Square Enix has dropped a bombshell for Final Fantasy 7 fans with exciting new details about the upcoming game, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. In a recent release date trailer showcased during PlayStation State of Play, creative director Tetsuya Nomura confirmed that the iconic antagonist Sephiroth will be fully playable in the game, sending shockwaves through the gaming community. Sephiroth’s Playable Role Nomura’s statement revealed that players will be able to control Sephiroth during a pivotal scene in the game, a callback to the original Final Fantasy 7. The scene in question is the Nibelheim flashback, where Sephiroth temporarily joins the party as an AI-controlled member. However, in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, players will have the unique opportunity to take command of this iconic character themselves, adding a thrilling twist to the game’s narrative. New Party Members and Familiar Faces The trailer also unveiled some much-anticipated party members, including Cait Sith, who appears to have two forms: the black cat and a giant moogle. With moves like Kitty Wallop, Lucky Roll, and Let’s Ride, Cait Sith promises to bring a unique dynamic to the party. Vincent also makes an appearance, hinting that he may not be an optional character this time around. However, one party member remains a mystery – Cid, whose absence raises questions about his role in the upcoming installment. Enhanced Traversal and Chocobo Abilities The new trailer showcased an array of chocobo abilities, with different colors of chocobos offering unique skills. A black chocobo can scale vertical surfaces, while a turquoise chocobo is capable of flying. These chocobo variations promise to enhance the game’s exploration and traversal mechanics. Additionally, a quick glimpse of the buggy, used for swift travel across the world map, was shown, along with a surprising sight: Cloud on a segway, seemingly enjoying a moment of leisure in Costa Del Sol. Exciting Summons and Extended Side Content Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is set to feature a wide range of summons, both returning favorites and new additions. The trailer revealed the return of Odin, wielding his iconic Zantetsuken sword, as well as the colossal Alexander. Director Naoki Hamaguchi hinted at even more summons than previously seen in Final Fantasy 7 Remake, with some entirely new to the series. These summons promise to add epic battles and strategic depth to the gameplay, leaving players eager to see iconic summons like Knights of the Round in action. The Gold Saucer Experience Fans of the Gold Saucer amusement park will be delighted to explore this iconic location in all its glory. The trailer showcased the party riding a gondola to the neon-lit wonderland, with glimpses of exciting minigames such as 3-D Battler, Chocobo Racing, and G-Bike. Hamaguchi revealed that the scale of minigames has been expanded compared to the original game, providing players with a wealth of entertainment options. Players will visit the Gold Saucer as part of the main story and can return at any time for more minigames and challenges. The infamous date scene is also set to make a return, adding a touch of romance and humor to the adventure. Additional Details and Structural Changes The trailer offered a glimpse of the parade section in Junon, complete with a marching minigame, which Hamaguchi confirmed has been expanded. Other highlights include the appearance of a Weapon, hints of the Reunion, and more focus on Zack. Nomura explained that the order in which locations are visited has been altered, with Wutai being reserved for the next game, implying significant expansion in that area. Rebirth’s narrative will extend to ‘The Forgotten Capital,’ hinting at the epic climax awaiting players. PC players will be pleased to note that the asterisked addition at the end of the trailer hints at a potential PC release, with a release date no later than May 29, 2024. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is now available for pre-order, including a Collector’s Edition with a Sephiroth statue, exclusive to the Square Enix store. With over 7 million copies of Final Fantasy 7 Remake shipped and sold digitally worldwide, the anticipation for Rebirth is reaching a fever pitch among fans. Get ready for an unforgettable journey as Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth promises to redefine the classic while honoring the beloved original. Nomura also shed light on the game’s narrative structure, revealing changes in the order of locations visited by players. While some familiar locales will still make an appearance, the narrative will extend to ‘The Forgotten Capital,’ hinting at a monumental and emotional climax for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. These alterations to the story’s pacing promise to provide both new and returning players with fresh surprises and a reinvigorated storytelling experience. For PC gamers eagerly awaiting their chance to dive into Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, there’s good news. The trailer concludes with an asterisked note, stating that the game will not be available on other formats at least until May 29, 2024. This strongly implies that the PC version of the game will be released, ensuring that a broader audience can join in on the adventure sooner rather than later. Collector’s Edition and Sephiroth Statue Square Enix has also unveiled a Collector’s Edition of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, which includes a stunning 19-inch Sephiroth statue. This Collector’s Edition, exclusive to the Square Enix store, offers fans a chance to own a piece of Final Fantasy history. While it comes with a hefty price tag at $349.99, the beautifully crafted Sephiroth statue is sure to be a prized possession for collectors and devoted fans of the franchise. Massive Success and Continuing Legacy Following the trailer reveal, Square Enix shared an impressive milestone: Final Fantasy 7 Remake has shipped and sold digitally worldwide over 7 million copies. This remarkable achievement encompasses both the original release and the subsequent Intergrade expansion on PlayStation consoles and PC. It’s a testament to the enduring popularity of Final Fantasy 7 and the anticipation surrounding the upcoming Rebirth. As Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth continues to gather momentum and excitement among fans, the gaming community eagerly awaits its release. With its expanded gameplay features, playable Sephiroth, and enhanced storytelling, Rebirth promises to deliver an unforgettable adventure that pays homage to the classic while pushing the boundaries of the beloved original. Stay tuned for more updates and prepare to embark on an epic journey when Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth launches. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of Final Fantasy 7, this highly anticipated title is set to captivate players and leave a lasting legacy in the gaming industry.