In a time where everything seems overwhelmingly meta, Square Enix’s Final Fantasy VII Rebirth offers a refreshing take. Having spent over 200 hours playing it in the past month and completing everything in the game, I can confidently say it’s the best video game I’ve ever played. It incorporates mini-games from various other enjoyable games and taps into my Millennial video game nostalgia from the late 90s. This is the game I’ve always wanted – a fully immersive Final Fantasy VII that brings genuine joy while playing, not just as a job or to keep up with the latest trends. It’s built on happy and sometimes campy moments, with a clear mission to fight against obvious evil.
Writing a review at this point hardly does justice to what has already been said about the game’s significance in the industry. Personally, I see it as a reflection of our collective feelings towards video games. While based on Square Enix’s most famous IP, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth evolves with the times and addresses the theme of loss, making it relatable for someone like me approaching middle age who has seen friends pass away in recent years.