While RPGs are typically known for featuring lengthy and dramatic stories, there are few titles in that genre that resonate so closely to gamers' hearts asFinal Fantasy 7. The story ofFF7has stuck with many of the players who grew up with only the original title, and that love for what the game gave fans back in 1997 has left later expansions to the lore in a rather conflicting spot. To this day, fans are divided on if theCompilation ofFinal Fantasy 7improved the original storyor retconned it into something completely different. Despite that, though,Final Fantasy 7 Remakeborrows, includes, and ties in important details from theCompilationto make the experience feel much more complete with what came after 1997.
However, not all experiences with this particular franchise are made equal.Kingdom Heartstook a slightly different approachto Cloud Strife,FF7’sprotagonist, than what his first appearance portrayed him with.KHmay be a series worthy of taking on the length of theCompilation of FF7, but it can be argued that some details with the former aren’t as easily intertwined as theCompilationis. That isn’t even comparingKH, which is full of retcons and adjustments, toFF7 Remake, which pieces things together by looking at the bigger picture. Due to how differently these two Square Enix projects handle their writing, there are both some interesting similarities and changes with Cloud’s character in bothKHandFF7R.
RELATED:Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion Won’t Introduce New Story Elements
Cloud Strife in Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Naturally,Final Fantasy 7 Remakeuses Cloud just as loyal fans expected it to. This Cloud is cool and tough on the surface, but socially awkward as he’s like a fish out of water underneath. While he has bravado with the skills to back it up, he also has plenty of hilariously embarrassing moments with the rest of the cast that makes it clear that Cloud isn’t perfect. Even as he keeps his distance, he grows attached to the members of Avalanche and Aerith rather easily as the game progresses, just as he did in the originalFF7.
It could be argued that theRemakemakes a point to highlighthow much of a dork Cloud can be, as early moments in the game have him say his “rank” in SOLDIER when asked his age, and he even pouts when lightly scolded by Tifa for being rude to the landlord of their apartments. There’s an emphasis on the fact that there’s more going on with Cloud that newer fans may not know about which also serves as a nod to veteran players about the later plot twists regarding Cloud’s mental illness.
All in all,FF7 Remakedelivers a believable Cloud that showcases that the iconic character isn’t as powerful and strong as he’d prefer people to see him as at first, but rather a damaged and troubled three-dimensional character who’s perfectly human. Even as theRemakeProject plays its cards close to its chest for now, there’s plenty of evidence for thenew generation ofFF7fanswho start withRemaketo understand that there’s more behind the headaches and the many times Cloud says he’s “not interested.”
Kingdom Hearts' Cloud
Cloud’s introduction in the firstKingdom Heartsgame is when he dramatically walks near Sora to tease him as an upcoming opponent. Some players may accidentally assume that the person in question is Vincent Valentine at first due to the cape Cloud wears inKH1. However, the Cloud seen in Olympus Coliseum is much more stabilized thanwhatFF7fans may be used to. While this Cloud is still sassy, quiet, and all about doing what he’s meant to and nothing more, he’s fully aware of his surroundings and doesn’t seem to be detached from reality.
However, Cloud is working with Hades because he’s looking for Sephiroth, his darkness-given form. This is taken from what Cloud tells Sora once the player clears Olympus Coliseum, where he said he relied on darkness too much in the past and fell deep inside of it. Sephiroth’s own words claiming he “is” Cloud inKH2adds to this. Apart from a rather angry dialogue with his rival, Cloud is rather quiet about everything going on with him, evenrefusing to meet Aerith’s gazewhen he promises he’ll come back after defeating Sephiroth - a sign that he isn’t so sure he’ll return after fighting his darkness.
The fact that Cloud is surrounded by his darkness is the focal point of his conflict inKingdom Hearts. Darkness is said to be the reason the mercenary looks different inKH2where he dons hisAdvent Childrenoutfit, as Cloud is said to be missing light entirely. In the world ofKingdom Hearts, losing one’s self to darkness is a terrible and tragic thing in most cases. However, Cloud is still himself, implying that he has a light that he’s unaware of. His lack of light represents how he’s trapped in his past, and he seems to find enough of it by the end of his role inKH2tochallenge Sephiroth properlyto their fated battle.
RELATED:Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth - How Changing The Order Of Locations May Impact The Story
The Parallels Between the Two Clouds
Looking at the Cloud found inFinal Fantasy 7 Remakeand the Cloud seen inKingdom Heartspaint a rather clear picture as to what Square Enix’s writers consider to be Cloud Strife. It seems that Cloud in general lives up to his last name of “strife” as they’re both rather full of internal conflict and have a hard time letting it out due to internalized insecurities.Kingdom Heartsmay not be clearas to what the merc is doubting himself about exactly, butFF7Rfans are most likely close to finding out inFF7 Rebirth.Kingdom Hearts 2showcasing Cloud and Sephiroth meeting for a fated battle to “settle” things seems rather reminiscent of the exchange between the two inRemake’sfinal moments, except that inKH,Cloud is fully aware of their ties whereasFF7RCloud is left in the dark.
The two of them are also rather similar in the sense that they’re both running from things they don’t wish to face, butKingdom Heartsleaves the idea of Cloud running away from his past rather vague. Meanwhile,FF7R’sstory as to what Cloud is running from may be a bit more complex than just his past. It’s hard to say if that’s truly what the “ex-SOLDER” is running from, but no one will know for sure until the full story of theRemakeProject is revealed. TheCloud found inKHseems much more mature, older, and adjusted thanFF7RCloud, who is far more awkward and notably inexperienced in comparison. The difference in their temperaments may be a result of their different stories. The lack of trauma holdingFinal Fantasy 7 RemakeCloud back being absent inKingdom Heartsis a rather understandable difference asKHis about Sora’s story rather than Cloud’s.
MORE:Why Final Fantasy 7 is the Worst Starting Point for Square Enix NFTs
