The director of Final Fantasy 8, Yoshinori Kitase, recently discussed the possibility of remaking the game once the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy is complete. However, he quickly shot down any hopes, citing the immense amount of work it would require. Kitase explained that if a hypothetical remake were to happen, there would be a need to completely rework the game’s divisive Junction system, which is used for summons, character stats, and abilities like magic. He acknowledged that the system was difficult for some players to grasp and emphasized the importance of balancing the difficulty and approachability of the battle system in a modern remake.
Even if the Junction system were to be reworked, remaking Final Fantasy 8 is a daunting task. Kitase highlighted the significant time and effort required to recreate the volume of content found in RPGs of that era with modern visuals and gameplay. He stressed that such a project should not be taken lightly and would be a massive investment. The director’s remarks make it clear that the cost and effort involved in remaking a lengthy RPG like Final Fantasy 8 are major deterrents for the development team.
Not just Final Fantasy 8
The challenges of remaking Final Fantasy 8 also extend to other older titles in the series. Kitase mentioned that even remaking a 2D game like Final Fantasy 6 would take two decades, emphasizing the monumental effort required. It seems that the resources and manpower necessary for these remakes are simply not feasible for Square Enix at this time. The director’s comments suggest that remakes of older Final Fantasy games, regardless of their popularity, are unlikely to happen in the foreseeable future.
While some fans may feel disappointed that Final Fantasy 8 is not getting a remake, there is an argument to be made for leaving the older games untouched. Many of these classic titles still hold up and resonate with fans today. The director’s reference to “iffy” part-remakes of the SNES games serves as a reminder that not all remakes successfully capture the essence of the originals. Perhaps it is better to appreciate the timeless nature of these games and focus on new and innovative experiences in the Final Fantasy universe.
With the release of Final Fantasy 7 Remake’s third part still unknown, there is plenty to keep fans and Square Enix occupied in the meantime. The expansive line-up of minigames in FF7 Rebirth suggests that there are exciting prospects on the horizon. While a remake of Final Fantasy 8 may not be on the table, there are undoubtedly numerous other projects in the works that will captivate players and continue to push the boundaries of the RPG genre.
Yoshinori Kitase’s remarks about the challenges of remaking Final Fantasy 8 shed light on the immense work and investment required for such a project. The director’s focus on balancing difficulty and approachability in a modern remake demonstrates the importance of preserving the essence of the game while making it accessible to new players. While fans may have hoped for a remake, there is merit in leaving the older games untouched and appreciating their timeless appeal. As we eagerly await the next installment of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, there is much excitement and anticipation for the future of the franchise.
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