As the highly anticipated second chapter in the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth aims to deliver the ultimate modern vision of the iconic 1997 PS1 classic. Launching February 29, 2024 on PlayStation 5 (with a PC release on May 29), Rebirth leverages next-gen power to evolve the reimagined story, gameplay, and presentation even further for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Enhanced Combat and Customization
Expanding on Remake‘s hybrid real-time/command-based battle system, Rebirth adds new mobility options to supplement the action. Cloud and allies can now jump, dodge incoming attacks, and vault over obstacles to better navigate the spatially intense arena-like encounters. These new defensive moves add another layer of tactical consideration given enemies now wield more complex AI behavior and coordination.
According to producer Yoshinori Kitase, the team focused on “making combat feel more strategic without sacrificing that satisfying, visceral edge." To that end, characters also have expanded Ability menus. Greater weapon specialization through the upgraded development paths allows concentrating on preferred playstyles, whether close-quarters melee strikes or long-range magical assaults. Even summoning iconic beasts like Ifrit or Shiva offers more interactive, cinematic appeal.
Visual Presentation Fit for a New Generation
Harnessing the increased horsepower of PS5, Rebirth sets a new bar for the storied franchise via its breathtaking visual overhaul. The lavish, intricately detailed environments and characters spring to life thanks to advanced rendering techniques like ray tracing for true-to-life lighting effects and shadows. Iconic locales such as the mystical Cosmo Canyon or amusement park-like vibes of Gold Saucer shine like never before at blisteringly smooth 60FPS frame rates in 4K resolution or dynamic 4K upscaled on supporting displays.
“We revamped the underlying technology driving our custom Luminous Engine to take maximal advantage of the PS5," explains technical director Masashi Takada. "The boosted CPU and SSD throughput allowed us to add more environmental density, enhanced physics, richer materials, and eliminate loading screens even with the expansive world scale.” These powerful capabilities outstrip even high-end PCs, delivering an unparalleled level of immersion exclusively for PlayStation 5.
Continuing a Legendary Story
Narratively, Rebirth picks up in the immediate aftermath of Remake as Cloud Strife and his band of Avalanche rebels, now fugitives from the dystopian metropolis Midgar, venture into the open countryside on a quest to rescue their missing friend Aerith Gainsborough. This journey leads the group to discover wholly recreated landmarks like the quaint village of Kalm and sunny seaside resort Costa del Sol brimming with NPCs, subtle environmental storytelling, and side adventures.
Yet throughout his travels, Cloud finds his psyche assailed by the malevolent psychic manifestations of his arch-nemesis Sephiroth. Players learn more about the shared history between these iconic characters that forms the core emotional arc. "Their dynamic relationship and the hidden truth of Cloud‘s identity provide such a gripping, human foundation,” says scenario writer Kazushige Nojima. “Rebirth escalates that mystery and tension while exploring new facets of the characters fans cherish."
Expanded Universe with DLC & VR Support
While Rebirth‘s base campaign promises 30+ hours of extraordinary single-player narrative gameplay, Square Enix outlined ambitious post-launch support into 2025 and beyond during their recent investor briefing. "Players can expect optional DLC expanding certain events and characters not fully explored previously," explains producer Kitase. "We listened to fan feedback asking to see more of beloved heroes like Vincent and Yuffie. I can confirm those two will receive their own DLC story episodes."
Square Enix also strongly hinted full PSVR2 integration as another post-launch update for the ultimate immersive experience. This VR dimension would enable directly controlling Cloud and wielding his iconic Buster Sword with your own two hands from a resplendent first-person viewpoint. While unconfirmed, the PSVR2‘s cutting-edge haptic feedback and eye-tracking technology could arguably offer the supreme way to revisit Final Fantasy VII‘s most pivotal and cinematic moments.
Evaluating the Different Editions
For series devotees, two special editions accompany the standard base release:
Digital Deluxe ($79.99): This beefier digital bundle includes the full game along with a mini soundtrack featuring rearrangements of beloved tracks, a 20-page digital art book with concept imagery and developer commentary, and some bonus in-game items to aid your adventure like special Materia orbs and equipment. At $20 above standard, it‘s a decent value for digitally-inclined fans.
Physical Collector‘s Edition ($189.99): The ultimate package for collectors includes everything mentioned above plus a 30-page hardcover art book, Steelbook game case, and details on other physical pack-ins Square Enix intends to reveal later. The biggest confirmed item remains an exclusive Play Arts Kai "Cloud Strife on Hardy Daytona" collectible figure you won‘t find anywhere else worth $60+ alone. Given the production quality and scarcity, this Collector‘s Edition seems like a worthwhile memento for devoted franchise aficionados.
Pre-Order Bonus (All Editions): Pre-ordering any edition nets early access to Hard Mode difficulty. This challenging option amps variables like enemy damage output and health pools while limiting item usage and Ability regeneration, appealing to battle veterans.
No matter your edition though, Rebirth stands poised to deliver the quintessential Final Fantasy VII experience long-time fans deserve while opening up its rich world to a new generation. I cannot wait to dive back into Midgar and join Cloud, Tifa, Aerith and the rest of the beloved cast when Rebirth launches on February 29, 2024. This hype is well deserved.
