“Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: A Bold Break from the Gaming Status Quo”

The gaming sector is facing a dilemma. With thousands of layoffs and studio shutdowns, more firms are resorting to the concept of remakes — leveraging nostalgia and established intellectual properties to pursue quick triumphs or assured excitement. Numerous outstanding video game remakes exist, yet concurrently, many struggle to validate their existence. Even a title as critically lauded as the Resident Evil 4 remake appears unnecessary when the original still feels so iconic. This is precisely why Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has made such a mark on me this year. It’s a title that not only reinterprets the groundbreaking original but seems to advance the entire Final Fantasy series, offering a starting point for newcomers. In summary, it embodies everything a video game “remake” ought to be.

However, there is a slight caveat related to Rebirth, given that it is the second installment in a trilogy. While you could technically dive directly into Rebirth, it’s challenging to not suggest that anyone first experiences Final Fantasy 7 Remake, which fortunately is conveniently available, having been released just a few years ago. But in numerous respects, Remake serves as a precursor to Rebirth — an exploratory initial step that establishes the foundation for the decisive reimagining that Rebirth offers.

Rebirth interprets a segment of the original Final Fantasy 7, spanning the moment the group departs Midgar, through to the pivotal events that determine Aerith’s destiny at the Forgotten Capital. A portion that occupies approximately 20-30 hours in the original game has been expanded into a new 100-hour epic, enriched with stunning details that add depth to the world and story, making already cherished characters even more intricate.

The remarkable aspect of Rebirth is its ability to evoke both nostalgia and innovation, familiar yet enigmatic, paying homage to the original game while bold enough to diverge from it. Knowledge of the original Final Fantasy 7 isn’t essential to engage with the game, yet for those who do, the experience is overwhelmingly enhanced. Throughout the game, subtle alterations and distinctions leave veteran fans pondering whether this narrative will unfold similarly, or what these new complexities could signify.

Every destination is one you’ve previously visited; it evokes familiarity but is depicted in more vivid detail than ever before. It’s like returning to your hometown after two decades — that dirt path you used to ride your bike down retains its form, yet now it’s paved and adorned with a park bustling with families! In this regard, Rebirth creates a sense of wonder and exploration, even for individuals who are intimately acquainted with the world of Final Fantasy 7.

The same concept applies to the characters themselves, as Rebirth’s primary theme revolves around connections. This is a critically important notion, as Rebirth successfully addresses one of the few genuine shortcomings of the original game — a lack of substantial relationships among party members. In the original Final Fantasy 7, we primarily witness character growth through their interaction with Cloud. Their development hinges almost entirely on their camaraderie with Cloud, and for many characters, they receive a significant moment before fading into the backdrop of the central storyline. Cait Sith epitomizes this, as he experiences his significant betrayal moment but then becomes somewhat inconsequential for the remainder of the game.

Yet, Rebirth desires these characters to be perceived as a genuine group of friends — deeply flawed individuals who depend on one another. Tifa and Aerith’s connection is the most prominent example, as the two women become confidantes, able to discuss everything from the foolishness of men to the traumas of their past. Similar bonds develop between Red XIII and Barret, and even between Cloud and Yuffie.

Additionally, there are extra nuances meticulously woven into the characters themselves, adding intricate new dimensions that were previously absent. We uncover the resentment Aerith harbors towards those who’ve subjected her to anguish, as well as the intense anger she holds back. We learn about the tough exterior Red XIII consistently maintains, alongside the immense pressure he feels to achieve something of significance. Even with Cloud, we witness a deeper exploration of his inner conflicts and fears that he might be losing touch with his true self.

The entirety of Rebirth is brimming with small enhancements and additional details, enriching a well-trodden narrative. Alongside all that, Rebirth is ambitiously reaching for new heights regarding the very essence of a Final Fantasy game. Its open world takes cues from titles like The Witcher 3, creating vibrant, living locales filled with side quests that meaningfully expand the lore. Its breathtakingly engaging combat is the perfect blend of turn-based strategy and high-energy action, enhancing the sense of camaraderie among party members through dazzling combination attacks. Its diverse soundtrack incorporates rock, bubblegum pop, rap, dubstep — and even features a dedicated track titled “Bow Wow Wow,” specifically for moments when you’re chasing dogs. This represents the most audacious Final Fantasy has been in decades, coalescing into something extraordinary.

This contrast between bold aspirations and a respect for the past is what makes Rebirth so distinctive, particularly against the backdrop of various other remakes. Frequently, video game remakes appear hesitant to venture into new territories or attempt alternative approaches. Even just this year, we’ve witnessed formulaic remakes such as Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD and Until Dawn — releases that provide little more than a graphical makeover.

A delightful question that frequently arises is, “If you could relive any video game for the first time, which would it be?” For many, it’s nostalgic classics or titles that fundamentally alter their perspective on the medium as a whole. For me, it’s Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth.

Although it’s somewhat challenging to articulate, it seems these games have enabled me to experience a fresh emotion — something nestled in the space between nostalgia and excitement. Remake and Rebirth transport me back to childhood, rediscovering a magical world and characters that will profoundly influence my life in unforeseen ways. Yet I am already acquainted with these characters, leading to an almost ineffable complexity that enriches the experience.

Other entertainment mediums have seen transformative remakes that propel the entire sphere forward, whether it be films like John Carpenter’s The Thing or Denis Villeneuve’s Dune — or even anime like the Rebuild of Evangelion series. With Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, it feels as if video games have reached that pivotal moment — a conclusive way to reflect on the significance of essential games and determine how they might shape our future.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is set for release on PS5, launching January 23 for PC.