Following the success of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, the hype for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was nothing short of massive. Square Enix had already proven it could successfully reimagine one of gaming’s most beloved RPGs, but Rebirth takes things several steps further than Intergrade.
Bigger, more ambitious, and far more open in its design, this second chapter in the remake trilogy delivers an unforgettable adventure that feels both comfortably familiar and excitingly new.
Intergrade
Picking up immediately after the events of Intergrade, the story follows Cloud Strife and his ragtag band as they leave Midgar behind and venture across the wider world in pursuit of Sephiroth.
While many of the iconic moments from the 1997 original remain intact, Square Enix continues to introduce new twists, mysteries, and character developments that keep even longtime fans hooked. The result is a narrative that once again respects its source material while confidently walking its own path.
Read More: Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade [Xbox] review – Perfect Intercession
One of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s greatest strengths is its world design. Unlike the, fair to say, largely linear structure of Remake, this sequel embraces expansive regions packed with activities, side quests, mini-games, and more than a few secrets to uncover.
From rolling grasslands and coastal towns to ancient ruins and bustling cities, every area feels distinct and rewarding to explore. While once again not a ‘fully open-world game’, the scale on show is impressive to the point it gives you an honest sense of adventure as you discover what awaits over the horizon.
Raking Epic
A first playthrough can easily stretch well beyond 70 hours if you engage with side content and is almost double the time it took to see all that Intergrade had to offer, while those with a more completionist mindset will sink well over 100 hours into the game.
Fortunately, most of this optional content is worth your time, often letting you grow a stronger bond with your party or giving you world-building lore that enriches the overall experience.
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On the combat front, it remains one of the game’s biggest highlights. Building upon the foundation established in Intergrade, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth delivers a near-perfect blend of action and strategy. Real-time attacks flow smoothly, but success still depends on the careful use of abilities, spells, and the Active Time Battle system. New Synergy Skills and Synergy Abilities allow party members to combine attacks, adding another layer of depth and spectacle to the most epic battles.
The playable cast is larger than ever this time around too, and each character feels unique. Whether controlling Cloud’s balanced swordplay, Tifa’s rapid martial arts combinations, or Barret’s ranged firepower, switching between party members is both fun and, at times, essential. Character progression remains heavily customizable thanks to the return of the excellent materia system, which allows players to tailor builds to best suit their playstyle.
Not the Final One
Visually, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is breathtaking, with the leap from the confined streets of Midgar to sprawling outdoor environments allowing the development team to truly showcase the world of Gaia at its best with stunning scenery and environmental variety. Character models are also exceptionally detailed, animations are expressive, and the cinematic presentation impresses throughout the lengthy campaign.
Once again, the soundtrack deserves special mention. Featuring rearranged tracks alongside new compositions, it continually elevates both dramatic story moments and large-scale battles. Few modern RPGs can match the sheer quality and variety of its musical score, which is a testament to why people go and see the soundtrack performed in concert.
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Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an outstanding second instalment that successfully expands upon nearly every aspect of Intergrade. While some story beat changes may continue to divide diehard fans, there is no denying the quality and pure ambition on display. With its rewarding combat, memorable cast, expansive world, and emotional tale, Rebirth builds on the legacy of what will possibly stand as one of the finest RPGs of any generation. It also sets the stage perfectly for the third and final act, Final Fantasy VII Revelation later this year.
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