Square Enix has shared new gameplay and story details for the upcoming Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, as well as a new trailer recapping the first game in the saga. The “Story So Far” trailer, which is narrated by Red XIII, recaps the events of Final Fantasy VII Remake and will be available to watch on the main menu of the game.
The developer has also shared a plethora of new information about the game’s world, characters, and combat. First up, the regions of Kalm and the Mythril Mine were given new descriptions.
The first town players will likely see in the game, Kalm is “a halcyon hamlet kept safe from the outside world by a sturdy stone wall. Though it lacks a reactor of its own, it thrives thanks to a steady supply of mako piped in from the metropolis of Midgar, which is visible from atop the town’s famous clock tower,” Square Enix said.
Square Enix described the Mythril Mines as “a once-bustling mine that connects the grasslands with Junon. Though once prized for its rich mythril deposits, the quarry fell into disuse after Shinra developed a superior mineral of their own, and the miners that once worked its tunnels have been replaced with monsters.”
They have also revealed five characters new to Rebirth with brief descriptions of each.
Mick Lauer’s Broden is “owner and operator of the Inn at Kalm. He bears a grudge against Shinra, and offers to help Cloud and friends escape their would-be corporate captors. His gaunt appearance may be due to his recent bout with an unknown illness.”
G.K. Bowes’ Rhonda is “mayor and sheriff of Under Junon. Her home, once a prosperous fishing village, fell into decline after Shinra constructed a military fortress overhead and a deep-sea mako reactor offshore. Despite Cloud and friends’ status as alleged terrorists, Rhonda still allows them to pass through her town.”
Reese Warren’s Priscilla is “a cheerful young girl who lives in Under Junon, often seen swimming with the dolphin she trains. The offshore mako reactor has contaminated the surrounding waters, and Priscilla fears for the safety of her dolphin friend and other aquatic creatures.”
Paul Castro Jr.’s Billy is “grandson of Bill, owner of a chocobo ranch in the grasslands. Having lost his parents at a young age, he and his sister were raised by their grandfather. This young ranch hand kindly offers to teach Cloud and company the ropes of chocobo wrangling – on the condition that they patronize his sister’s shop.”
Finally, Trinity Bliss’ Chloe is Billy’s younger sister who runs a shop on their ranch. “Warm and kindhearted, she engages politely with Cloud and company and is grateful for their patronage. At the same time, she is worried about her brother’s fixation on making money.”
Switching to combat, Square Enix highlighted the abilities of Red XIII and Aerith before detailing the new synergy abilities and skills. Red XIII’s basic attack has him slash at enemies with his claws, with the ability to unleash a wide-range attack. He features a mix of quick physical abilities and ranged magic attacks. His unique ability is Vengeance Mode, which enhances his physical attacks and evasion. Aerith’s unique ability was also revealed to be Ward Shift, which allows her to warp around the battlefield to sigils that she has created.
Synergy abilities involve two characters working together to unleash a powerful attack, such as Cloud and Tifa’s Relentless Rush or Barrett and Red XIII’s Overfang. Synergy skills have characters team up to offer a range of benefits. Cloud and Aerith’s Spell Blade is a charged magical attack, while Barret and Cloud’s Mad Dash guards against incoming attacks to deliver a three-hit combo.
Finally, Square Enix confirmed the return of both Active and Classic battle modes as well as a new difficulty option, Dynamic, which scales enemies with the player’s level for a constant challenge.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is set to release on February 29, 2024.