Cloud’s relationships evolve in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth as director addresses fan concerns

Square Enix clarifies stance on character dynamics between Cloud, Aerith, and Tifa in FF7 saga.

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Cloud’s relationships evolve in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth as director addresses fan concerns

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi has addressed the ongoing discussion surrounding Cloud’s relationships with Aerith and Tifa in the reimagined FF7 saga. The clarification comes after previous comments about Cloud and Aerith’s dynamic sparked debate within the fan community.

The relationship between Cloud Strife, Tifa Lockhart, and Aerith Gainsborough has been a central topic of discussion since the original Final Fantasy 7. While the classic timeline suggested a romantic path between Cloud and Tifa, the new continuity established in FF7 Remake and Rebirth has opened fresh interpretations of these character dynamics.

In December, Hamaguchi’s description of Aerith as a “sisterly” figure to Cloud caused a stir among fans who supported a romantic connection between the characters. This interpretation gained additional attention when Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth producer Yoshinori Kitase made statements that seemed to leave the possibility of such a pairing open.

Speaking to Automation, Hamaguchi explained that his initial comments were misinterpreted due to cultural and linguistic differences between Japanese and English. He emphasized that Square Enix’s policy is to let the game’s content speak for itself regarding character relationships, stating that no official declarations would be made about the characters’ romantic preferences.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth explores new paths for classic relationships

The reimagined FF7 saga adds layers of complexity to Cloud’s connections with both Aerith and Tifa, influenced by his uncertain memories and shared history. Rebirth implements player choice in shaping these relationships, including the notable Gold Saucer sequence where Cloud can share a special moment with either character.

While Aerith’s fate in Rebirth mirrors certain elements from the original game, the new timeline presents a more ambiguous outcome. This uncertainty sets the stage for potential new developments in the third installment of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake project, though Square Enix maintains discretion about the future direction of these cherished character relationships.