Final Fantasy VII Rebirth review: unforgettable sequel fights for the future

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth MSRP $70.00 Score Details DT Editors' Choice Pros

Phenomenal story
Strong performances
Impactful combat tweaks
Some excellent side-content
A legendary soundtrack

Cons

Repetitive open-world structure

When we last left the heroes of Final Fantasy VII Remake, they had defied their predetermined fates by killing the concept of destiny — literally. It was a triumphant victory but a short-lived one. As soon as their journey begins in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, it’s clear that Cloud and company are facing off against a much tougher foe that threatens to doom their futures. It’s not Sephiroth; it’s themselves.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: release date, trailers, gameplay, and more
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth finally launches next February
Will Final Fantasy 16 get DLC?

Despite having definitive control of their lives, the heroes of Gaia still struggle to overcome their own anxiety. Cloud believes he’s destined to become like his arch nemesis, and Barret is left panicking over how his smothering behavior will ruin his daughter’s life. The city of Midgar has fallen into collective despair, as its residents are convinced that there’s simply nothing anyone can do to save a dying world. The planet has fallen victim to a nihilism epidemic where hope is as scarce a commodity as Mako.

That narrative defines Rebirth, the emotional second chapter of Square Enix’s ambitious Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy. Rather than continuing the total meta-deconstruction of its predecessor, Rebirth is a more personal sequel about heroes who are terrified to become true masters of their own fate. For them, and perhaps players themselves, the inevitable feels inescapable — and that’s bad news for a certain flower peddler, whose future depends on everyone else getting their act together.

In another brilliantly self-reflexive action RPG,Final Fantasy VII Rebirth uses gaming’s most iconic bit of dramatic irony to fuel a deeply moving tale of self-doubt and