THE FINAL Fantasy 7 remake trilogy is different from a lot of other games, even among remakes.
Square Enix has split the original 1997 classic into three parts, putting each game in a unique position.
While you expect a normal sequel to improve upon all the aspects of the original released four years previously, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is more a continuation of the same game.
Rebirth comes at this issue from a new angle, and uses the original story to make a big difference.
The first game in the FF7 Remake trilogy took place solely in Midgar, and Rebirth finally allows players to explore the open world.
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Except this time it isn’t an open world. Unlike the original game, when it’s time for the story to move on, so will you.
After the linear section through the village of Kalm, you can enter into an open area.
However, until you trigger the next part of the main questline, you won’t be able to participate in any side quests.
This means that it is far more linear than it would like you to think, given appearances.
However, once they are unlocked, the side activities are fun to complete, from combat challenges to platforming and monster hunting.
Some of the smaller stories have a lot of charm and personality, which makes Rebirth unique from the original.
We only got a small taste of the early game, but it is clear that some of the emotional story beats have been held back from the first time to ensure this second entry doesn’t fall flat.
Combat has remained mostly unchanged, with a hybrid between real-time and ATB combat.
Combo attacks are a new addition where two characters can pair up to deal big damage.
Rebirth is mostly what you expect, allowing the changes between Midgar and the open world to shape the differences between the games.
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The Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth demo is out now so you can see for yourself.
If you want to read more about recent gaming releases, check out our Persona 3 Reload review.
Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.