Final Fantasy VII Rebirth – Everything You Need to Know

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the highly anticipated sequel to 2020’s Final Fantasy VII Remake. Developed and published by Square Enix, it continues the epic story of Cloud Strife and his allies as they fight against the evil Shinra Corporation.

Rebirth is the second part in a planned trilogy that aims to remake and expand the beloved 1997 PlayStation game Final Fantasy VII. With cutting-edge graphics, adjusted combat, and new story content, Rebirth brings the FF7 universe to modern gaming standards.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Release Date and Platforms

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is set to launch on February 29, 2024 for PlayStation 5. A PC version via Epic Games Store will follow on May 29, 2024.

A free demo is already available on the PlayStation Store for PS5 owners, offering a sneak peek at the opening segments of the game.

Story and Setting of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Rebirth picks up right after the events of FF7 Remake. Cloud and his party have left the dystopian city of Midgar and venture out into the open world in search of their missing ally Aerith Gainsborough.

Their pursuit leads them to discover and liberate new locations like the mysterious forest village of Kalm and the sunny coastal resort of Costa del Sol. All the while, Cloud must also deal with the psychic manifestations of his nemesis Sephiroth and come to terms with his own troubled past.

Gameplay Features and Combat

Rebirth retains the hybrid action/command-based combat system of FF7 Remake. Players control Cloud or one of his allies directly in battle arenas, able to run around and launch attacks in real-time. Special abilities, magic spells, items, and Limit Breaks are also available through a tactical menu.

New features include more agile movement options like jumping and dodging. Summoning epic creatures like Ifrit to aid you in battle also returns with enhanced effects. The weapon upgrade system has been expanded as well.

Graphics and Sound

Harnessing the power of PS5, Rebirth sets a new visual standard for the franchise. The lavish environments and detailed character models create an immersive atmosphere. Iconic locations like Kalm, Chocobo Ranch, and Golden Saucer look better than ever thanks to advanced lighting and texture work.

The dynamic orchestral score incorporates classic FF7 tunes along with new dramatic arrangements. Top-notch voice acting brings back fan-favorite characters like Tifa, Barret, Red XIII, and many more.

Deluxe and Collector’s Editions

Alongside the standard edition, Square Enix offers some pricier bundles for devoted fans:

Digital Deluxe Edition ($79.99)

• Full Game
• Digital Mini Soundtrack
• Digital Art Book
• Exclusive Materia and Equipment

Physical Collector’s Edition ($189.99)

• Full Game
• Steelbook Case
• Play Arts Kai “Cloud Strife on Hardy Daytona” Figure
• Hardcover Art Book

Pre-ordering either edition provides early access to an optional “Hard Mode” difficulty setting too.

What Fans Can Expect from Rebirth

With jaw-dropping environments, tightened combat, and expanded lore, FF7 Rebirth aims to meet and exceed expectations. Fan-favorite moments will be translated into modern gaming with care. New story beats and gameplay opportunities also provide enough freshness without compromising the spirit of the original.

Overall, FF7 devotees can look forward to a sequel that showcases everything they loved about the legendary RPG epic, now elevated to new heights. The stage is set for an emotional and unforgettable journey back into one of gaming’s most acclaimed fantasy worlds.

Expanded Side Quests and Mini-Games

Rebirth incorporates new side quests starring familiar faces like Johnny, Rude, and many others. These optional adventures add depth to the world and characters. Along with progressing the main scenario, players can take breaks to partake in various mini-games across the lands.

Activities include snowboarding, a basketball-esque sport, arcade machine challenges, and the fan-favorite Fort Condor battle strategy game. There is no shortage of things to occupy your time between story beats.

Difficulty Settings and Accessibility Options

On top of the “Hard Mode” unlocked for pre-orders, Rebirth also introduces an optional “Easy Mode” for novice RPG players. Along with adjustable difficulty, there are plenty of accessibility options to customize the experience further.

Subtitles, text size adjustment, battle tweaksm, and controller remapping allow playing the game in a way that works best for each individual. Square Enix implemented these features to open up the rich world of Final Fantasy VII to more audiences.

Post-Launch DLC Plans

While no concrete details have been announced yet, Square Enix has loosely confirmed future DLC plans spanning into 2025 and beyond. This additional content will expand Rebirth even further past its launch.

Potential ideas include new story episodes focusing on fan-favorite characters like Vincent Valentine or Yuffie Kisaragi. More Summon monsters like Knights of the Round could make it in too. Other theories involve integrating story elements related to compilation titles like Dirge of Cerberus.

Conclusion

With its February 29 release date fast approaching, hype levels for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth continue rising. Early preview impressions laud the sequel for capturing the magic of the original while modernizing gameplay. RPG fans across generations cannot afford to miss out on this monumental title – a watershed entry in the legendary Final Fantasy franchise.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about Final Fantasy VII Rebirth with answers: