FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH (PlayStation 5) (Includes Amazon Exclusive In-Game Shinra Bangle)

I'm writing this review as a lifelong fan of the Final Fantasy series, and I'm thrilled to say that Final Fantasy Rebirth has exceeded my expectations in every way. The game is a masterclass in game development, with a rich storyline, engaging characters, and addictive gameplay that will keep you hooked for hours on end.The first thing that struck me was the attention to detail in the game's world-building. The creators of Rebirth have clearly poured their hearts and souls into crafting a immersive and believable world, complete with its own unique history, politics, and cultures. The story is complex and engaging, with multiple plot threads that weave together seamlessly to create a narrative that's both epic in scope and intimate in its character development.But what really sets Rebirth apart is its characters. The cast is diverse and well-written, with each character having their own unique personality, motivations, and backstory. The voice acting is superb, with talented actors bringing the characters to life in a way that's both authentic and emotive.The gameplay is also exceptional, with a deep battle system that rewards strategy and exploration. The graphics are stunning, with beautifully rendered cutscenes and environments that are both visually stunning and full of hidden details.As someone who's played through many of the Final Fantasy games over the years, I have to say that Rebirth is one of the best in the series. It's a love letter to fans of the series, with nods to classic games and characters while also introducing new elements that will keep even the most seasoned veterans engaged.If I have any criticisms, it's that the game can be overwhelming at times, especially for new players who may not be familiar with the series. The game has a lot of depth and complexity, and it can take some time to get used to the battle system and mechanics.Overall, however, I highly recommend Final Fantasy Rebirth to anyone who loves RPGs or is looking for a game that will challenge them and keep them engaged for hours on end. It's a masterpiece of game development, and I'm already counting down the days until the next installment in the series.Pros:Engaging storyline with complex charactersDeep battle system that rewards strategyBeautiful graphics and sound designImmersive world-buildingNods to classic games and charactersCons:Can be overwhelming for new playersSome players may find the battle system too complexThe game can be quite long, with some playthroughs taking over 50 hours

FF7 Rebirth is again a stunning reimagining of the beloved classic, blending nostalgic elements with modern enhancements and new features. The graphics are absolutely amazing, bringing the world of Gaia and its regions to life with incredible detail and vibrant visuals. The combat system has been further enhanced, offering a dynamic mix of real-time action and strategic planning, which keeps battles engaging and fresh. The expanded storyline provides deeper character development and new narrative twists that enrich the original plot. Overall, the remake honors the legacy of the original while providing a compelling and immersive experience for both new players and long-time fans.Key points I loved:- Combat feels really fluid, you can really tell they looked for further additions from FF7 Remake (part 1)- The more 'open world' freedom is fun, giving you more to explore and experience.- Music is amazing, the rufus welcoming ceremony music in Junon was such an amazing nostalgic hit.- The new Final Fantasy X esque 'sphere grid' system is really satisfying to use.Key point that could be improved:- The side-quests can get a bit 'samey', I do not mind this at all and there are a lot of side-quests in the game, but I can see why other players would not be a fan of this.

As a big fan of the original game, this is a sequel to Remake and if Remake hasn't already told you that it's not going to be a one to one retelling, then Rebirth will make it clear that you don't know where the story is going. Honestly, the game is phenomenal and goes down as one of my favourite games of all time. After 102 hours of pure gameplay bliss, the game knows what to do with it's characters and story and leaves it all as a big puzzle as we wait for the third game.The gameplay action is done perfectly and the world you can play in is vast, beautiful and open. Side quests are handled with care and there is so much side content, like card games and races you can do everywhere you go. Of course not all of it is perfect, some of it is even a slog but it's also variety. You're not going to enjoy everything but that's the beauty of it because it will highlight what parts you love. The voice acting is stellar and the pacing is top dollar.A huge recommendation, it is an RPG but there is no real fear of grinding and the game lets you play as action as you want or be free with the real nitty gritty of Materia and Team management. They have also upped the ante of combat options from Remake.However, if you are going into this hoping for a true recreation of the original game, you're in for disappointment. Even though the game does tread familiar ground and events, the story it is weaving is heading into a completely new direction. Enjoy the game for what it is though, a beautiful action RPG game with in-depth characters, writing and satisfying gameplay loop, you're in for a treat.