Unraveling the Threads: What’s Next After Final Fantasy VII Rebirth?

So, you’ve just finished your journey with Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, and the gang in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. The credits are rolling, your jaw is probably somewhere on the floor, and you’re already itching for more, right? The Midgar crew’s adventure is far from over. The ending…well, let’s just say it throws a wrench into everything we thought we knew about the original Final Fantasy VII. What exactly does this mean for the future of the Remake trilogy? Let’s dive deep into what could be coming next.

Theories and Speculation: Predicting the Next Chapter

The burning question on everyone’s mind is: Where do we go from here? Rebirth took some seriously bold liberties with the narrative, blurring the lines between fate, destiny, and alternate realities. It’s like Square Enix handed us a Rubik’s Cube made of time travel and said, “Good luck!” One prevailing theory is the concept of multiple timelines or realities coexisting, a twist that allows for characters to exist in different states simultaneously. This “multiverse” approach could mean that familiar faces might return in unexpected ways, or that tragic events might be averted – or made even worse!

Another element to consider is the role of Sephiroth. He’s not just a villain; he’s a puppeteer, seemingly aware of the events that transpired in the original timeline. His motives are complex, shrouded in mystery, and likely tied to preventing a fate even worse than what occurred in the original game. Is he trying to rewrite history to his advantage, or is he trying to avert a catastrophic future that only he can see? This adds a layer of intrigue that makes him a truly compelling antagonist, one whose actions are constantly questioned and analyzed.

Key Plot Points Left Hanging in Rebirth

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth left us with more questions than answers. The fate of Aerith is a major point of contention. While the game visually implies her demise, the presence of alternate timelines suggests that she may still be alive in some form, or perhaps even in another reality. This ambiguity has sparked countless debates among fans, each offering their own interpretation of the events. The possibility of saving Aerith has become a central hope for many, fueling speculation about the lengths to which the party might go to change the course of history.

The Whispers, those spectral beings that attempted to maintain the original timeline, seem to be largely gone. However, their influence might still linger in the shadows. Their absence could open the door for even more drastic deviations from the original story, allowing the writers to explore new narrative paths without the constant interference of fate. This freedom could lead to unexpected alliances, unforeseen betrayals, and a truly unpredictable climax to the trilogy.

Potential Settings and Environments for Part 3

The map of Gaia is vast, and there are still plenty of iconic locations from the original Final Fantasy VII that have yet to be fully explored in the Remake series. We can expect to see the return of places like Mideel, a coastal town with a unique atmosphere, and the Northern Crater, the site of the final confrontation with Sephiroth. These locations will likely be reimagined with the graphical fidelity and expanded storytelling that have become hallmarks of the Remake series.

Beyond the familiar locations, there’s also the possibility of exploring new areas or expanding upon existing ones. Square Enix has already demonstrated a willingness to add original content to the Remake series, so we could see entirely new regions or dungeons that weren’t present in the original game. This would allow them to further flesh out the world of Gaia and provide even more opportunities for exploration and discovery. Imagine diving deep into Wutai culture or discovering a hidden research facility related to Shinra’s experiments.

Character Development and New Relationships

The characters in Final Fantasy VII are beloved for their depth and complexity. The Remake series has done an excellent job of further developing their personalities and relationships. In the next installment, we can expect to see even more growth and evolution in these characters, as they grapple with the consequences of their actions and face new challenges together. Perhaps we’ll see more of Yuffie’s mischievous antics or explore Vincent Valentine’s dark past in greater detail.

New relationships could also emerge, forging fresh bonds and complicating existing dynamics. Imagine the potential for a stronger connection between Cloud and Zack, given the altered circumstances. Or perhaps we’ll see Tifa taking on a more assertive leadership role within the group. These character interactions are what truly make Final Fantasy VII special, and we can expect them to be a major focus in the final chapter of the Remake trilogy.

Gameplay Mechanics and Combat Enhancements

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth introduced a host of new gameplay mechanics, including Synergy Abilities and expanded exploration. The next installment will likely build upon these foundations, refining and expanding the combat system to offer even more strategic depth. Perhaps we’ll see new Materia combinations or the introduction of new character-specific abilities that further differentiate the party members.

Exploration could also be enhanced, with even more open-world areas to discover and secrets to uncover. Imagine the possibilities of exploring underwater environments or navigating treacherous mountain ranges. These additions would not only add to the sense of immersion but also provide more opportunities for players to engage with the world of Gaia in meaningful ways.

How The Remake Differs From the Original Game

It’s become increasingly clear that the Remake series is not a simple retelling of the original Final Fantasy VII. Square Enix is deliberately changing the story, adding new elements, and subverting expectations. This raises the question of what the ultimate goal of the Remake project is. Is it simply to tell a different version of the same story, or is it something more ambitious?

One possibility is that the Remake series is a meta-commentary on the original game, acknowledging its legacy while also challenging its conventions. By altering the narrative, Square Enix is inviting players to re-evaluate their memories of the original and consider new perspectives on the story. This could lead to a more nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the themes that made Final Fantasy VII so iconic.

When Can We Expect the Next Installment?

Predicting the release date of the final installment in the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy is difficult, but given the development timelines of Remake and Rebirth, we can estimate a potential release window. Considering the scope and ambition of the project, it’s reasonable to expect a few more years of development. Let’s cross our fingers for more concrete news soon!

Until then, fans can speculate, theorize, and replay the existing games to uncover every hidden detail and easter egg. The anticipation for the conclusion of this epic saga is already building, and the wait promises to be well worth it. The final chapter of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy has the potential to be a truly unforgettable experience. Get ready for another wild ride!

FAQ

Will Aerith be saved in the next game?

This is the million-dollar question! Rebirth heavily implies Aerith’s death, but the introduction of multiple timelines and alternate realities leaves room for hope (or despair, depending on your perspective). Whether she will be fully “saved” or exist in some altered form remains to be seen, but it’s a major plot point that the next game will undoubtedly address. Expect more twists and turns before we get a definitive answer.

How will the story differ from the original Final Fantasy VII?

The Remake series is already deviating significantly from the original story. The introduction of the Whispers, the altered fates of certain characters, and the exploration of alternate timelines all point towards a different narrative path. While key plot points might still be present, expect new twists, surprises, and a reinterpretation of familiar events. Prepare for the unexpected!

What new locations or characters might we see?

While iconic locations like Mideel and the Northern Crater are likely to appear, there’s also a strong possibility of entirely new locations or expanded versions of existing ones. Given Square Enix’s willingness to add original content, we could see entirely new regions, dungeons, or even side stories that weren’t present in the original game. New characters are also a possibility, though their roles and significance remain a mystery.