The recent revelation at New York Comic Con has fans jumping out of their coffins in joy. Matt Mercer, renowned for his portrayal as the Dungeon Master in the popular web series, Critical Role, is confirmed to voice the enigmatic gunslinger Vincent Valentine in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
The latest announcement comes as the next stage in Square Enix's ambitious endeavor to reimagine the timeless classic of the 1990s, a project that promises not just to replicate but to innovate, introducing bold narrative twists to the original story.
Although fans had caught glimpses of Valentine in the earlier trailers for FF7 Rebirth, Square Enix had remained tight-lipped about his voice actor, leading to wild speculations. The energy at the NYCC was electric when, in a dramatic reveal worthy of a game cutscene, Mercer himself, wearing Valentine's brooding colors, confirmed the role. He shared an anecdote that highlighted the secretive nature of the gaming industry, describing how, after pouring his heart into an audition for Valentine, he was left in suspense for months. In an amusing twist, Mercer was led to believe he'd be voicing minor NPCs, only to discover during a recording session that he was, in fact, chosen for Vincent Valentine.
Vincent Valentine, a former Turk embroiled in Cloud Strife's epic journey, first gained popularity in the original game. He later took center stage in FF7: Dirge of Cerberus, where he was voiced by another industry in Steve Blum. His mysterious demeanor, coupled with his visually arresting design, has cemented his status as a fan favorite. While it's worth noting that Vincent won't be a playable character in Rebirth - the same goes for Cid, by the way - he's expected to play a significant role, similar to Red XIII in the previous installment of the remake.