The Game Director and Battle Director for the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy, Naoki Hamaguchi and Teruki Endo, respectively, made a special appearance at a PAX West panel on September 5th, 2026: “From Reunion to Resolve: Designing the FFVII Remake Trilogy“. They spent an hour looking back at the iconic game and their vision when planning the remake trilogy as well as provided additional detail for the upcoming title: Final Fantasy VII Revelation.
How to Respect the Classic While Keeping the Remakes Fresh
Hamaguchi-san opened with a look back at the original Final Fantasy VII that released in 1997, an epic RPG depicting the conflict between Cloud and Sephiroth. Many themes were introduced such as the planet versus industrial enterprises over Mako energy and journeying with friends. When the team first began the remake project, they examined the games’ essence as why it’s been loved over the years. Hamaguchi-san explained that he wanted to reconnect the appeal with those of the present day, and this would be accomplished by not just improving visual quality but also leveraging modern technology to transform it into how we imagined in our hearts. The intent for the remake project was to deliver a new sense of wonder to their supportive fans as well as welcome a brand-new generation of players. Therefore, it’s more than a simple remake. It’s an experience where modern players can naturally immerse themselves without losing sight of the original.
Next, Hamaguchi-san reviewed thoughts, considerations, and changes that went into the remake project. With regard to visuals, he stated that Advent Children was the visual benchmark. In order to evolve and expand, new mysteries were added to the existing game—making more room within a familiar story. Hamaguchi-san stressed that the team had no intention to change the original concept of Final Fantasy VII with the remake trilogy. If anything, they added more material in order to portray world as an even larger story. Effectively, they aimed to strike a balance.
Each title of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy contained a central theme. Episode 1, aka. Remake, focuses on reunion. Episode 2, or Rebirth, focuses on bonds. This can be seen bleeding into the gameplay with synergy actions and abilities. Lastly, the final installation, Revelation, centers around resolve.
Approaching the End—Final Fantasy VII: Revelation
Hamaguchi-san transitioned to speak about Final Fantasy VII: Revelation briefly before turning it over to Endo-san. Revelation is their largest scale world with free exploration by airship. He stressed several times the value each individual player experience by having their own journey. While there is only one ending, the emotions along the way may differ from person to person.
Endo-san spoke passionately about Final Fantasy VII: Revelation battle elements with the two new playable characters and the FITS system.
First, we have Cid, who is given a wide-range weapon—the lance. It is a new weapon type which can feel fresh given other characters are primarily close range fighters. Endo-san also mentioned Cid’s valuable potential in aerial combat. He has several unique mechanics, like impaling with a magical lance, of which, he can launch follow up attacks.
Then we have Vincent (the crowd cheered quite loudly here). He specializes with mid-range attack with firearms. He is more aggressive than Barrett and also can weave evasive maneuvers in between attacks. Moreover, he can transform any time during battle. Endo-san said he made that decision because he wanted to support a variety of play styles— therefore, there were no requirements to fulfill before transforming.
All About that FIT
Next, Endo-san delved into the new FIT system, which is available to all characters after about the five- or six-hour mark. This decision was made due to the challenge to keep combat fresh although the system was already complex and fleshed out from Rebirth. Each FIT has own commands and systems. There are only four categories, but Endo-san felt strongly to not focus on quantity but rather quality. Here are the four FIT systems and some notes on each:
- Warrior: You can gain another avenue to use abilities. Warriors have their own special move, which makes limit breaks easier to use.
- Knight: They are your defense and party support FIT. Knights have commands to draw enemy attention and possess an added effect to protect nearby allies. They also have special moves that can deals heavy damage but also supports party.
- Black Mage: They provide a more aggressive battle style based on four elements. When casting spells with this FIT, you get a reduced MP cost of that element.
- Summoner: This FIT provides access to summon commands. In a summon state, your summons can attack along with your character. This allows lots of coordination with the summons.
Keeping FFVII Light and Fun
Toward the end of the panel, we were treated to more breath-taking visuals of Final Fantasy VII: Revelation. Hamaguchi-san also spoke briefly about a cross-over with Final Fantasy XIV— “Beyond the Lifestream”, which will come along with the Evercold expansion in January 2027. Three tiers will be made available along with three difficulties: normal, new, and savage.
Lastly, there will be a themed typing game on 10/28/2026 that will come with prizes! So, all you Millennials out there, time to reconnect with that Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing training we got in our youth. Stay tuned for more information.
There is a lot to be excited about, and we’re just getting started. Stick with Boss Rush Network for continued coverage of Final Fantasy VII: Revelation at PAX West 2026.
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Source: From Reunion to Resolve: Designing the FFVII Remake Trilogy panel; PAX West 2026–September 5th, 2026
Featured Image Source: From Reunion to Resolve: Designing the FFVII Remake Trilogy panel; PAX West 2026–September 5th, 2026
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