Fact Check: Is FF7 Remake a sequel?

Is FF7 Remake a Sequel?

The claim that "Final Fantasy VII Rebirth" is a sequel to "Final Fantasy VII Remake" has sparked considerable discussion among fans and critics alike. This claim hinges on the relationship between the two games, both of which are part of a larger project aimed at reimagining the original 1997 title, "Final Fantasy VII." The upcoming "Rebirth" is positioned as the second installment in a planned trilogy, but the nature of its narrative—whether it is a straightforward sequel or an alternate retelling—remains a point of contention.

What We Know

Trilogy Structure: "Final Fantasy VII Rebirth" is officially described as the second part of a trilogy that began with "Final Fantasy VII Remake," which was released in 2020. The narrative of "Rebirth" picks up after the events of "Remake," continuing the story of Cloud Strife and his companions as they escape from Midgar, a central location in the original game 1.
Narrative Complexity: The relationship between "Remake" and "Rebirth" is complex. Some sources suggest that "Remake" introduces elements that may alter the original storyline, leading to debates about whether "Rebirth" is a sequel in the traditional sense or a reimagining that diverges from the original plot 2 6.
Game Mechanics and Storytelling: The gameplay and narrative mechanics in "Remake" hint at a meta-narrative, suggesting that the game may not simply follow the original storyline but could explore alternate timelines or outcomes 3 6. This has led to discussions about the nature of sequels in video games, particularly in franchises known for their intricate plots.
Official Statements: Square Enix, the developer, has confirmed that "Rebirth" is part of the overarching narrative established in "Remake," reinforcing the idea that it is a sequel in terms of story progression 4 7.
Fan Reactions: Community discussions reflect a mix of interpretations, with some players viewing "Rebirth" as a continuation of the story, while others argue that it could be an alternate retelling that diverges significantly from the original narrative 3 9.

Analysis

The claim that "Final Fantasy VII Rebirth" is a sequel to "Final Fantasy VII Remake" is supported by several credible sources, including official statements from Square Enix and detailed analyses from gaming news outlets. However, the interpretation of this relationship varies significantly among fans and critics.

Source Reliability: Wikipedia provides a concise overview of the game's structure and narrative, but it is important to note that it can be edited by anyone, which may affect its reliability 1. Conversely, articles from established gaming news outlets like Den of Geek and GameSpot offer more in-depth analysis and are generally considered reliable, though they may still carry some bias based on the outlet's audience and editorial stance 2 4 7.
Conflicting Interpretations: The discussion around whether "Rebirth" is a sequel or a reimagining highlights the complexities of narrative in video games. Some sources argue that the changes introduced in "Remake" create a new narrative path that could redefine what a sequel means in this context 6 9. This raises questions about the methodology behind narrative design in sequels and remakes.
Additional Context Needed: While there is substantial information available regarding the narrative structure of "Rebirth," further insights into the development process and the creative decisions made by Square Enix would enhance understanding. Interviews with the developers or additional commentary on the narrative direction could clarify the intentions behind the game's design.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that "Final Fantasy VII Rebirth" is a sequel to "Final Fantasy VII Remake" is substantiated by multiple credible sources, including official statements from Square Enix that categorize "Rebirth" as the second installment in a trilogy that continues the narrative established in "Remake." The evidence indicates that "Rebirth" picks up the story where "Remake" left off, reinforcing its status as a sequel in terms of story progression.

However, it is important to acknowledge the complexity of the narrative relationship between the two games. While "Rebirth" is a sequel, the introduction of new elements and potential alternate timelines complicates the traditional understanding of sequels in video games. This nuance suggests that while the sequel label is accurate, the nature of the storytelling may diverge from conventional expectations.

Moreover, the ongoing debates among fans and critics about the implications of these narrative changes highlight the limitations in the available evidence. As interpretations can vary widely, readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information and consider the evolving nature of video game narratives.

Sources

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth - Wikipedia. Link
Is Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth a Sequel to 1997's Final Fantasy 7? Den of Geek. Link
Is this an alternate timeline of the original? A sequel ... - GameFAQs. Link
Is Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth a sequel? Everything you need to know about ... - AS. Link
The 3rd act Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy's story is finished ... - Windows Central. Link
FF7 Rebirth trailer reveals a shocking truth about the remake ... - Inverse. Link
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: Release Date, Platforms, And ... - GameSpot. Link
Final Fantasy 7 Remake co-director drops more hints ... - GamesRadar. Link
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Is A Clearly A Sequel. Here's Why - DualShockers. Link