In the latest update for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth that was shown at The Game Awards 2023, we get new look at some of the characters, areas, and battles encountered in the game. Notably, the basement-dwelling Vincent Valentine and the hard-ass pilot Cid Highwind have been detailed, along with other supporting cast members. While neither character will be directly playable until the third entry, they will join your party as guests.
We also get a closer look at The Gold Saucer, a massive amusement park near Corel that attracts patrons worldwide and is run by the eccentric Dio. We also glimpse the prison underneath, where those condemned to its depths have no chance at return. It’s here that Barret will meet Dyne, Marlene’s biological father, and confront the shadows in his past.
Combat also has an update with more synergy attacks and summons to behold: this time we see Titan, Bahamut “Arisen”, and Phoenix will be used in the same method as Remake. Summoning these massive creatures to the battlefield will allow them to directly attack your enemies, and when the timer’s up, they’ll execute a powerful finisher.
At the Gold Saucer, and throughout your journey, you’ll be able to engage in moments where you will bond with another character by selecting a dialogue option. These options will affect certain scenes, such as a special scene were Cloud brings a companion with him to watch fireworks.
The game’s cast will also re-enact LOVELESS, a storied play in the world of Final Fantasy VII, thanks to VR devices at the Gold Saucer. It seems that more characters will participate than in the original game.
We also see Aerith sing the game’s new theme song composed by Nobuo Uematsu, lyrics by scenario writer Kazushige Nojima (Stellavista), and performed by Loren Allred.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth releases February 29th, 2023 exclusively on PlayStation 5.
Square Enix shares the following:
Regions of the World
The world of FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH is comprised of multiple regions, each boasting unique environments for you to explore and experience on your adventure. Let’s take a look at a couple:
The Gold Saucer
Referred to as the gilded paradise, the Gold Saucer is a resplendent amusement park on an epic scale. It is divided into seven areas, called “squares,” each with their own unique attractions. One such is the Skywheel, which takes guests high above the Saucer for an unforgettable view of the park, and has proven to be a popular date spot.
Corel Prison
A sprawling slum that infests the base of the Gold Saucer.
It’s almost as if the Saucer’s glimmering façade acts a beacon for vagabonds and ne’er-do-wells the world over, as they have flocked there in droves. So dangerous is the Dustbowl – Corel Prison’s slightly kinder sobriquet – that those who enter its limits are said to never return.
New Characters
Vincent Valentine
Voice: Matt Mercer
A self-proclaimed “security” guard who hibernates in a coffin deep below Shinra Manor. This man of mystery is swathed in a red cape and boasts the genes of a monster─as well as a hidden connection to Sephiroth.
Cid Highwind
Voice: J. Michael Tatum
This rogue pilot of reputable skill runs a shuttle service out of various abandoned airstrips. After Cloud and company flag him down, he flies them around the globe in his beloved Tiny Bronco.
Dyne
Voice:
Dave B. Mitchell
Dyne was once Barret’s closest friend, back when the two used to make their living in the coal mines of Corel. Now, he is a wanted man with a gun grafted to his left arm, and his current whereabouts are unknown.
Dio
Voice:
Ian James Corlett
The charismatic owner of the Gold Saucer. Famous for his brawny physique and handlebar mustache, Dio is often found participating in his park’s parades, flexing his muscles before throngs of screaming guests.
Doctor
Sheiran
Voice:
Lloyd Sherr
Though his clinic in North Corel may be small, Doctor Sheiran’s heart and intellect are anything but. Lately, he has been caring for the black-robed figures that have stumbled into town, and is attempting to uncover the truth behind their mysterious illness.
Solemn
Gus
Voice:
Jonah Scott
The sleazy kingpin of Corel Prison, Gus is as flamboyant as he is smooth-talking. Add to that a healthy dose of showmanship, and it’s little wonder that the dregs of the Dustbowl have flocked to him.
Biggs
Voice:
Gideon Emery
After surviving the fall of the Sector 7 plate, Biggs awoke to find that he is the last remaining member of the ill-fated anti-Shinra rebels, Avalanche. Having recovered from his injuries, he now seeks revenge against the company that murdered his comrades.
Synergy Attacks
Synergy attacks are powerful attacks in which two characters team up to turn the tide of battle. More abilities will unlock as you increase the party level – a numerical expression of how closely-knit your team is – and deepen the affinity between party members. Fill the synergy gauge by using abilities, then unleash a synchronized assault!
Here are some new examples:
Cloud + Aerith
Firework Blade
Cloud uses Aerith’s magic to unleash a ranged attack.
Tifa + Cait Sith
Moogle Dunk Shot
Tifa swings Cait Sith’s moogle around and launches it at an enemy.
Summons
Setting summoning materia will grant access to the power of the gods.
A conjured deity will follow your lead and fight enemies automatically, but you can also instruct them to use special abilities.
Before they depart the battlefield, summons will unleash one final attack that will wreak immense havoc.
Titan
A titanic colossus whose arms of solid stone can rend the earth – and your enemies – asunder.
Titan excels at both powerful melee strikes and area-of-effect attacks, such as Boulder Hurl.
Upon leaving the battlefield, Titan unleashes Earthen Fury, calling forth giant pillars of rock from deep within the earth. This imposing magic attack harnesses the power of nature to cleave your enemies’ resolve.
Bahamut Arisen
A massive dragon covered in resplendent red scales.
It cuts off any possible escape routes with its lightning-quick speed, and decimates its enemies with both sharp claws and a veritable arsenal of weaponry.
Bahamut Arisen excels at attacking in rapid succession, but can also obliterate foes with charged magic attacks from its limbs. Once its Umbral Bombardment lands, it releases two orbs of magic that fan out and annihilate all surrounding enemies.
When it leaves the battlefield, Bahamut Arisen activates Gigaflare – an extremely potent attack that sees the dragon unleash beams of magic from its wings and maw, burning any nearby foes alive.
Phoenix
A bird possessed of exquisite beauty and wings of brilliant flame. Phoenix not only flies about the battlefield assailing foes with its blisteringly hot attacks, but also heals the party’s wounds.
In addition to engulfing enemies in flames with its wings of wildfire, Phoenix can grant buffs with healing effects. It can also revive incapacitated allies and fully recover their HP with Arise, allowing them to return to the front line and continue the fight.
When it departs the field of battle, Phoenix unleashes Rebirth Flame, which recovers the party’s HP and spells a fiery death any foes within its wide range. A single feather falls from Phoenix’s wings, enveloping the battlefield in burning flames, after which the bird rises from the cinders to deal the final blow.
Bonds of Friendship
Cloud’s actions and the way he responds to other party members while conversing with them will affect his relationship with them.
With a strong enough bond, you may even reap some benefits, so whenever you’re faced with a decision, you might want to think hard before responding – especially if it concerns your favorite character.
Loveless
A theatrical production based on the classic epic poem Loveless. It depicts a hero’s fight against the Dragon King, the tyrannical ruler of Guardia, as well as his love for Princess Rosa.
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