Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the highly anticipated sequel, brings both excitement and disappointment for fans longing to see Vincent Valentine make a return, but not as a fully-playable character.
In the realm of Final Fantasy, Vincent Valentine is a beloved character known for his enigmatic persona and unique abilities. In the original Final Fantasy 7, he was an optional party member, accessible through a challenging padlock minigame and a bonus boss fight known as Lost Number. Vincent’s allure was such that he later took the spotlight in the 2006 PlayStation 2 spin-off, Final Fantasy 7: Dirge of Cerberus.
With Final Fantasy 7 Remake’s conclusion, which saw Cloud Strife and his companions escaping Midgar in pursuit of Sephiroth, speculations ran rampant among fans. Many anticipated a return to the haunted village of Nibelheim and the enigmatic Shinra Manor, where Vincent Valentine had long been imprisoned. The latest Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth trailer confirmed these expectations, unveiling Vincent as he emerged from his crypt-like confinement. Furthermore, fans rejoiced upon learning that the renowned voice actor Matthew Mercer would breathe life into this brooding warrior entangled in Shinra’s darkest machinations.
However, here comes the twist. While fans may eagerly await Vincent’s return to wield his iconic pistol, there is a caveat – Vincent won’t be a playable character. Rebirth’s director, Naoki Hamaguchi, clarified this in an interview with IGN, revealing that Vincent will be controlled exclusively through AI, much like how Red XIII was handled in Final Fantasy 7 Remake. “Vincent will play more of a supporting role within the party in Rebirth,” Hamaguchi explained when quizzed about Vincent’s role in Square Enix’s upcoming sequel.
But Vincent won’t be the only AI-controlled ally in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Creative director Tetsuya Nomura disclosed that Cid Highwind will also follow this format. In Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Red XIII was introduced late in the game, limiting direct player control. With Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth boasting over 100 hours of content, Vincent and Cid may appear either towards the end or in shorter bursts once introduced.
While Vincent fans might be disheartened by the news that he won’t be fully playable in FF7 Rebirth, there’s a glimmer of hope. Red XIII is slated to be a fully playable character in Rebirth, hinting that Vincent’s direct control may be realized in the third installment of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake series.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is set to launch on February 29, 2024, exclusively for the PS5. Mark your calendars and prepare for an adventure that promises both nostalgia and surprises for fans of this iconic series.
