Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: A Geek Foolish Review
A massive RPG adventure that balances nostalgia with modern ambition
Editor’s Note: This review was originally written on September 17, 2024 during the early soft launch period of Geek Foolish and is being republished in its original form.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth takes players on an unforgettable journey, blending nostalgia with modern innovation. For fans of the original, this installment stays true to its roots while expanding the universe in ways that feel fresh. The soundtrack is, as expected, exceptional, enhancing every moment and adding depth to both the story and gameplay. With over 75 hours of content, I barely explored half the map, which shows just how big and detailed the game world is. This isn’t just a simple remake—there's so much more to experience.
The story dives deeper into the characters and explores areas that were left untouched in the 1997 version, giving longtime fans something new to enjoy. At the same time, the game remains accessible to newcomers, offering difficulty options that let you focus on either the story or a more challenging gameplay experience. Visually, Rebirth is stunning, with incredible views and graphics that constantly remind you how far technology has come since the original release. The attention to detail in recreating iconic moments, paired with today’s cutting-edge graphics, really hits home.
That said, the game’s length might be an issue for some. It’s a huge time commitment, and for those with limited gaming hours, the amount of content can feel overwhelming. While I found the amount of content rewarding, others with less free time might have trouble finishing it. Additionally, recurring characters like Chadley (who was already annoying in Remake) are still present, which may bother some players.
Despite these minor issues, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is one of the most impressive games of 2024. It manages to give longtime fans what they want while also bringing in enough new content to keep things interesting. The emotional highs and lows, paired with an immersive world and solid voice acting, make it stand out in today’s gaming lineup. Even though it’s long, it’s easy to pick up and come back to without feeling lost. Overall, Rebirth is a must-play for anyone who loves JRPGs or just wants a great adventure—definitely a strong contender for Game of the Year.
