The Game Awards Predictions 2024 | Delco Nerd Network Podcast Episode 108

[@DelcoNerdNetwork]

What are your thoughts and predictions on this year's Game Awards? Be sure to follow us on social media and join the discord! linktr.ee/delconerds discord.gg/sTwgsXYGwc

[@xheisenberg13]

I actually think Rebirth’s game direction is well deserving of the win. The fact that they were able to take prolly the weakest section from the original game (the entire journey from after leaving Midgar up to the temple of the ancients which is like 3-4 hours of the original game) and turn that all into its own full scaled game with the shear amount of variety and unique elements in its content while innovating the narrative of this part from the original with fully fleshed out and enhanced character writing and moments makes it such a remarkable feat that they were able to accomplish this. In terms of the actual open world content, I 100% understand Ragucci's frustration with the execution of the open world and its overuse on large scale environment check-listing which I can agree at times took away from the actual substance and pacing of the main narrative. But what always resonated with me about the open world is one of the pivotal themes of this game which is the bonds and relationships u develop being the core concept of the narrative, the characters (affinity system + in-depth character writing), the gameplay (synergy abilities), as well as the world of FF7 itself. To me, the open world, the side content, the regions/towns along with all the quirky NPCs, even the minigames added such an extra layer of life and charm that made me feel so immensely attached to this world and these characters that it will hit so much harder in the 3rd game when everything goes to shit and we see the planet, all the regions we explored, all the NPCs we interacted with effectively suffering and dying out, which will make us even more sympathetic to wanting to save the planet and everything and everyone that we've grown so attached to. This is why I think the entire 3rd game will be way more narrative focus in order to tie together all the major plot points that have been built up and have it conclude in a very satisficing manner, which in turn will most likely lead to a much more lenient approach to the side content and the open world by focusing more on discovery and organic exploration (much of the original game's plot REALLY starts picking up right after temple of the ancients anyway which is literally where Part 3 starts). I do think when the 3rd game is out and we're able to look back at not only Rebirth but the entire Remake Trilogy as a whole, I feel we'll be able to fully appreciate the entire package as one whole experience that is so interconnected with each other with its themes and its impact. Part 1 (Remake) - introduce us (or reintroduce for og players) to the characters in a completely new but familiar/nostalgic setting. Part 2 (Rebirth) - heavy focus on the bonds and relationships between the characters and the overall world of FF7. Part 3 (whatever the title will be) - actual meat and bones of the narrative that will conclude and tie together all the major plot points in a very satisficing manner (at least that's the hope lol)

[@DelcoNerdNetwork]

I agree with your points I just feel like the game is more about "the open world, the side content, the regions/towns along with all the quirky NPCs, even the minigames" it's less about the actually narrative in Rebirth. I hope the 3rd remake is more like Remake. Thanks for the comment and Happy Thanksgiving. - Ragucci

[@xheisenberg13]

@@DelcoNerdNetwork 100% fair. I do believe that the 3rd game will have a better balance with the side content to ensure it doesn't overwhelm the actual narrative, especially considering a lot more important shit is going to be happening plot wise for part 3. Although that is just me being optimistic and I guess we just have to wait and see when it comes out. And happy holidays to u and Chris as well 👍

[@DelcoNerdNetwork]

@@xheisenberg13 Thanks and thanks for engaging with us! Be sure to join our discord if you haven't already. We announce our podcasts and recording dates over there exclusively.