The scale of it
FF7 Rebirth is enormous. The main story alone is around 40 hours if you're not exploring. The side content — and there's a lot of it — can add another 40 on top of that. Some of that side content is genuinely excellent. Some of it is filler. But the main throughline is consistently surprising, both in scope and in what it's willing to do with the source material.
Square Enix is clearly aware that everyone knows this story, and they're using that knowledge in ways that are occasionally daring. The ending in particular will divide fans of the original. We think it's bold rather than misguided, but it's the kind of decision that reasonable people will read differently.
Combat
The combat system from Remake returns with additions. Each party member plays differently and the synergy mechanics encourage switching between them regularly. It's significantly more complex than a standard action game, and the game gives you enough time to learn each character's kit before asking you to master it. A small number of boss fights genuinely challenged us in ways the original Remake didn't.
What works
- Story is ambitious and emotionally effective
- Combat system is deep and rewards investment
- World variety is excellent across all regions
- Final chapters are among the best in the series
What doesn't
- Some side content is generic open-world busywork
- Ending will divide opinions
- Runs at 60fps only in Performance mode, which has some visual trade-offs
Verdict
FF7 Rebirth is one of the best JRPGs released in years. It's long, ambitious, occasionally frustrating, and worth every hour if the genre fits you. Is it worth buying? Yes, especially if you played Remake. Even if you didn't, it's a complete enough experience to stand on its own.
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