Recently, Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, stated that players don't need to play the original 1997 Final Fantasy VII to enjoy the story of the remake trilogy. He believes there is no single correct order for experiencing this narrative; while familiarity with the original helps in understanding the plot, new players can also start directly with the modern versions.
Naoki Hamaguchi said that the storyline of the original Final Fantasy VII serves as an important foundation for the narrative of the remake trilogy. Players who have experienced the original can pay attention to how the story has changed and speculate whether subsequent events will unfold differently. He believes this allows players to gain more from the new titles.
However, the trilogy was designed from the outset with players unfamiliar with the original in mind. According to Naoki Hamaguchi, these players should not struggle to understand the story when entering any part of the trilogy due to not having played the original; for some new players, getting to know Final Fantasy VII through the remakes might even be more suitable.
He explained that modern graphics and technology can evoke stronger emotions in players. Therefore, even without prior knowledge of the original, the remake trilogy can serve as a player's first complete introduction to this story.