As today’s audiences look for more value in the $70 or so they spend on today’s biggest titles, an interesting question has emerged: “does *insert game here* have a New Game Plus mode?
The said gameplay mode, which has become a catch all term for a feature where players can replay the game from the start while retaining their progress (well, at least some of them) from their first playthrough, has become somewhat of a necessity these days, especially for a AAA game.
Thus, the question was once again raised when Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth came out on the PlayStation 5 on February 29.
Well, you’ll be glad to know that FF7 Rebirth indeed has a New Game Plus mode, albeit with a unique twist that diverges from traditional iterations of the feature. This mode is only accessible after players complete the main storyline, which on its own is a massive endeavor, potentially spanning 50 to 60 hours or more, depending on engagement with side activities and exploration.
Upon finishing the sequel, the players are prompted to create a new save file. This file, marked with a teal tag indicating “Chapter Selection,” acts as the gateway to the New Game Plus experience. It’s crucial to note that this file, by itself, doesn’t allow for your typical continuation or exploration; it instead redirects players to the main menu, which offers various gameplay options and adjustments.
To dive into FF7 Rebirth‘s post-launch content, players will have to navigate their way to the Settings menu and select Chapter Selection. This feature doesn’t restart the game in the traditional sense but rather allows players to revisit specific chapters, retaining their character levels, weapons, Materia, and even relationship statuses. This take introduces a strategic element to replaying the game, as players can choose how to carry over their quest data, with the option to reset incomplete odd jobs or retain completion data from the current playthrough.
This mode also introduces the “Hard” difficulty setting, which is only selectable through this chapter selection process. This setting elevates the follow-up’s already-challenging enemies. Although optional, players need to complete every chapter on this difficulty mode to unlock certain achievements, including the Platinum trophy.
It’s clear Square Enix designed the New Game Plus mode FF7 Rebirth with an emphasis on flexibility and player choice, allowing for a curated replay experience.
Whether aiming to complete the game on Hard difficulty, seeking to uncover all content and secrets, or striving for trophy completion, this mode caters to various playstyles and objectives. In addition to this, the chapter selection feature encourages players to explore the vast world of Gaia thoroughly, ensuring that even the most diligent explorers have reasons to revisit and enjoy the game anew.
While the New Game Plus mode deviates from the conventional approach, it effectively enhances the replay value of FF7 Rebirth.
Speaking of New Game Plus, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is getting a New Game Plus mode later this month.
