You’ve been longing to dive back into the rich world and continue the epic story. Well, the wait is finally over. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is here and it’s everything you hoped it would be. With jaw-dropping graphics, an emotional story that tugs at your heartstrings, and innovative gameplay, this sequel takes your favorite characters on an unforgettable journey you won’t soon forget. Strap in for a wild ride as we explore this highly anticipated next chapter in the Final Fantasy VII saga. You might want to call in sick to work – once you start Rebirth, you won’t be able to put down the controller!
A Brief Recap of Final Fantasy VII
Released in 1997, Final Fantasy VII was a landmark title that helped popularize the role-playing game (RPG) genre. Set in a cyberpunk world, the game follows Cloud Strife, an ex-soldier turned mercenary, who joins an eco-terrorist group called AVALANCHE. They fight against the evil Shinra Corporation, which is draining the planet of its life energy.
The Materia System
A key part of FFVII’s gameplay is the Materia system. Materia are spheres that give characters magical powers and magic. Equipped with Materia’s weapons and armor, characters can use magic such as fire, ice, and thunder. Materia can also be combined to create more powerful spells. This new system allowed you to customize your characters and use different options.
Unforgettable Story and Characters
FFVII features a sprawling story and a memorable cast of characters. Protagonist Cloud is a complex and brooding character trying to rediscover his identity. His love interest Aerith, a caring flower seller, and Barrett, AVALANCHE’s loud and boisterous leader, remain fan favorites. The story deals with heady themes like identity, life and death, and mankind’s relationship with the planet. Epic plot twists, tragic moments, and a climactic final battle make FFVII’s story unforgettable.
Cinematic Presentation
For its time, FFVII featured groundbreaking cinematic presentations with 3D characters and pre-rendered backgrounds. Dramatic camera angles, cutscenes, and music heightened the emotional impact of key story moments. The summon animations, where powerful creatures like Frit and Shiva are called into battle, were particularly stunning.
In general, this film genre stimulated many later RPGs and video games. Twenty years later, Final Fantasy VII remains a first-rate classic, and its memorable story and characters resonate with enthusiasts nowadays. The upcoming remake, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, has a lot to live up to! But with stunning new footage and promising changes to the battle system, it looks poised to redefine this timeless story for a new era.
What We Know So Far About Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
It Will Follow Final Fantasy VII Remake
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the second part in the Final Fantasy VII Remake project, following the events of Final Fantasy VII Remake. The game will continue the story of Cloud Strife and his allies in the city of Midgar. Producer Yoshinori Kitase has said Rebirth will go beyond the city and follow the “unknown journey” in the original Final Fantasy VII.
Familiar and New Characters
We can expect to see many of the characters from Final Fantasy VII Remake return, like Cloud, Tifa, Barret, Aerith, and Sephiroth. There will also be new characters introduced. A key art image for Rebirth shows two new characters: a young girl in a blue dress and a man with long red hair. Their identities and roles in the story are still unknown.
New Locations to Explore
Rebirth will take players out of Midgar and into new locations from the original Final Fantasy VII like Junon, a military base built into the side of a cliff, and Costa del Sol, a beach resort town. The world map will open up for exploration, allowing you to travel between locations and find hidden items and dungeons. The trailers show chocobos, airships, and other methods of transport across the map.
An Evolving Battle System
The hybrid action/turn-based combat system from Final Fantasy VII Remake will return in Rebirth but with new additions. Trailers show characters executing new abilities and combination attacks. Summons like [frit also appear more powerful. New party members will bring their own fighting styles and skills. The weapon upgrade and materia systems are likely to be expanded with more options to customize your characters.
A Continuing Story
The story of Final Fantasy VII Remake ended on a cliffhanger, with the timeline shifting in unexpected ways. Rebirth will continue this story with more changes and surprises for fans of the original game. The ending scenes of Remake hint at future events very different from the 1997 classic. Longtime fans should go into Rebirth with an open mind—the story you know may evolve in dramatic new directions. The journey continues in 2023.
Key Characters Returning in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Cloud Strife
The iconic protagonist of Final Fantasy VII, Cloud Strife, will of course return as a key character. Now a mercenary, Cloud is haunted by his mysterious past and connection to Shinra. With his trademark spiky blond hair and oversized Buster Sword, Cloud is sure to play a pivotal role in the events of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
Tifa Lockhart
Tifa, Cloud’s childhood friend, will also come back. A skilled martial artist, Tifa runs a bar called 7th Heaven in the Sector 7 slums of Midgar. Though she cares deeply for Cloud, his complicated history with Shinra and disappearance years ago have strained their relationship. She seems poised to help Cloud uncover the truth about his past.
Aerith Gainsborough
The mysterious flower girl Aerith will play an important part in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Aerith has a strange connection to the Lifestream and knowledge of the Ancients that could prove critical. Her budding romance with Cloud made her a fan favorite in the original Final Fantasy VII. Though her fate was tragic in that game, things may unfold differently this time.
Barret Wallace
The leader of AVALANCHE, Barret Wallace, is a staple of Final Fantasy VII sure to return in Rebirth. Barret’s gruff and intimidating demeanor hides a softer side that cares for his friends and adoptive daughter Marlene. His right arm has been replaced by a gun grafted onto his body, making him a formidable fighter. Barret’s motivation to take down Shinra and save the planet will drive much of the story.
Sephiroth
Final Fantasy VII story is only complete with the villain Sephiroth. Once a legendary SOLDIER for Shinra, Sephiroth descended into madness after learning the truth about his origins. Believing himself a Cetra and the rightful ruler of the planet, Sephiroth aims to harness the power of Meteor to become a god. His shadowy influence is sure to loom over Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
