Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth builds on the lore of its predecessor, Final Fantasy 7 Remake. In more ways than one, they’re an overall narrative improvement over the original classic JRPG title from 1997. In particular, one of the more captivating aspects of the remake trilogy so far is the nuanced development of the relationships between characters, such as the love story between Tifa Lockhart and Cloud Strife. The game goes out of its way delving into the intricacies of human connections, emotions, and the enduring question of Cloud’s heart.
The original Final Fantasy 7 game, released in 1997, laid the groundwork for a complex narrative, introducing players to a world teetering on the brink of destruction, saved by the efforts of Cloud and his companions. Among these companions were Tifa, the childhood friend with a resilient spirit, and Aerith, the beacon of hope.
While the fan-favorite entry hinted at romantic possibilities, the relationships were left largely undeveloped, focusing more on the looming threat of Sephiroth and the pursuit of saving the planet.
Fast forward to Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and Square Enix has seized the opportunity to flesh out these character dynamics, particularly between Cloud and Tifa. The sequel is cleverly integrating the choices players make, the battles they fight, and the words they exchange. If done right, these interactions culminate in a pivotal scene that has sent fans into a frenzy.
The scene in question, a passionate kiss between Cloud and Tifa, isn’t merely a fleeting moment of romance. It’s the result of a bond that has deepened with time – and the efforts of players.
The particular moment is set against the backdrop of glittering fireworks, a symbol of beauty in a world filled with chaos and destruction. However, getting to this point is no simple task; it requires a “perfect” playthrough, where players must carefully navigate their interactions and decisions throughout the sequel.
In an industry where most video game developers prefer to hide such content behind a paywall, Square Enix decided to use it to reward players willing to jump through several hoops. More importantly, it’s symbolic of the developer’s commitment to a living and breathing world where actions have consequences, all while encouraging multiplayer playthroughs and inviting players to explore the branching story paths.
Ultimately, the scene between Cloud and Tifa is a shining example of how video games can capture the complexity of human emotions, delivering moments that resonate with players long after they’ve put down the controller.
After setting a precedent like this, we can only imagine how the internet will react once Square Enix animates the upcoming and decidedly more romantic scene between Tifa and Cloud Strife that happens towards the end of the game in the Highwind, which, as per a recent interview, will play a larger role in the finale.
Unfortunately, while Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 is already in development exclusively for PlayStation 5, it isn’t expected to be available to play anytime soon.
