Square Enix has really gone all the way when it comes to making the most of the Final Fantasy VII universe. A multitude of announcements regarding not just the Remake itself, but the series overall, were made today through the game’s social media.
The first – and most significant – of those was, of course, the news that the game will be ported to PlayStation 5 with an additional episode based on fan-favorite Materia Hunter from Wutai, Yuffie Kisaragi. The second Final Fantasy VII announcement to come out today was that the series was getting a new title dubbed Ever Crisis. It will be a game made exclusively for portable devices and will include the whole Compilation of Final Fantasy VII.
That means that (in chronological order) Before Crisis, Crisis Core, Final Fantasy VII, Advent Children and finally Dirge of Cerberus will all be included in this handheld exclusive title.
It is expected to launch sometime in 2022 and will be released in chapters, meaning that players will not have the opportunity to experience the entire story all at once. It’s worth mentioning that for a game made for handheld devices, the visuals look quite impressive.
Another Final Fantasy VII announcement was made today, however, as The First Soldier, a battle-royale title also for iOS/Android devices, is expected to be released sometime this year.
The story behind this game is set 30 years prior to the events of the original FFVII when the Shinra Company initially formed their SOLDIER unit to expand their military might. Players engage in battles in order to climb the ranks of SOLDIER.
There was also one Final Fantasy VII announcement which was saved for last. As of February 26, the game’s official soundtrack will become available on all major subscription services, such as Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music, so fans can listen to it on-the-go.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is expected to release on the PlayStation 5 on June 10. The original version of the game is available now for PlayStation 4.
We know you've been waiting a little while for this…
From February 26th, the @FinalFantasy VII Remake Soundtrack will be available on online music subscription services such as Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon Music Unlimited! 🎶 pic.twitter.com/IKSSOEhAxW
— FINAL FANTASY VII (@finalfantasyvii) February 25, 2021
NOMURA STEPPING DOWN AS DIRECTOR FOR PART TWO
Based on an interview with popular Japanese publication Famitsu, series director Tetsuya Nomura will not be reprising his role for the second installment.
Nomura: “Since I’m involved with a lot of different projects, the next FF7R installment director will be (Naoki) Hamaguchi […] I will be continuing with the FF7R series as Creative Director instead.”
This way, Nomura will be able to provide his undivided attention to the next installment of the Kingdom Hearts franchise, which next year will celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Sony’s free PlayStation Plus games for March
Meanwhile, Sony has announced their free PS Plus games for March, and, as expected, Final Fantasy VII Remake is among them. According to Square Enix, those who acquire the game via PS Plus will not be eligible for a free PS5 upgrade in June.
