7 Rebirth follows the same trajectory, while also building upon every aspect of the previous.
Deep and varied combat, with a large array of playstyle customization.
Challenging but not punishing, with some solid, engaging optional content.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s open world is absolutely gorgeous, with plenty to explore and unlock.
There’s a mountain of fan service and celebratory story beats that nails nostalgia while delivering something new.
Well-optimized with great visuals, incredible music, wrapped in a meaty 60+ hour campaign.
Spectacular cinematic moments compliment great character work alongside a tried-and-tested storyline.
I’m concerned that the “multiversal” story elements detract from the plot, rather than enhance it.
The UI animations are unnecessarily long and take control away from you too frequently.
It’s finally here.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s open world is absolutely gorgeous, with plenty to explore and unlock.
But in 2025, nostalgia alone is perhaps not enough.
AAA games have increasingly come under scrutiny as corporate interests vacuum up the art and chase a quick buck.
I’m grateful to Square Enix that they resisted the urge with Final Fantasy 7.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is well-optimized and performant, and offers a more than playable experience even on devices like the Steam Deck.
Sure, it could be better still support for some of the more modern NVIDIA features is still missing.
But overall, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s configurability is vastly expanded here, showcasing improved tooling and learning.
The sheer attention to detail is absolutely jaw-dropping, activating core memories on a near rapid fire cadence.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake’s combat returns in Rebirth, with some added flair.
I’d say all up that Square Enix has probably delivered its besteversensory experience with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
But this is no walking simulator, how does this RPG play?
Square Enix also cleverly addressed the “necessity” to actually switch characters in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
A variety of new attacks add layers of additional strategies to find success in combat.
What would be the point if players end up only controlling Cloud the entire time?
These attacks are spectacular to watch play out, but are also incredibly powerful and potent.
On the plus side, the side content is entirely optional.
There are tons of fun and engaging mini-games scattered throughout.
Why do I need to climb a Ubisoft tower before I can fight the cool monsters?
It’s time-wasting and annoying.
Ubisoft-style open world “collect-a-thon” features feel incredibly tired in 2025. Thankfully they’re almost entirely optional.
Indeed, like I noted, the game really shines in its more traditional linear segments.
Square Enix maintains the theme of “overdelivering” on the original game’s elements.
Do I want Aerith to be more defensive or offensive?
A mountain of unique boss battles awaits players in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
Should I build Cloud around melee or magic, or a combination?
Who do I even want in my main party composition?
What optional Materia from Chadley missions should I research to unlock?
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth celebrates the major story beats of the original, while weaving in new layers.
Which of Cloud’s love interests should I pursue …?
Imagine you’re a developer on Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
Final Fantasy 7 is a uniquely bleak entry in the franchise’s pantheon, while also being oddly poignant.
It’s incredibly impressive how Square Enix has, so far, managed to recreate almost every location from the original with loving detail.
How do you rebuild such a timeless classic, while doing justice to the game’s most iconic moments?
Even some oddities from the original gain fresh context, which add to the original narrative rather than detract.
That can’t be said foreverynew story beat, though.
Some of the more “metaversal” story beats have proved controversial within the fanbase, and I am personally not a fan.
It’s funny and silly when it wants to be, but harrowingly dark when necessary as well.
The sheer volume of characters to track and events to remember might be quite dizzying, I can imagine.
I played the game mostly with Japanese audio, but the English dub is quite good.
Barret is, was, and forever will be, the GOAT.
