Sq. Enix needs Last Fantasy 7 to be an ‘IP with an ever-evolving future’, which is unusual to say a few franchise that is already ever-evolving

Last Fantasy 7’s remake trilogy has, on the very least, given us a trio of fairly stable RPGs—I had a good time with the primary, and I am quickly to buckle up and eventually give Rebirth a go. However I am unable to assist however surprise, quietly, whether or not or not Last Fantasy has fallen into the identical ‘concern of latest IP lure’ as different video games.

That is to not say that the FF sequence is not getting new video games. Last Fantasy 16 got here out in 2023 and snagged a stable 79 from us in our Last Fantasy 16 assessment. And but, a small a part of me wonders what new and thrilling video games we would’ve gotten if Sq. Enix had devoted the Remake staff to creating new remaining fantasies, slightly than spending three complete big-budget titles and over half a decade rehashing a basic.

And but, Sq. appears reluctant to launch its grip over the FF7 forged. That is per a PAX West panel (thanks, GamesRadar+) whereby director Naoki Hamaguchi mentioned (by way of translator): “We wish to make this a piece that creates new followers 20 and even 30 years from now,” a sport that may “transfer past being a basic of the previous and form it into an IP with an ever-evolving future.”

And hear, I do not wish to be a grumpy previous git about this, however… that is simply what Last Fantasy is generally, certainly?

It does appear weirdly backwards that Sq. Enix has invented a franchise that enables for the very best of each worlds—a recognisable, robust model with recognisable mainstays and iconography that, nonetheless, permits the developer to make a brand new world with a brand new forged of characters with each entry.

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In different phrases, Last Fantasy is… already meant to have an ever-evolving future. Will there be different ever-evolving futures inside that ever-evolving future? Like a continually ever-evolving matryoshka doll?

That is to not say Sq. Enix is not going to cease attempting or making new FF video games, clearly. However after three full-length remakes following Cloud, I am unable to assist however really feel bone-tired at the concept that we’ll be listening to extra out of him within the instant future. Let the blonde twink relaxation, for heaven’s sake.