Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has taken the gaming world by storm with its stunning graphics and updated gameplay. But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this highly anticipated remake is the major story changes that have been made. In this article, we will delve into the biggest story changes in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, so be warned, spoilers lie ahead!
The first major change revolves around the Black Materia. In the original game, the Black Materia was a mysterious orb with the power to summon a destructive meteor. However, in Rebirth, the origin of the Black Materia is explored in depth. It is revealed that the Gi, an undead tribe residing beneath Cosmo Canyon, created the Black Materia out of pain and spite. Their intention was to use it to summon a meteor that would bring an end to their tortured existence. This new backstory adds a layer of complexity to the game and sheds light on the motivations of the Gi.
Another significant change in Rebirth is the introduction of new characters to the party. Yuffie, Cait Sith, Cid Highwind, and Vincent Valentine make their debut in this remake. However, their introductions have been completely altered from the original game. Yuffie is no longer randomly encountered in the forest; instead, she washes up on the beach at Junon Harbour. Cid is now depicted as a pilot-for-hire, and Vincent is encountered in the Shinra Mansion basement. These changes provide fresh perspectives on these beloved characters and add new dimensions to their stories.
One of the most shocking moments in Rebirth occurs when Cloud tries to kill Tifa at Gongaga Reactor. Cloud, under the influence of Sephiroth’s manipulations, believes that Tifa is an imposter and attempts to take her life. Thankfully, Tifa manages to escape his sword but falls into the reactor’s lake of liquid mako. This sequence, although reminiscent of a later event in the original game, adds a sense of danger and tension to the story.
A fascinating revelation in Rebirth is that both Aerith and Red XIII had the ability to see the future. This ability was tied to Aerith’s White Materia, which was used to summon Holy in the original game. However, in Rebirth, it is explained that the White Materia was formed from knowledge and memories. The Whispers, mysterious entities in the game, stole away Aerith’s future memories, leaving her unaware of her fate. This revelation adds a poignant layer to Aerith’s character and deepens the connection between her and Red XIII.
Sephiroth’s plan in Rebirth goes beyond absorbing the Lifestream; he now aims to conquer the multiverse through a process called Reunion. This involves the convergence of different worlds and the collection of their emotions. Sephiroth’s desire for mass destruction becomes even more apparent as he seeks not only the destruction of one world but many. This expansion of Sephiroth’s ambitions adds a new level of threat and raises the stakes for our heroes.
In a surprising twist, both Zack and Aerith are still alive in different realities of the multiverse. While Aerith’s fate remains somewhat similar to the original game, with her spirit living on in the Lifestream, Zack’s story takes a different turn. Multiple versions of Zack are seen throughout Rebirth, and in the final battle, he ponders the possibility of reuniting with alternate versions of Aerith and Cloud. This offers a glimmer of hope for Zack’s character and leaves players wondering about the possibilities of different realities.
Lastly, the Shinra vs. Wutai war takes center stage in Rebirth. Glenn Lodbrok, a former SOLDIER who defected to Wutai, attempts to reignite the war between Shinra and Wutai. It is later revealed that Glenn is a puppet of Sephiroth, and this war serves as a distraction for Rufus, the president of Shinra. Sephiroth’s ultimate goal of discovering the Promised Land is at the heart of this conflict, and the war becomes a means to divert Rufus’s attention.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has breathed new life into the beloved classic, with its major story changes captivating players around the world. From the origins of the Black Materia to the fate of Zack and Aerith, these alterations have added depth and intrigue to an already compelling narrative. As players journey through this reimagined world, they will undoubtedly be enthralled by the twists and turns that await them.