Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is set to release two story DLCs, focusing on Sephiroth and on Vincent and the Turks, respectively. A ComicBook review argues that these two groups already have substantial backstories, and that Barret and Tifa would be more worthy protagonists for DLC.
The Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy has transformed the original's turn-based gameplay and gradually expanded the existing narrative. Final Fantasy VII Remake fleshed out the original's Midgar opening into a full-fledged adventure, while Final Fantasy VII Rebirth used a broader world to add depth to familiar locations, character relationships, and conflicts. Critics believe this has breathed new life into some of the original's smaller moments.
Square Enix has confirmed two story expansions for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, comparable in scale to the "Intermission" episode of Final Fantasy VII Remake. Each DLC will delve into the stories of its respective characters, but critics argue that Sephiroth and Vincent are not the ones most in need of additional screen time.
Critics point out that Sephiroth plays a significant role in the original game, the remake trilogy, and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, giving the trilogy's finale good reason to continue exploring his journey and plans. Vincent, meanwhile, already starred as the protagonist in Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII, which expanded on his connections with Lucrecia, Hojo, and Shinra.
In contrast, critics hope to see Barret's untold experiences, from the destruction of Corel and his relationship with Dyne to his involvement in the resistance against Shinra. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth already covered parts of his past, but there is still unexplored time between those events and the opening of Final Fantasy VII Remake.
Tifa's story also has similar gaps: her life in Sector 7 after leaving Nibelheim and arriving in Midgar, leading up to joining Avalanche, could serve as a prequel entry point. Critics also envision this as an opportunity to depict Barret recruiting members and Avalanche planning their early operations, giving Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge more screen time.