'Final Fantasy 7' remake update: Square Enix focused on harnessing new consoles' power

Final Fantasy VII Square-Enix

Video game artist Tetsuya Nomura, who worked on the original "Final Fantasy 7" game, had a chat with Kotaku and he shared the story behind the creation of the game's remake. 

Square Enix executive Shinji Hashimoto reportedly enlisted the help of the game artist, who is reputed to be an important old hand in the business and knows the nitty-gritty of the franchise very well. 

"Mr. Hashimoto was involved with the advertising and marketing of the original, so like [Mr. Yoshinori Kitase, director of the original and myself], 7 has a strong place in his heart," Nomura explained, detailing how "perplexing" it was to adjust the individual elements of the game as he pitched his ideas. 

Nomura refused to provide info as to how "Final Fantasy 7" will be re-imagined but he guaranteed one thing — it won't be "a one-to-one remake, or just the original Final Fantasy VII with better graphics." 

"There are certain plot points we don't want to interfere with or disturb, nor will we want to change elements that fans have very big attachments to," the acclaimed game director made clear, although it remains a priority for the developer to cash in on the new-generation consoles' power on the visual aspect. 

Speaking of which, one of the game's aspects Square Enix chose to preserve is the set of characters that graced the original "Final Fantasy 7" game. Nomura told Famitsu, as picked up by Gematsu, that "there won't be new characters," adding that "the visual taste" is being developed to "match today's visuals and appear closer to reality." 

Nomura also clarified that in terms of gameplay, Square Enix simply aims to make it more realistic in the "Final Fantasy 7" reboot, which will be released for the PS4 first before it being made available to Xbox One owners. 

News
Can the Anglican Communion unite?
Can the Anglican Communion unite?

Joaquin Philpotts, who was on the Crown Nomination Commission for the new Archbishop of Canterbury, on whether there is any hope for unity in the fractured Anglican Communion.

Archbishop of Canterbury calls for peace in first Easter sermon
Archbishop of Canterbury calls for peace in first Easter sermon

Dame Sarah Mullally has used her first Easter Day sermon as Archbishop of Canterbury to renew calls for peace in the Middle East. 

Easter Sunday and the hope of resurrection
Easter Sunday and the hope of resurrection

The hope of the resurrection is especially precious in a world filled with grief, violence, uncertainty, and pain.

Activists warn Syriacs being erased in Syria
Activists warn Syriacs being erased in Syria

The Syriacs are mostly Christian.