In 2020, Square Enix Brings New Life to Final Fantasy 7 with Rebirth
In 2020, Square Enix accomplished the seemingly impossible task of remaking Final Fantasy 7. The result was Final Fantasy 7 Remake, a game that beautifully reimagined the beloved role-playing classic for a modern audience. Packed with stunning visuals and an innovative hybrid combat system, the remake was a tremendous success.
However, the remake only focused on a small portion of the original 1997 release, leaving fans eager to see the story of Cloud, Tifa, Barrett, and Aerith expand beyond the confines of Midgar. Square Enix had the challenge of addressing iconic narrative moments that have shaped the culture of video games, even for those who haven’t played Final Fantasy 7.
Trilogy Ambition with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Now, with the upcoming release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the second installment in a planned trilogy, Square Enix aims to take even greater risks. The end of Remake introduced the concept of a divergent timeline and multiverses, allowing for both familiar events and the potential for new paths and outcomes.
This narrative gambit has sparked controversy, as it disrupts fans’ expectations and creates uncertainty about the series’ direction. Having had the opportunity to play through an hour of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, I can confirm that Square Enix is intent on keeping the mystery alive until release. Players will have the chance to experience the game for themselves and discover where the story leads.
A Hands-On Preview of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
During my hands-on demo, I had the opportunity to play two distinct sections of the game: “The Fated Mt. Nibel Mission” and “The Open Wilds of Junon.” While the former is a pivotal moment in Final Fantasy 7’s story, the focus of the demo was more on showcasing gameplay evolution rather than advancing the narrative.
“The Fated Mt. Nibel Mission” takes players back five years, following Cloud and Sephiroth as they investigate a malfunctioning Mako Reactor. The demo provides a glimpse into the stunning world of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, with familiar characters and locations coming to life in vivid detail.
The demo also highlights the contrasting perspectives of Tifa and Cloud. Tifa expresses concern about the overuse of Mako energy, highlighting her commitment to protecting the planet. In contrast, Cloud remains somewhat oblivious to the consequences, illustrating his naivety and character growth.
Gameplay Enhancements and Tweaks
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth retains the hybrid combat system introduced in Remake, allowing players to control characters directly while also utilizing the familiar command menus. However, Square Enix has made tweaks and additions to enhance the overall combat experience.
One noteworthy addition is the Synergy Abilities, which offer cinematic combat maneuvers reminiscent of Chrono Trigger’s Cross Techs. It’s highly satisfying to execute these special attacks and witness the spectacle unfold in battle.
The combat system also incorporates unique attacks for each character, such as Cloud’s Punisher Mode from Remake. These additions build upon the established foundation and provide more depth and strategy for players to explore.
Final Thoughts
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is shaping up to be another remarkable entry in the series. Square Enix’s decision to embrace a divergent timeline and multiverses has injected new life into the story, leaving fans eager to uncover the mysteries that lie ahead.
With its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and ambitious storytelling, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth promises to be a thrilling continuation of the Final Fantasy 7 saga. Gamers everywhere await its release, eager to embark on a new and unforgettable adventure.