Square Enix’s Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is nothing short of a love letter to fans of the original game while pushing the boundaries of what a modern RPG can accomplish. This second installment in the remake trilogy picks up where Final Fantasy VII Remake left off, unraveling the threads of nostalgia and weaving them into a reimagined tale of epic proportions. It’s a mix of breathtaking visuals, refined gameplay, and an emotionally rich narrative that will leave fans—old and new—absolutely captivated.

If you enjoyed Remake, you’re in for a treat. Rebirth feels bigger, braver, and far more ambitious. But is it perfect? Not quite. Let's unpack everything this sequel gets right—and where it stumbles just a bit.

Story – Familiar Yet Unpredictable

The narrative of Rebirth wastes no time pulling players back into its sprawling and mysterious world. We rejoin Cloud Strife and his eclectic band of misfits—Tifa, Aerith, Barret, and Red XIII—as they venture beyond the city of Midgar and into the unknown.

What’s immediately striking is how the game strikes a balance between paying homage to the original Final Fantasy VII and boldly forging new paths. Rebirth’s story doesn’t just rehash the original; it expands on it, introducing richer character arcs and jaw-dropping twists that will leave even veteran fans second-guessing what’s coming next.

The dynamic between Cloud and the central female leads—Tifa and Aerith—continues to shine, offering some of the most heartfelt and, at times, gut-wrenching dialogue in the series. Meanwhile, Red XIII gets welcomed screen time, showing off his sharp intellect and fierce loyalty. Newcomers to the story may feel a bit overwhelmed by the lore and its sprawling narrative threads, but Square Enix does a decent job providing enough context to keep things engaging.

A word of caution, though—Rebirth’s story is a slow burn at the start. The early pacing mirrors the original game’s slow build-up, but as you progress, the stakes ramp up in ways that are nothing short of exhilarating.

Gameplay – Bigger, Better, and More Polished

If Remake was about experimenting with real-time combat married to turn-based strategy, Rebirth perfects it. The action is fluid, fast, and layered with strategy, offering players high-octane battles while demanding calculated decisions. Switching between party members feels more intuitive than before, allowing you to harness the unique strengths of each character with ease.

Expect some exciting new mechanics and attacks added to the combat repertoire. The synergy moves are a particular highlight—team-up attacks where two characters combine their skills for devastating results. Pairing Cloud’s raw power with Aerith’s magic or unleashing Tifa and Barret’s brutal combo hits feels immensely satisfying.

Outside of battle, exploration is a key focus. Now venturing far beyond Midgar, the world feels massive yet thoughtfully designed. Rolling plains, dense forests, and sprawling towns invite you to slow down and soak in the scenery. Side quests make their return as well, and while some are the standard “fetch this” variety, others dig deep into character backstories and world-building.

What’s more, you’ll experience revamped mini-games and environmental puzzles scattered throughout the game. These break up the pacing in the best possible way, ranging from lighthearted distractions to head-scratching challenges.

One minor drawback? The tight linearity of the previous game remains present in some segments, pulling you from the open environments into linear dungeons that can occasionally drag. But in the bigger picture, it’s a minor gripe.

Graphics – Pure Eye Candy

Rebirth is an absolute stunner. Square Enix spared no expense in bringing this world to life, and the results are jaw-dropping. Each environment is brimming with detail, from the shimmering streets of Kalm to the desolate wastelands outside the city walls. Decades-old locations from the original game are reimagined with such love and attention to detail that they feel familiar yet completely refreshed.

Character models are similarly exceptional. Every protagonist is meticulously crafted, showcasing subtle facial expressions that bring an extra layer of emotion to the story. Whether it’s Tifa’s quiet determination or Aerith’s playful charm, the characters feel alive in ways games rarely capture.

And lest we forget the particle effects—spells explode with vibrant colors while Limit Breaks light up the screen with cinematic flair. Battles feel even more thrilling when every slash and fireball bursts onto the screen in HDR brilliance.

That said, the one sore point is occasional frame drops during larger-scale battles or in heavily crowded areas. These moments are rare, but noticeable enough to momentarily pull you out of the immersion.

Music – Nostalgia Meets Modernity

No Final Fantasy VII experience is complete without a stellar soundtrack, and Rebirth delivers beautifully. Composer Nobuo Uematsu’s beloved melodies return, now reimagined with creative orchestration and fresh arrangements. Hearing classics like “One-Winged Angel” or “Aerith’s Theme” sends chills down your spine, even if you’ve heard them a hundred times before.

The new tracks seamlessly complement the returning musical staples, heightening the emotional impact of both intimate character moments and high-stakes battles. And as is now becoming a trend with Square Enix, the voice acting across the board is top-notch. Every line delivered by the cast feels emotionally charged and authentic.

One standout addition is how the music shifts dynamically depending on the situation. Exploring peaceful areas introduces softer, melodic tones, while tense battles seamlessly crank up the intensity. It’s a subtle change, but one that makes the experience feel cinematic from start to finish.

Improvements Over the Remake

Where Remake primarily focused on Midgar and was relatively linear, Rebirth addresses one of the biggest fan critiques with a much bigger, more open world. You no longer feel boxed in and can genuinely explore the regions outside of the city, discovering secrets, treasures, and hidden bosses.

The combat is also far more polished. Every character feels tighter to control, and the addition of more synergistic attacks ensures every battle feels fresh and tactical.

Perhaps the greatest improvement lies in the storytelling. While Remake ended on a mind-bendingly experimental note, Rebirth refocuses the narrative, grounding it with character-driven stories without abandoning its bold new twists.

The game does an excellent job explaining itself while leaving enough mystery for the trilogy’s final chapter.

Potential Drawbacks

No game is without its flaws, and Rebirth isn’t exempt.

The pacing might be an issue for some players. While the open areas give a real sense of freedom, they can occasionally slow down the main story’s momentum. Side quests, though packed with lore, sometimes feel like unnecessary padding.

Additionally, Rebirth assumes you’ve played Remake. Newcomers might find themselves struggling to understand the evolving lore or the increasingly complex character relationships.

And yes, the frame drops during graphically intense moments could use patching.

Final Thoughts – A Triumph for Fans and Newcomers

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an ambitious sequel that sets the stage for an epic finale while giving us plenty to enjoy in the here and now. It’s confident, creative, and captivating. From its jaw-dropping visuals to its emotionally resonant story, Rebirth takes everything we loved about the first part and turns it up to eleven.

Does it have occasional pacing issues and minor quirks? Sure. But these are small blemishes on what’s otherwise an exceptional experience that balances nostalgia with innovation.

Whether you’re a diehard fan of the original Final Fantasy VII or someone curious about what all the hype is about, Rebirth is a must-play. This is storytelling and gameplay at its finest—further proof that the Final Fantasy VII saga remains as iconic as ever. And as the credits roll, you’ll find yourself impatiently awaiting the final chapter in this unforgettable trilogy.

9/10 – A near-perfect sequel that redefines what we thought we knew about Cloud and his world, leaving us hungry for more.