Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has been crowned as the Most Wanted Game at the prestigious Golden Joystick Awards 2023. It comes just shortly after Square Enix confirmed the latest numbers for the Final Fantasy franchise. The the much-awaited sequel is scheduled to come out on February 29, 2024.
FF7 Rebirth’s triumph at the Golden Joystick Awards, powered by Intel, is a clear indicator of the high expectations and excitement amongst gamers, as it outshone a competitive field of 20 highly anticipated titles, including big names like Death Stranding 2, Star Wars Outlaws, and Tekken 8.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, developed by Square Enix, marks the second part of a planned three-part reimagining of Square Enix’s most popular JRPG. This next chapter promises to extend the story beyond the confines of Midgar, taking players to new and familiar locations like Cid’s Rocket Town, Red XIII’s Cosmo Canyon, and the Gold Saucer theme park. But, for those new to the franchise, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth will come with a 17-minute CGI animated recap to keep bring you up to speed on how the journey has been thus far.
Further adding to the excitement is the inclusion of an Emerald Weapon teaser, hinting at the expanded universe and an enhanced gameplay experiences awaiting players. The allure of revisiting and exploring legendary locales in a modern context has undoubtedly played a crucial role in propelling Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth to the top of the Most Wanted Game category at the Golden Joystick Awards.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s recognition is not just about its nostalgic appeal or its state-of-the-art graphics and gameplay. It represents a deeper connection that fans have with the series, a connection that Square Enix has successfully tapped, starting with Final Fantast 7 Remake and, now, looks to strengthen with Rebirth. It’s set to release exclusively on PS5, making it one of the most anticipated exclusives for the sale.
The success of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth at the Golden Joystick Awards follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, which also garnered significant hype and awards, including the Most Hyped Game award at E3 2019. This continuity in acclaim and anticipation underscores the Final Fantasy franchise’s ability to evolve while staying true to its roots.
Another noteworthy achievement for Square Enix at the awards was Final Fantasy XVI winning accolades for Best Audio and Best Performer for Ben Starr as Clive Rosfield. This double win for the Final Fantasy franchise at a single event is proof of the series’ significant impact on the gaming community and industry as a whole even if Final Fantasy 16, in particular, continues to receive criticism despite putting up excellent numbers and being a critically belove title.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth represents the next step in the evolution of a gaming experience that has been a part of players’ lives for decades. The game promises to deliver a nostalgic journey fit for long-time fans and an immersive, high-quality RPG experience that doesn’t rely exclusively on the power of nostalgia.
True to this, Square Enix has confirmed that FF7 Rebirth will feature Zack Fair in a significant role. But, fans of Vincent Valentine and Cid Highwind might not want to keep their hopes up.
With its release on the horizon, it is poised to not only live up to its legacy but also set new standards in storytelling, gameplay, and immersive experiences in the RPG genre.
Now, if only Square Enix can hurry up and bring it to PC (and maybe even Xbox) so that everyone can know what the fuss is all about.
