Square Enix has released a patch for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth that makes a number of key performance improvements.
According to the patch notes, update 1.020 improves the PlayStation 5 exclusive’s graphics, frame-rate, and adds ‘sharp’ and ‘soft’ 60fps modes. Elsewhere, the patch adds difficulty settings for certain mini-games, and fixes various bugs and performance problems.
Earlier this month, Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi said one of the main pieces of player feedback Square Enix had received since launch revolved around the graphics in Performance Mode, which prioritizes a consistent frame-rate.
"We’ve received a lot of feedback on whether the graphics in the Performance Mode will be improved or not," Hamaguchi said. "We hear you, and we are currently working on an update patch to improve that aspect. I don’t think the release date would be far away from now."
Hamaguchi added that the patch would focus on the lighting on character faces in certain parts of Rebirth. "We have heard from players that in certain situations, the facial lighting makes some character shadows look very scary. So that’s one part of the update that we are working on."
In our 9/10 review of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, IGN said: "Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth impressively builds off of what Remake set in motion, both as a best-in-class action-RPG full of exciting challenges and an awe-inspiring recreation of a world that has meant so much to so many for so long."
Those playing can check out IGN's extensive guide on the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and see how long it takes to beat, our PS5 performance review, and how Square Enix caused havoc by mislabeling its discs in Japan.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth update 1.020 patch notes:
- Fixes to missing or incorrect characters in some parts of the game text.
- Fixes to player character bugs that occur in field areas under certain conditions.
- Fixes to Red XIII’s abilities “Supernal Fervor” and “Watcher's Spirit” in battle, as these were easily cancelled.
- Fixes to bugs occurring in battle under specific conditions that would cause enemies to freeze.
- Fixes to bugs triggered by specific conditions that affect progress through quests.
- Improvements to frame rate and overall game stability.
- Addition of a “sharp” or “soft” option for graphical output in Performance Mode.
- Improvements to graphical quality.
- Reflected reversed camera controls while controlling a gliding sky chocobo.
- Reflected reversed camera controls in the sharpshooting minigame.
- Emphasised the path along the climbable vines in the Mythril Mine.
- Added difficulty selection to the customisation screen of the minigames Fort Condor and Gears and Gambits.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
