FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Wins “Most Anticipated Game” at The Game Awards 2023
LOS ANGELES (Dec. 7, 2023) – FINAL FANTASY™ VII REBIRTH, the highly anticipated game exclusive to the PlayStation®5 (PS5®) console, has been awarded the coveted title of “Most Anticipated Game” of 2024 at The Game Awards 2023. SQUARE ENIX® also revealed the official theme song for FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH in an electrifying new trailer during the event, featuring a powerful performance by renowned vocalist Loren Allred.
The theme song, titled “No Promises to Keep,” was composed by the legendary Nobuo Uematsu and performed by Loren Allred, the platinum-selling artist known for her hit single “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman. In the trailer, Allred’s captivating vocals are delivered by Aerith, the iconic flower girl and beloved party member, as part of her passionate in-game performance in “LOVELESS,” the musical stage play within FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH.
“I am excited and humbled to bring the iconic Aerith’s voice to life on ‘No Promises to Keep’ in FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH,” said Allred. “Working with composer Nobuo Uematsu, a musical visionary in the world of FINAL FANTASY, was an honor. I am grateful to the Square Enix team and can’t wait for the world to hear this song and play the game we’ve all been waiting for.”
Uematsu shared his thoughts on the song, stating, “As the song ‘Aerith’s Theme’ suggests, Aerith has always had an ethereal and fleeting presence for me. While this song is also connected to Aerith, it doesn’t feature the poignant melody of ‘Aerith’s Theme.’ Instead, I wanted to depict the hidden strength at the core of Aerith’s heart. After listening to the finished recording repeatedly, I felt like Aerith, who was once a fantasy character, had become a real human being. Loren Allred’s vocals, at times ethereal and at times passionate and powerful, truly bring Aerith to life. It’s been a while since I’ve created a ballad that feels uniquely my own, and I’m glad I was able to do so. Thank you, Aerith.”
Extended Version of the “Theme Song Announcement Trailer” Reveals New Gameplay and Characters
The extended version of the “Theme Song Announcement Trailer” provides fans with a thrilling preview of the game. The courageous pilot Cid Highwind makes his first appearance in the remake project, offering his aid. The enigmatic Vincent Valentine, a fallen Turk seeking redemption, is also revealed for the first time. Returning fan-favorite characters include Marlene Wallace and AVALANCHE member Biggs. The trailer showcases breathtaking views of the Gold Saucer amusement park and introduces Synergy Abilities, powerful attacks that involve two characters working together to turn the tide of battle. These abilities, unlocked through deepening bonds between party members, highlight FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH’s focus on beloved characters and the exploration of their motivations and relationships.
Tetsuya Nomura, the director of FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, commented on the trailer, saying, “This video is an extended version of the theme song announcement trailer shown at The Game Awards. The song adds even more emotional resonance to the game, with music composed by Nobuo Uematsu, lyrics by Kazushige Nojima, and performed by Loren Allred. While this trailer offers more insight into the story and characters, there is still much more to reveal, which we will save for another time.”
SQUARE ENIX also unveiled new key art showcasing the heroic party gazing into a beautiful and expansive environment featured in FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH. According to Nomura, the key art was designed to depict each member with their own thoughts and feelings about the vast world and unknown journey that lies ahead.
Additionally, new artwork and screenshots were released, featuring characters like Cid, Vincent, Barret’s long-lost friend Dyne, as well as iconic locations like the Gold Saucer and Corel Prison. Players can also catch a glimpse of iconic summons Titan, Phoenix, and Bahamut Arisen, as well as Synergy Abilities and more.
A Standalone Adventure on a Vast and Vibrant Planet
FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH takes place on a vast and vibrant planet, allowing players to embark on a new, standalone adventure. Cloud, Tifa, Barret, Aerith, and Red XIII escape the dystopian city of Midgar and venture into the wider world beyond. They join forces with new companions like the spirited ninja operative Yuffie and the witty feline-shaped robot Cait Sith to pursue Sephiroth, a haunting figure from Cloud’s past who seeks to rule the planet. Players will lead these characters into battle, overcome their destinies, explore reimagined classic locations, and engage in numerous side quests, fiend hunts, mini-games, and rich stories that delve into the lives of the planet’s inhabitants and cultures.
FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH is the second game in the trilogy, following the success of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE released in 2020. The first game received critical acclaim, earning over 20 perfect scores and becoming the highest-selling digital release on the PlayStation® platform in SQUARE ENIX’s history, with over 7 million shipments and digital sales worldwide.
FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH will be available exclusively for the PS5® console on Feb. 29, 2024. The game is rated T (Teen) by the ESRB.