Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s demo has leaked again, this time on the PlayStation Store, and is now all but confirmed to arrive soon after the dedicated PlayStation Showcase today, February 6.
As reported by Gematsu, a trailer for the demo appeared under the Explore icon on the PlayStation 5 dashboard at 4pm Pacific / 7pm Eastern / 12 midnight UK on February 5, exactly 24 hours before the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth showcase is expected to end. It’s therefore likely a mistake on PlayStation’s end saw the announcement go live a day early.
Fans should therefore be able to sample “the opening chapter of the game’s story and explore the world map” later today. A full reveal will likely arrive during the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth showcase, confirming currently unknown information like if data will carry over to the main game when it launches February 29.
Spoilers for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s opening chapter follow.
PSN confirms that a Final Fantasy VII Rebirth demo is coming tomorrow (says it’s “out now” but I think the trailer was meant for tomorrow)
“…allowing you to step into the shoes of either Cloud or Sephiroth during the Nibelheim episode” pic.twitter.com/T9YbqGqQIN
— Wario64 (@Wario64) February 6, 2024
The trailer description also reveals how Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth will open. “Experience the power of choice,” it said. “The Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth demo is out now, allowing you to step into the shoes of either Cloud or Sephiroth during the Nibelheim episode. Uncover the opening chapter of the game’s story and explore the world map. Your adventure, your choice.”
The Nibelheim episode is a flashback chapter in the original Final Fantasy 7 that occurs when protagonist Cloud tells his party the origin story of antagonist Sephiroth, before the latter turned evil and the two worked together.
Cloud tells the backstory in Kalm, the first village players come across after leaving Midgar, suggesting the sequel’s story will begin here and not in the open world immediately after the party left Midgar at the end of Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
The demo had previously leaked via the PlayStation Game Size X/Twitter account, which discovered mention of it on Sony’s servers. It’s fairly standard practice for the franchise though, as the last major release, Final Fantasy 16, also received a demo of its opening chapter a few weeks ahead of launch.
Developer Square Enix hasn’t been shy about sharing details of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth so far, releasing huge dumps of information on several occasions. It’s highlighted characters like Cait Sith and Vincent, plus iconic returning locations like Gold Saucer and Junon. The game will feature brand new locations not in the original Final Fantasy 7, too.
Square Enix has added new playable characters, plus a card game akin to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s Gwent, and impressive fast travel. An ESRB rating has otherwise teased deep cleavage, pools of blood, and a clue to Aerith’s fate.
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.
Michael Johnson is a tech enthusiast with a passion for all things digital. His articles cover the latest technological innovations, from artificial intelligence to consumer gadgets, providing readers with a glimpse into the future of technology.
