Summary
The Cosmo Canyon protorelic questline inFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirthis both spiritual and endearing, tying well into the region’s reverent stance on the planet and the beauty of the lifestream. Putting emphasis on Tifa and Barret, the questline follows the team’s exploration into old temple ruins, reigniting the energy of the Cetra’s planetary fonts while the two reminisce on the past. As the team works together with Yuffie’s old Avalanche HQ friends from theFF7 RemakeIntergrade DLC, they reconcile with Wedge’s fate, honoring his memory through a series of flashbacks centered on Barret’s splinter cell group.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirthexcels in its smaller, more intimate moments, letting its characters shine through its approach to natural dialogue. Its use of flashbacks in the Cosmo Canyon protorelic quests builds on these principles, showing beauty in everyday circumstances. As Tifa mixes new recipes for the team at Seventh Heaven, Biggs and Jessie test colorful cocktails from Costa del Sol to Cosmo Canyon, noting that the latter is missing an “extra flourish.” Wedge, as the resident chef of the Avalanche cell, has the perfect fix for the drink, brandishing shakers of Cosmo salt mined from the canyon itself.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s Cosmo Canyon Protorelic Questline Gives an Endearing Look into the Past
A Glimpse into the Past
The drink winds up being a hit among the group as Wedge and the others muse over taking a trip to the region one day, a dream thatTifa and Barretlament in the present, being the only two of the team to make it. As more of the region’s planetary fonts are restored, the flashback progresses, going on to show the playful banter of the group as they mimic a planetology seminar. After Jessie tipsily asks Wedge to open up, he confides in his belief that he isn’t providing enough for the Avalanche team, a worry that is quickly shot down by the others. The conversation transitions to Tifa and Barret overlooking the ruins, talking about Wedge’s hard work and impact as they reminisce on his legacy.
Once the final planetary font is restored, the flashback concludes with an inspirational speech from Barret, showing the team’s passion for saving the planet and puttinga stop to Shinra, a goal that would ultimately put them in harm’s way. In the present day, however, Barret asserts that living in guilt and regret wouldn’t be what Wedge and the others would want for them, a sentiment that hits all the harder after the effectiveness of the Seventh Heaven flashback. The questline ends with Cloud, Tifa, and Barret setting lanterns off into the sky, resolving to move forward while memorializing the past.
Letting its Cast Shine
The Cosmo Canyon protorelic questline is a great example of howRebirth’s castis given narrative prominence in their backstories, showing how their paths intersect with each other and the supporting characters ofFF7in a way that goes beyond servicing the plot. The same can be said for how its characters are able to reconcile with a shared sense of loss, a feat that works well in how the game handles its large party. Tifa and Barret are given central focus here, with the questline’s flashback honing in on just how close the OG Avalanche cell was. Being able to step back from Cloud’s perspective in this case helps to show the crew’s dynamic before his involvement, demonstrating strength in howRebirthmakes each of its characters feel important.
Rebirth’s Cosmo Canyonprotorelic questlineshows how effective flashbacks can be in celebrating the simpler moments. Though they don’t change the context of Cloud, Tifa, and Barret’s restoration of the planetary fonts, and could technically be absent without changing much of the questline’s flow, they wind up adding so much to its emotional depth. Players don’t need a refresher on who Wedge, Biggs, and Jessie are, but there is so much heart in how they’re portrayed that it makes empathizing with Tifa and Barret throughout the quests all the more impactful. In this way, the protorelic questline is a great example of flashbacks done right, helping to further endear players to its cast.
