Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Review (PlayStation 5)

Square Enix deserves applause for crafting a truly immersive and captivating RPG experience with Final Fantasy VII. Since its debut, the game has undergone a remarkable transformation, surpassing the community's expectations. With the release of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the charm and adventure have reached new heights. Undoubtedly, the game will keep you on the edge of your seat for hours, delivering an unforgettable experience.

The game continues from where the Remake left off. After Cloud and the gang’s escape from Midgar, they are on the hunt for Sephiroth. In Rebirth, the story covers everything from leaving Midgar to reaching the Forgotten Capital. However, the sequence in which you visit different places is altered compared to the original game. If you are a dedicated enthusiast, you will truly enjoy every bit of the gameplay. 

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the second title of the planned trilogy of games remaking the original, which is regarded as one of the best RPGs of all time. In a nutshell, it is a combination of most of the things we wished were in the remake.

The game has enhanced the overall gameplay with a perfect transformation in combat from the Final Fantasy VII Remake. The side quests are as compelling as the main quest. The game's signature open world has greatly improved with more climbing towers. Also, the game features a bunch of additions, including a new card game and more mini-games. Are you eager to know more? Here is everything you should know about Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. 

Compelling Story 

Do you know that satisfying feeling when you're watching a TV series, and the latest season picks up right where the story left off in the previous episode? Absolutely! Final Fantasy VII Rebirth seamlessly carries you to the exact point where the Remake left off. The narrative continues as the characters embark on a journey across the vast world after escaping the city of Midgar.

Not many games have succeeded in keeping a captivating story going for years, and on top of that, making it even better with each addition that comes with the remake. Thumbs up to the devs for investing in one of the most compelling gaming stories of all time.

Notably, in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Cloud is still the charming leader of the party, doing what he does best. As he successfully escapes from the confines of Midgar, they set out on an adventurous journey. In the journey, they take part in exciting activities such as sprinting on the back of a Chocobo across the vast grassland and expansive landscapes and some amazing side quests.

Massive Open World

A quick glimpse into the map reveals the vastness of the Final Fantasy VII Rebirth world. Rebirth has received significant improvements in its open-world features. The game opens up its maps, immersing players in quests across the streets of Midgar. The game’s environment is so cool that you can use your time doing tasks for people in the town or exploring the grasslands on the back of a Chocobo. 

Cloud can now effortlessly jump, swim and even vault over bigger obstacles. I noted the climbing spots were well distributed throughout the game, allowing players to climb tall structures and mountains easily. Like its predecessor, Rebirth’s open world is not just visually stunning but also offers a compelling story and immersive features.

Notably, the game features hidden areas scattered throughout. The best part of it is that some of these hidden areas offer valuable loot for crafting and item enhancements. Similarly, the loot system in the game is so exciting that it surpasses the level set by the Remake, providing a rewarding experience for players. On top of that, the open world brings life to the game with several ranches and settlements. 

We can't forget about the map when mentioning the game’s vast open world. Nevertheless, having just a map in a game is one thing, but having a map filled with hidden areas is breathtaking. Apart from loot, these hidden areas add depth to the side quests. If you had doubts about the open-world drawbacks like the emptiness and disconnected stories of the Remake, the Rebirth has it all sorted out with a vibrant and interconnected world. 

Mysterious Side Quests

Whether it’s uncovering mysteries of hidden locations or assisting NPCs in need, side quests in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth make the game truly captivating. Apart from the side quests enhancing immersion within the Final Fantasy universe, they encourage players to explore and unlock additional content in the game.

If you enjoyed the Remake’s side quests, the Rebirth offers interestingly unmatched side quests that are connected to the main quest. One notable addition is the unique and captivating card game known as Queen’s Blood.  In this card game, you challenge numerous NPCs to card battles as you explore the town.

In the game, when you challenge and defeat your opponent, you progress and meet tougher NPCs.  I can't deny it: I'm a super fan of card games, and The Queen’s Blood got me glued to the game and guess what? I almost forgot about my main quest.  It captured my attention in a big way, and I'm so sure it will do the same for you. It’s a perfect blend of simplicity and complexity, adding to the fascinating experience of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. 

Let's Go on a Date…

One of the notable expansions in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the relationship system, which proves to be refined and more meaningful. Interestingly, the interactions in the game eventually affect the gameplay and the story. Teamwork is not all about fighting together and helping each other to tackle obstacles in the game; you can interact and have a good time with less pressure from the challenges of Migrad.

For instance, you can sit at a bar, have some drinks as you chat, and even go on dates. Sounds fantastic, huh? The best part of it is that you won't have to guess who’s going out with you. This time around, you will know your date, provided you play your cards right. Also, you can see what your ideal partner feels about you through some emoji-like faces. I find this super amazing; it just blows my mind.  

Additionally, the Golden Saucer offers a perfect environment for an ideal date. It offers so many incredible sites to see and things to do. Undoubtedly, your night out there will be the highlight of the game, filled with sweet moments away from the hustle and bustle of the main quest. Already have someone in mind whom you would love to go out with? Well, we hope they will feel the same way too. However, how you handle the bonding that comes with the dates and your friendship with the characters may affect the overall story. 

Thrilling Combat

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth builds upon the combat systems introduced in Final Fantasy VII Remake. Notably, Cloud offers enhanced proximity as he puts pressure on attacks with a fast move set. On the other hand, Barret’s slow speed fits well with ranged attacks. Yuffie is a well-rounded character with both close- and far-attacking capabilities. We can't forget to mention the super-fast speed of Tifa. However, she doesn't excel at ranged attacks. She requires close proximity to enemies.

Based on the enemy you are facing, the combat system is designed to allow players to use each character strategically. At first, it may seem complex, but don't worry about that. The game offers tutorials for each character in the combat simulator. Also, the game introduces the mechanics gradually so that players can have time to grasp them. Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned player, the Final Fantasy VII Rebirth combat system will appeal to you, making every action moment memorable.

Verdict 

Arguably, Final Fantasy VII is the mother of all RPGs. The Final Fantasy VII Rebirth offers one of the best gaming experiences ever. The gameplay mechanics, storyline and character depth are unmatched. It's a truly immersive RPG, offering an adventure like no other.

Notably, it is a step up from the first remake, and the developers did an amazing job. The creativity is top-notch, and the soundtracks and music system are incredibly atmospheric. It makes the Remake look small somehow, but what would you expect from a rebirth; perfection and enhancement at its best? 

Additionally, the characters are better than ever, adding depth to the overall story and gameplay. Everything about Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is just wow, thanks to Square Enix. They redefined the place of action role-playing games in the gaming world and set high standards for the year in the gaming space.  Having won the game award for the most anticipated game in 2023, it won't be a shock if the game takes home several awards in this year’s game awards.