? Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second installment in Square Enix’s remake of the 1997 classic, is finally on PC a year after its Playstation release. As players leave the industrial city of Midgar behind, they’re introduced to a vastly different game — one that brings both fresh experiences and new challenges… And sometimes stumbles under the weight of its own grandeur.

The most immediate change veteran players will recognize is the shift to an open world. Rebirth’s world is impressively realized — from coastal regions to mountain ranges, each area is distinct and carefully crafted. These environments serve the game’s themes well, making the stakes feel tangible as players explore both pristine wilderness and areas damaged by mako energy extraction. The visual presentation is accompanied by a strong soundtrack that ranges from orchestral pieces to rock arrangements, effectively supporting both quiet moments and dramatic sequences.

The combat remains one of the game’s strongest elements. Building on Remake’s foundation, Rebirth’s battle system combines real-time action with tactical decision-making in a satisfying way. Each playable character offers a distinct fighting style, from Cloud’s iconic swordplay to Yuffie’s ninja techniques. The addition of the Synergy system allows the characters to perform team attacks, which adds a new strategic layer, without overcomplicating the existing mechanics.

Pacing problems: Rebirth sometimes struggles with pacing because of its numerous side quests and activities. While some optional content does add value to both the worldbuilding and the gameplay (like the Queen’s Blood card game), other activities sometimes feel like fluff. While these activities are entirely optional, they can still interrupt the flow of the main narrative.

The verdict: Overall, the story is able to both honor and expand on the game. The character development, particularly in the dynamic between Aerith and Tifa, is handled well, with strong voice performances doing them justice. While Rebirth is generally polished, some technical elements, like chocobo navigation and climbing sequences, can feel somewhat rigid.

Disclaimer: Despite what Square Enix wants you to think, the game isn’t an ideal entry point for newcomers. The narrative assumes familiarity with both the original game and Remake, often referencing events and characters from both.

? Rating: 4.7/5 in audience reviews.

⌛ Hours of gameplay: 48 hours for the main story, 91 hours including side quests, 168 hours for completionists.

? Replay value: 10/10.

? Platforms: Steam for PC, Epic Games for PC, Playstation.

? Price: USD 54.99 for the standard edition and USD 69.99 for the deluxe edition on Steam, currently on sale for USD 38.49 and USD 48.99 respectively. USD 69.99 for the standard edition and USD 89.99 for the deluxe edition on Playstation and Epic Games, unpaid demo available on PS.

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