With Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth close to releasing, newer franchise fans and the ones who haven’t kept up since playing the original in 1997 are looking forward to seeing what new twists and narrative elements Square Enix will introduce in this second installment of the remake trilogy. But in the middle of all this hype, an important question has also emerged: is watching Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children necessary before playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth?
Advent Children, a CGI film sequel to the original Final Fantasy 7, released in 2005, has been confirmed by producer Yoshinori Kitase to remain canonical to the events of Final Fantasy 7, including Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. The film, which explores the aftermath of the game’s events and delves into the lives of its characters several years later, is seen as a pivotal bridge between the original narrative and the new directions taken in the now-most-likely sequel/remake. Kitase has emphasized the development team’s intention to link the events of Rebirth with those of Advent Children, ensuring they fit within the same universe.
Despite this connection, it’s important to note that the remake series, including Rebirth, is set in a parallel universe from the original FF7, where the timeline has already shown deviations from the story told in the PS1 game. For example, the characters who meet their demise in Advent Children are alive in the remake series, leading to speculation on how or if these timelines will reconcile by the series’ conclusion. However, the narrative path of the remakes is still unfolding, leaving room for developments that could align or diverge further from the original and its CGI sequel.
Understanding the significance of Advent Children in the Final Fantasy VII universe isn’t merely about following a linear story from the original game through the film and into the remakes. The 2005 CGI movie introduced expanded themes, visual enhancements, and character developments that have influenced the portrayal and evolution of the game’s iconic characters in the remake trilogy.
The theatrical re-release of Advent Children Complete, with additional scenes as well as revisions, offered fans an opportunity to revisit these narrative and thematic elements, further bridging the connection between the game, the film, and the remakes.
The Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy, particularly with its second installment, Rebirth, aims to explore character relationships and the world of Final Fantasy VII more deeply, with a more expansive and immersive experience that still acknowledges its roots in the original narrative and the sequel film.
This decision has worked for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth after it was met with critical acclaim but not without drawing controversies ahead of its launch.
As for Advent Children, while the film doesn’t make for essential viewing, it can help the player develop a better understanding and appreciation of the narrative depth and character arcs that the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy is trying to explore.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth will launch on February 29 at midnight with pre-loading already available. Unfortunately, the massive nearly-three-disc game will take up a huge amount of your time and storage space.
