At this point, you really could make the case that Final Fantasy 7 is its own IP, separate from the Final Fantasy series. It has a feature film, a remake trilogy, countless ports, and tons of spinoffs. It’s a fully-fledged universe.

That’s why this new release from Square Enix might appeal to any number of FF7 fans, including ones that grew up on the PlayStation original, or mega-fans of the remakes.

FF7 Rebirth Ultimania Releases In July

The Art Looks Fantastic

In true Square Enix fashion, this new Final Fantasy 7 release has a mouthful of a name: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: Material Ultimania. Billed as an “encylopedic collection of art and information” for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, this full-color hardcover book looks enticing on multiple levels.

The part that interests me most is the enemy breakdown, which showcases planning sheets for enemy abilities and battlefield placement. It’s not just a flashy art book; it is also, in part, a design document.

Here’s what you can expect: “Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: Material Ultimania provides a comprehensive collection of production art and CG art assets, including character models and illustrations, locations and backgrounds, accessories, weapons, and enemies, all accompanied by staff commentary. This volume also includes cutscene storyboards, enemy interaction development materials, and more! This full-color, jacketed, hardcover book is a visual tribute to the stunning new rendition of one of the most beloved RPGs of all time.”

Clocking in at 208 pages, it should be a pretty comprehensive look at the series, not just Rebirth. It’s due out on July 14, 2026. This is just one of a series of books coming out for the Final Fantasy series, as Final Fantasy Tactics is getting an art book, and Final Fantasy 16 is hosting multiple book releases.

Out of all these, the coolest one is easily the Final Fantasy 9 picture book. Featuring Vivi on the cover, fans can’t wait to revisit the wonderful world of Gaia.

A Perfect Gift Before FF7 Remake Part 3 Arrives

We’re Still Waiting For That Reveal

As a recap, Final Fantasy 7 Remake came out in 2020, and Rebirth, the sequel, was released in 2024. Although the timeline may not match up perfectly for the third and final entry in the remake trilogy for FF7, we could see it in 2028. Square Enix hasn’t officially revealed it yet (or its subtitle), so we’ll have to sit tight until then. In the meantime, FF7 Rebirth will be released on Switch 2 and Xbox platforms in June.

There’s still plenty of time to check out the Final Fantasy 7 remake series if you haven’t already. The story of Cloud and his friends transcends the ’90s, especially when given a new coat of paint.

Systems

Released

February 29, 2024

ESRB

T For Teen Due To Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence

Developer(s)

Square Enix

Publisher(s)

Square Enix

Engine

Unreal Engine 4