The anticipation for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has been building steadily since its initial announcement. Wwith its release date on the PlayStation 5 finally revealed, we’re starting to find out more and more about the upcoming sequel ahead of its release in February 2024. The most intriguing development perhaps is one that could significantly enhance the gameplay experience for both newcomers and returning players.
According to recent speculation originating from a Korean gaming forum, FF7 Rebirth may have a 17-minute computer-generated film to retell the events of Final Fantasy 7 Remake – a strategic move to make the game more accessible to a broader audience.
While the source of this information isn’t explicitly mentioned, the news was shared by renowned Final Fantasy streamer Aitai Kimochi on X (formerly Twitter), adding credibility to the speculation. The aforementioned segment from its trailer appears to be rendered in CG rather than in-game graphics, lending weight to the possibility of a CG recap part of the new game. This approach aligns with previous statements from the game’s co-director Motomu Toriyama and director Naoki Hamaguchi, emphasizing the game’s accessibility for new players. As Hamaguchi noted in an interview with GadgetMatch, “We have created everything carefully so that even a new player can enjoy the game.”
According to a Korean FF7 Rebirth community forum, there was an interview where Kitase mentions this segment of the newest Rebirth trailer is actually part of a 17 minute CG sequence that shows the recap of FF7 Remake, which will be available to view anytime in the game 😱 pic.twitter.com/zE27ehIRKh
— ☆オードリーAudrey☆ (@aitaikimochi) November 9, 2023
This CG film could potentially be one of the “preparations” Toriyama referred to, enabling newer players to fully enjoy Rebirth. The idea of a 17-minute recap is a significant undertaking, indicative of Square Enix’s commitment to narrative continuity and player inclusivity. It suggests a detailed and immersive summary of the first game’s events, providing context and background necessary for understanding Rebirth’s storyline. The inclusion of such a recap may explain why FF7 Rebirth will require two discs and a substantial amount of storage space on the PlayStation 5, as a high-quality 4K video of this length would demand considerable space.
The speculation around the CG film also raises interesting questions about the content and presentation of the recap. Will it include newly produced cutscenes or rely heavily on repurposed footage from the Remake? How will it integrate into the opening sequence of Rebirth? The possibility of the footage seamlessly transitioning into Rebirth’s opening adds a novel dimension to storytelling in video games, enhancing narrative fluidity and player immersion.
The concept of a comprehensive recap isn’t entirely new in the gaming world. For instance, Devil May Cry 5 included a summary of its preceding titles, which was well-received by players. However, the scale and detail of a 17-minute CG film for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth are notably ambitious. This approach not only acknowledges the complexity of FF7R’s narrative but also respects the player’s time and experience. By providing a thorough refresher, Square Enix ensures that all players, regardless of their familiarity with the series, can have a meaningful and engaging experience with Rebirth.
If you’d prefer to play through it, Square Enix has bundled both Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth as part of a single package on the PlayStation 5. This way, those who have the time (and want to receive a reward), can relive the events of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, but the ones who prefer to jump into the sequel immediately have the option to watch a condensed reenactment of the events.
As fans eagerly await the release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, this potential feature adds another layer of excitement as well as expectation to the experience, promising to deliver a game that is both respectful of its roots and welcoming to new players.
Square Enix recently confirmed that Final Fantasy has sold 185 million copies. Unfortunately, the good news comes as it reveals a notable drop in profits despite its best efforts with Final Fantasy 16, which generated GOTY talks at launch and is widely considered one of the best outings in the franchise.
