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Platform
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Release Date
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PlayStation 5
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1pm PST / 9pm GMT February 28, 2024
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PC
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May 29, 2024 (Estimated)
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The gaming community is abuzz with excitement for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the much-anticipated sequel to Final Fantasy VII Remake. This title is the latest installment that transforms the classic 1997 Final Fantasy VII into a cutting-edge experience tailored for the PlayStation 5. As a dynamic role-playing game, it blends real-time combat with elements of strategic play.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the second entry in the remake trilogy, expanding upon the groundwork established by the Final Fantasy VII Remake. The game picks up the narrative where it was left, inviting players to dive back into its rich and detailed universe. With a focus on narrative and game design, Rebirth is set to enthrall franchise enthusiasts with its superior graphics and engaging gameplay that leverage the full capabilities of the PS5.
Staying faithful to the storied Final Fantasy franchise, the game revitalizes its characters and story arcs while hinting at a trilogy, showcasing Square Enix's dedication to reimagining this storied saga in parts. As the pivotal middle installment, Rebirth is poised to connect the narrative's commencement and conclusion seamlessly.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is designed to pay homage to its roots while charting a novel path for players, whether they are long-time fans or newcomers to the Final Fantasy universe. It preserves the franchise's essence, ensuring continuity for existing fans and extending an invitation to new players eager to delve into its engaging story and gameplay.
In this installment, the story delves deeper into the lives of its renowned characters, including Cloud, the ex-SOLDIER with a complex history, and Tifa, his brave and loyal childhood companion. They are accompanied by legendary personalities like Sephiroth, Barret, Aerith, and Red XIII, with additional appearances from characters such as Cid, Vincent, Yuffie, and Cait Sith.
The game places significant emphasis on character arcs, offering deeper insights into their backgrounds and their involvement in the evolving storyline. The Turks and mythical beings such as chocobos also play a part in the narrative, adding to the game's lasting appeal. Tetsuya Nomura is responsible for character design, ensuring the distinctive aesthetic of the "Final Fantasy" series is maintained. The battle mechanics, which utilize materia and strategic play, invite players to explore and utilize the distinct skills of each character. The game's development is tinted by the central theme of destiny and the nuanced role of the lifestream, which together steer the protagonists' fates.
Transitioning from the original's turn-based combat, "Final Fantasy VII Remake" introduced an innovative Active Battle Time (ATB) system that blended action with strategy. This hybrid approach received praise, yet the development team approached the evolution of this system in "Final Fantasy VII Rebirth" with caution, aiming to avoid overwhelming players with excessive complexity.
In-depth discussions shaped the strategy for refining the combat system. Co-director Hamaguchi reflects on the journey from "Remake" to "Rebirth," stating, "We had set the foundation for the battle system in 'Remake,' and with 'Rebirth,' we're integrating new synergy attack features into the gameplay." However, he acknowledges the risk of overcomplicating the experience, emphasizing the team's early focus on maintaining clarity and accessibility for players.
The developers concluded that the introduction of new features could be beneficial if players were given the autonomy to choose which aspects to engage with. Hamaguchi elaborates on the internal deliberations, mentioning discussions with battle director Teruki Endo about empowering players to select skills and, through experimentation, determine which they preferred. He explains, "It's not imperative to master every skill and ability to complete the game. Instead, we're providing players the freedom to choose their path and the skills they enjoy."
Despite the array of combat systems, which our review notes could lead to some being underutilized, Hamaguchi is confident that the variety of options will cater to diverse player preferences, focusing less on mastering every element and more on embracing a combat style that suits individual comfort levels.
The game features an expansive open world that remains true to the original's design while introducing novel locales for players to explore. The progression system is especially gratifying, with a revamped sphere grid system that facilitates intricate customization and development of each party member's skills, ensuring that each character brings a distinct advantage to the fray.
Led by protagonist Cloud, the party's diverse abilities, from Barret's destructive gun-arm to Aerith's magical expertise, offer a variety of playstyles. The materia system makes a comeback, allowing for extensive combat strategy and customization. Players have the flexibility to switch between party members seamlessly to leverage the adversaries' vulnerabilities.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is rich in content, boasting a compelling main storyline, captivating side quests, and inventive mini-games such as chocobo racing. The game doesn't hold back on additional features like crafting and a combat simulator, further enriching the gameplay experience.
Summoning spells provide visually impressive and impactful support during challenging battles, while combining materia can result in unexpected and potent effects. A range of boss fights and the introduction of new side characters keep the gameplay engaging and unpredictable, ensuring a novel experience with every playthrough.
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