Final Fantasy VII Remake And Rebirth Moments That Change If You Know The Original

The original Final Fantasy VII was truly groundbreaking at the time of its launch, not only for the PlayStation 1 and the JRPG genre but also for the Final Fantasy franchise as a whole. It launched a massive universe that has since been explored across various media, from mobile titles to films and beyond! It’s a legacy that very few games can claim to have.

Naturally, such an iconic and successful chapter would eventually be caught up in the current remake fever we live in. This gave birth to FFVII’s current trilogy, which recreates the journey of Cloud and his friends with a modern coat of paint.

However, these games do more than just update the graphics because they also have introduced a new narrative direction that doesn’t always follow the original script to the letter, a move that has certainly divided opinions among the fanbase.

But if you played the original, whether back in the day or just before the modern versions arrived, you know just as well as I do that some moments simply hit harder than others. And knowing exactly what should happen makes every deviation and every nod to the past feel significantly more impactful!

As we wait for the third and final chapter of this remake trilogy (which has no official title yet), there’s no better time to use nostalgia to our advantage and look back at some moments from Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth that feel entirely different if you’ve already experienced the 1997 classic. So, all right, everyone, let’s mosey!

10 Opening & Bombing Mission

Final Fantasy VII Remake

I truly don’t think there’s a better way to open this list than with Final Fantasy VII Remake’s opening cinematic. It is simply iconic, and it’s impossible not to get goosebumps while watching it!

And I love how it is purposefully faithful to the original scene, highlighting the technologically advanced streets of a city fueled by Mako reactors, followed by Aerith and her flowers – perfectly capturing that “even in the darkness, there's always a light” feeling.

Then, it suddenly cuts to Cloud and Avalanche on their bombing mission. The modern version does exactly what the original did: it perfectly synchronizes the sweeping opening theme with the high-octane action music of the mission. It’s a masterclass in direction that honors its roots while showing off its new scale. Absolute video games, right?

9 Nibelheim's First Visit

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Speaking of openings, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth brilliantly starts with a sequence in Nibelheim, one of the most vital locations in the entire FFVII lore. And I’m convinced this was done specifically to keep veteran players on their toes from the very first minute.

But there is one specific spot during this sequence where it’s impossible not to smile: a certain locked door that we all know the secrets behind.

Yes, I’m talking about the door in the Shinra Mansion basement that houses several coffins, one of which is the “home” of none other than Vincent Valentine, a massive fan favorite and, by the way, easily one of the most stylish characters in the Final Fantasy universe. I know for a fact you still tried to open that door, even though you knew deep down it was locked for now!

8 Motorcycle Sequence

Final Fantasy VII Remake

Back in the day, the motorcycle chase was highly praised for delivering truly impressive graphics on the PlayStation 1 – because we have to remember that we’re talking about one of the industry's early 3D pioneers, and for many gamers (including myself), this was their very first encounter with high-speed tridimensional action.

When you combine those groundbreaking visuals with a sequence that brought pure, adrenaline-pumping action to a genre that wasn't exactly known for direct action, it’s easy to see why it became a standout moment.

It even helped solidify Cloud’s cool style and remains one of the best set pieces of the original. So seeing it recreated in the remake certainly brings back a flood of memories, a total Ratatouille moment for those of us who grew up with the polygons of 1997!

7 Entering the Wall Market

Final Fantasy VII Remake

To be completely honest with you, I had to restrain myself from filling this entire list with different moments from Wall Market, because this sequence is so incredibly fun and packed with things to do that it easily became my favorite part of the Remake.

It was also one of the few sections where I literally had no idea what to expect in the modern version, as the original location was rather limited due to the hardware at the time.

Seeing it reimagined as a sprawling district pulsing with life so many years later brings an inexplicable warmth to the heart. It’s clear how much care went into expanding the area in a way that feels organic while fully embracing that quirky Final Fantasy VII humor we all love. From the high-energy Corneo Cup and the legendary (and surprisingly difficult) Hell House battle to the hilarious quest with Johnny to find The Sauce, it’s a perfect example of how to breathe new life into a classic setting.

6 Gold Saucer Date

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

When fans of the original Final Fantasy VII hear the words “Gold Saucer,” it is impossible for one specific, iconic scene not to pop into their minds: the date.

Back in 1997, this sequence was a major talking point, allowing players to share a quiet, romantic, or hilariously awkward night on the gondola with a companion of their choice – or almost that, since it is based on a hidden relationship level, which is meticulously shaped by your dialogue choices and actions throughout the journey.

And that mechanic remains just as special in Rebirth, even taking a step further and having more variations for the date, including an exclusive moment with Red XIII. While we all know that the ultimate date is with Tifa (right?), the sheer variety in these new sequences makes replaying the game to see every outcome pretty rewarding.

5 Cait Sith’s First Appearance

Final Fantasy VII Remake

Out of every entry on this list, this might be the most self-explanatory one for long-time fans! We all know that Cait Sith isn't properly introduced until Rebirth, where he finally joins Cloud’s party as a fully playable (and fun, I must add) character. However, he actually made a brief appearance in Remake (twice!), though only old-timers likely caught it.

As we now know, this mysterious feline fortune-teller is actually a puppet controlled by Reeve, a Shinra executive who grows disillusioned with the company’s cruelty and decides to aid Avalanche. His first subtle appearance shows Reeve changing the wanted posters for Tifa, Cloud, and Barret, with the puppet standing right behind him at a table.

Later, toward the end of the game, we see Cait Sith again (without his Moogle ride) reacting to the devastating fall of the Sector 7 Plate. Watching him lament the tragedy while knowing exactly who is behind the cat's eyes is a moment that had only veterans jumping out of their seats.

4 Arm in Arm with Tifa and Aerith

Final Fantasy VII Remake

Whether we’re talking about the 1997 original or the remake trilogy, the Tifa vs. Aerith debate is an eternal flame that will likely never go out (even if some of us already know who the "right" choice is).

It's actually quite fun to see how Remake leans into this dynamic and plays with the player's expectations. There is one particular scene regarding this sentiment that is simply priceless and makes you want to put the controller down just so it doesn't end.

It happens when Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith are about to enter the haunted area near the Sector 6 Wall Market. Both girls get spooked and instinctively grab onto Cloud’s arms, and they’ll stay there as long as the player doesn't move the analog stick. It’s a simple, humorous moment that gives a charming nod to the franchise's most (in)famous “love triangle” while showing a softer, more human side of our favorite mercenary.

3 Aerith’s Death

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

I guess the second time just hurts even more, right? That pretty much sums up the feeling every veteran player experienced when Sephiroth sealed Aerith’s fate for the second time in Final Fantasy VII lore.

The impact felt just as intense as it did in the original, perhaps because the remake trilogy had cleverly planted a seed of doubt. With the presence of the Whispers and the talk of defying destiny, we were led to believe that, maybe, things would be different this time around. But no.

In a brilliant yet cruel narrative move. The developers gave us a glimmer of hope only to crush our dreams immediately after. It’s a haunting reminder that even in a world where fate can be challenged, some tragedies are simply etched into the soul of the planet.

2 Zack as a Playable Character

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Zack Fair is arguably one of the most vital characters in the Final Fantasy VII mythos, yet he often leaves newcomers scratching their heads. And this is by design, as the mystery of his identity serves as one of the primary pillars of Cloud’s own fractured history.

Simply seeing mentions of this legendary SOLDIER in Remake was enough to make veteran hearts skip a beat. However, seeing Zack gain such significant relevance in Rebirth and actually getting to play as him is nothing short of magical for long-time fans.

For me, it feels like the perfect tribute for a character who was originally a hidden piece of a puzzle, but is one of the main heroes of the story, deserving more spotlight this time! Oh, and here’s a bonus: if you’ve played Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, his presence in this new trilogy will hit (and hurt, of course) in an entirely different, much deeper way.

1 Remake’s Ending

Final Fantasy VII Remake

Just as I couldn't open this list with anything other than the beginning of the journey, I couldn't close it with anything but Remake’s ending. And mainly because this was the ultimate turning point where veteran fans had to decide how they felt about this new vision for Final Fantasy VII.

While there are subtle changes throughout the game, the finale is where the Whispers truly take center stage, planting the seed that the story might not be as “set in stone” as veteran players thought.

That’s because these Whispers act like the protectors of destiny, tasked with ensuring that the planet's original will (which many think is the plot of the 1997 game) actually unfolds. So it hits differently because, at this moment, even players who know the lore by heart are left in the dark about what happens next.

Honestly, it’s a brilliant sensation in my opinion, since the remake trilogy managed to make a decades-old story feel unpredictable again, and I absolutely love it.