Between quite a few awards, good scores and, nicely, no official gross sales numbers, Sq. Enix’s Remaining Fantasy 7 Rebirth is without doubt one of the most important video games of final yr. It’s the long-awaited second half within the Remake saga – an honor superseding even the most recent mainline title. Whereas the hype was monumental, it principally delivered and was earmarked as a favourite to brush the year-end awards (have been it not for a sure interstellar droid). That isn’t to say that Rebirth didn’t trigger some divisiveness or scored on each single aspect, however it wouldn’t be a Remaining Fantasy recreation in any other case.
Nearly a yr later, we’ve arrived on the PC model’s launch. Should you’ve been holding off on experiencing the PS5 model for no matter purpose, then excellent news – in some methods, it’s a greater expertise on PC. The issues nonetheless shine as shiny and annoying as ever, however that is at present one of the best ways to play Remaining Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
“A number of plot factors and areas from the unique are expanded, some in endearing methods and others much less so. Others have been rearranged and even reduce totally.”
With out moving into many spoilers, the story follows Cloud and buddies – Tifa, Barret, Aerith and Purple XIII – as they enterprise out of Midgar to pursue the ever-enigmatic Sephiroth. The circumstances of the unique plot have modified considerably, leading to some intriguing character shifts. Tifa feels extra open with Cloud at the same time as she makes an attempt to deal with what’s gnawing at him. Barret feels extra well-rounded and kinds a tangible bond with him. You could contemplate these adjustments as increasing on earlier nuances or venturing into unknown territory – both manner, they really feel pure and construct the occasion’s bonds in a distinct but acquainted tone.
After all, it’s unattainable to speak about change with out addressing the story. A number of plot factors and areas from the unique are expanded, some in endearing methods and others much less so. Others have been rearranged and even reduce totally. Your mileage might differ on all of that, however there’s no denying that the pacing can sometimes drag (and I’m sorry, however Remake had a manner higher opening hour).
Then there are the ultimate few chapters, which introduce a number of new twists and additions, additional diverging from the unique’s plot, but in addition not, if that makes any sense. I’ll reserve judgment till the ultimate half, although it’s comprehensible that some discover Rebirth’s general conclusion dissatisfying.
Fortunately, this doesn’t spoil the expertise as a complete. I nonetheless loved bonding with allies whereas embarking on aspect quests (of which there’s an virtually ludicrous quantity). The voice appearing and performances are top-notch, sufficient to soldier by means of some iffy dialogue and exchanges. Additionally, for as many light-hearted moments as Rebirth packs into its story, it capably delivers on the extra emotional.
The opposite huge shift is within the environmental design and stream, providing extra open-world-like areas alongside the linear sections. Whereas highlighting the brand new traversal strategies, additionally they ship a smattering of content material, from discovering Summon Shrines and activating Remnawave Towers to discovering Lifesprings, gathering supplies, and taking over numerous jobs. Then you will have the in depth mini-games.
“Nonetheless, apart from talents, spells, Restrict Breaks, and Summons, there are additionally Synergy Abilities. They’re a welcome addition, providing one thing to lean on when constructing ATB and guaranteeing a continuing tempo.”
The cardboard battler Queen’s Blood could possibly be a default exercise alone, however Rebirth goes above and past, delivering tons of selection, and that’s earlier than reaching the Golden Saucer. Admittedly, there are occasions once they can have an effect on the pacing and generally really feel superfluous to the plot, however I discovered myself having fun with them as a rule.
There’s sufficient for the combat-minded to bask in as nicely. Like Remake, every character has distinctive talents, from Cloud’s Punisher Mode to Tifa’s Chi Ranges and Barret’s long-range fireplace. The brand new additions to the roster additional diversify your techniques with Purple XIII’s Vengeance Mode offering an aggressive new playstyle. In the meantime, you will have Yuffie, who dishes out injury along with her Throwing Star whereas harnessing elemental ninjutsu.
The fight loop is much like Remaining Fantasy 7 Remake in that the motion performs out in real-time (at the very least in Energetic Mode). You deliver up the Instructions menu to pick completely different choices, with Energetic Time Bar gauges influencing which talents could be unleashed. From there, you concentrate on pressuring and breaking enemies to stagger them, swapping between occasion members as essential. Nonetheless, apart from talents, spells, Restrict Breaks, and Summons, there are additionally Synergy Abilities.
Relying on the occasion, numerous members can workforce as much as unleash highly effective assaults. It’s a welcome addition, providing one thing to lean on when constructing ATB and guaranteeing a continuing tempo. The Folio system governs your unlocking of recent talents, stat upgrades, and Synergies, and it’s easy sufficient. The Celebration Stage additionally encourages actually exploring the varied areas and bonding with teammates, if for no different purpose than to get stronger.
“Even with occasional body drops, the visuals are crisp and solely spotlight how unimaginable these vistas, character designs, cutscenes, and a lot extra can really look.”
Should you’ve already performed Remaining Fantasy 7 Rebirth on PS5, all this can sound acquainted. The true query is: How does the PC model fare? The excellent news is: Fairly nicely. My rig isn’t particular, but I might maintain a strong body price even whereas enjoying with the whole lot set to Excessive. Some body drops throughout busier sections, like these with in depth particle results, smoke, and environmental particulars, can sometimes happen. They weren’t too hefty for essentially the most half, and through fight, the motion remained comparatively clean with none main hiccups.
Regardless, the constancy enhancements might very nicely be definitely worth the value of admission alone. One of many greatest criticisms towards the PS5 model was the picture high quality, even after post-demo suggestions, on Efficiency Mode. Even with occasional body drops, the visuals are crisp and solely spotlight how unimaginable these vistas, character designs, cutscenes, and a lot extra can really look.
Nonetheless, some settings could be bizarre. Altering the decision requires switching to Windowed mode, choosing your desire, and returning to Borderless Fullscreen (except you’re high-quality with a noticeable line on the high of your display screen). As for DLSS, you possibly can allow it for Anti-Aliasing. That’s it – there’s no method to regulate for High quality, Efficiency or something in between.
In truth, there are not any choices for upscaling in any respect, like FSR. It’s not a deal-breaker personally, however for individuals who wish to eke out some additional efficiency, it’s perplexing. On the intense aspect, the keyboard and mouse controls really feel fairly good, and rebinding affords twin slots for actions. You may as well assign capabilities to mouse buttons, which is nice.
“Should you’ve held off on Remaining Fantasy 7 Rebirth this lengthy and didn’t wish to spend a bomb on a PS5 Professional, the PC model is price taking the plunge.”
Topping all this off is known composer Nobuo Uematsu’s soundtrack, maybe his most in depth work so far. Every monitor is brimming with persona and allure, whether or not you’re sauntering by means of a area on Chocobo-back or conversing along with your allies. It suits impressively with the sport, blazing a path ahead whereas adhering to the unique’s tone and environment.
Even with some narrative and pacing quirks, Remaining Fantasy 7 Rebirth remains to be an unimaginable role-playing expertise, from its presentation and fight to the exploration and characterization. Watching the bonds between these beloved characters evolve in surprising methods, discovering new challenges and making quick work of enemies, customizing Materia loadouts – the checklist goes on, and far of it’s pleasurable whereas increasing on the lore.
Certain, a number of components of the expertise might not vibe with sure gamers. The extra open-world-esque exploration additionally doesn’t break a lot floor or considerably innovate, so when you’re not a fan of such world design, it’s price conserving in thoughts. Regardless, the highs are considerably extra endearing than the lows.
As for the PC port, it’s nice to lastly have an choice that brings out the sport’s constancy. I’m to see how Sq. Enix improves on it additional with extra optimization and extra choices. Suffice it to say, when you’ve held off on Remaining Fantasy 7 Rebirth this lengthy and didn’t wish to spend a bomb on a PS5 Professional, the PC model is price taking the plunge.
This recreation was reviewed on PC.
