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There comes a time in the life of pop and gamer culture where there are debates that we can’t let go. Hermione versus Ginny. Doom Slayer versus Isabelle. Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag vs Skull and Bones. And more recently, Final Fantasy 7 vs FF7 Rebirth. Regarded as the best Final Fantasy game ever made, the original has a special place in everyone’s hearts. It was our introduction to the beauty of pointy polygons and edgy blonde guys. It had one of the best stories Square Enix ever released. So, can the recent installment dethrone the 1997 classic?
Final Fantasy 7 (1997) vs FF7 Rebirth (2024)
Before we begin, we need to clarify something. We know that FF7 Rebirth isn’t the full remake of Final Fantasy 7, as it only covers the last parts of the first disc. However, that’s enough to make a well-informed comparison and declare a winner in this debate. Also, remember, this is just our opinion after having played both titles, and we’re not looking to anger the JPRG fan base. So, without further ado, let’s see which game takes the crown.
Story
It might seem a bit unfair to compare the story of the two games, especially since the ’90s installment was the complete package. Instead, we’ll focus only on the parts that happened in the first disc and what we saw in Rebirth.
As you may know, Rebirth tries to follow the same story as the original but adds many things that might or might not be enjoyable for die-hard fans. One example is the convoluted multiverse plot. Now that people have finished Rebirth, some can’t seem to understand what’s happening. Also, many players didn’t like how the introductions of many characters occurred in the 2024 installment. So, for its simplicity and easier-to-understand story, we feel the OG takes the lead here.
Winner: Final Fantasy 7 (1997).
Characters
Speaking of characters, we can all see that all the classic ones have returned, which is great. However, we must hand it to Rebirth for expanding upon the colorful cast we love. While it has changed many things since Remake, like Avalanche’s fate, and expanded upon things such as the Wutai-Midgar debacle, it made the roster even more likable.
The fact that we can see our heroes and villains in HD models with better facial expressions and a better vocal range does wonders to expand on who they are. Besides, the many side activities this installment has make way for more interactions between Cloud and the gang making this series of games a three-part soap opera we can’t get enough of. Thanks to that, the crown goes to Rebirth.
Winner: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (2024).
Graphics
Some might feel a graphics bout might be unnecessary in the Final Fantasy 7 vs FF7 Rebirth debate, but it is a subjective topic that deserves its discussion. The OG entry welcomed players to the world of 3D and low-poly graphics, which were fantastic after the 2D sprites we had for years. However, Remake and Rebirth, especially the latter, have captured the feel of the world and made it much more beautiful and jaw-dropping.
The first entry couldn’t show the scope of Junon’s Sister Ray or the depth and color of Cosmo Canyon. While the original style has a place in our hearts, nothing compares to the HD beauty of Rebirth. If that isn’t enough to convince you, just wait until you reach Costa del Sol, and then we’ll talk.
Winner: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (2024).
Gameplay
The ATB system has inspired many RPGs and remains one of the most iconic combat systems ever. So, one wonders, “How can you expand upon it?” Well, Square Enix managed to do so. Remake and Rebirth perfectly combine action combat with ATB skills, making newcomers and veterans feel at home.
This recent installment made things even better with synergy skills that just make you feel that you’re controlling an actual party where everyone works together. Yes, there’s nothing like the classics, but the developers did wonders to bring the best of both worlds. Undoubtedly, Rebirth‘s combat is something we can’t get enough of due to its depth and hands-on approach.
Winner: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (2024).
Side Activities
During our review, our team compared Rebirth‘s side activities to those of the Yakuza series. If that doesn’t tell you something, well, Yakuza is the king of games when it comes to optional gigs. Imagine all those things in Final Fantasy now.
While the original game had many side activities perfectly interwoven with its story, the depth of Rebirth is second to none. If you thought Gwent would remain the best card game within a game, Queen’s Blood pushed it out of the way and took its rightful crown. And that’s just one activity. Wait until you reach the Golden Saucer; you’ll forget about the main story.
Winner: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (2024).
Verdict
Undoubtedly, the recent installment wins the recent debate of Final Fantasy 7 vs FF7 Rebirth. We know many people might love the first one much more, and we agree it is the best way to experience the game as a whole. However, if we compare the portions we got in Rebirth, this one wins with one hand tied behind its back. Ultimately, everyone’s free to love whichever game they prefer. But remember, at the end of the day, gamers are the true winners because we get to experience this masterpiece again.
