Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth received a new trailer that revealed returning playable characters Vincent and Cait Sith, while also teasing how far it will follow the original game’s story.
Part 2 of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy has been hotly anticipated since the game’s timeline-shattering conclusion in 2020. While fans were divided on the changes to Square Enix’s classic, many were left wanting more. Given how FF7 Remake’s finale explicitly divorced itself and its successors from the original game, the Final Fantasy fanbase has been patiently waiting for the next installment.
Now as rumors of even more remakes bubble and a DLC expansion for Final Fantasy 16 looms, ardent fans have been rewarded for their patience. Square Enix dropped a new trailer for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth at Sony’s State of Play showcase, replete with returning characters, timeline reveals, and much more.
How far does Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth go into the original FF7’s story?
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is set to go far into the second disk of the original FF7.
While Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s story is no longer tethered to the progression of the original game, inferences can be made from the trailer. Featured heavily within the trailer are events that took place in the Gold Saucer. From the divisive Cait Sith, the dune buggy used to traverse the surrounding desert, and its various mini-games it seems a safe bet that the player will spend a significant amount of time at the Saucer.
The appearance of Vincent and the Materia Keeper boss also confirms that the game will progress through to Mt. Nibel and Cloud’s hometown of Nibelheim. The big reveal within the trailer is the appearance of the Emerald Weapon, a superboss from the original who emerges from the North Crater following significant story beats. The Weapons are heavily tied into the Junon cannon, which also features heavily in the trailer.
These two appearances seem to hint that the game could progress significantly into Final Fantasy 7’s second disc. Should Rebirth follow the original’s trajectory, this all would take place after Aerith’s demise in the Forgotten Capital. Though given the nature of the new timeline, nothing is guaranteed in Rebirth.
Is Vincent a playable character in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth?
Vincent appears in the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth trailer, but it is unknown whether he will be a playable character.
While the trailer shows the iconic character’s emergence from his coffin beneath Shinra Mansion, there is no indication that Vincent will be a playable party member in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. The brooding shapeshifter has long been a fan favorite amongst Final Fantasy diehards. He was previously featured as the main character of spin-off shooter Final Fantasy 7: Dirge of Cerberus.
Vincent will be making his long-awaited return in FF7 Rebirth. Yet while his appearance has excited fans, it also raises questions as to how big a role he’ll play in the game.
The concern that has risen is that Vincent may find himself relegated to guest character status, as was seen with Red XIII in Final Fantasy 7 Remake. While Cait Sith was specifically shown as a playable character the gun-toting former Turk was absent from the gameplay showcases.
Cid may be completely left out of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. The foul-mouthed pilot has yet to be confirmed for Rebirth, nor has his airship. Instead, Cloud was shown riding around on a Segway scooter, something that left fans laughing and confused.