Okay, so, here's the thing. We're all (probably) waiting with bated breath for… well, a lot of things in the gaming world. But near the top of most lists? Final Fantasy VII Remake Part Three, and whatever sorcery Square Enix is brewing with Kingdom Hearts IV. And, good news everyone! Tetsuya Nomura, the man, the myth, the legend, has confirmed that development is, and I quote, “progressing smoothly.”
Now, “progressing smoothly” can mean anything from “we haven't scrapped the project yet” to “it's practically finished, just polishing the chocobo feathers.” My gut (and years of following these things) tells me it’s somewhere in the middle. But hey, any good news is good news, right? The frustrating thing about following game development is that timelines are so often subject to change. But as someone who’s waited literal decades for certain game sequels (I'm looking at you, Half-Life 3... oh wait) I'll take a vague but positive update any day.
Nomura Speaks: Final Fantasy VII and Kingdom Hearts Updates
So, where did this nugget of information come from? Well, Nomura-san graced us with his wisdom during an interview, casually dropping the “progressing smoothly” bomb like it was no big deal. Classic Nomura. He knows we’re all hanging on his every word. And honestly? He's probably right! I initially thought it was just a standard PR soundbite, but after looking deeper, there's actually reason to be optimistic, some games are really making progress. Square Enix hasn't exactly been shy about showing off little snippets here and there (remember that Kingdom Hearts IV trailer? Still gives me chills). So, while we're not getting release dates etched in stone anytime soon, the cogs are clearly turning.
One has to wonder what "progressing smoothly" actually means in the context of these behemoth projects. Is it the core gameplay loop is solid? Is the story finally locked down after what I'm sure are countless revisions? Or is it just that the moogle animations are looking extra fluffy? Probably a bit of everything, to be fair.
Kingdom Hearts IV: What to Expect?
Let's dive a little deeper into Kingdom Hearts IV, because, well, I'm a massive fan and I can. That initial trailer gave us a glimpse of a more realistic Sora (controversial!), exploring what looks like a Shibuya-inspired world. Which, okay, I'm on board with. The Kingdom Hearts series has always been delightfully bonkers, blending Disney magic with Final Fantasy angst, but a dash of grounded reality could be just what it needs. Think about it this way: the contrast could make the Disney worlds even more vibrant and impactful. And speaking of Disney, which worlds will make the cut this time? My personal wishlist includes Treasure Planet (underrated masterpiece!) and Atlantis: The Lost Empire (crystal power, activate!).
Of course, the big question is how they'll weave in the convoluted lore of the previous games. The Kingdom Hearts timeline makes quantum physics look straightforward. But hey, that's part of the charm, right? Right? Someone hold me, I'm starting to get Kingdom Hearts anxiety. By the way, check out this article on Ubisoft remakes, if you are interested in more gaming news.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Part Three: The Stakes Are High
And then there's Final Fantasy VII Remake Part Three. The weight of expectations is immense. Part One was a fantastic reimagining, expanding on Midgar in ways we never thought possible. Part Two, Rebirth, took us on an emotional rollercoaster, deviating from the original timeline in some pretty significant ways (Aerith... sniff). Now, Part Three has to stick the landing. It has to resolve all those dangling plot threads, deliver satisfying conclusions for our beloved characters, and, you know, not completely alienate the fanbase. No pressure, Square Enix! Here's an interesting read about Dino Crisis Remake problem. It’s a good reminder that not everything can come back perfectly.
The thing that worries me most? The whispers. Those creepy, timeline-altering entities. They were an interesting addition in Part One, but they threatened to become a bit overbearing in Rebirth. I really hope they dial them back in Part Three. Or at least give us a clearer explanation of what they actually are. Because right now, they feel a bit like a plot device to justify… well, anything. Actually, that's not quite right. Maybe they're a meta-commentary on the nature of remakes themselves. The whispers trying to keep the story on its original path, while the developers are determined to forge a new one. Mind. Blown.
The Future of Square Enix: A Balancing Act
Square Enix is walking a tightrope. They're trying to appeal to nostalgic fans while also attracting new audiences. They're juggling complex storylines with cutting-edge gameplay. And they're doing it all under the intense scrutiny of the internet. It's a tough gig! But I, for one, am still rooting for them. I believe in Nomura's vision (even when it gets a little… out there). And I have faith that both Final Fantasy VII Remake Part Three and Kingdom Hearts IV will be worth the wait. Hopefully.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Will Final Fantasy VII Remake Part Three follow the original game's story?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? The Remake project has already deviated from the original timeline in significant ways, particularly with the ending of Rebirth. While key plot points are likely to remain, expect some surprises and altered character arcs. It's a remake, not a remaster, so expect the unexpected.
How long will we have to wait for Final Fantasy VII Remake Part Three and Kingdom Hearts IV?
Ah, the question on everyone's lips! Unfortunately, there's no concrete answer. Given the scale of these projects, and the notoriously unpredictable nature of game development, it's safe to say we're still a ways off. My totally unscientific guess? Late 2025 for Final Fantasy VII Remake Part Three, and 2026 (or later) for Kingdom Hearts IV. But hey, I've been wrong before.
Is it necessary to play the previous Kingdom Hearts games to understand Kingdom Hearts IV?
Okay, here's the honest truth: the Kingdom Hearts storyline is… complicated. While Kingdom Hearts IV will likely have a self-contained story, you'll definitely get more out of it if you're familiar with the characters and lore from the previous games. At the very least, watch some story recaps on YouTube. Your brain might hurt a little, but it'll be worth it. Understanding the main Final Fantasy VII Remake Part Three and Kingdom Hearts IV development really lies in understanding the earlier titles.
Why is the Kingdom Hearts storyline so confusing?
Good question! A lot of it comes down to the fact that the series has spanned multiple games on different platforms, with different teams working on them. Plus, Nomura-san has a penchant for complex narratives with lots of twists and turns. It's all part of the charm, I suppose. Or maybe I'm just trying to justify my years of dedicated Kingdom Hearts obsession.
