If you’re like me, and millions of other people, then you probably really enjoyed Final Fantasy VII; which still makes the list as one of the best RPG’s or even best game of all time. You also probably didn’t want that enjoyment to last, but unfortunately all good things come to an end. Except people didn’t want that, and there still exists a hardcore community of Final Fantasy VII fans that are still involved in the world through fan fiction, and also lap up every little thing that arrives set in the same universe (such as the Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children film, which I thought was pretty good even if Cloud could suddenly jump around like he was in The Matrix). They also want a remake, no, they DEMAND a remake.

Square Enix has since moved on, such as making new Final Fantasy games like they should be doing, but they’re still milking the popularity of Final Fantasy VII through releasing spin-off’s such as Crisis Core. So, if they’re so prone to milking their most popular games then why don’t they give in to fan demands and just remake the damn thing already?

“There’s no official project that’s up and running for a remake of Final Fantasy VII at this point. Both Toriyama-san and Kitase-san were involved in the development of the game, however, and it holds a special place in their hearts. They do talk about it on a personal level, like, ‘If we did it it would be like this or like that,” Square Enix producer Yoshinori Kitase and Motomu Toriyama told VG247.

They added;

“So, they do talk about it, but there’s no official project yet. But there’s that PlayStation Network release that just came out, so if you could play that for the time being, it should be fun.”

It makes sense that Square Enix wouldn’t want to channel a whole boat load of resources into a remake as they’re far too busy concentrating on making a handful of new Final Fantasy games. Personally, as much as I loved Final Fantasy VII, I’d rather have new Final Fantasy games then a remake. I also think the games charm would be lost with a HD graphical upgrade. I do enjoy playing the PSN re-release on my PSP while sat on the toilet though, not that there’s much charm in that. What I want is for Final Fantasy VIII and IX to be re-released on PSN though, because then I’d be in heaven.

We played it. We Loved it.

Now let it go!

It’s not a Final Fantasy VII remake but it’s a start. Kotaku notes that the Electronic Software Ratings Board has posted a listing for Final Fantasy VII for the Playstation 3 and PSP, which suggests that a PSN release is on the way.

The ports have already seen a PSN release in Japan, so it wasn’t that surprising that it would eventually make its way out of the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’. ESRB is an American organisation, so this only refers to a North American release, but Square Enix would have to be more than a little mad to ignore Europe and the rest of the world. I’m sure they don’t want hordes of European Final Fantasy VII fans knocking down their office doors.

While a PS3 release doesn’t interest me all that much - as I can play my original copy on my PS2 - the PSP release has literally foaming at the mouth. The ability to play one of my favourite games of all time on the bus is something I would give my right arm for; well, that’s if I hadn’t already given in the hope that we will one day see a remake.

There’s no news on when this will actually hit the PSN store, but hopefully Square Enix will announce a release date at E3.

I’m starting to think that no other Final Fantasy game will ever come close to beating the experience I had with Final Fantasy VII. I adored every second of that, working through it slowly because I didn’t want it to end. Since then I’ve played every Final Fantasy game released (barring XI) and, while I’ve had fun, nothing has beaten those first steps into Midgar. Will Final Fantasy XIII change all this? I doubt it, but it sure looks awesome.

These two trailers were originally shown at DKΣ3713 during the summer, but Square Enix has finally decided to treat us. While, for the most part, these trailers may be pre-rendered they still look pretty amazing. I’m just thankful that I’ll be able to play the game on my trusty old Xbox 360 (did I really just say trusty?), even if the trailers still say Playstation 3. I suppose its half right, as Final Fantasy Versus XIII (below) will be an exclusive to Sony’s console. This may give me a reason to buy a Playstation 3, although my poor wallet won’t like it.

Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy Versus XIII are due for release sometime in 2009, but bear in mind that this is Japan; as there’s no word yet on a European/North American release yet.