Final Fantasy VII Omnislash’d an indelible mark in gaming. The 1997 title’s recent reimagination, beginning with Final Fantasy VII Remake and now proceeding with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, seeks to do the same, reigniting its presence in contemporary gaming culture. Behind this resurgence lies a cohesive team, a shared vision, and a leadership approach keen on honoring the classic while ensuring relevance for today’s audience.
Naoki Hamaguchi, the director for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, had the challenge and privilege of steering this monumental project. Despite being in high school at the time of the release of the original game, Hamaguchi’s journey with the Final Fantasy world saw him assume co-directorship alongside Tetsuya Nomura for the Remake. His rise to the directorial role for Rebirth illustrates a changing of the guard, blending respect for the original creators with a fresh perspective for the contemporary market.
In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Hamaguchi shared that around 80-90 percent of the development team from the 2020 title continued their roles for the sequel. This retention proved invaluable, especially given the project’s impressive four-year development timeline. By industry standards, this is remarkably efficient, especially considering that many of its contemporary AAA titles often span five to six years in development. This continuity of personnel cultivated a work environment where members were familiar with one another’s strengths, processes, and communication styles. As per his explanation, it was clear who to approach for various challenges. This established synergy contributed significantly to the “flow and tempo of game development.”
But what does this all mean for the game itself? The gameplay showcased at the Thailand Games Show showcased new features and sequences, sparking anticipation among fans. Rebirth offers players a meticulously crafted experience that remains accessible even for newcomers. Hamaguchi ensured that everything, from tutorials to main game mechanics, is designed to be intuitive. However, longstanding fans aren’t left wanting. The game promises surprises, with Whispers from the Remake set to return, alongside the character Zack. Their roles and story arcs remain under wraps, fueling eager speculation.
Nevertheless, the development team isn’t just looking to recreate the past; they seek to elevate it. For instance, while a certain snowboarding sequence from the original won’t feature in Rebirth’s Gold Saucer, the developers aim to imbue the game with a plethora of other mini-games, thus reshaping perceptions of the Gold Saucer. Additionally, the parade sequence in Junon will now vary based on soldier recruitment, adding a richer layer to the narrative.
The broader world setting for Rebirth, encompassing diverse cities and terrains, demanded more from the artists and designers. Crafting high-fidelity art for regions such as Junon, Cosmo Canyon, and the Golden Saucer posed a distinct challenge compared to Remake’s more confined Midgar environment. Despite this expansive scale and the complexities arising from the pandemic, including a shift to remote work, the project maintained its momentum. A testament to not just the foundation laid by the previous game, but also the consistent team that transitioned across projects.
Hamaguchi’s approach as a director has been about balance. While he collaborates closely with the original game’s creators, he isn’t hesitant to challenge certain ideas. A notable instance was the deliberation over altering the design of the Mako Reactor in the Remake. Hamaguchi, valuing its iconic status, persuaded Yoshinori Kitase, the original game’s director, to retain its classic aesthetic. This ability to judiciously merge reverence for the past with modern sensibilities defines Rebirth’s development ethos.
In an industry where shifting teams and prolonged timelines are common, the cohesion and shared vision of the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth team stands out. Coincidentally, Creative Business Unit III, the team behind Final Fantasy 16, was just as efficient in its work on the game, needing only three years to make it from the ground up. The result, which was as critically acclaimed as it was commercially successful albeit controversial, speaks volumes about the prevalent work culture in Square Enix.
With that said, as players delve into the game’s world in 2024, it’s evident that they’ll not just engage with a beloved narrative and innovative gameplay, but also the labor and love of a dedicated team that truly embraced the spirit of unity.
