The third-party support for the Switch 2 continues to great effect, with Square Enix’s Final Fantasy VII REBIRTH being another win for Nintendo’s hybrid console. It looks good, runs mostly well, and even if there are clear technical limitations, the fact that such a technical behemoth runs at all is a testament to the effort put into this port.
Final Fantasy VII REBIRTH continues Cloud and company’s adventures after their escape from Midgar in the previous entry. Final Fantasy VII Remake was already a success on Switch 2 when it launched earlier this year. We gave it a 9/10, praising the technical showcase through fantastic graphics and solid performance. REBIRTH continues this success, even if the technical limitations are greater here.
Final Fantasy VII REBIRTH still looks good despite its lower technical specs.
REBIRTH is a much bigger game comparatively, with massive open areas and much more foliage and density across larger areas. When we reviewed it at launch, we gave it a 9/10, saying: “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a grand adventure that, despite minor pacing issues, is incredibly engaging and exciting. There are so many discoveries waiting to be uncovered, and every inch of the game is dripping with love and care. If this is how great part two is, I can’t wait to see how Square Enix finishes the trilogy.”
Due to the very nature of the game, the Switch 2 version is a technically less impressive showcase than versions on other consoles, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise. The resolution is inconsistent, but it can look really good in smaller areas and inside. Once you head to one of the open zones, it looks blurrier with tons of pop-in. Enemies and textures load in as you move, but the fact that it still looks as good as it does despite its shortcomings really needs to be celebrated.
Final Fantasy VII REBIRTH looks great in motion, including combat.
Despite its lower technical specs, Final Fantasy VII REBIRTH looks great in motion. Even on the smaller screen playing handheld, the vistas, environment, and combat looked and felt great. Combat is snappy and always readable, and the lighting in particular looks surprisingly good. From soft indoor lighting as light streams in a hotel hallway, to the darker blues and greys of a forest, it looks good and draws you into the world.
Character models largely look great, but as with the environment, they do fluctuate in quality. At times, they’re crisp and detailed; at others, the edges are blurred and the hair looks iffy. Again, these are concessions that have to be made for it to run at all, and most importantly, the frame rate is solid.
It stays at an almost rock-solid 30 fps during indoor areas and smaller spaces, with occasional dips in the open world. During combat, it’s consistent, even during big attacks. Playing docked is a smoother experience, with a mores stable resolution and frame rate.
Final Fantasy VII REBIRTH is another great showpiece for the Switch 2.
The Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy VII REBIRTH carries forward the Headstart mode that was introduced in the port of Final Fantasy VII Remake. It allows players to start the game with higher-level characters, maxed-out materia, and other boosts. Streamlined progression also returns, letting players turn on settings like infinite HP/MP and easier ability acquisition, among others. They’re great additions that give returning players a faster way to get through, while also letting those looking for less of a challenge play the way they want to.
Overall, Final Fantasy VII REBIRTH is another great showpiece for the Switch 2. Even if it doesn’t match the technical quality of other consoles, the fact that it runs as well as it does is impressive. The frame rate is a relatively stable 30fps, the resolution is decent, and the additional enhancements are great for new and returning players alike. If Square Enix is able to keep this up, it bodes well for whenever the final part of the trilogy arrives.
Final Fantasy VII REBIRTH is out on June 3rd on Switch 2 and Xbox, and is already available on PS5.
Final Fantasy VII REBIRTH
8/10
TL;DR
Final Fantasy VII REBIRTH is another great showpiece for the Switch 2. Even if it doesn’t match the technical quality of other consoles, the fact that it runs as well as it does is impressive.