Final Fantasy VII Preview: Playing Chapter 1

Key Points:

• The writer's initial 45-minute experience with Final Fantasy VII Revelation at Gamescom 2026 was disappointing due to its overwhelming, aimless content and lack of narrative urgency compared to previous series entries.
• A subsequent 25-minute demo at Tokyo Game Show, set in Chapter 1, provided a more focused and story-driven experience, featuring Cloud and the party exploring the Northern Crater with clearer narrative stakes and character development.
• The demo introduced the new FITS system allowing party members to specialize in classes like Warrior, Knight, Black Mage, and Summoner, with combat showcasing unique abilities such as Cloud summoning Ifrit and Tifa casting heavy-damage spells.
• Vincent's combat style stood out, blending gunplay with a transformative beast mode that balances powerful attacks against a health risk, adding strategic depth to battles.
• The writer left the Tokyo demo feeling reinvigorated and optimistic about the upcoming Revelation launch on April 8, appreciating the clearer vision and focused gameplay compared to the earlier demo.