Just like with Final Fantasy XVl, rumors on the internet anticipated Final Fantasy Remake's release. Most players were expecting a modern upgrade of the original 1997 game. However, when Square announced FF7 would be split into separate games, fans were flabbergasted and didn't know what to expect.
Word on the online street said players will being able to acquire Sephiroth's Masamune, have Reno & Rude join the party, and have the ability to revive Aerith. While some of these claims sounded outlandish, some were believable enough to make fans tap their chin in wonder.
10 Debunked: Sephiroth Will Only Be A Voice
A rumor speculated that Sephiroth's voice would only be heard during Cloud's seizures, and discovering President Shinra killed by a sword would make it obvious to Avalanche that Sephiroth is alive, prompting them to search for him.
Remake, however, featured Sephiroth early in the game right after blowing up the first mako reactor as Cloud sees visions of him surrounded by fire and then again right after he meets Aerith the flower girl. It was clear early in the game that Cloud had a history with Sephiroth.
9 Could Still Be True: Sephiroth Will Be Playable
In the original 1997 game, there is a flashback in Nibelheim where Sephiroth and Cloud fight on the same side. This scene is expected in Remake as well. Before their final duel in Remake Part 1, Sephiroth asks Cloud to join him in altering fate and Cloud quickly declines. Sephiroth says he will not be forgotten due to fate and will not let Cloud go, either. Sephiroth probably is trying to master the power of the Whispers and wants Cloud to help him stop the inevitable.
8 Debunked: Weapons Will Have Unique Modes
Cloud's buster sword has a punisher mode while other swords have modes of their own. While Barret's Steel Pincer doesn't fire bullets, none of Cloud's swords hinder his ability to enter punisher mode. Equipping the Hardedge enables the Infinity's End ability, but Cloud can still perform Focused Thrust and Triple Slash. Equipping Barret with the Big Bertha gun enables him to use Maximum fury, but he can still use Focused Shot. With the Feathered Gloves, Tifa can perform Starshower but also Divekick. Characters can achieve 100% proficiency with these permanent abilities. Upgraded weapons unlock new heavy hits and have their specific focus. For example, the Mythril Sabre is geared for magic, but the Nail Bait is designed for physical strikes and has its own move set. It depends on how players want to strategize.
7 Could Still Be True: Zack Will Be Playable
Zack will help by doing things differently in his timeline that will alter the present, just like how Avalanche defeating The Arbiters of Fate changed Zack's time. Zack will be playable, but in an altered history similar to Laguna in Final Fantasy 8. In that game, Laguna describes a surge of power, calling it "the fairies" when it was really Ellone, his stepdaughter, who was behind it. She could send one person's consciousness into another's body, even through time. Aerith has this power, too, and will do the same by sending Cloud's consciousness to influence Zack to change the past and reunite with Aerith, his one true love.
6 Debunked: Fighting Clones To Get Red Xlll
Red Xlll appears in the last mission at the Shinra headquarters and is not a playable character. He automatically tags along, so no clones to fight, but there is the freak show Specimen H0512 boss released by the mad scientist, Hojo. Red Xlll clones were not in the original so development remains a mystery. The only clones fans expected to see were the Sephiroth copies. There are, however, plenty of Shinra hounds to fight in Remake, and they're really annoying to defeat.
5 Could Still Be True: Resurrecting Aerith, Or At Least Being Able To Save Her
While producer Yoshinori Kitase said that the team wants to stick with the original story, Remake created an ending that leaves open possibilities. In Remake, Sephiroth tells Cloud that their world will become part of "it" one day. This hints that Sephiroth has already seen the visions just like Cloud and Avalanche did during their battle against The Arbiters of Fate. Sephiroth knows he can't kill Aerith or else she'll return to the lifestream and release Holy leading to his demise. Aerith will be spared.
4 Debunked: The Screen Will Fade To Black When Cloud Changes Into A Dress
One of the most memorable scenes in the game is Cloud's transformation into a candidate for Mrs. Corneo on center stage after his amazing dance performance alongside Andrea at the Honey Bee Inn. In the original, Aerith or Aeris waits behind the curtains for Cloud to change into his new wardrobe.
The cut scene is nowhere as dramatic as the Remake's, so fans' mouths hit the floor at the new, colorful presentation of Cloud transforming into a contender for the Don's affection. Some even voted Cloud as the best looking "female" in the game.
3 Could Still Be True: Vincent & Yuffie Will Not Be Optional Characters
Wutai will play a big role in the sequel, so Yuffie's story will be a necessary side quest. This is like how Avalanche had to get the Shinra goons off of Kyrie's tail in order to get the key and Johnny's wallet back. Nibelheim will be another important focus and Vincent holds important info on Hojo and Sephiroth. Plus, Vincent is the main character in Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy 7, and Vincent and Yuffie were in Advent Children. So, both characters must be in the sequels even if they are not playable just like Red XIII in Remake.
2 Debunked: Shinra Headquarters Will Have Fewer Floors But More To Explore
Remake had 70 floors just like in the original, but there is the option to take the elevator, requiring players to fight off soldiers on multiple floors. While it is debatable which version of the game allowed more freedom to explore, Remake did present the giant corporate building with a sleek modern look that contained plenty of rich content. The biggest difference in the remake is that Cloud and Avalanche do not get captured by Shinra soldiers. Instead, players must find key cards, an Avalanche insider, and fight multiple bosses released by Hojo.
1 Could Still Be True: Remake Will Be More Than A Trilogy
There's no way Square Enix will fit everything in a trilogy if they go as in-depth as they did with Midgar. So, parts of the original story will be condensed or even entirely cut out as was true with the original dialogue. Director Nomura commented that making bigger sequels will take longer but smaller games will be quicker. So it makes sense for Square Enix to have a consistent flow of installments to the Remake series. It may tick off some fans, but they'll still buy it.
While Remake did put an end to a lot of gossip, it has opened the door for more sequel theories that have left players in suspense. Fans will have to wait to see what unfolds as some predictions will have to be proved or disproved in the next sequel. One thing is for sure, Square likes delivering surprises so players can't be sure what the future holds.