Kitase On FFVII Remake: "Tempted To Add New Elements"

So you want a Final Fantasy VII remake, huh? Well, you know, considering that Square Enix would probably do something tragic, it's best to "let memory be memory."

In a recent Game Informer interview, Final Fantasy XIII-2 producer Yoshinori Kitase said he wouldn't be too enthusiastic about a straight port or remake of FFVII and all its original content. Said Kitase:

"If I may speak as a game creator, if we were to produce a remake of VII, for example, I would be really tempted to delete things and add new elements, new systems or whatever because if we were to make exactly the same thing now, it'd be like a repeat.

It'd be an issue of repetition and not as much fun to make such a game. So I'd be really interested in rearranging games or reshaping games into something slightly different even though it's supposed to be the same game. But if we did that, the fans might be disappointed or 'this is not what I was expecting' so in that sense maybe some might say that it's better to let memory be memory."

Wait. Let me see if I can grasp this: you acknowledge that the fans would be disappointed. You are aware that fiddling with a masterpiece could result in torch-and-pitchfork raids on Square Enix HQ. So instead of just saying, "yeah, that's an idea," you say you just can't resist messing things up, so it's best to leave well enough alone. ...okay. Well, that's par for the course, wouldn't you say?

You know, I've decided: the old Squaresoft is dead and buried and to let Square Enix completely annihilate FFVII would be a travesty. Just forget it. I'll keep my classic and my memories intact, thank you.

Related Game(s): Final Fantasy VII

Tags: ffvii, final fantasy vii, ffvii remake, square enix

11/28/2011 8:56:05 PM Ben Dutka

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Comments (55 posts)

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Temjin001
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 9:40:55 PM
Reply

I've been playing the Halo remake over the last several nights. And while I really appreciate it, there's something about the game looking like an experience from this generation and with gameplay clearly from last gen that doesn't quite mesh for me. In a way it clashes with the nostalgia of it all. I don't know how to describe it but it would kind of be like performing a talent show as a kid in front of your peers, something childish and fitting for it's time. But then, 10 years later, performing the same childish show in front of grown-ups who wouldn't find the same act performed as something as cute or endearing... anyway, hopefully that makes sense. And this feeling has me kind of wondering, would I rather just have the FFVII as I know it now and be content. If Square felt so inclined to do FFVII fans fan service, then just make a new game modeled after the design of PSX's jRPGs.

7 up, 2 down

Riku994
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 9:48:19 PM
Reply

Oi... Only Kitase... It's official, him AND Wada need to leave, and Nomura needs to spearhead everything because he's the only one around with a creative bone in his body anymore >_>

2 up, 0 down

shadowpal2
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 6:27:58 PM

I don't know what's going on Kitase these days...maybe he was spellbound by Wada's philosophy or something.

Do understand that Kitase was the director FFVI, VII, VIII, and Chrono Trigger. Why would a guy who pretty much lead the development on these fantastic games...say that he want to change FFVII?!

And honestly Kitase...what do you think "remake" means?! Your company made only like 7 other remakes this whole generation...and now you're saying that the remake should be a new game completely? I guess I kind of like his enthusiasm to make a new game...but at least make a new game that is original and not tempted by Western creations.

As for Nomura...the guy should leave and start his own company like Sakaguchi did.

0 up, 0 down

shadowpal2
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 6:27:58 PM

0 up, 0 down

ol scool
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 9:56:13 PM
Reply

I just don't understand what is so complicated simple formula for making everyone happy give us ffvII remake exact game only graphics of versus and add option for there new battle system would be biggest exclusive of all time that's right no xbox

2 up, 3 down

Riku994
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 10:22:42 PM

You're obviously welcome to post here as much as you want, but PLEASE fix your grammar >_<

3 up, 3 down

PAKINIPS
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 8:53:29 PM

Ha, was wondering why I couldn't understand what he was saying.

0 up, 0 down

Vitron
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 9:57:32 PM
Reply

On second thought, no, don't make a remake....

3 up, 0 down

Karosso
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 10:11:05 PM

I second your second thought.

2 up, 0 down

Riku994
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 10:23:03 PM

I third his second thought.

2 up, 0 down

OPHIDIAN
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 10:58:15 PM

I continue to second his first thought.

2 up, 0 down

TheIllusiveMan
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 9:58:16 PM
Reply

Does this happen to be because of my comment on the Skyrim patch article lol? Regardless, let's just face it, either no FFVII remake at all, or a completely reimagined FFVII, which sucks. I mean, me personally, while I could enjoy a reimagined game, it wouldn't be FFVII if they did what he said. I just doubt they'll do it at all. At this point... I'll take anything.

2 up, 0 down

Nas Is Like
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 10:01:32 PM
Reply

F--k that s--t.

I don't care if it's tempting or not, DO NOT DO IT! JUST RE-MAKE IT, GOTDAMN IT!!!

3 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 10:05:20 PM
Reply

This tool needs to stop making video games. Leave FFVII alone you fool.

4 up, 0 down

OPHIDIAN
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 10:59:03 PM

Like the rhyme.

This guy does seem lost though.

Last edited by OPHIDIAN on 11/28/2011 11:00:20 PM

2 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 10:08:56 PM
Reply

This would be akin to Nintendo "deleting and changing things" in their 3DS remake of Ocarina of Time. The game was perfect as is. A nice graphic overhaul was all that was needed to get me to dump another 40+ hours into it.

I really hate this company and this fool along with Wada are the reason.

Last edited by Jawknee on 11/28/2011 10:10:40 PM

5 up, 0 down

Karosso
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 10:15:58 PM

If they could only look to Nintendo on how to bring franchises up-to-date and remake old games... Well I guess is too late for them. I just hope, that when they finally go bankrupted, Sony can just buy them on the cheap and fire Wada and the other clowns in this Circus...

4 up, 0 down

telly
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 11:40:12 AM

Honestly, the 3DS remake of Ocarina of Time should be required playing for any developer looking to remake a classic. The game looks pretty much exactly the way I wished the game looked the first time around -- the original's textures' were REALLY blurry, and it was very noticeable even way back in 1998. The menus have been streamlined beautifully -- playing the Ocarina is no longer a chore, it's easy to organize and use your items, etc. I think a more modern camera system would have been nice, but that's nit-picking. Nintendo preserved the essence of the original and gave it a tremendous new presentation. SE, and everyone else, would do well to follow Nintendo's lead.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 10:12:56 PM
Reply

Also from the sound of his comments, it proves to me once and for all they are not into making games for us. It's for them. He's worried about "repetition" in he game making process so he's willing to possibly ruin this great game so he can get his development jollies.

Screw him.

8 up, 0 down

Nas Is Like
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 10:22:13 PM

For once I agree with you.

He's obviously lost it. Let the profit loss give him a hard reality smack.

5 up, 0 down

OPHIDIAN
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 11:02:51 PM

He will still get his wages though, won't he?

That is the travesty: he can't be bothered to make it, but at the end of the day, it won't hurt his pockets.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 10:24:28 PM
Reply

So if you give the people what they want and you get obscene amounts of money for your effort that's a no-can-do because you'd prefer to ruin it? K, got it.

1 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 10:45:00 PM

I think he's saying they would be willing to possibly ruin it as long as they got what THEY want. What the fans want be damned.

0 up, 0 down

daus26
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 2:49:56 AM

You're both right. I'm guessing he wants to make it an Action RPG or something, regardless of what the fans want. And he knows, it would anger a lot of people, so he's decided not to do it at all. It's either a re-build or nothing. Re-making the game with the same elements isn't an option, which is dumbfounded.

0 up, 0 down

Excelsior1
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 10:54:05 PM
Reply

What's ironic about that is in Ben's week in review last week I said I would no welcome a FF7 remake at this time from Square out of fear of what they would do it. This Kitase guy needs to shut the hell up. He is hurting Square, and his comments could not be more out of touch. I don't want this guy anywhere near FF anymore. Somebody please shut him up. People like him typify what is wrong with Japanese gaming industry these days.

2 up, 0 down

Oyashiro
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 10:57:31 PM
Reply

WE DON'T WANT A RE-IMAGINING! WE WANT A REMAKE!

Last edited by Oyashiro on 11/28/2011 10:57:41 PM

1 up, 0 down

gumbi
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 11:08:25 PM
Reply

Dear Yoshinori Kitase,

If I may speak as a game player... F*** off!

Are you seriously more concerned about the monotony of your job than you are of making a product that appeals to your customers? Lets not forget who's ultimately signing that paycheque bub.

Well, if you're right about one thing (yeah, just one) it's that since you can't seem to resist the urge to f*** things up, you're better off to let memory be memory.

1 up, 0 down

burnedknight
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 11:37:38 PM
Reply

This is exactly why i don't want them to remake ffVII because they would butcher it anyway all you would need to do is update graphics.

How can S.E be this stupid i do not know you should not even think about messing with a classic like FFVII

2 up, 0 down

keiichimorisato
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 11:46:49 PM
Reply

well if they added to the story (which did leave a lot of questions unanswered) i would be fine lets see better character development things along that nature oh extra towns and materia would be nice larger world with more cotenents things along that nature of and a take on the FFXIII battle system that actually makes sense. in a sense everything he would be tempted to do because i am a fan i would love to see FFVII a lot more fleshed out than what it was. for its time it was great. i know a lot of agree and it has been fans like you that yakuza is no longer dubbed or the fact that crono trigger wasn't remade but ported onto the DS i refuse to play crono trigger because it isn't in 3D actually i refuse to play any 2D games like those i find them boring and un interesting those games could be way better with 3D because the creator had to cut back on what they wanted to do for because of technical limitations of that time. story elements that would've been revolutionary cut because they didn't have the technology to bring all of their ideas to fruition all you guys are doing is hold a great game back from being even greater than what is could be. as long as the remake is done well and with care it would be a great game. stop whining and let them show us what the game could be if it had been made now or what they could do is bring back the original idea for FFVII when it was going to be a fantasy game like the original FF games so that way we do get an ffvii remake without the ffvii remake both parties will be happy

0 up, 3 down

keiichimorisato
Monday, November 28, 2011 @ 11:57:04 PM
Reply

i know leave tetsua nomura on this if anyone has seen footage of FF VS XIII it looks great and it seems by his comments tat he truly want to make a great game leave the FFVII remake to him or get the people from mystwalker studios on it because they are the ones who actually made the game yeah the people who made FF 1 through 9 left and created mystwalker and they have dumped many great RPGs into the market they haven't gotten as much press and square or other companies but blue dragon was a great game and it brought back old rpg traditions that died. though the DS game could've been way better but they are still finding their niche they have experimented with a good many types of gameplay and story elements that other companies would be scared to do because it isn't mainstream. what i am saying is let there be a overhaul for FFVII it needs it but do it right it can be more cinematic the story can be longer and effect the characters on a more deeper level than ever before i want them to be more human i want to feel that that the world is dying and they are the only hope of saving it i want to feel that sense of urgency again. and i want more midgard that was my favorite part of the game and i want to explore more of it. and if you guys don't want a remake how about a direct sequel that is more like the original game so that you guys can stop bitching about how bad a remake would be.

0 up, 1 down

BikerSaint
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 12:11:01 AM
Reply

keiichimorisato,

Just a little helpful feedback on your posts here....

Please use periods at the end of your sentences so your post don't look like they're rambling on.

And cutting your post into a few separate paragraphs would also help us to read it much easier too.

5 up, 0 down

daus26
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 12:25:18 AM
Reply

Another week, another Square Enix fail. It just goes on, and on, and on...

4 up, 0 down

kokoro
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 12:35:59 AM
Reply

*Rolls eyes with vehement*

1 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 1:29:35 AM
Reply

A-heh. Heheh. No.

I can understand his desire, but FFVII is a classic, and you do not f**k with classics. You do not add new systems, you do not delete things.

By all means, add more to the materia, add pieces to the story that make sense and help progress it. Find new ways to tug well-worn heartstrings, but do not alter it into something that is, for the most part, unrecognisable, whether this applies to the narrative or the gameplay. I just want to play FFVII, damnit. I don't want FFVII - The Kitase cut, because it wouldn't be what it was...

What I REALLY don't understand though... This guy directed and co-write FFVII. How the hell does he NOT GET IT!

3 up, 0 down

nogoat23
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 3:06:03 AM
Reply

Sounds like an addict. "This is who I am. I can't help it." Is there a game developers anonymous we can sign him up for?

1 up, 0 down

Vitron
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 3:07:03 AM
Reply

Too many Sephiroth pics, so little Cloud....

2 up, 0 down

___________
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 3:20:19 AM
Reply

typical $E, everything goes in the too hard basket!

0 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 5:50:21 AM
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BAHAHAHA!!!!!

Paraphrase: If I were to remake FFVII, I would willingly screw it up. Nay.... I would -WANT- to screw it up.

Well then, screw you buddy. Get a -GOOD- and intelligent developer who is passionate about the game to do it. Hardly a no brainer... I bet there are lots of talented staff who are also gamers who are passionate about FFVII.

Get them.

5 up, 0 down

Rogueagent01
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 1:24:15 PM

Thank you at least someone else has thought about this.

OK so you would want to change it and the fans by large have said "NO". So why not sub it out to a company that enjoys this kind of work. You know 4 or 5 years ago when they(SE) said this was impossible and/or not worth doing, I well kinda agreed with them. However nowadays with many games receiving the update to HD with little or no complaining from the companies doing them is the proof that SE lied. Not only that but the company is in dire need of a reconnection with its true fan base. FFVII HD would sell millions just to the people that played it let alone all the people over the years that have heard about it but never got around to it. With this one title you could bring millions of fans back and make an obscene amount of cash.

But it seems SE is determined to go down the drain until there is no return. I am at the point like many here, thinking just close the doors and be done with it already.

0 up, 0 down

Ninja_WafflesXD
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 7:51:56 AM
Reply

I saw the title and literally screamed...

2 up, 0 down

CrusaderForever
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 8:02:05 AM
Reply

Wow SE = ClusterF*ck!

1 up, 0 down

tes37
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 8:03:36 AM
Reply

If this would lead to him getting fired, I say let him do it.

1 up, 0 down

main_event05
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 8:27:41 AM
Reply

If they wanted to be lazy AND remake FF7. They could just base it off Advent Children and expand on that. That way the classic isn't hurt, they get to experiment, and we get another RPG, whether or not that's a bad thing yet remains to be seen.

1 up, 0 down

Douchebaguette
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 8:36:48 AM
Reply

"...because if we were to make exactly the same thing now, it'd be like a repeat."

Well no sh*t, Sherlock; it's what people want. In HD.
-----------------------

"It'd be an issue of repetition and not as much fun to make such a game."

Seems that Kitase has the dark virtuoso syndrome: rather j*ck off on his instrument than make something that sounds great. Perhaps he'd be personally bored with a remake since his roles for FFVII (direction and scenario planning) are already complete.

-----------------------

So actually it sounds as if he's trying to silence those who wish for a remake. By warning us of such tragedies, no one will question. He acknowledges a remake or "repeat" is supposed to be the same, too. I know Japanese devs work differently but Square-Enix seem so disjointed and broken down atm. I dunno.

1 up, 0 down

Ultimadream
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 9:17:36 AM
Reply

Final Fantasy VII is still a masterpiece, go ahead and playthrough it. It still stands strong today for it's story, setting and brilliant gameplay mechanics. I just played through VIII and once again it still is magnificent.

Fans have been begging for this for years, I do not understand why at all. A remake would be very different, theres no way they would keep the same battle system. re-creating the mood which hovered over the game would be impossible to recreate. I just cannot see it happening and I don't need it.

Anyone who is asking for this and has no played Final Fantasy VII for a year or two, stop it and replay it.See how well it maintains

2 up, 0 down

cadpig
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 1:04:37 PM
Reply

Give the people what they want!!! All i want is a Final Fantasy VII remake with a 50/50 split of old and new content. With Advent children graphics. C'mon it doesn't have to be a remake. How about a reimagining of Final Fantasy VII.
I wish that someone at square would wake up and stop screwing around with the battle system! Go back to Final Fantasy X battle system and stay there!!

0 up, 1 down

Ultimadream
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 3:21:37 PM

Look at this, this is what I am talking about. People look at Advent Children and expect S-E to produce a game with graphics on that level and to be as big as FF7...Thats asking for way too much.

0 up, 0 down

CrusaderForever
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 3:49:29 PM
Reply

It sounds like this buffoon is worried about being bored while making a verbatim copy of FFVII HD! Am I wrong? I have to make sure I don't fall out of my chair. You have the ability to be a part of a FOR SURE CASH COW and you are worried about being bored?!!! Karma's a b*tch and she's in heat! You will get your comeuppance a$$hole!

2 up, 0 down

Warrior Poet
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 3:51:27 PM
Reply

The old squaresoft wouldn't have made FFVII either, you know. Maybe a spinoff or sequel...but more likely, just a new Final Fantasy. Other than possibly Final Fantasy Origins, they never remade their old games - since most of the games are timeless to begin with.

Still, this guy doesn't seem to grasp the idea of a "remake."

1 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 4:24:45 PM

Of course. But Square Enix just got finished saying they find "more merit" in sequels these days...just another indication that Squaresoft is no more. :)

1 up, 0 down

karneli lll
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 @ 6:48:54 PM
Reply

"Stay where you belong, in my memories"

0 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Wednesday, November 30, 2011 @ 1:03:10 PM

World beat you to it.

:(

1 up, 0 down

reese66
Thursday, December 01, 2011 @ 10:53:41 AM
Reply

Just F'n redo the graphics. Leave the game alone!!! FFVII HD remake would be a top seller at any price point. I'd shell out $150 if they just broight the graphics up to FFXIII standards.

0 up, 0 down

slimwhoisdirtay
Thursday, December 01, 2011 @ 2:40:11 PM
Reply

I would love to see a remake, and if they want extra elements then add them in along with it. Keep the original story and game progression to keep fans happy. Then if they want to add new "elements" add optional side quests, or a monster hunting system like in FFXII and FFXIII, add more powerful gem weapons to take down. Add weapons, armor, accessories or new materia, magic, and summons. Update the spells from fire 2 and fire 3 to fira and firaga and so on. There are plenty of things that can be done to make this game fresh and new while holding on to its original identity.

1 up, 0 down

Liltman86
Saturday, December 03, 2011 @ 6:27:00 AM
Reply

I will absolutely burn their head quarters to the ground if they touch this and ruin it, as much as I would want a remake in awesome graphics I do not want them to! Infact I still love the old one regardless of graphics. It's my favourite game and I am so pissed off with square at the moment, nothings been the quality they had years ago. They are already on their last chance for me and if they even attempt to change FFVII then me and them are finished! :(

0 up, 0 down

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Kitase On FFVII Remake: "Tempted To Add New Elements"

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