Why Is Final Fantasy 7 Remake So Different From The Original Story

When *Final Fantasy VII Remake* launched in 2020, it was met with widespread acclaim—but also a wave of surprise. Fans who remembered the original 1997 PlayStation classic expected a faithful reimagining. Instead, they encountered a dramatically expanded narrative, altered character arcs, and new plot threads that reshaped the game’s direction. The Midgar section alone took over 30 hours to complete, whereas in the original, players could pass through it in under 10. This wasn’t just a visual upgrade; it was a rethinking of the entire story. So why is *Final Fantasy VII Remake* so different? The answer lies in creative ambition, narrative expansion, and a bold decision to reimagine—not merely recreate—a beloved classic.

The Vision Behind the Remake: More Than a Nostalgia Trip

Square Enix didn’t set out to deliver a pixel-for-pixel remaster. From the beginning, the development team made it clear: this would be a “reimagining” rather than a restoration. Yoshinori Kitase, the original producer and now creative director of the remake project, stated in interviews that their goal was to preserve the soul of the original while giving modern audiences a richer, deeper experience.

“We wanted to honor the original, but we also saw an opportunity to explore characters and moments that were only hinted at before.” — Yoshinori Kitase, Creative Director

This philosophy meant expanding scenes that previously lasted seconds into full-fledged sequences. For example, Aerith’s quiet walk home after meeting Cloud becomes a detailed journey through Sector 5 slums, complete with dialogue, ambient music, and world-building interactions. These additions weren’t arbitrary—they were designed to deepen emotional investment and give context to relationships that once felt rushed.

The shift from pre-rendered backgrounds to a fully 3D open-world environment also necessitated changes. The original game relied on static maps and menu-based exploration. In contrast, the remake uses real-time environments that demand more environmental storytelling, side quests, and NPC interactions—all of which require narrative space.

Narrative Expansion: Filling the Gaps Left by 1997 Technology

The original *Final Fantasy VII* was constrained by technical limitations. CD storage space, memory capacity, and hardware capabilities forced developers to streamline the story. Characters like Tifa, Barret, and even Sephiroth had minimal screen time or backstory. Dialogue was often delivered through text boxes with little animation or voice acting.

The remake leverages modern technology to fix these constraints. Each main character now has personal missions, extended cutscenes, and voiced dialogue that reveals inner conflicts. Barret’s rage isn’t just political—it’s tied to guilt over Marlene’s safety and his role as a reluctant father figure. Tifa’s trauma from Nibelheim is explored through nightmares and conversations absent in the original.

Tip: Pay attention to optional dialogue in the remake—many lines reveal key character motivations not present in the 1997 version.

Even minor characters gain depth. Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge are no longer generic allies—they have distinct personalities, backstories, and emotional arcs. Their deaths carry more weight because players have spent hours getting to know them. This kind of narrative layering was impossible two decades ago but is now central to the remake’s identity.

The Role of \"Whispers\" and the Multiverse Concept

One of the most controversial changes in the remake is the introduction of the “Whispers”—ethereal, glowing entities that appear throughout the game to enforce the “original timeline.” At first, they seem like abstract guardians of fate. But as the story progresses, it becomes clear they represent a meta-narrative device: the game acknowledges its own history and actively resists deviation from it.

This concept introduces a radical idea—the possibility of free will versus predetermined destiny. In the original game, events unfolded linearly: Meteor came, Cloud defeated Sephiroth, the Planet was saved. The remake suggests that future may not be fixed. By the end of Part I, the Whispers are shattered, implying that the characters can now forge a new path.

This opens the door to a multiverse interpretation. As Kitase confirmed in a 2022 interview, the remake series will diverge significantly from the original storyline. “The breaking of the Whispers marks a turning point,” he said. “From here on, anything can happen.”

Element	Original FFVII (1997)	Remake Series (2020–present)
Story Structure	Linear, single timeline	Branching, multiverse potential
Character Development	Limited by tech	Deep, voice-driven arcs
World Exploration	Menu-based, 2D maps	Real-time 3D environments
Fate & Free Will	Deterministic outcome	Characters challenge destiny
Midgar Duration	~8–10 hours	~30+ hours

Gameplay Evolution Demands Story Changes

The shift from turn-based combat to a hybrid action-RPG system required more than mechanical updates—it affected pacing and narrative delivery. In the original, battles were isolated events. In the remake, combat is seamless, cinematic, and emotionally charged. This means story beats must align with gameplay intensity.

For instance, the fight against Roche in the motorcycle minigame is no longer a quick boss battle. It’s a prolonged, adrenaline-fueled chase sequence with dynamic camera work and real-time decisions. Such moments demand narrative justification and emotional buildup, which the remake provides through additional dialogue and character interaction.

Likewise, summons like Ifrit and Bahamut are no longer menu options. They appear as cataclysmic, story-driven events—physical manifestations of a character’s inner turmoil. When Aerith calls forth Holy later in the series (as teased), it won’t be a spell selection; it will be a climactic narrative moment shaped by her faith, loss, and connection to the Planet.

Mini Case Study: The Fate of Aerith

In the original game, Aerith’s death was one of the most shocking moments in video game history. She was killed suddenly by Sephiroth mid-prayer, leaving players devastated. However, the scene was brief—less than a minute of cutscene time—and followed immediately by a transition to another location.

In the remake, this moment is foreshadowed relentlessly. Visions, dreams, and dialogue hint at her inevitable fate. The Whispers surround her during key scenes, suggesting she is marked by destiny. Yet, the ending of Part I shows Zack Fair—presumed dead in the original—breaking through the Whispers and arriving in Midgar. His presence implies that even fixed events might be changeable.

Fans now speculate: Could Aerith survive in the remake timeline? While nothing is confirmed, the narrative structure allows for it. Her death may no longer be inevitable, challenging one of the most iconic moments in gaming history. This uncertainty is precisely what makes the remake so different—it doesn’t just retell the story; it questions it.

Creative Freedom and Long-Term Storytelling Plans

Perhaps the most significant reason for the differences lies in Square Enix’s long-term vision. The original *Final Fantasy VII* was a standalone title. The remake, however, is planned as a multi-part saga—initially announced as a trilogy, though recent statements suggest it may extend further.

This format allows the writers to slow down, expand, and innovate. Just as a novel adaptation might add subplots or internal monologue, the remake uses its episodic structure to explore themes of identity, memory, and legacy. Cloud’s dissociative identity disorder, barely addressed in the original, becomes a central theme, with entire chapters dedicated to unraveling his fractured psyche.

• The inclusion of Chadley’s VR missions adds lore about SOLDIER and Jenova.
• Side quests explore the socioeconomic struggles of Midgar’s citizens.
• New enemies like the Hell House or Lost Children reflect psychological horror elements absent in 1997.

These additions aren’t filler—they’re narrative tools that build toward a larger philosophical question: Can the past be changed? And if so, what are the consequences?

Checklist: How to Understand the Remake’s Narrative Differences

1. Revisit the original game’s plot structure – Identify key moments that were rushed or underdeveloped.
2. Pay attention to the Whispers – They symbolize fate and are crucial to understanding the remake’s meta-narrative.
3. Engage with side content – Many story expansions appear in optional missions and dialogue.
4. Consider character motivations – The remake gives each party member clearer emotional drives.
5. Stay open to divergence – The story is no longer bound to the original’s ending.

FAQ: Common Questions About the Remake’s Story Changes

Will the remake follow the same ending as the original?

It’s unlikely. The destruction of the Whispers at the end of Part I signifies a break from the original timeline. While core themes may remain, major plot points—including character fates—are subject to change.

Why did they add so much new content instead of staying faithful?

Staying “faithful” doesn’t mean replicating every moment. The team aimed to honor the spirit of the original while using modern tools to enhance storytelling. Adding depth to characters and world-building was seen as more respectful than a strict copy.

Is the remake canon to the original game?

Within the *Advent Children* and *Compilation* universe, the original remains canon. However, the remake exists as an alternate continuity—a “what if” scenario where characters gain agency over their destinies.

Conclusion: A Bold Reinterpretation for a New Era

The *Final Fantasy VII Remake* isn’t different because the developers forgot the original—it’s different because they remember it too well. They understand its cultural impact, its emotional power, and its limitations. Rather than simply polishing an old gem, they’ve chosen to recut it, revealing facets that were always there but never visible.

This remake is not just a tribute. It’s a conversation between past and present, between nostalgia and innovation. It asks players to reconsider what they thought they knew about Cloud, Aerith, Sephiroth, and the very nature of storytelling in games.

💬 What do you think—should remakes stay close to the original, or is reinvention necessary? Share your thoughts and theories about the future of the FF7 Remake series!