Final Fantasy 7 Remake's Chocobos are Clearly Capable of Murder

The official PlayStation Blog recently updated with a stack of new Final Fantasy 7 Remake screenshots, some of which are accompanied by new information about Remake's overhauled systems. The blog details "weapon abilities" that help you learn new skills, the ability to upgrade stats alongside your weapons, and a Chocobo summon that's more akin to a marauding gang.

The PlayStation blog posted the brand-new information and screenshots earlier this morning. "When we received this latest batch of screens we asked our friends at Square Enix if they could provide some context for a few of them," writes Sony Interactive Entertainment's social media manager, Brett Elston.

Said context gives us further insight as to how Final Fantasy 7 Remake will differ from its source material. It turns out each weapon in the game has a unique weapon ability that increases in proficiency the more it's used. When an ability reaches maximum proficiency, the character can use the ability without wielding the associated weapon. It sounds a little like learning job skills from Crystals in Final Fantasy 5.

We also see an interesting screenshot of a screen that maps out Cloud's Buster Sword upgrades. Here, you can spend skill points to upgrade your weapon as well as your stats. Some potential stat boosts include +5 Attack Power, +5 Magic Power, +100 Max HP, and a 5% damage boost in "Punisher Mode." (Punisher Mode grants Cloud a more offensive stance; he can also enter "Operative Mode," which is tailored for defense.) The blog says weapon upgrades will also "increase the number of Materia slots available," which means Materia slots are no longer fixed according to the weapon you're using.

The blog update offers a clearer idea about Remake's "Classic Mode," too. Characters fight automatically when you set the game in Classic mode. Their ATB gauges fill as they fight, and you just have to pick which spells, items, and abilities they use once the gauge is full. It's not exactly a pure menu-based alternative that some fans of Final Fantasy 7 vanilla might be hoping for, but it should be a welcome option for anyone who finds themselves overwhelmed by Remake's new battle system.

Finally, the blog shows us a screenshot of Mog and a herd of summoned Chocobos running over some hapless enemies. Ride, friends! Drench your talons in the blood of your foes!

It might be hard to believe, but Final Fantasy 7 Remake is quickly approaching its March 2020 release date. Read our Final Fantasy 7 Remake guides to prepare yourself for the big day.