Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: Is This the PS5 Epic Worth Your Time?

If you own a PS5 and even casually care about JRPGs, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the game your feed won’t stop talking about. The middle chapter of Square Enix’s ambitious remake trilogy is finally out, and critics are already calling it one of the most lavish, confident RPGs of this console generation—while players debate its open world sprawl, side-quest bloat, and bold story swings.

Bottom line up front: if you loved Final Fantasy VII Remake, Rebirth gives you more—more freedom, more combat depth, more hours (40–60+), and way more nostalgia-fueled fan service. The real question isn’t "Is it good?" but "Is it the kind of big, time-devouring RPG you actually want to live in right now?" Here’s what you need to know now.

Explore the official world of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth here

Analysis: Whats behind the hype

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the second entry in Square Enixs three-part reimagining of the 1997 classic. It picks up directly after the crew leaves Midgar, expanding what used to be a few hours of linear story into a sprawling, semi-open-world adventure that stretches across several massive regions.

US reviewers from outlets like IGN, GameSpot, Polygon, and The Verge largely agree on three things: the combat is excellent, the production values are wild even by current-gen standards, and the game isnt afraid to mess with your memories of the original. For longtime fans, thats the hook; for newcomers, its a cinematic, combat-heavy RPG that stands on its own.

Key Detail	What You Get
Platform	PlayStation 5 exclusive at launch
Developer / Publisher	Square Enix Holdings Co. Ltd.
US Availability	Available physically and digitally in North America via PlayStation Store, major retailers, and online shops
Price (US)	Standard edition typically listed at around $69.99 USD (check current retailer pricing; discounts and promos may vary)
Approx. Playtime	~35–40 hours main story, 60+ hours with side content, according to multiple US reviews
Combat	Real-time action with tactical pause; expanded synergy attacks and character pair abilities
Structure	Large, semi-open regions (grasslands, Junon, Costa del Sol, and more) connected by story-critical linear sequences
Save / Progression	New-player friendly recap at the start; does not require owning or importing Remake save
Performance Modes	Multiple visual modes on PS5 (quality vs performance) with fast loading
Target Audience	JRPG fans, action-combat players, and anyone who enjoyed Final Fantasy VII Remake

US availability and why it matters

For US players, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is positioned as a marquee PS5 exclusive. Its widely stocked at retailers like Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart, Target, and Amazon, and its on the PlayStation Store for digital buyers who want pre-load and instant access.

Most US outlets list the standard PS5 version at around $69.99 USD, in line with other first- and third-party AAA releases. Deluxe and collectors editions, when available, cost more and are heavily dependent on retailer stock, so if youre eyeing art books, mini soundtracks, or statues, youll want to check multiple sellers for updated availability and pricing.

The combat: real-time, punchy, and deeper than Remake

If you bounced off traditional turn-based JRPGs, Rebirth might be the series entry that finally clicks. Reviews from US outlets and creators point to its hybrid battle system as a standout: youre slashing and dodging in real time, but you can slow things down to queue up abilities, spells, and items using the classic ATB (Active Time Battle) bars.

New in Rebirth are synergy attacks, tag-team moves that let you pair characters for flashy, strategic skills—Cloud and Tifa might launch enemies into the air, while Barret and Red XIII can shred staggered foes. Critics note that the system rewards experimentation more than Remake did, pushing you to swap party leaders and customize materia loadouts for each encounter.

The world: bigger, busier, and not universally loved

One of the biggest changes from Remake is scale. Once you step out of Midgar, Rebirth gives you expansive regions to roam on chocobos, with optional side-quests, monster hunts, world intel activities, mini-games, and hidden story beats. Think less "tiny hub area" and more "JRPG playground".

US reviews are split here. Many praise the sense of place—the way each area looks and sounds distinct—while others argue that the open regions can feel overstuffed with checklists. If you like clearing map icons in games like Horizon Forbidden West or Ghost of Tsushima, youll probably love this. If you prefer a tight, no-filler story, the pacing might test your patience.

Story: a remix that leans into mystery

Rebirth continues Square Enixs experiment of not just remaking but remixing Final Fantasy VII. The core beats are there—traveling with Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, Barret, and the rest of the party toward Sephiroth—but the details, character moments, and timeline quirks are designed to keep even veterans guessing.

US reviewers highlight how the game doubles down on character work: more quiet scenes at camp, more optional dialogues, and expanded arcs for party members like Red XIII and Yuffie. At the same time, the storys willingness to twist expectations is divisive; some love the meta-narrative, others wish it stuck closer to the original script.

Technical polish and PS5 features

On PlayStation 5, Rebirth leans heavily into the hardware: short load times, dense environments, and a cinematic presentation that feels built for current-gen. Reviewers mention occasional visual softness in performance mode and some texture pop-in, but overall consensus is that this is one of the most visually ambitious JRPGs you can play right now.

Support for the DualSense controllers haptics and adaptive triggers is used for subtle feedback—chocobo movement, environmental effects, and battle hits—rather than gimmicks. If you care about fidelity, most US reviewers recommend testing both performance and quality modes in the settings to see which feels better on your TV or monitor.

What the experts say (Verdict)

Looking across major US outlets and creator channels, the consensus is clear: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a must-play for PS5 RPG fans, with some caveats around pacing and open-world density.

• Critical reception: Many reviews from US-based sites describe Rebirth as one of the best Final Fantasy entries in years, often highlighting its confident tone, playful side content, and emotional character arcs. Phrases like "top-tier JRPG" and "instant classic for fans" come up frequently.
• Combat praise: The battle system is almost universally applauded. Critics and influencers alike call it a refined evolution of Remakes combat—fast, expressive, and deep enough that boss fights feel like real tests of mastery rather than damage sponges.
• Open-world fatigue: The main criticism from both critics and players is that the open regions can feel bloated. Some side-quests are creative and character-driven; others are basic errands. If youre a completionist, expect this to add dozens of hours, for better or worse.
• Story risks: Reviewers appreciate that Square Enix is willing to take narrative risks rather than simply retell the original game. But that same boldness means not every twist will land for every player, especially purists who want a faithful recreation.
• Value for US players: At a typical AAA price point in the US, Rebirth is positioned as a major tentpole release—and it largely delivers on that promise with generous content and production value. For US PS5 owners who like big, story-driven RPGs, its one of the years strongest arguments to clear your schedule.

If youre deciding whether to jump in now or wait, heres the simple breakdown:

• Buy now if you loved Remake, enjoy huge RPGs you can live in for weeks, and dont mind a bit of open-world excess.
• Wait for a sale if youre on the fence about JRPG combat or wary of 60+ hour commitments.
• Skip only if youre completely cold on Final Fantasy or story-heavy single-player games.

For most PS5 owners in the US, though, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is exactly what it looks like in your feed: a huge, confident, occasionally messy, but undeniably memorable RPG event.

@ ad-hoc-news.de

Hol dir den Wissensvorsprung der Profis. Seit 2005 liefert der Börsenbrief trading-notes verlässliche Trading-Empfehlungen – dreimal die Woche, direkt in dein Postfach. 100% kostenlos. 100% Expertenwissen. Trage einfach deine E-Mail Adresse ein und verpasse ab heute keine Top-Chance mehr.
Jetzt anmelden.