Square Enix continues to tease the follow-up to Final Fantasy 7 Remake, with battle director Teruki Endo discussing combat changes.

Square Enix continues to share developer comments on Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the next part in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy. Its latest asks about changes to the battle system, with battle director Teruki Endo confirming that “new comrades will join you” in combat. Players will also “cooperate with party members in even closer ways than before.”

The first part seems a given – after leaving Midgar, Cloud and friends encounter Vincent Valentine, Cait Sith, Yuffie Kisaragi and Cid, who accompany them. However, “comrades” seems to hint at other NPCs that can fight alongside you. Perhaps Sephiroth, judging from the announcement trailer’s tease?

Of course, being able to work with party members in “even closer ways” could indicate new tactics. Maybe we’ll get team-up attacks, combos or more ways to customize a party member’s AI. Time will tell.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is coming to PS5 in Winter 2023. Though it’s the second part in the Remake saga, the development team assures it can be “fully enjoyed” by those who didn’t play the first game.