Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Differences, Part 3, and FAQs (2025)

Few video game remakes have sparked as much discussion—and confusion—as the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy. Between the expanded story, the shift from turn-based to real-time combat, and the question of how many parts are coming, even longtime fans can lose track. This guide breaks down what each installment offers, what’s confirmed about Part 3, and who characters like Denzel really are—so you can decide which version fits you best.

First installment release year: 2020 · Second installment (Rebirth) release year: 2024 · Number of parts in the trilogy: 3 · Enhanced version (Intergrade) release year: 2021 · Original FF7 release year: 1997 · Developer: Square Enix

Below is a table of key technical and release specifications for the trilogy.

What’s the difference between FF7 Remake and Rebirth?

What are the differences between Remake and the original FF7?

Remake covers only the Midgar section of the original 1997 game, expanding it into a full-length title. According to PlayStation’s official guide, the remake project’s narrative “does not directly mirror the original game’s story.”

Rebirth follows the party after they leave Midgar and explore the wider world in pursuit of Sephiroth, as stated by PlayStation official guide.

• Remake is linear; Rebirth offers open-world exploration.
• Remake introduced a departure from the original canon at key junctures.
• Rebirth adds unique traversal abilities for each character (YouTube gaming analysis).

The implication: Rebirth is a direct sequel, not a retelling. Players who jump into Rebirth without playing Remake will miss critical story context.

Which is harder, FF7 Remake or Rebirth?

According to community discussions on GameFAQs gaming forum, Rebirth is seen as “way more game” than Remake because of its broader scope and more complex combat encounters. The difficulty spike between the two is notable—Rebirth’s open-world enemies and multi-phase boss fights demand tighter mastery of the materia system and party synergy.

Is Final Fantasy 7 Remake the same as FF7?

No. While it retells the Midgar portion, Square Enix has publicly stated that the remake project “does not directly mirror the original game’s story” (PlayStation official guide). Characters like Sephiroth appear earlier, and the Whispers—entities that enforce fate—add new plot dimensions.

What is the difference between Remake and Intergrade?

Intergrade is an enhanced version of Remake released in June 2021. It adds the “INTERmission” episode starring Yuffie, improved visuals, a photo mode, and performance/quality modes on PS5. It also includes all previous DLC. Intergrade is exclusive to PS5 and later came to PC.

Is Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 coming out?

What is the release date for Part 3?

As of early 2025, no official release date has been announced. Based on development timelines, a window of 2027–2028 is widely expected (community speculation on Steam Discussions).

Has Part 3 been officially announced?

Yes. Square Enix has confirmed the Remake project as a trilogy. In multiple interviews, producer Yoshinori Kitase reiterated the three-part plan. According to PlayStation official guide, the team has always intended three parts.

“The Remake project was always planned as a multi-part series.”Yoshinori Kitase, Square Enix producer (paraphrased from official statements)

Development is ongoing, but Square Enix has not shared a title or target window. The pattern of Remake (2020) to Rebirth (2024) suggests a roughly four-year cycle, pointing to 2027–2028. Fans should expect a reveal during a future PlayStation or Square Enix showcase.

How many FF7 remakes will there be?

Is FF7 Rebirth a flop?

Sales for Rebirth have been strong but fell below Square Enix’s initial expectations, according to industry reporting. The game sold over 2 million copies in its first month, but the company noted that it didn’t meet the “high end” of projections. It is not a commercial flop—it is a successful game that simply didn’t match the record-breaking launch of Remake.

Will there be more than three parts?

Square Enix has repeatedly said the Remake project is a planned trilogy. No official statements indicate additional parts beyond Part 3. The story structure also aligns with the original game’s disc-based acts: Midgar, the world journey, and the final confrontation.

Twenty-two characters, one pattern: the trilogy faithfully mirrors the three-act structure of the original 1997 game. The trade-off: squeezing the entire post-Midgar world into one game means some locations may be condensed compared to the original. For a deeper dive into narrative structures, you can read They Both Die at the End.

Who is Denzel in FF7?

Is Denzel Tifa’s son?

No. Denzel is an orphan from the Sector 7 plate collapse. He is not biologically related to Tifa; she and Cloud become his guardians during the events between FF7 and Advent Children. This is confirmed in the original game’s extended lore.

Is Barret racist in FF7?

Barret’s character is rooted in environmental activism and distrust of Shinra, not racism. The accusation that he is racist is a misinterpretation of his outspoken, aggressive personality. In the game, Barret’s anger is directed at the corporation that destroyed his home and exploited the planet—no in-game dialogue supports a racial motivation.

“Barret’s arc is about a father’s love and a crusader’s fury; his anger is never aimed at a person’s race.”Editorial interpretation supported by original game script

The pattern: both Denzel and Barret are victims of Shinra’s negligence, not racial or familial stereotypes. The Remake trilogy preserves these nuances.

Should I play FF7 OG or remake?

What are the pros and cons of each version?

Below is a comparison of advantages and drawbacks for each version of the game.

Which version is better for newcomers?

New players can start with Remake, but they may miss context from the original—especially regarding the Whispers and timeline changes. Playing the original first provides a baseline to understand how the remake deviates. According to community guidance on Steam Discussions, most fans recommend playing Remake first, then Rebirth, and optionally the original for full appreciation.

Timeline: The FF7 Remake trilogy so far

The following chronology traces the key events in the trilogy’s development and release.

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

Quotes from the creators

“The Remake project was always planned as a multi-part series.”Yoshinori Kitase, Square Enix producer (PlayStation official guide)

“We are exploring new possibilities for the story that go beyond what fans expect.”Tetsuya Nomura, director (paraphrased from Screen Rant editorial coverage)

“The remake trilogy is a new chapter, not a retread.”Square Enix marketing (summarized from official press materials)

The diversity of voices—from producer to director—shows a team committed to expanding the legacy rather than simply modernizing it.

Why this matters: For Square Enix, the trilogy represents the biggest gamble in the company’s history. For players, it’s a once-in-a-generation chance to revisit a classic with fresh eyes. For fans waiting on Part 3, the choice is clear: stay patient, play Rebirth if you haven’t, and keep an eye on the next PlayStation Showcase.

Frequently Asked Questions

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