Fresh Gameplay Details and New Trailer for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Revealed in Developer Interview at State of Play

Exclusive Q&A Reveals Details on Summons, Gold Saucer Mini-games, Side Quests, and More as Game's Release Date Confirmed for February 29th 

Fresh Gameplay Details and New Trailer for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Revealed in Developer Interview at State of Play

In the latest State of Play, fans of Final Fantasy VII were treated to an exciting new glimpse of the upcoming title, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. This trailer promises to be a source of delight for both long-standing fans of the franchise and newcomers eager to explore what comes after the events of Final Fantasy VII Remake. As Cloud and his companions venture beyond the confines of Midgar, we are introduced to new party members, vast open environments ripe for exploration, and reimagined iconic moments from the original game.

Rather than leaving us in suspense, key members of the game's development team have provided valuable insights into the trailer, shedding light on additional gameplay features. The roundtable discussion included Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Producer Yoshinori Kitase, Creative Director Tetsuya Nomura, Director Naoki Hamaguchi, and Music Supervisor Keiji Kawamori.

One of the notable aspects discussed is the combat system. Hamaguchi highlighted the introduction of synergy moves as a fresh addition to the battle mechanics. This innovative feature allows players to employ synergy commands and abilities by expending a gauge charge, akin to the use of Limit Breaks. As a result, players will experience a deeper sense of the bonds and relationships between the characters throughout their battles. Moreover, character growth now incorporates skill trees, which unlock synergy abilities, and a plethora of new Materia with unique abilities, enabling players to customize their characters to their liking.

The trailer also unveiled Red XIII as a playable character in combat, bringing his distinct style to the party. Red XIII boasts not only an ATB gauge but also a unique “revenge gauge” mechanic. This gauge accumulates when he guards against enemy attacks and can be expanded to unleash various abilities once it's filled. Red XIII's gameplay demands a balance between offensive tactics using the ATB gauge and defensive strategies involving the revenge gauge.

Regarding the party composition, all the original party members will make their appearance in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Red XIII, who was initially an accompanying member in the previous title, will now become an official, playable party member from the beginning of the game. Additionally, some accompanying characters in this installment will evolve into official party members in the subsequent title.

The trailer showcased glimpses of iconic summons such as Alexander and Odin, leaving fans eager for more summoning surprises. Hamaguchi confirmed that there will be a diverse lineup of summons, including returning ones from Final Fantasy VII Remake and entirely new summons. This installment expands on the summoning content, featuring side stories and content based on a summon not present in the original game.

The conversation then turned to the inclusion of mini-games, a beloved feature of the original Final Fantasy VII. Hamaguchi reassured fans that the classic mini-game, such as the one involving sneaking into Junon, will be available in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. However, these mini-games have been significantly expanded, offering a more extensive and immersive experience. For instance, the Junon parade mini-game allows players to take on the role of the unit leader and customize the composition of participating soldiers, which affects the performance and gameplay.

Gold Saucer, another iconic location, will return, and players can anticipate new and enhanced mini-games within it. The team has gone all out to create an array of mini-games, surpassing the variety found in the original game. These mini-games can be encountered within the main story or as part of side stories, enriching the player's experience.

The trailer showcased the party exploring vast exterior open areas, prompting questions about how these areas tie into gameplay and story. Hamaguchi explained that after leaving Midgar, the primary objective in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is to track down Sephiroth across the expansive world. The game emphasizes exploration-focused design to evoke the sense of embarking on a journey across the world while pursuing Sephiroth's movements.

When asked about the pressure of reimagining beloved locations and moments, Hamaguchi noted that the development team has worked diligently to balance old and new scenes. They have taken on new challenges to create scenes that will be enjoyable for both long-time fans and newcomers to the series.

Regarding the world map in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Hamaguchi explained that it is vast and expansive, with numerous locations that may not be essential to the main story but offer extensive side content. Players can explore these areas to discover new stories, battles, and mini-games. Even after progressing past a region in the main story, players can return to explore it further, ensuring that nothing is left unfinished.

In terms of save file transfers, Hamaguchi clarified that each entry in the Final Fantasy VII remake project is a standalone game with independent balancing. As a result, player levels and abilities will not carry over from one game to the next. However, special bonuses are in place for fans who have played the previous game.

Regarding the soundtrack, Music Supervisor Keiji Kawamori shared insights into the music of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. The game's expansive world has allowed the team to create a variety of new music, expanding on different musical genres. The soundtrack includes re-arrangements of classic tracks from the original game, offering fans an opportunity to compare and appreciate the evolution of the music.

The interview concluded with a discussion about the concept behind the new trailer. Nomura explained that the trailer's purpose was to provide a comprehensive overview of the experience players can expect from Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. While the previous installment maintained an air of mystery, this trailer aimed to offer a clearer picture of what the remake project has in store.

Fans were also curious about controlling Sephiroth, and Nomura confirmed that players will be able to control him in a particular scene, as was the case in the original game. Additionally, the iconic Ferris wheel date scene at the Gold Saucer will make its return, promising a nostalgic and visually enhanced experience.

Finally, when asked about the game's progression, Nomura revealed that Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will take players through various locations across the world, with some changes in the order compared to the original game. The story extends up to "The Forgotten Capital," promising a climactic and unforgettable experience for players.

With these exciting insights into Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, fans can eagerly anticipate the next installment in this beloved franchise and the new adventures that await them.