Final Fantasy VII Rebirth review – a miracle of fan-service

PlayStation 5; Square Enix
Credit to the developers for combining a tightly authored narrative arc with a compelling and wide-ranging new combat system that somehow satisfies everyone - almost

In every great role playing game, there is a point where the protagonist has to leave the safety of their home town. After learning the gravity of the threat that they face, gathering their party and stocking up on provisions, they are ready to embark on an epic adventure.

Now in a twist of irony, beloved RPG creator Square Enix is being forced to do the same. The second entry in an ambitious trilogy that began with Remake in 2020, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth leaves Midgar's beloved dystopian cityscape behind, reimagining the second disc of the 1997 PlayStation classic as its own fully fledged adventure. After eco terrorist Avalanche's clash with shady megacorporation Shinra, Rebirth sees hero Cloud (he of the oversized sword) and co pursuing cackling villain Sephiroth on a globe-trotting journey.