Final Fantasy VII Remake 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.

But Why Tho? - Kyle Foley - 9 / 10

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.

CGMagazine - Chris De Hoog - 10 / 10

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth delivers upon Remake's thesis, increasing a classic's scale and character tenfold to create a new modern-day masterpiece.

COGconnected - James Paley - 95 / 100

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.

Checkpoint Gaming - Charlie Kelly - 9.5 / 10

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.

Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - Essential

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is incredible. I struggled to complete my review because I had so much fun working through each region in a nearly 100-hour playthrough. I dread waiting another four years for the finale but put my faith in Square Enix's hands. If Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth indicates what to expect going forward then I believe in the vision. The ending will be divisive for many people, but it means as much to the developers as it does to fans, and because of that idea, I walk away content with where we left off.

Dexerto - Cassidy Stephenson - 5 / 5

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.

Digitally Downloaded - Matt Sainsbury - 4.5 / 5

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.

Easy Allies - Michael Damiani - 9.5 / 10

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth breaks limits as one of the most ambitious RPGs ever made.

Eurogamer - Ed Nightingale - 4 / 5

Rebirth is a playful take on an emo classic that's bloated but full of character in a bid to justify its own existence.

Evilgamerz - Peter Derks - Dutch - 7.5 / 10

A while ago I wrote that this was one of my most difficult reviews. That's because Rebirth does everything it can to make it as difficult as possible to love this game. Despite the adjustments, the main story is still fantastic, the soundtrack is great and so are the graphics during cutscenes. The open zones are not necessarily bad, but they are overcrowded with meaningless content that only functions as filler and not enough combat. When Rebirth opens everything up and you can dive into the combat or the story, then you can enjoy it. It's a shame that the game does everything it can to pull you out of there and saddle you with boring meaningless padding. Rebirth is at times brilliant, fantastic, beautiful and leaves you as an emotional wreck. It's just that it's interrupted so often that the entire outcome leans more toward "okay" and not what it could have been.

Final Weapon - Noah Hunter - 5 / 5

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a generational RPG that exemplifies everything there is to love about the medium. Featuring a colossal open world, a gripping narrative, beautifully written characters, and an out-of-this-world soundtrack, Rebirth is a title no RPG fan should pass up on. It's improved on nearly everything from its predecessor, offering a complete and flawless combat system alongside countless other additions. FFVII Rebirth is the shining jewel of modern Final Fantasy, a prime example of the series at its best.

GAMES.CH - Sönke Siemens - German - 90%

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth lives up to its name and presents you with the rebirth of a timeless story.

GGRecon - Harry Boulton - 5 / 5

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.

Game Informer - Wesley LeBlanc - 8.5 / 10

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.

GameSpot - Tamoor Hussain - 8 / 10

Rebirth keeps its narrative focus on characters while bringing a new dimension to combat, but it stumbles in pivotal moments.

Gamefa - Persian - 9.7 / 10

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, follows in the footsteps of the first part and on top of that, every single aspect of the game, from combat system to visuals and content, has been improved significantly. not only does Final Fantasy VII Rebirth deliver one of the best combat system of all time, it also delivers one of the best gaming experiences of this generation.

Gamer Escape - Eliot Lefebvre - 8 / 10

Maybe it'd be nice to say that we all should have gotten over Final Fantasy VII by now instead of fawning over the world and its characters. 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. And if you want to experience the full story, this is a really good time.

Gamers Heroes - Blaine Smith - 90 / 100

My time through Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was profound. In one moment I was relishing in the opportunity to learn more about a world and characters I have loved for nearly 30 years. In the next, I was mourning the passing of principles and ideas that represent the very foundation of my love for the RPG genre and the Final Fantasy franchise as a whole. 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.

GamesRadar+ - Iain Harris - 4.5 / 5

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth closely follows what Remake first outlines

Gaming Instincts - Leonid Melikhov - 8.5 / 10

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth provides a nostalgic trip with its enthralling story, beloved characters, and dynamic combat. However, its Ubisoft-influenced open-world design detracts from the experience, alongside technical shortcomings. Nonetheless, it remains a must-play for fans

Gaming Nexus - Eric Hauter - 9.5 / 10

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.

GamingBolt - Shubhankar Parijat - 10 / 10

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.

GamingTrend - David Burdette - 95 / 100

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.

God is a Geek - Mick Fraser - 10 / 10

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.

IGN - Michael Higham - 9 / 10

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth impressively builds off of what Remake set in motion, both as a best-in-class action-RPG full of exciting challenges and an awe-inspiring recreation of a world that has meant so much to so many for so long.

IGN Italy - Alessandra Borgonovo - Italian - 9.5 / 10

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.

Kotaku - Claire Jackson - Unscored

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.

Metro GameCentral - Steve Boxer - 9 / 10

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.

MonsterVine - Spencer Legacy - 5 / 5

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a remarkable sequel and one of the best RPGs of the generation. This new installment both respects and expands upon the original game’s story and legacy in a way that will please old-school fans while sowing some intriguing new narrative seeds for the final installment in this trilogy. I can’t wait to get my hands on whatever comes next – even if it takes another four years.

Noisy Pixel - Bailey Seemangal - 10 / 10

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.

One More Game - Vincent Ternida - 10 / 10

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth rises to the challenge set by its predecessor, by bringing to life every facet of the imagined open world we’ve cherished for decades and executing the vision to near perfection by marrying it with today's technology. Square Enix’s meticulous attention to detail, no matter how minute, resonates with awe-inspiring clarity, no longer feeling the need to imagine because the world is finally alive and it is here.

While not flawless, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth navigates its journey with grace and offers a fascinating experience that makes it easy to overlook the minor issues. I found myself deeply impressed by the expansive overworld, the iconic set pieces, and the thoughtful expansions that honor the beloved title’s essence, making it a strong contender for Game of the Year nods and a definite reason to finally get a PS5 if you haven't yet.

Paste Magazine - Moises Taveras - 8 / 10

Rebirth‘s world is gorgeous and fun and quirky, even if the delivery of its stories can feel a bit stilted and rote, and it turns the finale of Remake into the impetus to re envision a phenomenal cast in ways I adore. Along the way, it becomes big, perhaps even bigger than Final Fantasy VII ever needed to be, but that excess provides quite a bit to love.

Polygon - Todd Harper - Unscored

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.

Post Arcade (National Post) - Chad Sapieha - 8.5 / 10

The second instalment in Square Enix's epic three-part retelling of its most famous game opens up the world for players to explore. Read on.

Press Start - Harry Kalogirou - 9 / 10

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.

Prima Games - Meg Bethany Koepp - 10 / 10

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth may just be the best video game of all time. Its fantastic story does wonders to make you care about each character while its phenomenal world is absolutely filled with endless activities to participate in when you need a break from the heartache. It's an improvement in every way imaginable, yet it never forgets the goofy charm that made the 1997 original a classic.

Push Square - Robert Ramsey - 8 / 10

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.

RPGamer - Paul Shkreli - 5 / 5

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.

Saudi Gamer - Arabic - 9 / 10

This installment builds on and improves upon what made REMAKE so great, namely beautiful scenery and epic music in addition to the best in class battle system, while one of that game's flaws, namely the dearth of side content, although the story segments can still suffer from filler content at times. It expands, improves Nd subverts enough to create a thrilling experience for veterans and newcomers alike.

Shacknews - Jesse Vitelli - 8 / 10

While there is a lot to love in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, it left me disappointed in its main narrative. I wish it was more focused on telling the story set out in Remake and its constant need to push the kitchen sink into each plot beat wore on my resolve throughout the game.

Siliconera - Jenni Lada - 10 / 10

It may only be February, but I'm confident Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is going to be 2024's Game of the Year.

TechRaptor - Andrew Stretch - 9.5 / 10

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth carries on the torch from Remake and delivers another incredible experience. The world of FFVII comes alive as you venture across it with Cloud and his party. Watching the story play out with gorgeous graphics and fantastic acting elevates the entire experience. This is a must play for Final Fantasy fans.

The Nerd Stash - David Rodriguez - 9.5 / 10

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth tells a very bold and ambitious story that is faithful but isn't afraid to fix something that isn't broken.

VG247 - Alex Donaldson - 4 / 5

For better and worse alike, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is the most impressively ambitious game Square has made since FF’s golden age. It’s glorious, in spite of painful little flaws.

VGC - Jordan Middler - 5 / 5

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth 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.

Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 9.8 / 10

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.

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[–] Wugger@lemmy.world 4 points 9 months ago

That's just not true at all. Literally one of the most famous games ever made remade with modern graphics couldn't be successful? When squenix announced a remake, and the internet exploded, that is exactly the game everyone expected it to be. Even at launch day we still thought the story would be mostly unchanged.

I'm not arguing in favor of keeping turn based combat.

How exactly would keeping the original story have made a remake less successful? New players would have played it either way, and I find it very hard to believe that the number of fans of the original who would have avoided the game due it being "the same game" outnumber the number of fans who were sold a remake and didn't find out until half way through that this was a different game.