"The gang is all here...for now."
Whoa! That was an emotional one. So many emtions evoked by that trailer. I was happy. I was surprised. And I was sad. In fact, towards the end of the trailer. My tears started to fall because of the beautiful theme song. And ominous scene at the end of the trailer. Let us dive right into this new trailer and the information provided by Square Enix.
Zack
Shinra soldiers are shooting Zack. Zack is feeling every bullet. But he has no bullet wounds. Could the bullets be passing through Zack? He certainly feeling the pain as every bullet goes through him.
Does Zack have any knowledge of his death in the Beagle timeline? Or can he feel his death in the original timeline. Is his Last Stand and survival occurring at the same time?
In my opinion, This is further evidence that Zack is in some kind of alternative timeline. But I am starting to believe that Zack is in another plane. Perhaps it is a purgatory of some sort. Regardless, I still have so many questions. And this is the first scene of the trailer.
Zack and Biggs
Zack is talking to Biggs. Biggs is looking like a fusion of a Resident Evil character and Charlie Sheen. Biggs asks Zack,” why he is still alive while the other Avalanche members are dead?” Biggs declares his intention to avenge his beloved comrades.
I am willing to bet that Zack and Biggs are teaming up. The developers have hinted that Zack is getting his own episode, I can see these two forming a party. So, it is further evidence that Zack is playable.
Barret, Tifa, Jessie, and Wedge are crossed out the bounty list. I think it is safe to say that the these alternative versions of the four are dead. Rather, they are in a deep sleep.
I have watched some videos from Night Sky Prince and Final Fantasy Peasant that have led to me having some earth-shattering conclusions. But these theories are cooking in my brain right so more on these in later articles.
The OG Faithful Stuff
Okay, let’s take a break from the mind-blowing stuff. And focus on the remodeled faithful elements. Shall we?
Cave of Gi
First, we see Bugenhagen, Red XIII and the party in the cave of Gi. Bugenhagen takes Red XIII and the party into the cave to learn the truth about Red XIII’s father. Bugenhagen warns the party about the waking ire of the Gi.
Your Foe?
Next, we see Vincent’s face for the first time. And he and Cloud are pointing their weapons are each other. Vincent asks Cloud, “Your foe?!” Cloud answers, “Sephiroth.”
I am loving Vincent’s design. And the materia slots in his gun are nice touches. Plus, Matt Mercer perfectly delivers Vincent’s line. I am over the moon that Matt is voicing him.
Familiar Locations
Cloud is running through Kalm, the Junon Cargo Ship, Gold Saucer and Corel Prison. All of these locations have been remodeled in HD graphics. And they look amazing. Even Corel Prison looks good considering it is supposed to be desert prison for the Gold Saucer.
While going through these recreated locations. Cloud expresses his trouble with his memories. He admits he can’t recall things that others can remember so easily. Tifa reassures Cloud by reminding him that he has helped her before. This time, she pledges to help him.
New Synergy Attacks
Firework Blade
Cloud and Aerith are busting out a new synergy move called Firework Blade. This synergy could be inspired by the songs Midnight Rendezvous and Interrupted by Fireworks. In the Gold Saucer date with Cloud and Aerith, fireworks are lighting up the sky as the two rode the Ferris Wheel.
Moogle Dunk Shot
Tifa and Cait Sith were teaming up for a new synergy too. This one is called Moogle Dunk Shot. Tifa bashes enemies by swinging the giant moogle like a club. And then she launches him at enemies.
New Summons
Three new summons made their debut. The new entities are Titan, Phoenix and a new Bahamut?! This new one is called Bahamut Arisen. I wonder if this dragon was inspired by Neo Bahamut and the Arisen from Dragon Dogma.
Titan
Titan’s design is a giant humanoid composed of stone. Titan’s previous designs were just giant, burly humans. Starting with Final Fantasy XV, Titan’s design has been created with stone bodies. In addition, the new Titan designs have been adorned with crystals.
Titan unleashes Earthen Fury when he leaves the battlefield. Earthen Fury is name of Titan signature move in Final Fantasy XVI. Hamaguchi and Yoshi P have respect for each other’s work. Naturally, some of Yoshi P’s influence could have rubbed off on Hamaguchi.
Phoenix
Phoenix has some new aesthetics too. The firebird has segments of armor on its wings and talons. Phoenix’s color palette has different values of red, orange, yellow, and purple. This palette is also extended to the firebird’s flames. Besides Shiva, Phoenix is the most beautiful summon yet.
Phoenix can burn enemies with its wildfire while granting healing buffs to the party. True to its namesake, Phoenix can revive fallen party members in battle. When Phoenix departs the battlefield, it executes its Rebirth Flame. Rebirth Flame restores the party’s health while scorching enemies with its brilliant flames.
Bahamut Arisen
Bahamut Arisen is a brand new summon in Rebirth. The new Bahamut seems to be inspired by Neo Bahamut. Both dragons have a red color palette. However, Bahamut Arisen‘s red is more resplendent and muted than Neo’s bright red.
As described by the Square Enix Blog, Bahamut Arisen can strike foes with claws in rapid succession. The crimson dragon can wipe out foes with charged magic attacks from its limbs. It can use Umbral Bombardment which involves two orbs. The two orbs fan out and destroy all enemies.
Massive crimson dragon’s final move is Gigaflare. Gigaflare was also Neo Bahamut’s summoning attack. This extremely powerful attack bombards enemies with magic beams from wings. Bahamut Arisen finishes Gigaflare by launching a massive beam from its mouth.
New Characters
Solemn Gus
Who this flamboyant animated man with the green outlash suit? The answer is Solemn Gus. And he is the sleazy kingpin of Corel Prison. While making his selection for something seemingly nefarious, the kingpin settles on Cloud.
Dio
Speaking of Cloud, our favorite merc is seen facing off against Dio in the Gold Saucer. Seems like the two are about to duke it out in some contest. With Cait Sith kicking off the festivities.
This is also the first time we hear Dio talked. And he sounds good. And Dio's design looks great in an ultra bulky way. The Gold Saucer owner may have more muscle than a Super Sayian.
Cid
The most anticipated character reveal was Cid Highwind. Yes, Cid make his first appearance in Rebirth. J Michael Tatum got the southern accent down. And he sounds great as Cid.Not what I expecting for Cid’s voice actor. But this is another great casting. And I can’t wait to hear more of Tatum voicing Cid.
Cid’s design perfectly matches his outfit in the original. And Cid looks fantastic in HD. But there are some key differences with Cid. First, he doesn’t have any cigarettes. Cid is known to light up espeically when the party won a battle in the original game.
Plus, Cid is offering his services to Aerith. Showing a desire to help Aerith.
When you first meet Cid in Rocket Town. He is a disgruntled, foul-mouth pilot. This is because Cid had his dreams of going into space halted by saving Shera.
Of course, this is the first time we see Cid. So, the foul-mouth persona could still be present. And Cid’s kind aid could come after the events of Rocket Town. Cid joins the party since Cloud and others are going after Sephiroth. And there is nothing for Cid in Rocket Town beside a rusty old rocket.
Dyne
The final character revealed in the trailer is Dyne. Dyne was once Barret’s closest friend and fellow miner. Dyne is also the biological father of Marlene. The same Marlene who sees Barret as her father.
Barret meets Dyne again. This time, Dyne is a wanted murderer. However, Dyne is ashamed of his murderous actions. He is so ashamed of himself that he feels he has no right to see Marlene. And doesn't want his daugther to know what he has become.
Now this all happens in the original FFVII. But this scene is going to be even more emotional. Thanks to the photorealistic style of Rebirth and the voice acting. Dyne’s story is sure to have heightened character development for Barret as well.
The Scary Man Cometh
Zack and Marlene are in Aerith’s room. Cloud is resting in a chair. And the other Aerith is resting in a bed. A distressed Marlene tells Zack to promise not to tell anyone about her secret. A secret warning Zack that a scary man is going to kill Aerith when she wakes.
You probably guessed that scary man is Sephiroth. More importantly, why does Marlene know what fate is going to befall Aerith? Is it because Aerith touched Marlene earlier? Aerith did the same thing with Red XIII when they first meant. Granting the sentient beast knowledge of the Whispers among other things.
Loveless
The Gold Saucer play has retconned into Loveless. Aerith plays the role of Princess Rosa. Cloud seems to be reprising his role as the hero, Alfred. And the other party members will have roles too. Barret is dressed as an evil armor knight. By Barret’s side is Red XIII with dark and hot pink colors.
Did my eyes betray? Or did I really see Jessie dancing in the play? Square Enix has confirmed that this is a VR version of Jessie. They also confirmed that Jessie is indeed dead. So much for Jessie possibly being alive.
Relationships: Building Bonds
Depending on how Cloud treats his fellow party members. Different roles can be assigned to other party members for Loveless. For example, if you are not as kind to Aerith as you Tifa. Aerith will not play the role of Princess Rosa. Tifa or any other party member can take her place.
Most importantly, Cloud actions and responses to his friends will determine the course of his relationship with them. Building strong bonds can grant you some benefits. Finally, Cloud’s behavior will decide who will be his plus one for the infamous Gold Saucer date.
No Promises to Keep
The theme of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was revealed. The song is called “No Promises to Keep”. Aerith performs the song in game wearing a beautiful white dress. The song is composed by the legendary Nobuo Uematsu. With Loren Allred performing the vocals to this song.
This is such a beautiful, nostalgic song. No Promises to Keep brings back the endearing themes of songs such as “Eyes on Me” and Memories of Life. These are two of my favorite theme songs. And these Final Fantasy songs are how I got into video game theme songs in the first place.
While Aerith is singing her heart out, Cloud is gazing lovingly upon her. In fact, we get a scene from the Gold Saucer Date with Cloud and Aerith. Cloud and Aerith are having a romantic moment.
As Aerith is singing. More emotional scenes are shown. Including the Cid piloting the Tiny Bronco to escape. A little more is shown of Dyne and Barret’s interaction and Cloud and Aerith’s date. However, not everything in the trailer ends well.
The Altar
As the trailer concludes, Aerith is praying at a familiar altar. The Whispers are hovering in the background. As Aerith concludes her prayer. Black feathers descended from above.
Black feathers act as the symbols of Sephiroth. And this means one thing. Sephiroth is planning to kill Aerith once again. And this is the ultimate fate of FFVII as mentioned by Hamaguchi.
It should be noted that the developers have said these events will not play out the same. Meaning the jury is still out whether Aerith will die or not. One thing is for certain, the ending of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will end in tragedy.
Reaction
As I said in the beginning, this was an emotional trailer. I was happy to see Cid for the first time. And hear his voice. The theme song is exquisite. However, I am sad.
Personally, I feel like the trailer was a final farewell for Aerith. While they did show Cid for first time. One can surmise that Aerith was the star of this trailer. All of the major points were focused on her.
I concluded with saying that I am not ready for this again. I wasn’t ready when I saw it for the first time in the original game. And I am sure not ready for it now. FFVII Rebirth is going to be an emotional rollercoaster of pure joy and crushing sadness.
How do you feel about the FFVII Rebirth Trailer? Do you like the theme song? Does it stir your emotions? And do you have a lot of questions like I do? Let me know how you feel in the comment below.
Shout out to Square Enix for its latest blog post and its assets. Also thanks to Gematsu.
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