JoeM Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Review

Overburdened with side content but so fun, charming and engrossing that it's difficult to complain. Every character has been perfectly translated to the current generation from their PS1 counterparts. The story is an expanded and remixed version of the post-Midgar to mid-game chunk of FF7, which fleshes out its cast of colourful heroes and villains and expansion on its iconic locations in ways which surprise and delight. It's accompanied with impressive visuals, art direction, voice acting and a sensational soundtrack that includes updated versions of original FF7 music and some excellent new additions. Improvements to combat from Remake, including a singer system where you execute attacks with buddies on your squad, are welcome. The world is massive, gorgeous, full of character and teeming with stuff to do. Most of it is fun, such as the addictive card game which could be its own title, some of it is laborious (chocobo gliding game - unalive me now) but mostly optional. In spite of some flaws and a controversial change to an iconic twist, it's clear this was made by those who adore FF7 and the effort shows.