Square Enix reiterates episodic Final Fantasy VII Remake release

Square Enix opened its E3 2019 presentation Monday with plenty of details about Final Fantasy VII Remake’s combat and gameplay.

Final Fantasy VII Remake’s combat system mixes real-time attacks with strategic utilization of ATB bars, which provide more powerful attacks and abilities unique to each character.

Spells can be cast using ATB bar abilities by equipping materia. Players can enter tactical mode once both ATB bars fill, slowing down the action and letting players decide how to strategically deploy ATB attacks.

Fighting as a party has been streamlined as well. Players can switch between party members with the press of a button, que up ATB abilities with party commands and implement shortcuts in order to chain attacks and abilities even quicker.

Square Enix also reiterated that the game will be released episodically. The game’s first episode will encompass the original’s story through leaving Midgard.

The company did release a new extended trailer, including our first look at Tifa.

Final Fantasy VII Remake will release exclusively for PS4 on March 3, 2020.

Square Enix also revealed details of special editions including the Deluxe Edition and Square Enix Online Store exclusive “1st Class Edition.”

The Deluxe Edition contains a hardback art book featuring concept art, a Mini-Soundtrack CD, Summon Materia DLC allowing players to summon Cactuar in game, and a Sephiroth Steelbook Case.

The Digital Deluxe Edition contains a digital art book, a digital Mini-Soundtrack selection, and Summon Materia DLC allowing players to summon Carbuncle and Cactuar in game.

The “1st Class Edition” includes all Deluxe Edition content, the Carbuncle Summon Materia DLC, as well as a Play Arts Kai Cloud Strife and Hardy Daytona box set (bundled separately), which is available to pre-order in limited quantities from the Square Enix Online Store.

Those who pre-order any version of the game from select retailers will also receive the Chocobo Chick Summon Materia DLC at launch.

Those who pre-order any digital edition from the PlayStation Store will also receive the Cloud & Sephiroth Dynamic Theme.