Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Review – 1997 Meets 2024, Expanded Beyond Belief
In the wake of the groundbreaking success of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, anticipation runs high for its successor, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. This latest installment not only seeks to meet the lofty expectations set by its predecessor but also aims to reimagine and contemporize one of the most pivotal chapters in the saga of our beloved heroes across the expansive realm of Gaia.
What is Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth About?
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Review – Barret and Aerith
Venturing beyond the confines of Midgar, the iconic characters – Cloud, Aerith, Tifa, Barret, and Red XIII – embark on an epic odyssey across continents in a bid to thwart the nefarious plans of the enigmatic Sephiroth, whose intentions spell doom for the very planet they inhabit. From the familiar streets of Kalm to the sprawling landscapes of Junon and Cosmo Canyon, each locale is meticulously crafted, offering a nostalgic yet refreshed perspective on familiar settings.
Having delved deep into the realms of Rebirth for a 60 or so hours, I found myself immersed in a gaming experience that, while not reaching the pinnacle of perfection achieved by Remake, proved to be a captivating journey I struggled to tear myself away from. Despite encountering a few stumbling blocks along the way, such as an occasionally bloated open world and pacing that wavered at times, the gripping narrative and awe-inspiring finale of Rebirth almost made me overlook its flaws. The end result is a flawed yet deeply heartfelt homage to one of the most cherished RPGs in gaming history.
An Open World Experience Packed with Joy
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Review – Queen’s Blood is so much fun
The vast open world of Rebirth is teeming with a plethora of activities, from side quests and combat challenges to card games and treasure hunts, adding layers of depth to the gameplay experience. Yet, the repetitive nature of these tasks becomes apparent over time, diluting the novelty factor. Despite this, standout features like the Queen’s Blood card game and Summon Shrines inject moments of brilliance into the game’s landscape. Regardless of how repetitive it might feel, one should still go about exploring every nook and cranny of the game, from general exploration to character interactions, as there are hidden treasures and fun events you might miss out.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Review – This went from well-lit a few meters away to way too dark
However, occasional technical hiccups, such as asset pop-in and abrupt lighting changes, momentarily detract from the immersion. Furthermore, while the game’s performance mode promises a smooth 60FPS experience, its blurriness prompted me to opt for the 30 FPS graphics mode, despite recent patches aiming to address these issues. To be precise, the game looks fine in 60FPS mode but when you’re moving fast, like in combat or running around the world, graphics start to look blurry for certain elements in the game.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Review – Combat
Speaking of combat, fighting enemies in this games has been nothing short of exciting. You get an action-based system that doesn’t easily get repetitive since you don’t mindless hack away at the enemies. Instead, the ATB gauge adds another layer of depth into the combat as it’s needed to execute Magic and Skills. There’s also the signature Limit Break system, where you can unleash a character’s flashy special move once the gauge is filled, which is as helpful as it is mesmerizing. One thing I really like is that enemies tend to react to your attacks (except for bosses and tougher enemies in certain sequences), which feels better than Final Fantasy 16 as most attacks there feel like you’re hitting a brick wall despite high damage.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Review – Yuffie being a lovable dork
Where Rebirth truly shines is in its narrative depth and character development, with old and new story elements seamlessly interwoven to expand upon the lore of Final Fantasy 7. I personally enjoyed how Yuffie has essentially become the little sister of the group, and the fun banter we see between party members show how much even the voice actors are having fun with the dialogue. The introduction of additional party members and enhanced combat mechanics further enrich the gameplay experience, although certain chapters suffer from unnecessary padding, disrupting the pacing.
Beyond its enthralling gameplay, Rebirth offers poignant commentary on environmental degradation and corporate exploitation, with Shinra Electric Power Company serving as a poignant allegory for real-world issues. As the characters grapple with personal demons and forge new alliances, the overarching theme of resilience and camaraderie resonates throughout. Just think of it as a reimagination that expands further on what we know rather than a direct remake, but keep the events from the original game in mind as well. There are some post-game content you can consider as there are a good number of optional bosses for you to fight, and some of these will be familiar names for avid Final Fantasy gamers.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake is best played with the Sony Pulse 3D wireless headset on the PS5. Check out our review of it by clicking right here.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Verdict
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Review
Despite its flaws, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth delivers a captivating and emotionally resonant experience that pays homage to its predecessor while charting new territory. With its gripping storyline, dynamic gameplay mechanics, and evocative score, Rebirth cements its place as a worthy addition to the Final Fantasy legacy. While not without its missteps, the journey it offers is a testament to the enduring appeal of one of gaming’s most beloved franchises.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Review – Tell me this didn’t make you feel excited and you’d either be lying or new to the franchise
While it was brief, nothing beats the exhilaration of being able to play as Sephiroth at the beginning of the game, even the brief screen that shows him joining the party gave me goosebumps, and I’m sure other fans of the original game will agree. At the end of our Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth review, I award this game with our coveted Gold Pokdeward.
Big thanks to Bandai Namco Asia for sending us the game code for the purpose of this review.
