“Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth” is a reimagining of the iconic RPG classic. It is the middle entry in Square Enix’s planned trilogy, following the 2020’s “Final Fantasy 7 Remake.” The game takes the players on a journey with the cast as they escape from Midgar and travel the world to hunt down the antagonist, Sephiroth. The game aims to cater to both fans and newcomers, but it heavily relies on the previous installment’s knowledge and the wider universe known as the Compilation of Final Fantasy 7. This makes it challenging for new players to fully understand the complex world-building and character arcs that have been developing over time. The game showcases an open world, highlighting environmentalist themes by immersing players in a lush and vibrant world. The visuals are stunning, and the soundtrack is considered one of the best in the Final Fantasy series. However, despite the breathtaking landscapes, the activities within these areas are rather plain and uninspiring. The battle system in “Rebirth” combines real-time action with traditional menu-based mechanics, offering a unique and engaging experience. Each character in the party has distinct abilities, making battles a showcase of their personalities and skills. The addition of tag-team synergy attacks adds depth to the combat system, providing fan service and enhancing the overall experience. While the pause feature allows players to capture incredible moments in battle, the game also includes various mini-games and side activities. However, the abundance of these distractions feels excessive and detracts from the main narrative, leaving players longing for substantial progression. Narratively, the game struggles to justify its position as the middle part of a trilogy. It introduces mindless activities and extended mini-game breaks, attempting to disguise the lack of substantial story progression. Despite aiming to be a commentary on its own legacy and evolution, the game falls short and fails to deliver meaningful insights or developments.For fans of the original game, “Rebirth” offers charming and nostalgic elements, allowing players to spend more time with beloved characters. However, the lack of significant plot advancement and the overwhelming focus on side content make the overall experience feel stagnant and unfulfilling. In conclusion, “Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth” provides a visually stunning and musically captivating experience, but it struggles to offer meaningful progression and substantial storytelling. The abundance of side activities and distractions detracts from the main narrative, leaving players feeling unsatisfied and longing for a more impactful journey.