As with the previous game, it’s a full-length, standalone experience that reimagines the iconic Final Fantasy VII for the modern era. In this new standalone game, Cloud, Barret, Tifa, Aerith and Red XIII have left the bustling metropolis of Midgar and are about to take their first steps into the wider world. The group pursues the legendary SOLDIER Sephiroth across these vast lands.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth  is the second entry in the Final Fantasy VII remake project, which retells the story of the iconic fantasy game that redefined the RPG genre in three distinct games. At launch, Final Fantasy VII Remake was celebrated by players and critics alike, selling over five million copies worldwide.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is being designed so that people can enjoy this game whether they know the original game or not. In fact, new players might even enjoy starting their Final Fantasy VII journey with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Cloud and his friends embark on a new journey in this game, and I believe that the scenes that they witness after leaving Midgar will give players a fresh, new experience. I can’t wait to share the intention behind naming the first title, “Remake,” and the second title, “Rebirth.” In time, I hope to reveal what the third title will be called, and where this journey will ultimately lead.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth picks up with iconic heroes Cloud, Barret, Tifa, Aerith and Red XIII after they escape from the dystopian city Midgar and sees them embark on a journey in pursuit of Sephiroth, the vengeful swordsman from Cloud’s past who was thought to be dead. In this standalone adventure, players will explore an expansive world, all brought to life with a new level of graphical fidelity, developed specifically to leverage the power of the PS5 console. As players unravel a gripping narrative rich with mysteries to uncover, they will also witness the personal journey of each party member and strengthen their bonds to work together and face off against powerful enemies.

Square Enix released part one of a two-part demo for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, allowing players to experience the opening chapter, with a second playable section becoming available on February 21, giving players the chance to experience a part of the expansive game world ahead of its launch.

Today’s State of Play broadcast was headlined by the surprise demo release and the State of Play Final Trailer, an enthralling glimpse at the legendary adventure that awaits. In the trailer, witness the party’s pursuit of Sephiroth and the fates they must overcome to save the planet from his machinations. Viewers can see breathtaking landscapes and newly imagined locales like the Temple of the Ancients, myriad minigames like 3D Brawler, Chocobo Racing, and G-Bike, and the return of beloved characters like long-gone SOLDIER hero Zack Fair, the electrifying Turk Reno and Roche, the thrill-seeking SOLDIER 3rd Class. Finally, an exhilarating battle system featuring new Synergy Abilities and the acclaimed combination of real-time action with strategic commands was also featured as part of today’s event.

The “Fall of a Hero in Nibelheim” demo features an extended flashback section, as Cloud Strife recalls an earlier mission in his career as a SOLDIER – “the Nibelheim incident.” This mission takes place five years ago prior to the setting of the game. Take control of a younger version of main protagonist Cloud Strife and the legendary Sephiroth as the two SOLDIER heroes investigate the sudden appearance of monsters in the mountains above Cloud’s hometown. When a dark truth comes to light, the course of their lives and the fate of the planet will change forever.

After players complete the “Fall of a Hero in Nibelheim” content, the demo will receive an update on February 21, opening another playable section entitled “Dawn of a New Era in Junon.” In this special preview made specifically for the demo, explore a small piece of the massive in-game world around the harbor town of Junon. The Junon area featured in this demo has been altered to make the content more compact, so progress cannot be carried over to the full game. However, fans and newcomers will get a chance to experience new forms of exploration, new synergy attacks and the powerful character bonds expressed through thrilling combat.

Players with save data from the demo will receive the Kupo Charm and Survival Set in the full game. These players will also be able to skip past sections covered in the “Fall of a Hero in Nibelheim” demo. Players must ensure their game is fully updated to take advantage of these benefits.

The full State of Play presentation contained a wealth of new information and gameplay footage. The game’s distinct yet interconnected regions were displayed on the zoomed-out World Map. Traversal methods like chocobos, the Tiny Bronco plane and the desert buggy will transport players across the world to hidden treasures, mysterious anomalies, Combat Assignments, minigames and side content in the form of Odd Jobs. This content, plus dialogue choices and battles, contribute to the bonds between party members, affecting scenes throughout the game. Watch the full broadcast for details on character skill trees, a soundtrack boasting over 400 tracks, the different features of Graphics Mode and Performance Mode and so much more.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is coming to PS5 on February 29, 2024.