The character arc of Cloud Strife in the original Final Fantasy 7 was a captivating journey of self-discovery. The awkward and aloof protagonist embarked on a quest to unravel his identity and break free from the control of the villainous Sephiroth. As the story progressed, Cloud, initially a blank slate, gradually confronted his troubled past and charted his own path for the future.
However, in Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Cloud finds himself in a different position. His interactions with Sephiroth in the game take on a more nuanced and complex nature compared to the original. Sephiroth’s role as the final boss is characterized by a wry self-awareness, almost as if he is preparing Cloud for the challenges that lie ahead rather than simply seeking his destruction.
These intricately crafted scenes come to life in Remake’s commitment to cinematic fidelity, delivering spine-tingling and dramatic moments. The initial encounters between Cloud and Sephiroth in Remake feature the silver-haired antagonist acting as a foil to Cloud, teasing him with menacing and cryptic dialogue. This dynamic adds a sense of mystery and foreboding to the game’s narrative.
However, while these developments in Cloud’s character arc in Remake are enthralling, there are concerns about whether this new journey will provide the same long-term payoff as the path taken by his earlier incarnation in the original game. This raises the question of whether Square Enix can successfully balance the nostalgia and expectations of fans with the desire to introduce fresh elements and narrative twists.
The challenge for Square Enix lies in striking the right balance between honoring the beloved aspects of Cloud’s character arc from the original Final Fantasy 7 and exploring new territory in Remake. It is a delicate act of maintaining the essence of the character while offering a fresh perspective and engaging storyline.
As fans eagerly await future installments of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, they hope that Square Enix can navigate this intricate balancing act. The success of Cloud’s character arc in Remake will ultimately depend on how well the game maintains the essence of his journey from the original while introducing compelling new elements and surprising twists. Only time will tell if Square Enix can indeed have its cake and eat it too in this ambitious remake of a beloved classic.
