Re: FFVII’s new episodic nature.
Lets do a run down, shall we?
So, first up; business and economics. We know that a split version of FFVII will allow SE to gross more than if it were just a single version. This in turn generates more revenue for the franchise, and shows continued interest in development of FFVII. This then allows tem to expand the later episodes and add in more detail. The episode format also allows them to add in extra content to each section as DLC, if needed, and allows for easier distribution due to smaller downloads per secion. If they remade everything in the original game (they’re not, but they’re still making a frakkin’ huge game), then it would be simply too large for people to feasibly download and install.
Next, Storyline. The original game lends itself well to the idea of being split into individual sections: The first disc ran over-long compared with discs one and two, so i can see it being sectioned up – but the other discs bookended the story very well from one to the next. I can see the first 10 hours in Midgar being its own episode entirely, and that would make sense: the original left a lot of loose ends when they just left for Kalm. So, yes, i think it does make sense, and i do think the original storyline easily supports it. Maybe the flashback will be it’s own episode? we wont know until we can see how big the first episode is.
Finally, Content – does it support it? Is it necessary? Of course it does, and it sure is! There were so many unheard stories, so many hinted-at adventures that happened off-screen in FFVII, that if we can now hear those stories via Focussed Episodes, extra narrative viewpoints, or extra content in some way, then I’m happy. If it actually allows them to fully explore the world they created in the 90’s, to focus in on the individual stories with more detail in each episode, then I’m all for it.
So, to quickly recap:
Story supports being split up
Allows for more focussed content in each episode instead of a broad overview
Episodes mean smaller downloads, easier to distribute
Makes more money for the company leading to better development on later episodes
More opportunities for DLC + expanded story
So, my verdict? This is a good thing, and I’m kind of excited about it. Sometimes, change is for the better.
Will I be made to eat my words by SE?
Almost certainly.
ReverendRyu Writes . . . 