Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 145 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Mixed: 0 out of 145
  2. Negative: 0 out of 145
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  1. Mar 17, 2024
    100
    It will be nearly impossible to evaluate Final Fantasy VII Rebirth outside of the trilogy as a whole in the years to come. But right now nothing is stopping us from doing so. To put it succinctly, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is one of the finest games in Square Enix's entire history.
  2. Mar 7, 2024
    100
    Overall, this a deep and wonderful game packed full of exploration, juicy combat and a strong story - if you can follow all the lore it pumps out. Square Enix have done a great job again of delivering a unique Final Fantasy world, in this case revamped for the modern gamer from an old classic.
  3. Mar 7, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is the ultimate FF experience that improves the series in almost any direction and offers more than 100 hours of adventure, proclaiming the acclaimed series as the king of the JRPG genre and itself as one of the best releases of the current video game generation.
  4. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth rekindled my love for Final Fantasy with a refreshing twist in a classic story and additions to the gameplay experience.
  5. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    It’s been twenty-seven years since Cloud, Aerith, and Tifa first left Midgar. Since then, their world — and ours — has changed significantly. It’s such a wonder, then, to be able to recreate that sublime experience of leaving Midgar for the first time during the opening of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. This is the game that delivers on the promise of the Final Fantasy VII remake project. It’s a fascinatingly familiar yet unknown journey that is breathtaking and unforgettable.
  6. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    The promise of those old, grand, globe-trotting Final Fantasy epics from the series’ 16- and 32-bit heyday in AAA form has been fulfilled at last. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth finally realizes the series’ central, implicit potential, looking to the past to pave the way for hopefully the start of a new golden age for the series.
  7. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the culmination at all levels of the current Action RPG. An immense, brave and ambitious work, capable of giving the best possible homage to the original classic while introducing its own vision.
  8. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth delivers upon Remake's thesis, increasing a classic's scale and character tenfold to create a new modern-day masterpiece.
  9. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    I’ve absolutely loved playing through Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and I’m happy to say that Square Enix once again delivered with this release. It’s a fantastic follow-up to Remake that expands the world of Final Fantasy VII even more, and it’s a sequel that shouldn’t be missed. Whether you’re a hardcore Final Fantasy VII fan, or someone that came on board via the Remake, you won’t be disappointed.
  10. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth marks the new golden age of the license. It’s a gargantuan and disproportionate game, in addition to being extremely generous. Next to it, FF7 Remake is just a long prologue behind closed doors. The world opens with Rebirth, the universe of Final Fantasy 7 with it. Everything is sublime, fantastic even, and invites you to travel. The deliberately choppy and mysterious narration fulfills its role perfectly and will undoubtedly cause a lot of ink to flow. It’s an almost instantaneous uppercut that never really gives us time to dislocate our jaw. However, everything is not rosy, we have some heaviness here and there, slightly old-fashioned mechanics which rub shoulders with other much more modern systems, but we will happily excuse it as everything else is impressive. It’s beautiful, sublime, for the eyes and the ears, even though the technique sometimes fails when you look closer. The soundtrack, a mix of revamped themes and new features, is certainly one of the best in the series. But it's a whole and taken as a whole, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a real gem.
  11. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth is a phenomenally good video game. It has a habit for self-indulgence, but earns every pause with some shocking story moments, and some of the best combat I’ve experienced.
  12. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth codifies the long-lasting significance of JRPGs from the mid to late ’90s, an era in which developers finally had the tools to tell captivating sagas with little compromise. In 2024, Square Enix captures and recontextualizes 1997’s opus with an unyielding vision, building out its world and preserving it with a keen eye for how it fits into the modern landscape. With a cast of characters and a boundless world that has resonated with players for decades, that emotional core is not untouched, merely reborn.
  13. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is packed with well-crafted content, and unlike its predecessor, none of it feels like filler. While Cloud’s new and unknown journey isn’t finished just yet, Rebirth already delivers an emotional story that could have only been achieved with a remake. While a small amount of the minigames can be tedious, from exploration to battle, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a top-notch experience. It delivers a surprising amount of quality, quantity and diversity in its content, to the extent that there pretty much isn’t anything like it.
  14. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth breathes new life into one of the most revered games of all time. A vastly richer open world ensures your time in Gaia is thoroughly engrossing, while Cloud’s story is as gripping as it was in 1997.
  15. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is so good, it nearly wrecked my life.
  16. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    One of the greatest JRPGs of the last 20 years. An amazing love letter to the original and all fans, that will make hours fly while you explore the open areas and play the mini-games, always with the main story on your head. The little visual problems do not take the shine away from this brilliant star.
  17. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    One of the best stories the medium has ever seen, memorable characters that really matter, a refined combat system that is amplified with great new ideas, living open worlds that are constantly surprising you and of course, an authentic audiovisual presentation. scream, make Final Fantasy VII Rebirth not only the most serious candidate to win the Game of the Year title in 2024, but also one of the most outstanding representatives of its genre in all of history. No, I'm not exaggerating. We are facing one of the best action RPGs of this wonderful form of entertainment, which of course is saying a lot if one considers everything that has been done in the past. Square Enix has hit a home run that even left the stadium and, for its part, the PS5 scores a new exclusive that undoubtedly cures what Sony's own internal studios are not doing.
  18. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is grand in the way you don't see that often in video games. It can surprise the way only the creators of indie games can. It has perfect gameplay, superb story, amazing scale and lots of emotion. It really is a great, grand game.
  19. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an exceptional sequel that surpasses expectations in nearly every aspect. It combines compelling storytelling, innovative combat, and a wealth of engaging content to deliver an unforgettable adventure. As a bold continuation of the saga, it sets the stage for the final installment, leaving fans eagerly awaiting what comes next. Square Enix has truly outdone itself, showcasing the depth and potential of the Final Fantasy VII universe.
  20. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a great game and manages to go one better than its great predecessor. Due to the enormous scope of Rebirth, the first game feels more like a small prologue and now the game has really begun. Despite its scope, we never got bored for a second. The game is more versatile and varied than we have experienced for a long time. We were literally thrilled by the new gameplay elements that constantly presented us with new challenges. Then there are the great characters and the gripping story, which touched us again and again with emotional moments.
  21. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is amazing. FFVII Remake's excellent battle system is improved even further, the story leaves the player (whether a veteran or newcomer to the series) intrigued to know what will happen and there is an immense amount of content to be explored.
  22. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    What Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth does is challenge the idea that FF7 can't be topped within its own in-game universe; in my eyes, that's already been done, in the middle game of a trilogy no less, and now we'll just have to wait and see if Square Enix can stick the landing on what's been an incredible, must-play two-parter thus far.
  23. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    Calling a title “the best game of 2024” may come across as rather shortsighted when done so in February. I don’t care. I’m going to say it. I believe Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the best game we are going to see in 2024, and it also gives me faith in the future of the series.
  24. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is, for all intents and purposes, a phenomenal second act in the Remake series. Though it's open world design isn't perfect, the game is finely honed in every other area and provides as luxurious of an experience as FF VII Remake did.
  25. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    The second entry in the remake trilogy is so good that it left us wondering: “how are they going to make something better for the final episode?” Narrative, gameplay, content… everything is at the highest level, and it managed to keep us engaged, interested in the story and having fun for more than 100 hours.
  26. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy 7 is an excellent RPG with some of the best characters in the gaming canon. While some open-world content skirts the edges, and the game's main narrative is left somewhat deflated, the time spent with Aerith, Tifa, and the gang makes this a hugely enjoyable road trip you'll be playing for hundreds of hours.
  27. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth takes the second chapter of Cloud Strife's struggle to save the planet he calls home and surpasses the highs of Final Fantasy VII Remake in every way.
  28. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    There is so much more I want to say, but I do not want to ruin any part of this experience. Being such a huge fan of the original game, I could not be happier with how this sequel turned out. After being lukewarm on the first entry, this one squashes all my concerns and doubts about this remake.
  29. 100
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth evoked all kinds of emotions in me, made me see my low-poly childhood friends as real people, and allowed me to once again be part of a grandiose, fate-challenging, god-defying adventure that I haven't experienced since the PS1 days.
  30. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth improves on nearly every aspect of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake, pushing the PlayStation 5 to the limit and creating a jaw-dropping experience in the process. Improving on both the Remake and the original version of the game seemed like a nigh impossible task, but somehow, Square Enix was able to do just that.
  31. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    This is Game of the Year material and an exceptional follow-up to a revered first entry. It handles the beloved material with care while still establishing its own new voice, making for a stellar sequel. This is Game of the Year material and an exceptional follow-up to a revered first entry. It handles the beloved material with care while still establishing its own new voice, making for a stellar sequel.
  32. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    It’s not often you write over 1,000 words and have virtually nothing bad to say about a game, but that’s Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. It’s a masterpiece, a work of art, bonafide breathtaking brilliance.
  33. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth is much bigger, more ambitious and complete as a video game than Remake was. But its great virtue is its courage to look ahead, to be clear about its path and to bet on it with an outstanding display in all its areas. With Rebirth, a new legend in the history of games is born.
  34. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    I loved Final Fantasy VII Remake, but Rebirth makes it look like a demo.
  35. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    It makes you feel. It makes you think. With grand set pieces and rich narrative turning points, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth consistently gives you reasons to care, to sit at the edge of your seat, wide-eyed, wondering what the future holds. Even with the groundwork laid by the original game, there is a sense that anything can happen, that the future remains unwritten.
  36. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    We absolutely loved Final Fantasy VII Remake, but it's safe to say that Final Fantasy VII Rebirth surpasses it in every possible way. It's a masterpiece. It tells a grander tale, with more twists and turns that keep you on your feet. And while some new story elements may rub some players up the wrong way, they keep things feeling fresh, and make us keen to see where Square Enix will take things next. Ultimately, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has exceeded our expectations, building on the original game and indeed Final Fantasy VII Remake, delivering a sequel that feels bigger and better in all regards.
  37. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    It’s hard not to bring nostalgia into it. I can ignore those quibbles I have because of the countless times this game made me feel something, whether that be anger, joy, sadness, or empathy. As I rolled the credits I realised this was exactly the game I’ve wanted to play since I was 17 years old. It’s playing one of my favourite games all over again, experiencing everything fresh - and loving it just as much as I did over two decades ago.
  38. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is one of my favourite games that I've played in a long time and does so much with its narrative that feels uncompromisingly ambitious and fresh.
  39. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    How do you handle the reworking of one of the greatest classical works in history? With great patience, skill and respect. With video games, it's no different than with other art forms. 'Final Fantasy VII' was not just restored, but completely remade. 'Rebirth' is not a sacrilege, but the finest tribute this classic could ever receive.
  40. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    It’s not often we see a Game of the Year contender so early in the year, but here we are. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an unforgettable follow-up to one of the finest remakes ever produced. Deftly building upon the rock-solid foundation of its predecessor, it evolves the combat and progression systems in subtle yet exciting ways while setting you loose in a massive world that you’ll want to explore to the fullest. With countless activities to keep you busy and a gripping story that will leave both Final Fantasy VII veterans and newcomers alike on the edge of their seats, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an unmissable adventure.
  41. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    For fans, this is a dream come true and proof that Square Enix can still create a modern JRPG that, although based on the famous original, brings completely new content and realizes the vision of a true open-world Final Fantasy game. Although it's just the middle part of the Remake trilogy, Rebirth stands as a gigantic, massive JRPG with a huge world, an extra long and intricate story, and a ton of side content that should keep us entertained until the announcement of the final installment.
  42. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is everything the long time fans of the franchise were yearning for but didn't get for a long time. The story will be relived and retold, but now there's uncertainty about the fate of each character. Every expectation was met with surprise and reward in a game that is not perfect, but is a true masterpiece of a genre that became popular exactly because of the long running Square Enix franchise.
  43. Feb 22, 2024
    100
    I knew The Gold Saucer was going to be a big moment in Rebirth, but nothing could prepare me for the cacophonous performance that broke out when I entered the gilded theme park: dazzling holograms, gyrating bodies, and a healthy dose of Terry Crews-esque Pec Popping. It was just one of nearly a dozen moments that had my jaw on the floor.
  44. Feb 22, 2024
    98
    Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth knocks it out of the park. It takes the already excellent first game and expands it to a bigger and more populated world. The combat has been improved, the dungeon design is better, the story hits a lot more than it misses, and from start to finish, it was pretty much everything I could've wanted. Only a few nagging problems keep it from perfection, and it's a love letter to everything that makes Final Fantasy VII great.
  45. Feb 22, 2024
    97
    Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth is a massive leap forward when compared to the first entry of the Final Fantasy VII Remake. It is way more ambitious, with an open world that is as detailed as alive, and that is very gratifying to explore. Even if not all of the secondary activities are especially memorable, it is undeniable that Square Enix's endeavors to turn this into a more diversified and fresh experience can be felt right from the get-go.
  46. Apr 5, 2024
    96
    When it comes to games, you’ll rarely find yourself saying: ‘’Let your expectations run wild, for they will surely be met with excellence’’. Rebirth feels more like a spectacular conclusion than a midway point of a trilogy. Bursting with content, rare are the moments where you won’t feel the utmost joy. It is easily one of the best Final Fantasy games ever conceived and one of the greatest titles this genre has to offer. A true masterpiece that makes us excited for what the series will have to offer next.
  47. Mar 19, 2024
    95
    Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth is a truly phenomenal game, and such a high quality production that should be the new benchmark for JRPGs.
  48. Mar 10, 2024
    95
    What an amazing experience this was. As a fan of Open World games, I got to experience one of the densest and most fun open worlds in the past few years. As a Final Fantasy VII fan, I got to see one of my childhood games being fully realized with new cinematic cutscenes, bosses and more.
  49. Mar 8, 2024
    95
    There is a new contender for the "which Final Fantasy game is the best?" debates now. But if you ask me "which is the best Final Fantasy VII?", them we have a clear winner.
  50. Feb 23, 2024
    95
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a rich and immersive experience. It offers an excellent adaptation of the original story, blending flashbacks and mini-games into the story smoothly. As the party grows, the game smartly avoids overcrowding by splitting the team into two, allowing each character to stand out. The ATB combat system is more action-focused with detailed improvements, new cooperative moves, and team members making fights more dynamic and fun. The only minor issues are the game's somewhat predictable open world and the awkward movement across the map. However, these don't spoil the overall great experience.
  51. Feb 22, 2024
    95
    Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth proves that you can take a gaming icon and modernize it, offering today the same emotions as back then, net of narrative freedoms for which one wonders why.
  52. Feb 22, 2024
    95
    Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth masterfully continues the story of Remake. Acting as both a remake and sequel to the original game, Rebirth carves its own identity by deepening and expanding one of the most beloved stories in gaming. Its move toward the open-world format is expertly done and creates a near-perfect experience for fans both old and new.
  53. Feb 22, 2024
    95
    In spring 2020, there was hope: that of seeing a crazy dream come true thanks to Final Fantasy VII Remake. This same hope, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth transforms it into a consecration. A gameplay of formidable efficiency here sublimated, a rhythm better managed despite some clumsiness, a staging which awakens in us a whole range of emotions and, above all, an adventure which, even if it overflows with love for the version original, shines for what it is and carries us away as much as in 1997, if not even more. With Rebirth, Final Fantasy has perhaps found the ideal formula to tell us a story, while leaving us free to experience it at our own pace. As in any rebirth, there is a before and an after, and this emerging future already promises to be exhilarating as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth already has all the qualities to be considered the ultimate game in the saga.
  54. Feb 22, 2024
    95
    As big of an impact as Remake made upon its release, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth eclipses it in nearly every way. It improves upon just about every facet of its predecessor by introducing incredible new mechanics, an unbelievable world to explore, countless charming mini-games, another out-of-this-world soundtrack, some of the most memorable characters, and a fascinating storyline that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This is truly a must-play game for anyone who loves RPGs.
  55. 95
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth takes the foundations of Remake and expands on them, adding more control to combat, more places to explore, and more ways to dig deeper into the world and the story it tells. Whether in Graphics or Performance Mode, the quality of the experience remains the same: top tier presentation with exceptional gameplay. Rebirth is an early shoe-in for game of the year.
  56. Feb 22, 2024
    95
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is everything a sequel should be, giving us a more complex, varied, and comprehensive game than its predecessor while delving deeper into its characters and making us even more attached to them. With all of this, it becomes an intermediate episode that sets the stage for a trilogy finale that is sure to be epic.
  57. Feb 22, 2024
    95
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is like a dream come true. The immensity of the universe of this work deserved a game that was technically up to the task of portraying its settings, characters and stories with the technology of current consoles. Fortunately, the result delivered by Square Enix exceeds expectations.
  58. Feb 22, 2024
    95
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth defies all expectations and is the new benchmark for what a remake should be. Bold and unapologetic with something to say but also true to its roots. I've loved, I've laughed and I've cried while playing this game and if you fall into the right crowd, you very will too. Provided is an unforgettable journey, a magnetic cast, and a world that is magic and an experience that is transcending. From combat to graphics to music to side activities to writing to performances, Rebirth is one for the books and I can't wait to see where we go from here.
  59. Feb 22, 2024
    95
    This Final Fantasy VII project is a massive undertaking of an impossible scale. A single release stretched into three games? Preposterous. And yet, so far the team is totally nailing it. The first game was a smash hit, and Rebirth runs laps around it in almost every way. The performances, the plot, and the gameplay are all much improved. With a couple of notable exceptions. While I hated one or two sections with venomous passion, they aren't enough to spoil the experience. The game is less than perfect, but not by much. If you've been hotly anticipating this release, you were right to do so. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a fantastic follow-up to a pretty incredible game.
  60. Feb 22, 2024
    95
    Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth somehow manages to spin multiple plates without smashing any of them.
  61. Feb 22, 2024
    95
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth expands the 2020 game by taking this second installment to new playable horizons and the individual stories of each character are more developed. The open world makes a difference from the usual as it is full of activities to do and secrets. The rule that says "don't touch anything that isn't broken" was implemented and they also added new playable options that notably improve the experience.
  62. Feb 22, 2024
    95
    With the core team assembled, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth feels like embarking on a fantastic adventure with a gang of your best friends. More open, action-packed, and surprisingly funny, Rebirth gives players days of content and the freedom to pursue it, while still telling a wonderful and cohesive story. Every aspect of Remake has been examined, refined, and improved. This is the franchise's Empire Strikes Back, in all the best ways.
  63. Feb 22, 2024
    95
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is not only a worthy successor to Remake, but to the original title. With an incredible and multi-layered open-world, outstanding combat, and a heartfelt story that takes you on a beautiful scenic route, Rebirth reaches heights you’d need one wing to touch. Rebirth is special; First-Class in a way only the best Soldiers can be.
  64. Feb 22, 2024
    95
    Final Fantasy VII REBIRTH is a modern RPG masterpiece and solidly sets up its third installment in the Final Fantasy VII REMAKE Project. It's ambitious and massive in scope - and that's before we even get to the daunting task of recreating one of the most iconic stories of all time. At its core, Final Fantasy VII REBIRTH retains the essence of what the original story contained, expanding on it meaningfully in a way that feels wholly new. And I can’t wait to see how it all concludes.
  65. Apr 22, 2024
    94
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is without a single doubt the most ambitious FF game to date and drives the story to a much better-crafted concept than its predecessor. It is massive, it expands and upgrades several aspects that previous games of the series have failed to construct. Even with its few but notorious flaws, it marks a benchmark on modern FF games and gives Square Enix the crucial responsibility to make the conclusion of this trilogy as memorable as we all expect it to be.
  66. Square Enix has created a great game by adding a detailed open world and a wonderful expanded story to Final Fantasy Remake. We can say that it has already become the strongest candidate for the game of the year awards.
  67. Feb 22, 2024
    94
    It's a bit like being back in the company of old friends from a past that's impossible to forget: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth successfully continues the rewriting work begun four years ago, ferrying Cloud and his companions into an open world of rare beauty. A certain repetitiveness in the secondary activities and some minor flaws related to the combat system - exciting but still not perfect - are personally negligible trifles in the face of a reunion of such calibre. To recommend it is a trivial formality.
  68. Feb 22, 2024
    93
    With more freedom of movement and variety than its predecessor, the game does everything right and brings the fascination of Final Fantasy 7 that has lasted over 25 years to the current console generation.
  69. Feb 22, 2024
    93
    Everything in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth comes together into an extensive package that’s earnest both in its desire to be faithful in the ways that matter to the original and in being its own thing. I can’t help but love it. Does everything always work? No. But it manages to modernize the way Final Fantasy VII felt all those years ago, and it’s beautiful. After all, if you told me I got to explore the Gold Saucer in full HD 25 years ago and the minigames are even better than the original? Well, that’s all you need to know.
  70. Feb 22, 2024
    93
    Stunning reinterpretation of the original Final Fantasy VII and one of the best JRPS of the generation.
  71. Feb 22, 2024
    93
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth successfully recreates the original title, elevating this part of the story to new levels and betting on a game format that, without being particularly innovative, works wonderfully. It is immense, fun, emotional and very varied, but above all it is a fantastic remake that keeps its promises.
  72. Apr 24, 2024
    92
    There are minor flaws, still, this should be a no-brainer for all fans of the series or for those who want to know what all the fuss is about. Part three can’t come soon enough.
  73. Feb 22, 2024
    92
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth expands upon the 2020 Remake by offering a more captivating story, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and a more expansive world. However, some players might find themselves slightly impeded by pacing issues and Square Enix's overly ambitious endeavors.
  74. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Aug 23, 2024
    91
    The world is incredibly detailed, so instead of rushing to the next quest objective, make sure to take your time and let it all soak in. [Issue#264,p.58]
  75. Feb 22, 2024
    91
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth improves on Remake, expanding not only the scope of the adventure well beyond the confines of Midgar, but also exploring the ensemble cast in greater depth to enhance the emotional impact of events both new and old.
  76. Feb 22, 2024
    91
    FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH takes what made REMAKE work and expands on the formula in nearly every way imaginable from its rewarding combat and exploration to its absolutely hilarious humour. As a long-time fan, I'm incredibly happy with what it has to offer.
  77. Jul 14, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the first game in the series in a long time that I enjoyed. It expands the classic JRPG and FF VII Remake. And there is no doubt that Square Enix saved all the most interesting and exciting things for the final part of the trilogy.
  78. PLAY
    May 13, 2024
    90
    FFVII Rebirth ends up a messy game, then, but its ambitious swings pay off more often than not. Make no mistake, this is an absolutely epic journey that sends you out to explore a huge world, with real-time combat that makes your party feel like one great big team in a way few other games have ever managed to accomplish. The story in this middle entry doesn’t quite stick the landing, but the game built around it absolutely does, raising the bar significantly for RPGs of this scope. While taking a swing at fate’s threads feels narratively underserved, Rebirth still presents a planet and people worth fighting for right through to the bitter end. [Issue#39, p.68]
  79. 90
    I do recommend this game, it’s exciting, new and a breath of fresh air for gamers who want character focused storytelling and gameplay. I give this game a 9/10 the only drawbacks are the scattered and confusing ending.
  80. Apr 2, 2024
    90
    Although Final Fantasy VII will be accepted differently, it can be beloved JRPG for fans of the original willing to accept reimagination, world extension, more than 100 hours of gameplay in open world that is both familiar and new. It has still one of the best crew of the videogame heroes and combat system is always a blast.
  81. Mar 25, 2024
    90
    Fortunately, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth doesn't suffer too much from the curse of the middle trilogy installment. It expands the original storyline just enough and manages to offer an open world full of activities, places to explore, and rewards for completing them, just right. It looks beautiful, sounds excellent, and plays great. For RPG lovers, it's one of this year's delightful must-plays.
  82. Mar 22, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth offers a lot of new questions while answering others. It has the best combat system in the series, and is a massive feast – especially for fans looking to lose themselves in its sprawling world.
  83. Edge Magazine
    Mar 21, 2024
    90
    So full and comprehensive is this modernised SquareSoft RPG, in fact, that beyond finishing the story, the trilogy finale may struggle to justify itself. But that's the future's problem, of no concern as we feast on the spread in front of us. In a triple-A climate where development costs spiral and content often replaces craft, the generosity and ambition of Rebirth is a convincing argument that, once in a while, too much is exactly what you want. [Issue#396, p.102]
  84. Mar 20, 2024
    90
    Rebirth is totally bananas and I’ve surrendered to the ride. While its obsessive drive to always be different can prove exhausting, it so often does different with such style...My opinion doesn’t matter. For better or worse, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is going to be whatever it wants to be, and what it wants to be is anything it damn well pleases. Against all common sense, that audacity absolutely works, and I can’t wait to see how the next game gloriously screws things up.
  85. Mar 12, 2024
    90
    There is an abundance of things to love in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. It successfully provides players with an excellent linear critical path and a ton of side content which some players might call bloat, though it is entirely ignorable. It has absolutely insane production value, housing one of the most insane and interesting Final Fantasy VII stories so far, which strikes a perfect balance between incredibly silly, self-referential and very serious. It has a couple of slight technical issues but is otherwise the perfect follow-up to part one and the perfect setup for part three. Absolutely recommended!
  86. Mar 8, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a stunning game that bridges an excellent start and what’s sure to be a thrilling conclusion. Unfortunately, being stuck in the middle puts a lot of weight on the game, which makes it strain in some areas. However, it’ll only be possible to appreciate its merits once the final chapter is complete. Only then will we have the context to see how well Rebirth succeeded or failed. For now, I’d lean toward it being a resounding success that translated the original material wonderfully while also adding a few twists that will have even long-time fans wondering what will happen next.
  87. Mar 5, 2024
    90
    Square Enix has given us one of the best games in recent years and a worthy reinterpretation of a cult classic. It goes without saying that it's an absolute must-play for fans of the series, but Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth - combined with the Remake - is also the perfect entry point for new people. It's an adventure filled to the brim with fun and prepared with a punch, but also with great care.
  88. 90
    Through its expanded story, fantastic graphics, and abundance of side activities, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth vigorously continues the momentum from FF7 Remake. While some parts of the game are too slow or padded for the sake of content, the majority of the experience is a pleasant ride through nostalgia. It will be curious to see how progress, if any, is carried over to the next game, given all the exploration and items that you can obtain here. At any rate, FF7 Rebirth lives up to its promise as a love letter to the original game and solidly sets up the third and final title in the trilogy.
  89. Feb 27, 2024
    90
    While may stumble at times with balancing the amount of mini-games it throws your way, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth excels in all other areas and feels magnificent when all its pieces click into place.
  90. Feb 27, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth improves on Remake in every conceivable way. The sense of wonder the game instils is immense. This is the definitive way to experience Final Fantasy VII.
  91. Feb 23, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions as it retells its unforgettable story in brand-new ways. Square Enix has done an amazing job retooling the game from one millennium to another, making yet another bombastic RPG that die-hard fans and newcomers alike will undoubtedly fall in love with.
  92. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    From the beginning to the end, you will feel the need to keep playing, to know what happens to Cloud and his friends and if Shinra or Sephiroth will end the world. This impressive adventure stands as testimony that the remake project remains in good hands, honors its legacy and takes it to the top with new and original elements.
  93. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Matured action and an expanded gameplay experience characterize Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. It can easily be considered a sequel that surpasses its predecessor. With a shockingly well-executed storyline that permeates the entire remake project, this game can truly be said to have made the four-year wait worthwhile.
  94. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    With some unexpected twists and turns along the way, plus some confident changes, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is utterly massive and really is the ultimate way to experience this much-loved story. It's a must for PS5 players.
  95. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth irons out almost all the criticisms of its predecessor, making it the best Final Fantasy in years.
  96. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has been both a respite and a surprise, and this for someone who didn't play the Remake but finished the original several times. It's much more than a remake, even though it shares the same themes and motifs, centered on Sephiroth's manipulation and uncertainty regarding Cloud's memories. It's a gigantic title, with a remarkable visual scale and a fantasy world where we would be able to live in and therefore want to get lost in. It's also one of the best games of early 2024, packed with content that's bound to keep you engaged for many hours.
  97. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a loving recreation of the original’s second act, elevated by an impressive level of commitment and confidence and only held back by the occasional wobble.
  98. In almost every way you can look at it, Rebirth is a huge improvement over Remake. It constantly surprises you with how far it’s willing to go to recreate the moments you love, and even a poor ending can’t undermine the incredible 100 hours it took me to get there. Some of the open-world stuff starts to drag toward the end – especially in regions where the topography is more complex and hoofing it around is like trying to find your way out of the backrooms – but most of that’s optional anyway. I did it because I felt rewarded with special character moments that expanded upon the original game’s relationships in meaningful ways. I don’t know where Square Enix will take things from here, but I’ll be ready to mosey.
  99. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Part of me wanted Rebirth to capture fleeting moments of my upbringing, but I much prefer how this story and the people behind it have grown alongside me, perceiving an opportunity to present this epic in a different light that can only be achieved with the benefit of hindsight. I have no idea where it goes now, and that just might be its greatest achievement.
  100. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Despite the pacing issues in its final chapters, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is still bigger and better than Final Fantasy 7 Remake. If the third game can keep everything that's great about these remake projects so far and trim the fat a bit, we will have a spectacular trilogy on our hands.
  101. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's road trip is enchanting and wonderfully written, meandering between emotional and absurd moments. The battles remain great and the soundtrack is overwhelming, but it's the charming environments and characters that make Rebirth a triumph. Every location you visit feels like a small vacation with your best friends.
  102. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a very valid title, which once again demonstrates the enormous commitment made by the Square Enix team in the reconstruction and expansion of the seventh final fantasy. Although this second part of the journey of Cloud and his companions was not as "unknown" as promised, we appreciated all the narrative elements devised by the screenwriters of the Japanese giant, with the sole exception of the final chapter, which unfortunately proved to be lacking in several ways. wait. That said, the action RPG remains one of the most engaging and satisfying works of the House of Chocobo, which for the occasion has strengthened the role-playing component with the introduction of crafting, synergistic actions and an affinity system that will certainly be perfected with the arrival of the third and final part of the Remake Trilogy. However, the exploration is the most convincing aspect of the package, since outside of Midgar the albeit dying world of Final Fantasy VII has opened up to show us a good part of its wonders. On the downside, the technical sector is unfortunately mainly linked to the quality standards of the last generation. We will therefore have to wait for the next episode to truly enter the next-gen and witness the definitive rebirth of Final Fantasy VII.
  103. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    The creators manage to maintain the common story thread, but always adapt it so that the result feels fresh and interesting even for dye connoisseurs. This was already the case with the first part of the remake, but in our opinion it works even better here - also due to the open areas that hold many surprises and the excellent reinterpretation of key moments from back then. At the same time, what is on offer is told in such a way that even players without any prior knowledge of the series can find their way in easily.
  104. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    After over twenty years since the last time it feels like playing a classic episode of Final Fantasy loaded with all the magic of the '90s, that ancient spell that enchanted millions of fans and seemed to have long faded. In the immense and excellently characterized gaming world, a party of state-of-the-art characters moves, ready to fight through a tactical combat system that approaches perfection, but above all to confront a landslide of extra content, including dozens of challenges, missions, and minigames with a unique flavor in which to lose oneself for over a hundred hours of top-notch quality. However, this makes it even more difficult to digest what happens on the staging front: a higher degree of fidelity to the original material would undoubtedly have crowned one of the best remakes ever made, perhaps one of the greatest titles ever produced by the studio.
  105. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    There are plenty of things to criticize, from its dated technology to its dungeons with wearying mechanics, but Final Fantasy VII Rebirth manages to hit the nail right on the head. Beyond its fantastic battles and its ever-crazy reinterpretations of scenes from the 1997 game, it's the feeling of having accomplished a great and beautiful journey in the company of an unforgettable group of characters that prevails once the credits have been reached.
  106. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    An object lesson in how to turn an old classic into a modern masterpiece, that surpasses even Final Fantasy 7 Remake in terms of appealing to both veteran fans and complete newcomers.
  107. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth impressively builds off of what Remake set in motion as both a best-in-class action-RPG full of exciting challenge and depth, and as an awe-inspiring recreation of a world that has meant so much to so many for so long. After 82 hours to finish the main story and complete a decent chunk of sidequests and optional activities, there's still much to be done, making this pivotal section of the original feel absolutely massive. Minigames, sidequests, and other enticing diversions fill the spaces of its vast and sprawling regions, painting a new and more vivid picture of these familiar locations. But more than just being filled with things to do, Rebirth is often a powerful representation of Final Fantasy VII's most memorable qualities. It does fumble the execution of its ending, getting caught up in the mess of its multiple twisting timelines, but new moments and the overarching journey manage to evoke a deeper sense of reflection in spite of that. So, for as flawed as parts of how this classic has been reimagined might be, Rebirth still stands out as something both thrilling and unexpectedly impactful.
  108. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth builds upon its predecessor for a brilliantly polished behemoth of an RPG that belongs in every PS5 owner's library.
  109. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth follows in the footsteps of its predecessor and honours one of the greatest RPGs of all time with another fantastic reimagination. The story is still as enticing and entertaining as it was before, but the unknown variables that this version adds to that, turn Rebirth into an entirely new adventure, even for fans of the original. There’s lots of stuff to do (fun minigames and side quests) and you won’t be bored, despite some areas being a bit too ‘empty’ from time to time and some blurry visuals. These are minor issues though, because Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a must-play in the genre.
  110. 90
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an immense and expansive middle chapter of this ambitious remake trilogy. A reimagined and redefined behemoth of a game that simultaneously plays on nostalgia and forces you to question your memories of the original. While it suffers from some rote open world elements and a few technical issues, Rebirth is another magnificent entry into the gilded halls of Final Fantasy.
  111. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Nitpicks and minor annoyances aside, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a grand expansion of the sense of possibility birthed by Final Fantasy VII Remake. Not only does it builds on that earlier promise of Remake as a narrative grappling with Final Fantasy VII's greater impact, but as a game it is a singular, lovingly-crafted synthesis of design philosophies both past and present, augmenting modern scale with a deep and long-lived appreciation for its characters.
  112. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a beautifully crafted experience that fans old and new will absolutely love. It almost goes too far in correcting the first game's linearity with broad open areas stuffed with things to do, but there's also key additions to the combat, and the story running through this middle chapter is masterfully retold. Really the biggest problem you'll have once the credits roll is knowing that it will be far too many years before we can finish the trilogy.
  113. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the game that we wanted the series to deliver for so long, it is the first Final Fantasy since XII that is both ambitious and complete, and it is one that doesn't sacrifice any gameplay element for the sake of serving its storytelling. Rebirth is the return of grand Final Fantasy, one that fans will discuss and remember for years to come. Some parts did drag down the experience a little, and battles fatigue can certainly kick in with time. Still, it is a magical experience and we are only trying to guess why Square Enix didn't make such a varied and gigantic game sooner. Final Fantasy, after all these years, is finally and truly back.
  114. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a grand adventure that, despite minor pacing issues, is incredibly engaging and exciting. There are so many discoveries waiting to be uncovered, and every inch of the game is dripping with love and care. If this is how great part two is, I can't wait to see how Square Enix finishes the trilogy.
  115. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a wonderful game for new and returning players alike! Its story remains faithful to the original and its characters are terribly endearing, we feel the love of the developers for this dense universe. It is not without its faults, however, and certain aspects remain too anchored in the past, just as a few too many lengths break the overall rhythm. However, the sense of journey and the incredible execution of the game make it an unforgettable and quite unusual title.
  116. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth trumps the first episode in every way and deserves much better than being reduced to a remake. Above all, it’s a huge and varied adventure, in which every element seems to be conceived to be as fun as possible – and not just to the fans of the original, but to all players. Additionally, it’s one of the most beautiful games of the current generation.
  117. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    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 personal rediscovery. It’s a bigger, at times less focused adventure, but one that leaves the kind of life-affirming imprint bound to make it another instant classic.
  118. 90
    I don’t regret the 100 hours (or was it more?) that I spent in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. In fact, I loved so much about the game. I loved the expanded party of characters. Vincent's my boy and he shows up in style, Yuffie's my girl and she brings much-needed energy into the main cast. I also loved visiting iconic locations like Costa del Sol and the Gold Saucer for the first time in their remade form. Most of all, I love and adore the work that Kazushige Nojima has done with the narrative (especially the ending that, once again, challenges everything we assumed about the FFVII plot), and he further entrenches himself as arguably the most innovative and creative writer in JRPGs with Rebirth. I just really wish that Square Enix had resisted putting so much padding and pointless distractions between all that good stuff. Why undermine the things you do best like that?
  119. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth expands the original story in a meaningful way and surpasses the FF7 remake in all aspects.
  120. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth does justice to its origins by beautifully updating it for a contemporary audience, while daring to tinker with some of the things that some fans might consider sacrilege.
  121. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth marks the very best in class across practically every element of game design for the Final Fantasy franchise, but I still couldn't help but feel I was bidding farewell to an old friend.
  122. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth is a masterclass in modernizing one of the most important games ever made, even if its reach sometimes exceeds its grasp.
  123. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth delivers all the charm of Remake while making the needed improvements to side-content to ensure the original's step-out moment is one worth taking once more.
  124. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    With its breathtaking staging, effective rewriting and exhilarating gameplay, Rebirth suffers from a repetitive, uninspired open world - and that's its only flaw.
  125. Feb 22, 2024
    90
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth" is a title that innovates upon the foundations of its predecessors, offering revamped gameplay in its combat and an open-world exploration format that intertwines with the creation of a richly detailed world. With a touching narrative that delves into the bonds of each character, it's a title that promises to keep you captivated for hours.
  126. Feb 22, 2024
    89
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the perfect representation of what a modern Final Fantasy should always be. That said, controversial narrative choices are indelible black stains on a beautiful picture.
  127. Feb 22, 2024
    88
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a triumph in many ways thanks to its story, a plethora of minigames, an improved fighting system and a sprawling open world full of activities that are fun and rewarding. The story dips a bit towards the middle though, while the new mechanic that tracks the relationships in the party is a bit unclear at times.
  128. This web of interconnected systems is, in truth, a tad bewildering. But everything just seemed to keep developing and refining itself regardless of whether I knew how or why, so I never felt overwhelmed. I was just sort of along for the ride sometimes, and I didn’t really mind. Because, in the end, I just wanted to spend time with some familiar faces, listen to a new generation of artists cover some of my favourite game music, and see how a world I haven’t visited in decades had changed while I was away. I’m happy to say I had a great time catching up. And I got to stay at some lovely little B&Bs along the way.
  129. Feb 22, 2024
    85
    Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a spectacular adventure with best in class combat and visuals that remind you why this world is so beloved to begin with. Rebirth's greatest strength is not how it reimagines the original game for a modern audience, but rather, how it inspires a modern audience to appreciate the original game.
  130. Feb 22, 2024
    85
    This sequel went wide, and while that comes with benefits, like new ways to explore this beloved world and its various sights, it also comes with drawbacks. They aren't unlike anything fans of the genre have experienced before, and playing as cherished characters certainly eases the pain, but the tedium and bloat of the open-world checklist can sometimes get in the way of where Rebirth truly shines. The best of Remake exists in Rebirth, but the various open-world areas surrounding it – the parts that make Rebirth unique from its predecessor – sometimes miss the mark.
  131. Feb 23, 2024
    80
    Ignoring the strong nostalgia for 1997, is this second part of the Final Fantasy VII remake really up to par? Objectively, the game blows hot and cold. As a pure remake, the work done by the Kitase teams is impressive, that's undeniable, but compared to what's being done today, the title lags a bit technically speaking. Graphically, the game is not up to the standards of a PS5 exclusive game and could run perfectly on PS4. The engine is showing its age and even the recent Final Fantasy XVI outclasses this Rebirth in its technique. And what about its archaic open world, which proves that the engine used is clearly not adapted to large spaces where interactions and a semblance of life must be created? On this side, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has both feet in the carpet, with a "parkour" system which is often difficult to see, failing to generate fits of laughter. And then, there are also all these moments which seem artificially extended so that we can display the 40/50 hours of gameplay of the main plot. Conversely, FF VII Rebirth takes the time to develop its characters, to give them bonds of camaraderie, to be a little more human than the silent polygons we knew 30 years ago. The combat system has gained in depth, thanks in particular to this synergy system which allows you to create combined attacks, often offering epic moments. Obviously, for the almost blinded fanboy, this FF VII Rebirth sounds like a gift falling from the sky, but for the average person who looks at it from afar, and with better perspective, they will see it as a great experience, but clearly not the GOTY 2024.
  132. Feb 23, 2024
    80
    Rebirth is a successful remake between nostalgic memory and sequel with a strong combat system. An extensive adventure with small flaws, but also many lovely little things.
  133. Feb 22, 2024
    80
    Throughout, Cloud and his motley troupe of friends are given the space and opportunity to be more than just heroes, even more than just friends, or potentially lovers, but human beings who are rightfully unsure of what power they have to stop the inevitable. These are still the familiar heroes on the same journey they were on in 1997, unsure of their roles as eco-terrorists turned fugitives on a nebulous quest against a force of unfathomable, alien evil, but more than just the size and scale of Rebirth as an RPG, there’s so much more catharsis in the telling.
  134. Feb 22, 2024
    80
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth constantly balances itself between the familiar and the unknown. Sometimes, it moves between these two field in a very defined division. At other times, it mixes these two sides with a clear intent to confuse and dazzle. Therefore, it's game that will delight, surprise, and sometimes disappoint you. Sometimes, it will do all of these things a the same time.
  135. Feb 22, 2024
    80
    Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a stunningly good JRPG and in many ways better than you ever dreamed. The potential is just not fully realized due to the poor technical condition of the game, and unfortunately I do not believe that Square Enix can or will fix this.
  136. Feb 22, 2024
    80
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a big step in the right direction that’s unfortunately held back by graphical anomalies and open world tropes. It’s an emotional rollercoaster ride that’s heavily back loaded. It'll pull on your heart strings and make you invested in each character more than ever before. It helps that all the memorable moments from the original are not only retained, but strengthened thanks to the graphical prowess of the PlayStation 5. Combat also remains highly engaging, with slight modifications that only enhance the experience further. Unfortunately, Rebirth is also marred with baffling design choices that stifle its greatness. It's filled with mini-games that thankfully are mostly in side quests, as their controls and function leave much to desire. At the very least they will keep you interested as it never gets stale. On top of that, while most of the graphics will have you impressed, low resolution textures and geometry are spliced in the most confusing of ways, only pulling you out of the immersion. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has its share of issues that prevent it from greatness, but whether you’re a dire hard fan or relatively new to the saga, this remains an RPG for the ages.
  137. Feb 22, 2024
    80
    Longtime fans will hungrily slurp up every morsel of sugary fan service here, savouring every extra moment spent with this hugely beloved cast. For Avalanche-loving diehards, this is a miracle of nostalgia-stirring dream fulfilment. Newcomers hoping to experience one of the medium’s most beloved stories in its new, modern form, however, should be prepared for some yawn-inducing lows alongside many Buster-sword swinging highs.
  138. Feb 22, 2024
    80
    Every plot beat or character written in pencil, waiting to be erased if it doesn’t fit the narrative ideas the Remake series tries to tie together. Rebirth’s narrative choices can feel inconsistent at times, and often questionable, but its heart carries through...Despite it all, a stellar combat system, evocative soundtrack, and extensive cast of characters make this a journey worth seeking out, even if the pieces don’t fit perfectly. I look forward to seeing how they tie this story together and hope that its third entry is more focused on what makes this series special.
  139. Feb 22, 2024
    80
    Rebirth is a playful take on an emo classic that's bloated but full of character in a bid to justify its own existence.
  140. Feb 22, 2024
    80
    If you can push through the tedium of its open world busywork and padded storytelling, there's a great sequel at the heart of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. It retains all of Remake's most important strengths, but builds on an already brilliant combat system, and excels at showcasing an iconic RPG setting. If you enjoyed Remake and you have fond memories of the PS1 original, you'll likely love every minute of Rebirth's memorable, character-focused adventure.
  141. Feb 22, 2024
    80
    Flaws be damned, scores be damned, though. In my heart, this will inevitably end up as one of my favorite games of 2024 - its vibes are simply irresistible.
  142. Feb 22, 2024
    80
    But far from being the simple note-for-note reprise of the original that it could have been, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth swings for the fences to be a big and original thing that feels like a full game even while it is, functionally, the middle. It has weaknesses like combat I'm not wholly sold on and maybe a bit too much start-and-stop through gameplay, but if you've been looking forward to the game, you will not be disappointed.
  143. Feb 22, 2024
    80
    Thankfully, what Final Fantasy Rebirth succeeds at eclipses what it fumbles. It's a superbly designed gameplay experience that instills a sense of freedom while also making exploration rewarding in a meaningful way. Refined gameplay that makes character synergy a focal point breathes new life into the slick and satisfying combat, and all the while it reinforces the underlying themes of the story. As a game that has the unenviable task of living up to one of the strongest legacies in the medium, it is a worthy second chapter. Whether Square Enix can bring it all together in the third and final part will be the subject of much discussion from here on out. Just like at Destiny's Crossroads, an unknown future beckons once again, and anything is still possible.
  144. Feb 22, 2024
    80
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a lot less daring than you might expect after Remake. Fortunately, even a safe sequel means more of this fantastic world and near-perfect combat system.
  145. Apr 17, 2024
    78
    Square Enix has built a world that really is beautiful, filled with pleasurable diversions. But the contrast between the pleasure of playing Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and the dourness of its plot often ends up confusing things. It’s less apocalypse now than apocalypse later.
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  1. Mar 21, 2024
    Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth is many things, but, above all of them, I am left with the feeling of having played a Final Fantasy like those of yesteryear. [Recommended]
  2. Feb 22, 2024
    Man, what a beautiful world Square Enix has created to bring this old story into a new reality. This is a planet I'll fight Shinra for, right alongside the good friends I've grown with along the way.
  3. Feb 22, 2024
    Rebirth is sure to be a more divisive and debated game than Remake was. But in this deep sea of an RPG, I was thrilled by the action and the tactics, brought to emotional highs and lows through its characters, and found myself with an even greater love of FF7, the original and this return, than I thought was possible.
  4. Feb 22, 2024
    Rebirth is worth your time, but I’m not sure if it’s worth as much of your time as it asks for. It’s a game that does many things right and does right by its weighty legacy — but it also makes it clear that for the future final installment, Square Enix should reconsider how necessary it is for these games to be so big. Rebirth’s most enjoyable and powerful moments come from nostalgic emotions and cinematic style, not from clambering up a radio tower to tick another box on a checklist. A game that has more of the former and less of the latter feels like it would stick the landing the remake series has been trying for.
  5. Feb 25, 2024
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a fearless, almost obsessively ambitious game. In our (very long, mostly completionist) time with it, it exhausted, exasperated, and occasionally infuriated us. It bored us, more than once, especially when we were in the midst of one of its incredibly slow “drag a box across the room, no, you can’t speed this up” sequences. But its thrills—in terms of combat, in terms of focus, and in terms of the breadth of the story it’s trying to tell—kept dragging us back. It’s paced bizarrely. It’s not as funny as it thinks it is. Its basic NPCs still kind of look like disconcerting mannequin people when deployed against the more well-realized character designs of its playable characters. But when it works (and it works when it really needs to) it’s exactly as good as its designers clearly dreamed of it being. It swings hard, all the time, at everything, and the result somehow averages out, against all odds, to an unlikely home run.
  6. Feb 22, 2024
    Most of the updates and remixed elements are great, and they not only make Rebirth feel like a modern reimagining of a classic, they still maintain the spirit of the original. Which is to say: things get really silly and weird. Seriously, you can ride around a resort on a Segway and stay in a haunted house-themed hotel and play dress-up with a giant chicken. The goofy elements stand in stark contrast with the whole fate of the planet thing, but that’s always been a part of the franchise’s charm. And, despite all the new info, there are still plenty of confusing new narrative aspects with plot threads still to be wrapped. It’s those unresolved moments and raised questions that make the prospect of playing through yet another game in the future so enticing. It gets a little silly, and occasionally frustrating, but at its core Rebirth gives me not just more of what I loved about the original, but a deeper understanding of its world and characters. And after 80 hours spread across two games, there’s still a lot to learn.