Final Fantasy 7 Remake: How Square Enix Preserved the Iconic Buster Sword on Nintendo Switch
The Buster Sword stands as one of the most recognizable weapons in the history of video games, immediately evoking nostalgia and excitement among fans of the Final Fantasy series.
With the highly anticipated release of Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade set to launch for Nintendo Switch 2 next month, Square Enix’s approach to game and character design is once again under the spotlight. Final Fantasy 7 Remake, developed by the acclaimed team at Square Enix, reimagines the beloved 1997 classic for modern hardware platforms.
The title initially debuted on PlayStation 4 in April 2020, later expanding its reach to PlayStation 5 and PC with the visually enhanced Intergrade edition.
This reimagining preserves the heart of the original, revamping both gameplay and visuals for today’s audience. In a recent discussion about the design process, co-director Naoki Hamaguchi shared new insights into the creative decisions behind protagonist Cloud Strife’s signature weapon.
According to Hamaguchi, the development team debated whether to adjust the Buster Sword for greater believability, especially as Cloud’s effortless one-handed swings could challenge the game’s sense of realism.
“During production, our team considered presenting the Buster Sword in a way that felt more realistic, possibly updating its size or weight,” Hamaguchi explained.
“But we realized that making Cloud use just an ordinary sword would not resonate with our core audience, given the Buster Sword’s legendary status in gaming.” Ultimately, Square Enix resolved to honor the original vision, understanding the cultural impact and visual identity the Buster Sword commands.
“We decided to stick closely to the classic design.
Players expect to see Cloud wield that iconic blade, and new generations have embraced it along with long-time fans,” Hamaguchi elaborated.
This decision has proven wise, as the Buster Sword’s iconic look has become a core element of the remake’s marketing and character identity, with both returning and new players embracing its enduring legacy. The Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, now optimized for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, will allow Nintendo fans to finally dive into Midgar’s meticulously reimagined world when the game launches next month.
With its upgraded visuals and expanded content, this release marks a significant achievement for both Square Enix and the Nintendo Switch platform.
As anticipation builds, long-time fans and newcomers alike can look forward to experiencing this pivotal chapter in modern JRPG history—Buster Sword and all—on Nintendo’s next-generation hardware.
With the highly anticipated release of Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade set to launch for Nintendo Switch 2 next month, Square Enix’s approach to game and character design is once again under the spotlight. Final Fantasy 7 Remake, developed by the acclaimed team at Square Enix, reimagines the beloved 1997 classic for modern hardware platforms.
The title initially debuted on PlayStation 4 in April 2020, later expanding its reach to PlayStation 5 and PC with the visually enhanced Intergrade edition.
This reimagining preserves the heart of the original, revamping both gameplay and visuals for today’s audience. In a recent discussion about the design process, co-director Naoki Hamaguchi shared new insights into the creative decisions behind protagonist Cloud Strife’s signature weapon.
According to Hamaguchi, the development team debated whether to adjust the Buster Sword for greater believability, especially as Cloud’s effortless one-handed swings could challenge the game’s sense of realism.
“During production, our team considered presenting the Buster Sword in a way that felt more realistic, possibly updating its size or weight,” Hamaguchi explained.
“But we realized that making Cloud use just an ordinary sword would not resonate with our core audience, given the Buster Sword’s legendary status in gaming.” Ultimately, Square Enix resolved to honor the original vision, understanding the cultural impact and visual identity the Buster Sword commands.
“We decided to stick closely to the classic design.
Players expect to see Cloud wield that iconic blade, and new generations have embraced it along with long-time fans,” Hamaguchi elaborated.
This decision has proven wise, as the Buster Sword’s iconic look has become a core element of the remake’s marketing and character identity, with both returning and new players embracing its enduring legacy. The Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, now optimized for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, will allow Nintendo fans to finally dive into Midgar’s meticulously reimagined world when the game launches next month.
With its upgraded visuals and expanded content, this release marks a significant achievement for both Square Enix and the Nintendo Switch platform.
As anticipation builds, long-time fans and newcomers alike can look forward to experiencing this pivotal chapter in modern JRPG history—Buster Sword and all—on Nintendo’s next-generation hardware.
