Final Fantasy VII Rebirth [PS5] Review and Longplay pt. 1

The first 3 chapters of FFVII, as played through by DashingDerek.
Part two (chapters 4 and 5): https://youtu.be/5so8AEPlriE

See our written tutorial/walkthrough here: https://retro-replay.com/guides/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-walkthrough/
Review here:

Chapter Synopsis
Chapter 1: The Adventure Begins: A Tale of Cloud’s Fateful Mission

Our story opens with Zack bravely rescuing Cloud amidst crashing helicopters and debris. After an emotional reunion with Aerith, we flashback five years to a fateful mission.

A younger Cloud accompanies the legendary Sephiroth to investigate a damaged mako reactor. After discovering dark secrets, Sephiroth begins descending into madness. Back in the present, Cloud recounts these dark events to his companions Tifa and Barret.

Journeying to his hometown, Cloud is flooded with memories. He visits his home, reflects by the water tower, and plays Tifa’s childhood piano. But soon the mission continues up treacherous Mt. Nibel. Cloud learns to harness mysterious Materia magic along the way.

Disaster strikes when a bridge collapses! After being swept away in raging rapids, Cloud reunites with Sephiroth. They push onward through caves and tunnels, facing ferocious creatures. An epic battle against a many-legged Materia Guardian tests Cloud’s skill.

At last reaching the old mako reactor, Cloud senses Sephiroth’s shifting motivations. After puzzling experiments, Sephiroth disappears into the night. Cloud pursues him to a foreboding manor filled with dark secrets.

Descending into its basement, Cloud finds Sephiroth consumed with sinister research. Emerging outside, Cloud arrives to find his village ablaze. Rushing to save his mother, he watches Sephiroth descend into violent madness against the townspeople.

Now in the present, Cloud remains haunted by this horrific memory. With destiny unclear and Sephiroth’s evil still looming, Cloud’s journey has only just begun. His companions will stand by his side, come what may.

Chapter 2: The Journey Continues: Cloud’s Next Steps Towards Destiny

With the flames of Nibelheim still smoldering in his mind, Cloud awakens to a new day in Kalm. After a vivid card game tutorial, he gears up for the road ahead. The wise wolf Red XIII joins his quest.

While shopping for supplies, Cloud strengthens bonds with Tifa and Aerith through heartfelt conversations. Their journey together has just begun. After confiding in gruff Barret, an attack on the city forces the team to escape through hidden sewers.

Emerging in the open Grasslands, Cloud yearns to explore this vast landscape. He uncovers treasures and sights along the way. At a ranch, Cloud must wrangle a wild chocobo named Piko to serve as his noble steed.

New activities open up, like time trials to test his riding skills. After reuniting with an old ally, Chadley, even more adventures await. Cloud can now take to the skies upon his trusty chocobo companion.

Venturing forth, Cloud glimpses a specter in the marsh that looks like his nemesis Sephiroth. Crossing a misty bridge surrounded by wisps of light, he presses onward. Then a ferocious serpent named Midgardsormr threatens to swallow him into its jaws.

Just when all seems lost, Sephiroth mysteriously appears to slay the beast. Unsure what to make of this “rescue”, Cloud proceeds towards caves glowing with eerie green mako light. Friends old and new journey alongside, uncertain of what lies ahead. But with hope in their hearts, they march onward to shape their destiny.

Chapter 3: Venturing into the Depths: Barret and Red XIII’s Underground Quest

Leaving Midgardsormr slain in the swamp, Cloud presses on into eerie glowing caves. Chasing mysterious robed figures, he suddenly hears a scream – one has fallen into the rocky depths! Despite the danger, stalwart Barret and wise wolf Red XIII begin an underground rescue mission.

The pair traverse mine cart tracks and climb rickety ladders down into the Mythril Quarry. Barret’s gun arm blasts boulders blocking their path. In a vast cavern, they face Shinra operatives Rude and Elena in combat. Against the odds, our heroes prevail!

Their quest continues deeper underground. Red XIII’s animal instincts guide them towards distant tree branches stretching across a chasm. Barret scales the cliffs, gathering supplies while avoiding treacherous pits.

Reaching the top, he spots Cloud’s team on the opposite ledge. The bridge between them lies shattered. Barret concocts a ingenious plan – using mine carts as makeshift steps to deliver supplies. His risky idea pays off, allowing each team to cross safely.

Next, a hulking Mythril Golem bars the exit. Red XIII wisely reveals its weakness to lightning. Together, their coordinated attacks demolish the metallic menace. They rejoin friends in daylight at last, the city of Junon now in sight. Our heroes have triumphed underground, but greater dangers still lie ahead. Their bonds of courage shall be tested as darkness descends.

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