The "Final Fantasy VII" remake announcement at E3 2015 was one the most well-received announcements at the event and it seems that the remake would not only enhance what made the original game so great, but it seems that it would make some changes to core game mechanics as well.
The game director for the "Final Fantasy VII" remake, Tetsuya Nomura, has confirmed that the new game would not be a direct recreation of the original game, and the players should expect some changes.
In an interview with Wired.com, Nomura has stated that SquareEnix plans to make the "Final Fantasy VII" remake to feel fresh in hands of old and new players alike.
"In terms of taking a such an iconic game and giving it a fresh feel, we can't go into too much detail but we're not intending for this to become a one-to-one remake, or just the original Final Fantasy VII with better graphics," said Nomura.
Nomura made it clear that during the process of making changes to the game, he did not touch what made the original fans loved it. He further stressed that it's definitely a balancing act between what to change and what should be kept from the original.
"We don't want to interfere with what makes the original title so iconic. 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," notes Nomura.
According to Wired.com, it has been speculated that the biggest change that could be introduced in the "Final Fantasy VII" remake is that the old turn-based combat system could be changed to an active combat system found in ARPG's.
"While Nomura couldn't reveal details on any revamped mechanics for the game -- though more active combat seems likely, rather than turn based as in the original," wrote Wired.
But if the sound of changes being made to modernize "Final Fantasy VII" may seem scary for long-time fans of the original, Nomura makes it clear that the "Final Fantasy VII" would still be the game they liked so long ago.
"My goal with the remake is to make it apply to the current era, the current generation of players that are going to be coming into contact with or playing FFVII for the first time through this remake. I want to make it so it's relevant to the modern era, as well as having an element of surprise," said Nomura.
Nomura continues, "It has to be something that riles up this sense of wonder and amazement. I don't want to change it so much that it's unrecognisable, but make sure that it's something fresh and new [yet still] recognisable as FFVII. That's what I'll be keeping in mind as I work on this."
Meanwhile, Cinema Blend reports that Nomura has admitted that the "Final Fantasy VII" remake would push the boundaries of what is capable with today's gaming systems, and that he would like to make something that could only be done with today's technology.
"Final Fantasy VII is special, and we can't 'exceed' the game by simply making the graphics nicer. That's not a thing to be excited about. Precisely because it's a full remake, I want to challenge what's fun and what's possible now," said Nomura.
The report also states that Nomura wishes the "Final Fantasy VII" remake would help with the sales of the PlayStation 4.
"You'll be able to play it first on PlayStation 4, that's for certain. We're not thinking beyond that yet, so after that is undecided. Since we're bringing out PlayStation 4 title after PlayStation 4 title, it'd be great if we can give the hardware and industry a boost," states Nomura.