‘Final Fantasy VII Remake’ director sets record straight on game’s progress

By Aaron Mamiit Updated November 16, 2018

Details on the Final Fantasy VII Remake, particularly its release date, have been too few and far between for excited fans of the highly acclaimed RPG. It’s just about time for a few more tidbits about the project’s progress, and they come from none other than game director Tetsuya Nomura.

Nomura, in an interview with Famitsu at a recent Dissidia Final Fantasy event in Japan, talked about Square Enix and its projects. Most importantly for gamers looking forward to the Final Fantasy VII Remake, he clarified a misinterpretation regarding the project’s progress.

There were earlier reports that the Final Fantasy VII Remake was put on hold while Square Enix moved to prepare Kingdom Hearts III for its January 25, 2019 release date. This would have meant that the Final Fantasy VII Remake, already three years out from its E3 2015 announcement, will be further delayed.

Nomura, however, claimed that the anticipated delay was not official information. “As I said at E3, development is progressing favorably,” the game’s director said. He further clarified that it was Square Enix’s public relations team that was focused on Kingdom Hearts III, not the company’s developers, which makes sense as the launch of Kingdom Hearts III draws near.

Nomura added that the Square Enix PR department will then shift its focus to the Final Fantasy VII Remake, so there should be more information about the RPG coming by next year.

Final Fantasy VII Remake rumors claim that the game’s release date is sometime by 2020, but Square Enix has been very secretive about the project’s progress. The RPG was one of the biggest no-shows of E3 2018, fueling speculation that Square Enix may have announced the project too early at E3 2015. Final Fantasy VII fans are looking forward to more information about the remake next year at E3 2019, but with Sony deciding to skip the annual event, it will be up to Square Enix itself to whet the appetite of gamers.

Impatient fans of Final Fantasy VII may want to pick up the PlayStation Classic next month, as the $100 mini console will include the original version of the classic RPG alongside Grand Theft Auto, Metal Gear Solid, and Tekken 3, among its 20 pre-installed games.

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Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: all piano sheet music locations and rewards

Cloud playing the piano in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

While there's no shortage of ways to distract yourself while playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, one of the most unexpected minigames is the surprisingly deep piano system. In most of the major hub towns you encounter across the expansive world, Cloud can find a piano to sit down at and tickle the keys. You're free to play any song you want in free play, but you can turn this system into a full-on rhythm game, almost like Guitar Hero, by collecting sheet music of some of the game's most iconic tracks. There's even an NPC near each piano who will reward you if you get a high enough rank on each song. Cloud may not be the most expressive in his words, but he can sure play the piano with heart. Here is where you can find all the sheet music and what rewards await if you can master them.
Where to find all sheet music

Sheet music, thankfully, isn't hidden away in chests or has to be purchased for crazy amounts of Gil, but a few do have some hidden requirements. Each new composition is found on a piano in the world and is free to snag once you sit down. Even if you don't feel like playing right then and there, make sure you always at least grab the music to add to your collection so you don't have to backtrack later and get it. There are eight in total to find, and some will only come later in the story, but none are missable once you open up fast travel back to previous areas. This is the natural order you can collect them.
On Our Way
Our first piece of music can be picked up once you hit Chapter 4. During this section, go to the Crow's Nest town in the Junon region, which you can only enter by doing the "When Words Won't Do" side quest. Once you complete this quest and can freely enter the town, hit up the bar and grab this tune.
Tifa's Theme
After a rather exciting cruise to Costa del Sol in Chapter 6, you can add this piece to your collection by making a quick stop at the fancy Royal Crown Hotel.
Barret's Theme
Not much further into the game in Chapter 7 you will visit Barret's old hometown of Corel. The Rock Bottom Bar is waiting with his song.
Cinco de Chocobo
Chapter 9 takes you through the town of Gongaga. Even a town way out in the forest has a piano, which means yet another song to snag.
Two Legs? Nothin' to it
One chapter later, in Chapter 10, you need to do a little exploring in Cosmo Canyon to find your way to the piano, but the icon on your map won't lead you astray.
Aerith's Theme
Perhaps the most iconic song in the entire game, if not the franchise, is hidden behind a completely optional side quest. Once you reach Chapter 11, return to Nibelheim and do the "White-Haired Angel" side quest. It may seem totally irrelevant, but the quest ends with you playing and collecting this song.
Let the Battles Begin!
Once you prove your skills and get an A rank or better on all prior songs, you will get this new one as a reward from the NPC Dorian next to all pianos.
One-Winged Angel
We're not sure if fighting Sephiroth or getting this song is harder. If you want to play this terrifying arrangement, you need to donate all 88 Treasure Trove items to Johnny. This more or less requires you to 100% the entire game
All song rewards
For every song you A rank, Dorian will give you a prize when you talk to him. Here's everything you can get:

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Final Fantasy VII Rebirth makes one impactful change to Barret’s story

Barret talking to Dyne in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

This article contains story spoilers for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.

Ahead of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth's launch, fans were buzzing about how the sequel would tackle Aerith's story. The holy healer was a major focus of Square Enix's marketing, making it clear that one of gaming's most iconic moments would be pivotal to the adventure. But for me, I was more curious about how another tragedy would play out: the tale of Barret and Dyne.

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Don’t skip over our 5 favorite minigames in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Fort Condor characters

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is not only a fascinating retelling of one of gaming's most beloved titles -- it's also among the most feature-rich games of this generation. From vast open areas to explore that teem with activities to densely populated cities and tense dungeons, there's at least 100 hours worth of content to uncover here if you've got the time and energy to complete it all.

As you work through the game, you'll find that a surprising amount of this playtime sees you engaging with minigames, both to advance the story and just for fun to earn optional rewards. And though there are a few duds scattered along the way -- we're looking at you Gears and Gambits -- most of the minigames you'll encounter offer a unique and enjoyable diversion for Cloud and friends. We've gone through a tough elimination process and decided on our picks for the top five minigames in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
5. Dolphin Course