Wada: Final Fantasy VII remake would kill franchise

Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada won't sign off on a Final Fantasy VII remake until he's sure current games live up to the brand's reputation.

Andriasang reports Wada told shareholders that no Final Fantasy VII remake will happen until the company produces a new series entry which is higher quality the classic PSOne era RPG.

Wada apparently confirmed the implication that in his opinion, recent releases such as Final Fantasy XIII, XIII-2 and XIV haven't met expectations of quality.

The executive said remaking Final Fantasy VII would irreparably damage the franchise.

Final Fantasy VII released for PSOne in 1997 and was the first entry in the critically acclaimed series to sport 3D graphics. It quickly gained a cult following based on its unusual, somewhat sci-fi setting, anime character designs, contemporarily stunning cut scenes, and complicated, mature story line.

Square Enix has repeatedly denied fan requests for a remake, although it did produce a sequel in the film Advent Children, a prequel in PSP bestseller Crisis Core, a tie-in mobile game which unfortunately didn't leave Japan, and spin-off shooter Dirge of Cerberus.