5 things the Final Fantasy VII Remake needs

Square Enix unveiled the Final Fantasy VII Remake at Sony’s E3 2015 Press Conference this year, and while it broke the internet, having driven many mad with excitement, we couldn’t help but ponder the potential of a few new additions.

As successful as the original game was, we don’t want a copy/paste experience, no matter how pretty the graphics.

With that in mind, from side-quests, new weapons and new optional bosses to new mechanics entirely, this is what we think the Final Fantasy VII Remake needs.

A better introduction and backstory

The story of Cloud and Denzel is an example of a narrative the Remake might explore.

Square Enix spent quite some time investing in the world of Gaia, especially in setting the back story and general narrative of the game.

Zack was one of the main characters in the prequel, and it would be just fitting if we got to experience a brief summary of what he went through prior to giving Cloud the Buster Sword.

And what about Denzel? Do you even know who Denzel is? If not, you’ve probably not kept up with the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII, a compilation that has revealed just how much there is to the story of FFVII.

Whether by additional gameplay, a new cinematic or perhaps even a short prologue chapter, we would love to know more about the lead-up to the events of the game.

This is supposed to be the best version of the game, so why not make it the most complete version?

Truly HD cinematics

We need cinematics like this.

Given the era in which the original title came out, and the particularly long load time of the PlayStation 1, pre-rendered cut-scenes were use to disguise and hide load times from players.

While the latest generation of consoles would allow for the removal of those cut-scenes, they defined so much of the Final Fantasy experience.

We want them to stay. More than that, we want Square Enix to take them one step further.

Make them incredible. Squeeze in as many polygons into each frame as is plausible. Take our breath away.

By the time we’re finished playing the Final Fantasy VII Remake, we want to look at Advent Children and think it looks old-fashioned and antiquated by comparison.

Some new mini-games

Final Fantasy VII bike mini-game for iOS and Android.

The Golden Saucer was the place to be in Final Fantasy VII, and the remake should not be any different.

If you don’t want to continue the story at the moment, play a few mini-games at Golden Saucer.

We want a card game, much like Triple Triad from Final Fantasy VIII or Tetra Master from Final Fantasy IX. And throw in a few extra games to boot.

How about using the FFVII Bike Mini-Game that released for iOS and Android as a mini-game for Golden Saucer.

The potential is limitless when it comes to additional mini-games and fun distractions.

The story of Cloud is a stark, fairly depressing tale for a good portion of the game, so why not give players a break from the woes of Avalanche and allow them to take a breather or two.

Brand new side-quests

More Sephiroth and Cloud’s story would be fantastic.

I loved the Mass Effect and Dragon Age series for their dedication to telling the stories of party members outside of the protagonist.

Each member had their own troubling story that tied into a unique side quest taking you to new places and more.

It would be nice if the same could be done for Final Fantasy VII.

Let us connect on a personal level with the cast, and give us the opportunity to learn who they are through playing and experiencing a short portion of their lives.

Customisation

Having your armour adjust your look would be a great addition.

We should embrace the fact that Square Enix loves DLC, like never before in fact.

Once you’ve accepted that, you can start to imagine the possibilities for new costumes for all of the main characters in the game.

Tifa, with her alternative Kingdom Hearts II, Advent Children look. Barret with a formal garb, and imagine Cloud dressed as Lightning?

How about Cloud dressed in a new, all-white outfit. It sounds small and silly, but it’d make a big difference to the fans, and we’re the reason this remake exists in the first place.

What do you think the upcoming Final Fantasy VII Remake needs?

Let us know in the comments and forum!