Introduction: The Unprecedented Scale of Modern JRPG Remakes
When Square Enix originally announced that the Final Fantasy VII remake project would be split into three standalone games, the gaming world reacted with a mix of excitement and skepticism. Today, with Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth critically acclaimed, that multi-part format has proven to be a massive narrative and commercial success. However, recent discussions from key Square Enix developers indicate that three parts might actually be the lower limit for future projects.
In recent developer commentary regarding potential remakes of older legacy titles—most notably Final Fantasy VI—producers admitted that doing full, current-generation 3D reconstructions of classic 16-bit or 32-bit titles could take "4 or maybe even 5 installments" to properly realize. As we step further into 2025, RPG fans are faced with a fascinating reality: if you want your favorite nostalgic Final Fantasy title brought to life with modern graphics, prepare for an epic, decade-long commitment.
Why Classic Games Require 4 or 5 Parts Today
To understand why a game like Final Fantasy VI or Final Fantasy IX would require four to five separate releases, one must look at how game development has evolved. The original 16-bit sprite games were immense in scope, featuring world maps, dozens of cities, huge character rosters, and global apocalyptic events. Back in the 1990s, these could be represented using abstract 2D tiles and simple character animations.
Translating those abstract elements into modern photorealistic high-definition environments requires an astronomical amount of asset creation. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth pushed the PlayStation 5 to its absolute limits just to render a portion of its world map. A game like Final Fantasy VI, which features 14 permanent playable characters and a mid-game world-altering event that changes every location on the globe (the World of Ruin), would easily dwarf FF7 in terms of raw environment and character density.
Dividing such a behemoth into 4 or 5 full-length AAA installments would be the only way for developers to avoid cutting massive amounts of content. Each entry would essentially function as its own open-world or semi-open-world RPG with 50 to 100 hours of gameplay.
Prime Candidates: FFVI, FFIX, and Beyond
Which games are actually in line for this treatment?
1. Final Fantasy VI: Widely considered a masterpiece of the 16-bit era, FFVI boasts one of the largest ensembles in JRPG history. Rebuilding the steampunk city of Vector, the opera house, and the dual World of Balance / World of Ruin would easily demand a 4-to-5-part structure to preserve the narrative integrity. 2. Final Fantasy IX: Long rumored to have a remake in development, FFIX features distinct theatrical aesthetics, detailed continents, and complex worldbuilding. While it might fit into a trilogy, a complete overhaul featuring fully expanded kingdoms could stretch across four entries. 3. Final Fantasy VIII: With its complex gunblade combat mechanics, massive military academies, and time-bending storyline, FFVIII presents immense visual and design challenges that could easily justify a multi-part saga.
Recommended Gear to Ride Out the Multi-Part RPG Era
Sinking hundreds of hours into multi-part JRPG sagas requires top-tier gaming equipment. If you are preparing for massive visual spectacles in 2025 and beyond, here is the essential gaming hardware to elevate your experience:
1. PlayStation 5 Pro Console
- Approximate Price: $699.99
- Why It's Essential: Modern multi-part RPGs push visual fidelity to the edge. The PS5 Pro, featuring PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) and enhanced GPU capabilities, ensures you do not have to choose between 60 FPS performance and crisp 4K fidelity during high-action boss battles.
2. ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025)
- Approximate Price: $2,999.00
- Why It's Essential: For PC gamers who want to experience current and future Square Enix titles at maximum settings, the ROG Strix SCAR 18 delivers unmatched power. Featuring the latest Intel Core i9 processors, NVIDIA RTX 50-series graphics, and a stunning 18-inch ROG Nebula HDR Mini-LED display, this laptop handles massive open-world rendering without breaking a sweat.
3. LG C4 Series 55-Inch OLED 4K TV
- Approximate Price: $1,299.99
- Why It's Essential: JRPGs are celebrated for their cinematic cutscenes, vibrant magic effects, and deep dark environments. The LG C4 OLED offers infinite contrast ratios, pitch-black darks, 144Hz refresh rates, and Dolby Vision support, making spells like Flare or Ultima look breathtaking.
4. Sony DualSense Edge Wireless Controller
- Approximate Price: $199.99
- Why It's Essential: Sinking 80+ hours into a single JRPG installment requires a comfortable, customizable controller. The DualSense Edge allows for remappable back buttons, customizable analog stick dead zones, and quick profile switching, making long grinding sessions significantly more comfortable.
The Cost of Ambition: Developer Fatigue and Fan Patience
While the concept of four or five ultra-detailed games based on a beloved classic sounds incredible on paper, it raises valid concerns regarding production timelines and gamer fatigue. If each installment takes 3 to 4 years to develop, a 5-part remake project could span nearly 20 years from start to finish.
Gamers who played the initial release in their 20s might be approaching their 40s by the time the finale drops. Additionally, keeping sales momentum high across five sequential games is a huge financial gamble for publishers. However, if the narrative depth and gameplay innovations match the standard set by the FF7 trilogy, dedicated fans will almost certainly follow the journey through to the end.
Our Verdict / Bottom Line
The idea of a 4 or 5-installment remake project proves that Square Enix views its classic library as legendary mythology worth preserving at the highest artistic level. While a multi-part release schedule requires immense patience and serious financial investment from fans, the result is an unprecedented level of immersion and detail that single-game remakes simply cannot match. If you are ready for the future of epic JRPGs, updating your display and setup in 2025 is the best way to prepare for the massive journeys ahead.