The Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the second chapter of the FFVII Remake trilogy. I recently had an opportunity to play the hands-on demo at the Square Enix offices ahead of the Tokyo Game Show showcase this week. There is a lot to unpack with the latest installment from Square Enix. The demo gave us some backstory on Cloud and Sephiroth’s history in Nibel and provided an extensive free-roam exploration section with party members exploring the fields of Junon.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth follows Cloud and his team’s journey after they escape Midgar. If you’re new to the series, the game will provide a summary of the previous game to help you understand the story so far. The development team said the game will end around the midpoint of the original Final Fantasy VII, when the journey to the “Forgotten Capital” takes place. It seems that some elements of the story have been changed from the original game, so I expect a similar approach in Rebirth. The main focus of the story is tracking down Sephiroth, but you also have to deal with other threats like Shinra, mysterious hooded figures, and the awakened Weapons.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth promises players action-packed gameplay through its real-time combat system. Rebirth provides a Tactical Mode, which comes in handy for planning strategic decisions and switching between party members. Players can also build up a synergy gauge using unique abilities, which enables them to trigger team attacks and inflict a powerful blow between two characters. There are also individual synergy skills triggered through the guard button. While it may take some time to learn the stagger system and ATB gauges, mastering them can make combat a lot easier.
Players have the option to play as different party members, each boasting unique abilities and skills. The playable characters include Cloud, Sephiroth, Tifa, Barrett, Red XIII, Cait Sith, and Aerith. Playing as Sephiroth in the Nibel flashback was a real treat, using his fast sword abilities and air attacks showcased how powerful the series villain can be.
Additionally, players can select up to three party members at a time and save their favorite teams in slots. You can also collect and customize your inventory through materia which serves to enhance your party members’ abilities or even call a summon during battle.
In the Junon section, I was pleasantly surprised to find an open environment to explore. From vast fields to a Chocobo farm, there were plenty of objectives to complete. The Chocobo farm was a highlight for me as I was able to customize my Chocobo with various cosmetic equipment. Not only do Chocobos help you move around the world faster, but they can also traverse inaccessible places, including climbing up ledges and taking flight across certain areas, which I found incredibly useful.
The demo also showcases free-form exploration. As I roamed around, I fought different types of enemies. I discovered that there were certain conditions to fulfill with each battle, which rewarded me further upon completion. This added an extra layer of excitement, as it kept me engaged and motivated to explore even more.
I was impressed with the Rebirth’s graphics and presentation. Rebirth is only playable on PlayStation 5, and the graphics have taken a significant step up from Remake. The natural lighting and seamless transitions between cinematic and gameplay felt immersive to the storytelling at hand.
Overall, my time in the world of Rebirth left me with a great impression of what’s to come, and I can’t wait for its release early next year.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will be released on February 29, 2024, for PlayStation 5 on two discs. Check out the newest trailer for more information including details on pre-order bonuses.
