At a Glance
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- Genre: Action RPG
- Single/Multiplayer: Single-player only
- Average Playtime: ~45–60+ hours (main story; more with exploration)
- Original Release Year: 2024
- Developer/Publisher: Square Enix
Table of Contents
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth – Overview
After finishing Final Fantasy VII Remake, I had high hopes—but also a bit of hesitation—for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. I’m happy to say I enjoyed this one more. It took everything the first part did well and expanded it—literally. Having access to the world map and being able to explore more of Gaia really made the experience feel closer to the original FF7, just with a modern twist.
🛍️ Ready to check it out? Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is available on Humble Bundle.
New to the Final Fantasy VII Trilogy?
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the second part of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy, continuing directly from Remake.
👉 Check out my review of Final Fantasy VII Remake.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth – Final Trailer
Gameplay Experience
Being able to roam the larger world added a layer of freedom I felt was missing in Remake. The semi-open zones between major story beats gave me time to breathe, explore, and engage with side content on my terms. It felt more like an actual RPG rather than a sequence of tightly guided chapters.
The combat system is still the hybrid action-ATB style from Remake, and while I’m still more of a turn-based fan, I’ve come to appreciate the rhythm of it a bit more this time around. I felt like I had more control, especially with better synergy skills and more ways to customize party strategies.
Story and Character Progression
The story picks up right where Remake left off, and this time, the emotional weight hits harder. Seeing more of the world and spending more time with the cast makes every moment feel more earned. I especially appreciated the time spent deepening relationships between party members—some of the bonding events and side missions were surprisingly heartfelt.
There’s still that layer of mystery and timeline-warping going on, which I won’t spoil here, but I’m intrigued by where it’s all heading. Even if you’re not fully sold on the meta-layer of the story, the moment-to-moment writing and voice acting are solid.
Screenshot from Final Fantasy VII Remake, captured by MeeplesToPixels.
Visuals and Audio
Just like Remake, Rebirth is stunning. The environments—from the grassy plains outside Kalm to the glowing cliffs of Cosmo Canyon—are beautifully realized. The world map alone is enough to make you stop and just take it all in.
The soundtrack continues to blend nostalgia with fresh arrangements. I caught myself humming updated versions of old themes more than once. The cutscenes are cinematic and impactful, and once again, I often put down the controller just to soak them in.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Open world exploration brings back classic FF7 feel
- Character development and party dynamics are excellent
- Beautiful visuals and music
- Combat feels more refined than in Remake
Cons
- Combat still leans toward chaotic rather than tactical
- Some story pacing issues in certain chapters
- If you’re not into the new story direction, it can feel confusing
Final Thoughts
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth gave me more of what I loved about Remake, but in a bigger, more satisfying way. The ability to explore the world and engage with side content at my own pace helped recapture the sense of adventure I remember from the original game.
While I still don’t love the real-time combat as much as turn-based, I’ve grown more comfortable with it—and I’m glad I stuck with it. The story continues to evolve in bold directions, and whether or not it sticks the landing, I’m in it for the ride.
If you enjoyed Remake, Rebirth is a must-play. And if you were waiting for a bigger, more open FF7 experience—this is it.