Final Fantasy VII Revelation: Returning to Midgar While Trimming Rebirth’s Bloat

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<p><em>Final Fantasy 7 Revelation</em> introduces a suite of major adjustments, with its shift toward an open-world structure standing out as the most transformative. This leads to a natural question: how will iconic environments from previous entries be adapted for this vast, non-linear format? In an exclusive interview with Polygon, director Naoki Hamaguchi shed light on the creative process behind reimagining the industrial sprawl of Midgar for <em>Revelation</em>.</p>

<p>In <em>Final Fantasy 7 Remake</em>, the narrative was confined entirely within the walls of Midgar, the sprawling, plate-covered metropolis. Hamaguchi confirmed that players will indeed revisit this legendary setting, promising that pivotal story beats from the original game will be faithfully recreated within the new, expansive design.</p>

<p>“Midgar makes a return in <em>Final Fantasy 7 Revelation</em>, and players will certainly have the chance to explore it once more,” Hamaguchi shared. “The original <em>Final Fantasy 7</em> features a critical narrative juncture where the party must infiltrate Midgar. We have ensured that this quintessential moment remains a centerpiece of the <em>Revelation</em> experience.”</p>

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<p>Hamaguchi is presumably referencing the dramatic late-game sequence where the party parachutes back into Midgar to confront Professor Hojo. Given that <em>Revelation</em> introduces mechanics for players to deploy from the Highwind, the integration of such a high-octane entrance feels like a natural evolution for the project.</p>

<p>Naturally, returning to Midgar requires a departure from the strictly linear, corridor-heavy design seen in <em>Remake</em>. To accommodate the freedom of an open-world exploration model, the environment has been thoughtfully restructured. Hamaguchi noted that the city has been refined to better align with the game's broader scope.</p>

<p>“The experience of navigating Midgar will differ somewhat from its presentation in <em>Final Fantasy 7 Remake</em>,” Hamaguchi explained. “You won't have access to every single street or slum district from the previous entry. While I cannot disclose specifics due to spoiler concerns, the layout has been curated to maintain the iconic aesthetic of the <em>Final Fantasy 7</em> universe while fitting the demands of a larger world.”</p>

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<p>This design shift reflects a broader philosophy for <em>Revelation</em>. Following fan feedback regarding the sheer density of content in <em>Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth</em>, the team is focusing on a more balanced and manageable experience.</p>

<p>“When you build an epic, open-world landscape, a common critique is that the sheer volume of activities can become overwhelming,” Hamaguchi remarked. “We heard that feedback regarding <em>Rebirth</em>, particularly concerning its minigame implementation. We are taking those lessons to heart, refining our approach in <em>Revelation</em> to ensure the exploration remains engaging and rewarding rather than tedious.”</p>

<p>Rest assured, however, that some traditions remain. The director confirmed that the Gold Saucer will make a triumphant return, with portions of the amusement hub now featuring dedicated areas for Queen’s Blood—the addictive card game that debuted in <em>Rebirth</em>.</p>

Source: Polygon