FINAL FANTASY VII PART 3 DIRECTOR ASSURES FANS AMID ‘REBIRTH’ ENDING CONTROVERSY: “THE FINALE WILL TRULY REWARD EVERYONE”

The highly anticipated sequel, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, delivered a polarizing finale, sparking intense debate across the gaming community regarding its dramatic twists on the beloved classic’s narrative. However, the trilogy’s director, Naoki Hamaguchi, has moved to reassure Final Fantasy faithful, insisting that the yet-to-be-titled Part 3 is in “safe hands” and promises a conclusion that will “really reward everyone for sticking with us to the end.”

The JRPG sequel, a PlayStation 5 exclusive that saw the heroes venture across the massive world of Gaia, has been lauded for its expanded open-world exploration, revamped action-RPG combat system, and stunning visuals. Yet, the final moments at the Forgotten Capital—specifically concerning the fate of the iconic character Aerith Gainsborough and the introduction of a fragmented multiverse—have left many players reeling and questioning the ultimate direction of the remake project’s story. This narrative ambiguity, a deliberate choice by the creative team, has generated a significant amount of “positive anxiety,” as co-director Tetsuya Nomura once phrased it, but also considerable confusion.

The Core of the Controversy: Fate and the Multiverse

The central point of contention stems from the dramatic deviation from the original 1997 game’s pivotal scene. Instead of a clear, definitive death, Rebirth’s ending incorporates elements of alternate realities and Cloud Strife’s unreliable perspective, heavily implying a multiverse of different fates for key characters, most notably Aerith and Zack Fair. Players witnessed multiple conflicting realities, indicated by subtle but crucial changes like the design of the in-game mascot, Stamp the dog, creating an intricately layered, and arguably convoluted, narrative puzzle. Key contentious points include:

• The ambiguity surrounding Aerith’s death, with Cloud perceiving a different outcome than the rest of the party.
• The continued survival and interaction of Zack Fair in a distinct, yet interconnected, timeline.
• The fracturing of the Lifestream and the appearance of a massive dimensional rift in the sky, suggesting a cataclysmic threat spanning all realities.

This approach, while intended to explore the themes of fate and free will established in Final Fantasy VII Remake, has led to speculation that the creative team is drastically altering the canon, a prospect that deeply divides long-time fans. The ending has been described as a mental puzzle, an intense cliffhanger that deliberately leaves the audience in a state of denial and confusion—a decision that the developers seem to view as necessary to propel the final chapter’s emotional impact.

Director Hamaguchi’s Reassurance on Part 3

In a recent interview, Director Naoki Hamaguchi addressed the fan concerns head-on, offering a calming perspective on the conclusion of the ambitious trilogy. His comments affirm that the team is acutely aware of the weight of their responsibility, particularly as they approach the story’s true climax.

“We know where we’re going with it, and it’s looking like it’s going in the right direction,” Hamaguchi stated, assuring that the overall creative vision for Part 3 is firmly established. Crucially, he emphasized the final game’s role as a unifying event. “This is going to be the climax, the finale of the series. And we’re going to make it a suitable finale, a really great send-off for the game. It will be something ideally we hope will please fans, will delight the fans of this much-loved series, and really reward everyone for sticking with us to the end.”

This promise—a reward for long-term players—is a direct nod to the commitment shown by the fan base, a key strategy for maintaining player engagement and maximizing the game’s long-term value. The development update is also positive, with Hamaguchi revealing that the game is “shaping up nicely” and a “lot of the content is already playable,” an encouraging sign for those who endured the long wait between Remake and Rebirth.

High-Stakes Conclusion and Development Progress

The stakes for Part 3 are unprecedented. Not only must it resolve the complex multiverse threads introduced in Rebirth, but it must also deliver the emotional payoff and epic scope of the final confrontation with the ultimate antagonist, Sephiroth, while navigating Cloud’s psychological breakdown and subsequent self-actualization. The director’s comments suggest a strong focus on narrative coherence to tie the new elements back into a satisfying, meaningful conclusion that respects the core emotional beats of the original. Furthermore, Hamaguchi hinted at an evolution of the gameplay, stating the team will not “deliver exactly the same style of gameplay as Rebirth again,” suggesting a fresh take on the battle system to deliver a fitting final act.

The high-quality commitment from Square Enix is evident, aiming to make the third entry “a better experience” than its predecessors, incorporating fan feedback on elements like mini-games and difficulty, while staying true to the central, non-negotiable creative vision of the main plot. With much of the game already in a playable state, speculation on the Part 3 release date is beginning to ramp up, with many analysts placing it around late 2027 or early 2028, a timeframe that allows for the extensive refinement and polishing required for a triple-A title of this magnitude.

A Potential Blockbuster Finale: What to Expect

For investors, this final installment represents a substantial potential for a high-revenue launch. The hype generated by the controversial ending, while challenging, has ensured that Part 3 remains one of the most talked-about upcoming titles in gaming news. The focus on a “rewarding” finale suggests a concerted effort to deliver an emotional and spectacular conclusion that will satisfy both veterans of the original and newcomers to the Remake trilogy. Fans should expect the culmination of the multi-world plot threads, the full reunion of the iconic cast, and an ultimate, universe-defining showdown—a truly next-generation cinematic and role-playing experience.

Strong confidence from the development team in the project’s direction serves as a necessary balm for the divided fanbase. The promise of a finale that will “reward everyone” hints at a powerful narrative resolution that will bring the decade-spanning RPG project to an unforgettable close, cementing its place as a cornerstone of the modern video game industry. The eyes of the world are now firmly fixed on what Hamaguchi and the Square Enix team will deliver for the definitive final chapter.