Review: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

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RPG Odyssey

Spoilers ahead 

1. Story and Plot

Narrative:

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth delivers a mixed experience when it comes to its story. While parts of it are engaging and capture the essence of the original, other aspects fall flat. The inclusion of Zack’s storyline feels unnecessary and detracts from the core narrative. Changing the fate of Biggs and Wedge in Remake only to have them die later undermines the impact of those decisions. The presentation of Aerith's death, a pivotal moment, comes across as convoluted. Instead of the emotional mourning it should evoke, the writers try to position it as an event Cloud can't process, which undermines the original's emotional depth. Rocket Town and Cid, in particular, are reduced in importance, turning Cid into little more than a chauffeur. The game does improve on some aspects, though, such as Barret and Dyne’s storyline, which is handled far better than in the original.

Characters:

In terms of character development, Rebirth excels beyond the original. With the expanded content and added voice acting, the characters feel more alive and their personal growth is more palpable. This enhancement is largely due to modern technology, which gives the game an edge in this area.

World-Building:

The game’s world-building is well-executed, especially during the main story events. However, much of the lore is locked behind optional exploration and intel collection via Chadley, which feels out of place given the urgent nature of the plot. While side quests can enhance the story, Rebirth suffers from an overabundance of them, which dilutes the main narrative's sense of urgency.

1. Gameplay

Mechanics:

The gameplay mechanics in Rebirth are similar to Final Fantasy VII Remake, as expected for a sequel. The new synergy system during combat adds a fresh dynamic, making it feel like characters are truly working together.

Combat System:

The combat system is a hybrid of action and strategy, similar to Remake, but with the addition of the synergy system, which is a great improvement. It allows for coordinated attacks and adds an extra layer of strategy.

Exploration:

While exploration is a staple of RPGs, Rebirth sometimes goes overboard. The sheer amount of exploration required, particularly for finding Materia and intel, detracts from the story’s pacing. At times, it feels like the game pulls the player away from its narrative focus to engage in tasks that could have been handled more efficiently.

Quests and Side Activities:

There are far too many side quests in Rebirth, and most involve mini-games that, frankly, many players would prefer to skip. While a handful of side quests offer meaningful content, the majority feel like filler.

1. Graphics and Art Design

Visual Style:

Visually, Rebirth is stunning. The art direction is beautiful, and everything from the environments to the characters feels realistic and detailed.

Technical Quality:

The graphics are top-notch, as expected from a Square Enix title. However, there are occasional minor glitches, such as Aerith’s hands not aligning properly with her staff during a scene in the Temple of the Ancients.

Character and Environment Design:

Character designs, especially for newcomers like Cid, Cait Sith, and Vincent, are excellent. Revisiting iconic locations like Nibelheim and the Forgotten Capital with today’s graphical technology is a visual treat.

1. Sound and Music

Soundtrack:

The music is phenomenal, much like the original. The piano mini-game, possibly the only one enjoyable to me, allows players to engage with the soundtrack in an interactive way.

Voice Acting:

The voice acting is superb, particularly for Aerith and Barret. Cait Sith’s Scottish accent was an unexpected but fitting choice that worked well with his character.

Sound Effects:

The sound design is immersive and adds to the game's realism. Whether in battle or in quieter moments, the sound effects are some of the best parts of Rebirth.

1. User Interface and Controls

UI Design:

The UI is intuitive and accessible, particularly for those familiar with Final Fantasy VII Remake. The design is clean and provides all necessary information without being overwhelming.

Controls:

The controls are responsive and work well with the fast-paced nature of the game. The option to slow down during combat to issue commands helps manage the action without sacrificing fluidity.

1. Replayability and Content

Game Length:

This is a tricky area. While some players claim they can finish the game in about 42 hours, it took me a whopping 108 hours due to side quests and intel collection, which I abandoned by Chapter 12.

Replay Value:

After completing the game, hard mode becomes available, but honestly, I found the normal difficulty challenging enough. There’s no post-launch content as of writing this review, so additional replayability is limited to players who want to experience the game on a higher difficulty.

1. Performance and Technical Aspects

Performance:

The game runs smoothly on the PS5, with only minor graphical glitches, such as Aerith’s hand positioning, but nothing game-breaking.

Bugs and Glitches:

Aside from the minor issue with Aerith’s staff, I didn’t encounter any significant bugs or crashes.

1. Originality and Innovation

Innovation:

The synergy system during combat stands out as the most innovative feature. It brings a sense of cohesion to the battles that wasn’t as present in Remake.

Comparison:

While Rebirth excels in character development and graphics, it stumbles when it deviates too much from the original’s storyline. The introduction of a multiverse feels like an excuse to reimagine the entire plot, which can be hit or miss depending on the player’s preference.

1. Overall Enjoyment

Personal Experience:

Overall, I enjoyed the game but found the focus on side quests and intel collection frustrating. I often wanted to stick to the main story but had to go off on tangents to gather necessary Materia or complete Chadley’s objectives.

Target Audience:

This game is best suited for die-hard fans of Final Fantasy VII or players who enjoy a plethora of side activities and mini-games. For others, especially those who want to focus on the main narrative, it might feel like too much of a distraction.