A perfect introduction to Rebirth.
I have high expectations for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. The reason I have such high expectations is because Hamaguchi and the CBU1 have done such an excellent job of promoting the game. While the marketing of Rebirth has been great and insightful. There is nothing like experiencing the game yourself to see if the it meets or surpasses expectations.
I am happy to report that the demo of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth delivers. In fact, it has exceeded my expectations. I already had confidence in the game thanks to the marketing and Remake. But the demo has elevated my confidence in Rebirth immensely. We dive into the reasons why I think this is the best demo yet.
Graphics
The graphics have been leveled up immensely. Thanks to the power of the PS5, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a beautiful sight to behold. The town of Nibelheim looks so clean, polished, and brilliant. And everything has been rendered with such amazing detail.
While Remake was released with some exquisite graphics. Some areas and models of the game were lacking. Some objects had low resolution while some of the NPCs were not the prettiest. But CBU1 made sure that everything in the game was crafted with such beauty and realistic detail. The powerful visual fidelity is makes Rebirth feel more alive than Remake.
Gameplay
Cloud
Cloud’s gameplay has been vastly improved from Remake. Cloud is faster and more fluid especially with Punisher Mode. In Punisher Mode, Cloud rapidly shifts while slicing up enemies. Other than that, Cloud’s Punisher Mode works the same as it did in Remake.
Cloud’s aerial combo is much better. Previously, his air combo was just three hits. And these hits were basic and weak. Now the air combos are more dynamic and aerobatic. Cloud can also execute long range move by holding the Square Button.
Sephiroth
Sephiroth is the real star in combat. And this point is emphasized in the beginning of the game. Sephiroth is the first character you control in battle. Sephiroth later joins Cloud in battle in Mt. Nibel.
Sephiroth is an absolute badass. He’s an unstoppable force to be with reckon with. Normal enemies are swiftly sliced into ribbons. Against tougher enemies, players have to be a bit more strategic with Sephiroth.
This is a nice balance between Sephiroth’s omnipotent strength and gameplay. Plus, Sephiroth is a powerful fighter. He’s an infamous war hero for a reason. And using him correctly is what really make you feel invincible.
New Features
Remake’s battle system was remarkable. But elevating this already masterful battle system was a challenge. However, CBU1 has succeeded in evolving this combat system even further.
While Rebirth retains the same battle system. Battles are more action oriented. New mechanics allow you to dodge enemies attack completely. Another new feature is perfect guarding.
If you executed a perfect block, damage is nullified. But that’s not the only benefit. Successful perfect guards will knock an enemy off balance. And their stagger gauges increases. Furthermore, enemies can be pressured as well.
Once I got the timing down, I put this mechanic to good use. And perfect guard made taking down Velociwings and Screamers much easier. And these enemies can be a pain to deal with.
Synergy
Synergy is not a new mechanic. It was already introduced in Intermission. However, synergy has been greatly enhanced. You can execute synergy skills at anytime while guarding. And they can be used without any ATB.
The most important enhancement of synergy are the Synergy Abilities. These powerful abilities can be a good changer. Synergy Abilities also bestow incredible benefits to the one who initializes the move.
During the battle against the Materia Guardian, Cloud and Sephiroth gain the ability to Double Helix. Double Helix caused significant damage to the Materia Guardian. The move stopped the boss from gaining more power. And the boss was knocked off balance.
The execution of Double Helix also gave Sephiroth a temporary bonus. Sephiroth was given infinite MP. With infinite MP, Sephiroth can freely bombard the guardian with magic. Making Sephiroth even more invincible.
Nibelheim
Rebirth begins with the infamous Nibelheim flashback. Similar to the original game, Cloud tells the party of what transpired in the NIbelheim incident. The incident being the catalyst of the crisis that befalls Final Fantasy VII. A crisis caused by the fallen hero Sephiroth.
Before the incident, Nibelheim is a vibrant and bustling town. Like many other locations in the Remake trilogy, Nibelheim is much more fleshed and expanded. The town feels alive.
Adults are busy working and talking with each other. Kids are playing with each other while pretending to be the hero, Sephiroth. And a lot of people noticed Cloud. Various adults will comment on how Cloud has grown.
While citizens are admiring and praising Cloud’s growth and Soldier status. Sephiroth is the real star. Sephiroth’s presence draws big crowds of people wanting to see him. The crowd is cheering and desperately trying to meet with the famed hero.
The expansion of locations in the Remake is what made it narrative strong and impactful. With Nibelheim, Rebirth continues this expansion. Furthermore, Rebirth elevates these expansions even more. Continuing and evolving one of the many strengths of Remake.
Landmarks
Just like the original, Cloud can visit his house to see his mom. Or he could go to Tifa’s house. Before going to either location, Cloud climbs the infamous water tower. The same water tower where he makes his promise to Tifa. The promise to protect her when she is in danger.
The option to climb the water tower was not in the original game. Furthermore, Tifa asks Cloud how it felt being up there again. This is not the only time that the rest of the party intervenes either.
Tifa’s House
When Cloud goes into Tifa’s house, Barret is surprised that Cloud and Tifa were neighbors. When Cloud explains there are reasons why they didn’t hang out. Barret comically remarks, “Bet a lot of reasons had to do with you.” This line had me dying of laughter. And Barret was spot on with the comment.
The party also reacts to Cloud going Tifa’s stuff. With Tifa not being too pleased with Cloud. And both Aerith and Tifa calling him an “asshole.” A strong synergy executed by these two. The piano mini game was fun to play. With the party commenting on Cloud's performance.
Cloud’s House
Cloud goes home for the first time to see his mom. If you played the original, Remake or Crisis Core, then you know how things played out here. Cloud’s memory glitch kicks in as you progress in the last memories of his mother.
Cloud sounds hurt to revisit these memories of his mother. The possible reasons are due to his memory gaps. Or it could for the simple yet painful reason that he is last time with his mother. You can hear the sadness in his voice.
Party Engagement
In response, the other party members are silent at the end of Cloud’s house. Barret and others are deeply invested in hearing about spiky haired hero’s mom. Once Cloud concludes, “That’s enough.” No one comments further on Cloud’s mom.
While I found Tifa’s house to be more humorous and positive with the drawers and piano. Also, Cloud’s house took on a somber tone. The pain and silence of Cloud’s voice really struck a cord with me. And both houses allowed the party to engaged in the flashback. Two powerful pieces of storytelling which makes the Nibelheim even more engaging.
Cloud
It took a while to get to Cloud’s puppy persona. I used to the Cloud’s usual persona. Cloud is usually a cool customer with a dorky and light side to him. And there is him being a badass EX-SOLDIER. So, seeing Cloud with this new puppy persona was bizarre.
In time, I came to enjoy puppy Cloud. It was humorous yet refreshing to see this side of Cloud. Even though, this side of Cloud is based off another character with this persona. I sure a lot of people know who I am referring to.
I did find it interesting that Zack’s voice actor, Caleb Pierce, was voicing the infantry soldier. It like Cloud and Zack switch places in the Nibelheim flashback. A nice little nod to suggest that there's more to the story of Nibelheim. And it is a subtle twist woven into the story by CBU1.
Sephiroth
Humanity
While Cloud is a vital character in the flashback. Sephiroth is the true protagonist of the Nibelheim flashback. While Sephiroth’s character before his downfall was explored in other pieces of media. Rebirth’s depiction is the most fleshed version of Sephiroth's humanity.
Sephiroth’s human side really shines in Rebirth. As noted by Barret, “The way you tell it Sephiroth sounds like an upstanding guy.” And it is true at first. Sephiroth is kind and heroic. But he is also playful and coy too.
He teases Cloud while being a great mentor to him. Sephiroth also chastises Cloud when he is reckless or asks obvious questions. When the survey party is at the large materia spring, but Cloud asks the obvious about how they can magic. Sephiroth playfully retorts, “How did you ever become a SOLDIER?”
Sephiroth’s heroic side comes to light too. During the bridge collapse, Sephiroth attempts to save the other infantry man. However, he fails to do so. Sephiroth is visibly shocked and hurt by his failure. As the unfortunate foot soldier is washed away.
Sephiroth later goes to find the missing soldier. But it is for naught. Sephiroth is once again saddened by his failure to recuse the soldier. In turn, he decides to join Cloud on the front line. He jokingly tells Cloud that this for performance review.
Downfall
While it is relishing to see Sephiroth’s humanity and heroic side. It makes his fall from grace even more heart wrenching. If you didn’t feel sorry for Sephiroth before. Then Rebirth will really make you for sorry for man. You will be incredibly sad.
Without getting major spoliers, Sephiroth has his earth shattering revelation and his reaction is painful to watch. Tyler Hoechlin masterfully delivers Sephiroth’s downfall. The strong musical score of Rebirth elevates Sephiroth’s descent into madness. The already haunting track, “Those Chosen by The Planet,” is a perfect terrifying piece to match Sephiroth’s downfall.
Cons
There were a couple of things that I found a bit jarring. These two things were the only things I did not like about the demo. And it was during the climax of the incident.
I didn’t like that you had to use QTEs on the Left and Right Trigger to make Cloud crawl towards Sephiroth. I get it. They wanted to immerse you in the moment. And there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, I love it when they do stuff like that.
However, I did not think OTEs were the way to go in this scenario. Just having Cloud simply crawl towards Sephiroth. And having the haptic feedback active would have been better.
Cloud limping around the burning Nibelheim was also jarring. Having Cloud staggering around the burning town would have been a better approach too. Similar to how he staggers in Sector 8 while reliving the destruction of Nibelheim in Remake. Not to mention, it would have been a cool way to connect the two games subtly.
I understand the reasons for the QTEs and the limping. They want to immerse us in the story. I want them to keep doing stuff like this. There could have been better ways to handle those approaches.
Overall
I was extremely impressed with the demo. It exceeded my expectations in spades. And the demo has me even more hype to play the rest of the game. We won’t have to wait too much longer for more content.
Square Enix is giving us the second part of the demo. This time, it will take place in Junon. Giving us a taste of the open world. And I can’t wait. Furthermore, I can’t wait to play Red XIII.
Have you played the demo yourself? Are you ready for more FFVIII Rebirth? Let me know in the comments.
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