Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth PC review

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Among the most significant video games in video game history, few hold as much importance as Final Fantasy 7. Countless gamers from my generation developed a passion for role-playing games due to this masterwork, and when contemplating the most memorable and cherished video game characters ever created, it’s hard not to mention Cloud and Sephiroth. For decades, fans have eagerly awaited a remake of this PS1 gem, and even when Square Enix confirmed its development, it seldom seemed real. However, in 2020, the initial chapter of the reimagined narrative was unveiled, captivating audiences worldwide, and for me, it topped my Game of the Year list. The sequel, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, was equally admired last year, and now you can enjoy it on PC (and even Steam Deck).

2024 stood out as a year brimming with enjoyable gaming adventures, yet it was Rebirth that truly shone among the rest. Despite being the middle installment in the remake trilogy, it garnered widespread acclaim for its exceptional offerings. Our team here couldn’t get enough of it either, with it landing high on our combined Game of the Year list, and for good reason.

If you haven’t played Final Fantasy 7 Remake’s sequel yet, let me give you a brief summary. The game commences right after the events of the remake, with you starting on the highway outside Midgar. To dodge potential spoilers, the team of protagonists flee to the nearby town of Kalm, discuss Cloud and Sephiroth’s past (which serves as an informative tutorial), and then embark on a journey across the broader world to thwart the villain with silver hair. While essays could be written about the narrative of Rebirth and its alterations to the original tale, in general terms, it’s simply fantastic.

Although Rebirth excels in storytelling, its combat stands out exceptionally, arguably among the finest in gaming history. Wielding the iconic Buster Sword is a delight, striking a balance between hefty impact and fluid ease, while chaining attack combos to accumulate points for your action meter remains as ingenious as it was four years ago. It masterfully merges the traditional combat system of Final Fantasy VII with modern action gameplay, making every enemy engagement an enjoyable experience.

Engaging in battle becomes even more thrilling due to the abundance of offensive strategies at your fingertips. Ranging from dynamic synergy attacks to extravagant summons that lay waste to everything they encounter, you’ll find a variety of tactics to employ. Furthermore, the ability to switch between party members, each with unique playstyles, is nothing short of amazing. This becomes even more exciting considering the number of characters in your team exceeds your journey in Midgar. Not only does this mean more options for strategic gameplay, but it also provides a richer Materia construction experience and a deeper exploration of the Folio skill tree.

In many aspects, the combat in both Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth is quite comparable (with Rebirth undeniably refining it), but the overall game structure differs significantly. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth offers a significantly more expansive and open environment compared to its predecessor, presenting a rich world ripe for exploration. The map is filled with various locations marked as points of interest, side quests to embark on, and materials to collect. This implies that there’s a substantial amount of activities to engage in, making this iteration much more immersive.

The allure becomes even greater when you explore the additional mini-games in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, such as the captivating Queen’s Blood. While Final Fantasy has often included optional card games, none have reeled me in quite like this one did. It consumed a significant portion of my gaming time in an unexpected manner.

Regardless of what you’re doing while playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, one thing remains consistent: the experience will be nothing short of extraordinary in terms of both visuals and sound. The graphics of this game are truly exceptional, and certain visual masterpieces (such as The Gold Saucer) need to be witnessed to be fully appreciated. Moreover, the soundtrack is not only more emotional and uplifting than its predecessor, but it manages to achieve this with fewer repeated tracks and without leaving you nostalgic for the music of the earlier game.

To clarify, these statements hold true from last February, focusing primarily on the PC performance of the game. If your system is powerful enough, Rebirth can run smoothly at 120 frames per second, showcasing graphics that left gamers astounded when compared to the PS5 Pro version launched previously. For those prioritizing portability over graphics, you’ll be pleased to know that the game is compatible with the Steam Deck, albeit with a lower framerate of 30fps (with occasional drops) and less visually stunning graphics. However, considering the game can run on the Deck at all is quite remarkable.

Although Rebirth, released in 2024, was an exceptional game, I found myself preferring Final Fantasy 7 Remake slightly more. Personally, I’m drawn more towards the concentrated narrative style of the initial game as opposed to the open-world setting of its successor. However, this preference is largely a matter of personal taste, as not everyone may feel the same way. Similarly, some might not share my appreciation for the story alterations in the Remake, but discussing specific changes without revealing any spoilers can be quite challenging.

The PC version of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth offers a stunningly beautiful and captivating gaming experience, seamlessly continuing Cloud’s journey and that of his companions with unwavering conviction. Reliving this extraordinary game has only intensified my anticipation for the sequel. In time, when the story reaches its conclusion, we may very well be discussing one of the most legendary trilogies ever in video gaming history.

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2025-01-22 17:46