Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Complete Guide & FAQ

Few game announcements have stirred as much emotion as the 2015 reveal that Final Fantasy VII was being remade. Nearly a decade later, the project has split into a trilogy, and the second part, Rebirth, is already out. Whether you grew up with Cloud and Sephiroth in 1997 or you’re jumping in fresh, understanding how this remake project works — and why it’s so different from the original — is the key to enjoying it. Here’s a fact-checked breakdown of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, its differences, and what’s still uncertain.

Release date: April 10, 2020 ·
Metacritic score: 87/100 ·
Sales: Over 7 million copies ·
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Windows ·
Remake trilogy: 3 parts

What’s the difference between FF7 Remake and Rebirth?

One pattern, six major differences: Remake is a tight, chapter-based action RPG set entirely in the city of Midgar; Rebirth opens the world into sprawling zones with more freedom. Here’s how they stack up.

Here is a direct comparison of the two games across the most important dimensions.

How does the story differ?

• Remake stays largely faithful to the original Midgar sequence but adds new characters and the metaphysical “Whispers” that alter fate (TheGamer).
• Rebirth extends the divergence: new locations, altered character arcs, and a cliffhanger that has divided fans (TheGamer).

Is Rebirth a direct sequel?

Yes — Rebirth picks up right after Remake‘s ending. Square Enix describes the trilogy as one continuous story, split into three parts (Square Enix).

Should I play Remake before Rebirth?

Absolutely. Remake sets up the characters, the combat system, and the new narrative elements. Jumping straight into Rebirth will spoil major twists from Remake and leave you lost regarding the Whispers and character relationships.

Is the FF7 Remake going to be 3 parts?

Square Enix confirmed a trilogy. Remake is Part 1, Rebirth is Part 2, and the final part is untitled but in development (Square Enix). Here’s the coverage breakdown.

What is the third part called?

Square Enix has not yet revealed the title. Internal references and trademarks suggest a name may be announced in 2025 or 2026.

When will part 3 release?

No official date. Based on gaps between Remake (2020) and Rebirth (2024), a 2027–2028 release is plausible — but Square Enix has not confirmed.

How much of the original story is covered in each part?

• Part 1 (Remake): Midgar – about 10-15% of the original game’s story.
• Part 2 (Rebirth): From Kalm to the Temple of the Ancients – roughly 40-50% of the original.
• Part 3 (untitled): Expected to cover the rest – including the Northern Crater, Weapon attacks, and the final confrontation.

Did FF7 Rebirth flop?

Rebirth sold over 2 million copies in its first week (Square Enix financial report). Its Metacritic score of 92 is higher than Remake‘s 87 (MetaCritic). Yet Square Enix considered sales “not as strong as hoped” (Yosuke Saito, Square Enix president).

What were sales numbers?

• Remake sold over 7 million copies lifetime (Square Enix).
• Rebirth sold over 2 million in its first week, but lifetime numbers haven’t been updated since March 2024 (Square Enix).

Critical reception

Rebirth holds a 92 on Metacritic, making it one of the highest-rated PS5 exclusives. IGN gave it 9/10, praising its world design and combat depth (IGN). Critics lauded the expanded story and mini-games.

How did it compare to Remake’s success?

Remake had the advantage of being the first new Final Fantasy VII project in 15 years, plus a larger PS4 install base. Rebirth launched exclusively on PS5, which had a smaller active user base early on. That likely capped its first-year sales despite higher critical scores.

Is Final Fantasy 7 Remake the same as FF7?

No — Remake is a reimagining, not a 1:1 remake. It covers only the Midgar section of the 1997 original, but expands it from a few hours to a 30-40 hour game with new story elements, characters, and altered plot points (TheGamer).

How much of the original is covered?

Only the first few hours — the escape from Midgar. The original game’s story then stretches across multiple continents; Rebirth picks up the rest.

What changes were made?

• Combat changed from turn-based to real-time action with ATB commands.
• New characters: the Whispers (fate arbiters) and expanded roles for minor NPCs.
• The ending diverges significantly from the original’s Midgar sequence.
• Voice acting and full 3D cutscenes replace pixel art and text boxes.

Is it a faithful remake?

Faithful in spirit, not in execution. The core characters and setting are the same, but the narrative direction is deliberately different. Director Tetsuya Nomura has stated the team wanted to “surprise even players who know the original.” The result is a hybrid that pleases many but frustrates purists.

Why is FF7 Rebirth hated?

Not universally hated — the game has a 92 Metacritic — but a vocal minority criticizes story changes, pacing, and technical performance on base PS5 (TheGamer).

Common criticisms

• Story changes: New twists like added character deaths and altered fates upset purists.
• Pacing: The open-world zones, while beautiful, can feel bloated with mini-games that slow the main plot.
• Technical issues: Reports of frame-rate drops in performance mode on base PS5, though patched subsequently.
  Note: These reports are anecdotal; no large-scale survey exists.
• Cliffhanger ending: Rebirth ends on a major unresolved note, frustrating players who want closure.

Is the hate justified?

Depends on what you value. If you want a faithful retelling of the 1997 classic, Rebirth will frustrate. If you want a bold, modern RPG with spectacular set-pieces and emotional depth, it delivers. The hate is loud but not representative: user scores on Metacritic are around 8.5/10, and Steam reviews are “Very Positive.”

What do fans say?

“I was skeptical about the changes, but Rebirth won me over with its character moments and combat. It’s not the same story, but that’s okay.”

— Steam community discussion

“The ending felt like a slap in the face after 50 hours. They’re dragging the story out for the trilogy.”

— TheGamer reader comment

Timeline of the FF7 Remake project

Confirmed facts and what’s still unclear

Quotes from key voices

“Rebirth sales were not as strong as we hoped.”

— Yosuke Saito, Square Enix president, 2024 financial report (Square Enix)

“Final Fantasy VII Remake is a stunning reimagining that honors the original while carving its own path.”

— IGN review, score 9/10 (IGN)

“Famitsu awarded Remake 39/40, praising its combat and visual fidelity.”

— Famitsu (Japanese gaming magazine)

What this means for the future of the trilogy

The Final Fantasy 7 Remake project has redefined how a classic can be modernized — not as a simple port, but as a multi-game epic that takes creative risks. The second part, Rebirth, raised the bar for storytelling and gameplay, even if its sales didn’t match Remake‘s. For Square Enix, the lesson is clear: exclusive launches limit reach, and the third part may need a broader platform strategy to justify the investment. For players, the trilogy offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to experience a beloved story told differently. The choice is between embracing the new or clinging to the old — and both sides have valid arguments.

For a deeper dive into the trilogy’s differences, sales figures, and upcoming installments, check out our detailed guide on Final Fantasy VII Remake.

Frequently asked questions