Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: What’s Exciting and Worth Playing?

My journey into the Final Fantasy series began in 1999 with Final Fantasy 8. It was the first Final Fantasy game I played, and I was instantly mesmerized by its beauty. Watching Squall and his team face countless challenges, admiring the elegance of Rinoa, Quistis, and Selphie—I even had their wallpapers on my PC. Back then, the internet was still in its early days, making every discovery about the game feel even more special.

I played Final Fantasy 7 later, but at the time, it didn’t capture me the same way. The graphics felt outdated compared to Final Fantasy 8, but one thing stood out—the story. Over the years, Final Fantasy 7 has expanded with sequels, prequels, and even the Advent Children movie, cementing its place in gaming history and in my memories.

This blog isn’t about the classic Final Fantasy 7 or its prequel remake, Crisis Core. Instead, I’ll be diving into Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth—a fresh take on an RPG legend.

What Awaits in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth?

Based on my experience with the game, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth picks up right after Cloud and his friends escape Midgar. Now free from the city’s grasp, they set out on a journey for answers—and, of course, Cloud’s "beloved" Sephiroth (haha).

Along the way, they start following a group of shady-looking guys draped in dark robes. These poor souls look like they’ve had one too many shots of raw mako—stumbling around, mumbling cryptic nonsense, and generally acting like they’re on some kind of cosmic trip. Who are they, and what’s their deal? Whatever they’re on, it’s clearly messing with their heads, and Cloud’s crew is determined to find out why.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth vs. FF7: Graphics, Combat, and New Features

The biggest change in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is its complete reinvention using modern technology. The graphics have been overhauled to stunning, next-gen quality, and the battle system has been revamped—similar to Final Fantasy 7 Remake.

While the original Final Fantasy 7 used a traditional turn-based combat system, Rebirth introduces a more dynamic approach. Players can attack in real time to build up their ATB gauge, which is then used to unleash powerful skills, magic, and summons.

Another exciting addition is Synergy Attacks, a battle mechanic first introduced in Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade. This feature allows two party members to team up for special coordinated moves, making battles feel even more cinematic. I loved seeing these animations—they add an extra layer of excitement to combat.

On top of that, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth expands the adventure with new side quests and mini-games, giving players even more to explore and enjoy. With these additions, the game offers longer playtime and deeper immersion in its world.

Why I’m Loving Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: Combat, Exploration & More

One of the things I love about Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is its semi-open world design. While you can freely explore different regions, the game cleverly restricts certain areas until you progress through the main story. You’ll need to complete the story arc of a specific region before fully roaming around for side quests and mini-games. However, later in the game, you gain the ability to revisit any region, making exploration even more rewarding.

The battle system is another highlight. It offers fluid mobility, allowing you to attack in real-time to build your ATB gauge, which can then be used for powerful skills, magic, summons, and synergy attacks. The combat feels dynamic and engaging, keeping every battle exciting.

But what I really love? Battle Intel missions from Chadley and the Battle Arena at the Gold Saucer. There’s just something thrilling about testing your combat skills in a structured challenge, knowing that victory comes with awesome rewards. Since battles are the heart of the game, these features add an extra layer of excitement and progression.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: The Downsides of an Otherwise Great Game

As much as I love Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, there are moments when the game starts to feel repetitive. The main story is solid, no complaints there—but when it comes to side quests and mini-games, things can get a bit tedious.

At first, they’re fun and rewarding, especially since some quests provide useful crafting materials. But after a while, I found myself losing interest. Some side activities started to feel more like chores rather than exciting adventures. Even though they’re optional, I still wanted to complete as much as possible—but I just couldn’t bring myself to finish all of them.

Overall, if you’re the type of player who wants to 100% everything, you might hit a point where side content starts dragging out the experience rather than enhancing it.

My Favorite Feature in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: Combat & Rewards

While I love the Battle Intel missions and the Gold Saucer Battle Arena, my absolute favorite feature has to be the mini-bosses that appear after completing Intel challenges.

Each region has its own unique mini-boss, and taking them down feels incredibly rewarding. Not only do these battles test your combat skills, but they also drop valuable crafting materials, making them worth the effort. It’s a great way to keep the gameplay engaging while encouraging exploration and strategic battles.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: My Top Characters & Why I Love Them

This list focuses on my favorite characters, aside from Cloud—since let’s be honest, he’s the main character and someone we use all the time. But when it comes to gameplay and personality, these two stand out the most for me.

Barret

Who doesn’t love a gatling gun attached to their arm? Barret excels at long-range combat, making him perfect for taking down flying enemies and hitting distant targets with ease.

His gameplay is fun and strategic, and I find myself using him a lot. Personality-wise, I wasn’t too invested in him before, but in Rebirth, he feels more open and connected to the team, which I appreciate.

Tifa

I was torn between Aerith and Tifa, but ultimately, I chose Tifa. She’s one of the most iconic characters in Final Fantasy 7—and yes, she has a huge personality in more ways than one. 😆

But beyond that, she’s an absolute powerhouse in combat. With her speed and strength, she can tear through heavily armored enemies, making her an essential part of the team. She’s also incredibly loyal and dependable, forming a strong bond with Aerith that makes their interactions even more memorable.

The Future of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: What Comes Next?

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth was an incredible experience, mixing nostalgia with new mechanics that kept me engaged. The combat system, synergy attacks, and mini-boss battles were definite highlights, while some side quests and mini-games felt more like chores. Despite that, the world, characters, and story made the journey worth every moment.

As a sequel, Rebirth doesn’t conclude the story, but it sets up the final chapter in an exciting way. With so many questions left unanswered, I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds in the next game!

Disclaimer: All images used in this blog post are from Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and are © Square Enix. This blog is not affiliated with or endorsed by Square Enix or any other game publisher.