Can FFXIV 2.0 top Final Fantasy VII?

[Zantetsuken]

Wada is making a very wise decision here.

In a sense, he is saying that if SE remakes FFVII, then they have effectively taking the easy way out. He feels that they need to move forward to show their fans that the franchise is still good.

I am curious about when he says "[...]once we've made a Final Fantasy game that exceeds the quality of FFVII.". I wonder what 'quality' he is referring to.

The problem with FFVII's success is that it was heavily inflated by factors outside of the game itself. Not only was it the first RPG to really break out of the 2D overhead graphics and instead deliver an epic cinema-style experience -- but it was one of first GAMES to do it.

This attracted people from well outside the RPG crowd who didn't have a problem with the turn-based RPG style battle system because the grandiose trimmings (graphical experience) The game became popular largely due to it's hype and novelty.

This is not to diminish the successes of the game itself, because it did have an interesting story (although a bit convoluted at times). and the characters where compelling and memorable...

But by any measure, FFVI has a better and much more epic story, captivating characters, and engaging world. If FFVI had the benefit of being the first "next gen" PS1 RPG, players would think of FFVII in the same way they do FFVIII.

Long story short: Wada is right, but FFVII was a really a case of the stars aligning perfectly. I don't think he should expect future FF games to meet it's standard in hype/nostalgia. Rather, he should consider the successes of all great FF games, From FFVII's hype, to FFVI's masterful story-telling, From FFXII's stunning art design, to FFXI's incredible revenue generation.