A new FF post after 3 years absence? Why yes!
So it’s been a while since I’ve posted an essay or any reflection. But soon it’s going to be the 20th anniversary of FF7 release, so I thought I might spew some thoughts about the game’s remake planned for PS4.
When Square Enix announced their remake of FF7, most people, including myself, thought that they are using the exact same story but in higher resolution graphics. However, what we may not be prepared for is that if the gaming platform can change, the story can too. It’s too early to say what will be different, what will be the same. Tech advancements afford new possibilities of augmented reality and gaming experience from a gamer perspective, but it might be at the expense of leaving out some of FF7′s original plots, features and symbolism. Similarly it can add new elements which can be confusing to the original. I don’t expect drastic changes but it gets me thinking... What will be replicated, what won’t? What relationships will it reaffirm about the old game, what will it contradict?
different generation of gamers + new audiences = possibly new story --> conflict with old story
Canonising the original game
There’s no doubt that a new generation of gamers won’t be familiar with the old game. The remake’s success already signals the success the original 1997 ond. However, if story lines and characters differ too much from the og game, it begs the question of “Which version do we rely on?” when deciding what is canonical.
Simple answer: The original one.
Why? It came out first, duh. I understand the remake is still considered canon but for the sake of possible future confusion, future essays will refer to the original one.
It is evident that what Square Enix does, is offer a world of immersive transmedia storytelling. They’ve extended the FF7 world by creating novellas, films, prequel games that all fit the narrative arc. A ‘remake’ however, could be an exact replica of the og FF7 game but in high resolution models or in Hollywood terms, use the basic familiar elements of a plot and change the story completely i.e. Marvel. Japan’s storytelling’s methods are quite different and although I’m not too familiar with it’s creative industries, it may or may not be different to the North American market. Either way, original and artistic integrity will be lost at some stage, we don’t know how much either.
Any one who is an avid or active fan of FF7 or any fandom knows what I’m talking about. There are times when there’s too much ‘change’ in a remake. It happens all the time. In the end, we’re only audiences and don’t want to be confused. With that being said, my fellow FF7 fans, prepare to embrace drastic change if there is any.
Let’s hope cloti doesn’t change too much.
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