Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Red XIII's Spectacular Revival Steals the Spotlight
The highly anticipated Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth may finally give Red XIII his moment to shine, as the upcoming remake focuses on his pivotal role in the original game and the long-awaited visit to Cosmo Canyon
Highlights
Final Fantasy 7 Remake sets up Rebirth with unanswered questions and teases, including the late-game party member Red XIII.
Red XIII's limited gameplay in the Remake was probably done to prevent prolonging the final section, but Rebirth implies that he will have complete playability.
Fans can anticipate a significant emphasis on his character development and his hometown, Cosmo Canyon. This will certainly make Red XIII a standout character in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
The upcoming Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth aims to fulfill numerous promises. It aims to explore the consequences faced by Cloud and his party after defeating the Arbiters of Fate in the previous entry of the Remake Project. Moreover, it strives to deliver thrilling action-packed moments and expand the world of Gaia to unprecedented levels.
From the inception, it was clear that Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth would be two installments of a trilogy. The ending of FF7 Remake perfectly sets the stage for Rebirth, leaving fans with more questions than answers and providing enticing glimpses of what lies ahead. One such example is Red XIII, a party member introduced towards the end of Remake, who serves as a tantalizing teaser for Rebirth.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Red XIII's Lack of Playability
In Chapter 17 of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, players are introduced to Red XIII, the final member of the early party from the original PS1 game, as a late-game addition. Red XIII, a beloved character among fans, is portrayed as a quadrupedal lion (or wolf) in this installment. While his inclusion in FF7 Remake was expected due to trailers featuring him, players were surprised to discover that Red XIII is not a full-fledged party member, but rather a guest character who assists with specific quests and plot points in the final act.
The decision to make Red XIII a guest character in Remake was likely made to prevent the final act of the game from becoming too lengthy. However, based on the events of the original game, it is apparent that Red XIII will play a significant role in the second installment, where he is expected to receive more spotlight.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's Eventual Cosmo Canyon Visit
In Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, as Cloud and his companions leave Midgar and venture into the continents of Gaia, fans are eager to experience iconic FF7 locations in the same detailed, open-world format as the Remake. Interestingly, the latest Rebirth trailer features Bugenhagen, a character players only encounter in Cosmo Canyon, the birthplace of Red XIII.
Cosmo Canyon is not just where Red XIII was born, but it also serves as a significant point in the game where his character arc unfolds. It delves deeper into his identity and motivations, providing a deeper understanding of his story beyond what he initially reveals to Cloud, Barret, Tifa, and Aerith upon joining the party. This section of the game solidifies Red XIII as a permanent member in the Final Fantasy 7 party, further enhancing the overall narrative.
This poignant moment takes place in a stunning location, which has been strongly hinted to be featured in Rebirth based on the latest trailer. Regardless of the order in which FF7 Rebirth's settings are revealed, fans of Red XIII have every reason to be thrilled. Not only is it likely that this beloved creature will rejoin the party as a playable character, but his home will also receive expanded development compared to the original game. It is highly probable that Red XIII will take center stage throughout the entire experience. The eagerly awaited Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is slated for an early 2024 release on PlayStation 5.
