If you found Zack's story strangely sparse in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, you're definitely not alone. Their mini-episode nature didn't do it any favors either. They would often appear at random points, last ten minutes and then leave. It wasn't until just before the end of the story that they remotely sped up the pace as well.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation doesn't sound like a repeat of that choice. On one hand, duh – it's time to see the culmination of the Zackian side of the equation one way or another. On the other hand, it's good to hear confirmation that Zack Fair will be significantly higher, well, fare, moving forward.
Making sense of it all
There are some really great conversations following the announcement of Final Fantasy 7 Revelation. I personally recommend both parts of Automaton's interview with trilogy co-director Naoki Hamaguchi. Much is said there that is not said elsewhere. But the same goes for Hamaguchi's chat with his Denfamico colleagues, and thanks to the ever-helpful superfan @aitakimochi, we have a good overview of what was discussed.
There's a lot to dig into, but for the purposes of this particular article, let's talk to Zack. Via translation:
“There are some 'slightly different elements' between the original and the remake series. The previous game hinted at the existence of 'multiple timelines', but directly stated that that would spoil the appeal in words, wouldn't it? Zack plays that role again in this game, so his screen time is even longer than before and is provided as an even more important part of the game experience.”
I'm not sure “even bigger” is much of a statement in itself when he had so relatively few in FF7 Rebirth, but those are small words (these translated words). Importantly, we've already been told to expect him more routinely and specifically in an “important role.” In contrast, I don't know that he actually had one in Rebirth; am i too down for it? You decide. He certainly factored it in, but again it wasn't until late in the game that he really jumped out.
“Zack is often talked about in overseas media, but his role in this series of FFVII remakes is 'through him to tell a story about a slightly different view of the world and environment than in the original version.'
This part grabs me a little more. We technically he knew because that's exactly how Rebirth works. But it looks like it's going to be an expanded element for Revelation, sticking firmly to that original idea. Maybe it means more drastic changes from Zack's perspective – like jumping across multiple worldlines instead of just hanging out in one. I imagine he would have some interesting things to share with our main characters if he had a chance to cross paths with them again.
Also in an interview with Denfamico, Hamaguchi-san mentions that guest party members will join the roster temporarily at certain points. That's big too! This is reminiscent of, say, Final Fantasy 12. (We saw it with Sonon in the FF7 Remake DLC, but there hasn't been anything like it since.)
“However, at key points in the game, as in the previous game, Zack appears and other guest characters join as playable characters and these elements are incorporated into the story. That being said, the core style is thorough customization and control of the main characters.”
So don't expect the game's “FIT” system – which borrows traits from classic FF job classes – to apply to guests. Hey, that's fair. But it's great to know it will be guests. Who do you think this means?
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Director Says Tifa And Scarlet's Slap Fight Is Getting “The Care It Deserves”
“This is definitely leading up to that moment.
