Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth fans were thrilled to witness a new trailer for the highly anticipated second chapter of the remake trilogy. Showcased during the Summer Game Fest, the trailer provided a comprehensive look into the story, gameplay, and new locations beyond the confines of Midgar. Even if it wasn’t the longest Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth gameplay reveal, it was still full of content and a great way to close Summer Game Fest 2023.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Trailer Details
Players can explore open areas, and today’s trailer more than confirms it. Chocobo mounts are coming, which is huge for this game’s beloved world. Besides that, we got to see some tag-team mechanics in the shape of new and flashy attacks that characters can do. How they work is still uncertain, but we can’t wait to see them in action.
A Shifting Timeline and Zack Fair
One of the most striking differences in the Rebirth trailer is the depiction of a devastated Midgar and the injured or potentially deceased members of Avalanche. However, the group is later seen exiting Midgar, setting up the possibility of two timelines. A plausible theory revolves around Zack Fair, as his presence hints at a diverging narrative. This revelation adds an intriguing layer to the story and leaves fans speculating on the implications for Cloud and his comrades.
Expanding Beyond Midgar
The trailer showcases a diverse world awaiting players as Cloud and his group embark on their journey. Fans of the original game will be delighted to recognize various iconic locations such as Cosmo Canyon’s Bugenhagen’s planetarium, the Mythril Mine, the Cargo Ship, the inn at Kalm, and the Nibelheim Reactor. Additional scenes depict the mako pipeline leading to Mount Corel and a glimpse of the Northern Crater with its luminous rocks and stalactites. Notably, Junon appears, featuring the Highwind airship moored above the town’s cannon, with exciting adventures ahead.
Are Tifa and Nibelheim Dying in the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth trailer?
The trailer’s climax revisits the poignant moment of young Tifa’s encounter with Sephiroth in the Nibelheim reactor. In parallel to the original scene, Sephiroth strikes down Tifa. However, Sephiroth’s voiceover is an intriguing addition, posing, “You know that I killed her, so who is she?” This connects to an earlier trailer that hinted at a conversation between Cloud and Tifa, where doubts about identity were raised. While the possibility of Tifa’s death is not excluded, it seems more likely that Sephiroth aims to manipulate Cloud by sowing distrust among his allies.
Chocobo Riding and Exploration
One exciting addition revealed in the Rebirth trailer includes Chocobo riding. As the characters venture beyond Midgar into expansive environments, using Chocobos as mounts become a valuable asset. The trailer hints at the ability to call upon Chocobos at any time while exploring open regions through a command in the HUD.
One burning question that arises is whether Chocobo breeding will make a return. Breeding Chocobos was a complex and time-consuming process in the original game, involving various races, tracking pedigrees, and obtaining rare items. While the trailer does not explicitly mention Chocobo breeding, fans hope Square Enix has reconsidered the system’s intricacies and potentially streamlined it for a more accessible experience.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth trailer shows new Characters and Enhanced Combat
The Rebirth trailer confirms that Red XIII, who previously appeared as a guest party member, will now be fully playable. Additionally, Yuffie returns from the Intermission DLC and joins as a permanent member, completing a party of six. However, notable characters like Cait Sith, Cid, and Vincent are yet to be revealed. The combat system, praised in Final Fantasy 7 Remake, receives enhancements, integrating combo moves from the DLC. Spectacular new attacks, like Aerith’s magical dome and Tifa’s powerful punch, captivated the audience. A mysterious new icon on the battle HUD teases an upcoming system yet to be unveiled.
New Gameplay Features
The trailer offers glimpses of exciting gameplay elements that elevate the action in Rebirth. Yuffie’s presence as a playable character suggests she may be encountered earlier than in the original game. Team attacks and Vengeance Mode provide players with new strategies and options. Furthermore, adding new abilities, such as Aerith’s Ward Shift and Yuffie’s throw/retrieve mechanics, promise expanded combo possibilities. As the release date approaches, fans can anticipate numerous upgrades and surprises from Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
If you haven’t, check the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth gameplay trailer to hype yourself up. And while you wait, Final Fantasy 16 is coming out this month, the next mainline entry of this legendary series, and will surely bring new things to this franchise.