“I think it’s beautiful that there’s this kind of cycle where we inspire each other and we take things from each other’s games,” Kitase remarked.
Despite his admiration for Star Wars, Kitase has been cautious not to replicate it too closely, aiming to avoid obvious similarities. However, he admitted that certain elements in Final Fantasy bear the stamp of his Star Wars fandom. For instance, characters Wedge and Biggs in Final Fantasy 7 were directly named after Star Wars characters involved in the rebellion.
Kitase also revealed that the mini-game Blitzball from Final Fantasy 10 was subtly inspired by the Podracing scenes in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. This creative borrowing involved integrating a dynamic sport into a fantasy world, echoing the high-speed races of Star Wars.
“I used an idea from Star Wars Episode 1 where there’s this [pod] race and the fact of using sport inside a fantasy context,” Kitase explained regarding Blitzball’s conception.
As fans eagerly await the release of Final Fantasy 7 Revelation on April 8, 2027, Kitase’s reflections highlight the enduring impact of cultural icons like Star Wars on the gaming landscape.
Cade Onder, a freelance journalist for IGN, covers diverse entertainment topics, including gaming and film. Connect with him on Twitter @Cade_Onder. Meanwhile, Michael Peyton, IGN’s Global Head of Partnerships, manages collaborations with gaming and entertainment studios. Follow him on Bluesky @MichaelPeyton.
Article Source: www.ign.com
