Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is poised to conclude its ambitious reimagining of the classic RPG, and early hands-on impressions reveal a game that excels in its core combat mechanics while introducing potential concerns regarding open-world design. The preview focused on the additions of Cid and Vincent to the party, the expanded Wutai region, and the overarching structure of the open world.
The Dragoon and the Vampire
The combat system, previously lauded in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, appears to receive further enhancements with the inclusion of Cid and Vincent. Cid, the dragoon, offers a dynamic playstyle that blends ranged attacks with powerful melee combos. His signature Dragoon Jump, allowing him to launch into the air for devastating aerial assaults, is a particular highlight. Vincent, the vampire, brings a stylish approach with his Quicksilver pistol, capable of executing varied follow-up moves. His ability to transform into the Galian Beast further bolsters his combat versatility, enabling a shift between ranged and close-quarters engagements. The new FITS system, which allows players to equip one of four Jobs—Warrior, Knight, Black Mage, and Summoner—seems to add complementary options to existing character playstyles rather than fundamentally altering them. For instance, the Summoner Job enables the deployment of Egi versions of summons as pets, while the Knight Job offers defensive support. This system promises greater tactical depth and encourages players to experiment with party compositions.
Wutai Reimagined
The preview delved into Wutai, a region significantly expanded and reimagined from its original iteration. Yuffie takes center stage in this chapter, driving the narrative as players explore her hometown. The city itself is depicted as a visually stunning recreation, featuring towering traditional Japanese and Chinese architecture, giving it a sense of life and importance. The story seems to delve into a conspiracy involving defecting ninjas and Shinra agents, hinting at a darker undertone beneath Wutai's vibrant facade. Players will also encounter Yuffie's father, Godo, and the mysterious Glenn Lodbrok, suggesting a deep dive into the region's lore and its connection to the overarching plot.
Overstuffed Overworld?
Exploration of the open world via the Highwind airship offers a sense of scale and seamless travel, with players able to descend onto any region. However, concerns have been raised about the potential for the open world to become bloated with side content. Frequent interruptions from non-player characters, such as Chadley's assistant MAI, who incessantly offers optional activities and pop-ups, could disrupt the gameplay flow and detract from organic discovery. While the inclusion of activities like Queen's Blood and various side quests adds to the game's scope, there is a worry that these elements might feel like padding if not integrated thoughtfully into the main narrative. The preview suggests that the game may be overly cautious about players missing content, opting for numerous prompts rather than trusting players to discover things on their own. The presence of powerful foes like Ruby Weapon in the desert also teases challenging optional battles, but the execution of how these are presented remains a point of attention.
As the remake trilogy approaches its conclusion, the looming presence of Meteor serves as a stark reminder of the stakes. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth aims to deliver an ending that matches the impact of the original, and while its combat and world-building show immense promise, the management of its open-world content will be crucial to its overall success. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is slated for release on April 8, 2027.