Final Fantasy 7 REBORN! Steam Re-Release Shocks Fans - What's NEW?!

The legendary Final Fantasy VII, the one that started it all, just got a shiny new coat of paint on Steam. And I don't mean a remake, mind you. We're talking about the original polygonal masterpiece, spruced up for a modern audience. Announced just last month, this updated version of the classic RPG has landed on Steam today, promising a smoother and more streamlined experience for both returning veterans and those brave enough to tackle Midgar for the first time.

Final Fantasy 7 REBORN! Steam Re-Release Shocks Fa...

So, what's new? Well, for starters, you've got the holy trinity of quality-of-life improvements: a 3x speed mode to zip through those lengthy grinds, the ability to banish random encounters (because sometimes you just need to get to the next story beat), and a "battle enhancement" mode that basically turns you into a god – maxed-out Limit breaks and instant HP/MP refills. Oh, and let's not forget the addition of an autosave feature, a blessing for anyone who's ever lost hours of progress to a sudden power outage (we've all been there, right?).

Now, here's the slightly confusing part: this new version effectively replaces the 2013 edition that was already on Steam. That old one's been pulled from the digital shelves, no longer available for purchase. The good news is, if you already own the 2013 version, you're getting a free upgrade! You'll also still have access to that original copy, so don't worry about losing it forever. It's like getting a bonus, a little thank you from Square Enix.

But – and this is a big but – be warned: your old save files are incompatible. That's right, you'll have to start a fresh adventure if you want to experience this re-release. Kind of a bummer, I know, but think of it as an excuse to revisit the game with fresh eyes. What this *does* mean, however, is that the Steam version is now in line with the modern console ports of Final Fantasy VII. The previous PC port, let's be honest, was a bit of a mess, riddled with bugs and showing its age. This update should hopefully address those issues.

Even with all the Remake hype, the original Final Fantasy VII remains a truly special game. Whether you're a newcomer who missed it the first time around, or a seasoned veteran looking for a nostalgic trip before the Remake trilogy wraps up, it's well worth your time. And speaking of the Remake, teasers are hinting at "more updates than ever before" for the trilogy this year. Could that mean we'll finally get a release date for Part 3? Only time will tell. In the meantime, Rebirth, Part 2, is also slated to arrive on Switch 2 and Xbox later this year. So yeah, plenty of ways to jump into the world of Final Fantasy VII, old and new.

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.