Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: Not the End, But a Pivotal Chapter
Is FF7 Rebirth the rest of the game? No, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is not the rest of the game. It’s the second installment in a planned trilogy remaking the original Final Fantasy VII (1997). Rebirth covers a significant portion of the original’s storyline, ending at the Forgotten Capital (also known as the City of the Ancients), a location infamous for a particularly poignant moment in gaming history. Think of Rebirth as the “Empire Strikes Back” of the FFVII Remake trilogy – a bridge between beginnings and a climactic end, and a crucial stepping stone to understanding the entire story. While Rebirth is designed to be enjoyable as a standalone title, experiencing the full narrative and emotional impact necessitates playing the other two parts as well.
Delving Deeper into the World of Rebirth
Final Fantasy VII Remake broke the original game into three parts so that the new games could provide greater detail and exploration to the story and characters. Square Enix aimed to create a richer, more immersive experience that goes far beyond a simple retelling of the classic tale. While the journey’s destination might be familiar, the path is filled with fresh perspectives, expanded storylines, and the potential for deviations that keep even veteran players on the edge of their seats.
The initial release of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on February 29, 2024, has sparked excitement from veterans and newcomers alike. This highly anticipated sequel continues the grand adventure, leaving an indelible mark on the gaming landscape.
Understanding the Remake Trilogy’s Scope
The trilogy approach is ambitious, allowing Square Enix to:
- Expand Character Development: Characters receive greater depth, exploring their motivations and backstories in far more detail.
- World-Building: The world of Gaia (the planet on which Final Fantasy VII takes place) is fleshed out, with more locations to visit and secrets to uncover.
- Storytelling Nuance: The narrative has additional layers of complexity, allowing for new interpretations of familiar events and characters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About FF7 Rebirth
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, providing insights into the game’s story, characters, and overall place within the remake trilogy:
1. How much of the original FF7 story does Rebirth cover?
FF7 Rebirth covers the events from leaving Midgar to the end of the Forgotten Capital. This means that it will incorporate elements of the Kalm Flashbacks, Junon, Costa del Sol, Gold Saucer, Cosmo Canyon, Nibelheim, and other regions. This encompasses a significant portion of the original game’s mid-section, filled with exploration, character development, and major plot twists.
2. Is Rebirth a direct 1:1 remake of the original FF7 content it covers?
Not necessarily. While Rebirth adheres to the overall storyline and key moments, it includes new storylines, character interactions, and even potential deviations from the original plot. This creates a sense of surprise and intrigue, even for those familiar with the original game.
3. Does Aerith die in FF7 Rebirth?
While the developers have been cagey with direct answers, all indications point to the famous “greatest fate” taking place at the Forgotten Capital, all but confirming that Aerith’s death scene will indeed be part of Rebirth. The exact execution and impact of this scene, however, may differ from the original.
4. Will I be lost if I haven’t played Final Fantasy VII Remake?
While Rebirth is designed to be a standalone experience, playing Final Fantasy VII Remake is highly recommended to understand the characters’ backstories, the altered timeline, and the overarching plot.
5. Will my progress from Final Fantasy VII Remake carry over to Rebirth?
No, Rebirth starts players fresh with new progression systems. This ensures that all players begin on equal footing and can experience the game’s unique mechanics and challenges.
6. Can I play FF7 Rebirth if I haven’t played the original FF7?
While playing the original Final Fantasy VII isn’t strictly necessary, it is highly encouraged. It can provide context and appreciation for the changes and additions made in Rebirth. Plus, it’s a phenomenal game that holds up incredibly well. For educational purposes, understanding the iterative design changes of such a project is invaluable and is something highlighted by the Games Learning Society.
7. Is Zack Fair playable in FF7 Rebirth?
Yes, Zack Fair will be playable in FF7 Rebirth. This comes as a result of his reappearance at the end of the first remake. Players may expect to see the story expand further with new additions to the plot.
8. Will Sephiroth be playable in FF7 Rebirth?
Yes, players will be able to control Sephiroth during specific flashback sequences.
9. Will Vincent be playable in FF7 Rebirth?
No, Vincent Valentine will not be a playable character in Rebirth, similar to how Red XIII was handled in Final Fantasy VII Remake. He will be a party member that accompanies the main group without being directly controllable.
10. Who is the main character of FF7 Rebirth?
The main character of FF7 Rebirth remains Cloud Strife. His journey and perspective drive the narrative forward.
11. Who is the final boss of FF7 Rebirth?
There is no clear information about who the final boss of FF7 Rebirth will be. However, it is theorized that it will be Sephiroth.
12. Are Aerith and Sephiroth related?
No, Aerith and Sephiroth are not related. During early development, there were considerations for them to be siblings or lovers, but these ideas were scrapped in favor of the relationships we see in the final game. Aerith’s first love was ultimately revealed to be Zack Fair.
13. Why can’t Aerith be revived in FF7?
Aerith’s wound from Sephiroth’s attack was deemed too severe to be healed, even with the use of powerful magic. While characters who simply run out of health in battle can be revived, Aerith’s death was presented as a permanent and unavoidable loss.
14. What’s the significance of the Forgotten Capital?
The Forgotten Capital, also known as the City of the Ancients, is a location of immense importance in the Final Fantasy VII lore. It holds significant historical and spiritual meaning, and it is the site of a pivotal event that shapes the course of the story.
15. When is the next and final installment in the FF7 Remake Trilogy expected to release?
While there is no official release date for the final installment, fans speculate that it will be released within the next 3-4 years, based on the development timelines of Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
The Legacy of FF7 Continues
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is more than just a remake; it’s a reimagining that aims to capture the spirit of the original while expanding its scope and introducing new possibilities. It’s a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in games and a significant step in a grander, more ambitious project. As we eagerly await the conclusion of this trilogy, we can appreciate Rebirth for its bold vision and its contribution to the ongoing legacy of Final Fantasy VII. The complexities involved in such a project could even provide research material for the GamesLearningSociety.org.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is not the “rest of the game” but a vital, dynamic, and unforgettable chapter in a story that continues to evolve and captivate audiences worldwide.