Players often point to the vast number of minigames and side quests in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth when discussing the game’s length. However, director Naoki Hamaguchi asserts that this isn’t a design flaw. While both Remake and Rebirth are celebrated JRPGs, the second installment’s pacing sometimes clashes with its narrative. Hamaguchi suggests that modern players might simply be too busy to fully appreciate the game’s offerings, though he indicates that the upcoming third part of the FF7 Remake trilogy will be ‘more concise’.
Even positive reviews for FF7 Rebirth frequently highlight its extensive open-world content, which some critics describe as overly simplistic. One reviewer noted, ‘The cycle of reaching a tower, defeating foes, ascending, and uncovering more world intel points for uninspired side missions is profoundly unengaging.’ Even for avid fans of expansive side content, Rebirth sometimes suffers from jarring interruptions to an otherwise deeply emotional and compelling story.
However, not all of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s optional activities fall flat; in fact, many are exceptional. ‘Queen’s Blood,’ for example, stands out as one of the best in-game card games in recent memory, surpassing even Gwent from The Witcher 3, Triple Triad from FF8, and Pazaak from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. The game also features delightful, brief diversions, such as the memorable dolphin riding.
Beyond that, Rebirth boasts outstanding character-driven missions and universally praised Gold Saucer attractions. Yet, the repetitive task of completing Chadley’s ‘World Intel’ objectives often feels like a tedious grind, making open-world areas like Costa Del Sol feel drawn out for completionists. An image depicting Chadley showcasing his archive of world intel in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth highlights the sheer volume of optional content.
Despite the criticism, Hamaguchi remains firm that the game’s length isn’t an error. He stated in an interview, ‘Regarding time management in certain sections, especially in FF7 Rebirth, I honestly don’t believe that they were longer than necessary.’ He elaborated, suggesting that contemporary players might simply be overwhelmed with the sheer volume of games available, leading to a desire for quicker conclusions.
Many gamers today face a similar predicament: a wealth of titles to play, often leading to a sense of needing to rush through experiences. While the author personally invested over 100 hours into games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Yakuza 0, and The Witcher 3 without feeling overwhelmed by filler, it highlights a crucial balance. Developers must offer substantial side content for those who enjoy it, without letting it transform the overall experience into a tiresome grind that overshadows the primary narrative.
Acknowledging player feedback, Hamaguchi concedes that the audience’s perception differed from his own. He confirmed that community input is actively shaping the upcoming, climactic sequel. ‘As we work on the conclusion to the trilogy, we are striking a balance on how story arcs are told and spread out so as to ensure that the game feels a bit more concise,’ he stated, promising a more streamlined experience.
For those seeking new adventures, consider exploring top single-player games or comparing opinions on the best Final Fantasy titles.
Do you have a strong opinion on Chadley’s role in Rebirth, or what minigames you hope to see in the third installment? Share your thoughts!