Final Fantasy 7 Revelation game director Naoki Hamaguchi stated that the remake trilogy is designed for newcomers, although familiarity with the original will help to better notice changes in the story.
Hamaguchi noted that fans of the original are "absolutely not wrong" in recommending playing the classic first, as its story is "very deeply woven into the history and narrative of the Remake series." Knowledge of the original will also help to notice changes:
If you know what the original story was like and can grasp what is changing or seems to be changing, you will enjoy it more.
At the same time, the trilogy is "very much designed so that even someone who hasn't played the original can start with any of the parts and have a really great experience." Hamaguchi admits that starting with the remakes might even be better due to their "graphical splendor," which can have a stronger emotional impact.
It all depends on preference. It's not that simple.
Final Fantasy VII Revelation will be released on April 8, 2027, for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.