Square Enix’s long-awaited remake of 1997 classic. Announced E3 June 2015 (crowd erupted), released April 10, 2020, sold 7+ million copies, expanded Midgar section into full 40-hour game.

Development Saga

Fans requested remake for 13+ years. Announcement trailer showed Cloud, Aerith, Sephiroth—nothing else. Five-year development, divided into multi-part series. Part 1 covered just Midgar (first 5-6 hours of original).

Gameplay Overhaul

Real-time action combat (not turn-based ATB), expanded characters (Jessie, Biggs, Wedge), new story elements. 87/100 Metacritic—praised for combat, criticized for padding/sidequests. “Remake or sequel?” debates raged over ending changes.

Intergrade & Rebirth

PS5 Intergrade (2021) added Yuffie DLC. Rebirth (Part 2, February 2024) covered open world. Crisis Core remaster bridged lore gaps. The hashtag celebrates nostalgia, combat clips, and Tifa/Aerith discourse.

Sources: 7M sales Square Enix report, Announcement reaction Polygon