The remake to the popular role-playing game "Final Fantasy 7" is always something gamers have been waiting for for years. When Square Enix finally revealed that an HD remake is appearing at this year's E3, gamers went through the roof. The effects of the announcement were so massive that Square Enix's stock rose to its highest point since 2008.
Since the announcement, fans of the game have been wondering what the developers will actually do to change "Final Fantasy 7." Many fans believe that besides a graphics upgrade, not much should be changed. However, Game Rant reports that the title's director, Tetsuya Nomura, has several changes up in mind.
What will be these changes, then?
In a interview hosted by Playstation Magazine (via GamesRadar), Nomura revealed that fans can expect "dramatic changes" to the game's Active Time Battle System.
For those unfamiliar with the term, "Final Fantasy 7" originally introduced gamers to the Active Time Battle System, which allowed players to put their move inputs while the computer (or AI) did the same during battle. This system was the standard for all "Final Fantasy" games until "Final Fantasy 12" -- where Square Enix introduced the "Gambit" system of battle.
Fans of the Active Time Battle System may not have to worry. As cited by IGN, Nomura informed that they are not going to change the game completely, like shift the genre to shooter, for instance. Nomura assured fans that while drastic changes are in the works, the game will still be "Final Fantasy 7" at its core.
During the interview Nomura also stated that some of the artwork for the game will be inspired by "Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children." This CGI movie played as sequel to "Final Fantasy 7," and was released several years after the game. Nomura added that while "Advent Children" will serve as an inspiration for the artwork, the actual 3D models for the game will be something different, since the technology used to make "Advent Children" is dated by today's standards.
Nomura also claimed that there may be several changes to some of the characters and the plot, but several key plot points will still be included. Popular plot points such as Cloud cross-dressing and the death of Aerith will still be in the game.
"Final Fantasy 7" Remake is believed to arrive for the PlayStation 4 some time in 2016, though a confirmed date is still awaited. An Xbox One arrival is also expected.
What changes would you like to see in the new "Final Fantasy 7?" Sound off in the comments section below.