Final Fantasy VII: Revelation is set to bring back a beloved feature from the original game, and it's a dream come true for fans. The iconic airship, known as the Highwind, will once again grace the skies, offering players the ultimate freedom to explore the game's world.
This revelation (pun intended) has sparked excitement and nostalgia among fans of the series. The Highwind, with its multi-propeller design, was a symbol of adventure and freedom in the original PlayStation game. It allowed players to traverse the world map without boundaries, soaring over rivers, oceans, and mountains. Now, with Revelation, players will not only get to pilot the Highwind but also experience a seamless transition from the skies to the ground, thanks to the game's innovative design.
The Evolution of Final Fantasy's World Design
Final Fantasy's evolution over the past quarter-century has seen a significant shift in its world design. The early games, from the NES era to the PlayStation era, featured an overworld - a vast, epic map that players explored to discover new locations. These overworlds were less detailed than the towns and dungeons, but they provided a sense of scale and adventure. However, with the arrival of the PlayStation 2 and its graphical advancements, crafting an overworld that matched the visual fidelity of the main locations became a daunting task.
As a result, Final Fantasy X, released in 2001, did away with the overworld concept. The game took place entirely within its level environments, offering a linear chain of locations. This shift had a profound impact on the series, especially for long-time fans.
The Airship Dream Fades
For many fans, the airship was a defining moment in the Final Fantasy experience. Unlocking the airship meant gaining complete freedom to explore the overworld at your own pace. However, with the removal of the overworld, the airship's role changed. In Final Fantasy X, the Fahrenheit, a beautifully designed airship, became nothing more than a fast travel menu. It was a disappointing moment for fans who had grown up with the series and cherished the airship's significance.
The mainline series continued without revisiting the overworld concept, and the airship dream faded. While some games offered expansive locations, they followed the linear path set by Final Fantasy X. The series became more focused on level environments, sacrificing the sense of exploration and freedom that the overworld provided.
The Return of Open Worlds
As gaming technology advanced, Final Fantasy began to experiment with open-world designs again. Final Fantasy XV, powered by the PlayStation 4, introduced Eos - an open world of rolling hills and diverse landscapes. However, the protagonist, Noctis, navigated this world primarily by car, limiting off-road exploration. While an upgrade allowed the car to fly, it was a post-game bonus, not an integral part of the story.
Final Fantasy XVI, built for the PS5, took a step further with its interconnected zones, but it still fell short of the airship dream. The game's airship quest ultimately led nowhere, leaving players with limited exploration options.
Final Fantasy VII: Revelation's Promise
Final Fantasy VII's remake trilogy, however, has a unique opportunity to bring back the overworld and the airship dream. The overworld is an integral part of the campaign's fabric, and with Revelation, it seems that Square Enix has found a solution.
Rebirth, the second game in the trilogy, pushed Final Fantasy into the modern understanding of an open-world game. It featured hubs bridged by linear environments, reminiscent of post-Assassin's Creed open-world design. Revelation looks set to take this further, unifying the existing regions with new areas and creating Final Fantasy's most expansive open world yet.
And soaring above this world will be the Highwind, offering players the freedom to explore as they wish. It's a testament to the developers' dedication to bringing back a beloved feature and providing an authentic Final Fantasy experience.
Conclusion
Final Fantasy VII: Revelation's decision to bring back the airship is a bold move that speaks to the series' commitment to its fans and its rich history. It's a reminder that sometimes, it's the little things, like the freedom to explore an open world in an airship, that make gaming experiences truly special. Personally, I can't wait to take to the skies once more and relive the magic of Final Fantasy VII.
