Now that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has been out in the wild for several weeks. Players are reaching the conclusion of the highly anticipated RPG. This follows many having experienced the ending and engaging in discussions online, both praising and critiquing it.
As previously disclosed by Square Enix, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth concludes at the Forgotten Capital – a pivotal location from the original game. Given the significance of this setting to fans, veteran developer Tetsuya Nomura admitted to feeling “even more nervous” about fan reactions to Rebirth’s ending compared to its predecessor.
Before proceeding further, consider this a spoiler warning, as the following discussion will delve into spoiler territory. For those still reading, let’s explore. Much like our earlier exploration of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s ending, what unfolds largely mirrors the events of the original game, albeit with some nuances.
The core elements remain intact: Sephiroth ensures Aerith’s demise, with additional layers added to ponder over until the trilogy’s conclusion. Cloud seemingly saves Aerith, only for it to be revealed otherwise. The enigmatic mercenary can perceive Aerith’s presence when others cannot, adding complexity as the narrative intertwines with multiverse themes.
Similar to Remake, Square Enix aims to provoke questions and debates with this retelling, ensuring future developments retain an element of surprise. While exiting Midgar raised numerous inquiries as we confronted the arbiters of fate, Rebirth tackles a more cherished moment from the original game, prompting mixed reactions among fans regarding its complexity.
“Why make it so convoluted?” questions one fan, while another expresses confusion about the direction the story may take. Delving deeper, another fan remarks, “While her death was impactful, the constant shifting between timelines and the interaction of Aerith’s spirit with Cloud detracts from the intended emotional weight.”
Yet, not all fans share this sentiment. Some appreciate the complexity, considering it a testament to the writing and performances. Regarding the intricacies, optimistic fans suggest focusing on the broader narrative strokes rather than getting bogged down in minutiae.
“Our party united to defeat Sephiroth,” one fan points out. “Do we truly need a complete understanding of Zack’s alternate timeline or Aerith’s lingering presence? Remake fulfilled its promises, and the existence of unresolved mysteries sets the stage for the final installment.”
Regardless of individual opinions on the ending, Square Enix appears to have achieved its objective, evoking varied reactions from fans and preserving the essence of the original game while introducing new layers of intrigue.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake left players contemplating its implications, and Rebirth continues this trend. Online communities buzz with speculation, although some express a desire for a more faithful preservation of the original narrative amidst the reinterpretation.
