Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of the highly anticipated FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, offers an exclusive insight into the development process and the game's unique features. 'It was really touching to see the game running beautifully on Nintendo Switch 2 for the first time,' he shares, emphasizing the emotional impact of witnessing the game's seamless performance. 'The way people play games, interact with them, and the places they play them are becoming much broader,' Hamaguchi notes, highlighting the shift in gaming experiences. 'Now, players can enjoy these types of games in their own room and on their own screen.'
For new players, Hamaguchi suggests, 'I really want newcomers to experience the game and see that legend being reborn in a new way.' He acknowledges the desire of original fans to relive the game's initial impact, 'One thing I hear often when talking to fans of the original game is how they wish they could experience FINAL FANTASY VII again for the first time.'
The Nintendo Switch 2 version offers innovative ways to share the experience through features like GameChat, prompting Hamaguchi to anticipate 'more of that kind of sharing.' He envisions players sharing their experiences with friends, 'I can definitely see more people playing this game on the go somewhere with their friends and sharing the experience with them.'
When asked about surprising aspects of the development, Hamaguchi reveals the importance of preserving the lighting in the game, 'The lighting was a very important part in that visual identity of the characters.' This commitment to authenticity ensures that the remake trilogy remains faithful to the original game's essence.
The new story, FF7R EPISODE INTERmission, was crafted to include optional party members from the original game, 'We wanted to tie their stories more closely to Cloud and the main party’s adventures.' This parallel narrative enriches the overall FINAL FANTASY VII universe.
The game's combat system offers both real-time action and traditional turn-based options, catering to diverse player preferences. 'We introduced more of this real-time, immediate visceral feedback from action-style gameplay,' Hamaguchi explains, emphasizing the immersive experience. 'There are a lot of players that respond to that really well and it's a really core part of the game for them.'
Optional features, such as the 9,999 damage attack, were included to cater to players pressed for time, 'If there was a feature where I could progress a little bit quicker or didn’t have to worry about grinding, I’d get further and might be able to complete the game.'
'Even if you haven’t played or heard of the FINAL FANTASY VII, you might have encountered Cloud and Sephiroth in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,' Hamaguchi invites new players to explore the remake series, 'Through the remake series, you can discover the origins and stories of these characters.'
For returning fans, Hamaguchi promises an authentic experience while offering new perspectives, 'I'm very much dedicated to bringing that to the fans: making it still authentic and still feel like FINAL FANTASY VII, while also making a new fresh experience at the same time.'
'If you wanted to play FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE and you haven't had the chance, it would really be a great opportunity to pick it up on Nintendo Switch 2,' he encourages. 'I'm very confident that we can deliver all that satisfaction and what the old school fans are really looking for in this game.'
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE is now available on Nintendo Switch 2, offering a free demo with save data transferable to the full game.
