Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth tech review: an excellent but inconsistent experience

The long-awaited sequel to the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, has finally launched, marking a significant moment for RPG enthusiasts and PS5 console owners alike. This expansive title promises a rich gaming experience, but how does it perform in terms of technology and visuals?

Visual Enhancements in Cutscenes

One of the standout features of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is its impressive cutscenes. These sequences showcase near-CGI level character models in beautifully directed action and expository scenes. The visual quality is noteworthy, with character designs receiving subtle updates for a more realistic appearance. Details such as skin texture and hair rendering have seen marked improvements, providing a more immersive experience.

Lighting and Detail

Lighting during cutscenes utilizes advanced techniques like three-point lighting setups, enhancing character visibility against their backgrounds. The indirect lighting effects, particularly light bounces from reflective surfaces, add depth to these moments. In terms of fidelity, many cutscenes surpass older CGI films, showcasing high-quality animation and visual storytelling.

Combat and Environmental Realism

The action combat remains a high point, characterized by fluid animations and particle effects that create a dynamic combat environment. Players can expect larger battles with more foes, continuing the engaging combat experience established in the previous installment.

Naturalistic Environments

The game excels in its depiction of natural environments, with solid polygonal density and ground clutter. The open-world segments are particularly impressive, benefiting from the PS5’s primitive shader functionality to enhance visual detail. Compared to its predecessor, Rebirth introduces truly open areas, offering a broader scope and more intricate environmental designs.

Cityscapes and Technical Progress

Rebirth features expansive city environments filled with civilians and intricate architectural details. This contrasts sharply with the corridor-like towns of the previous game, showcasing significant technical growth in world-building.

Visual Inconsistencies

However, not all aspects of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth shine. Some environments suffer from poor lighting, which can detract from the visual experience. While many areas look acceptable, certain interior spaces lack the detail and realism expected from a current-gen title. This inconsistency becomes glaring when compared to the lighting quality seen in the previous game.

Texture Quality and Model Details

Some areas exhibit low-resolution textures, particularly noticeable during the game’s early chapters. This issue is coupled with poorly executed lighting on complex structures, resulting in a somewhat flat appearance in certain environments. This is particularly surprising given the high standards set by the earlier title.

Animation and Interaction Issues

Traversal animations can also feel unconvincing, particularly when characters navigate rocky terrain. The lack of animated collision with foliage further detracts from immersion, despite initial trailers suggesting otherwise.

Performance Modes and Loading Times

Rebirth offers two visual modes: a graphics mode targeting 30fps and a performance mode aimed at 60fps. The graphics mode provides a stable experience with crisp visuals, while the performance mode encounters frame drops during intense GPU moments. Loading times are commendable, remaining fast and efficient throughout the gameplay experience.

Comparisons with Previous Installments

When compared to Final Fantasy 16, which showcased superior lighting and asset detail, Rebirth feels slightly lacking. The technical shortcomings, particularly in lighting and texture quality, stand in contrast to the visual achievements of its predecessor. Despite these issues, Rebirth still offers a captivating experience, especially for fans of the series, thanks to its engaging narrative and expanded gameplay mechanics.

Overall, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth presents an impressive yet inconsistent visual experience. While it excels in cutscenes and expansive environments, certain visual flaws, particularly in lighting and texture quality, remind players of the challenges in current-gen game development. The game remains a worthwhile experience for fans, balancing its visual drawbacks with compelling storytelling and gameplay elements.