Enhancing Friendship and Romance Systems in Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 3
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has made notable strides in expanding the friendship and romance dynamics established in the original FFVII. The classic PS1 JRPG allowed players to engage in romantic interactions with party members like Aerith, Tifa, and Barret primarily in the iconic Gold Saucer. As we look ahead to FFVII Remake Part 3, there is immense potential for these systems to evolve into something even more engaging.
The Friendship System: A Deeper Connection
In Rebirth, players could boost their relationships with various party members through specific quests and choices. Achieving a high level of friendship unlocked exclusive scenes at the Gold Saucer with those characters. Once a friendship level was maximized, players could experience upgraded versions of memorable date scenes, some of which could be quite romantic.
Despite my appreciation for these intimate moments, I found certain limitations frustrating. Players could only experience a date with one character per playthrough, which might spark debates over who is the better choice – Aerith or Tifa. However, this restriction also meant missing out on interactions with characters like Red XIII or Barret.
New Game+ Improvements
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth addressed this limitation with its New Game+ feature, allowing players to revisit chapters and unlock all date scenes after completing the main storyline. Although this was an improvement, having to complete the game first felt like an unnecessary hurdle.
Rethinking the Bonds System for Part 3
As the series progresses into Part 3, there’s an opportunity to redesign the bonds system for a more immersive experience. Drawing inspiration from successful elements in other JRPGs, such as Persona 5, allows for individual friendship development. This model would let players deepen their connections with characters independently. For example, players could achieve a rank 3 friendship with Barret while simultaneously reaching rank 4 with Aerith.
Flexibility and Depth of Character Relationships
This revamped system would completely free players from being bound to specific story milestones. For instance, achieving level 5 friendship with Tifa might unlock unique scenes without interfering with other character storylines, allowing for a more expansive exploration of relationships.
Furthermore, this approach offers the chance to delve deeper into characters’ backstories—such as Vincent Valentine—and facilitate their personal growth. Players could aid Tifa in overcoming her past traumas, for example. Importantly, this wouldn’t detract from the exclusive Gold Saucer content; rather, it would enrich the overall experience.
Optional Romance: More Player Agency
Much like Persona, incorporating optional romantic elements into FFVII Remake Part 3 would enhance player choice. Players should have the ability to cultivate their relationships with characters like Tifa or Aerith, choosing whether to pursue romance or maintain platonic friendships. This flexibility would grant players greater control over how they navigate Cloud’s journey.
A Vision for the Trilogy’s Conclusion
Ultimately, the friendship and romance systems in FFVII Remake Part 3 should be adaptable and comprehensive, allowing players to develop meaningful connections with characters beyond the constraints seen in Rebirth. Such an evolution would not only elevate the storytelling but also provide a fitting conclusion to this beloved trilogy.
For those interested, Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth are currently available for PS5 and PC.
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