In a recent update from producer Yoshinori Kitase, the remake's title's visuals are starting to come together with experimentation is ongoing when it comes to combat. Adding this:
Sounds like a 2020 release date for this game.
“We’re starting to see the visual direction,” Kitase said. “On the other hand, we’re currently working out the battle system and such through trial-and-error. Since there’s a possibility that the command battle system of the old days might not work today, we’re thinking hard about what kind of direction we can take it."
“Normally, when you do a remake, it becomes somewhere along the lines of a familiar action RPG, so we’re looking at how we can put out something like Final Fantasy VII while still surprising players."
"Please don’t ask about how far into development we are and such. [Laughs]."
Sounds like a 2020 release date for this game.