Final Fantasy VII Revelation: Hamaguchi Defends Massive Open-World Scope Amid Mixed Demo Reactions

Key points

• Hamaguchi insists the abundance of side content in Revelation is intentional, citing the original game’s diverse appeal and player preference for variety.
• The Highwind airship allows vertical exploration, including parachuting and flying chocobos, connecting new regions like Wutai and Mideel to existing areas.
• The FITS system introduces job-like classes (Warrior, Knight, Black Mage, Summoner), with Cid’s Dragoon style and Vincent’s aggressive combat highlighted as key additions.
• Vincent and Yuffie are now mandatory main characters, with Vincent receiving post-launch DLC stories alongside Sephiroth, though the main ending remains unchanged.
• The game aims to balance narrative stakes with light-hearted humor, ensuring side quests reflect the impending apocalypse rather than feeling random.

Background

Following the linear structure of Final Fantasy VII Remake and the open-world expansion of Rebirth, Revelation represents the final chapter of the trilogy. Previous coverage noted Hamaguchi’s goal to push Final Fantasy beyond traditional JRPG molds and the controversy surrounding the $100 Premium edition offering 24-hour early access. The game’s development has been marked by a focus on player freedom and emotional payoff, with voice actors predicting a highly emotional climax.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline and Kotaku emphasize Hamaguchi’s confidence in the game’s scale, noting his belief that no other open-world game offers the same feeling of verticality and freedom. Kotaku highlights the team’s response to Rebirth’s criticism, adding non-combat rewards and skip options for minigames. In contrast, Game Informer’s Wesley LeBlanc found the demo overwhelming and the UI intrusive, though he remained optimistic about the final product. The Outerhaven’s Scott Adams praised the combat fluidity and the Highwind’s seamless integration, noting that the game’s scope may make Rebirth feel like a step down. While all outlets agree on the game’s ambition, they differ on the execution of the demo, with some finding it chaotic and others praising its freedom.

Why it matters

Final Fantasy VII Revelation is a critical title for Square Enix, aiming to conclude a beloved trilogy while expanding the franchise’s reach into open-world action RPGs. The game’s success will determine the future of the Final Fantasy VII IP, including potential TV adaptations, and will test whether the massive scope and content density can satisfy both long-time fans and new players. The post-launch DLCs and expanded character roles also signal Square Enix’s strategy to extend the game’s lifecycle and deepen fan engagement.

What to watch

Final Fantasy VII Revelation is scheduled for release on April 8, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Post-launch story DLCs for Vincent and Sephiroth are expected in Winter 2027 and Spring 2028, respectively. Square Enix is also exploring TV adaptations for the Final Fantasy VII property, with Hamaguchi expressing openness to such opportunities.