Twenty-six years after Final Fantasy VII first introduced Sephiroth as an untouchable force of narrative destruction, Square Enix has quietly handed players the sword. In September 2023, a select group experienced two demo chapters of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth at the studio's Los Angeles headquarters, glimpsing not only a playable version of gaming's most iconic villain but also a world that has grown far beyond the cramped corridors of Midgar. The gesture is both a gift to memory and a signal of ambition — that the past, revisited, can still surprise us.
Wccftech
· Sep 21, 2023
· technology
· 7 min read
High
Sourcing: Verified
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Hands-On: Sephiroth Playable for First Time in Series
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Business
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Bias & Framing
⚖
Gaming press release disguised as hands-on coverage with minimal critical analysis and promotional language favoring Square-Enix's marketing narrative.
Bias Direction
center-right
Confidence
HIGH
Promotional coverage framed as exclusive insider access; uses superlatives and excitement-driven language to emphasize novelty and prestige of the experience rather than critical evaluation.
lucky enough to attend
privilege of running through
particularly attractive to series veterans
first chance for players
Masamune-wielder himself
cowboy hat-tootin' Tifa
Critical analysis of gameplay mechanics or potential concerns
Comparison to competitor games or alternative franchises
Player accessibility or difficulty feedback
Technical performance issues or frame rate stability concerns
Narrative criticism or story pacing concerns
Cost-value assessment or pricing concerns
Geopolitical Impact
🌎
This is a video game review article about Final Fantasy VII Rebirth gameplay mechanics, not a geopolitical event.
Escalation Risk
N/A
Confidence
HIGH
Economic Lens
📈
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth demo showcases playable Sephiroth and expanded open-world mechanics, signaling strong consumer demand for PlayStation 5 exclusive AAA gaming content ahead of February 2024 launch.
Market Signal
bullish
Confidence
MED
Video game publishing and development
Consumer electronics (PlayStation 5 hardware)
Entertainment and media
Digital distribution platforms
Consumers benefit from anticipated high-quality AAA gaming experiences that drive PlayStation 5 adoption and engagement. Premium pricing for exclusive titles supports continued investment in gaming hardware and software ecosystems.
Potential regulatory scrutiny on platform exclusivity agreements and consumer protection regarding pre-release marketing claims. Intellectual property enforcement remains relevant for major franchise protection.