10 Biggest Changes In FF7 Rebirth's Story From The Original Game

[Warning: This article contains spoilers for the ending of FF7 Rebirth.]

changes the original game's story in ways both major and minor. The remake trilogy as a whole isn't a shot-for-shot remake of the original, but a modern reimagining. That's never been more apparent than in: while mostly tells the same story, with a little rearranging and some new details, represents a much more significant departure from the source material.

Many of 's story changes exist as a consequence of it being an entirely different kind of game from the original. Instead of a totally open-world RPG, is less linear and more deliberately paced. Others, like Red XIII's sudden voice change in , are the result of generational changes in console hardware. Still others attempt to make the game more interesting for longtime fans of the original. But no matter why they exist, changes are clearly a major part of. Here are some of the most noticeable ones.

In the original , recruiting Yuffie was strictly optional. She would appear as a random encounter in certain sections of the world map, steal all the party’s Materia, and slink off. If they pursued her and beat her in battle, she'd join them. As a result, she doesn't have a major role in the story — while some of her background is explored during the party’s visit to Wutai, Yuffie keeps the exposition to a minimum.

In the years since, spinoffs — especially and 's playable chapter — have delved deeper into Yuffie's backstory. All that new information on Yuffie is incorporated into , portraying her admiration for her former enemy Zack and her mentor Sonon. Yuffie also debuts at a different point in the game. Instead of encountering her randomly, the party saves her from a monster in Junon before she catches up with them in Costa del Sol.

Cid and Vincent may not be playable in, but they are present — albeit in very different ways. Vincent is no longer an optional character who only appears if the party solves a hidden puzzle. Now, he's a vital part