Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Review: 7 Incredible Reasons It’s a Must-Play RPG

Key Takeaways
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth expands the story with a massive open-world experience.
- The combat system perfectly blends action and strategy.
- Character development feels deeper and more emotional than ever.
- Side quests are meaningful and often tell memorable stories.
- Exploration is rewarding, with plenty of secrets and activities.
- The visuals and soundtrack create an unforgettable adventure.
- It stands as one of the strongest RPGs available on PS5.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a breathtaking RPG that combines an emotional story, engaging combat, a huge world to explore, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the original game or a newcomer, Rebirth delivers one of the most rewarding gaming experiences available today.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Review: A Journey Worth Every Minute
As someone who has spent countless hours wandering through fantasy worlds, I can honestly say that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth surprised me in ways I didn’t expect. I went in hoping for a good sequel. What I got was a massive adventure that constantly gave me reasons to keep playing long after I planned to log off.
There were several nights when I promised myself, “Just one more side quest.” Three hours later, I was still hunting monsters, racing Chocobos, and getting distracted by every interesting landmark on the horizon.
Rebirth doesn’t just continue the story. It transforms it into something much bigger.
What Is Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth?
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is the second chapter in Square Enix’s remake trilogy of the classic Final Fantasy 7. The game follows Cloud Strife and his companions as they leave Midgar and begin exploring the wider world.
Unlike its predecessor, which focused heavily on a single city, Rebirth opens up vast regions filled with exploration, mini-games, side activities, and secrets.
Quick Game Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Square Enix |
| Genre | Action RPG |
| Platform | PlayStation 5 |
| Game Mode | Single Player |
| Main Story Length | Around 40-50 Hours |
| Completionist Time | 100+ Hours |
The Story Feels Bigger and More Emotional
The story is where Rebirth shines brightest.
Without diving into spoilers, the game explores friendship, identity, sacrifice, and destiny in ways that feel both personal and epic.
Characters That Actually Feel Human
One thing that impressed me was how natural the conversations felt.
Cloud is still awkward.
Barret is still loud.
Tifa remains the emotional heart of the group.
Aerith continues to steal almost every scene she’s in.
Their interactions feel authentic, making it easy to become attached to the cast.
Small Moments Matter
Some of my favorite moments weren’t major story events.
Instead, they were:
- Campfire conversations
- Funny party banter
- Character-specific side quests
- Unexpected emotional scenes
These moments helped make the world feel alive.
Combat Is Addictive From Start to Finish
The combat system is one of the best I’ve experienced in any RPG.
It combines fast-paced action with tactical decision-making.
You can dodge attacks, unleash flashy abilities, switch characters instantly, and carefully manage resources during difficult battles.
Why Combat Never Gets Old
Several mechanics keep battles exciting:
- Character switching
- Synergy abilities
- Unique character playstyles
- Strategic enemy weaknesses
- Spectacular boss fights
Every character feels completely different.
Playing as Tifa feels nothing like playing as Barret, and that’s a huge strength.
Boss Battles Are Incredible

Some boss fights had me sitting forward in my chair like I was participating in an esports tournament.
Then I’d lose because I got too confident.
Again.
And again.
The challenge feels rewarding rather than frustrating.
The Open World Is Packed With Things To Do
Open-world games often struggle with empty spaces.
Rebirth doesn’t have that problem.
Almost every area contains something interesting.
Activities You Can Discover
You’ll find:
- Hidden treasures
- Monster hunts
- Chocobo activities
- Mini-games
- Side quests
- Combat challenges
- World intel objectives
Exploration feels rewarding because you’re constantly discovering something new.
Chocobos Deserve Their Own Award
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I never expected to spend so much time collecting and upgrading Chocobos.
Yet somehow, I did.
Different regions feature unique Chocobo abilities that help you explore new areas and uncover hidden secrets.
They’re more than transportation.
They’re practically members of the party.
Side Quests Actually Matter
Many RPGs treat side quests like chores.
Rebirth treats them like opportunities to deepen the world.
Meaningful Side Content
The best side quests:
- Expand character relationships
- Reveal local stories
- Unlock useful rewards
- Provide memorable gameplay moments
I rarely felt like I was wasting my time.
Instead, side quests often became some of my favorite experiences.
The Visuals Are Stunning
There were multiple occasions when I simply stopped moving and admired the scenery.
The environments are gorgeous.
Visual Highlights
- Massive mountains
- Beautiful coastlines
- Dense forests
- Detailed towns
- Incredible lighting effects
Every region feels unique and memorable.
Performance Is Strong
For the most part, performance remains smooth throughout the adventure.
The game offers options that allow players to prioritize visuals or frame rate depending on their preferences.
The Soundtrack Is Absolutely Phenomenal
Final Fantasy games are known for great music.
Rebirth somehow raises the bar.
The soundtrack constantly adapts to what’s happening on screen.
One moment you’re listening to a peaceful exploration theme.
The next, an epic battle track kicks in and suddenly you feel like the hero of a blockbuster movie.
Best Audio Features
- Emotional orchestral tracks
- Dynamic battle music
- Excellent voice acting
- Memorable character themes
The music alone deserves recognition.
A Few Minor Drawbacks
No game is perfect.
While Rebirth comes very close, there are a few issues worth mentioning.
Some Mini-Games Overstay Their Welcome
Most mini-games are enjoyable.
However, a few feel unnecessarily lengthy.
There were moments when I wanted to continue the story but found myself completing another mandatory activity first.
Occasional Pacing Issues
Because there’s so much content available, the story momentum can occasionally slow down.
Players who focus heavily on side content may forget what they were originally doing.
I’ve definitely opened the map and wondered, “Wait, why was I here again?”
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Amazing story | Minor pacing issues |
| Fantastic combat | Some mini-games feel long |
| Beautiful visuals | Huge amount of content may overwhelm some players |
| Memorable characters | Occasional slow sections |
| Incredible soundtrack | Few performance inconsistencies |
Is Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Worth Buying?

Absolutely.
Whether you’re a longtime Final Fantasy fan or someone looking for a high-quality RPG, Rebirth offers exceptional value.
The combination of storytelling, exploration, combat, visuals, and music creates an experience that’s difficult to put down.
Who Should Play It?
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This game is perfect for:
- RPG fans
- Action game players
- Story-driven gamers
- Final Fantasy veterans
- Newcomers to the franchise
Final Verdict
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is one of the most impressive RPGs I’ve played in recent years.
It takes everything that worked in the previous game and expands it into something bigger, richer, and more memorable.
From the emotional story to the addictive combat and breathtaking world design, nearly every part of the experience feels crafted with care.
If you own a PS5 and enjoy RPGs, this is an adventure you shouldn’t miss.
Rating: 9.5/10
Summary
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth delivers an unforgettable RPG experience packed with emotional storytelling, thrilling combat, stunning visuals, and meaningful exploration. It successfully builds upon its predecessor while creating one of the best PlayStation 5 adventures available today. Despite a few minor pacing issues and some lengthy mini-games, the overall experience is exceptional. For RPG fans, Rebirth is a must-play title that easily earns its place among the genre’s modern classics.
FAQs
For most players, yes. The larger world, improved combat systems, and expanded content make it feel like a significant upgrade.
The main story takes roughly 40 to 50 hours, while completionists can easily spend over 100 hours.
It’s highly recommended because Rebirth directly continues the story.
It features large open regions that offer freedom of exploration while maintaining a structured narrative.
Yes. While previous knowledge helps, the game remains enjoyable for newcomers thanks to its strong storytelling and gameplay.