How Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s Length Could Be a Double-Edged Sword

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Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the kind of game that isn’t afraid to take its time.

I step into this game world that sprawls way past the confined cityscape of Midgar, urging me to traverse landscapes ranging from verdant plains to sandy outposts. The map is brimming with optional quests, activities, and minigames galore!

If you’re a fan who relishes every detail in a JRPG, this game is like a dream fulfilled. However, as the size expands, so does the challenge, and it becomes increasingly difficult to overlook—occasionally, the game’s extensive length can undermine the narrative it aims to convey.

In terms of length, Rebirth ranks as one of the most extensive installments within the series, often surpassing 40 hours just for the main narrative and potentially doubling that for a complete playthrough. This might seem enticing to players seeking maximum value, but it’s important to note that the game’s pace doesn’t always match its sizeable scope.

Frequent detours filled with secondary activities frequently interrupt crucial narrative beats. While these diversions provide opportunities for character development and player interaction, they can sometimes dilute the impact of important plot elements by either arriving too late or getting overshadowed by the abundance of distractions.

Instead of Remake, which confined the story within Midgar and maintained a tight focus, Rebirth adopts a broader, less restrictive narrative style. Players aren’t hurried in this game, but its expansive nature does imply certain trade-offs.

Many activities in the optional content appear quite similar across different areas, including turning on towers, searching for life essence crystals, and accomplishing intelligence tasks. While these elements aren’t flawed, they can become monotonous over an extended period of time.

As the journey progresses, what could have been a deeply engaging experience gradually transforms into a series of tasks, potentially distancing you from the narrative on an emotional level. This raises the intriguing question about how the trilogy will conclude. Given that Rebirth is already extensive and filled with optional mechanics, one might wonder what awaits us in Part 3.

From where Square Enix seems to be steering the ship, it wouldn’t shock me at all if the next installment took a different route. For the final chapter to truly shine, perhaps reducing the amount of optional content could lead to a more focused, cinematic climax. If the story is reaching its end, an extra 100 hours might not be necessary. Instead, let’s wrap it up in a way that feels satisfying and impactful.

A more streamlined and concentrated approach might work better, taking into account the grandeur of Rebirth. It’s not that Rebirth is excessive, but rather, it’s an impressive accomplishment in numerous aspects. The visuals are consistently powerful, character development is given adequate attention, and the revamped world of Gaia feels vibrant. However, its structure slightly hinders its impact compared to Remake.

The numerous distractions like collectibles, side missions, and map markers can make it challenging for the narrative to keep its pace, especially if you prioritize the story’s progression over exploration. However, if your preference leans towards experiencing the journey itself rather than focusing on the storyline, then this structure might suit you well. But if you’re keen on following the story’s evolution, you might find it too excessively filled with additional content.

Moving forward, the concluding part of the trilogy may require some challenging decisions. So far, Square Enix has demonstrated its ability to construct vast game worlds filled with captivating content. However, it remains to be seen if they can determine when to simplify or reduce certain elements effectively.

If Part 3 provides a more compact, emotionally resonant conclusion, it could make the biggest impression among the trilogy, cutting through any distractions with its powerful finality.

While you’re anticipating the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, you can keep yourself entertained by playing Final Fantasy VII Remake on portable devices. The Rebirth version is currently accessible on PlayStation 5 and personal computers.

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2025-04-09 09:12