Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Draws Inspiration from Witcher 3 and The Horizon Series

Updated: Nov 17, 2023

In a special interview with the French outlet FF Dream during Paris Games Week 2023, Naoki Hamaguchi, the co-director of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, shared insights into the much-awaited second installment of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy.

Hamaguchi shared that the game's open-world design draws inspiration from acclaimed titles like The Witcher 3 and Horizon Zero Dawn, with Final Fantasy XV providing valuable experience to the development team. Emphasizing their commitment to the Final Fantasy VII universe, Hamaguchi stated, "We are taking an example of what worked, but keeping in mind to add our touch to this game."

The interview also touched upon the challenges of balancing legacy and expectations from fans of the original game. Kitase and Hamaguchi discussed the trilogy's connection to Advent Children, ensuring a cohesive storyline while introducing elements to keep the narrative fresh.

Acknowledging the middle chapter challenge, the team draws inspiration from The Empire Strikes Back, aiming to deepen character relationships and introduce unexpected twists. Notably, the introduction of Red XIII and Cait Sith as playable characters adds complexity to the roster, requiring careful balance to maintain the essence of the original cast.

The combat system undergoes significant evolution with the introduction of Synergy Abilities, reflecting the team's dedication to weaving storytelling into gameplay. While specifics about the third game remain undecided, the development team is committed to expanding the cast and elevating the gameplay experience.