The image of Sephiroth striding through the flames of Nibelheim has been burned into my mind since I was seven, huddled under a blanket in awe of the PlayStation classic.

It’s a moment that’s forever tied to my memories of Final Fantasy 7, and seeing the horrific scene reimagined even darker and more terrifying gave me chills even 27 years later. Sephiroth’s Nibelheim flashback serves as the first chapter of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and it was my introduction to a five-hour hands-on demo that left me chomping at the bit for the full experience.

This is the first true open world Final Fantasy game, and by all indications, the team behind Rebirth has taken the right lessons from the greats of the genre, like The Witcher 3 and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, while pushing it even further.

Ever since the release of Final Fantasy 7 Remake almost four years ago, one fan theory has run wild: this new trilogy isn’t just a reimagining but a sequel. It’s a tantalizing idea that has fans wondering if events in Remake are actually happening post-Final Fantasy 7 in an alternate universe. The theory is pushed forward by an array of story changes, certain characters being aware of events they shouldn’t be, and the return of Zack Fair, all of which has only created even more anticipation for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

Final Fantasy 7 is a game with an undeniable legacy, and Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi knows that full well. When asked about the sequel fan theory, he coyly admits that the team is aware of the feeling of “anxiety” this might cause fans, especially in terms of how their favorite character’s fates could change.