Square Enix’s ongoing and utterly ambitious Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy project is a dream come true for JRPG fans who grew up during the 90s and 2000s. A mostly faithful three-part saga that adapts and expands on the original game, it’s the ultimate passion project with a AAA budget. But, as much as it’s based on the classic 1997 title, FF7 Remake set the tone for a handful of revisions that are likely coming in future installments.
Although some of the older characters only got expanded roles, the first game also introduced new characters, some of which have stood out, especially among longtime fans. Case in point, Roche – an unhinged 3rd-class SOLDIER who seems to think of his motorcycle as an extension of himself.
Players will encounter (well, more like duel) Roche twice in FF7 Remake and another time as Yuffie in the Intermission DLC. Roche loses to Cloud Strife both times, but not before striking a mostly one-sided and convoluted friendship with the mostly-silent protagonist.
In his encounter with Yuffie, Roche alludes to his newfound friend while challenging the Wutai-born material hunter to a game of Fort Condor. Thus, with FF7 Rebirth coming in February 29, Roche’s lasting if hilarious impression has left fans to wonder if this rebellious Speed Demon will be joining fans in the sequel, and apparently, the latest trailer answers this question.
Square Enix’s latest trailer for Rebirth revolves around Sephiroth’s desire to reclaim the world. But, if you look closely, a familiar-looking bright red motorcycle zooms past the screen during the parade.
As expected, the internet dissected every frame of the trailer and proved that Roche is indeed in FF7 Rebirth.
The story of FF7 describes the SOLDIER as the cream of the crop. It’s partly why Avalanche hired Cloud at the onset of the game’s story. Yet, the main storyline doesn’t include named SOLDIERS outside of Sephiroth and Zack. The spin-offs tried to solve this, but very few played these games outside of hardcore fans. This is why Roche’s return is a big deal.
Seeing the deranged named SOLDIER adds more context for Cloud Strife, who isn’t actually a SOLDIER but believes he is (even if no one from SOLDIER or Shinra knows him save for the grunts) because his altered memories have adapted certain aspects of Zack Fair’s life (not personality, Zack was actually a fun guy).
As Square Enix has already promised Rebirth to be bigger than the first game (complete with an open world, expanded story, and even a Zack-centric storyline), it could see Cloud encounter more members of the famed fighting force, which could create interesting scenarios that could ultimately lead to the hero (and the rest of party) to realize that he isn’t the guy he’s making himself out to be.
With both Shinra and SOLDIER expected to take on a bigger role in FF7 Rebirth and the third game, the sequel and the third game should play out differently even if the events remain largely the same (and they won’t).
As for Rufus, his appearance in Rufus’ Welcoming Ceremony in Junon lines up with a certain mysterious hooded guy’s presumed “debut” in the same area. After developing an unhealthy obsession with Cloud after their initial pair of duels and, in a way, helping the party out, we wouldn’t put it past Square Enix the game’s creative director, Tetsuya Nomura, to throw in Rufus to make things interesting as Cloud tries to recruit Shinra soldiers as part of the Welcoming Ceremony minigame.
Ultimately, Roche’s return, among others, reinforces the idea that Square Enix is building the entire trilogy as a collective experience split across three memorable JRPG classics.
