For many fans, the return to Midgar in the Final Fantasy 7 series on modern platforms like the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and the PC, has been a dream come true. The visually stunning and narratively rich sequel, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, is further fueling the excitement. However, behind the curtains of the game’s graphics and intricate world-building lies the technical architecture that makes it all possible. One of the pivotal decisions that Square Enix made regarding Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth was to utilize a heavily customized version of Unreal Engine 4.
At a first glance, the choice might seem a tad unexpected, especially considering how most developers couldn’t wait to jump on the Unreal Engine 5 bandwagon.
Many had anticipated the powerhouse gaming company to leverage the latest engine for its flagship titles. Surprisingly though, Kingdom Hearts 4 and Dragon Quest 12 are anticipated to be Square Enix’s main forays into Unreal Engine 5. For the FF7 Remake Trilogy, Square Enix, specifically, Creative Business Unit I, decided to stick with what they know best and what they’ve already heavily invested time and resources into.
Square Enix’s decision not to transition to Unreal Engine 5 for the FF7 series is rooted in pragmatism. They had already laid most of the groundwork for the trilogy in Unreal Engine 4. Transitioning to a new engine mid-series can bring an array of complexities, and potentially introduce new challenges. When you’re working with a title as beloved and highly anticipated as FF7, any risks that could delay the delivery or affect the game’s quality are unwanted.
TLDR; Shifting to Unreal Engine 5 mid-way through the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy presents a massive risk.
Given the already remarkable graphics of FF7 Rebirth and the gameplay mechanics, a new engine isn’t necessary yet. If anything, the graphical improvements aren’t worth the trade-offs in development time and potential complications. In fact, open-world areas, which are pivotal to a game like the FF7 Remake trilogy, aren’t Unreal Engine 4’s strength. Yet, the current visual representation and performance of these areas in FF7 Remake and FF7 Rebirth showcase that Square Enix has masterfully tweaked and customized the engine to fit their specific needs.
It’s also worth noting the anticipated timeline for the series. There’s significant speculation that the third installment of the FF7 Remake trilogy might be released in 2027, aligning with the 30th anniversary of the original FF7, which made its debut in 1997. With that timeline in mind, there’s an apparent push to have the trilogy completed using the existing technical framework rather than introducing potential delays with an engine switch.
However, looking towards the future and the eventual introduction of platforms even more advanced than the PS5 is a potential re-reimagining of the series. We’ve seen games in the past transition from UE3 to UE4. Similarly, Square Enix might decide to port the trilogy to Unreal Engine 5 or even UE6. Imagine a path-traced version of all three games with the advancements in visual representation and performance that Unreal Engine 5 or its successors can offer.
It doesn’t have to happen anytime soon, but when it does, can you imagine just how much more awesome Cloud Strife and the rest of the party will look? Maybe a future remake of an older entry like Final Fantasy 5 or Final Fantasy 6 can give us a glimpse.
For now, though, Square Enix is sticking to its guns. The approach to the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy demonstrates a clear vision and the desire to maintain continuity across the titles. The use of a modified Unreal Engine 4 is a reflection of their dedication to delivering a consistent experience to fans but also their ability to push the boundaries of what’s technically possible, ensuring that players have an unforgettable experience in the world of Final Fantasy 7.
If nothing else, we can celebrate knowing that Square Enix has already laid the foundation for the final leg of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy. At this rate, the trilogy-closing entry will likely be out sooner rather than later.
Speaking of FF7 Rebirth, the sequel is hiting the PlayStation 5 on February 29, 2024. Neither a PC port or a Xbox port is confirmed, but fans are hopeful that it will join Final Fantasy 16 on the PC. If you’re new to the series, you can check out FF7 Remake for a low price right now.
