Grief is one of the central themes of Final Fantasy VII. Its characters are tasked with moving on from the emotional and traumatic experiences of their past. While this is commonplace in gaming today, it wasn’t when Final Fantasy VII was originally released in 1997.
When Square Enix showed off what a potential remake would look like during a PlayStation 3 tech demo in 2005, fans were ready for a remake with modern visuals. Sadly, they’d have to wait 15 years for a remake to release on the PlayStation 4.
Square Enix’s biggest accomplishment is undoubtedly making me care so much about these characters. Admittedly, this is easier to do in Rebirth rather than Remake since, well, things are actually happening over my 50-hour playthrough.
FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH IS ONE OF THE MOST EMOTIONAL GAMES I’VE EVER PLAYED
Remarkably, this is true for both old and new content. The new to the story moments of Remake were its worst parts. Whether it’s the Whispers hinting at changing the original’s plot or going full Peter Jackson and giving everyone a massive backstory, it dragged Remake’s pacing.
The real-time combat system combined with Active Time Battle (ATB) elements is back. While the most recent Final Fantasy entry, Final Fantasy XVI, incorporates enjoyable real-time combat, it doesn’t hold a candle to Rebirth.
COMBAT IN FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH IS BETTER THAN EVER
A new system, called Folios, allows you to create various skill builds not just for individual characters but synergize with other members of your party. For example, you can set up abilities where Cloud and Aerith team up for attacks.
One of the defining features of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is its open-world exploration. More often than not, this feels less like Square Enix chasing the trappings of modern game design and more into giving the game and its characters room to breathe and relax.
Yes, there are the typical points of interest that will appear on your map. Also, yes, most of these are exactly what you’d expect: discover a tower, do some fetch quests, etc.