Final Fantasy composer Uematsu returning for remake trilogy finale

Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu has confirmed his return to compose the main theme for the concluding installment of the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy.

This exciting announcement was made during a recent video on the Square Enix Music YouTube channel, where Uematsu engaged in a conversation with Tetsuya Nomura, the creative director of Rebirth.

Uematsu, who is renowned for composing the full scores for the first nine Final Fantasy games, has previously crafted theme songs for both the Final Fantasy 7 Remake (‘Hollow’) and its recent sequel, Rebirth (‘No Promises To Keep’).

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During the video discussion, Uematsu talked about composing the theme song for Rebirth. Following this, Nomura inquired if Uematsu would be willing to return for the next game, implying a “gentleman’s agreement” rather than an official confirmation. Uematsu responded, “It’d be my honour,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity.

Nomura playfully questioned whether Uematsu felt up to the challenge, given the high expectations set by previous compositions. Uematsu humorously replied, “For starters, I’m gonna take a vacation,” without revealing further details.

Nomura, reflecting on the extensive nature of their projects, added with a laugh that he wished to complete this “absolute marathon of projects.”

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Uematsu’s confirmation to return comes amid recent interviews where he hinted at the possibility of stepping back from composing full game scores. He expressed concerns about the physical and mental demands required for such extensive projects, stating, “You would have to give it full throttle for two or three years. And I don’t think I have the physical and mental strength to do it anymore.”

In the recent video, he reiterated this sentiment while discussing his work on Rebirth, acknowledging the challenges of keeping pace with the evolving demands of the Final Fantasy series. “Honestly, it made me realize that someone my age just can’t keep up with the Final Fantasy series, or the effort required of its developers,” he explained, likening it to “running a marathon full-speed the whole way.”

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, which was released last month, has received widespread acclaim. Critics have praised its rich storytelling and immersive world, emphasizing the depth and emotional resonance it brings to players. “For all its cosmological and world-ending drama, it offers warmth and tenderness, its world bustling with detail and culture and extravagance, yet still full of pain. More than ever, this is a world that deserves saving,” one review highlighted.