview contains light spoilers for “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.”
When it comes to the world of Final Fantasy and Square Enix, Naoki Hamaguchi has had a front-row seat to it all. With over 18 years of experience at Square Enix, Hamaguchi has risen through the ranks and now serves as the co-director of game design and programming for “Final Fantasy VII Remake.” In this interview, Hamaguchi shares insights into his journey and the creative decisions behind “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.”
“Final Fantasy VII Rebirth,” the second installment of the FFVII remake series, has already garnered rave reviews before its release. With a “92 Metacritic ‘universal acclaim’ score” and being titled as “so good, it nearly wrecked my life” by The Washington Post games critic Gene Park, the anticipation for this game is undeniable.
The game takes players on a journey with protagonist Cloud Strife and his companions as they explore a massive world outside of Midgar, the setting of the first game. Their mission is to pursue the iconic antagonist Sephiroth. As players navigate through lush environments and challenging locales, they will get to experience a beautifully crafted world.
One of the most iconic aspects of the original “Final Fantasy VII” game is the fate of Aerith Gainsborough, a beloved character. Fans are eager to see how her story unfolds in “Rebirth.” When asked why the team decided to end the story at a specific point, Hamaguchi explained that they wanted to include Aerith’s fate as it was highly anticipated by players. He also mentioned that player responses and interpretations will inform the development of the third title in the trilogy.
“Rebirth” offers massive expansions to the remake project and the series as a whole. Players will have the opportunity to explore the rich history of the world, engage in mini-games, and complete side quests. The introduction of team-based abilities, item transmutation, and a dynamic difficulty mode adds depth and variety to the gameplay experience. Additionally, new playable characters like Yuffie, Red XIII, and Cait Sith join the roster, with plans to incorporate beloved characters like Vincent and Sid in the future.
Throughout the interview, Hamaguchi reflects on his time at Square Enix, the challenges of directing “Rebirth,” and the guiding philosophy behind the remake series. He emphasizes the importance of creating original elements to sustain players’ interest and curiosity.
For fans eagerly awaiting the release of “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” and those curious about the future of the series, this interview with Naoki Hamaguchi offers valuable insights and a glimpse into the world of this highly anticipated game.