Final Fantasy VII Rebirth – PS5 Review

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth isn't just a game, rather it's a testament to the boundless possibilities of modern gaming. Square Enix has once again raised the bar with this highly anticipated follow-up to Final Fantasy VII Remake, and let me tell you, the hype is real.

There are few games that the team at Glorbo have been anticipating more in 2024 than Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and for good reason. Final Fantasy VII Remake set a new standard for what modern reimaginings of beloved classics could achieve, leaving fans hungry for more.

A Brave New World

Stepping into the reimagined world of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a jaw-dropping experience. From towering steel structures to ancient ruins scattered across the lush landscape, the game's immense scale and breathtaking vistas immediately pull you in, begging to be explored.

It's an unforgettable introduction to Square Enix’s eagerly awaited sequel to Final Fantasy VII Remake—a game Glorbo considers the gold standard for revitalizing iconic titles. While you’ll visit familiar locales from the 1997 original, they’ve been given such a massive overhaul that they feel entirely new. The barren Grasslands are now thriving with wildlife and lush greenery, while Junon’s pristine shores are scarred by the remnants of past battles. Plus, you'll now be able to scale cliffs with your Chocobo companion, adding another layer of immersion to your journey.

For fans of the original, seeing these areas reimagined in such detail is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Like Final Fantasy VII Remake, Rebirth had me covered in goosebumps at every turn. But unlike the previous game, which was a linear trip through Midgar, Rebirth offers a vast open world filled with distractions, quests, and side activities. I spent nearly 20 hours just exploring the Grasslands before even moving on to Junon, and yet I never felt bored. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to lose yourself in this sprawling world.

An Elegant Evolution

One of the most exciting new features Final Fantasy VII Rebirth introduces is the Synergy command system. These co-op abilities don’t require the usual ATB bars and instead build up through normal combat. The result is a satisfying layer of strategy, as you can unleash powerful attacks or buffs that can turn the tide of battle. This encouraged me to rotate through party members I might have overlooked otherwise, adding even more variety to the already dynamic combat.

Crafting also plays a major role in Rebirth, with an extensive array of items, accessories, and armor upgrades that can be forged from the resources you find throughout the game. The new Item Transmuter adds even more depth, ensuring you’re always engaged in building your ideal loadout.

Then there’s the new Folio system, which replaces the weapon upgrade mechanics from Remake. Reminiscent of Final Fantasy X’s Sphere Grid, this system allows you to unlock nodes that boost stats, unlock new abilities, and even enable additional Synergy moves. The level of customization is excellent, and I found myself constantly debating where to invest my hard-earned skill points.

Speaking of combat, Rebirth takes the already stellar system introduced in Remake and cranks it up to eleven. The addition of Synergy commands adds a whole new layer of depth to battles, while the Folio system allows for unprecedented customization of your characters' abilities. And let's not forget about the crafting system, which adds yet another dimension to an already rich gameplay experience.

A Visual and Aural Spectacle

Visually, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is stunning. The PlayStation 5’s horsepower is put to good use, bringing breathtaking environments like Junon’s towering cannon and the colorful chaos of Gold Saucer to life. Character models are just as detailed, creating an immersive, cinematic experience that feels truly next-gen.

Performance-wise, the game runs nearly flawlessly, even in intense battles. You may come across the occasional camera trouble during larger boss fights, but rare enough that it doesn't significantly detract from the experience.

The soundtrack is another standout. With returning composers Mitsuto Suzuki and Masashi Hamauzu offering fresh takes on Nobuo Uematsu’s legendary score, alongside new original tracks, the music perfectly complements every epic moment and emotional beat. Trust me, if you’re a fan of the Final Fantasy VII soundtrack, you’ll want to pick up the vinyl release for this one.

A New Obsession

In addition to the combat and exploration, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth introduces an addictive side activity: Queen’s Blood, a strategic card game in the vein of Triple Triad and Tetra Master. It starts off easy, but quickly becomes a complex and rewarding distraction. Before I knew it, I was spending hours perfecting my deck and climbing through the ranks—almost forgetting about Sephiroth and his world-ending plans.

Of course, no RPG would be complete without a compelling story, and Rebirth delivers in spades. Building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, the narrative takes some bold and unexpected twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. And with nods to the broader Final Fantasy VII universe, fans of the series will find plenty of Easter eggs to uncover along the way.

But perhaps the most impressive aspect of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is its presentation. From the stunning visuals to the masterful voice acting and unforgettable soundtrack, every aspect of this game oozes polish and craftsmanship. Sure, there are the occasional technical hiccups, but they're a small price to pay for such an otherwise flawless experience.

By now, it should be obvious that Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is something truly special. I was constantly amazed by the level of polish, the depth of its systems, and the sheer amount of content packed into every corner of the game. Even after completing the main story, there’s still so much left to explore and master. If I have one minor gripe, it’s that the game can almost feel too content-rich at times.

In the end, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth isn't just a game; it's a masterpiece. With its vast world to explore, deep combat system, and gripping story, it's a must-play for RPG fans everywhere. So do yourself a favor and pick up a copy today. Trust me, you won't regret it.

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