Final Fantasy VII Rebirth takes Cloud and his party beyond Midgar for the second chapter of Square Enix’s remake trilogy. The world opens up in a much bigger way this time, with new regions, expanded party combat, Queen’s Blood, chocobo racing, side quests, and a long road toward Sephiroth. It first arrived on PlayStation 5, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is also available on Nintendo Switch 2, giving you another way to continue Cloud’s journey on the TV or on the go.
This is still one of Square Enix’s biggest RPGs in years. The story, combat, music, character moments, and side content all work together to make Rebirth feel much larger than Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. But does Final Fantasy VII Rebirth live up to the legacy of the original game and the expectations around this remake trilogy? Let’s take a closer look.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Details
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, XBOX Series X|S, and PC
Developer(s): Square Enix Creative Business Unit I
Publisher(s): Square Enix
Genre: Action RPG
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: Teen
A captivating narrative that is a testament to the power of storytelling in video games
The story of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a masterfully crafted narrative that near perfectly blends nostalgia with fresh perspectives. Building upon the iconic storyline of the original game, Rebirth takes you on an unforgettable journey, where the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. At its core, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the struggle against oppressive forces.
The game follows the journey Cloud and his group of companions as they band together to stop the Shinra corporation and Sephiroth. What I feel really sets Final Fantasy VII Rebirth apart is its ability to expand on the original story. Rebirth provides a deeper character development and explores new dimensions of the world. Each character is given their time to shine, with their own personal struggles, motivations, and growth. As a huge fan of Final Fantasy VII on PlayStation, it’s mind-blowing to see the incredible about of additional content and how well Square Enix have fully fleshed out not only the characters but pretty much everything in the game.
A story that is full of twists, turns and pulls at your heartstrings
If you love a good story in a game that’s full of twists, turns and pulls on your heart then you won’t be disappointed. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is full of thrilling plot twists, heart-wrenching moments, and thought-provoking revelations that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Without a doubt, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s story is a testament to the power of storytelling in video games—it’s right up there with Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us. Rebirth’s story not only pays homage to the original game but also adds new layers of complexity and intrigue. The story of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a truly remarkable and unforgettable journey that I believe will leave a lasting impression for a long time to come.
Immersive and dynamic gameplay
In addition to a fantastic story, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s game is outstanding, offering an engaging, dynamic and immersive experience from beginning to end. One of my favourite aspects of Rebirth’s gameplay is the enhanced movement system. It makes it easy to scale walls and explore every nook and cranny, making exploration a joy to experience. In addition, the combat mechanics in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth are nothing short of exceptional—no surprise here.
For me, the real-time combat system provided a near perfect balance between strategy and fast-paced action. The inclusion of Combat Synergies, which enable team-based abilities, adds another layer of depth to the game’s combat system, which allow for some satisfyingly visually stunning and devastating cooperative attacks. Additionally, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth features a robust crafting system that allows you to create and customize your own items and gear. Again, this adds a strategic element to the gameplay, as you can tailor your equipment to suit your preferred playstyle and optimize your party’s performance.
I feel, what sets Final Fantasy VII Rebirth apart from other games is its extensive side content and mini-games. From racing chocobos to engaging in a captivating trading card game called Queen’s Blood, there is a ton of optional activities to enjoy. What I liked most about this is that these side quests and mini-games not only provide hours of entertainment but also offer valuable rewards and contribute to the overall depth and immersion of the game.
A sensory masterpiece
From the get go, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s presentation is nothing short of breathtaking. From its jaw-droppingly visuals to its captivating sound design and exceptional voice acting, Square Enix does a phenomenal job in immerses you in a world that feels alive and vibrant. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth boasts incredibly detailed environments, that include sprawling cities and lush landscapes. Each are meticulously crafted with a level of detail that I have never seen before in a video game.
The attention to detail is evident in just about everywhere you look, from the intricate architecture to the subtle lighting effects that bring the world to life. And, to top it off, the character models are absolutely gorgeous, with expressive facial animations that convey a range of emotions. Another highlight of the game’s presentation is the sound design. The game features a rich and diverse soundtrack, which seamlessly blends familiar melodies from the original game with new arrangements that perfectly capture the essence of each moment.
The voice acting in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is top-notch—no surprise here. Each voice actor delivers a stellar performance, capturing the nuances and personalities of their respective characters. The dialogue is witty, heartfelt, and natural, further deepening your connection to the story. The stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and exceptional voice acting combine to create an unforgettable experience.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is now available on Nintendo Switch 2
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is available on Nintendo Switch 2, giving you a version of Cloud’s second chapter you can play on the TV or on the go. You’re getting the full Rebirth adventure here, including the story beyond Midgar, party-focused combat, Queen’s Blood, chocobo racing, side quests, music, and character moments that make Rebirth such a large RPG.
The Nintendo Switch 2 version has visual and technical tradeoffs. Docked play is the better way to play this version, with the game targeting 30 FPS and keeping combat steady where it needs to be. Handheld play is the main advantage if you like working through long RPGs in smaller chunks, but softer image quality, visible pop-in, lower texture detail, and faster battery drain are easier to notice when you take it on the go.
There’s also one practical buying detail to know before you pick it up. The Nintendo Switch 2 physical release is a game-key card and requires a 102.5 GB full game download, so you’ll want enough available storage before you play. The physical edition also includes a reversible cover and a Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy ‘Zack Fair’ promo card for eligible copies, subject to stock.
If you already own Rebirth on another platform and don’t care about handheld play, you probably don’t need to buy it again. If TV and handheld play are the reason you’re interested, the Nintendo Switch 2 version makes sense.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a true masterpiece
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an extraordinary game that exceeded all my expectations. With its captivating narrative, engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and exceptional sound design, it is a masterpiece that pays homage to the original while pushing the boundaries of the action-RPG genre.
The game’s expanded storyline offers a near perfect blend of nostalgia along with fresh twists, providing a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations. Rebirth’s enhanced combat mechanics and seamless movement system make every battle a thrilling and immersive experience. And, the wealth of side content and mini-games in Rebirth adds a ton of depth and replay value.
In the end, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a true masterpiece. It brings a beloved classic forward with new elements that give this chapter its own identity. If you’re a Final Fantasy fan in any capacity, you should play this game. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an adventure that fans and newcomers alike will remember for years to come.
Platform choice now comes down to how you want to play. Nintendo Switch 2 is the better fit if you want the option to play on the TV and on the go. Either way, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth remains a strong choice for RPG fans and anyone following Cloud’s journey through the remake trilogy.
OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH
Gameplay: 4.75/5
Graphics: 5/5
Sound: 4.5/5
Lasting Appeal/Replayability: 4.75/5
Overall Rating 4.75/5 (95%)
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