Final Fantasy 7 Remake still a long way off, according to Director

Final Fantasy 7 Remake

Rabid fans of the classic RPG from Square-Enix, Final Fantasy 7, were overjoyed to hear that the company had plans to remake the game on current generation hardware with all the graphical enhancements that such an upgrade entails. Little news has been heard regarding the project lately, leaving many to wonder when we might see an update.

Tetsuya Nomura, director of Final Fantasy 7 Remake as well as the upcoming Kingdom Hearts III, has divulged some interesting information regarding the status of development on both of these highly anticipated titles. He took to gaming publication, Weekly Famitsu, for an interview, a transcript of which you check out below (via Gametsu).
This year is the 15th anniversary of Kingdom Hearts, the 20th anniversary of Final Fantasy VII, and the 30th anniversary of Final Fantasy, so what can we expect?

“First, we’re releasing Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8: Final Chapter Prologue in January, then exhibiting a Final Fantasy VII snow sculpture at the Sapporo Snow Festival in February, releasing Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix in March, and starting the Kingdom Hearts orchestra world tour. We may be able to do something for the D23 Disney event. We’re also preparing for the start of Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ Season 2.”

Will you release a complete package including Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix and Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8: Final Chapter Prologue?

“Because the timing is delicate, we won’t be releasing anything like a complete pack this time, but we’re preparing a box that can hold both games, as is often the case with DVDs. Perhaps we can offer it as an e-Store bonus.”

What’s the state of Kingdom Hearts III‘s development?

“While I can’t make a sweeping statement because the development process is different from what we’ve done so far, there are still worlds untouched. Production is progressing on unannounced worlds, in a state that we cannot show them off. In terms of the state of development, there is still some way to go.”

What’s the state of Final Fantasy VII Remake‘s development?

“We’re steadily progressing on production. While we are making them, I apologize that the wait will be be a bit longer for Kingdom Hearts III and Final Fantasy VII Remake. I am very sorry, but to that degree I will make a game that will meet your expectations.

“Last year, I didn’t put out much information on either title, but this year I want to show our progress at an event somewhere. The release of the titles themselves have still have a way to go. But there are many titles releasing this year, if you can wait for any ‘surprises.’”

Looks as though we may see some new content on both games sometime this year, most likely at E3. Is the remake of Final Fantasy 7 on your most anticipated list? Do you have fond memories of the original? Spellbind us with tales of your FF7 nostalgia in the comments or head to the forums.