“Final Fantasy VII” stands out due to its exploration of personal identity, delving into how memories and relationships shape who we are. The game offers a deeply personal and emotionally immersive experience.
Scheduled for release on Feb. 29 for the PlayStation 5, “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” is akin to encountering a long-lost favorite ex-lover who appears more captivating than ever. Their essence shines brighter, and their affection for you remains unwavering. This reunion can be both thrilling and destabilizing, prompting a reflective journey through your past self to your present identity. Once again, the characters of “Final Fantasy VII” stirred profound emotions within me.
The impact of this game was such that I neglected a personal engagement, missed a day of work at my second job, and even skipped a long-overdue dental appointment. Uncharacteristically, I clumsily spilled coffee on myself twice. A compelling Final Fantasy game has a unique ability to disrupt one’s routine. Thus, it comes as no surprise that “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” is hailed as the standout title of the century, marking Square Enix’s greatest release since “Final Fantasy X” in 2001.
While it may seem unconventional for such a monumental achievement to be associated solely with a remake of a 1997 game, particularly as the second installment in the series, this is “Final Fantasy VII” we are discussing. Arguably one of the most exceptional narratives in gaming history, it played a pivotal role in establishing the Sony PlayStation as a leading gaming platform. The game pushed the boundaries of 3D storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. If Square Enix’s writers struggle to craft a more enchanting world with equally captivating characters, it is forgivable given the magnitude of this accomplishment.
The term “remake” scarcely does justice to the extensive reimagining that has transpired over the years—a reinterpretation that breathes new life into the original script by enhancing its relationships and themes. For instance, when the antagonist Sephiroth undergoes a significant personality shift early in the game, the original version relied on players’ imaginations to bridge the gap, portrayed through rudimentary 3D models. Now, every nuance in Sephiroth’s demeanor is vividly depicted, from the furrows on his brow as he loses touch with reality to the ominous silhouette that hints at an emerging enigmatic presence within him.
“Rebirth” surpasses its predecessor “Remake” for two primary reasons: it liberates itself from the constraints of contemporary linear gaming experiences like “The Last of Us,” and it covers the most iconic and pivotal segment of the original storyline. Unlike the 1997 version, which unfolded gradually within the steampunk setting of Midgar, “Rebirth” eliminates the need for superfluous padding, encompassing the entire first disc of the original game. This journey culminates in a scene that has become emblematic of video game storytelling. The anticipation surrounding “Rebirth” is palpable as players eagerly await the retelling of this iconic moment in 2024—an experience best left to be discovered firsthand.
While “Remake” from 2020 channeled players along a linear progression of corridors and events, “Rebirth” introduces a remarkably detailed and seamless open world—an expansive adventure that spans diverse terrains and cultures. The game transforms the static images of the original “VII” into dynamic landscapes, such as the village of Gongaga, now reimagined with canyons, rivers, and abandoned factories spanning multiple levels, populated by a fully fleshed-out and voiced community.
The magnitude of this achievement cannot be overstated. Traditionally, single-player Final Fantasy games have struggled to deliver fully immersive open-world experiences, a realm dominated by franchises like Zelda and Grand Theft Auto. Previous titles incorporated isolated regions for exploration, such as the Calm Lands in “Final Fantasy X” and Gran Pulse in “XIII,” which left a lasting impression due to their promise of expansive worlds—a promise now fulfilled in “Rebirth.”
While “Final Fantasy XV” made strides towards an explorable world, it lacked depth and engaging content. Even recent titles failed to establish a cohesive world. In contrast, “Rebirth” effortlessly crafts a cohesive and immersive environment, seamlessly transitioning between diverse landscapes without loading screens.
The game offers a surprising array of gameplay experiences within its high-budget production. Unlike the trend of forgoing new game types due to development costs, “Rebirth” introduces fresh gaming mechanics across its five expansive regions, each offering enjoyable, visually stunning, and narratively rewarding experiences. In comparison, recent titles like “XVI” struggled to provide engaging gameplay and narratives, highlighting the exceptional effort invested in “Rebirth.”
Similar to the evocative theme composed by [ppp1], the soundtrack of “Rebirth” narrates its own tales. The orchestral compositions seamlessly blend with elements like the American fiddle, signaling the presence of Chocobo—a signature element of the series. The soundtrack weaves exploration and combat themes, incorporating character-specific motifs. “Rebirth” engages players on multiple artistic levels, unveiling the profound impact it holds through its immersive storytelling and captivating gameplay.
Combat plays a pivotal role in the Final Fantasy experience, with “Rebirth” showcasing the most refined iteration of the classic Square Enix battle system. Building upon the foundation laid by “Remake,” “Rebirth” enhances control mechanics, facilitating coordinated aerial attacks and choreographed sequences reminiscent of the “Advent Children” film that inspired the trilogy. The introduction of synergy attacks involving two party members adds strategic depth beyond sheer damage output, reminiscent of the strategic brilliance seen in Square’s acclaimed title, “Chrono Trigger.”
Drawing parallels between “Chrono Trigger” and “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” is fitting. While “Chrono Trigger” marked the pinnacle of 2D gaming, leveraging decades of industry expertise, “Rebirth” stands as a modern-day equivalent—a testament to the fusion of classic RPG depth with the rich character narratives synonymous with the Final Fantasy franchise. The game’s profound storytelling resonates with players, underscoring the unparalleled impact of a Final Fantasy narrative. Indeed, this rendition stands as the epitome of storytelling excellence, presenting the iconic tale in its finest form.