Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Worth to Buy?

It's hard to believe that four years have passed since the release of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Having traversed the expansive landscapes and experienced the game in its entirety, we can confidently assert that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth not only met our expectations but exceeded them in ways that surprised us. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into the intricacies of this extraordinary gaming experience.

World Design and Exploration:

Unlike its predecessor, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth presents a vast and stunning world that goes beyond what we could have imagined. The grasslands alone dwarf the entirety of Midgar, providing an immense playground for players to explore. What sets Rebirth apart is its meticulous attention to detail, offering a variety of side content, engaging puzzles, and a multitude of exploration opportunities. The return of the world map, a nod to the franchise's roots, is executed with finesse, striking a perfect balance between open-world freedom and linear gameplay.

Dungeon Design and Gameplay:

In contrast to the padded dungeon design of the previous game, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth introduces well-paced and enjoyable challenges. The dungeons are a testament to thoughtful design, blending puzzle-solving, traversal, and combat seamlessly. The game maintains a perfect balance between linear and open-world gameplay, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience throughout.

Combat System and Enhancements:

 The combat system in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth stands as a significant improvement over its predecessor. Enhanced aerial combat, improved synergy between characters, and refined AI contribute to a more immersive and satisfying experience. The introduction of folios, a new skill tree system, adds depth to character progression, allowing players to customize and strengthen their characters further. While the combat remains familiar, it has been refined to offer a more enjoyable and strategic gameplay experience.

Side Content and Mini-Games:

One of the critical areas of improvement in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is its side content. The game introduces fulfilling rewards, hidden dungeons, and compelling mini-games, such as Queen's Blood, that add to the overall richness of the experience. The inclusion of forced mini-games, while more abundant than in the original, doesn't detract from the enjoyment, as they are well-designed and entertaining.

Character Development and Narrative:

The heart of any Final Fantasy game lies in its characters and narrative, and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth excels in this regard. Character arcs are delivered with finesse, providing depth and emotional resonance. The camaraderie between characters, particularly the expanded friendship between Tifa and Aerith, adds layers to the storytelling. The narrative strikes a delicate balance between faithfulness to the original and introducing new elements, creating a compelling and cinematic experience.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth stands as a testament to Square Enix's commitment to delivering a modernized and exceptional gaming experience. Balancing nostalgia with innovation, the game captures the essence of the classic Final Fantasy titles while pushing the boundaries of what a modern AAA game can achieve. Despite a few narrative missteps, the game's characters and their arcs take center stage, leaving a lasting impression. Square Enix has not only met but surpassed expectations, solidifying Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth as one of the best in the franchise's storied history. The impact of this game on the gaming landscape is undeniable, setting a new standard for the future.