When Final Fantasy VII Rebirth hit PlayStation 5 last year, it took the world by storm. Not only that, but it also took CGM by storm. For the PS5 review, we had this to say: “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth delivers upon Remake’s thesis, increasing a classic’s scale and character tenfold to create a new modern-day masterpiece.” Read that review here.
Much like our original review, this will be a spoiler-free review as most of the magic within Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the plot.
With Final Fantasy VII Remake already under its belt, Square Enix set itself up for an incredible challenge in crafting Rebirth. But instead of simply rehashing the events of the original, Rebirth builds upon its predecessor in exciting ways. The result is a game that respects the history of its forbearer while simultaneously offering a fresh and thrilling experience for both old die-hard fans and newcomers alike.
The game’s environments echo the original world while incorporating modern graphical advancements, preserving the nostalgic essence of the past. Key locations are more developed, and the attention to detail in sprawling cities and peaceful valleys enhances the sense of immersion. It’s the same world, but everything feels more alive and expansive. This isn’t just a technical achievement—it’s a deliberate effort to breathe new life into a beloved classic, ensuring the world is as enchanting today as it was when players first set foot on Gaia in 1997.
“Final Fantasy VII Rebirth digs heavily into themes like fate, free will, and identity, adding a layer of emotional weight that deepens the impact of the overall story.”
Not only has the world evolved, but so has the story. The structure of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth continues the events of Final Fantasy VII Remake, maintaining the emotional beats and themes that resonated strongly with players. However, Rebirth doesn’t merely replicate the original plot—it adds more depth. New elements develop character arcs and motivations, adding layers of meaning previously unexplored. While some story moments will be familiar to those who played the original, enough new developments and surprises keep even the most seasoned players engaged. The story unfolds at a deliberate pace, allowing players to savor each moment, whether through detailed character interactions or the well-executed main plotline.
One of the most notable additions is handling themes like fate, free will, and identity. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth digs into them more heavily, exploring the characters’ struggles with their purpose in a world that seems increasingly beyond their control. The sense of looming uncertainty and destiny is apparent in every scene, adding a layer of emotional weight that deepens the impact of the overall story. Players familiar with the original will notice this, but newcomers will equally feel the growing tension throughout the game.
Of course, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth takes the liberty of adding new characters, expanding the stories of old ones, and offering a fresh perspective on certain events. It’s a delicate balance: staying true to the original while making enough meaningful changes to satisfy those eager for something different. On this front, Rebirth absolutely delivers.
Much of Final Fantasy VII’s success can be attributed to its deeply human cast. Cloud Strife, the reluctant hero, is defined by his internal struggles and complex emotions. Aerith’s kindness was a beacon of hope and a poignant reminder of what was at stake. Tifa, Barret, and the rest of the crew brought something valuable to the table, and their relationships formed the beating heart of the narrative.
In Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, these characters have evolved in terms of their visual design, personalities, motivations, and the depth of their character arcs. Cloud’s journey continues to be one of self-discovery, and his growth as a leader and person is subtle and impactful. His interactions with Tifa and Aerith provide a tender and tense dynamic, and how these bonds evolve will keep players engaged long after the credits roll.
Tifa, a central figure in the original, is given more space to shine in Rebirth. Her inner strength, evident in the first game, is explored with greater depth here, allowing her to become a more active force in the narrative rather than just a supportive character. The emotional stakes of her relationship with Cloud are also given more weight, making their bond feel more moving than ever before.
Barret’s fiery, no-nonsense attitude remains intact, but his character arc in Rebirth feels more fully developed. His history, internal struggles, and relationships with the team are explored in new ways. The side characters, who were largely relegated to secondary roles in the original, are given more opportunities to show their depth and personality.
Though initially mysterious, Red XIII‘s role is expanded in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, offering more insight into his backstory and the weight of his responsibilities. His bond with the team is strengthened, and his personal struggles are explored in greater depth, making him feel more integral to the narrative.
Cait Sith, often seen as comic relief, receives a more nuanced treatment in this instalment. The characters’ motivations and inner conflicts are brought to the forefront, giving them more substance and emotional resonance than before while still maintaining their unique charm.
But this expanded development benefits not only the returning characters. Rebirth introduces new faces who fit seamlessly into the narrative, their motivations and personalities adding to the game’s overall themes. These characters never feel out of place; they are key parts of the journey, each contributing something vital to the story and to the development of the core group.
“At the heart of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the balance between honouring the past and boldly moving forward.”
The combat system in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth builds on the foundation laid by Final Fantasy VII Remake but introduces new mechanics, characters, and abilities to keep the battles fresh. Each character plays with distinct mechanics and style, making the combat feel varied and dynamic. Cloud’s abilities evolve with the story, allowing players to explore new ways of fighting. Tifa, for example, remains true to her martial arts background, and her combo-based playstyle feels satisfying and impactful. Barret’s ranged combat is more than just about shooting from afar—his weapons and abilities have been enhanced, offering new tactical opportunities.
Adding more strategic layers in battle, such as improved Materia systems and greater combo potential, adds depth. Yet, despite these new features, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth never forgets the spirit of its predecessor. The game still allows for the strategic depth of the original while adding a layer of action that feels fluid and fast-paced. The combat balances the traditional turn-based system fans remember, and the more action-oriented gameplay modern titles have embraced.
Boss battles are another highlight, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth delivers some of the series’ most intense and awe-inspiring fights. The scale and spectacle of the battles never feel overdone. They manage to capture the grandeur of the original game’s most iconic moments. These encounters require players to think on their feet, balancing attacks, defence, and strategy in a way that keeps every battle engaging and rewarding.
No Final Fantasy game would be complete without mentioning its music. Nobuo Uematsu’s legendary score was a defining element of the original, and the soundtrack in Rebirth is nothing short of extraordinary. The game takes the familiar themes of the original and reimagines them with new arrangements, lifting them to new heights. Tracks like “Aerith’s Theme” and “One-Winged Angel” have never sounded better, their orchestral compositions swelling with emotion.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth delivers an impressive performance on PC, maintaining smooth frame rates and stunning visual fidelity even with demanding settings. Running it on a system equipped with an RTX 3080, an i5-12600K, and 32GB of DDR4 RAM, the game runs nearly flawlessly at High settings, ensuring that both performance and graphical quality remain top-notch. Whether exploring expansive landscapes or engaging in fast-paced combat, players can enjoy a visually rich experience without sacrificing performance.
But Final Fantasy VII Rebirth doesn’t rest on the achievements of the past. The new compositions introduced throughout the game are just as memorable, blending seamlessly into the world and the story. The music adds to the sense of adventure, tension, and triumph, and each track enhances the emotional impact of the story’s most important moments.
At the heart of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the balance between honouring the past and boldly moving forward. It captures the soul of the original while offering twists and turns to make it an essential experience for both veterans and newcomers alike. It is a thoughtful, respectful, and breathtaking reimagining of one of the most beloved RPGs of all time. It doesn’t just revisit the past—it redefines it for a new generation. If you’ve ever wanted to revisit Gaia, now is the time.
