Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth will introduce a novel feature that allows players to replay a chapter without Cloud Strife in the party, once the game has been completed and Chapter Select is unlocked.
This was revealed by Naoki Hamaguchi, the game’s director, to IGN China (via @Genki_JPN), signifying a new layer of gameplay flexibility and strategic depth, enabling players to explore different team dynamics by forming a three-member squad from the remaining characters.
Upon completing FF7 Rebirth, players gain access to Chapter Select, which, aside from letting them revisit select chapters, now allows players to experiment with each characters’ unique abilities and combat styles outside of the standard three-man party setup.
Hamaguchi says that after clearing the game and unlocking Chapter Select in FF7 Rebirth you will then be allowed to remove Cloud from the party and create your own 3 member team to replay the Chapters!
via @IGNChina pic.twitter.com/oqZZKDuxzU
— Genki✨ (@Genki_JPN) February 8, 2024
Traditionally, Cloud has been a mandatory fixture in the player’s party, his presence is one of the few constants throughout the game’s battles and narrative arcs. However, this change is opening up new possibilities for players to delve deeper into the game’s mechanics, exploring the strengths and weaknesses of other characters in Cloud’s absence.
For many players, Cloud’s gameplay, while iconic, represents only one aspect of Final Fantasy 7 Remake’s diverse combat system. Characters like Tifa Lockhart, with her acrobatic combat style and combo-driven attacks, and Aerith Gainsborough, the quintessential glass cannon mage, offer distinct and enjoyable gameplay experiences. The inclusion of Yuffie Kisaragi in the Intergrade DLC further expanded the roster with her powerful and versatile skill set but there’s speculation on whether Square Enix will adjust her abilities in FF7 Rebirth.
This feature is accessible only after completing the game, emphasizing the importance of experiencing the story with Cloud before exploring alternate team compositions. This new approach suggests that Square Enix is encouraging players to pay close attention to the character dynamics and interactions in Cloud’s absence, potentially foreshadowing developments in the trilogy’s concluding installment.
Some predict that Cloud might be “killed” or presumed dead towards the end of FF7 Rebirth, drawing parallels with narrative devices from other media and games where lead characters are temporarily removed from the action. This theory is bolstered by the expectation that Cloud’s and Aerith’s fates might be intertwined, with possible sacrifices and plot twists that could see other characters, like Zack Fair, playing crucial roles in the story’s progression.
Whether motivated by a desire for strategic variety, character exploration, or simply curious about an alternative perspective, Party Select injects a compelling layer of replayability into Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. This innovative approach demonstrates Square Enix’s commitment to offering players a faithful remake that expands on the legacy of the original while embracing fresh possibilities.
As the release of FF7 Rebirth draws near, eager fans can keep themselves busy by playing the first demo or the second demo that’s coming out on February 21 to receive rewards they can enjoy once the game launches on February 29.
