**A New Contender Emerges: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Shakes Up the Game of the Year Conversation**
In the lush and ever-expanding universe of video games, a new titan has emerged, capturing the hearts and critical acclaim of gamers and pundits alike. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, following the footsteps of its predecessor, the Final Fantasy VII Remake from 2020, has not only matched but surpassed expectations, setting itself up as a frontrunner for the coveted title of Game of the Year for 2024.
Sporting a dazzling score of 93 on Metacritic, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has swiftly climbed the ranks, outshining the Remake’s score of 87. This impressive number places it near the top of the leaderboard, rubbing shoulders with legends like Elden Ring and Baldur’s Gate 3, both of which boast scores of 96. As it stands, Rebirth is enveloped in a buzz that could well crown it as the game to beat this year, especially considering the somewhat less crowded release schedule in the coming months.
Critics have lavished praise on the game, with a significant portion—25 out of 69 reviews to be exact—awarding it a perfect 10/10. The applause is wide-ranging, highlighting the game’s intricate storytelling, groundbreaking gameplay, and its uncanny ability to both honor and reinvent its cherished source material.
Dextero hailed it as a sequel that not only respects its roots but also forges a new path with its distinct voice, solidifying its spot as Game of the Year material. Similarly, VGC celebrated the journey with Aerith, Tifa, and the gang as a delightful adventure filled with unforgettable characters, despite minor quibbles about certain open-world elements and narrative pacing.
IGN commended the game for its adept expansion on the Remake’s foundations, achieving a stirring blend of action-RPG excellence and nostalgic homage. The review noted an engrossing 82-hour trek through the main storyline, with plenty of side quests and activities still on the table, showcasing the game’s vast, immersive world.
However, amidst the chorus of acclaim, some have voiced concerns, like Eurogamer’s review, which pointed out the game’s tendency toward bloat, likening it to a “fat chocobo.” Nevertheless, the review acknowledged the game’s deep character focus and its enhancement of the original’s tone and mood, asserting that the positives far outweigh any drawbacks.
Comparing Rebirth to last year’s heavyweight releases paints a fascinating picture of its potential trajectory. With behemoths like Tears of the Kingdom and Resident Evil 4 setting high standards, Rebirth’s stellar reception positions it not just as a nominee, but possibly as a leader in the race for Game of the Year.
As the gaming year unfolds, with its ups and downs, surprises, and sure bets, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has undeniably staked its claim. Its blend of captivating storytelling, engaging gameplay, and a heartfelt nod to its origins places it at the pinnacle of this year’s gaming offerings. Only time will reveal if it can maintain this impressive momentum and clinch the title in what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable year in gaming history.