Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: Embracing the Weirdness and Janky Minigames
Final Fantasy VII, released in 1997, has always been known for its eccentricity and bizarre gameplay elements. From impromptu snowboarding adventures to battling a Triceratops fused with a truck, the game embraces its weirdness in every aspect, particularly in its minigames. The recently released Final Fantasy VII Rebirth manages to capture the essence of the original game’s quirkiness, offering a massive and occasionally messy experience that oozes with personality.
The term “jank” is often used to describe something unrefined but charming, and it perfectly encapsulates the essence of FF7. Every few hours of gameplay introduces something new and unexpected. Arriving at Junon, players are thrown into a CPR minigame, followed by a dolphin-jumping challenge and a parade minigame. Even after experiencing a life-altering tragedy, players find themselves snowboarding. Each minigame employs different mechanics and control schemes, contributing to the game’s overall personality. Even the frustrating ones, like the dolphin jump, add to the larger tapestry of the game.
This same sense of variety and unpredictability extends to the game’s narrative. FF7 weaves together ambitious themes that were uncommon in 1997, delving into topics such as environmentalism, dystopian government, trauma, and identity crisis. Despite the tonal complexity, the game manages to cohere into an unforgettable experience. Interestingly, some major plot revelations were only finalized during the latter stages of development. For instance, director Yoshinori Kitase revealed in a 2009 interview that he didn’t know until late in the process that Cloud’s memories were actually Zack’s.
Rebirth’s design revolves around bringing together these disparate elements, mirroring the spirit of the original game. With each chapter, players are introduced to new ideas, minigames, and mechanics. As the main story progresses, unique elements continue to emerge. Playing as Cait Sith introduces a mechanic for throwing boxes, while another side quest requires players to solve a puzzle involving a mushroom. The Gold Saucer offers a plethora of minigame distractions, each with its own variations to unlock. The Queen’s Blood card game feels like a separate game within the game. In an era where many games feel homogenous, Rebirth takes bold risks and stands out as a big and splashy experience.
Critics argue that the abundance of distractions can disrupt the pacing of the main story, and the minigame-focused experience may not appeal to everyone. However, Rebirth embodies the audacity that made FF7 so memorable in the first place. It is undeniably the gutsiest game the series has seen in decades.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth embraces the weirdness and janky minigames that made the original game so beloved. Its unrefined charm and constant introduction of new elements create a truly unique experience. While it may not be for everyone, Rebirth captures the spirit of the original game and offers players an unforgettable journey filled with surprises at every turn.