Final Fantasy VII Rebirth details new characters, Folios, synergy abilities, regions, transportation, navigation, world intel, and minigames
All aboard the Tiny Bronco.
Square Enix has released new information and screenshots for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, including new key artwork for Aerith, Red XIII, Vincent, and Cid, an introduction to characters Cissnei, Bugenhagen, Zangan, Johnny, Rufus Shinra, Tseng, Reno, Rude, Roche, and Professor Hojo, new details on the “Folios” combat system, more synergy abilities, a look at the regions of the world, forms of transportation, navigation, world intel, and minigames.
If you missed it earlier, a demo for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is now available, as well as a 20-minute State of Play broadcast archive and new gameplay videos. Watch them here.
Get the latest details below.
■ New Key Visuals
The Forgotten Capital / Aerith
Recreation of Original Key Art / Red XIII
Recreation of Original Key Art / Vincent
Recreation of Original Key Art / Cid
■ New Characters
Cissnei (voiced by Kayli Mills in English)
“It’s nothing. For a second, I thought you were someone else.”
Leader of the Gongaga Youth Coalition. She initially visited Gongaga after the reactor exploded as part of the relief effort, then ended up calling the village her home. Her past is shrouded in mystery, but her knack for both combat and leadership suggests she is no amateur. She employs those fighting skills while fending off fiends that have gone wild due to mako exposure.
Bugenhagen (voiced by Frank Todaro in English)
“Planetology is not simply the study of the cosmos and the celestial bodies that dwell in it. Rather, it is a quest to comprehend the cyclical nature of life.”
Cosmo Canyon’s eminent authority on planetology. This revered sage has dedicated himself to study of the planet, and now shares his teachings with countless disciples. He is also a scientist, having invented a number of clever devices, such as the wind turbines that power Cosmo Canyon, listening tubes to monitor the voice of the planet, and his enormous observational telescope.
Zangan (voiced by Jamieson Price in English)
“You could learn a lot from me. Don’t be shy—I have many pupils your age.”
The master and founder of his eponymous style of martial arts. He travels the world teaching his craft, accumulating 128 students along the way. While residing in Nibelheim, Zangan takes Tifa under his wing, and works diligently to promote exercises inspired by his fighting style.
Johnny (voiced by Yuri Lowenthal in English)
“Don’t look at me like that! I’m not some…some sellout!”
A lovable dolt from the Sector 7 undercity prone to getting carried away. After leaving Midgar, he drifted over to Costa del Sol, where he was granted the alleged opportunity of a lifetime. Yet despite becoming the owner of a hotel in this sun-kissed vacation destination, business is far from booming: not a single person has patroned his establishment.
Rufus Shinra (voiced by Josh Bowman in English)
“But to the naysayers, and to you all, I say this… The Shinra Electric Power Company will endure.”
The young, newly inaugurated president of the Shinra Electric Power Company. After his father’s passing, Rufus has taken up the reins as head of the corporation. He aims to break with what he views as outdated practices and instead rebuild the company with a new creed, declaring the dawn of a new era during his inaugural address.
Tseng (voiced by Vic Chao in English)
“You need someone to blame. I suggest you look in the mirror.”
Leader of the Turks unit of Shinra’s General Affairs Division. He has a knack for managing his eccentric subordinates, wrangling them into a professional team. After Rufus Shinra takes over as president, Tseng works behind the scenes as his new right-hand man.
Reno (voiced by Arnie Pantoja in English)
“Guess we’ll just have to pick this up next time.”
A member of the Turks unit of Shinra’s General Affairs Division. Known for his fiery red hair and permanent sardonic grin, Reno exudes aloof detachment. Injured during the operation to bring down the Sector 7 plate, he is currently suspended from duty on recovery leave.
Rude (voiced by William Christopher Stephens in English)
“Orders are orders. The whys and wherefores are not our concern.”
A member of the Turks unit of Shinra’s General Affairs Division. Bald and burly, Rude is not one to waste words, preferring to let his fists do the talking. He is currently standing in for Reno on a mission to track the robed men with Elena, their new recruit.
Roche (voiced by Austin Lee Matthews in English)
“Come! Unleash your passion. Succumb to your instincts! Let us revel in a turbocharged tryst!”
A 3-C SOLDIER maverick best known for his insatiable need for speed. After their fierce battle in Midgar, Roche has taken a shine to Cloud. He now vows to follow his newfound “friend” to the ends of the earth.
Professor Hojo (voiced by James Sie)
“Yes, yes! Only a reunion could produce such results!”
Director of Shinra’s Research & Development Division. The professor has worked to develop numerous twisted bioweapons, paying heed to neither ethics nor common decency: to Hojo, human life is but a means to a scientific end. Currently, he is attempting to verify his “reunion” hypothesis by investigating the migration of robed men across the planet.
■ Combat: Systems
Folios
These invaluable tomes contain instructions on various martial arts, ranging from swordsmanship to close-quarters combat. They can be augmented at any branch of Maghnata Books around the world, thus giving you access to new abilities. In order to do so, however, you will need to spend skill points, which can be obtained by completing odd jobs and other activities.
■ Combat: Synergy Skills
Synergy Abilities
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!
—Sweet-and-Sour Salvo (Synergy Ability for Barret and Aerith)
Barret and Aerith strike a pose and unleash a flurry of ranged strikes.
—SOLDIER Moogle Class (Synergy Ability for Cloud and Cait Sith)
Cloud hops aboard Cait Sith’s moogle and lends it his sword to deliver.
—Call of the Wild (Synergy Ability for Tifa and Red XIII)
Tifa and Red XIII tap into their inner warrior to decimate foes across a wide.
—Mystic Multiplication (Synergy Ability for Aerith and Yuffie)
Aerith clones Yuffie, who launches a sprightly assault.
—Ringmaster (Synergy Ability for Aerith and Red XIII)
Aerith takes control of Red XIII, unleashing a ranged attack across a wide area.
—Feline Fury (Synergy Ability for Cait Sith and Red XIII)
Red XIII and Cait Sith charge forward with an animalic abandon.
—Halcyon Descent (Synergy Ability for Cloud and Yuffie)
Cloud and Yuffie leap into the air and deliver a combo from above.
■ Regions of the World
The world is comprised of multiple regions, each boasting unique environments for players to explore and experience on their adventure.
Costa del Sol
A thriving resort town built on the continent’s always-sunny coast. All visitors to this ocean oasis are welcomed with graceful dancers and colorful flower garlands. While Costa del Sol has many attractions, its biggest draw is its pristine sandy beaches, which are always filled with tourists eager take a refreshing dip.
Gongaga
A small village situated in the middle of a verdant jungle. It is also the site of a horrific mako reactor explosion. The Gongaga mushrooms that grow in the surrounding tangle are wonderfully fragrant and are considered a delicacy by many. Due to the explosion, the Gongaga reactor remains offline to this day.
Cosmo Canyon
An arid expanse marked by its vivid red earth and majestic ravines. Known as the “sanctuary of planetology,” here you can find numerous scholars dedicated to studying the planet. However, it is also populated by ascetics who have eschewed mako consumption and tourists enticed by the region’s deep spirituality. Rather than mako, the settlement itself relies on wind power. Numerous windmills dot the canyon, harnessing the gale-force winds that whistle between its walls.
Nibelheim (Five Years Ago)
A quiet, antiquated village tucked away at the foot of Mt. Nibel—the location of Shinra’s first ever mako reactor. While the reactor once brought prosperity to the village, it now seems to be a hotbed of monstrous activity, and the war hero Sephiroth is called upon to lead an investigation into the matter.
Shinra Mansion
A dilapidated building on the outskirts of Nibelheim owned by the Shinra Electric Power Company. While it once housed a team of skilled researchers who carried out clandestine experiments in its subterranean chambers, it now lies vacant, and not even Nibelheim’s residents are allowed inside.
■ World: New Forms of Transportation
Ocean Chocobos
These chocobos use a steady stream of water to propel themselves across bodies of water. Need to get to the other side of a raging river? Does the sea stand between you and your destination? Well, neither are too tough for an ocean chocobo!
Forest Chocobos
This breed of bird comes in quite handy on treks through the woods, where it can springboard off giant mushrooms and slide down tree branches. No matter how thick the trees or lush the undergrowth, forest chocobos make traversing the hinterland a breeze.
Tiny Bronco
The mechanical apple of Cid Highwind’s eye, this sturdy aircraft serves as Bronco Airlines’ entire fleet. Cid routinely lands it at old airstrips across the continent, so if you’re ever at one, send up a smoke signal and he’ll fly on down. Bronco Airlines always gets you where you need to go, but brace for a bumpy ride!
■ Navigating the World
Controlling Different Characters
During the journey, there will be times where Cloud’s companions will have to take the lead instead. Make use of each character’s special trait to keep their adventure on track. For example, Red XIII can run on walls, while Cait Sith can use his moogle to throw heavy objects.
■ World Intel
Chadley enlists your help with deepening his understanding of the world. As you explore the various regions, you will uncover new areas rich with treasures and natural wonders. Data points accumulated in your travels can then be spent to develop useful new materia.
Combat Simulator
Assist Chadley with his research and complete combat assignments to unlock new, more challenging fights in the VR combat simulator. Take on digitized summon entities here, and emerge victorious to claim their summoning materia.
Sanctuaries
Destroying guidestones will release a light that leads travelers to a summon entity’s sanctuary, within which lies a crystal brimming with divine knowledge. Successfully attune to this crystal to enhance the entity’s summoning materia and weaken it in its combat trial.
■ World: Minigames
Not only stories and battles, but all kinds of unique elements of fun await players. Enjoy the numerous minigames available across the game’s world.
Dolphin Show
Hold on tight to Priscilla’s well-trained dolphin friend and sail through the waters of Under Junon. Have Mr. Dolphin bop his beloved beach balls to improve his mood and kick that tailfin into high gear.
Hop aboard a minecart for a thrilling run down Mt. Corel. Destroy the Shinra crates you encounter along the way to earn useful items.
Galactic Saviors
Join the space rangers in their war against the vile Gilgamesh Army and secure peace in the galaxy. Pilot your very own starcruiser and lay waste to the fleet that threatens your freedom.
Jumpfrog
Tap into your inner toad and dodge all manner of obstacles in a game designed to test your amphibious reflexes. Make it to the end without croaking to earn the title of Peerless Polliwog!
Pirate’s Rampage
A shooting gallery found in one of Costa del Sol’s many beachside stalls. Take aim and bring down the moving targets to earn a reputation as the finest marksman to ever sail the seas.
Run Wild
Compete as Red XIII in a ferocious four-team battle to determine the real king of the jungle. Bypass your opponents’ iron-tight defenses to shoot the ball into their goals, but make sure to defend yours while you’re at it!
Desert Rush
Smash mountains of boxes to dust like a Corel Prison inmate letting off steam. Maneuver through a winding course to destroy as many boxes as you can within the time limit.
Rufus’ Inauguration Parade
After infiltrating the festivities as a Shinra trooper, Cloud takes on the role of parade captain. Lead your drill team in a successful performance to win the coveted presidential commendation.
Fort Condor
A game of strategy in which you must position pieces on the field to defend your base and destroy the enemy’s. Even Cloud and friends join the fray as commanders, each possessing a unique skill that can turn the tide of battle.
■ Free Demo Now Available
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.”
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.”
Bonus #1: Players who have save data from the demo can claim a kupo charm and adventuring items set in the full game.
Bonus #2: Players who complete the Nibelheim episode will be able to skip the same section in the full game.
Kupo Charm – An accessory that increases the number of resource items extracted at a set rate
Survival Set – A selection of items to aid on your adventure, such as potions and ethers
*Save data needs to be present on the PlayStation 5 console. *The Junon area episode will become playable after an update on February 21, 2024 and can be accessed after completing the Nibelheim episode. *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. *Before diving into the full game, be sure you have applied the latest update. This ensures you get the Kupo Charm, Survival Set, and the ability to skip sections covered in the Nibelheim episode demo.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is due out for PlayStation 5 on February 29 worldwide.
