All of that is stupid. If they really make us grind out the same materia 3 times it’s gonna be whack. This type of thing works (sort of) for yakuza because each release is 100% it’s own story. It’s not left on cliff hangars as a part of a much larger story. Each game is in the same universe but each game could be played on its own completely and you wouldn’t be missing out.
Final fantasy 7 is one large story. Starting over each time interrupts the experience and I think will make each release feel like you have to go through a list of redundant chores before you can finally enjoy the game. I get that you can’t go into each game overpowered, but they could have capped this games materia at level 1 star or 2 for some materia and just have you start the game with rolled over items and some perks that way you don’t alienate new players. I would have been fine with all the level 1 elements throughout this entire game and with each release raise the cap 1 or 2 levels. This episodic thing just doesn’t feel like the best way...or at least the way they’ve set it up in terms of pacing. I know I’m complaining a lot about I game I love, but I really want it to succeed because so far this game has been amazing, and this story means a lot to me as a person that loved the OG. I just don’t see how they stick the landing for the next few games.