‘Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’ is a completely new game but
still recognizable in comparison to the older series.
In recent years it has been raining remakes and remasters of old games,
but it rarely happens that one is so desperately wanted.
The gaming community has been looking forward to 'Final Fantasy VII Rebirth', the second part of the complete rework as one of the best RPGs ever, the first part, 'Remake' is now almost four years old.
Flashback
'Final Fantasy VII Rebirth' of course continues on with the familiar elements but on the other hand there are some radical changes that have been made.
The game opens up with the flashback of the arrival of Sephiroth and Cloud to Nibelheim.
Anyone who has ever played 'Final Fantasy VII'will undoubtedly remember that this was a crucial scene where a lot became clear about the background and motives of Sephiroth, and the relationship between Tifa and Cloud.
It stood out that in terms of storyline and dialogue this chapter resembled strongly to the original. With the difference of course that everything looks incredibly good. 'Remake' already had an impressive set of graphics, but what Square Enix has created here is nothing short of stunning.
A Lot Has Changed
The next chapter resolutely chooses to set for new headings.
Where the dramatic passage in Nibelheim was largely linear, now the world is thrown open and you can start exploring the green surroundings of Kalm in complete freedom.
Chadley, one of the new characters introduced in 'Remake', makes a reappearance here again and it is thanks to him and his so-called 'remnawave towers' that you can complete the necessary side quests and missions in this open world.
And of course you can still find new materia at Chadley by defeating monsters and completing VR missions like in 'Remake'.
Two Different Fightmodes
Defeating monsters is still being done in the same way as in 2020.
You can again choose between the classic fighting mode that focuses more on tactics and strategy, or the real-time fighting style that, although more hectic is also more spectacular and intense.
There are also some innovations applied in the battles, for example special 'synergy abilities' and 'synergy skills'.
Actions that are pretty much the same as 'limits'(which, by the way
are still present), but for multiple characters at the same time.
You can then obtain additional moves via the new folio system.
Compare it to the classic skill trees which can be found in almost every Western role-playing game, where you can use experience points (folios in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth) to acquire various new skills.
Game of Cards
Another novelty in 'Rebirth' is the addition of a card mini-game
entitled 'Queen's Blood'. Card games are no strangers to the
'Final Fantasy' world, just think of 'Triple Triad' in part eight,'
Tetra Master' in part nine and 'Serendipity' in that crazy sequel/spin-off XIII-2.
Just like in those games, 'Queen's Blood' is also about putting things together of a deck of cards based on monsters with the goal of scoring more points than your opponent.
That sounds simplistic, because it really is one of those games where you learn as you go along learns.
The rules seem overwhelming and complex at first glance but after a few games, strategies start to form in your head as a result the mini-card game can become very addictive.
Last Words
Everything was immediately recognizable, but felt like brand new at the same time.
How the story in the full game will unfold is to be seen as the game is currently still in development.
What we already know is that director Tesuya Nomura has announced
that the plot ending will have a twist, just like in 'Remake'.
We all hope for a third and last part of this new Final Fantasy franchise, as this series just keeps getting better and better.
Thanks for reading,
Funcore