**Final Fantasy VII Remake: Expecting “Rebirth” and the Future of the Trilogy**
The gaming community is abuzz with excitement for the third and concluding chapter of the *Final Fantasy VII Remake* trilogy. With *Final Fantasy VII Rebirth*, set to debut in 2024, still looming on the horizon, Square Enix is preparing for what lies ahead. The second installment, *Rebirth*, has received a mix of reactions, mainly due to its substantial focus on minigames, which some players have criticized for interrupting the flow of the game.
*Final Fantasy VII*, first launched in 1997, was celebrated for its varied gameplay features, including minigames that enriched the RPG experience. However, as developers strive to adapt and expand this iconic title, the challenge lies in preserving the spirit of the original while introducing new material. In a conversation with GamerBraves, *Rebirth* director Naoki Hamaguchi discussed the inclusion of many minigames, confirming that the design choice was intended to boost player engagement and pay tribute to its forerunner.
Hamaguchi recognized the risks linked to presenting too many minigames, noting, “When you’re playing the game and you’re going through the main story progression, you tend to fall into this trap of having the same tempo. So, you tend to get bored playing it.” To counter this repetitiveness, the team incorporated various minigames to keep the gameplay vibrant and interesting.
Despite the rationale behind these features, players have offered mixed feedback. Some enjoy the minigames, while others feel they resemble filler content rather than substantial gameplay components. The disparity in the quality of the minigames, from the well-received *Queen’s Blood* card game to the notorious *Cait Sith box throwing segment*, has highlighted this split. Navigating *Rebirth*’s open world has been likened to walking through a minefield, with players facing unavoidable minigames at every juncture.
As we look toward the trilogy’s finale, there is optimism for a more streamlined experience in the third installment. Hamaguchi has hinted that insights gained from *Rebirth’s* feedback could result in a reduced focus on minigames in the closing chapter. With excitement mounting for the definitive conclusion of *Final Fantasy VII Remake*, fans are keen to discover how Square Enix will balance nostalgia with innovative gameplay in this cherished series.
