In the wake of revealing a new trailer and release date during today’s State of Play, Square Enix has revealed much more information about Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, confirming that the anticipated follow-up to Final Fantasy VII Remake will feature a hefty 100 hours of gameplay.
Producer Yoshinori Kitase wrote a letter to fans on the game’s social media pages to promise a “vast world map” among a host of other details. He also teased what is arguably the original’s most famous moment by hinting that “fans are dying to see one scene in particular.”
Spoiler Warning: This article contains light spoilers for the original Final Fantasy VII and Remake.
To celebrate today’s announcements we’re sharing messages from the development team behind Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, starting with producer Yoshinori Kitase. [1/3] #FF7R pic.twitter.com/tDm5w1Grl7
— FINAL FANTASY VII (@finalfantasyvii) September 14, 2023
Director Naoki Hamaguchi also weighed in to call the project a “labor of love” while saying that the follow-up embraces “free exploration.” He also said it will feature “compelling stories, fun mini-games, and so much more.” The trailer shown during the State of Play showed off the Golden Saucer with a boxing mini-game featuring the original game’s familiar style.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi has a special message for everyone looking forward to the game. [2/3] #FF7R pic.twitter.com/gd2Vk8B93k
— FINAL FANTASY VII (@finalfantasyvii) September 14, 2023
Finally, director Tetsuya Nomura said that “many elements were carefully selected for this title” and that it will incorporate feedback from 2020’s Final Fantasy VII Remake. He also teased some potential change sfrom the original game.
“There is also the looming question of what fate awaits,” Nomura wrote. “Whether you have experienced the original title or will embark on this adventure with fresh eyes, we hope you will face the ending of this work on your terms.”
Square Enix reveals where Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will end
Elsewhere, a lengthy new PlayStation Blog entry dove into the upcoming follow-up, confirming in the process that it will extend up to the Forgotten Capital, though some scenes will take place out of order. What happens in the Forgotten Capital? Final Fantasy VII fans will know the scene very well. How Rebirth will tackle this famous scene is one of its biggest questions, as Remake has shown every inclination toward going off the rails.
In the blog, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s development team came together to elaborate on what was shown in the new trailer while offering even more details. The interview includes discussions of Red XIII, who will be making his debut in Rebirth, as well as Cait Sith and Vincent. It also provided hints on whether the party will expand.
There is also the looming question of what fate awaits. Whether you have experienced the original title or will embark on this adventure with fresh eyes, we hope you will face the ending of this work on your terms.
“The original party members are all present in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth,” Nomura said. “In the previous title, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Red XIII became an accompanying member in the second half of the game, but he will become an official, playable party member starting from Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Similarly, there are characters who are accompanying members in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, that will become official party members in the next title.”
It is currently unclear whether Cait Sith and Vincent, the latter of whom was a secret character in the original game, will be playable in the new release.
Talking about the numerous mini-games in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Hamaguchi confirmed that the team plans to expand on the parade game featured in Junon. He also said that Square Enix has “gone all out and created a huge number of mini-games on a scale that surpasses even the original.” He also said that Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will feature “lots of unique games and challenges” that open up while exploring the world.
Hamaguchi claimed that Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will feature “double” the amount of side content compare to the original game, and that players will be able to return to any of the regions in the world after the main quest moves on from that area. Each region will also feature its own type of chocobo, though Hamaguchi didn’t elaborate on whether the chocobo breeding minigame will return in this version.
The adventure continues
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth follows on from 2020’s Final Fantasy VII Remake, which carried the story up through the team’s departure from Midgar.
“[Final Fantasy VII Remake’s] combat is top notch, its enemy variety kept me constantly entertained, and seeing this snippet of story fleshed out with real emotional arcs and the previously hidden humanity behind Midgar filled me with pure joy,” we wrote in our review.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is set to release on February 29 on PlayStation 5.
Kat Bailey is IGN’s News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.
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