The upcoming release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth continues to spark intense discussions among hardcore fans, especially those who have differing opinions about the fate of the fan-favourite character, Aerith (no, it’s not Aeris).
This beloved character, who tragic demise in the original game, left an indelible mark. As one of the first game’s to have a fully realized semi-open-world 3D environments, Final Fantasy 7 had a significant impact in the industry at large back in 1997. Thus, when one of the lead protagonists died at the end of the first disc (basically the halfway point of the game), you’d best bet it left some jaws wide open.
With that said, director Naoki Hamaguchi’s recent comments have fueled these speculations, leaving fans to wonder if Rebirth will follow the same path or offer a new twist in Aerith’s story.
FF7 Rebirth Director Naoki Hamaguchi promises that Rebirth will be a major evolution from FF7 Remake and he hopes that many players will be able to see what Aerith’s fate will be! #FF7R pic.twitter.com/mlqbOa9LJD
— Genki✨ (@Genki_JPN) December 28, 2023
In the original Final Fantasy VII, Aerith’s death was a pivotal moment that profoundly affected the narrative, especially the characters. This event took place during the party’s first visit to the Forgotten Capital, marking a significant turning point in the game. With Rebirth adapting only up to this portion of the original story, the question arises: will Aerith meet the same fate, or will the game take a different route?
The Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy has already set a precedent for altering the original storyline. The introduction and subsequent defeat of the Whispers, ethereal beings representing fate, at the end of the first game suggests the party might now have the freedom to forge a different path, potentially altering key events like Aerith’s fate. This change has opened the door to numerous possibilities, leaving fans to ponder how closely Rebirth will adhere to the original script.
Furthermore, Aerith’s unique connection to the Lifestream as the last surviving Cetra and her visions of the future add another layer of complexity to her character in Rebirth. Her pseudo-omniprescience and the extent of her knowledge about her impending doom are topics of intrigue. Will Aerith, armed with foresight and a more active role in shaping her destiny, be able to avert her tragic end?
The narrative of Rebirth is also likely to delve deeper into the multiple timelines theory, which is a concept first teased in Remake. The ending of Remake hints at the existence of different timelines, with fans labeling them as the “Beagle” and “Terrier” timelines, depending on the breed and design of the mascot, Stamp, as shown in the game and trailers. This raises questions about the nature of these timelines and the possibility of characters moving between them. Could this mean that Aerith’s fate might play out differently in an alternate timeline?
Speculations abound regarding the game’s ending, with some theorizing that Rebirth might conclude with a cliffhanger, leaving Aerith’s fate unresolved until the final installment of the trilogy. Others suggest a more complex scenario where Aerith’s death in one timeline might coincide with her awakening in another, possibly Zack’s timeline. This theory posits that Aerith’s time in the other world might be temporary, serving as a form of purgatory before her eventual return to the Lifestream.
Another intriguing possibility is the idea of parallel events occurring in the living world and the Lifestream. This concept could see characters like Zack and Cloud simultaneously battling Sephiroth in different realms, adding an innovative and dynamic layer to the final showdown in the trilogy.
Despite all the theories and speculations, one thing remains clear: Square Enix has been intentionally ambiguous about Aerith’s fate, likely to maintain suspense and keep fans engaged. The development team’s deliberate teasing of her fate in the marketing materials suggests that whatever happens to Aerith in Rebirth will be a significant departure from the original game. Whether this means a complete rewriting of her fate or a nuanced alteration remains to be seen.
As the release date draws ever closer, the anticipation and speculation will only grow, making the eventual revelation of Aerith’s fate in Rebirth all the more impactful.
Whether she meets a similar end or finds a new path, her story will prove a central and compelling element of the next Final Fantasy game.
Speaking of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Aerith’s fate isn’t the only thing undergoing changes in the upcoming sequel – a closer look at Sephiroth’s story and a more traditional explorable open world are both highlights as well.
