'Final Fantasy 7 Remake' release date, updates: Remastered version debuting 2017 with some gameplay changes?

An preview in-game screenshot for "Final Fantasy 7 Remake"Square Enix official website

The upcoming remastered version of "Final Fantasy 7" is expected to roll out sometime next year. However, aside from visual and design improvements, speculations suggest that the title will also introduce gameplay changes.

According to Gamenguide, a previous interview with game producer Yoshinori Kitase has the Square Enix executive teasing some details on the game. Instead of the original turn-based gameplay, "Final Fantasy 7 Remake" will reportedly have a battle system similar to "Final Fantasy Dissidia." This means that the game will shift from the traditional JRPG battle mode to real-time fights. The latter has already been established with another Square Enix franchise, "Kingdom Hearts." Closer to the "Final Fantasy" franchise, the real-time battle system is the same gameplay that gamers will see in the upcoming "Final Fantasy XV."

Meanwhile, as to when fans can expect the remastered version to hit the shelves, "Final Fantasy7 Remake" is said to be coming out in the latter part of 2017 at the earliest. Square Enix is rumored to officially announce "Final Fantasy 7 Remake" at the 2017 E3 trade show. Should this happen, a fall or winter release will then be highly possible, although it may compete with another Square Enix franchise sequel, "Kingdom Hearts 3."

However, even if "Final Fantasy 7 Remake" debuts in late 2017, it will still take some time for gamers to experience the whole game. It is already confirmed that the remastered version will have a staggered release, as Square Enix will launch the title as a multi-part series. It is still unclear on how the publisher plans to schedule the release. Looking at another Square Enix multi-part game, "Hitman," it is likely that "Final Fantasy 7" will have a monthly release for its game episodes. This means that the release of the game may well stretch out to the early part of 2018.