We’ve tackled the music, but there are a lot of reasons the series became so huge, so ahead of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, we take a look at the 10 summons we hope to see when it releases on February 29.
With an additional entry still to come after Rebirth, an as-of-yet untitled third part with a title presumably beginning with R, it adds an extra complication. So while everyone would love to see the beloved Knights Of The Round it feels too inevitable that it’ll be a headline act of the third chapter.
So, with numerous niche picks for new summons in FF7 Rebirth, here we go.
10. Zodiark – Final Fantasy Tactics
Yes, this also appeared in Final Fantasy XII but it predates the game by a fair bit, in that its first appearance came in Final Fantasy Tactics. This one is subtly a great idea, the rumours of a Final Fantasy Tactics remaster have been circulating ever since that infamous Nvidia leak. So, if that rumour is true, this could be a fine nod to a classic from the original PlayStation.
That said, this loses a lot of points due to just how hard it was to find in the original Tactics so a lot of players who experienced that title might not have been aware of it. Yet if that remaster is on the way this would make a lot of sense.
9. Brothers – Final Fantasy VIII
You’ve cracked a smile just remembering this, as they were known in VIII, GF (Guardian Force). The humorous game of rock, paper, scissors brought a smile every time you summoned them in the eighth entry of the franchise.
The two also made separate appearances in the fifth game as boss fights, and if the game is allowing for more than one element for a summon this would be a fun return. Perhaps not the most logical, Titan is confirmed who also have the earth element, but it’d bring a smile.
8. Atomos – Final Fantasy IX
A long shot, but this creature did have a role as a particularly rough boss fight in V and an arguably easier affair in XVI, and could make a return. Occupying the gravity element this also would have a fairly unique area to cover in terms of elements. At any rate, this imposing beast would suit the spectacle we look to have coming in Rebirth and one which we have come to expect after Remake.
Less nostalgia with this one but the logic is there.
7. King Tonberry – Final Fantasy VIII
The Tonberry is so delightfully creepy mixed with a confusing hint of adorable. This would be a technicality here, the GF you get is the Tonberry but the boss you fight it to get it is the King Tonberry. The Tonberry appeared in the first part of the Remake and were typically nightmarish, but if you struggle to beat them, might as well have them join you.
It is admittedly a niche pick, but this would be an amusing addition to Rebirth.
6. Gilgamesh – Too Many To List
One of the funniest, bizarre and technically the only recurring characters in the entire franchise, given that it’s implied to be the same person every time. Who would begrudge a return of Gilgamesh? He has appeared in a lot of Final Fantasy games and often provides a lot of humour, if the party could find a way to have a battle against him this would be a wildly popular move. The first entry showed a willingness to provide light-hearted summons, and another fight against him would warm many a fan of the series’ heart.
Perhaps in the lighter-hearted category alongside King Tonberry, but this would be equally well-received.
5. Famfrit – Final Fantasy XII
The Ivalice Alliance had some great ideas and some equally good games in it. The refusal to go back to the traditional series summons in XII, where they were known as espers, gave birth to a huge amount of now under-appreciated beasts.
Famfrit would be among the more popular additions given its small role in the story of XII but would be a very welcome inclusion. A water esper but one which stood out and would open the gates for the espers to make a proper return in later games.
4. Ark – Final Fantasy IX
A similar train of thought to Zodiark but one which is less subtle, anyone that finished IX had to bump into Ark as it was a boss fight, even if they didn’t get to the point of summoning it. A IX remake, albeit not on the level of VII, would be very welcome to the fans of the series so an appearance of Ark would be a great idea if it is on the way.
Given the implicit themes surrounding Ark, seemingly the only summon from Terra, it’s not hard to see how it could work with the lifestream. This could be easily done, but whether those in development have cast an envious glance towards IX remains to be seen.
3. Garuda – Final Fantasy XI
Fresh from a very noteworthy appearance in XVI, Garuda seems to have earned popularity within Square Enix. Debuting as a summon XI, with it being a frequently used name for an enemy beforehand, it has appeared as a summon with a consistent appearance in the last three mainline numbered entries.
Perhaps it could miss out due to being the element of wind with Typhoon likely returning at some stage, but it would be a popular inclusion. Yes, summons can arguably be accused of being stale with the names rarely changing over the years, but Garuda looks to have been promoted to the main cast so to speak.
If Typhoon appears in Rebirth, don’t rule out Garuda for the final entry of the Remake trilogy.
2. Diablos – Final Fantasy VIII
The more likely version of Atomos if we’re being completely honest here. Debuting as a summon in VIII this would cover the gravity element, but as an enemy has appeared in a pretty huge number of games in the series. A dark, demonic somewhat dragon-like creature it’s been a popular design over the years. It has consistently remained a tough enemy, being a superboss in the Game Boy Advance version of VI.
If the directors of Rebirth are looking at other games to take inspiration or summons from, this will be fairly high up the list.
1. Genesis or Zack – Final Fantasy VII/Crisis Core
We like controversy here, so let’s end with a bang. We still need to figure out how these elements are going to play out, and until Square Enix realises our brilliance we don’t have a review copy.
But hear us out, this could be rather genius. If it turns out that neither is alive, then having them appear as a summon with their memories being kept alive through materia, would be a stunning inclusion.
The logic is there, potentially, and wouldn’t entirely feel like a cop-out for what they’re doing. Memories being stored by the lifestream could explain the route they’re going down with Zack. If that is the case then a summon is not entirely out of the question and would provide at least an answer to the biggest mystery we’ve had since the end of Remake.
Yes, we’ve cheated, this wouldn’t be a proper summon. But don’t lie to yourselves, either one of these as a summon would make your jaw drop.
