Final Fantasy VII Remake PlayStation 5 and PC update adds head start mode and fast forward cutscene option

Following the announcement of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth coming to PC, Square Enix pushed out an update for Final Fantasy VII Remake on PS5 and  PC platforms.

This Final Fantasy VII Remake is version 1.002 on PS5 and 1.004 on PC. This update adds a new “New Game – Head Start” option letting you start with a high level character, powered-up inventory, 50k GIL, a number of maxed out materia, and more. In addition to this new game option, you will now be able watch scenes at 1.5 to 2.0 times the speed without skiping them.

Check out the full patch notes and announcement from Square Enix below:

We just announced the release of the second title in the remake series, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, for the PC platform. With that, we will be releasing an update file to enhance the overall playability of the Final Fantasy VII remake series (PlayStation 5 version/PC versions).

If you have yet to play the game and are considering it, we would love for you to take advantage of this opportunity to dive in to the story of this game.

•  PlayStation 5: Version1.002
•  Epic Games Store: Version1.004
•  Steam: Version1.004

[Updates]
・”New Game – Head Start” is now available. When selecting “NEW GAME” on the title screen, you have the option to start the game with the character level and inventory already powered-up. * There is an option to choose a regular “NEW GAME” as well.
　▼What will be powered-up
　-All characters will start at level 45 *You will have SP (skill points) equivalent to the amount you would’ve obtained when getting to level 45.
　-A number of materia at max level
　-Each character will have gear available toward the middle to the end of the story.
　-Each character will have accessories available toward the middle to the end of the story.
　-A number of items useful to you adventure.
　-50,000 gil in your posession
*You can choose this for both the main game as well as FF7R Episode Intermission.

・”Fast-forward” during event scenes are now available. This will allow you to watch the scene without skipping over it, at 1.5 or 2.0 times speed.

For Epic Games Store version ONLY: We made some changes so that Language Settings will now reference what is set up in the Epic Games Launcher, instead of what is set up on the User Profile.