Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: A Fresh Take on an Iconic Classic

The release of Final Fantasy 16 has sparked discussions about the series' ability to reinvent itself while retaining certain iconic elements like crystal motifs and Chocobos. With each new entry, Final Fantasy boldly introduces a new story with a fresh cast of heroes embarking on a mission to save an unfamiliar world from impending peril. However, fans often ponder which old ideas to discard and which to elevate. In this context, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth shines as it embraces the Remake project's approach of building upon its storied past.

One of the standout missions in my preview session revolved around Cloud and Sephiroth's ill-fated journey to Mt. Nibel. This section, reminiscent of the original game, allows players to control a younger and more spirited Cloud, accompanied by a Sephiroth who has yet to descend into madness.

The combat system in Rebirth exhibits light iterations from Final Fantasy 7 Remake, which still manages to provide a satisfying experience. Engaging in battles remains a real-time affair, with time slowing down to a crawl, allowing for the casting of more potent spells, strategic party coordination, or a thorough analysis of an enemy's vulnerabilities.

New to Rebirth are team-based combos and an expanded roster of familiar faces to join your party, offering players more flexibility in approaching combat encounters. During my preview, these team-based combos added a visually captivating dimension to the action, capable of halting enemies in their tracks. However, Square Enix tantalizingly hints at the need to "deepen" your ragtag group's relationships to "unleash powerful team-based combos." Could this mean that taking your comrades on outings to places like the Gold Saucer could yield battle advantages? We can only hope.

While I appreciate Final Fantasy 16's venture into hack-and-slash gameplay reminiscent of Devil May Cry, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's tactical intricacies feel like returning to a beloved home. The ability to reorganize your party on the fly and adapt to elemental strengths and weaknesses, as well as physical vulnerabilities, offers a satisfying level of strategic depth that I missed in FF16, despite being captivated by its combo-centric mechanics.

A lingering sentiment suggests that there is more to be unveiled in Rebirth. However, for now, I find myself engrossed in experimenting with Materia combinations. Square Enix has strived to modernize the series' turn-based combat through multiple iterations, gradually transitioning to a more active and action-oriented style. Nevertheless, Rebirth seems to strike a balance that doesn't significantly disrupt what already works.

Another noteworthy aspect preserved from Remake is the delight of witnessing old dialogues revitalized and retold in a fresh manner. Much of this revitalization stems from improved localization of the source material, but the voice cast's performances breathe new life into reimagined scenes. Without diving into spoilers for the original game, I can imagine that having a better-acted young Cloud will make certain revelations all the more impactful.

The second gameplay segment takes us on a journey to Junon, providing a glimpse of what awaits in the open world. Adorable baby Chocobos guide you to the nearest remnants of a fast travel point, allowing you to repair it in exchange for currency that can be used to customize your Chocobo mount. As an amusing aside, seeing Red XIII riding a Chocobo brings a simple yet genuine joy. The map also features locations that lead to smaller battle challenges, each requiring specific approaches and tactics in the name of research.

Although I briefly deviated from the main storyline to explore the open world, it's evident that there is more to discover beyond the confines of this limited preview. The inclusion of the Gold Saucer in FF7 Rebirth offers hope that Square Enix is embracing the exuberance of the original game. While Remake had its fair share of entertaining mini-games, the side-quests could have been more diverse. Observing Midgar's residents change their attitudes toward Cloud after completing menial tasks contributed to a more vibrant atmosphere, and unique weapons and Materia provided ample incentive. However, quests eventually became repetitive, leaving room for improvement that remains to be seen in Rebirth.

One of the more enigmatic additions along the path to Junon is the appearance of robed figures in Rebirth. These figures appear to be the result of failed experiments attempting to recreate Sephiroth. Their identity and how they may diverge from the original game are tantalizing questions that hang ominously in the air, reminding players of the long road to Rebirth.

Set against the backdrop of the enthusiastic E3 reception, Final Fantasy 7 Remake's initial trailer warned that the "reunion at hand may bring joy; it may bring fear," encouraging fans to "embrace whatever it brings." This reaction was in response to the revelation that the remake would be a three-part project that significantly expands upon the original. Rebirth holds importance in how Square Enix positions it as being free from the constraints of the original game's narrative, thanks to the events of Remake. With the meta-elements that maintained Final Fantasy 7's timeline now defeated, Rebirth is free to venture further from the established path.

This massive narrative shift has brought fans together, fostering discussions and theories about what the future holds for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. It's a vibrant community reaction that may not have occurred if the Remake project had remained entirely faithful to the original. Amidst all the anticipated changes, previewing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth assures me that the game will remain true to its roots while offering something new and exciting.

A word of caution, though: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth will not carry over your progress from Remake, so be prepared to start afresh in this captivating and evolving world.