Square Enix had to break hearts ahead of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s launch on February 29.
In the sequel to Final Fantasy 7 Remake, characters Cid and Vincent will make their debut within the trilogy’s evolving narrative. However, the fans looking forward to battling alongside these iconic characters will need to temper their expectations.
Both will serve exclusively as non-playable characters throughout the game’s story, without participating in combat encounters.
Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, shared insights with IGN, clarifying the roles of Cid and Vincent in the upcoming title.
Contrary to the previous assumptions that these characters might act as AI-controlled player companions similar to Red XIII’s role in FF7 Remake, Hamaguchi confirmed that neither Cid nor Vincent would be present in battles at all. Instead, they’ll contribute in non-combative ways, aiding the party through various story scenarios and side quests designed to delve deeper into their backgrounds and personalities.
The decision to exclude Cid and Vincent from combat in FF7 Rebirth stems from a desire to preserve fresh experiences and surprises for players in the trilogy’s concluding installment. Hamaguchi expressed that deploying all the playable characters in the second game would diminish the impact and novelty of introducing new characters in the final chapter. This is a strategic choice that suggests that fans can look forward to Cid and Vincent potentially joining the fray as fully playable characters in the trilogy’s last entry.
Despite their absence from combat, both are promised to have significant roles. By way of dedicated side quests, players will have the opportunity to explore the depths of Cid and Vincent’s characters beyond the battle system. This approach ensures that while they may not be fighting alongside the main party, their presence and contribution to the game’s narrative and world-building remain impactful.
As FF7 Rebirth approaches its release, with a demo already available to players, anticipation continues to build for how these and other characters will be reimagined within the remake’s expansive world.
This development may come as a surprise to some fans, given the expectations set by their roles in the original Final Fantasy 7. Nonetheless, the decision to save some characters for later installments aligns with the creative team’s vision for a trilogy that aims to surprise audiences with each new chapter.
In the meantime, fans can enjoy the firstFF7 Rebirth demo with a second demo coming on February 21.
