Square Enix has once again embarked on a bold journey, this time aiming to breathe new life into the beloved classic, Final Fantasy VII. This mission comes at a time when nostalgia holds great sway, and the longing for yesteryear titles to make a triumphant return is at its peak. Launched in 1997, Final Fantasy VII captured hearts and left an indelible mark on the gaming community by daring to do what was once unthinkable—killing off a main character mid-game. This bold move helped cement the game’s status as a timeless masterpiece and has ensured that its magic still resonates with fans today. The game featured an unforgettable ensemble of characters and introduced Sephiroth, one of gaming’s most iconic antagonists. Now, with a fresh chapter on the horizon, Rebirth promises to take new and old fans alike on an exhilarating new narrative trajectory.
Set in a world drained of its life energy by the malevolent Shinra Corporation—a storyline mirroring modern environmental crises—Final Fantasy VII places you in the boots of Cloud Strife. Cloud, together with comrades like the gun-armed Barret, fierce fighter Tifa, the wily ninja Yuffie, and the enigmatic florist Aerith, forms a group intent on overthrowing the Shinra empire. Their journey, fresh out of the expansive city of Midgar from the Remake, sees them facing the daunting task of halting Sephiroth’s planet-ending schemes.
Square Enix’s strategy to segment this epic saga into a trilogy is justified through the detailed expansions in both Remake and Rebirth. While there are critiques about the lengthiness of certain parts, the depth added to the story has rounded out the experience significantly, offering a richer immersion than its source material could. For those who held the 1997 original close to their hearts and found solace in the familiar sights of the Remake’s Midgar, the new installment will evoke deep emotions indeed. Cloud’s hometown of Nibelheim and the military stronghold Junon, set amidst sprawling grasslands, have been recreated with a faithfulness that invigorates treasured memories, making the Rebirth journey deeply enchanting.
The introduction of fan-favorites such as the fiery Red XIII and the quirky Cait Sith only adds to the authenticity and delight of the adventure. Beyond character reunions, it is the revised narrative structure of Final Fantasy VII that emerges as a crowning achievement. Leveraging the already strong character dynamics, the story serves up a new dimension of depth and breadth that beckons exploration. Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that Rebirth shares some of the pacing pitfalls of its predecessor, most notably in its side quests. However, the vibrancy of the world and the depth of characters largely overshadow these minor issues.
Rebirth isn’t just a visual and storytelling marvel; its true glory lies in the combat system. Choreographed like a beautiful dance, the game’s menu-based battles are both intense and thrilling, pitting players against fierce monsters and epic boss encounters that demand strategy and thoughtful use of materia—the game’s magical enhancement tool. Slick animations and cinematic nuances transform each skirmish into a visual spectacle, with characters teaming up to summon mighty beings such as Bahamut and Ifrit, wreaking havoc on their foes with powerful magic combinations.
While the game is readily approachable for newcomers, those who have journeyed through the Remake will find their experience enriched by the continuity and added context. And for veterans of the Remake, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth offers the allure of new discoveries with beloved characters in an ever-expanding world. It’s a call to arms for those eager to embark on yet another magical journey through the heart of a rejuvenated classic saga.
