After more than a decade of dedicated work on one of gaming’s most ambitious remake projects, Final Fantasy 7 Remake series director Naoki Hamaguchi has revealed that Final Fantasy 7 Revelation is approaching completion. In a recent interview, Hamaguchi expressed genuine confidence in the upcoming title, noting that playing through the current build feels both satisfying and polished. This announcement comes as welcome news to millions of fans who have been eagerly anticipating the conclusion of the beloved trilogy.
Speaking to YouTube creator Ashif’s Release Notes, Hamaguchi reflected on the immense journey that has defined his career for the past twelve years. The director, who was himself inspired by the original Final Fantasy 7 when it released in 1997, acknowledged the tremendous weight of responsibility he has carried throughout development. “Having been able to announce FF7 Revelation at SGF, I hope that people out there can look at it and think this looks like it will be pretty good,” Hamaguchi shared. “As we are now approaching the end, it’s nearing completion. I personally can pick it up and play it and think, ‘yeah, this feels good; this is satisfying.’ So I am quite confident in it.”
A Legacy Twelve Years in the Making
The Final Fantasy 7 Remake project represents one of the most significant undertakings in Square Enix’s storied history. When the original Final Fantasy 7 launched on the PlayStation in January 1997, it revolutionized the role-playing game genre and introduced millions of Western players to Japanese RPGs. The game’s compelling narrative, memorable characters like Cloud Strife and Sephiroth, and groundbreaking use of full-motion video sequences established it as a cultural phenomenon that transcended gaming. The decision to remake this landmark title was not taken lightly, with development beginning in earnest around 2015 after years of fan demand and internal discussion at Square Enix.
The first installment, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, launched in April 2020 to critical acclaim, reimagining the Midgar portion of the original game with stunning modern graphics, a revamped real-time combat system, and expanded storytelling. Its sequel, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, followed in February 2024, continuing Cloud’s journey beyond Midgar and receiving similarly positive reviews despite some divisive narrative choices. Both games demonstrated Square Enix’s commitment to honoring the source material while introducing new elements that surprised even longtime fans.
The Weight of Expectations and a 30th Anniversary
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation carries extraordinary expectations as both the trilogy’s conclusion and a title coinciding with the original game’s 30th anniversary in 2027. Hamaguchi openly acknowledges this pressure, stating, “Of course the final judgment is in the hands of the players… but I feel confident.” He added with evident relief, “I can see the end. So my honest state at the moment is that I can finally feel that pressure lifting.” This transparency about the emotional toll of such a high-profile project offers rare insight into the human side of game development, where directors and teams often work under intense scrutiny from passionate fan communities.
The stakes for Revelation extend beyond mere commercial success. The Remake trilogy has taken creative liberties with the original story, introducing mysterious plot elements involving fate and alternate timelines that have divided the fanbase. Rebirth’s enigmatic ending left many players confused and eager for resolution, raising questions about how closely the finale will adhere to the original game’s memorable conclusion. Hamaguchi himself has previously teased that the ending “might be fully faithful to the original” RPG, or “it might end up being something completely different,” keeping fans in suspense about what awaits.
Looking Ahead to the Trilogy’s Grand Finale
Despite some criticisms leveled at the Remake series—ranging from pacing issues to controversial narrative decisions—the overall reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Both previous entries earned numerous awards and accolades, with particular praise directed at their combat systems, musical scores, and faithful recreation of beloved moments. The games have successfully introduced Final Fantasy 7’s story to a new generation of players while giving veterans fresh reasons to revisit the world they fell in love with decades ago. As Revelation enters its final development stages, the gaming community watches with anticipation, hoping that Hamaguchi and his team can deliver a conclusion worthy of this legendary franchise’s legacy.
Expert Opinion: Given Hamaguchi’s track record with the first two installments and his visible confidence in the current build, Final Fantasy 7 Revelation appears positioned to deliver a satisfying conclusion to this ambitious trilogy. The 30th anniversary timing suggests Square Enix will pull out all stops to make this release a landmark event, potentially setting new standards for how classic games can be reimagined for modern audiences while respecting their foundational legacy.
