"Final Fantasy VII Remake" is going to be episodic, but according to a recent issue of Game Informer (via IGN), it turns out that this doesn't mean Square-Enix will release one game and then supply it with DLC episodes akin to TellTale Games' "The Walking Dead," as each episode is described to be as big as a full-fledged title.
Most games that are episodic, such as the aforementioned "The Walking Dead," feature episodes that are roughly two to three hours long. In some cases the new content, particularly for an RPG, can be up to 10 hours long, especially for high-end DLC packages such as those seen for "Fallout 4" and "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt."
However, the report reveals that "Final Fantasy VII Remake" will have episodes that can be considered full-scale games, comparing them to the three titles in the "Final Fantasy XIII" trilogy. Producer Yoshinori Kitase also pointed out that there will be a different approach from how the remake will tell its story compared to the manner "Final Fantasy XIII" and its sequels did.
"In 'XIII,' each instalment told the story from a different angle," explained Kitase. "It was kind of like approaching an unknown territory in a sense. Whereas with 'Final Fantasy VII Remake,' we already have a preexisting story, so it wouldn't really make sense if that isn't encompassed in a multi-part series."
This would also address the massive scope of the game's story. Putting all of the original's content into a single PS4 game would require the developers to cut down side content, tone down the graphics or deal with numerous bugs and glitches. By separating the game, "Final Fantasy VII Remake" can be as big as the developers please.
Kitase also pointed out that not everything is going to be changed. He reiterates that the game is being handled by people who worked on the original, such as Tetsuya Nomura and Kazushige Nojima.
"Final Fantasy VII Remake" will be released for the PS4, although no specific release date has yet been announced.
