Even though Square Enix’s marketing campaigns have leaned into Final Fantasy 7 Remake's moniker, it can be argued that the game’s name isn’t as accurate as the publisher would have people believe. In reality, while there are obvious parts of the original 1997 PS1 experience that have been recreated, sections of the game could stand alone as a separate entity. Aside from the basic premise, most of what’s on offer is more expansive than ever. All this which means that the door is now wide open creatively for the inevitable Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2.

Between factors like new story threads, gameplay mechanics, and general world-building, Final Fantasy 7’s modern re-imagining feels just as much like a sequel or reboot as it does a true remake. It’s for this reason that Square Enix should go all in with Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2. Based on some of the success that it’s already had on this front, throwing new characters into the mix should be towards the top of its agenda.

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Square Enix's Past Success

Sonon from Final Fantasy VII Remake

Arguably the biggest reason why Square Enix should introduce new characters into the fold in Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2, is the fact that it’s already had some success on similar lines in the past. Even though the initial PS4 release of FF7 Remake Part 1 focused primarily on five of Cloud’s original party members, when it came to the PS5 remaster a year later the publisher chose to shake up the established order. Players only have to look at the subsequent Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade DLC expansion, for examples of how effective new blood could be in the inevitable sequel.

While Yuffie’s backstory and fully playable protagonist status were arguably the biggest factors that made the DLC special, changes that happened around her enhanced the experience as well. Most notably, during her quest to stop Shinra and restore Wutai’s reputation, Yuffie was assisted by a completely original companion. Over the course of the side story, players were introduced to Sonon Kusakabe for the first time in Final Fantasy 7’s long history.

The introduction of a brand-new cast member on this occasion, benefited the game on multiple levels. From just a gameplay perspective alone, Sonon's presence alongside Yuffie added extra dimensions to the action-JRPGs mechanics, in ways that helped to make the expansion feel fresh. Even though it’s hard to imagine Square Enix disrupting the established party that players have come to know and love over the last 25 years, a case can be made for the benefits it could have on what will likely be a substantial adventure.

Having already hit it out of the park with Sonon’s introduction into the franchise’s mythos, there is good reason to believe that Square Enix could create even more endearing characters in the future. Final Fantasy 7’s history is so established and expansive at this point, it’s easy to imagine the creative developers behind the scenes having conjured up more intriguing twists since the original PS1 game’s debut.

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Better Final Fantasy 7 Party Members

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2 Cast

Adapting a beloved game like Final Fantasy 7 that’s inspired several generations of players is a tricky proposition to say the least. Fans have waited decades to see their favorite characters brought back to life on modern hardware, so it’s natural that many will want the remakes to focus on them above anyone else. Brand-new characters don’t have to detract from Cloud or anyone else, though, if Square Enix continues to introduce them in the same mold as Sonon.

Even though there’s no denying that Sonon was introduced into Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade’s narrative in a fully fleshed-out and organic way, his presence ended up benefiting the DLC’s main character more than himself. Having assisted Yuffie during her personal coming of age quest, Sonon’s mannerisms and sacrifice visibly transformed her own personality and motivations. By the time the DLC came to a close, Yuffie was a much more believable human being as a result.

Up until this point in the series’ history, players have often learned about Cloud and his companions through their interactions with each other. Putting brand-new characters in their way within Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2 would be a clever way for Square Enix to explore different parts of their characterizations. There’s always a chance that players could get an even deeper appreciation for their favorites as a result of the story-telling opportunities that new characters represent.

Narrative Benefits of New Final Fantasy Characters

Aerith, Tifa, and Cloud in Final Fantasy 7 Remake

From a narrative perspective, adding new characters into Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2 would likely benefit the game a great deal in a more general way. It’s worth keeping in mind, for example, that every member of Cloud’s party has lived eventful lives prior to joining the protagonist on his mission to stop Sephiroth. Taking the time to explore the past in more detail, through the introduction of new faces, would help to make the universe feel more genuine.

It’s also worth keeping in mind above everything else that breaking down one classic JRPG into multiple parts will leave Square Enix with a decent amount of space to fill. From a practical perspective, new characters could help to reduce this to a non-issue. Giving veteran fans some unexpected twists, whilst simultaneously making sure the narrative never becomes too slow for newcomers, would help to keep Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2 engaging across its likely 40+ hour runtime.

Players only have to look at how well the publisher fleshed out Midgar during Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 1, for examples of how effectively Square Enix can address this topic. Even though they weren’t brand-new, the enhancements that Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge received pushed them close to uncharted territory. This is evidenced best by how impactful their eventual fate in the game was in comparison to the original 1997 version. Creating brand-new characters for Remake Part 2 would arguably give the publisher even more freedom to create similar emotional moments.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2 is currently in development.

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