Final Fantasy VII Revelation is already leaving an unforgettable mark on fans as it prepares to deliver its grand finale. At PAX West, I had the privilege of playing through a small preview segment of a later chapter in the game. Even following an intense hour-long hands-on session, I felt like I was only beginning to uncover what promises to be the most expansive chapter in the entire saga.
My hands-on session primarily unfolded in the village of Wutai, which felt strikingly expansive compared to its 1997 predecessor. The addition of towering structures alongside a nimble new grappling hook made traversal remarkably seamless, turning the act of leaping between rooftops into a very fun and engaging experience. The area was bursting with activity and vibrant non-playable characters. While I spotted numerous Queen’s Blood opponents scattered throughout the bustling streets, my primary focus remained fixed on experiencing the core preview content.
One of my burning questions centered on the mechanics and overall feel of airship travel. Navigating the vessel felt remarkably intuitive, yet traversing the vast expanse of the map retained the authentic scale of the original game, requiring dedicated travel time even when utilizing the speed boost feature. In specific regions, pressing the triangle button allows your character to leap directly from the craft, skydiving toward the terrain before seamlessly deploying a parachute as you approach the surface. While entirely unexpected, this feature feels exceptionally well-integrated into the overall experience and I can’t wait to see how it works in other areas of the game.
As the thrilling climax of the trilogy, this entry brings the entire cast together into a single roster. Having full access to every beloved fighter feels like an incredible treat for long-time fans of the series. During my hands-on time, I spent extensive time experimenting with both Cid Highwind and Vincent Valentine, and their combat mechanics felt remarkably satisfying. Cid, in particular, delivers a swift and dynamic playstyle that will instantly resonate with fans of classic Dragoon jobs. Wielding his spear—a fresh weapon type that offers impressive range—he excels at rapid target acquisition and striking aerial maneuvers, allowing him to effortlessly dart across the arena.
Vincent Valentine showcases an exceptionally powerful, stylish playstyle that immediately reminded me of Dante from Devil May Cry. His ranged firearm maneuvers were both swift and devastating, while his signature Galian Beast transformation can be triggered at any moment during combat. This powerful form turns him into a dominant force capable of unleashing brutal melee strikes, with the added excitement of incorporating his beast form into joint synergy abilities to make the chaotic combat feel even more spectacular.
One of the most intriguing new mechanics in Revelation is the Function Integrated Tactical Suitware, or FITS system. Functioning essentially as a job system, it grants characters different abilities based on the specific FIT equipped. During my demo sessions, I had the chance to test every available FIT, including Warrior, Knight, Black Mage, and Summoner. The Summoner FIT particularly stood out, as it allows you to summon Ifrit or Titan to fight alongside you and sync with your attacks for a truly impressive display. Rather than unlocking FITS piecemeal across late-game story milestones, director Naoki Hamaguchi and battle director Teruki Endo confirmed that all characters unlock their FITS roles within the first 5 to 6 hours of the game.
Additionally, players can glamor these FITS job outfits onto any party member, offering a selection of styles that provides greater customizability. This added layer of freedom that proved to be a delightful feature during my hands-on time as I experimented with various looks. The Summoner attire, in particular, was exceptional, pairing remarkably well with specific party members. Although a few alternative outfits appeared somewhat simplistic, I remain optimistic that players will uncover a far broader collection of aesthetic choices as the journey unfolds.
Final Fantasy VII Revelation is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated titles of the year. The team has invested an incredible level of care and attention to detail, ensuring an experience that players will eagerly dive into upon its April 8 launch. Director Naoki Hamaguchi emphasized that resolve serves as a central theme, as players build toward the climax with all the emotional weight of their previous choices and I am super excited to jump back in and spend hours absorbing myself in the world of Final Fantasy VII.