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Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is so big it's on two discs

Red XIII will be playable.

Fresh gameplay of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth was shown at tonight's Summer Game Fest with a release window reveal of early 2024.

The game is so big, it will be on two discs and is a PlayStation 5 exclusive.

Square Enix has been teasing a reveal all week with developer comments of varying detail - today was day seven, resulting in the trailer below.

Cover image for YouTube videoFINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH – Summer Game Fest 2023 Trailer
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Summer Game Fest trailer

So what did we see?

It begins with a news report of our heroes seemingly dead after the events of the first game on the Midgar Expressway. But then, we know this remake trilogy is playing with time and the events of the original.

What we then get is a glimpse of what this open world will look like, as Cloud explores vast fields and industrial complexes with Aerith and Tifa.

He'll be joined by Yuffie (from the Intergrade DLC) and everyone's favourite lion-thing Red XIII will be playable at last - his abilities include a Vengeance Mode. The team can also be seen riding chocobo through various ruins.

The trailer covers events seemingly leading up to the end of the first disc of the original: the chocobo ranch of Kalm; meeting Seto in Cosmo Canyon; and the tumultuous events of Nibelheim. The Turks are back too and we even see a boss fight against Jenova.

Battles will use the same system as Remake but are looking even flashier, if that's even possible.

The trailer ends with Sephiroth saying "do you know that I killed her, so who is she?" with footage of him slicing at a younger Tifa. Characters also question what Cloud's been up to the past five years. Will Zack make an appearance?

Let the story speculation commence!

A press release for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth described it as a "standalone adventure", which follows on from developer comments stating players won't need to have played the first game to enjoy this sequel.

Said producer Yoshinori Kitase: "We're honored to bring Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth to players around the world early next year. In the next installment of this thrilling tale, Cloud and his friends — both new and returning — will embark on a new adventure, so all players can enjoy this story, even those without any familiarity with the previous title or the original Final Fantasy 7.

"The entire team has worked fervently with love and adoration for the world of Final Fantasy 7 to deliver an unforgettable experience for new adventurers and longtime fans alike, reaching new heights of cinematic storytelling, immersive and fast-paced combat, and rich exploration across a vast world. We can't wait to share more details later this year."