Final Fantasy VII Remake’s Streamlined Progression Sparks Debate Ahead of Multiplatform Release

The long-anticipated arrival of Final Fantasy VII Remake on Xbox Series S|X and Nintendo Switch 2 is officially happening on January 22, 2026.

Alongside the excitement of these new platforms, Square Enix is introducing a controversial yet intriguing feature called Streamlined Progression, designed to give players more freedom in how they experience the iconic RPG.

This new system, which will also roll out as an update for existing PlayStation 5 and PC players, essentially transforms the way the game can be played. With Streamlined Progression, players can choose to keep their health or mana permanently topped up, boost damage to maximum levels, or skip the grind entirely in order to focus purely on the narrative. For many fans, this means being able to re-experience Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, and Sephiroth’s story at a much faster pace – developers estimate as little as 10 hours compared to the typical 40–50 hour journey.

In an interview with AUTOMATON Japan, game director Naoki Hamaguchi explained the reasoning behind this bold move. According to him, the feature was born from a combination of timing and philosophy. The Remake trilogy’s multiplatform expansion provided the perfect opportunity to introduce accessibility options that allow players to engage with the game on their own terms. Hamaguchi confessed that even he often wishes for “debug-like” functions to explore more games within his limited time, and Streamlined Progression mirrors that personal desire for flexibility.

Unsurprisingly, reactions have been mixed. Some fans argue that giving players invincibility or infinite resources undermines the spirit of RPG challenge, calling it sacrilege. Even within the development team, there were heated debates. Hamaguchi acknowledged those concerns but emphasized that modern digital entertainment should respect choice: whether someone wants a demanding, strategic combat experience or a breezy cinematic playthrough, both approaches should be valid.

It’s worth noting that Square Enix does not plan to include such features at launch for the trilogy’s third and final installment. Instead, the team sees this as an option suited for a game that has already been available for over five years. By now, hardcore fans have likely completed multiple runs, so Streamlined Progression is more about accessibility, replayability, and letting newcomers catch up quickly before the saga concludes.

For the RPG purists, the traditional experience remains intact. But for those short on time – or those who just want to revisit the story without worrying about failed boss fights – the option opens up a new way to interact with one of gaming’s most celebrated stories. Whether it becomes a beloved addition or a divisive footnote in Final Fantasy’s history, Streamlined Progression reinforces a broader trend in the industry: empowering players to shape their own adventures.