Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Charts Its Own Path, Director Explains

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi has revealed his approach to handling the game’s iconic story moments, emphasizing the importance of keeping players guessing rather than simply catering to fan expectations.

In a recent interview with Eurogamer, Hamaguchi discussed his perspective on adapting the original game’s memorable storyline. Despite being a fan of the original himself, he deliberately avoided making decisions purely based on fan service. “I felt if I made a decision – it has to go in this direction, we have to do it this way – that would very much make it a fan-driven thing,” Hamaguchi explained.

Both Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth have introduced changes to the original narrative while maintaining core story elements. Notable modifications include expanded roles for certain characters, such as Zack. According to Hamaguchi, these alterations serve a specific purpose: creating uncertainty about potential story changes.

“The important thing is that the player will wonder whether it’s going to change or not,” Hamaguchi stated, arguing that a strictly faithful adaptation might diminish excitement for players familiar with the original. He emphasized that while these changes don’t guarantee major story deviations, they help maintain engagement by keeping players uncertain about what comes next.

The director’s comments suggest a careful balance between honoring the original game’s legacy and creating a fresh experience for both new and returning players. Earlier this year, Hamaguchi expressed confidence that the trilogy’s final installment would rank among the greatest video games ever made.

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