Between quite a few awards, good scores and, effectively, no official gross sales numbers, Sq. Enix’s Remaining Fantasy 7 Rebirth is likely 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 (had 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, nevertheless it wouldn’t be a Remaining Fantasy sport in any other case.
Virtually a yr later, we’ve arrived on the PC model’s launch. If you happen to’ve been holding off on experiencing the PS5 model for no matter cause, then excellent news – in some methods, it’s a greater expertise on PC. The failings nonetheless shine as brilliant and annoying as ever, however that is at the moment the easiest way to play Remaining Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
“A number of plot factors and places from the unique are expanded, some in endearing methods and others much less so. Others have been rearranged and even reduce solely.”
With out entering into many spoilers, the story follows Cloud and pals – Tifa, Barret, Aerith and Crimson 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 whilst she makes an attempt to handle what’s gnawing at him. Barret feels extra well-rounded and kinds a tangible bond with him. It’s possible you’ll take into account these adjustments as increasing on earlier nuances or venturing into unknown territory – both method, they really feel pure and construct the celebration’s bonds in a unique but acquainted tone.
After all, it’s unimaginable to speak about change with out addressing the story. A number of plot factors and places from the unique are expanded, some in endearing methods and others much less so. Others have been rearranged and even reduce solely. Your mileage could fluctuate on all of that, however there’s no denying that the pacing can often drag (and I’m sorry, however Remake had a method 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 an entire. I nonetheless loved bonding with allies whereas embarking on facet quests (of which there’s an nearly ludicrous quantity). The voice performing and performances are top-notch, sufficient to soldier by way 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 circulate, providing extra open-world-like areas alongside the linear sections. Whereas highlighting the brand new traversal strategies, in addition they ship a smattering of content material, from discovering Summon Shrines and activating Remnawave Towers to discovering Lifesprings, gathering supplies, and taking over varied jobs. Then you may have the in depth mini-games.
“Nevertheless, apart from talents, spells, Restrict Breaks, and Summons, there are additionally Synergy Expertise. They’re a welcome addition, providing one thing to lean on when constructing ATB and making certain a continuing tempo.”
The cardboard battler Queen’s Blood may very well 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 after they can have an effect on the pacing and generally really feel superfluous to the plot, however I discovered myself having fun with them most of the time.
There’s sufficient for the combat-minded to take pleasure in as effectively. Like Remake, every character has distinctive talents, from Cloud’s Punisher Mode to Tifa’s Chi Ranges and Barret’s long-range hearth. The brand new additions to the roster additional diversify your techniques with Crimson XIII’s Vengeance Mode offering an aggressive new playstyle. In the meantime, you may have Yuffie, who dishes out harm along with her Throwing Star whereas harnessing elemental ninjutsu.
The fight loop is just like Remaining Fantasy 7 Remake in that the motion performs out in real-time (at the least in Lively Mode). You carry up the Instructions menu to pick totally different choices, with Lively Time Bar gauges influencing which talents could be unleashed. From there, you give attention to pressuring and breaking enemies to stagger them, swapping between celebration members as obligatory. Nevertheless, apart from talents, spells, Restrict Breaks, and Summons, there are additionally Synergy Expertise.
Relying on the celebration, varied members can group as much as unleash highly effective assaults. It’s a welcome addition, providing one thing to lean on when constructing ATB and making certain a continuing tempo. The Folio system governs your unlocking of latest talents, stat upgrades, and Synergies, and it’s simple sufficient. The Get together Stage additionally encourages actually exploring the varied areas and bonding with teammates, if for no different cause 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.”
If you happen to’ve already performed Remaining Fantasy 7 Rebirth on PS5, all it will sound acquainted. The actual query is: How does the PC model fare? The excellent news is: Fairly effectively. My rig isn’t particular, but I may maintain a stable body fee even whereas enjoying with every thing set to Excessive. Some body drops throughout busier sections, like these with in depth particle results, smoke, and environmental particulars, can often happen. They weren’t too hefty for probably the most half, and through fight, the motion remained comparatively easy with none main hiccups.
Regardless, the constancy enhancements could very effectively be well worth the value of admission alone. One of many largest 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.
Nevertheless, some settings could be bizarre. Altering the decision requires switching to Windowed mode, deciding on your choice, and returning to Borderless Fullscreen (until you’re advantageous with a noticeable line on the prime of your display). As for DLSS, you possibly can allow it for Anti-Aliasing. That’s it – there’s no method to modify for High quality, Efficiency or something in between.
In actual fact, there aren’t 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 brilliant facet, the keyboard and mouse controls really feel fairly good, and rebinding provides twin slots for actions. It’s also possible to assign capabilities to mouse buttons, which is nice.
“If you happen to’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 value 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 character and allure, whether or not you’re sauntering by way of a area on Chocobo-back or conversing along with your allies. It matches impressively with the sport, blazing a path ahead whereas adhering to the unique’s tone and ambiance.
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 sudden methods, discovering new challenges and making brief work of enemies, customizing Materia loadouts – the checklist goes on, and far of it’s pleasing whereas increasing on the lore.
Certain, a number of elements of the expertise could 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 value 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 value taking the plunge.
This sport was reviewed on PC.
