Convention - PGW 2023 : Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: A Triumph Unveiled

By Mulder, Paris, Porte de Versailles, 31 october 2023

Paris Games Week 2023 bore witness to a truly awe-inspiring display of gaming greatness, courtesy of Square Enix. The publisher's extravagant booth at Porte de Versailles was abuzz with enthusiasts and media, all gathered to experience a new chapter in gaming history: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. This long-anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Final Fantasy VII Remake enthralled attendees at the event, offering a tantalizing glimpse into a world of breathtaking visuals, complex storytelling, and immersive gameplay. This essay delves into the thrilling revelations and in-depth information surrounding this monumental event and the promising game it showcased.

One of the standout features of Square Enix's presence at Paris Games Week was the exclusive accessibility to Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Gamers in France had the privilege of experiencing the game on the PlayStation 5 (PS5), making this the first time the French gaming community could immerse themselves in the epic adventures of Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, Barret, and Sephiroth. With an impressive 60 PS5 gaming stations, Square Enix's booth, extending over 300 square meters, catered to the insatiable appetites of players and fans eager to embrace the game's cutting-edge graphics and mesmerizing cinematics.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth seeks to harness the unparalleled power of the PS5 to deliver a gaming experience that pushes the boundaries of what is possible. Continuing the story immediately after the events of Final Fantasy VII Remake, players are entrusted with the formidable task of controlling Cloud Strife and his band of eco-terrorists from AVALANCHE. Their mission: to thwart the nefarious Shinra Corporation's plans to exploit the planet's life force, the Lifestream, and to confront the legendary SOLDIER, Sephiroth, who harbors ambitions of godlike power.

This sequel introduces a more open-ended overworld, in stark contrast to the linear progression of Final Fantasy VII Remake's portrayal of Midgar. Objective markers, always visible on the heads-up display, guide players in completing both main story quests and an array of ongoing sidequests, each with its own set of unique challenges. Players can traverse the world on foot or hitch a ride on Chocobos, facilitating faster traversal through the use of the specialized Chocobo Lure Materia.

The core of the gameplay lies in the fusion of action-focused melee combat and the Active-Time Battle (ATB) system, reminiscent of Final Fantasy VII Remake. The ability to freely switch between party members allows for a mix of conventional physical attacks, magic usage, and the deployment of dedicated items for both offensive and defensive purposes. However, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth introduces the Synergized mechanic, initially featured in the Episode InterMISSION downloadable content (DLC) for Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. This novel system permits party members to synchronize their attacks, albeit at the cost of ATB bar fill speed.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth serves as a direct continuation of the overarching narrative first presented in Final Fantasy VII Remake. This narrative reimagines the plot, world, and characters of the original Final Fantasy VII. Set on The Planet, the game revolves around the journey of its central characters as they endeavor to terminate Shinra's tyranny, born of the unethical exploitation of the Lifestream. The looming threat of Sephiroth, a former SOLDIER of Shinra thought to be dead, adds to the intrigue.

While the game follows the path of the original, it diverges in terms of location order, holding the visit to Wutai for the third installment. A multitude of characters, both new and returning, play integral roles in the unfolding story. Cloud Strife, a former member of SOLDIER's 1st Class platoon, leads the charge, supported by characters like Barret Wallace, the boisterous yet empathetic leader of AVALANCHE; Tifa Lockhart, the compassionate bartender with martial arts prowess; Aerith Gainsborough, the sole survivor of the ancient Cetra; Red XIII, an intelligent quadruped from Cosmo Canyon; and Yuffie Kisaragi, a Materia thief and ninja from Wutai.

The roster of supporting characters includes Zack Fair, Cait Sith, Vincent Valentine, Bugenhagen, and Elena, a new recruit of the Turks. Each character's journey contributes to the tapestry of the game's narrative, enhancing character development and the overall story structure.

The Final Fantasy VII Remake project is structured as a trilogy, with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth serving as the second installment. This approach grants the development team the ability to present a high-quality experience and delve deeper into the story and world. The third installment is expected to continue the epic journey, promising an even more intricate narrative.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5 on February 29, 2024, with a timed console exclusivity lasting for three months. In addition to the standard edition, Square Enix offers a physical Deluxe Edition and a Collector's Edition, available exclusively through the Square Enix Store in limited quantities. Both editions include the game, a steelbook case, a mini-soundtrack CD, and an artbook. The Collector's Edition boasts a collectible Sephiroth statue and downloadable content (DLC) keys for in-game items, making it a coveted collector's item.

Players with save data from Final Fantasy VII Remake on PlayStation 4 or Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on their PS5 console gain early access to additional Summon Materia in the game, deepening the connection between the games and rewarding long-time fans.

The unveiling of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth at Paris Games Week 2023 was nothing short of spectacular. Square Enix's commitment to crafting a rich and immersive gaming experience is evident in every aspect of this upcoming release. From the graphics and gameplay to the intricate storytelling and character development, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth promises to be an unforgettable journey for fans and newcomers alike. With its scheduled release just a few months away, gamers across the globe can hardly contain their anticipation. Paris Games Week 2023 has set the stage for what could be the gaming event of the year, and Square Enix's Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is undoubtedly one of the main attractions. The countdown to February 29, 2024, has begun, and the gaming world eagerly awaits the rebirth of a classic.

Paris Games Week, a highly anticipated event that returns November 1 2023, is an exhilarating showcase of the latest in the world of video games and interactive entertainment. This annual extravaganza, eagerly awaited by gaming enthusiasts, provides a captivating platform for gamers and industry professionals alike to experience the cutting-edge technology, innovative game releases, and immersive gaming experiences. Hosted in the vibrant city of Paris, this event has evolved into a hub for both established gaming companies and independent developers to reveal their latest creations. With a rich history and a passionate gaming community, Paris Games Week is more than just a trade show; it's a celebration of the gaming culture that brings together players, developers, and fans from around the world. Whether you're interested in experiencing the thrill of playing unreleased games, attending insightful industry conferences, or immersing yourself in the art and culture of gaming, Paris Games Week is the ultimate destination where all facets of the gaming universe converge.

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Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Developer : Square Enix Creative Business Unit I
Publisher : Square Enix
Directors : Naoki Hamaguchi, Motomu Toriyama, Tetsuya Nomura
Producer : Yoshinori Kitase
Designer : Teruki Endo
Programmer : Satoru Koyama
Artist :   Tetsuya Nomura, Roberto Ferrari
Writer : Kazushige Nojima
Platform : PlayStation 5
Release :  February 29, 2024

photos : Boris Colletier / Mulderville

(Source : press release)