Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Review: A Monumental Leap for the Beloved Saga and Next-Gen RPGs

The highly anticipated second chapter in the Final Fantasy VII Remake project, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, has finally arrived, exclusively on PlayStation 5. Building upon the foundational success and narrative intrigue of its predecessor, Rebirth not only expands the world but fundamentally redefines the scope and ambition of what a modern JRPG can achieve. Square Enix has delivered a sprawling, meticulously crafted adventure that simultaneously honors its iconic legacy and bravely forges new paths, promising an unparalleled next-gen gaming experience for both long-time fans and newcomers.

From the moment Cloud Strife and his companions step out of Midgar, the sheer scale of Rebirth becomes immediately apparent. The linear corridors of the original Remake are replaced with vast, breathtaking regions begging for exploration. This transition to an open-world design is executed with remarkable finesse, ensuring that every corner of Gaia feels vibrant and packed with meaningful content. Players will traverse diverse biomes, from the verdant plains of the Grasslands to the arid canyons of Corel, each filled with side quests, mini-games, and crucial story beats that enrich the lore and character arcs. The open-world exploration isn’t merely a backdrop; it’s an integral part of the narrative and gameplay loop, encouraging players to delve deeper into the world’s mysteries and connect with its inhabitants.

Deep Dive into Gameplay and Combat

The combat system in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a masterclass in action-RPG design, evolving from Remake’s already excellent foundation. It seamlessly blends real-time action with strategic ATB (Active Time Battle) commands, allowing for dynamic and deeply satisfying encounters. New to Rebirth are the synergy abilities, powerful combined attacks between two party members that consume ATB charges and offer devastating results, often exploiting enemy weaknesses or providing crucial buffs. These synergies add a profound layer of tactical depth, encouraging players to experiment with different party compositions and ability pairings. Each character retains their unique playstyle, but the expanded Materia system and new Weapon Skills provide even more customization options, ensuring that combat never feels stale.

• Synergy Abilities: Co-operative attacks between party members that are visually spectacular and tactically significant, enhancing the flow of battle.
• Enhanced Combat Mechanics: Refined ATB charging, new defensive options, and more nuanced enemy stagger mechanics make every fight engaging.
• Mini-Games Galore: Beyond combat, Rebirth features an astonishing array of high-quality mini-games, from the addictive Queen’s Blood card game to Chocobo racing and dynamic performances, all contributing to the game’s overall charm and replayability.
• World Intel: A new system encouraging exploration and discovery, providing tangible rewards and insights into the game world, making side content feel impactful.

The traversal mechanics are also significantly expanded. Chocobos are not just for riding; they each possess unique regional abilities, such as climbing walls or gliding, which are essential for accessing hidden areas. This thoughtful integration of movement and exploration enhances the feeling of adventure and makes navigating the expansive world a joy rather than a chore. The sheer variety of activities and the fluid combat system solidify Rebirth as a contender for the best RPG gameplay experience of this generation.

Narrative Mastery and Character Evolution

The narrative of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth takes bold steps, diverging in compelling ways from the original 1997 classic while still retaining its core emotional resonance. The journey to track Sephiroth pushes our heroes to their limits, forcing them to confront difficult truths about themselves and the world around them. Character development is a major highlight, with each party member receiving substantial screen time and personal arcs that deepen their personalities and motivations. Fan favorites like Tifa, Aerith, Barret, and Red XIII shine brighter than ever, their bonds strengthening amidst adversity.

One of the game’s greatest achievements is its ability to evoke profound emotional responses. Moments of lighthearted camaraderie are perfectly balanced with scenes of intense drama and tragedy, creating a rollercoaster of feelings that keeps players utterly invested. The overarching mystery surrounding the Whispers and the changes to the timeline adds an intriguing layer of meta-narrative, prompting players to constantly question what they know and anticipate what comes next. The writing is sharp, the voice acting superb, and the cutscenes are cinematic masterpieces, rivaling Hollywood productions in their scope and visual fidelity. This critical analysis of the narrative reveals a commitment to storytelling that elevates the entire experience.

Visual Grandeur and Auditory Excellence

Visually, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is nothing short of stunning. Leveraging the power of the PlayStation 5, the game delivers breathtaking environments, incredibly detailed character models, and spectacular spell effects. Every vista is a potential screenshot, from the bustling streets of Junon to the serene beauty of Costa del Sol. The facial animations convey a wide range of emotions, adding significant weight to the story’s more poignant moments. The attention to detail in character design, enemy models, and environmental textures sets a new benchmark for high-fidelity graphics in an RPG.

Equally impressive is the game’s auditory landscape. The soundtrack, an exquisite blend of rearranged classic tunes and brand-new compositions, is phenomenal. It perfectly captures the mood of every scene, enhancing epic battles, tender moments, and thrilling explorations. The dynamic nature of the music, often shifting subtly based on context, further immerses the player. The sound design is robust, with satisfying combat effects, ambient environmental sounds, and crystal-clear voice acting contributing to a premium entertainment package. Playing with a good headset truly unveils the richness of Rebirth’s soundscape.

Performance, Polish, and The PS5 Experience

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth runs remarkably well on the PlayStation 5. While the game offers both ‘Graphics’ and ‘Performance’ modes, the ‘Performance’ mode, targeting 60 frames per second, provides a smooth and fluid experience crucial for the fast-paced combat. The ‘Graphics’ mode prioritizes visual fidelity, offering a higher resolution at 30fps. While some minor frame drops can occasionally occur in very dense areas or during highly effects-heavy battles, they are infrequent and do not significantly detract from the overall experience. Load times are impressively short thanks to the PS5’s SSD, ensuring that transitions between areas and fast travel are nearly instantaneous, maintaining the flow of this epic adventure. Square Enix has clearly invested heavily in optimizing this console exclusive to deliver a polished and stable product.

Conclusion: Is Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Worth It?

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is not just a game; it’s a monumental achievement in interactive storytelling and game design. It takes everything that was great about Final Fantasy VII Remake and expands upon it in nearly every conceivable way, delivering an experience that is grander, deeper, and more emotionally resonant. Its ambitious open-world design, refined combat, captivating narrative, and stunning presentation solidify its place as one of the finest JRPGs ever made. While the narrative’s bold deviations might spark discussion among purists, they ultimately serve to create a compelling and unpredictable journey that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

For fans of the original, for newcomers seeking a rich, character-driven RPG, and for anyone looking for a truly next-gen gaming experience, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth comes with our highest recommendation. It’s a significant value proposition, offering hundreds of hours of quality content and an unforgettable adventure. Square Enix has not only met the incredibly high expectations set by its predecessor but has surpassed them, delivering a modern classic that will be discussed and revered for years to come. This isn’t just a part of a saga; it is an undeniable highlight in the annals of gaming history.