Quite possibly the best Final Fantasy ever made.
The time has finally come! Nearly four years I waited for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. And now it is finally here. With all the marketing and the demo, was this game worth the wait?
Absolutely! This game is nothing short of impeccable. Its presentation, gameplay, story and side content have been an amazing experience so far. And I am ecstatic to share my impressions.
The World Map
The world map has finally made a grand return. Rebirth's open world is not only massive but it is just as beautiful. While traveling the world map, there are various wonders and discoveries. And there is so much to explore. Luckily, there are ways to get around this expansion world map.
Chocobos
Chocobos are available in each region. Each region is home to a different chocobo. And each chocobo has a unique ability. For example, Junon’s chocobo is a mountain one. Mountain chocobos can climb walls.
World Intel
Chadley returns and he is researching the entire world of Rebirth. Naturally, he requests Cloud’s help with these monumental tasks. World Intel involves various tasks that Chadley needs Cloud to complete tasks. These tasks are battling variants of fiends, finding life springs, searching for divine sanctuaries and several other activities.
There is so much side content to do. And none of it ever feels to be too much. This speaks to the side content being so compelling and satisfying.
The World Outside of Midgar
Remake had two criticisms when it came to the limitations of Midgar. Exploration was limited and most of the side content was not that interesting. Hamaguchi and CS1 took these criticisms to heart.
In response they have created a huge world map. Thus, the size of the world map allows for the expansive exploration. And this huge world map is saturated with engaging and worthwhile side content.
Mini Games
The original Final Fantasy 7 was famous for its huge collection of mini games. While many mini games from the OG have returned. Rebirth introduces plenty of new mini games. One game is taking gamers by storm for positive and addictive reasons.
Queen’s Blood
First, I must apologize to Triple Triad. Like many other FF fans, Triple Triad was my favorite card game in Final Fantasy. It was one of my top favorite mini games besides Blitzball. Now, Triad Triple has been dethroned. Succeeded by Queen’s Blood.
Queen’s Blood is a fantastic card game. While it takes some time to learn the game, you can get a hang of the rules in a short time. However, learning the rules of QB is easy. Mastering QB is another story.
Each player has different strategies. And you may have to edit your deck a lot. While adjusting your strategies accordingly. It's likely you will take an L or two before defeating certain players.
This all what makes Queen's Blood so thrilling. The challenges this card game brings is what makes it so addicting. Queen's Blood's fun and addicting nature will cause you to stall the main story.
Other Mini Games
Of course, Rebirth has other games besides Queen's Blood. Some minigames like wrangling chocobos is integrated in the main story. As chocobos are the one of the main means of traversal. However, there are other minigames that are spread across the world. And there is some introduced in the side quests.
One of these mini games is the Jump Frog. To unlock this mini game, you have to complete the 'Calling All Frogs' side quest which has you turning into a frog. And you must battle enemies as a frog.
In all my history of Final Fantasy, I hate being turned into a frog. For the first time ever, however, I actually had fun being a frog with the mini game. And the frog battle wasn’t too bad because I realized you can use a frog ability for huge amounts of damage.
Side Quests
Speaking of side quests, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has the best side quests in the entire franchise. I won’t spoil them for you with too many details. But I can say for certain that side quests are not only rewarding. But they are highly satisfying on both an emotional and narrative manner.
The side quests are more engaging because you have a second party member joining Cloud. Having a party member as a second protagonist make the side quests even more engaging. The engagement is further enhanced by the clients and side characters being so good and realistic.
Another important component of the side quests is they further add more lore to the world of Rebirth. An effect that World Intel does so well already. And Cloud, the party, and side characters revealed more sides to themselves. Adding more depth to the characters and the world of Rebirth.
Main Story
Since everyone is on high spoiler alert. Including yours truly. I will not be spoiling anything about the main story. Besides we all waited nearly four years for this game.
I am happy to report that the main story is even more faithful to the original game than Remake even. And pivotal events and places in the story have been expanded to an even greater effect than in Remake.
The developers added elements of the story that they intended to add the original game. But they couldn’t due to time constraints. That’s not the case with Rebirth. So far, it has paid off potently well.
Another reason why the main story is so good is the characters. The interactions between the main cast further enhances the main narrative. Character relationships is the driving force of the narrative.
Combat
Remake’s combat was amazing. The one of the greatest battle systems that Final Fantasy ever made. Rebirth elevates this amazing system to new heights. The hybrid system maintains the strategic elements. And new features such as perfect guarding, evasion, and the improved aerial combat further emphasizes the action elements.
However, the improvements to these characters is what makes this system even better. For example, Aerith now has Ward Shift as her unique ability. Tempest has been added as a charged attack for Aerith. And charged Tempest attack creates a Fleeting Familiar to assist Aerith.
Aerith’s Ward Shift allows her to teleport to any ward she has invoked on the battlefield. Ward Shift increases her mobility and utility. Also, Ward Shift can be used to get Aerith of danger. Once she’s out of danger she take advantage of her ward abilities.
Red XIII
I have been dying to play Red XIII since his introduction in Remake. It was certainly worth the wait. Red XIII is an absolute beast in battle. And his skill set makes him the king of beast.
Red XIII’s Vengeance Mode makes him unstoppable. While in Vengeance Mode, Red's power and attack speed increases dramatically. And his abilities become even more powerful. And some of his abilities’ properties are enhanced.
Red XIII is also the undisputed King of Stagger. While Tifa is the queen of stagger, Red XIII is her counterpart. Thanks to the mechanic of building Vengeance Mode through guarding, Red XIII can stagger foes easily.
Furthermore, Stardust Ray can easily destroy small fry. More importantly, Stardust Ray can quickly build up the stagger gauge for stronger foes. With Red XIII’s Vengeance Mode and Stardust Ray, Red XIII is a powerful ally with much versatility.
Performance
The only problem I have with Rebirth is Performance Mode. Performance Mode makes the game blurry. With Rebirth’s excellent combat system, it may be awesome to have the game running at a clear and smooth 60fps.
In light of this, I have been playing the game on Graphics Mode. Honestly, it is far from deal breaker for me. I have played games on 30fps and enjoyed them. And Square Enix is already working on a patch to address this issue.
Other than the blurry Performance mode, the game been running smoothly without any major issues and crashes. I have noticed small things like the plant life not swaying due to characters moving through the fields. But I feel like it is a small price to pay since they developed such incredible world map.
Rebirth Surpasses Remake
I love Remake. It was a great game. But Rebirth surpasses it in every way. It exponentially enhances the strengths of Remake. Rebirth also addresses the criticisms of Remake in major ways, especially with the world map and side content.
Rebirth is a completely different game than Remake. Even though they are both a part of the same remake trilogy of Final Fantasy 7. Remake was a great starting point for the trilogy.
Rebirth is the grand evolution of the trilogy. So far, Rebirth is an amazing interlude of the trilogy. And I am having an absolute blast playing it. And I can’t wait to see what next for the game. But I will take my time enjoying the game.
Images by Square Enix and Game Informer
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