Two hours can fly by when you’re having fun — and that’s especially true in Final Fantasy VII Revelation, the hotly anticipated third chapter of Square Enix’s remake trilogy. IGN recently went hands-on with the upcoming RPG, and their impressions paint a picture of a game that is not only enormous in scale but also the most freedom-focused entry the modern Final Fantasy VII saga has ever produced.
A Hands-On Session Packed With Content
At first glance, a two-hour preview might not sound like much for a game of this magnitude. But reflecting on everything covered during the session reveals just how dense Final Fantasy VII Revelation truly is. In that short window, the preview included aerial exploration across an open-world map, nostalgic return visits to locations from Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and a meaningful dive into Yuffie’s politically charged storyline in her homeland of Wutai.
The Highwind Airship Transforms Exploration
Sailing the Skies of Gaia
The standout moment of the preview was undoubtedly the chance to board the Highwind airship and soar above the game’s open-world map. For longtime fans of the 1997 original, the Highwind represents one of Final Fantasy VII’s most iconic elements — the moment the world truly opened up. Its arrival in Revelation suggests Square Enix is doubling down on player freedom, letting adventurers traverse Gaia at their own pace rather than being funneled through linear corridors.
Revisiting Rebirth’s World — With a Twist
Another intriguing aspect of the preview was the opportunity to revisit some of the earliest areas from Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and witness how they’ve changed. This approach gives Revelation a living, breathing world where past locations evolve alongside the story, rewarding players who remember every corner of Rebirth’s sprawling regions. It’s a smart way to make the trilogy feel like one continuous, interconnected journey rather than three separate games.
Yuffie Steps Into the Political Spotlight
Wutai’s Story Takes Center Stage
Perhaps the most narrative-rich portion of the preview focused on Yuffie’s quest in Wutai, her hometown. Rather than serving as comic relief or optional side content, Yuffie’s storyline appears deeply political, exploring the tensions and history of her nation. Given Wutai’s complicated relationship with Shinra and the wider world of Gaia, this arc could add serious dramatic weight to Revelation’s plot — and finally give the Materia-hunting ninja the character development fans have been craving since her memorable turn in the INTERmission DLC.
The Big Question: Can Freedom and Focus Coexist?
According to IGN’s impressions, the central question hanging over Final Fantasy VII Revelation is whether all this freedom actually enhances the experience. Open-world design is a double-edged sword: it can create unforgettable moments of discovery, or it can dilute a tightly crafted narrative. With the trilogy’s climactic story beats on the horizon — including the fateful events longtime fans know all too well — Square Enix will need to balance player agency with dramatic pacing. Based on this preview, the developer seems confident it can pull off both.
Prepare for Launch
If the preview is any indication, Final Fantasy VII Revelation is shaping up to be a fitting finale for one of gaming’s most celebrated remakes. Players looking to catch up or stock up before release can grab Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth game codes, Playstation Store gift cards, and more at TURGAME.com — a quick and convenient way to make sure you’re ready to board the Highwind on day one.
Source: IGN – Final Fantasy 7 Revelation: Second-Take Preview