Square Enix has unveiled a significant update for Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, introducing new "streamlined progression features" designed to enhance accessibility and flexibility for players. These features, which some might call cheats, allow players to bypass much of the game's traditional grind, enabling a faster journey through the story. The update coincides with the announcement that Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade will expand to Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox platforms, broadening its reach to new audiences.
The decision to implement these progression features stems from the vision of game director Naoki Hamaguchi, who has been a vocal advocate for giving players greater control over their gaming experience. In an interview with Automaton, Hamaguchi explained his reasoning, stating, "I personally believe that, with digital entertainment today, the player should have the choice in how they interact with content. That's why I pushed for it." His goal is to make Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade more approachable, particularly for newcomers who may feel daunted by the game's typical 40-50 hour playtime.
These new features significantly reduce the time required to complete the game, potentially condensing the experience to under 10 hours. This move is strategically timed, as Final Fantasy 7 Remake is now several years old, and Square Enix aims to help new players catch up before the trilogy's final chapter. Hamaguchi noted the delicate balance of introducing such features, particularly for the trilogy's conclusion. He remarked, "If we were to add [progression features] to the third installment at launch, it would probably spark controversy. We'd risk disrupting the experience for fans who have been waiting the longest and deserve to enjoy it the most."
The inclusion of these features was not without internal debate. Hamaguchi acknowledged resistance within the development team, quoting, "Naturally, when we announce features like these, we get responses like, 'This is sacrilegious!'" He added, "Even within the dev team, there are people who feel that way. But unless someone takes the initiative, it doesn't happen." His leadership in pushing for these changes reflects a broader philosophy of adapting to modern gaming trends, where player choice and accessibility are increasingly prioritized.
In addition to the Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox releases, Square Enix has confirmed that the streamlined progression features will also be available on the PlayStation 5 through a future update. This ensures that players across all platforms can benefit from the updated experience.
Looking ahead, Square Enix continues development on Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3, the concluding chapter of the trilogy. Despite underwhelming sales for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Hamaguchi has reassured fans that the finale will deliver a "proper, high-quality" experience. While no official reveal date has been announced, producer Tetsuya Nomura recently indicated that Square Enix has a clear timeline for unveiling the game. Fans can anticipate further details as the trilogy approaches its climactic end.
Source: Automaton
