Square Enix Teases New Towns in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Prepare to venture into uncharted territory in the highly anticipated Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, as Square Enix unveils plans for "totally new cities" absent from the original PlayStation classic. Director Naoki Hamaguchi shared insights with Game Informer, shedding light on the developer's ambitious vision to enrich the Final Fantasy 7 universe.

"In Rebirth, we've added these types of cities like the Crow's Nest — totally new cities that did not exist in the original to go deeper and create this whole worldview of Rebirth," explained Hamaguchi. The Crow's Nest, a fresh addition to the Final Fantasy 7 landscape, stands as a sister town to the classic Under Junon, boasting an anti-Shinra ambiance that beckons exploration beyond the main quest.

Hamaguchi detailed the game design philosophy behind Rebirth, emphasizing player agency in crafting their journey. "We want the player to be able to make these different adventures and go on their own journeys according to their interests," he added, hinting at the allure of side quests and hidden narratives waiting to be uncovered.

While specifics about Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth remain shrouded in mystery, a tantalizing trailer showcased iconic locations, including Bugenhagen’s planetarium at Cosmo Canyon, the Mythril Mine, the Cargo Ship, the inn at Kalm, and the Nibelheim Reactor. As the release date of February 29, 2024, approaches, Square Enix has teased fans with incremental reveals, confirming new story content centered around Zack and potential connections to Sephiroth's backstory from the mobile game Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis.

An ESRB rating has offered intriguing glimpses into the game's mature themes, featuring deep cleavage, pools of blood, and cryptic clues about Aerith's fate. Square Enix's substantial update in November 2023 provided enthusiasts with a wealth of story details, screenshots, and more, building anticipation for the immersive experience that awaits in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Stay tuned for further revelations as the journey to February 29 unfolds.