4 Things Final Fantasy VII Rebirth does so right that it hurts

Let us dive into the fantastical world of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, where swords are gigantic, motorcycles are somehow acceptable indoors, and eco-terrorism is a valid lifestyle choice.

This video game, the middle child of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, promised to crank the nostalgia dial to 11 while introducing enough new flair to make even the most jaded of fans raise an eyebrow in intrigue. With Rebirth, we got a combat system so slick and satisfying it makes slapping buttons feel like conducting an orchestra. Final Fantasy VII Remake already flipped the script by swapping turn-based tedium for real-time ruckus, but Rebirth takes it a step further to perfect this potion: the developers at Square Enix spiced up the menu with new moves and mechanics that make every encounter an adrenaline-pumping puzzle.

Then there's the open world — oh, the open world! If Final Fantasy VII Remake was a cozy, somewhat linear stroll through Midgar's moody streets, Rebirth is the equivalent of busting down the doors to the great outdoors. Fans had been all but drooling over the prospect of exploring a vast, vibrant world that's as rich in detail as it is in danger, and we got just that. I'm talking sprawling landscapes, hidden nooks crammed with secrets, and a sense of adventure that could make even the most dedicated homebody consider romping through monster-infested ruins.

And let's not forget about the heart and soul of any Final Fantasy game: the characters. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth dives a bit deeper into the psyches of its protagonists, fleshing out friendships, rivalries, and romances with the kind of care and complexity that could make a grown gamer weep. We understand their quirks, their fears, and what makes them tick. Combine this with voice acting so powerful it could sell ice to a Shiva, and you've got a recipe for character development that's as flavorful as a bowl of Wall Market ramen.

Rebirth is a feast for the senses, a heart-tugging, eye-popping adventure that blends the old and the new in ways that only a game with two Roman numerals in its title could. The final product is just as promised, and it's safe to say that it's a journey worth packing an extra Phoenix Down for.

Let's take a look at four specific things this lovely game got so right that it actually kind of hurts: