🚨 NEW PODCAST UP 🚨 Today's episode is all about Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave! From cringey supports and combat enhancements to dramatic story reveals and avatar characters, we talk about everything we want and don't want in this latest entry. Check it out below 👇

That's a wrap on Final Fantasy VII Rebirth! Wow just wow. I went into it hoping I'd like it more than Remake bc I wasn't the biggest fan. Rebirth proved to me the true beauty of this universe. I can't wait to experience more of it! I'll have more thoughts in Nintendo Force and Level Up Legacy.

While I’m still making my way through Rebirth, I’m having a blast. The game has improved upon so much from Remake, and it feels right at home on the Switch 2. Thanks for reading my thoughts. Let me know if you have questions. And thank you Square Enix for the code!

Tbh, none of these issues are deal breakers to me when you factor in the overall quality of the port. It’s a marvel that the game looks this good on Switch 2, and it’s just more proof that the console is a JRPG machine through and through.

Lastly, some details look a bit fuzzy, most noticeably re: the characters’ hair. Here’s a few shots below.

Also, the game’s lighting transitions are a bit delayed when you go from a well-lit area to a darker area and vice versa. It’s happened to me often, and it just feels like it could be a bit smoother overall.

First, there is texture pop-in especially when traversing the larger zones in Rebirth. I’ve included an example in the clip below.

Now let’s get into the Switch 2 port and its quality. Overall, I’m pretty impressed with Square’s handling of it. The game looks solid in handheld and docked modes, and the cutscenes are especially impressive. I did experience a few issues, which I’ll show in tweets below.

Beyond combat and exploration, there are mini-games GALORE. Some I have enjoyed more than others. Queen’s Blood is great! Fort Condor is a fun time. But ROUNDING UP THE MOOGLETS DRIVES ME CRAZY. And don’t get me started on their design. WHAT IS THAT?

There's also just soo much to do in Rebirth's open zones. I'm honestly addicted to getting all the World Intel and completing all the activities. Idk if I'll feel that way the entire game, but it's certainly been a satisfying gameplay loop so far.

The gameplay offerings are just as varied. Rebirth brings back the ATB and real-time hybrid system, and it plays incredibly well. This game also adds new synergy mechanics, better aerial combat and character folios, which expand party members’ move sets.

Speaking of that, I just have to say, THIS GAME IS HYSTERICAL. From goofy NPCs and mini game shenanigans to Barret’s reactions to literally everything, it strikes such a meaningful balance between humor and drama, and I appreciate that so much.

The story’s pacing has picked up too. I am SO interested in how everything will connect by the end. Seeing almost everything from Cloud’s perspective is intentional, and the game does a good job balancing the larger, tragic mystery with more lighthearted content.

They’re all still definitely HIDING things, and there’s definitely tension. (Cloud and Tifa’s relationship is absolutely killing me, LOL but I’m rooting for them!) 😅 But overall, the group feels more like a family, and that’s led to some really hilarious and heartfelt moments.

One of my biggest issues with Remake was that it took too long for the cast to open up to each other. They didn’t feel like a cohesive group until the end. Remake’s bloated playtime def exacerbated that, but it’s been a welcome change in Rebirth to see the cast grow closer.

Before I go any further, I need to be honest. I wasn’t the biggest fan of FF7 Remake. I’ve also not played the OG FF7, but despite both of those things, Rebirth provides a huge step forward in gameplay and story progression. It’s so fun even if you haven't played the OG game!

Thread: Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth Switch 2 Impressions I’ve been playing this game on Nintendo Switch 2 for more than 25 hours and having a great time! This is my first playthrough of Rebirth, and I have A LOT of thoughts so far. Check out the thread for more info! 👇

I got to be a part of Indie Quest 2026 and introduce Edge of Memories! I've been looking forward to this game since it was announced, and I'm excited for the demo on June 15. It was so cool to be a part of this showcase, and if you haven't watched it yet, GO CHECK IT OUT! 👇

Summer Showcase season is one of the most wonderful times of the year, and we had a blast making predictions in this week's episode! Check out the video below, and let us know what you'd like to see announced! 👇

Thanks for checking out my thread! Lmk of any questions! I'll have more thoughts to come in Nintendo Force Magazine and on Level Up Legacy! We talked about the game on this week's podcast, which should go up Friday. Thanks so much to NIS America for the review code!

To sum it up, I'm having fun with STARBITES despite some of its shortcomings. I think there's a quirky charm to it, but like our salvager queen Lukida, you have to dig a bit before you find the best parts of it.

Despite the recent news of the SW2 version delay, I hope to test out the game on SW2 and see how it compares. I've also asked about an upgrade path for those who've purchased the Switch version and will hopefully be able to report back on that.

I've been playing the Switch version of this game rather than SW2. The game looks good in handheld mode with the boost enabled on SW2! It is a bit rough while docked in TV mode. I've also encountered a few bugs, most notably a side quest that always caused the game to crash.

The tedium continues in other aspects bc the game makes you backtrack often on the map. Fast travel is only available at hubs. It feels unnecessary too because the game has several charging stations where you can heal and save. Those could have been fast travel points.

From a story and gameplay perspective, STARBITES takes a little while to get going. It felt tedious at first, but the combat started to really hit once I gained more skills and party members. If you don't mind giving a game some patience at the start, it shouldn't bother you.

Re: gameplay, STARBITES uses a turn based system with mechs and element attacks. You can customize your mechs with better gear and weapons and also equip accessories that offer a range of buffs. You have to attack with certain elements to find out enemy weaknesses.

The 2D art of the characters conveys this energy more effectively than the 3D models imo, and I think it looks better overall too. I've included two images below as a comparison. I'm glad we got multiple expressions for the main cast's sprites at least.

Her personality sets the tone of the game straight away. STARBITES is funny and doesn't take itself too seriously. That extends to your party members and various NPCs along the way.

Lukida's character is absolutely my favorite part of this game. Y'all I know I love a good leading lady, and Lukida is a sassy, well-intentioned girl failure with a heart of gold. She reminds me of Judith from Trails through Daybreak, and I have enjoyed her journey so much.

A little more general info: STARBITES is from IKINAGAMES and NIS America. The game takes place on the planet Bitter, which has been ravaged by a war that took place before the events of the game. It's here you begin Lukida's story, as she attempts to leave Bitter for good.