In the wake of Final Fantasy VII Remake, the extremely well-received reimagination of a PS1 classic that left players eagerly anticipating what would come next, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has finally arrived. Set against the backdrop of a world teetering on the edge of chaos, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth propels players into an expansive journey that pretty much spans the entire planet. As Cloud and his comrades venture beyond the confines of Midgar, they are thrust into a vibrant and vast world ripe for exploration – and we explored on a PlayStation 5, where it’s currently an exclusive.
The narrative of Rebirth picks up seamlessly from where Remake left off, with our heroes navigating a story that plays around with your expectations at every turn. From the bustling streets of Midgar to the far reaches of the planet, each location is meticulously crafted, offering players a rich tapestry of environments to explore. The game’s open-world structure may feel overwhelming to some, but it provides ample opportunities for discovery and immersion into this grand and celebrated video game world. Side quests and mini-games add depth to the experience, enriching the world with rewarding content for those willing to explore and providing incentives for doing just that.
One of Rebirth’s standout features is its evolved combat system, which strikes a delicate balance between strategy and action. Synergy attacks, a new addition to the gameplay mechanics, allow for dynamic team-based combos that add an extra layer of depth to battles. With each character bringing their own unique abilities to the table, combat encounters are as thrilling as they are strategic – and they’re great to watch as well. The screen-filling Summons return, imbuing the larger fights with even more grandiosity, each one a genuine sight to behold.
Visually, Rebirth is a feast for the eyes anyway, with diverse landscapes and stunning character designs bringing the world of Final Fantasy VII to life in breathtaking detail. From lush forests to sprawling cities, each environment is rendered with care, immersing players in a world brimming with character and personality. The game’s audio design is equally impressive, with a captivating soundtrack and top-notch voice acting that enhances the immersive experience. If possible, play this one on a surround sound system – the music sounds great and the audio effects really enhance both the wide open spaces and the more cramped city settings.
However, Rebirth is not without its flaws. The pacing of the narrative can feel a little uneven between chapters, with certain chapters feeling stuffed to the brim with content where it can feel hard to keep track of it all, and other chapters feeling easier to digest. Additionally, while the open-world design offers plenty of opportunities for exploration, it can sometimes feel bogged down by generic activities during side activities that add little to the narrative experience or the core story.
Despite these shortcomings, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth stands as a testament to the power of modern storytelling in gaming and the enduring legacy of the source material. With its compelling narrative, engaging gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals, Rebirth offers an experience that is sure to captivate both fans of the original and newcomers alike. While the journey may be long (expect to spend dozens of hours completing this one), Rebirth is not to be missed.
Score: 9.0/10
Press Play Media 