FF7 Revelation Director: Trilogy Built for Newcomers, But Original Still Matters

Naoki Hamaguchi says the FF7 Remake trilogy is designed for newcomers, yet playing the original enhances the experience. Final Fantasy 7 Revelation launches April 8, 2027.

Ever thought about jumping into the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy but worried you missed the boat? You're not alone. With Final Fantasy 7 Revelation wrapping up the saga next April, plenty of fresh faces are wondering: do I need to play the 1997 original first? Director Naoki Hamaguchi says it's complicated.

Speaking to GamesRadar, Hamaguchi explained that fans who recommend the classic "aren't mistaken at all." Why? Because the original's storyline is "very much enshrined within the story [and] the narrative of the Remake series." In other words, the DNA of the PS1 classic is baked into every corner of the new games.

But here's the twist: the Remake trilogy loves to subvert expectations and change key plot points. If you've played the original, you'll catch those shifts—and according to Hamaguchi, that makes the experience richer. "You're going to have more fun. And you're going to get more out of it," he said. So veterans get an extra layer of enjoyment from spotting the differences.

That said, Hamaguchi is quick to reassure newcomers. The trilogy is "designed very much so that even someone who's not played the original can jump in on any of them [and] still have a really great experience." He even flips the script: maybe it's better to start with the Remake series. The modern "graphical splendor" could make the emotional beats hit harder than the original did. "You're experiencing it for the first time in this modern graphical splendor. That might also be a better way of doing it," he added.

Ultimately, Hamaguchi says it's down to personal preference—there's no clear-cut answer. Whether you're a longtime fan or a total newbie, the Remake trilogy offers something for everyone. And Final Fantasy 7 Revelation aims to deliver even more. While combat stays largely the same, the new FITS system adds an old-school Final Fantasy feel, functioning like a Job system. Plus, Vincent and Cid bring fresh playstyles to the party.

You can focus on the story and auto-level, or explore the entire world and tackle every side activity. The real question is whether the ending will satisfy everyone. We'll find out when Final Fantasy 7 Revelation launches on April 8, 2027, for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.

So, what's your plan? Will you dive into the Remake trilogy first, or go back to the original? Let us know in the comments!