'Final Fantasy VII' remake release date, news, rumors: Battle system to change drastically; game to launch in 2017?

A promotional image for "Final Fantasy VII" RemakeSquare Enix

"Final Fantasy VII Remake" was teased back in 2015, but very little has been shown as Square Enix is still focusing on "Final Fantasy XV" and the "Kingdom Hearts" series. However, director Tetsuya Nomura has given a few details regarding the game's development and the changes it will introduce to the iconic battle system from the original.

Speaking to Dengeki Playstation (via Tweak Town), Nomura explained that the remake will not be using the turn-based ATB system of the original, in favor of a more fast-paced action-oriented system akin to the "Kingdom Hearts" games or in the upcoming "Final Fantasy XV."

"The battle system in 'Final Fantasy VII Remake' is so vastly different, so I think we need to communicate very clearly just how exactly battles will work. We're currently in the middle of elevating various aspects up to finished quality," he stated. "Of course, we've added systems that future fans will be able to enjoy, so people who are bad at action-style battles, please don't worry," he went on to say.

Nomura continued to explain that the developers used the Guard Scorpion, the first boss in the game, as a basis to test the new battle system. He further stated that gamers who are well-accustomed to action games will find that the system used in "Final Fantasy VII Remake" is different compared to others, but it will still be fun and engaging.

Tweak Towns does point out that this may mean the gameplay is being significantly simplified to cater to casual players. According to the report, this may result in an overly simplified combat system that requires little strategy, which could get repetitive and boring over time.

Square Enix has yet to announce when the game is going to launch for the PlayStation 4, but given that the game will celebrate its twentieth anniversary in 2017, it is speculated that the first episode of "Final Fantasy VII Remake" will launch next year. However, Square Enix has yet to confirm this piece of information.