Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth will have an explorable world map

Final Fantasy XV attempted to reintroduce the concept of a world map, but FF7 Rebirth aims to take this a step further. The game promises a large, explorable world, filled with story missions, side content, and minigames. This approach is not just about bringing back a nostalgic element but is an effort to deepen the immersion and connection players have with the game's universe.

While Rebirth isn't a fully open-world game in the traditional sense, its design seems to strike a balance between linear narrative progression and exploratory freedom. Regions like the Grasslands and Junon, though labeled as separate on the world map, can be traversed seamlessly, offering players a sense of continuity and scale that was lacking in the partitioned design of FF7 Remake (although, to be fair, the first game did take place exclusively in Midgar).

The original FF7 released in 1997, is remembered fondly for its sense of discovery and scale. Players recall the moment they stepped out of Midgar into the wider world as a revelation, transforming their understanding of the game's scope. Despite the limitations of the time, which restricted true open-world exploration, the game still managed to convey a sense of vastness and possibility. This is the essence Rebirth seeks to recapture and expand upon.

To be fair, the multiple trailers we've seen for FF7 Rebirth ahead of its release in February 2024 does suggest that Square Enix has nailed this design aspect of the game, but we can only tell for sure once it has come out.

Square Enix's journey with world design in Final Fantasy has been complicated. From the linear corridors of Final Fantasy XIII to the more open but somewhat empty landscapes of Final Fantasy XV, the best-selling JRPG series has attempted a unique approach to world-building in every new entry. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth seems to be Square's most ambitious attempt yet to merge the expansive world design of earlier titles with the narrative depth and graphical fidelity of modern gaming.

The significance of Rebirth handling the world map effectively cannot be understated, especially for Nomura, who was involved in the development of the original FFVII. Achieving a balance between exploration and narrative, between nostalgia and innovation, is crucial for Rebirth to live up to its legacy.

In addition to recapturing the spirit of 90s RPGs, Rebirth addresses the criticism directed at recent Final Fantasy titles for being too linear or graphics-focused at the expense of gameplay depth. Players yearn for a game where exploration is a key part to storytelling, where the world itself is a character with its personality and stories to tell. This desire for exploration and discovery is a core tenet of RPGs, and Rebirth seems poised to deliver on this front.

While Final Fantasy XVI showcased open areas, it was criticized for lacking meaningful activities within these spaces. On the other hand, FFVII appears set to offer a world that is not just vast and beautiful but filled with engaging content that enriches the gameplay experience.

By successfully integrating a vast, explorable world with a compelling narrative and rich content, Rebirth could set up a new standard for what a modern Final Fantasy game can be.

Fingers crossed, whoever ends up taking up the helm of the next entry in the franchise will take notes.