Final Fantasy VII Rebirth PC Review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows
Awards: The Game Award for Most Anticipated Game, The Game Award for Best Score and Music
Nominations: The Game Award for Game of the Year
Composers: Masashi Hamauzu, Mitsuto Suzuki
Genres: Action role-playing game, Adventure game, Adventure
Developers: Square Enix, Creative Business Unit I
“Review Copy Provided By Square-Enix”
Click to watch video review
Final Fantasy VII has long been held in high regard within the gaming community, resonating deeply with fans for its captivating storytelling and groundbreaking gameplay. The original game's legacy has been honored and expanded upon through various iterations, and most recently, Square Enix and Creative Business Unit I have delivered yet another remarkable entry with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, offering an experience that not only pays homage to its roots but elevates the franchise to new heights.
Understanding the full scope of Rebirth and its place within the broader Final Fantasy VII narrative requires familiarity with the original game. The initial installment’s rich narrative foundation, character arcs, and thematic intricacies provide essential context that enhances the enjoyment and appreciation of the sequels and spin-offs. Exploring the world of the original, despite its age, offers unparalleled depth and a richer comprehension of the ongoing saga.
Turning our focus to the PC release of Rebirth, it’s imperative to discuss its technical and visual execution, especially in comparison to its console counterparts. My experience on a high-end setup featuring an MSI Aegis R2 equipped with an i9 processor and RTX 4090 graphics card significantly surpassed the visual fidelity and performance I observed in my previous PS5 review. The graphical enhancements on PC, with everything from character models to environmental textures displayed in stunning detail, provide a far more immersive experience.
However, it's not without its challenges. The game is graphically demanding, necessitating a powerful PC to fully enjoy the intricacies of its design. The settings menu, while providing options like dynamic resolution scaling and detailed texture adjustments, could benefit from more depth to accommodate a wider range of systems. Additionally, I encountered occasional framerate drops, particularly during rapid camera movements, which seemed tied to CPU utilization issues specific to my setup.
The game’s narrative ambitiously expands on the original's storyline. Rebirth is not just a retelling; it's a reimagining that introduces new plot elements and characters while faithfully adhering to the core story that fans adore. The journey begins anew in the town of Kalm, with Cloud recounting significant past events, setting the stage for the ongoing battle against Sephiroth and Shinra. The narrative stretches across diverse landscapes—from the cliffside town of Junon to the mystical Cosmo Canyon—each area meticulously crafted to keep the story engaging and vibrant.
Character development is a major focus in Rebirth, with each member of the ensemble cast receiving more nuanced backgrounds and motivations. The returning heroes are joined by new faces such as Yuffie and Cait Sith, enriching the narrative tapestry. The voice acting is exceptional, with performances that breathe life into the characters and enhance the emotional impact of the story. Cody Christian returns to voice Cloud, bringing a depth to the character that is complemented by the equally impressive contributions of his co-stars.
Gameplay in Rebirth has also seen significant enhancements. The combat system builds on the hybrid model introduced in Remake, blending real-time action with strategic, turn-based elements. This system has been refined in Rebirth, offering more fluid and impactful combat encounters. Additionally, the game features a range of side missions that not only provide deeper insights into the characters' lives but also contribute to a living, breathing world.
Exploration is more dynamic in Rebirth, with vast areas designed to be more than mere backdrops. Each location is distinct, filled with quests and challenges that encourage deep engagement. The design of these spaces—from the bustling streets of Junon to the serene landscapes of the Grasslands—demonstrates an impressive attention to detail and an understanding of what makes an open-world feel alive and interactive.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on PC is a formidable continuation of a beloved saga, masterfully blending cherished elements of the original with innovative gameplay and storytelling enhancements. It stands as a testament to Square Enix's commitment to pushing the boundaries of the series while respecting its roots, offering both veterans and newcomers alike a compelling reason to explore the world of Final Fantasy VII once more.