During an interview with the Daily Star, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi confirmed that there are no DLC plans for the second entry of the trilogy. Instead, Square Enix is going full steam ahead with development for the conclusive title of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy.

"I think, from my perspective, what the fans really want to see the most is not necessarily DLC," said Hamaguchi to the Daily Star in a Thursday interview. "They want to see the third part of the series as quickly as possible.�/p>

Hamaguchi explained that they don't want to "focus the development resources on creating additional extra episodes for [Final Fantasy VII Rebirth] DLC at the mome??nt" and get the "third game out as quickly a??s [they] can" instead.

The first entry in the three-parter, Final Fantasy VII Remake, received an expansion story focusing on new member of the group Yuffie. It introduced her in a new narrative that spans between the first and second parts and was exclusive to the Intergrade version of the game, which had better visuals and a phot??o mode. Additionally, it made use of the PS5's SSD.

Unfortunately, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth's sales haven't been the best for Square Enix. While discussing Final Fantasy XVI and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth in a financial report back in May 2024, Square Enix said that "profits unfortunately did not mee??t [its] expectations."

Hopefully, this doesn't mean the third and final entry in the Final Fantasy VII Remake series won't be rushed. What may help sales, however, is that Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is listed as a nominee for Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024.

The post Final F??antasy VII Rebirth will not? be getting DLC, says director appeared first on Destructoid.

The Golden Joystick Awards 2024 has nominated Astro Bot, Helldivers 2, Dragon's Dogma 2, and other renowned games for Console Game of the Year. Fan-favorite titles like Animal Well and Balatro have also been recognized as PC Gam??e of the Year nominees.

The awards show takes place on Thursday, November 21, 2024, and will be streamed live from London, UK, for all to see. This will be the 32nd time the awards will take place. As the awards are mostly based on community votes, you can have your say here. There?? are 19 different categories this year that fans can vote on, including Best Soundtrack and Best Audio Design, ??which have been introduced this year. Some of the awards and their nominees are:

Console Game of the Year

• Astro Bot
• Dragon’s Dogma 2
• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
• Helldivers 2
• Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
• The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

PC Game of the Year

• Animal Well
• Balatro
• Frostpunk 2
• Satisfactory
• Tactical Breach Wizards
• UFO 50

Best Early Access Game

• Enshrouded
• Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor
• Hades II
• Manor Lords
• Lethal Company
• Palworld

Best Indie Game

• Animal Well
• Arco
• Balatro
• Beyond Galaxyland
• Conscript
• Indika
• Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
• Thank Goodness You’re Here!
• The Plucky Squire
• Ultros

Best Multiplayer Game

• Abiotic Factor
• EA Sports College Football 25
• Helldivers 2
• Sons Of The Forest
• Tekken 8
• The Finals

Overall, Astro Bot and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth lead the pack at the Golden Joystick Awards 2024 with five nominations each, with Helldivers 2 closely behind on four. More category winners will be revealed during the night by a panel of full-time and freelance ??journalists who work with GamesRadar, PC Gamer, FGS, Edge Magazine, and Retro Gamer. Those awards include:

• Streamersâ€?Choice Award
• Breakthrough Award
• Best Game Adaptation
• Criticsâ€?Choice Award

The post Golden Joystick Awards 2024 nominates Astro Bot and Helldivers 2 for Console Game ??of the Year appeared first on Destructoid.

For those who can pay $700 for a PS5 Pro, many games will take advantage of its features. Some of the PS5 Pro-enhanced games include Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the Horizon series, and Marvel Rivals, among many other titles.

PS5 Pro enhanced games listed

The PlayStation ??Store currently has a list of PS5 Pro-enhanced games, with?? a total of 54 available currently announced.

According to a Redditor named ZXXII, who found the tag "PS5 ??Pro Enhanced" on each store page, they include the follow??ing:

• Alan Wake 2
• Assassin’s Creed Shadows
• The Callisto Protocol
• The Crew Motorfest
• Demon’s Souls
• Dragon Age: The Veilguard
• Dragon’s Dogma 2
• Dynasty Warriors: Origins
• EA Sports College Football 25
• EA Sports FC 25
• Empire of the Ants
• Enlisted
• F1 24
• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
• The First Descendant
• Fortnite
• Gran Turismo 7
• Hogwarts Legacy
• Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
• Horizon Forbidden West
• The Last of Us Part I
• The Last of Us Part II Remastered
• Lies of P
• Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
• Madden NFL 25
• Marvel Rivals
• Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
• Mortal Kombat 1
• My Little Universe
• Naraka: Bladepoint
• No Man’s Sky
• Pro Baseball Spirits 2024-2025
• Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
• Redacted
• Resident Evil 4
• Resident Evil Village
• Retrieval
• Rise of the Ronin
• Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered
• Marvel's Spider-Man Miles Morales
• Marvel's Spider-Man 2
• Spine: This is Gun Fu
• Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
• Star Wars Outlaws
• Stellar Blade
• Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown
• Towers of Aghasba
• Until Dawn
• Warframe
• War Thunder
• Marvel's Wolverine
• World of Warships: Legends

cyubeVR and Kayak VR Mirage are also supported with PS5 Pro enhanced support for PSVR 2. We'll update this list i?f more games get announced for PS5 Pro enhancements.

What improvements will the PS5 Pro add?

It seems like the improvements the PS5 Pro will add will vary by game. However, it is supposed to support ray-tracing at higher resolutions and AI upscaling called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution. Some fans have complained that the Performance Mode for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is blurry while the game runs at 60 frames per second (FPS). The PS5 Pro supposedly gives the game higher-quality visuals (via Digital Foundry) while running at that pace rather than 30 FPS.

The post All PS5 Pro enhanced games confirmed so far appeared first on Destructoid.

I don’t know if it’s the price, the lack of PS5 exclusives, or the vertical stand you have to pay extra for, but the marketing for the PS5 Pro really hasn't been what fans needed to be c??onvinced they should drop $700 on a new console.

Nevertheless, some trolls are ?r??eleasing fake images of either invisible or straight-up worse PS5 Pro improvements, and some of our best have already fallen for them.

Even those like Youtuber Hbomberguy, known for his extensively researched and gloriously long videos, seem to have fallen prey to trolls posting fake PS5 Pro Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth screenshots in a now-de??leted repost. The original post, which has now been community-noted as fake, makes use of a 2023 trailer to pass off a fake "PS5 Pro" comparison.

And again, it's fine. So many people are so unimpressed by the prospect of the PS5 Pro that they look at the comparisons and immediately assume the worst. That all-important second thought only comes a few minutes after you've ?already hit retw??eet.

Naturally, some are al??ready having a laugh at the whole thing, showing comparisons hopefully too ridiculous to even fool anyon??e:

While some others are using this moment to hurl s??ome poignant critique at Sony.

Right now, I think the only comparisons between games ?on the current PS5 and the PS5 Pro you should care about are the ones shown on Sony's official reveal video. That's because motion is important �something you don't get from screenshots �as the increase in fluidity is a very important draw here.

While I don't agree with the console's absurd pricing, I do agree with the focus on making things run at a higher framerate. This might be a hot take, but I think the games look �and have already looked for over a decade �good enough. If the PS5 Pro manages to do away with most of the choppiness that has no reason to exist in modern AAA games, then? that's one thing it has done very right.

The post Fake PS5 Pro screenshots are fooling everyone appeared first on Destructoid.

The presence of acclaimed exclus??ives is something every single PlayStation —no matter if they are home consoles or portables�has had in ??common since the heydays of the PS1. But which among the brand's current catalog can be considered the best?

For all looking for certain hits, here are the 10 best? games?? that are to this day only officially available on either PlayStation consoles or services.

10. Infamous 2

• Release Date: June 7, 2011
• Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
• Where to play: PlayStation 3. Can also be streamed on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via the PlayStation Plus
• View buying options

A direct sequel to the 2009 hit, Infamous 2 continues the story of bike messenger turned superhuman Cole MacGrath, as he must prepare for his fateful e?ncounter against the entity only known as The Beast.

A title that screams the early 2010s for all of the right reasons, Infamous 2 wears its comic book inspirations proudly. The game also features significant upgrades i??n visuals when compared to the previous title, all while maintaining both its signature choice-based narrative style and high degree of freedom when in combat or traversing.

9. God of War III (God of War III Remastered)

• Release Date: July 17, 2015 (Remastered) / Originally released on PS3 on March 16, 2010
• Developer: Santa Monica Studio
• Where to play: PS3 (Original) / PS4 and PS5. Also available for streaming on PC via the PlayStation Plus App (Remastered)
• View buying options

The most brutal entry in the original God of War trilogy, God of War 3 brings to players exactly what one would expect from it, as Kratos hacks and slashes his way through Olympus ?in search of the objects of his revenge.

I consider God of War 3 to be a must-pick for those only knowledgeable about the Norse saga, as seeing Kratos completely submersed in his rage helps segment how much the character g?rew. As an extra, the game features both the definitive version of the Greek saga's combat and some of the most jaw-dropping boss fights in gaming.

8. Vagrant Story

• Release Date: February 10, 2000 (PS1)
• Developer: Square Enix (Square)
• Where to play: PS1, PlayStation 2, PS3, and PlayStation Vita.
• View buying options

A PlayStation 1 classic long overdue for at least a remaster, Vagrant Story follows Riskbearer Ashley Riot in his quest to find the cult leader Sydney Losstarot. Little does he know that?? the mission will lead to revelations regarding both? the kingdom he swore to protect and himself.

A dungeon crawler at heart, Vagrant Story pairs the known excellence of Final Fantasy Tactics and XII's writer Yasumi Matsuno with an unfo?rgiving combat system and a deep weapon and equipment crafting mechanic. Keep in?? mind, however, that mastering the latter will demand a lot of commitment.

7. God of War II (God of War II HD)

• Release Date: March 13, 2007 (PS2) / November 17, 2009 (PS3 via the God of War Collection)
• Developer: Santa Monica Studio
• Where to play: PS2, PS3, and PS4/PS5 (via the PlayStation Plus Premium Classics Catalog). Also available for streaming on PC via the PlayStation Plus App
• View buying options

If God of War can be seen as the tale of Kratos' ascendance, God of War 2 tells the tale of his downfall, as the Ghost of Sparta must ally himself with unexpected forces and search for the powers of ?t?he mythical Sisters of Fate to get his revenge on Olympus.

Even if its narrative can be seen as bland (a feat shared by most of the main installments in the Greek saga), GoW 2 refines the formula introduced by the first game and inc?reases its scope to a larger array of mythos. Just make sure to bring a spare controller, as the game requires a merciless amount of button mashing.

6. Final Fantasy XVI

• Release Date: June 22, 2023
• Developer: Square Enix
• Where to play: PS5
• View buying options

The latest numbered entry in the Final Fantasy franchise, Final Fantasy XVI puts players in the role of Clive Rosfield, the firstborn of the Duke of Rosaria, who embarks on a quest for revenge against the Eikon responsible for t?he death of his brother.

Developed by the core team responsible for the revitalization and success of Final Fantasy XIV, FFXVI brings to the table a new spin to the franchise th??rough a more mature tone and an action-focused appr?oach to combat. Even if novel in many ways, the title is seen by many as both a celebration of the franchise's history and a return to form.

5. Shadow of the Colossus (PS4)

• Release Date: February 6, 2018
• Developer: Bluepoint Games
• Where to play: PS4 and PS5. Also available for streaming on PC via the PlayStation Plus App
• View buying options

A faithful remake of one of the most celebrated and influential games in history, Shadow of the Colossus (PS4) retells the tale of Wander, a boy who travels to ?the Forbidden Lands in the hopes of b??ringing a young girl back to life.

Although the o?riginal is dear to many given its feel and how its mechanics and concept influenced hundreds of releases, I decided to go with the remake as it succeeds in bringing the experience to a new generation while also keeping its soul intact and respectfully improving many of it's shortcomings.

4. Demon's Souls (PS5)

• Release Date: November 12, 2020
• Developer: Bluepoint Games
• Where to play: PS5. Also available for streaming on PC via the PlayStation Plus App
• View buying options

In Demon's Souls, we take on the role of Th??e Slayer of D??emons after they arrive in Boletaria, a once prosperous kingdom that was immersed in an endless fog following its king's deal with the entity only known as the Old One.

Released as a launch title for the PS5, Bluepoint Games' remake of FromSoftware's epic manages to flawlessly translate it to a new graphical engine, which resulted in what I consider to be the best-looking Souls game to date. Although its core gameplay might feel barebones for those used to the enhancements made by Elden Ring, Demon's Souls is the definitive version of the title that ??started ??it all.

3. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

• Release Date: June 12, 2008
• Developer: Kojima Productions
• Where to play: PlayStation 3
• View buying options

The final chronological chapter in the main Metal Gear Solid series, Guns of the Patriots, tells the final chapter of Snake's saga, which many consider the best game in one of the most acclaimed gaming franchises. The reasons for that? Its solid gameplay, cinematic but just as impactful narrative, and how its graphi?cs still?? stand tall to this day. The latter is even more impressive if we consider how the game debuted in the early years of the PS3.

Unfortunately, since its departure from the PlayStation Now catalog (now featured as part of the Premium tier of the PS Plus), only those who own a PS3 can play it. To see our impressions of the game on release, don't forget to check out our Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots ?review.

2. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

• Release Date: February 29, 2024
• Developer: Square Enix
• Where to play: PS5
• View buying options

For many —myself included�the favorite for the title of Game of the Year 2024, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth continues Cloud's story and presents across-the-board refinements compared to its pred?ecessor. The latter is seen above all in its facial animations, broader take on combat, and massive open world.

By directly tackling some of the core and more delicate themes of the FF7 story while also expanding it through connections to the ever-growing compilation, FF7 Rebirth does justice to the source material and pairs it up wit??h tens of hou?rs of new content.

1. Bloodborne

• Release Date: March 24, 2014
• Developer: FromSoftware
• Where to play: PS4 and PS5. Also available for streaming on PC via the PlayStation Plus App
• View buying options

Bloodborne mixes FromSoftware's high-quality storytelling with a gothic feel and a more dynamic and high-risk approach to combat. That is then paired with a he?avy dose of Lovecraftian inspiration, which makes the game feel unlike any of its siblings.

The only bad thing one can think of saying about the game is related to how it is not possible to play it officially at a stable frame rate. That is also the main reason players continue to ask for ei??ther a native PS5 port or for an of?ficial PC debut.

The post The 10 best PlayStation-exclusive games to play ri??ght now appeared first on Destructoid.

Looking for the best open-world games for the PS5 can be quite a task. Many open worlds we have traversed over the y??ears in gaming can be the most immersive or barren and uninspiring.

So, we have come up with the best open-world games to explore for this plat?form. 

The 10 best open-world games for the PS5

The following?? games may have appeared on the PlayStation 4 at some point, but have since received an update to be ??native to the PS5 hardware. Keep that in mind.

Borderlands 3

Say what you want about Borderlands 3’s story, but everything else around it just slaps. When you have great character customization, gunplay, and a variety of abilities to play around with in huge explo??rable areas, yo?u’ll easily forget about the game’s biggest weakness. Also, the DLC adds dozens of more hours to look around via side quests and just your own exploration.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Some may argue that the many explorable areas don’t amount to an open world in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, but I’d argue otherwise. You can mostly ??exp?lore everything in a particular instance once you have progressed far enough into the game’s story. 

What makes it even neater is that you can play the game in its entirety with minimal exploration a??nd then come back without missing out on anything major. You can do anything in between as long as the game permits, which gives the players a lot of freedom. 

Grand Theft Auto V

More than a decade later, Grand Theft Auto V’s Los Santos still holds up. Yeah, you can do the missions and all that and have a blast, but there’s also that huge online component that has remained strong since the game first came out. Not only is GTA V’s vers?ion of Los Angeles an iconic world, but it’s also an amazing sandbox to just mess around in.

Hogwarts Legacy

It was always a dream for many gamers who grew up with the Harry Potter franchise to explore the Wizarding World. When Hogwarts Legacy came out, while not set exactly in the same timeline as our favorite Wizard and his lot, it was a damn good experience. The castle itself was already such a treat to explore, with so much? lore to uncover and so many activities to get into. 

Then, once you go outside and visit the other locales via broom or Hippogriff, that experience gets even better. Some? quests and activities do get stale, but the whole package is a gem whether you’re a completionist or a casual.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

The other Marvel's Spider-Man games were such a treat when it came to open-world traversal. However, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 took what was great about the original and Miles Moralesâ€?standalone games and trimmed the fat. 

I?t’s fun as hell to traverse New York while web-slinging and gliding around from a visual perspective. The game also knows how to give you just enough playtime before things start to get stale.

No Man’s Sky

The procedurally generated planets you explore in No Man’s Sky make it seem like you’re on an endless journ??ey. You’re supposed to ??reach the center of the universe, but the game is best played to your own rhythm. Go off and explore nonstop. Discover new fauna, flora, and all the many other biomes out there. 

Go make bases and create your own missions. This game is a chill type of sandbox tha??t’s pretty to look at and has a purpose with each thing you do.

Fallout 4

In Fallout 4, you’re rewarded for going off the beaten path. It may be a post-nuclear world out there, but there are so many things to do. Pair that with the base-building mode and you can easily s?ink dozens of hours into the game. If you like that element of exploration at your heart’s content, this is it.

Cyberpunk 2077

Night City and Dogtown (if you have Phantom Liberty) are so visually pleasing in Cyberpunk 2077. On top of that, ?there’s a lot of depth in these locales, ranging from player choices in dialogue and a strong focus on RPG elements. 

This game has come a long way since it was first released and now deserves all the praise it probably sho??uld have gotten now that it’s in a very stable, playable state. 

Ghost of Tsushima

The open world in Ghost of Tsushima is just downright gorgeous. If you love to mess around in Photo Modes in games, you can easily sink hours to ge?t the perfect shot here. In addition to that, the game has a compelling story with just the right amoun??t of side content to keep you going and admire the technical detail all around. 

It evokes a sense of familiarity the more you play this game, like what many players felt during the golden era of Assassin’s Creed games.

Elden Ring

Despite being a multiplatform game, Elden Ring does something that not a lot of open-world games do: it doesn’t hold your hand and lets you explore to your heart’s content?. You’re really out there alone in The Lands Between with only a few indicators of where you should go. 

Fas?t-travel points are saved, NPC locations are mar??ked, and the map is opened up permanently once you find the fragments. More than 200 hours later, many players, including myself, are still finding new things despite searching through every nook and cranny in every region.

The post 10 Best open world games for PS5 appeared first on Destructoid.

Over the last nearly 40 years, Moogles have undergone a lot of changes. In every game of the Final Fantasy franchise, artists have tweaked the design of the fluffy, flying mailme??n and each design is usually well received by players. This time, though, something is amiss.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth features, as you’d expect at this point within the franchise, Moogles. But these Moogles, in the words of more than one player, "look like cursed Koalas." I have to admit, that was my first thought upon seeing them, too. If fabled and feared Drop Bears were a real thing, I’d expect them to look like Rebirth’s Moogles. 

The issue with FFVII Rebirth Moogles

The eyes are too big, the ears are too fluffy, and worst of all they have teeth that look just a little bit too human. This thing looks like it has nefarious intentions. Now I must stress that’s my own opinion, but it’s one that seems to be shared among many players of Rebirth. 

The subject has been trending on Tw??itter in Japan, with players commenting that it’s like a Catfish situation, where the person showing up on a date is absolutely not the person you thought you were about to meet.&??nbsp;

The comparison in the above tweet comes from FFXVI, which shares its director (Naoki Yoshida) with FFXIV, so the Moogles are, understandably, of the same design. This is the Moogle that I’ve become the most familiar with during my 6000 odd hours of playing the MMO and seeing this new oneâ€?Letâ€?™s just say it was a little unexpected. 

Square Enix responds

This discourse hasn’t gone unnoticed by Square Enix, who took to Twitter to voice its opinion over the comments and memes. The replies to this Tweet ?are a ??little divided, with some saying that they love the new design. They’re somewhat the minority, though, with some even going as far as to use the hashtag #NotMyMoogle in their replies. 

As Square En?ix says in its Tweet, it loves all of the Moogles. I can’t help but wonder whether this ??is one of those situations where “a face only a Mother could love�is an appropriate thought.

The post Square Enix defend Final Fantasy? VII Rebirth Moogle design after players call it cursed appeared first on Destructoid.

While no live-action film of Final Fantasy VII has been announced, it's not hard to imagine Hollywood doesn't at least have an overly eager eye on it. Depending on perspective, that's either a threat or delight to muse over, especially when you consider Square Enix isn't too shy?? to flirt with the big screen �looking at you, Spirits Within and Advent Children.

For better or for worse, I often find myself musing over ideal actors for the inevitable, like Zelda or Shadow. So, in case Hollywood goes for it, I'm shouting out my choices now. In honor of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth's launch, here are my picks for a live-action FF7 cast that I think, if ?made now, would be worthy of such a classic legacy.

Cloud Strife - Cody Christian, Darren Barnet

As one of Final Fantasy’s best protagonists, Cloud deserves someone who can understand him and his complexities. So who better than Cody Christian, Cloud’s current VA? The transition wouldn’t be too jarring, as his resume’s mainly live-action, being in Teen Wolf and All-American. Plus, he's pro?ven himself to play the ex-SOLDIER quite well. 

If Hollywood wants more stardom, I offer up Darren Barnet. Striking success with shows like Never Have I Ever and Blue Eye Samurai, he’s done video games and adaptations, including Immortals of Aveum and Gran Turismo. He can grow into the role, much like Cody has been. ?It’s a tough role but I'm confident Darren could carry the Buster Sword and rock spiky yellow hair.

Tifa Lockhart - Britt Baron, Jessica Henwick

Who doesn't like Tifa? She has a heart of gold and kicks (and punches) some serious ass. You’ll need someone skilled in combat and not afraid to get their hands dirty. Britt Baron, Tifa’s VA, stars in many live-action projects including the wrestling-oriented show GLOW.

On the other hand, there's Jessica Henwick. She's portrayed many badasses on-screen in projects like The Matrix Resurrections, Game of Thrones, and Iron Fist. Whoever they go with, Tifa will be in good hands (or fists in ?this case).

Barret Wallace - Colman Domingo

The gun-armed Barret strikes fear into the hearts of Shinra yet has a heart of gold. You want an actor who can balance it with finesse and poise. That's where Colman Domingo comes in. His award-winning work in Euphoria and Rustin and his badassery in Fear the Walking Dead prove he has the chops. It's the perfect duo t??ha??t I can't help wanting to see come to fruition.

Aerith Gainsborough - Hailee Steinfeld

As the last living Ancient, Aerith is a key figure in FFVII’s narrative beloved for her carefree and brash personality. I'd go with Hailee Steinfeld to deliver on all fronts. While she's done action-oriented roles, projects like Arcane, Dickinson, and True Grit show her versatility as an actor to handle those sincere moments with wit and ease. If anything, it pr??oves she can blossom as the b??eloved flower girl.

Zack Fair - Xolo Maridueña

Being Cloud's mentor and the protagonist of Crisis Core, Zack is as charming as he is audacious. For the role, you need someone who exudes infectious energy and fierce determination. Enter Xolo Maridueña. His starring roles in Cobra Kai and Blue Beetle nail Zack’s qualities with precision aim, with the latter even letting him conjure a Buster Sword to use. It's practically asking for Xolo to become the SOLDIER we all?? know and love.

Yuffie Kisaragi - Karen Fukuhara, Stephanie Hsu

Energetic and vivacious??, Yuffie brings more than her Materia and ninja moves to the party. The character requires someone not afraid to embarrass themselves and step out of their comfort zone. Enter rising stars Karen Fukuhara and Stephanie Hsu.

The Boys�Karen Fukuhara’s very much capable of taking on the Wutai warrior with comedic finesse (as well as kicking ass). The same can be said for Everything Everywhere, All at Once's Stephanie Hsu??, as her background in musicals and? comedies fits the lovable ninja precisely. Either of these actresses can make Yuffie just as fun as she is in-game.

Red XIII - Max Mittelman, Regé-Jean Page

An experiment of Hojo's, Red XIII aids AVALANCHE on their quest to stop Sephiroth. Like others, I’ll throw in current VA Max Mittelman for the role. His performance is extremely impressive for someone who knows him as Ryuji from Persona 5. I also nominate Regé-Jean Page. Known for his roles in Bridgerton and Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, his voi??ce and range is prett??y close to Red's tone now.

Cait Sith - Ewan McGregor

It's a magical Scottish cat. Need I say more to justify Ewan McGregor? Despite being a respected actor (and Obi-Wan Kenobi), he's not afraid to experiment with genres. Cait would be fun for him to do outside of Star Wars and various ventures. If anything, it'd showcase Ewan's versatility as? a voice actor, something he hasn't done much of.

Vincent Valentine - Hayden Christensen

Many characters claim to be edgy but none come close to the immortal gunslinger Vincent Valentine. So, of course, I picked Hayden Christensen to play him. Known for Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars prequels, he's due for a vengeful comeback. Vincent would be a great character for Hayden ?to strut his stuff.

Cid Highwind - Bradley Cooper

Chain-smoking mechanic Cid deserves someone who knows their way around things. Luckily, there's one fit for the job: Maestro's Bradley Cooper. Sure, given his resume, it’s a rich pick, but I don't think anyone could do the role justice like he would. His charisma and naili??ng of a Southern twang is a major draw (or drawl) for me. While a surefire blockbuster, Cid is ri?ght up his alley.

Rufus Shinra - Taz Skylar

Nepo baby Rufus Shinra needs someone who can nail his cockiness. I vouch for Taz Skylar. His role as Sanji in Netflix’s One Piece radiates a sort of charm that makes him enjoyable to watch. Plus,?? given his recent foray into Hollywood, this would be a great way to make an even bigger name for himself.

Tseng - Andrew Koji

As the leader of the Turks, Tseng is intimidating and precise, so it requires someone who can command a room and kick ass. So, I turned to Andrew Koji. He's wrecked people in Warrior and wants to play Jin Sakai in the live-action Ghost of Tsushima. While he hasn't had many dramatic?? performances, Tseng may provide a good character for Andrew to spread his wings with.

Rude- Kelvin Harrison Jr.

Rude is a tight-laced Turk of few words, opting for results rather than reason. An actor I think would knock it out of the park is Kelvin Harrison Jr. Starting from 12 Years a Slave, he's gained traction in Hollywood, leading films like Waves and Chevalier??. Rude, while not as musical, is a role that can shine?? if done right. Kelvin may be the actor to do just that.

Reno - Brandon Perea

The funny man against Rude, Reno is quick to crack both a joke and your bones. While he's seen as comedic relief, he's pretty ruthless given his hot-headedness. With this, I chose Brandon Perea. He's new to acting, but his performance in Nope c??onvinced me to choose him. He's witty, brash, and prime for another scene-stealing role. He's just the type of actor that'd make Reno as fun a character?? as he is.

Sephiroth - Robert Pattison

Sephiroth needs to be played by someone menacing and fierce. May I present to you Robert Pattison. Yes, I think the Twilight and The Batman actor would be a good Sephiroth. He's got insane range and can bring in lots of newcomers. Also, Robert’s a huge FFVII fan, calling it one of his favorite games. His portrayal as the perfect SOLDIER can strike plenty of chords with audiences. Also, he hasn't done many villain roles, so Sephiroth ?would be the best character to take a stab at.

The post If FF7 ever sees the live-action treatment, here’s who we would cast as Cloud and the gang appeared first on Destructoid.

Google has a long history of easter eggs, from HTML trickery to paying homage to Bletc?hley Park with a very apt decoding? animation. I can say with certainty that I wasn’t expecting to see a stampede of Chocobos on my screen today, though.

But that’s what happens if you do a search for “Chocobo�or “Final Fantasy� in celebration of the release of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Along with the adorable retro Chocobos, you’ll also see a few ??Cloud Strifes, c??omplete with Buster Sword aplenty and some (slightly disorienting) shaking visuals for the links underneath.

With the excitement surrounding the long awaited release of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, it makes sense that Google would add this feature as they’ve done for popular titles in the past, such as the Last of Us mushroom easter egg.

How to get a Chocobo stampede on Google

It’s super simple to see this easter egg for yourself. All you need to do is head to Google and search “Chocobo�or “Final Fantasy� All of the usual results will appear, but there will be a small yellow button in the middle of your browser window, toward the bottom, complete with?? a Chocobo silhouette. 

Clicking on this button once ??will result in one or two Chocobos and the accompanying shakes of the search results beneath, but the fun really starts when you repeatedly spam click. Doing so will result in a stampede of multicolored Chocobos, as well as Cloud making an appeara?nce. 

Be careful though, maybe it’s just me being a little too over eager, but pressing the button too much may result in slowing your browser down to a stan?dstill, at least for a little while.&nbs??p;

Still, it’s fun. Give it a try!

The post Google has an adorable surprise for ‘Chocobo’ or ‘Final Fantasy’ search results appeared first on Destructoid.

February 29 is a rare day, a perfect date to celebrate with a session of the Final Fantasy-themed musical game Theatrhythm Final Bar Line. However, I've got sad news for anyone attempting to celebrate today with a little Theathrythm as the rhythm game just won't load on this day, specifically.

The situation is a bummer, yes, but worry no??t as a solution already exists, and the cause for t??he whole thing is rather hilarious.

It seems like what's preventing players from joining the servers is that we're currently existing in the most cursed day of a glitched period in time, the one our calendar lords call "leap year". Look, I admit that don't know the complex math behind this cosmic event, but I believe Destructoid's own Zoey Handley p??erfectly described it as "a little Y2K that comes 'round every four?? years".

This Y2K ordeal becomes twice as hilarious once you remember that Theatrhythm is a mostly offline game. It doesn't need the Internet, hell, it doesn't even need to know what time it is. In fact, the good people at Vooks report having tried it on their consoles, and the fix they found was to just change the console's date to any other date of the year. Thank you, Mr Kojima, you've taught us well.

Here's hoping Square Enix solves this problem soon, or the Theatrhythm fans who are too wise to mess with th??e authorities of time wil??l have to abruptly find new plans for February 29, 2028.

This is such an interesting failure �or maybe, just maybe, Square Enix is bottlenecking Theatrhythm on purpose to prevent it from completely overshadowing the release of Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, the real competition here all along. There's just no way of knowing.

Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is usually available on the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch, just not today.

Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth comes out today on the PlayStation 5 and will likely stay available until the grea?t global collapse.

The post Theatrhyt?hm Final Bar Line won’t? load today for hilarious reasons appeared first on Destructoid.

Not sold on Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and/or on the dark magics that make instant noodles work yet? Then good luck?? with that going forward, as Nissin just released an ad where a Catboy Sephiroth uses his ever-sexy voice to bully Cloud into slurping down on some Donbei Udon noodles �and he complies.

We couldn't fully grasp the greatness contained in the ad because it was only out in Japanese up until now, but we can now thank Twitter user Aitaikimochi for d??eciphering this masterwork for Engli??sh-speaking audiences.

Those short seconds feature better drama, tension, and overall direction than many of the cutscenes from Final Fantasy VII Remake. This is one of the best ads ever made.

A Twitter user goes even further, basically saying that we just witnessed history being made, as we saw? furry Sephiroth calling Cloud a good boy after getting him to surrender to the taste of Nissin noodles. 

How can you not immediately forgive whatever death Sephiroth may cause af?ter ?that?

If you’re a true Final Fantasy fan, then you’re surely aware that this is not the seriesâ€?first collab with Nissin. Who can forget not just all the beautiful product placement within the game itself, but especially the hilarious Nissin Cup Noodle ads featured in Final Fantasy XV’s promo campaign? 

Some might have been led to believe that the two companies�sacred ad bond might have been dispelled some time ago. We didn’t see FF XVI’s characters surrendering to these tender delicacies in any of? the game’s ad??s, and that was troubling.

Iâ€??™m happy to see that this bond is seemingly stronger than ever â€?and I mean that with all my capitalism-obliterated heart. I tend to loathe product placement and brand crossovers as much as you hopefully do. These things tend to cheapen the product and taint the art, but these are so much fun that I can’t help but see them as an art form, in and of themselves.

You can play Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on PlayStation 5 tomorrow, February 29th, and you can hopefully get a bunch of N?issin noodles for a cheaper price right now.

The post Before FF7 Rebirth arrives, Sephi?roth would like to offer you some Donbei Udon appeared first on Destructoid.

When I saw that Final Fantasy 7 Remake came out in 2020, I had to do a triple-take. Really? It was out on PS4, four years ago? No way!

Alas, time makes fools of us all, and the second part of that remake, not-confusingly-at-all-named Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is here. If you were sorta-kinda on the fence about this whole thing after the first en?try, you'd ?probably love this one.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (PS5)
Developer: Square Enix Creative Business Unit I
Publisher: Square Enix
Released: February 29, 2024
MSRP: $69.99

Rebirth takes us out of the gloomy city of Midgar and out into the broader world. Well, it's more like a collection of massive regions spanning interconnected sandboxes making up that world, to be precise, as this is ??a different beast entirely. Square Enix has collectively addressed numerous aspects of the original, both in and out of combat. We'll get to that, but suffice it to say that things get rolling very quickly (as is the case ?with most middle entries of a trilogy).

For a "part two" of a massive JRPG collection, it's fantastically paced. We're in the thick of it immediately, with Cloud revealing a rather large tale from his past, tying in the looming threat of big bad Sepiroth, and re-familiarizing us with the current party. I was "in" right away, far sooner than Remake grabbed me. That might be all you need to hear. If so, that's great! For the rest of you, let's talk about why Rebirth is so successful at what it does.

Rebirth, somehow, is equally interested in letting you run wild with weird sidequests (including a fully-fledged card game with booster packs, a worldwide ranking, and even a celebratory cruise event) and doling out mountains of lore. It's a perfect combo for folks who are extremely into FF7 or might even be jumping straight into Rebirth after watching a YouTube summary of Remake.

I appreciate all of the extra context we get from Rebirth outside of the confines of Midgar. The world seems so much bigger now, and lore nuts are going to go wild for some of the extra details sprinkled in. The mad lads and ladies of Square Enix also added in friendship bonds, which are boosted by talking with teammates (as well as saying the right things), and impact a few light storyline events, as well as combat synergy. It does a fantas??tic job of letting the entire party come aliv?e, not just your personal favorites. That shines through with nearly every voiceover performance.

There are a ton of unique moments in Rebirth that really pop, with scenes like Barret and Red XIII going through the Mithril Mines together and bantering stealing the spotlight as a favorite. Nearly every chapter has sequences that play out between characters you didn't really get to see inter??act in the original PS1 version, and the earlier inclusion of Yuffie fits so brilliantly that you'd be forgiven if you thought that's how it always worked. As with any good remake, many things are played straight, but there's a healthy mix of original, altered ideas too. While I'm going to refrain from making any comments on the me?ta-story that was introduced in Remake, there are a ton of surprises to discover and talk about in the years to come.

I really need to clarify that this isn't a fully open-world game, but I bought into that fairly quickly. As chapters progress, you'll gain access to new regions, of which there are six (amid other smaller zones to explore). Those are six legit sandboxes to roam around in, with land-based vehicles or Chocobos, primed with sidequests and other secrets. It's not quite as grand as getting an airship and going hog-wild around the globe, but there's plenty packed into Rebirth to keep you going past the 100-hour? mark: especially if you poke around all of the minigames on offer.

Some of you might be reading this review just to see if they half-assed the Gold Saucer: Final Fantasy 7's famous Chuck E. Cheese/casino. Nope! In fact, it's expanded compared to the original rendition and is a fully-fledged hub with tons of goodie??s to unlock and earn long-term. I found myself spending multiple hours in it just roaming around aimlessly, and I still have plenty left to do. And, speaking of random time-filling minigames, we have got to talk about Queen's Blood specifically.

Even as a big tabletop fan, I resisted the siren's song of this in-universe card game for several chapters before I gave in. Once I started, I couldn't stop. With simple Othello-like placement rules, Queen's Blood is very easy to learn, but there's a considerable amount of depth to it. As you progress you'll earn more cards, which in turn can introduce new keywords, just like a future set release in Magic: The Gathering. I went from ignoring Queen's Blo?od NPC icons to actively seeking them out, expand?ing my card collection all the while.

Another thing that I'd be remiss to leave out of this assessment is the soundtrack. It sounds hyperbolic, but FF7 Rebirth has one of the best Final Fantasy scores of all time. I mean there are a lot of them at this poi??nt, and I've heard them all, but the combination of new music plus some masterful reworks of a handful of classic tracks really puts this near the top for me. Again, I'd love to just spoil a few here and talk about them at length, but you'll see a few of the standouts for yourself either in-game?? or on YouTube. People will be sharing them!

Combat, on the other hand, is not going to radically sway folks who didn't dig it in the original. It's still very much in line with the core system Square Enix created for Remake, and it's likely to continue?? on throughout the trilogy. Dodging an??d blocking are still a major focus, as are ability and [materia-based] magic commands, and mashing an attack button to gain Active Time Battle (ATB) gauges to actually fire off said bombs. It is a little flashier though, with an enhanced focus on perfect-timing parrying, as well as synergistic team attacks.

How engaging you'll find combat is severely tied to the complexity of the encounter, which ebbs and flows througho??ut the game. Bosses tend to be more involved, asking players to mix up their tactics (beyond just exploiting weaknesses) by targeting vulnerable points and reacting quickly to big attacks. The "stagger" system returns (in which enemies are momentarily open to harder hits after depleting their stamina meter), which can feel both rote and extremely exciting in the same encounter.

Like Final Fantasy XIV, the more flashy a fight is, the more fun you'll have. Many bosses have several phases, complete with silly transition sequences, a booming score, and constant strategic mixups. There are enough of these peppered into the game (inc?luding new ones) to keep things spicy, between all of the lower-stakes trash cleanup.

You also have what I call "customization satisfaction." With a simplistic skill tree system taking over the orbital sphere track of Remake, y?ou'll still be able to c??hoose your specializations on top of mastering weapon skills and, naturally, slotting in tons of material to your heart's content.

One huge thing to note is that not everything has been fixed when it comes to a few underlying issues. For one, the menus can be a nightmare, with party sorting options frequently obfuscated behind multiple clicks. More party members means more problems, mor?e material and equipment to slot, and more abilities to micromanage. It's not particularly difficult or heady, mind, it's just occasionally annoying. It's also mostly an endgame problem (which is when you acquire most of the equipment that has myriad material slots), but it's? still an issue.

The hard "chapter-based" system works when you're telling the story the first time, but like Remake, it's extremely rigid on re-tellings, and when?? you're ready for endgame cleanup. For the sake of transparency, I had one hard crash in Chapter 3, but after loading an auto-save and missing no progress, it never happened again. That's the only real technical issue I had the entire time in my 50+ hour completion journey.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth somehow manages to spin multiple plates without smashing any of them. It's over-the-top serious when it wants to be, and it's utterly absurd in the next moment. Great Final Fantasy games have always managed to w??alk this line, and it's a testament to how the brand has stayed relevant for decades on end.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

The post Review: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth appeared first on Destructoid.

For those who already tried the demo for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, there's now more in store. Today, the demo has expanded with an open-world section of Junon for players to ??roam about and explore.

Announced during the dedicated State of Play, the original demo gave you access to the first chapter of Rebirth, with a party of Cloud and Sephiroth in the game’s opening. Now, the new update, “D??awn of a New Era in Junon� is available for free for the demo.

It follows Cloud, Tifa, Barret, Aerith, and Red XIII several hours into the game as they emerge onto the outskirts of the fortified stronghold Junon. The update is made specif??ically for the demo and features? a small piece of the open world. Within the new section, players can ride Chocobos, use the new Item Transmuter to craft items, take on Combat Assignment missions, and more.

If you played the first section with Cloud and Sephiroth, you'll receive the Kupo Charm and Survival Set in the full Rebirth game. You'll also get to skip the Nibelheim section, though you can still play it again, which I definitely will. Save data from the “Dawn of a New Era in Junon�section won't transfer, as it is special to the demo. Still, fans and newcomers can try out new forms of exploration and?? use powerful synergy attacks with your teammates.

Alongside Junon, the Performance Mode will receive some face-lifts due to player feedback. As reported by the great Steven Mills, the demo will look much better than it did before at 60 fps. While I really enjoyed the demo, t?here were some problems with the graphics. Fortunately, the upgrades will make for a great time, making now the perfect time to dive in.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth launches onto PS5 on February 29. The demo is available now on the PlayStation Store.

The post PSA: Final Fantasy 7 Rebi??rth demo unlocks its ??Junon section today appeared first on Destructoid.

If you're a fan of Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis (which, according to SteamCharts, is about 2000 of you), then you're getting to start the Final Fantasy VII Rebirth hype train a little earlier than most.

That's because Ever Crisis has kicked off a Final Fantasy VII Rebirth crossover event, which will let players experience aspects of the game in the unique mechanical style of Ever Crisis.

Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis x Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Crossover Event Details

The Final Fantasy VII Rebirth crossover event runs from February 16 to March 3. In the event, players will take on the roles of Cloud and Sephiroth in Mt. Nibel using footage from Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.

In addition, there are some unique rewards players can get, as announced by Square Enix:

• FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Crossover Featured Draw

  • Players can obtain Tifa’s limited time gear, “Guide Uniform,â€?plus have the opportunity to obtain brand new Red XIII gear, “The Hellhound,â€?through the featured Draw Stamp Cards.

• FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Crossover Campaign

  • Now until February 18 at 11:59 AM PST, players can receive 1,000 Blue Crystals per day and obtain up to 3,000 Blue Crystals total from the FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Crossover Gift Login Bonus simply by logging in for 3 days.
  • Now until March 3 at 11:59 AM PST, players can receive up to 170 free weapon draws (FFVII REBIRTH Crossover Daily Free x10 Draw) simply by logging in and obtain up to 3,000 Blue Crystals by completing all event missions before March 3 at 5:59 PM PST.
  • Now until March 6 at 11:59 AM PST, players can obtain up to an additional 3,000 Blue Crystals for logging in for 15 days during the FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Crossover Login Bonus.

Originally released in 2023, Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis is an RPG that retells the entirety of Compilation of Final Fantasy VII in a chapter-based structure. In an era of gaming becoming more and more defined by hardware and availability limitations, it's the only place players can easily experience some aspects of Compilation, such as the PS2-era shooter Dirge of Cerberus and the delisted mobile game Before Crisis.

In the grand scheme of the FF7 media juggernaut, Ever Crisis feels like a mostly forgotten monstrosity, thanks to middling reviews (we gave it a 4) and a launch that was restricted to Android & iOS for the first three months.

Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis is available now on Android, iOS, and Steam.

The post Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis is holding a Final Fantasy VII Rebirth crossover ??event appeared first on Destructoid.

Since being released, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth fans have reported some not-so-pretty visuals when switching to Performance Mode in the newly released demo. Thankfully, ?it looks like some upgrades are on the way as Square Enix plans to apply some improvements to the visual quality of Performance Mode in an update rolling out on February 21.

For the most part, Performance Mode is always going to pale in comparison graphically to Quality Mode. After all, that's the intent: to shed some visual quality in an effort to maintain a stable framerate, often 60 fps. However, in the FF7 Rebirth demo it felt like the qual?ity slider went a few notc??hes too far.

Square Enix's post on Twitter about the upcoming update didn't go into much detail, but it did state the improvements are also being applied to the full game when it releases in two weeks. (Yep that's right, just two more weeks to go!) With the update coming in a week, that will give players roughly eight days to play through the graphically improved demo before Rebirth's full release.

I personally played through the demo the first time in Quality Mode, which looked great. After hearing about the issues people were having I booted it back up in Performance Mode and have to agree, there are definitely some improvements to ??be made so I'm happy to see Square Enix making them.

The Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth demo is available now on PlayStation 5. The full release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is on February 29.

The post Final? Fantasy 7 Rebirth demo will?? get a visual quality update for its Performance Mode appeared first on Destructoid.

Yesterday, Square Enix dropped the demo for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Split into two parts, the first arri??ved with the ??flashback sequence, telling the events of Cloud and Sephiroth's trip to Nibelheim. It was emotional and powerful. And I spent most of my time with it playing the piano.

It should really come as no surprise that this happened. First off, I'm the guy who gets side-tracked by everything in an RPG. I went out of my way to not spend all my review time in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth on Dondoko Island, and I spent ages chasing better Gwent cards for my deck in The Witcher 3. Final Fantasy is arguably, when it chooses to be, the king of time-absorbing side-games: Blitzball, Sphere Break, Fort Condor, and the?? titanic Triple Triad.

The key of life

The piano is not even the most glamorous side-game in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Yesterday's State of Pla?y teased a new card game in Queen's Blood, which will probably consume my hours wholesale. But in this new demo, after sneaking into Tifa's room, I knew I had to slam on the ivories just a bit.

There, I found the true secret bo?ss: getting a star-rating on Tifa's Theme. It meant hitting every note, and hitting it on Great; not just Good or Okay, but Great. On two different attempts, I flubbed the final note. I felt the same embarrassment I did in band class way back, struggling to hit a high B-flat on my trombone. I'd like to imagine Cloud squirmed a bit as he recalled all this in front of the party.

Eventually, I cleared it and got my star-rating. I'm not sure if it even carries over to the full Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth or not, but I'm at least pretty confident in ?my piano skills now, enough to reacquire the star if need-be.?? Cloud stood up, and closed the shelf over the keys. Then pulled the seat back out and uncovered them. I was not done yet.

Anyways, here's Wonderwall

I went on to play other songs. Like, just play music. Because the piano in FF7 Rebirth isn't just a rhythm mini-game, it's a full-on piano, much like the guitar in The Last of Us Part II. I actually really love that this has become a "thing" in games. It reminds me a bit of Dreams, in a weird way. A simple, effective tool that can ??be used to make masterpieces. Or disast?erpieces.

So yes, I played a surprisingly good rendition of A-ha's "Ta?ke On Me." I dabbled into some classics, with particular favorites like Debussy's "Claire de Lune" and Holst's "Jupiter." I even attempted a "Dearly Beloved" rendition, which felt fitting, but I struggled a bit with some of the octave and key management.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's piano is surprisingly robust. Each stick handles hitting a tone in the C-sca??le, with triggers modifying for semitones (your sharps and flats), or if you're using the chords, minor shifts. There are some great options for ch??ords, by the way. I loved being able to flip over to alternate chords like a major seventh, it really adds a depth to the possible sound space.

But despite the wealth of options, I hit some stumbles with actually playing music on the piano in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, outside of its direction-driven minigame. The octave-shift is the most notable roadblock. If your fingers are manipulating the triggers and sticks, shifting to the face buttons for an octave up or down is arduous. I cannot believe Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and its piano minigame are ??the things that made me seriously consider back-paddles on a controller.

I'd also like to see some customization options, in terms of? layout. Being able to shift the base key of the radial menu, or even lock in a spin wheel of a few selected options (i.e. G, C, D, Em) for ease of access, would make a world's worth of difference. I also realize I've now typed multiple in-depth paragraphs analyzing one mini-game in a gigantic, content-filled RPG. But it's a Wednesday and this ??is my hyper-fixation for the morning, so roll with me on it.

Gimme the beat Cloud, and free my soul

I'm not the only one who's latched onto the piano, than??kfully. It didn't take long for Cloud's improv sessions to flood social media. Some are, like "Dearly Beloved," fitting. Here's one user playing a pretty rendition of "Simple and Clean," a certified banger:

Does it get more cursed? You bet it does. I'll let you just hit play and have the same r??eaction I did when the notes hit on this next one.

So ye???s, anything is possible, even The Black Parade. Ahem. WHEN CLOUD WAS. A YOUNG BOY.

I've no doubt that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth will absorb hours and hours of my time. But it's the side content that does really draw me in. Even though I really enjoyed my time with Final Fantasy XVI, it did feel like it was missing that little extra. I needed Clive to get way too into a competitive card game. Really, you know Clive would bust out a guitar and sing "Push". So let him!

The piano isn't just a fun homage to the original, but fleshed out into a whole minigame and separate space for players to tinker around in. Will everyone stop here and spend precious hours playing "A Thousand Miles" instead of saving the world? No. But for those of us who will, there is the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth piano. And I just think that's neat.

As for the rest of the demo? Yeah, it's good. It's the flashback sequence from Nibelheim. It's got some cool twists, and I love seeing this scene play out with the Remake trilogy's graphics and production. I'm interested in seeing that all in-context later this month. For now, I'm going to while away the hours betw??een no??w and then composing Cloud's next hit cover.

The demo for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is live right now on PSN, and t?he full game goes live for PS5 on February 2??9.

The post FF7 Rebirth’s piano stole more of my time than the demo appeared first on Destructoid.

Want to dive into Cloud and co.'s post-Midgar adventures early? You’re in luck. Announced at the State of Play today, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is getting a demo, and it's out t??o??day on the PlayStation Store. 

The demo will get you access to the first chapter of Rebirth, with a party of Cloud and Sephiroth in the game's opening. Sometime between today and the release of Rebirth, the dem?o will also be updated to extend to Cloud, Aerith, Tifa, Barrett, and Red XIII in Junon. There was no mention of whether s?ave progress would carry over or not.

Pizza in the Sky

Final Fantasy games have been consistently getting demos lately. Last year, we got the fantastic Final Fantasy XVI demo and, before that, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origins. In fact, in 2020, Square Enix released a demo for Final Fantasy 7 Remake which covered the first chapter. 

News of this new Rebirth demo leaked a little ahead of schedule last night, via the Explore page.

As a fan of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, I’ve been hyped about Rebirth for a while. Plus, I just finished Crisis Core Reunion, so I’m up-to-date on whatever craziness Tetsuya Nomura and the team have in store. I’m way too curious as to why a certain black-haired SOLDIER is still alive and squatting.

The demo should be available today on the PlayStation store for players to plunge their swords into, and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth releases on February 28 on PlayStation 5.

The post Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has a demo ??available today appeared first on Destructoid.

The first PlayStation State of Play for 2024 ended with a bit of a surprise. State of Play will return just one week from now on February 6 with an "extensive look" at Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth.

While we don't know what exactly we'll get a look at??, to?day's State of Play did say Square Enix will be sharing new gameplay details along with exciting news we "won't want to miss".

Demo, please?

The Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth State of Play will go live on February 6. FF7: Rebirth then re?lea??ses a few weeks later on February 29. How can I speed up time?

The post Final Fantasy ?7: Rebirth gets its own State of Play next week appeared first on Destructoid.

The February 2024 games list is an ex??citing explosion of JRPG action and superhero fare. We'l??l also be surviving in a car from place to place in a much-anticipated indie.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink (PS4, PS5, PC)

Publisher: Cygames
Developer: Cygames
Price: $59.99
Release Date: February 1
Trailer

Granblue Fantasy: Relink kicks off February 2024 with an anticipated action-RPG. With a stunning watercolor-like look, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is based on the popular mobile game series, which also spawned an anime and a fighting game. The game features four-player co-op as you explore this stunning world.

According to the Steam listing, we'll be able to "choose from a diverse roster of skyfarers, each with their own unique weapons, skills, and combat styles." This action RPG plunges onto PlayStation and PC systems on February 1.

Persona 3 Reload (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC)

Publisher: Sega
Developer: Atlus 
Price: $69.99
Release Date: February 2
Trailer

Another RPG arrives later on February 2 just after Persona 3 Reload. It's a complete remake of the PS2 classic, featuring an all-new UI, gorgeous graphical upgrade, and voice cast. Both the classic and the PSP reinterpretation have their pros and cons, but the Reload version seems to be the best way to play, despite lacking the female protagonist from the p??ortable entry.

Like Persona 5, you'll be taking on tasks around the town, hanging out with friends, and pursuing an evil force in Tartarus. "I really didn’t feel like an hour had passed by," said Timothy Monbleau in his Destructoid preview. "I felt so caught up in Persona 3 Reload’s gamepl?ay? that I honestly thought I had twenty more minutes." That's always a good sign.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC)

Publisher: Warner Bros. Games
Developer: Rocksteady
Price: $69.99
Release Date: February 2
Trailer

Publisher Warner Bros. Games arguably fumbled the release of Gotham Knights, and fans of Batman: Arkham City developer Rocksteady hope that Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League succeeds. It may no??t be a single-player game, but the story seems compelling. You play as the Suicide Squad, attempting to kill the Justice League, who have been turned evil by prominent DC villain Brainiac.

Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, and King Shark each have their own abilities ??to add to the mix. It's predominantly a third-person shooter as you explore the smashed-up city of Metropolis.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League has been the subject of scrutiny. First, the game was in development for quite a while, and has been delayed several times. Second, its live service model has left some scratching their heads. Lastly, the game has already had launch issues for the 72-hour ear????ly access players, with saves acting as complete before they even begin the campaign.

Despite that, if the combat isn't repetitive and the story is intriguing enough, maybe Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League could still work out on February 2. Be wary of spoilers, however.

Pacific Drive (PS5, PC)

Publisher: Kepler Interactive
Developer: Ironwood Studios
Price: $29.99 (10% off for first week)
Release Date: February 22
Trailer

A surprise gem of the February 2024 games list could be Pacific Drive. In a stormy, post-apocaly??ptic world, you're journeying through a scary landscape with many obstacles along the way. To help you and your car on this adventure, you'll be picking up resources and crafting objects for the car. The problem is that the most valuable resources are found in the more dangerous areas of the map, adding a risk-reward system.

"Every time you venture out, new trials await: bizarre weather, unforgiving landscapes, and experimental remnants," says the official Steam listing. You can take on this task when Pacific Drive launches on February 22.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PS5)

Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Square Enix
Price: $69.99
Release Date: February 29
Trailer

Cloud's next adventure takes him into a stunning open world in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. As the second part of a trilogy, our heroes venture towards Sephiroth as he's become a dangerous threat to the world. We'll be learning more about all of the party members as the ??storyline features many twists and turns along the way.

You might want to hold off on a full replay of Remake before Rebirth, however. "Overall, it mostly felt like more Final Fantasy 7 Remake with a few additions I could take or leave," explained Timothy Monbleau in Destructoid's preview. "I honestly wouldn’t recommend replaying Remake leading up to Rebirth, s?ince I think you’d burn you?rself out with how similar they are." It launches on February 29.

Honorable mentions

February 2024 is an immensely packed month of games. Some of the omissions may have surprised you. Here are t??he honorable mentions you migh?t want to check out.

• Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Switch, PC) - February 2
• Foamstars (PS4, PS5 - will be available for free with PlayStation Plus day one) - February 6
• Helldivers 2 (PS5, PC) - February 8
• Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC)
• Lysfanga: The Time Shift Warrior (PC) - February 13
• News Tower (PC) - February 13
• Ultros (PS4, PS5, PC) - February 13
• Tomb Raider I-III Remastered (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Switch, PC) - February 14
• PlateUp! (PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Switch) - February 15
• Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Switch) - February 16
• Skull and Bones (PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC) - February 16
• The Thaumaturge (PC) - February 20
• Nightingale (PC) - February 22
• Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake (PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC) - February 28
• Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Switch, PC) - February 28

The post Here are the most anticipated games of Febr??uar??y 2024 appeared first on Destructoid.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is right around the corner on February 29, so Square Enix is capitalizing on the thirst for more Cloud and Sephiroth with special screenings of the CG-animated Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children film a week ahead of launch. 

Originally released nearly two decades ago in 2005, the Tetsuya Nomura-directed feature is a characteristically over-the-top look at the world of Final Fantasy VII two years after the events of the original game. The film's return to theaters is the result of a collaboration between Square Enix, Fathom Events, and Sony Pictures. It will mark the first time for the Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete director's cut version to hit cinemas.

The screenings will be in theaters for just two days. Those who want to see Cloud's Buster Sword in the largest format possible can check out the English-dubbed version on February 21, followed by the subtitled version on February 22. The director's cut is a whopping 26 minutes longer than the theatrical release, packing in various visual improvements and around a th??ousand updated scenes. The story finds a mysterious new illness spreading quickly throughout the world, bringing old enemies back out of the woodwork and forcing Cloud to pick up his impossibly heavy blade and get back into action. 

If you do decide to head to the theater for this one next month, Square Enix wants you to prepare for a history lesson before the lights dim. Folks who show up early will be treated to exclusive introductory content like the history of Final Fantasy VII, how it connects to Advent Children, interviews with Tetsuya Nomura and Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi, and more. 

The post Final?? Fantasy VII: Advent Children heads back to US theaters ahead of ??Rebirth appeared first on Destructoid.

I don't know what it is about the Final Fantasy 7 battle theme, but it always gets my blood pumping. Square Enix released a new trailer for the upcoming Final Fantasy VII Rebirth titled Destined for Rebirth. The trailer focuses on showcasing part 2 of the series which focuses on Cloud and his crew traveling across the p??lanet in search of Sephiroth.

Rebirthed

Around the halfway mark of the one-minute trailer, the classic Final Fantasy 7 battle theme kicks in. Of course, it's the enhanced version from Final Fantasy 7 Remake, not the classic original FF7 version. But it still rocks, and even more so. I don't know if it's part nostalgia or what but I still ??think it's one of the best battle tracks in all of gaming.

The trailer showcases several fight scenes featuring Cloud, Barrett, Tifa, Aerith, and even Red XIII before culminating in a final showdown with Sephiroth in all his one-winged glory. Overall it's an extremely well-put-together trailer even though it's only a minute long. We see several classic locations including Junon and Costa del Sol, while also showing a glimpse of the new content coming in the sequel such as more Zack. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was already my most anticipated game of 2024, but this trai?ler dialed the hype meter up to an 11/10.

Also, all of the voice acting in Rebirth is already looking to be top-notch. But I'd like to throw a kudos to Cody Christian who voices Cloud. There's a scene in the trailer where Cloud yells out to Tifa and wow you can you really feel the emotion. Assuming that Rebirth follows most of the story from the original, it we're certainly in for a wild emotional ride. And, with the added element of voice acting that was missing when the original released back in?? 1997, I'm sure it's going to be even more intense.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth launches on PlayStation 54 on February 29, 2024.

The post New Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth trailer cues up its classic battle theme for a Sep??hiroth sho?wdown appeared first on Destructoid.

Based on what we've seen so far, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth looks similar to Final Fantasy 7 Remake. However, it also appears to hide subtle refinements underneath the surface that may make it a substantially ?different experience. And according to game director Naoki Hamaguchi, it seems this vibe is, indeed, by design.

Last month, I had the opportunity to play Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth for myself. While I gave my honest thoughts about what I saw during that demo, the experience left me deeply curious about Rebirth's adherence to the?? original formula and what pieces would deviate. Fortunately, I didn't have to ?leave every curiosity unfulfilled, and I was provided the opportunity to email a few questions directly to the game's development team, which Hamaguchi himself kindly answered.

Below, you'll find our full exc??hange, which include??s insight into how the game will approach both its evolved combat system as well as its new story. Also, there's a line about Zack that I can't get out of my head. Enjoy!

Interview with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Director Naoki Hamaguchi

Naoki Hamaguchi: It was a significant decision not to carry over the growth element while keeping this installment format. However, I would like to explain that this decision was made with clear intention. The FINAL FANTASY VII remake project is planned to be a trilogy, but we don’t intend to develop the second game to f?it the first game's format, only with different content. The second title has evolved based on feedback from the first title, and naturall??y, the third title will evolve even further based on the feedback from the second title.

This has an impact on the battle system and the entire game experience in the field, so even if elements appear similar to the previous game, they have been adjusted, expanded, and are therefore not the same. Rather than forcing the game to be carried over and creating discrepancies in the gameplay experience for each player, we decided that it would be better for all users to be able to enjoy the game in the same st??ate, which would result in a new and fresh experience for e??veryone. Of course, we’ve heard a wide range of opinions and feedback from users, but we’ve also put tremendous effort into creating an experience that will satisfy many fans, and hope those decisions will be received well.

As of Final Fantasy XV and Final Fantasy XVI, the Final Fantasy series has become much more action-oriented in recent years. Has this influenced Final Fantasy VII Rebirth in any way?

I’ve worked alongside many of the creators who’ve helped develop FINAL FANTASY XV and FINAL FANTASY XVI in several other past projects, and I deeply respect every on??e of them. So, when asked whether their games have influenced me in any way, naturally the answer is yes. I also have my own answer as to why we’ve seen higher demand in recent years for more action-oriented games. As game graphics have improved and can rende?r much better immersion into the games, the user’s control functionality must also be that much more responsive in real time, otherwise that sense of immersion will be disrupted.

Although turn-based strategy certainly still has its appeal, I believe that this trend of high-end games pursuing more realistic, real-time control func??tionality will not? change in the future.

When I played the demo for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, I noticed some subtle changes to the returning characters. Aerith, for example, has new attack options and more mobility compared to her appearance in Final Fantasy VII Remake. Was feedback from players who played Final Fantasy VII Remake taken into consideration for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth?

We've definitely paid close attention to our player’s feedback from the previous title. The previous game was designed with an emphasis on command-based strategy, so the acti?on portion of the game was i??ntentionally deemphasized.

For the current title, we’ve given more latitude to action-based strategies and designed the ??game to allow a variety of playstyles. From there, further suggestions were ma??de by the battle director, Endo. Following his suggestions, large adjustments were made to existing characters, and the changes made to Aerith were a result of this process.

With Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, players will get to explore more open-ended fields and pursue optional objectives. How did you decide on what kinds of sidequests to include in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth?

The two major side-content elements are "Odd Jobs" and "World Intel". "Odd Job" side-quests are standard side-quests that can be found in most games, where the player receives a request from a client and ventures off to resolve it. However, to ensure each quest is distinct, they feature exclusive mini-games and gimmicks. In "World I??ntel," you’re basically asked by Chadley to investigate points of interest around the world to help develop Materia. However, "World Intel" is much more than just that�as you investigate each region, the adventure unfolds into a much larger story that spans the entire world, and this comprehensive scale is one of its core appeals.

We've also added further stories and worldbuilding into "Card Game: QUEEN'S BLOOD" and "Piano", which unfold throughout the world. Since there is a large amount of side-content included within the world map, we wanted to maintain the distinctiveness of each one, so players won’t be bored through repetitive task?s.

Final Fantasy VII has a history of surprising players. For example, I can still remember first seeing that there was an entire world outside Midgar when I first played Final Fantasy VII on PlayStation. Meanwhile, Final Fantasy VII Remake took a new direction with its story that gave new meaning to the word “Remake.â€?Is there an aspect of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth that you hope similarly surprises fans? No spoilers, of course!

The FINAL FANTASY VII remake project titles, including FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, were developed with two ideas in mind, in terms of their core appeal. The first is re-creating what could not be expressed in the original FFVII, using modern techniques to make the audience aware of things they previously didn’t notice, therefore providing an element of fresh surprise. In the demo, the personality of young Cloud during the Nibelheim flashback was received incredibly well by fans and media alike, and similar to that, we've put in a lot of care to re-create certai?n scenes with increased realism, which allows for additional layers of discovery without changing the fundamental experience of those scenes.

The second are the deviations from the original game. Overall, we want??ed the player to follow the familiarity of how this game progresses in the same way as the original, while still picking up o?n subtle differences in certain details, which are meant to keep the player on the edge of their seats, speculating what those deviations might mean for the story’s climax. In the previous title, the Whispers played this narrative role, whereas this time around, Zack also joins in. He will certainly entertain and wrangle the player in the best way possible.

Both of these two elements are scattered all throughout FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, ?and will surely provide many surprises for fans.

What would you like to say to fans looking forward to the release of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth?

After a four-year wait, we are proud to present to you FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, which has evolved even further from the previous title with ?its explorative world map, enhanced battle system with synergistic attacks, and storytelling that keeps you guessing?? as to what will happen next. The game will be released Feb. 29, and we look forward to seeing it in the hands of many people.

Once again, thank you for your time!

As Hamaguchi said himself, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth launches on PlayStation 5 on February 29.

The post Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director talks action ?combat and getting wrangled by Zack appeared first on Destructoid.

In the lead-up to Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Square Enix has shared a recap of the original game’s story, set from the perspective of Red XIII. The recap comes as both Square Enix and fans are counting down the days until Rebirth's release on February 29, 2024.

The recap starts with a description of Midgar and the ShinRa Electric Power Company, set to a chilling rendition of Sephiroth’s theme. As Cloud, Barret and other members of Avalanche are introduced, the music starts to become more hopeful as Cloud meets Aerith following the Sector 8 reactor explosion. It quickly returns to the haunting choral melody as Presid?ent?? Shinra and his employees are introduced.

To be honest, the recap does an excellent job of covering the basic plot points from Final Fantasy 7 Remake, though it does bypass the events of the Sector 6 slums, the Wall Market, Don Corneo’s Mansion, and everything else between meeting Aerith and the attack on Sector 7. It also doesn’t mention Zack’s inexplicable revival, which is interesting, given how important he seems to be in Rebirth.

I must admit, though, seeing the fight against Sephiroth at the end of Remake again reminded me of how silly that final act was. Here’s hoping they’re able to make that fight and its ramifications make sense in Rebirth. It’s already been confirmed by Tetsuya Nomura that Rebirth will extend up to ??The Forgotten Capital, so things are already looking up in that ?regard. 

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth launches exclusively for the PlayStation 5 on February 29,? 2024.

The post Square Enix ?shares a Final Fantasy 7 Remake recap ahead of Rebirth appeared first on Destructoid.

Nothing i??s more versatile than the timeless greats of the role-playing genre. RPGs transport us to different worlds, giving us the chance to explore and shape a journey on our own terms.

2023 gave us some noteworthy adventures, with the likes of Baldur's Gate 3 and Final Fantasy XVI immediately coming to mind. That said, one can only wonder what 2024 has in store for the genre. So, as we celebrate the titans of this year and look to the next, I've rounded up 10 RPGs that I would definite??ly keep watch on in 2024.

#1: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Ryu Ga Gotoku/SEGA)

Release Date: January 26 (Trailer)
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S

Ichiban and the gang are off to the United States. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a turn-based action RPG picking up where Yakuza: Like a Dragon leaves off. Next year's follow-up sends Ichiban on a dangerous journey to Hawaii to find his mother. Luckily, Kiryu Kazuma, the ser?ies' main protagonist, is still here t??o help as he reckons with his cancer diagnosis.

This one looks as wild as the series is large. I mean, you can ride a dolphin to your own Animal Crossing island, for goodness sake! If you're still on the fence, the upcoming Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Lost His Name comes with a demo to try out. It looks like Infinite Wealth maintains what the series does best: striking a balance between seriousness and fun that you can't help but ??enjoy.

#2: Persona 3 Reload (Atlus)

Release Date: February 2 (Trailer)
Platforms: PC, PS4,? PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S (Xbox Game ?Pass)

Shin Megami Tensei is a staple of the genre, which extends to its spinoff series, Persona. However, we haven't seen it brought to the new generation of consoles. This is where Persona 3 Reload comes in. As a remake of the 2006 PlayStation 2 game, it looks like everything that made the original great. From its turn-based gameplay to the life simulation, Reload takes old P3 staples and modernizes them, including refreshing the cast.

As someone who played Portable on Xbox Game Pass, I can't wait to see how the world really feels instead of text blocks and pointers. Regardless, Persona 3 Reload is shaping up to be the next big RPG that fans and newcomers ??alike can enjoy.

#3: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Square Enix)

Release Date: February 29 (Trailer)
Platforms: PS5

It's no secret that Final Fantasy VII is one of the best games of all time. Check any list of the best RPGs, and you're sure to find it in there. So, of course, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second part of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, is among the most anticipated.

Taking place after Remake, Cloud and the AVALANCHE gang are out of Midgar and ready to stop Sephiroth. As a huge lover of Remake, believe me when I say Rebirth is high on my want list. The gameplay looks spectacular, still utilizing open combat, and its vast landscapes are exciting. Plus, Cloud can ride a segway. What more could you ask for? While Final Fantasy VII Rebirth may ch??art its ??own path with the story, I'm 100% along for the journey.

#4: Unicorn Overlord (Vanillaware/Atlus)

Release Date: March 8 (Trailer)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S

The creators behind 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim are back with a medieval take on the tactical RPG. Unicorn Overlord is set to be Vanillaware's biggest game yet, and it's easy to see why. Story-wise, we follow Alain as he reclaims his rightful place on the throne with the help of the mystical Unicorn Ring. The gameplay feels reminiscent of Fire Emblem and other strategy games, not to mention a beautiful 2D art style. Perhaps Unicorn Overlord might be a sleeper hit, much like 13 Sentinels was in 2019. However, there's a reason Vanillaware is among th?e masters of the genre.

#5: Avowed (Obsidian/Xbox)

Release Date: TBA (Trailer)
Platforms: PC and Xbox Series X/S (Xbox Game Pass)

Tired of Skyrim? You may want to keep an eye on this one. Avowed is a first-person action RPG from the team behind The Outer Worlds and Pillars of Eternity. You play as an envoy holding the power to change the course of the Living Lands forever. The game takes place in Eora, which is also where Pillars of Eternity is, so fans of it will feel right at home. Already masters of their craft at open-world narratives, Obsidian bringing that classic Elder Scrolls flair to players way before Elder Scrolls 6 is a bit of a power move.

#6: Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science)

Release Date: Summer 2024 (Trailer)
Platforms: PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S

The Journey to the West is becoming a Souls-like RPG. Black Myth: Wukong, with its beautiful graphics and AAA quality, is actually from indie Chinese studio Game Science. Announced in 2020, the game shot to popularity due to its stunning visu?als, and for good reason.

The gameplay looks similar to your typical FromSoftware game but is filled to the brim with Chinese mythology. You play as Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, as he fights a number of vicious foes. Being that he's one of the most powerful warriors, it won't be a walk in the park. With Elden Ring starring as the belle of the ball for peak combat, it might be time for Black Myth: Wukong to usurp it from the throne.

#7: Hades II (Supergiant Games)

Release Date: TBA (Full) Q2 2024 (Trailer)
Platforms: Consoles (unknown) and PC

It's a good day in Hell: 2020's best indie game is getting a sequel. Revealed at last year's Game Awards, Hades II is a rogue-like RPG that follows Zagreus' sister Melinoë. As Princess of the Underworld, you'll use your dark magic to destroy the forces of the Titan of Time. Fans of the original will be pleased to know that the gameplay and mechanics will remain the same.

Is more Hades a bad thing? No, no, it isn't. You know it's something special when this is Supergiant Games' only sequel. It's the same team that made Bastion and Transistor, yet they gave Hades another game. If the studio is confident enough to do another game,? it must mean it's got something really special.

#8: Metaphor: ReFantazio (Studio Zero/Atlus)

Release Date: TBA (Trailer)
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S

The creators of Persona 3, 4, and 5 are venturing into new territories with Metaphor: ReFantazio. From the trailer shown in June's Xbox Games Showcase, the game looks like a mix of open-world and turn-based combat, much like its spiritual successors. Metaphor marks the first original game Studio Zero has made since its establishment in 2016. Story details are a bit vague at the moment, but its medieval and fantasy-inspired setting feels reminiscent of Final Fantasy XV and Treasure Planet (especially with the floating skateboard).

#9: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo)

Release Date: TBA (Trailer)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Ready to return to the world of Paper Mario? 20 years after its release, a revival of The Thousand-Year Door is making its way?? to Nintendo Switch. It's unclear if this is a remake or remaster, but the story seems to remain intact, as Mario must save Peach from the alien group X-Nauts and find a long-lost treasure.

I've never gotten the chance to play the classic, yet when it was revealed, I still held a strange sense of nostalgia. Just looking at the bright colors, crafty art direction, and playful aesthetic put me right back into the GameCube's heyday. The 2004 original was lauded by critics when it launched, so hopefully, this o??ne is? just as good of a time.

#10: Rise of the Ronin (Team Ninja/PlayStation)

Release Date: TBA (Trailer)
Platforms: PS5

While Ghost of Tsushima 2 is in development, another swordsperson enters the arena. This time, though, we've got guns. Rise of the Ronin, announced in 2022, is an action RPG set during the end of the Edo period. As a ronin, you'll carefully choose alliances and live the life of a freelance samurai. Developer Team Ninja created titles like Nioh and Ninja Gaiden, so the team knows how to craft a good action game. There's not much on the Edo adventure out there yet, but from what we've seen, Rise of the Ronin looks to fill that sword-swingin?g fantasy niche per??fectly.

The post 10 RPGs to look out for in 2024 appeared first on Destructoid.

I sincerely don’t envy the position Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is in.

The middle entry of a trilogy is always a precarious thing. On one hand, it lacks the opening act to introduce the cast and get players excited for the story. At the same time, middle entries also can’t culminate in the story’s ultimate climax. Combine that with being part of a remake of one of the most beloved RPGs of all time, and you have a game that really needs to come prepared to impress. After all, Final Fantasy 7 Remake already indulged us in seeing Cloud and friends in glorious HD. Can Rebirth leave a lasting ??impression after that novelty has wor?n off?

In search of an answer to this question, I attended an event hosted by Square Enix to play some of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth for myself. This demo took me through two distinct sections of the game, which showcased Rebirth’s story-focused moments as well as its semi-open-world. For the most part, much of what I saw can be summed up as “it's more Final Fantasy 7 Remake.�

However, it’s what I didn’t see that interested me the most in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

Adventures with a safer Sephiroth

The first section of the demo had me control Cloud and �gasp �Sephiroth on the mountain path leading to the Nibel Reactor. This is, of course, part of the original game’s flashback sequence explaining the Nibelheim Incident. I don’t know if the full game will start here, but it works shocking well as its own introduction. The mountain paths and caves all had explainers for basic mechanics in case it’s been a while since you played Remake, but it didn’t linger too long on its tutorials.

The big selling point of this whole sequence is, of course, playing as Sephiroth. And in truth, this was probably my favorite part of playing Rebirth. In the original Final Fantasy 7, the game drives home Sephiroth’s power by making him comically overpowered. I love how classic Final Fantasy used gameplay to tell stories, but I can’t say this was thrilling to play. Conversely, Rebirth pu?ts Sephiroth and Cloud on more equal footing at this stage, with both being capable of dispatching the monsters in front of you.

Rather than pumping up raw numbers, Rebirth ins??tead sells players on Sephiroth’s sheer power with his playstyle. And that playstyle is “I d??on’t have any complex mechanics, I just wreck enemies.�He’s just a powerful guy with a big ol�sword who can use skills that will inflict impressive damage, no matter what you pick. I like this approach since it drives home that Sephiroth is just effortlessly strong, regardless of his opponents. He genuinely feels mighty on his own, rather than just more powerful than the enemies around him.

Promote Synergy Abilities

This sequence also introduced me to Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s new Synergy Abilities. For those just tuning in, Synergy Abilities are vaguely like Chrono Trigger's Double Techs. Whenever you use a character’s ATB gauge, you charge a secondary meter. W??hen two characters reach a certain threshold of their ??respective meters, they can trigger a Synergy Ability together.

While these can inflict serious damage, Synergy Abilities primarily revolve around stat buffs from what I saw. For example, a couple Synergy Abilities involved making spells cost 0 MP for an extended period. I could immediately tell that these moves were way too powerful to ignore, so switching between characters to build their respective ATB gauges became essential. This also gave me a reason to not use Sephiroth ??exclusively, which was probably a good call.

I did enjoy how Synergy Abilities shake up the gameplay, but I am worried they might become the most important part of combat. I mean, I like having more tools in my combat toolbox. But if?? all paths lead to building up my Synergy Abilities because they’re just that powerful, then they’re stop feeling like cool new options and instead co?me off as something that I’m forced to juggle.

When I poked through the menus in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, I did notice that there were many more Materia slots to go around. Even at this relatively early stage of the game, characters could already equip more than ten pieces of Materia each. Additionally, you can find Materia that consolidates two distinct spell sets from Remake, such as a Materia that grants both Fire and Lightning spells. There might be some captivating potential in building around Synergy Abilities, which I would love to test out. Unfortunately, these more RPG-y parts of the game ?were locked out from the demo.

Out on the open world

The first demo section ended on a satisfying note, with a lot of little nods that I’m sure longtime Final Fantasy 7 fanatics will pick up on immediately. Sephiroth calls Cloud “Puppy�at least once, which made an overly enthusiastic part of me want to jump up and go “I know what that means!�However, I soon found myself in the? second section of the demo, which sees the party in the open area outside of Junon. This is where the game showcases its more open-world inspired elements.

Right off the bat, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth hit me with several mechanics that one would immediately think of when they hear “open-world.�I could ride my chocobo mount, pick up materials off the ground as I walked by them, and chase down optional battles to engage in. In the demo, those random materials could only go into crafting consumable items. The big thing here is the Cushion, which Cloud must use if he wants to rest on shoddy look?ing benches. Honestly, I can relate. My butt deserves only the best too.

It was neat to see Rebirth open up a bit, especially with how predominately linear Remake was. But, honestly, the Cushion did concern me. It seemed like the type of thing that didn’t really need to be in the game, but existed so you had something to grind in this open space. I mean, Remake had benches with no need for cushions, and to be fair, those are here too. But again, I don’t want to come ??down too hard on this because of the nature of the demo. I’m sort of ambivalent to crafting systems in general, so as long as there’s interesting stuff in the full game to chase, I’ll be happy.

Intel-ligent battles

That said, it was the Combat Assignment fights that made me a bit worried about Rebirth. These optional battles pit your party against set groups of monsters, but each come with three optional intel objectives to fulfill. You can beat these battles without clearing all the objectives, but the game really seemed to discourage that. Basically ever failed attempt involved some voice clip along the lines of “maybe try that again.�/p>

Most of the objectives here were straightforward. Stuff like “defeat the enemies in under three minutes�needs no explanation and works fine. On the other hand, some objectives grated on me with how rigid they felt. In one case, an optional objective involved evading an enemy using a certain attack. However, I had no context as to what “evade�meant. Simply not getting hit didn’t count, a??nd my attempts to Perfect Dodge?? by rolling away at the last second didn’t work either. Maybe the full game explains evasion timing better, but this just wound up frustrating me to the point of making me give up.

Similarly, an objective in the encounter I faced right after involved interrupting an enemy when it starts casting a specific attack. Using the Assess skill reveals ?that you can interrupt it by inflicting enough damage during the casting period, except the enemy incessantly pushes party members away during this window of vulnerability. Again, I tried beating this objective several times and couldn’t clear that damage threshold. I also tried timing my strikes so I could stagger the enemy during casting or just flat out kill it, but neither of those tactics counted towards completion.

I wound up just abandoning these optional objectives since I really didn’t have fun trying to chase them do??wn. Plus I had other things I wanted to do in this demo.

Action vs. RPG

The weird thing about my experience is that I saw a game that I really wanted to play here, but just didn’t have the opportunity to. Even during the battle I described above, I noticed that those enemies pushing my party away had a Lightning weakness. I immediately thought “If I could just equip Aerith with Lightning Mater??ia, I bet I could complete this objective easily.�Alas, Aerith didn’t have any Lightning magic, and I couldn’t do that menu management myself.

The boss battle at the end of this section of the demo left me with similar feelings. Playing Rebirth as strictly an action game, I felt somewhat lukewarm about the experience. There were certain attacks I had to use guard against, certain phases where I had to use certain moves, and mechanics where I had to use specific characters. It all came together like a game that want?ed to escalate the difficulty by becoming much more rigid, instead of giving me the freedom to play how I want.

Yet I couldn’t stop thinking about all those Materia slots my characters have that I couldn’t play with. And how, again, you can find Materia that consolidates existing magic to give you room to try out new toys. Even after my demo time, I talked with a representative about different tactics the full game might allow. For example, I could possibly make Cloud a dedicated tank to give other party members more freedom to hit bosses without worrying about dodging or blocking. That sounds like a blast to me, but it was outside the scope of what I could try here. And that could be the key that seriously enriches Rebirth's combat.

The rebirth of Final Fantasy 7

In the end, I was left with some conflicting feelings about Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. It did come with some notable changes to what Final Fantasy 7 Remake offered. For example, Aerith had stronger attack options as well as some neat evasion tricks. But overall, it mostly felt like more Final Fantasy 7 Remake with a few additions I could take or leave. I honestly wouldn’t recommend replaying Remake leading up to Rebirth, since I think you’d burn yourself out with h??ow simil??ar they are.

However, all those RPG elements on the periphery of my experience have stuck with me. How will the game build up S?ephiroth and work with plot threads that longtime fans are familiar? with? What kinds of things might I craft in that open world once I can dive deep into that character building? And again, what new possibilities might arise with the new Materia in the game? The sheer implication of new toys makes me eager to try the game for myself.

So all in all, I’m still absolutely keeping my eyes peeled for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. I mean I would anyway, simply because I like Final Fantasy. But if what I both did and did not see comes together in a satisfying way, Rebirth could absolutely be something special. Otherwise, it’s just more Final Fantasy 7 Remake with a few extra systems, and that isn’t a terrible outcome ??either.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth launches on PlayStation 5 on February 29.

The post Hands-on: Fin?al Fantasy 7 Rebirth has action,?? but teases just as much RPG appeared first on Destructoid.

Vincent is coming out of his coffin. Announced at the Final Fantasy VII Rebirth voice cast panel at New York Comic-Con, the voice actor for the gun-toting ex-Turk has been officially confirmed: Matt Mercer. This comes after fans cl??aimed the prolific voice actor was the character whe??n he appeared in the latest State of Play.

Disturbing Vincent Valentine's slumber

As host, Matt Mercer brings up his background work in FFVII Remake after introducing the cast. He then puts the rumors to bed (or coffin, in this case) by saying that he will take on the role of Vincent Valentine in the sequel. Vincent, in Final Fantasy VII, is a former Turk who joins Cloud and his crew on their escapades as revenge on Hojo. He also was the protagonist in Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerberus, voiced by VA legend Steve Blum.

Being in the industry for many years, Matt Mercer is no stranger to big-ticket roles. His parts in Persona 5 (Yusuke), Fire Emblem (Chrom), and Overwatch (Cole Cassidy) were heavily praised. He also hosts the popular Dungeons & Dragons show, Critical Role. Most recently, he played the main villain Ganondorf in The Legend of Zelda:? Tears of the Kingdom. Without a doubt, Matt is the perfect actor to take over Vincent Valentine. I, for one, can't wait to see him in all his glo?ry.

While fans are likely to be excited by the announcement of Vincent, a fan-favorite character, it is worth noting Square Enix already confirmed he will not be a playable party member during an exclusive interview with Game Informer.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth releases on February 29, 20??24, for PlayStation 5.

The post Matt Mercer confirmed as Vince?nt Valentine i??n Final Fantasy VII Rebirth appeared first on Destructoid.

The conversation surrounding Cait Sith, one of the most contested names within the Final Fantasy 7 extended universe,?? has taken a dramatic turn. On the social media website that I insist on calling Twitter,?? Square Enix posted the following clarification:

“In Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Cait Sith is pronounced ‘Kate Sihth.’�/p>

For some Final Fantasy fans, this statement may read along the lines of calling water wet. In fact, I imagine many who played Final Fantasy 7 back in 1997 naturally pronounced the name like that. However, many (naturally) believe the name “Cait Sith�to be a reference to the corresponding Celtic folklore creature �a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat-s%C3%ACth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noo??pener">Cait Sidhe.�strong> This is typically pronounced like “Ket-Shee,�which some have since applied to the remote-controlled Shinra machination. But with Square Enix's clarification, it appears that in an effort to be as correct as possible, some fans have argued themselves into an incorrect pr??onunciation instead.

Note that Square Enix specifically says that Cait Sith is pronounced this way in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Clearly, this opens the door to pronouncing Cait Sith as “Ket-Shee�in the original Final Fantasy 7, since the post offers no clarification on that front. I’m not te?am “Ket-Shee,�I just e??njoy chaos.

Easily in the top 5 of most controversial pronunciations in Final Fantasy 7

Honestly, arguing over how to pronounce things in Final Fantasy 7 is a time-ho?nored tradition at this point. ??If you were on a message board during the mid-2000s, saying “Aeris�instead of “Aerith�was tantamount to saying that you hated everyone with three or more toes.

Also, calling Tifa “tih-fuh�instead of “tee-fuh�could start wars. At some point, I caught the “tih-fuh�bug and still say that even though I know “tee-fuh�is correct. I have been nearly punched in the face at least once for this reason. No, hearing it pronounced in Final Fantasy VII Remake has not helped.

So, as silly as it may seem, Square Enix’s clarification here does have context. And while the voice acted script of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth would naturally answer this question, at least we can put this one to rest early. Now we just need Square Enix to clarify whether "Safer Sephiroth" should actually be "Sefer Sephir?oth" or "Savior Sephiroth" to sate fans once and for all.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth launches on February 29, 2024 on PlayStation 5.

The post Square Enix clarifies Cait? Sith is pronounced? Cait Sith appeared first on Destructoid.

During the September 2023 State of Play, we got a Release Date Announcement Trailer for Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth. At the end of the trailer we got a first look at the Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth Collector's Edition, and oh boy is it beautiful. Included is a 19-inch Sephiroth statue—in pure Sephiroth form, might I add—as well as a sick-looking steel book. Unfortunately, you're gonna have to shell out a lot of Gil for this one. The Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth Collector's Edition is priced at $349.99.

Materia(l) things

As per usual with Square Enix Collector's Editions, supplies are limited and only available through the Square Enix Store. Full contents include the Deluxe Edition of Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, the Sephiroth statue, and the following DLC:

• Moogle Trio Summoning Materia (DLC)

  • A summoning materia that can call "Moogle Trio" in the game.

• Magic Pot Summoning Materia (DLC)

  • A summoning materia that can call "Magic Pot" in the game.

• Accessory: Reclaimant Choker (DLC)

  • A choker with an effect of restoring HP when an enemy is defeated.

• Armor: Orchid Bracelet (DLC)

  • A bracelet that gives courage to traverse an expanding world.

• Armor: Midgar Bangle Mk. II (DLC)

  • A bracelet worn by travelers leaving Midgar.

As much as I want this, I don't think I can justify it. The statue looks decent quality, but certainly not price-of-a-console quality. But??, for those who collect this stuff, I'm sure this is just what they were looking for. Still, it does feel like the price on these Collector's Editions continues to rise while the contents shift to mostly digital stuff.

For me it's all about the steelbook, which it a?ppears actually comes with the Deluxe Edition which is priced at $99.99. That seems a bit more reasonable to me.

Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth releases exclusively on PlayStatio??n 5 on February 29, 2024.

The post Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth collector’s edition has a cool Sephiroth statue, but it ain’t cheap appeared first on Destructoid.

As part of the September 14, 2023 State of Play, Sony has revealed the release date for the anticipated Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth. It will be releasing on PS5 February 29, 2024. Just a little under four years since the release of Final Fantasy VII: Remake.

The announcement comes with a new trailer that shows a nice mix of old and new. Vincent shows up, but we only see t??he back of his really epic mullet. We get a peak at Junon, which is looking pretty fly. Tifa also mentions weapons, the optional bosses from the original version. The Golden Saucer makes an appearance alongside Chocobo Racing.

Cloud rides around on a Segway while wearing a pastel-colored polo shirt. I don't remember that happening in the PS1 title, but my memory is ?more perforated than a tea bag. There's a bunch of other stuff that happens, but I don't want to say anything confidently in case I just imagined it.

It's some good stuff, nonetheless. I always felt that Final Fantasy VII got a lot of mileage out of its style, e??ven when the story was sometimes a bit lacking. The remakes go a long way in preserving that while also making the world feel a bit more grounded.

Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth launches on PS5 on February 29, 2024.

The post Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth?? releases on February 29, 2024 appeared first on Destructoid.

The expansive (dying) world

As part of 2023 Summer Game Fest, Square Enix has shown off a rather heaping helping of gameplay from Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.

//youtu.be/mskzZjJjQg0

It looks pretty great! It starts off showing the aftermath of the first game before showing off the world you'll be exploring. T?here are a number of re-imagined scenes that will be familiar to anyone who played the original title, as well as some new surprises. There's an especially bi?g twist that I don't want to spoil in case you don't want to watch the trailer and prefer to go in blind. I respect that.

Perhaps the most exciting information here is that Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is slated for early 2024. But most excitingly is that it's coming on two discs. In this economy? I can't remember the last time I saw a game come on two discs without it actually being two separate titles. Wow!

The post Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is coming early 2????024 on TWO DISCS appeared first on Destructoid.