While we're still not massively keen on Square Enix's decision to split a once 40-hour classic into three relatively huge releases, we simply can't ignore how much effort was poured into Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake felt like it set the stage for a bigger and better sequel — and that's pretty much what we got. Away from the imposing metal city of Midgar, Rebirth lets its hair down and offers up an often engrossing adventure.
Arguably, Rebirth is at its best when its recreating story beats and locations from the source material, adding an obsessive amount of detail to a setting that already felt so rich and interesting. It also goes out of its way to provide more character depth across the board; Cloud and his party are brilliantly realised here, with the spiky-haired hero himself being a standout member of the cast.
The combat's been given some really nice improvements as well — and the hybrid action-command system as a whole is still a highlight, just like it was in Remake. Yet more incredible boss battles are the icing on the combat-centric cake, and we really have no idea how the next game will top some of these encounters.