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It was just after midnight on February 29th, 2024 when I first got my hands on Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for the PS5. As the title screen faded in and the first chords of that familiar melody filled the room, I knew I was stepping into something extraordinary. This is a game that, by all means, shouldn’t work, it was tasked with the impossible and fueled by audacious, bold decisions. Yet somehow, it defies those odds spectacularly. A chaotic blend of minigames, mechanics, systems, and so many narrative tangents, Rebirth feels as though it was designed to be the ultimate (even FINAL..(wink-wink) if you prefer that) video game ever made, cramming in as much content as possible before the inevitable end.
Growing up, Final Fantasy VII wasn’t just a game, it was an escape, a vast universe that I explored in my imagination long after it was bedtime and the game was turned off. I spent countless hours projecting my dreams onto its pixelated landscapes, filling in the details the technology of the time just couldn't provide. I imagined the towering structures of Midgar, the cramped ambiance that the slums created and then eventually the glorious freedom of the open world. Rebirth somehow did the impossible, as it not only brought these childhood visions to life but also exceeded all my expectations.
If the previous game in the trilogy made one thing clear, it’s that it was not a traditional remake of Final Fantasy VII and at this point I fully treat it as a sequel. This game is so expertly crafted that it takes a pivotal moment from the original, seemingly flips it on its head, and just when you think you’ve figured it all out, it seamlessly brings back the original scene, delivering it with even more emotional impact. The result hits harder and feels more Final Fantasy VII than ever. Much of that extra punch comes from the characters and the themes and if there’s one theme that help tie the whole Final Fantasy VII saga together, it’s the theme of loss. Every character has their own burden to carry, their own history of suffering. Cloud’s loss of identity, Aerith’s tragic destiny, Barret’s fight to reclaim what’s been taken from him, Tifa’s quiet strength in the face of her own adversity and Red XIII’s haunting history add layers to their personalities, making them not just characters, but close companions on a shared journey. Rebirth doesn't shy away from these emotional depths, but instead emphasize them, offering moments of reflection and heartache amidst the grandeur of the game. But what Rebirth does so beautifully is show that loss is not just a moment of grief, but a catalyst for growth. Watching these characters struggle, heal, and ultimately find hope amidst their personal tragedies is a reminder that, even in the face of immense hardship, there is resilience.
Rebirth undertakes perhaps the most challenging aspect of the original game to reimagine. Transitioning from the tightly woven, narrative-driven experience of Remake to the sprawling open world of FINAL FANTASY VII, the story’s pacing shifts significantly. It evolves into a grand road trip through the game’s vast and diverse world. Along the way, you form new alliances, explore a variety of locations, but still pursue a singular goal: finding Sephiroth. Despite the daunting scope, Rebirth rises to the occasion with remarkable confidence, charm, and creativity. Through its engaging open world, mini-games and an enriched focus on character relationships, it delivers a deeply satisfying exploration of the world and its inhabitants like never before. The more you play Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the more it feels like the game is acutely aware of the emotional journey it offers. It’s as if Rebirth is consciously orchestrating your experience, and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve paused just to take in the soundtrack. Each piece feels meticulously placed, as though it was surgically timed to heighten the moment in a profoundly meaningful way.
For those who, like me, grew up with the original Final Fantasy VII, Rebirth isn’t just a game, it’s the realization of everything we ever dreamed this world could be. It’s as if the developers reached back into our childhood memories and brought them to life, crafting a world that not only lives up to the magic of the original but elevates it to new heights. The characters, the story, the themes of loss and hope, it all feels richer, more resonant, and more immersive than I ever imagined. For me Rebirth is a true love letter to Final Fantasy VII and I'm glad we finally have the definitive way to enjoy it, on PC!