Final Fantasy 7 Part 3 Story Completion: Anticipating the Series Staple Approach

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth marks an exciting chapter in the beloved franchise, with reports suggesting that its sequel has a completed storyline. This development raises intriguing questions about how the trilogy will explore themes deeply embedded in the legacy of Final Fantasy, particularly the notion of destiny. Both Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth hint at significant narrative alterations compared to the original game, suggesting a dynamic interplay between recreating the familiar story and innovating upon it. While familiarity with the original Final Fantasy 7 isn’t essential for newcomers, seasoned players may discover subtle clues pointing toward potential shifts in the yet-to-be-announced Part 3.

The central theme of fate is vividly woven into both new installments. This concept is embodied in the form of the Whispers, which serve as agents of destiny within the game narrative.This contemplation of a preordained fate has resurfaced throughout various titles in the Final Fantasy series, showcasing diverse interpretations of this philosophical dilemma. Although concepts of destiny are prevalent in contemporary video game narratives, they resonate deeply with ancient storytelling traditions, making the forthcoming exploration in FF7 particularly captivating.

Destiny in Final Fantasy: A Recurring Theme

Prophecies and Their Fulfillment

Squall Leonhart looking towards the sea, Final Fantasy 8 — Image via Square Enix

The exploration of fate is not a new narrative device for the franchise, as it can be traced back to the very first Final Fantasy. The original game features four main protagonists who fulfill a prophecy laid out by the sage Lukahn, dictating their quest to rescue a princess and defeat the villain, Garland. Such prophetic elements are often foundational in fantasy narratives, hinting at destinies that characters are fated to fulfill.

In Final Fantasy 5, a similar prophecy materializes through the character Ghido, who foresees the breaking of the crystals linked to The Void. The ambiguity surrounding whether his foresight stems from genuine prescience or educated reasoning adds depth to the narrative discussion on destiny.

However, Final Fantasy 8 perhaps takes the theme of destiny to its zenith, presenting a narrative where the antagonist, Ultimecia, strives against her fated destiny. Her attempts to manipulate time culminate in events that inadvertently lead to her predicted defeat. As witnessed in this narrative, the struggle against preordained fate often leads characters to fulfill the very destiny they seek to avoid.

Traditionally, the series appears to embrace a deterministic view of fate, yet I’m keen to see if the upcoming third installment will diverge from this established canon. Contemporary storytelling frequently embraces the alteration of fate, a trend that has gained traction in recent gaming landscapes.

Challenging Fate in Modern Video Games

Recent Examples of Defying Destiny

The theme of fate is not just a relic of ancient narratives; it continues to permeate modern storytelling. Games like God of War Ragnarök challenge this concept through Kratos, who confronts an ominous prophecy regarding his demise. Contrary to my initial expectations rooted in Greek myth, the narrative cleverly unfolds to allow Kratos to forge his path and escape his foretold fate.

In Persona 5, players interact with Chihaya Mifune, a fortune-teller who matches the genre’s traditional element of foresight. Here, players quickly realize that despite the predictions, actions taken within the game can alter outcomes, emphasizing the notion that the future is not predetermined. The side quests that revolve around this idea implore players to take charge of their destinies actively.

Implications of Fate in FF7 Remake and Rebirth

Alternate Timelines and Their Narrative Significance

The alterations introduced in Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth signify a departure from the original narrative framework. While certain changes may appear as minor adjustments in event order, others hint at transformative shifts towards the series climax.

A pivotal transformation is showcased through the exploration of an alternate universe narrative, which reintroduces a seemingly alive Zack Fair and other characters presumed dead in the primary timeline. During a climactic confrontation against Sephiroth, Zack emerges as a potential ally, suggesting that actions within this alternate timeline could significantly impact events within the main narrative.

Furthermore, the introduction of a new scene depicting Cloud’s intervention to save Aerith adds layers of intrigue regarding her fate—one of the iconic moments from the original game. This fleeting moment raises questions about its nature: is it an alternate possibility or merely a figment of imagination? Such narrative uncertainties amplify the anticipation surrounding the unfolding story.

What Changes Might Final Fantasy 7 Part 3 Bring?

Will Final Fantasy 7 Challenge Its Narrative Paradigm?

As the narrative of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth introduces these intriguing alternate timelines, it stands to reason that the concluding chapter of this trilogy will incorporate these elements in meaningful ways. Although motivations may remain undisclosed, the attention dedicated to these alternate scenarios suggests a significant narrative impact on the game’s original story trajectory.

My personal sentiment leans towards a preference for the ambiguous conclusion of the original game, which left players contemplating humanity’s fate juxtaposed with the planet’s enduring spirit. In contrast, the revelations in Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children slightly underwhelmed me, as they altered my interpretation of that ending.

That said, I find myself warming to the idea of a more hopeful conclusion for the new Final Fantasy 7 saga. The message of nature prevailing could indeed resonate, but it might carry a fatalistic tone in light of current global crises. A narrative focused on proactive changes may foster an inspiring dialogue about reshaping destinies while acknowledging the repercussions of past actions, particularly regarding Shinra’s legacy of exploitation.

The nature of the ending I would like in Final Fantasy 7 Part 3 continues to evolve in my mind. While reuniting beloved characters across timelines holds significant appeal, my concern remains that a perfectly happy ending could dilute the relevance of the game’s potent environmental themes. Imagining a storyline centered on the capacity to alter fate holds immense potential, but ensuring that actions bear consequences remains vital for impactful storytelling.

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