Yuffie Kisaragi and FF7R EPISODE INTERmission explained
What is the Wutai ninja’s mission in Midgar, and who’s helping her? Find out all about FF7R EPISODE INTERmission here.FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE arrives on PlayStation 5 on June 10… and it’s bringing a familiar face along: Yuffie Kisaragi.
The materia-coveting ninja appears in a brand new story: FF7R EPISODE INTERmission, which sees Yuffie infiltrate Midgar on a secret mission. In that same spirit, we sneaked out some new information from the devs, including a look at combat and some brand new characters!
Before that though, we should probably explain something: who is Yuffie?
Who is Yuffie Kisaragi?
While the FINAL FANTASY faithful will know Yuffie like she’s part of the family, it’s possible that some players will encounter her in FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE for the first time.
Perhaps they’re new to the series - or even missed her in their playthrough of the original FINAL FANTASY VII. After all, she’s an optional character in that game - and easy to miss if you’re not being super-thorough.
So let us formally introduce Wutai’s favorite daughter - and her role in FINAL FANTASY VII INTERGRADE’s new FF7 EPISODE INTERmission.
Yuffie is a member of an elite corps of ninja operatives, hailing from the land of Wutai. Self-assured and somewhat cocky, she presents herself as a ravishing beauty and one of the world’s great materia hunters.
That said, she does have the skills to pay those bills. Her natural agility and expertise with her oversized throwing star make her a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield - and someone who can run rings around her enemies.
What’s Yuffie’s role in FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE?
The Wutai wonder takes center stage in FF7R EPISODE INTERmission - a brand new story set during the events of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE.
The destruction of Mako Reactor 5 gives Wutai an opportunity to make a move on their foes - the Shinra Electric Power Company, and the city of Midgar.
Yuffie and her partner Sonon are sent to infiltrate the city and steal Shinra’s most powerful materia. Working alongside Avalanche HQ, they embark on a mission to reclaim their homeland’s former glory.
But unbeknownst to Yuffie, things are about to take a very unexpected turn…
How does Yuffie fight?
During the new episode, you’ll take direct control of Yuffie as she undertakes her mission across Midgar. Naturally, that will involve a fair few battles - fortunately, it’s an area in which the nimble ninja excels.
Unique to the other characters in the game, Yuffie is naturally set up for both close-quarters and long-range combat. Tapping the Square button will make her unleash a series of strikes on an enemy with her throwing star.
Holding the Square button will make her put some distance between her and her foe, while still laying down some damage.
If you want to do some hits from a distance, the Triangle button throws the star at the enemy. While it’s gone, pressing Square will make Yuffie launch some long-range ninjutsu attacks.
As standard, these attacks do non-elemental damage, but you’ll be able to unlock the Elemental Ninjutsu ability to change the attack properties to fire, ice, wind or lightning.
Oh, and if you want your weapon back, you can recall it instantly by pressing Triangle again.
Here’s an example of a ninjutsu attack: Banishment. This attack is powered up by ATB spent on other commands. It can be increased by up to three levels to cause greater damage to your foes.
Windstorm is another of Yuffie’s amazing abilities. It creates a gust of wind that blows enemies towards you - and hurts them in the process.
Who’s joining Yuffie in FF7R EPISODE INTERmission?
While Yuffie’s the only playable character in FF7R EPISODE INTERmission, she’s not going it alone. She’s helped by a fascinating group of allies. Let’s say hello.
Sonon Kusakabe
Another operative from Wutai, Sonon trained directly under Yuffie’s father. He bore witness to the devastation caused to his country by its war with Shinra, and has a deep-seated resentment for the company.
He’s assigned to accompany Yuffie on her mission to Midgar. He’s essentially her subordinate, and his serious, grounded nature contrasts with her more… gregarious personality.
Zhijie
Yuffie is also aided by the main branch of Avalanche - a group of planetologists who stand against Shinra.
Unlike Barret’s reactor-destroying splinter cell, which the main story of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE follows, Avalanche HQ opposes Shinra through more subtle means - and is willing to aid Wutai’s operatives on their mission.
The point of contact between Wutai and Avalanche is Zhijie. He’s a Wutai native himself, and his silver tongue and quick-wittedness have done him well in the undercity of Midgar. He guides Yuffie on her arrival to the city.
Nayo
Nayo is Midgar, born and raised. She’s a member of Avalanche HQ and keeps a close eye on what Barret’s splinter cell is up to.
Billy Bob
By far Avalanche’s most experienced member, though you wouldn’t know it from his laidback attitude. You’ll often find him knocking back a few in the local bars - all while secretly gathering intelligence for the organization.
Polk
Avalanche’s youngest member, Polk is sort of the younger brother of the team - and loved and teased accordingly. He’s passionate about Fort Condor - a board game that’s taken the undercity by storm.
Weiss
This fearsome figure is Weiss - also known as Weiss the Immaculate. He’s the sadistic ruler of Shinra’s secret underground research center, Deepground.
The company’s scientists are so scared of his strength that they have restrained him to a throne, deep within the confines of the facility. Though contained, Weiss is patient, and waits for an opportunity to take his revenge.
FF7R EPISODE INTERmission will be available for FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, due for release on PS5 on June 10, 2021.
The episode will be included as standard in new copies of the game for PS5.
If you already own FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE for the PlayStation 4 (physical or digital version) and own a PlayStation 5, you can download the free FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE PlayStation 5 enhancement update. This update does not include the new Yuffie episode - that can be purchased separately.
Note: that the PS4 version of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE given to PlayStation Plus members is not eligible for the PS5 digital version upgrade.
In addition, if you have purchased FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE (physical edition) for PlayStation 4, and own the PlayStation 5 digital edition (the model without a disc drive) then you are not eligible to download the upgrade.
We’ll have more to share on the game before release, so make sure you follow the team on social media to get the latest news first: