Square Enix has published a free sample for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on PlayStation 5, following a dedicated State of Play live on Tuesday that showcased the second installment of its remake of the 1997 classic.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Demo Released On PS5
The demo is divided into two sections, the second of which will be added later in an update. The first section, which is currently accessible, represents nearly the entirety of the game’s first chapter.
It allows you to play as hero Cloud and antagonist Sephiroth in an early flashback part titled “the Nibelheim episode,” which is based on a notable scene from the original game. It’s quite dramatic, and it offers an excellent starting point for the Final Fantasy 7 tale.
The second portion of the trial, which will be updated between now and the game’s release on February 29, provides players a taste of fighting and exploration in a more open area called Junon, culminating in a boss fight at the fishing village of Under Junon.
In this second portion, you can construct a team of three by selecting Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, Barret, and Red XIII, and then explore the characters’ synergies while hunting monsters on the world map before meeting a boss. Gameempress had the opportunity to play this portion back in September, and it’s a terrific preview of what the majority of Rebirth will be like.
Unfortunately, because the demo includes elements from Rebirth, progress will not carry over to the full game when it is released for PS5 on February 29.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth launches February 29, 2024 on PlayStation 5. #FF7R pic.twitter.com/uAxEvfEfgX
— FINAL FANTASY VII (@finalfantasyvii) September 14, 2023
Elsewhere at State of Play, Square Enix provided a detailed look at Rebirth’s structure and features, including the frequently weird and amusing side quests and minigames that will fill out what appears to be a vibrant and broad journey.
Gameempress just had the opportunity to play the first hours of Rebirth. After the pivotal first chapter, which recounted the Nibelheim Incident, the action shifts to the scenic town of Kalm, where Cloud and his friends are recuperating following the events of Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
We could talk to the party and the townspeople while also exploring some of the game’s systems, such as Queen’s Blood, an intriguing Gwent-style collectible card game. After escaping a Shinra raid on Kalm, the action shifted to the Grasslands for open exploration, much to the Junon segment of the demo.