Everyone’s favorite Wutai ninja, Yuffie Kisaragi, returns in Final Fantasy VII Remake Episode Intermission. Although she was an optional character that you could completely skip over in the original 1997 PlayStation release of Final Fantasy VII, this brand new episode will have you playing as Yuffie, alongside new characters, as she infiltrates the shadowing Shinra Corporation to steal a powerful materia and restore glory to her homeland.
Alongside multiple new combat and gameplay additions with her flashy attacks and unique abilities utilizing her iconic massive throwing star, Yuffie’s appearance in this release brings back signature elements of her beloved design, along with a new disguise. Keep reading to find out what Final Fantasy VII Remake Director Tetsuya Nomura has to say about how he wanted to bring Yuffie to life for this new episode
For the uninitiated, Final Fantasy VII Remake launched last year on the PlayStation 4 system to critical acclaim, and we’re bringing it back better than ever as Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade an enhanced and expanded version especially for the PlayStation 5 on June 10. This new version includes a wealth of graphical, gameplay and system enhancements, including improved textures and character models, Graphics Mode for 4K with HDR support, Performance Mode enabling 60 frames per second, and a newly added customizable Photo Mode.
World-class materia hunter, the one-and-only Yuffie!
Could you discuss Yuffie’s design for the remake, and what you were trying to accomplish?
Tetsuya Nomura: I would say I was most particular about whether or not she looked her age. Yuffie is younger than the other main members, as she is still in her teens.
While Cloud and company do have youthful looking faces too, I wanted to make Yuffie look even younger and not fully grown up, so that compared to her, Cloud and crew would look more mature to an extent.
Explore Sector 7 from a whole new perspective
We saw Weiss, and an homage to the Moogle outfit from Dirge of Cerberus – Final Fantasy VII, but were there any other details about Yuffie being pulled in from expanded FFVII media?
Nomura: I wasn’t necessarily aiming to pay homage, but I did want Yuffie to appear in a disguise at first. I had recalled that she was dressed like that in Dirge of Cerberus – Final Fantasy VII, and so I gave her a similar look here. Same goes for Weiss—I chose him because he is a powerful enemy outside of Sephiroth.
Do you recall your headspace and emotions when designing Yuffie in the original FFVII? What were your thoughts then, and how has your perspective of her changed overtime?
Nomura: At the time of the original and even now, my perspective of her has not changed very significantly. Yuffie is an energetic and straightforward character. That being said, as this episode is centered around her, I believe we were also able to depict her sensitive side.
Since the original’s release we saw Yuffie’s design change in Advent Children and Dirge of Cerberus, but how do you come up with your designs?
Nomura: I generally try not to change her silhouette. I also make sure to match her signature elements, such as her shorts, as close to the original as I can.
Even the most out-of-reach items are no match for Yuffie’s Shuriken
Yuffie’s massive shuriken is iconic. When we imagine a ninja, we picture various weapons like the Kunai, or a small katana, but what made you choose the shuriken?
Nomura: The reason for that is because out of all the weapons that the ninja job could wield in the Final Fantasy titles that released before Final Fantasy VII, the shuriken was especially powerful.
Yuffie partners up with Sonon to unleash the devastating Synergized Windstorm attack.
Yuffie is very mischievous in the original FFVII. From a personality perspective, how does this approach to her character vary from the original game?
Nomura: When considering Yuffie in a large group, you can’t help but notice how energetic she is, but I think she is also a character whose inner workings become more visible the closer you get. In this episode, you will mainly be following Yuffie and a new character, her partner Sonon. So, I believe that you will be able to get closer to Yuffie than usual.
How did the team decide to bring Yuffie as the main character in this DLC, instead of Vincent or Cid?
Nomura: The overarching story follows the original, so considering where this lies in the storyline, Vincent is still in his slumber and Cid is on Shinra’s side, so Yuffie was the only one who would be able to move freely.
For the glory of Wutai – Yuffie is a force to be reckoned with.
Please look forward to learning more about Yuffie and enjoying the expanded gameplay experience that can’t be missed when Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade launches next month, on June 10, 2021.
For users who download the free Final Fantasy VII Remake PlayStation 5 enhancement update, the new episode featuring Yuffie, titled FF7R Episode Intermission, will be available as a separate purchase at PlayStation Store for $19.99 USD starting June 10, 2021.
*If you already own Final Fantasy VII Remake for the PS4 (physical or digital version) and own a PS5, you can download the Final Fantasy VII Remake free PS5 enhancement update. Please note the PS4 version of Final Fantasy VII Remake available to PlayStation Plus members is not eligible for the PS5 digital version upgrade. This update does not include the new episode featuring Yuffie. The new episode featuring Yuffie can be purchased separately. An internet connection is required to obtain the free PS5 enhancement update. However, if you have purchased Final Fantasy VII Remake (physical edition) for PS4 and own the PS5 digital edition (the model without a disc drive), then you are not eligible to download the upgrade.