AERITH (Final Fantasy VII) - Who Dat? [Character Review]

Name: Aerith Gainsborough.
Series: Final Fantasy VII (Video Game).
Notable Appearances: Final Fantasy VII, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Kingdom Hearts.
Songs in video:
Aerith's Theme - Final Fantasy VII
Ahead On Our Way - Final Fantasy VII
Costa Del Sol - Final Fantasy VII
Flowers Blooming In The Church - Final Fantasy VII
Interrupted By Fireworks - Final Fantasy VII
Reunion - Final Fantasy VII
Super Eyepatch Wolf's Final Fantasy VII video - • The Impact of Final Fa...
Aerith Gainsborough belongs to Square Enix.
Please support the Final Fantasy VII series.
Final Fantasy VII on Steam - store.steampowered.com/ageche...
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Support Me On Patreon - / digivalentine
Catch me at:
Twitter - / digi_valentine
Instagram - / digi_valentine
Art by Smai:
Twitter - / smaiart
Tumblr - / smaiart
Graphic Design by Koizumi Zehetbauer:
Twitter - / sosayaze
Website - www.alchemygameworks.com/
Game Footage by TannerOfTheNorth:
Twitter - / tannerlper
KZbin - / goodbye18000
Extra Special Thanks to TRiPPY:
Twitter - / imagni
Engelbaum Comic - www.spectramis.com/
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#Aerith #FinalFantasyVII #FFVII

[@geardog24]

"Who's Aerith?" She's the face that launched a thousand tears and a thousand fan fics.

[@truindividual]

We all got a Gameshark just to revive her

[@insanemakaioshin]

@@truindividual 1 phoenix down is all it takes

[@jianuzzi]

Ya. I know I cried. And having to go through the rest of the game to see her at very end. Made me cry again.

[@Spacefrisian]

I always remember her as Aeriss, the one that copied Nei from Phantasy Star 2 as a major character that died during the game.

[@princesoulger999]

She's also the one I spent the most hours grinding with. Crying not only because she's gone but also all my hours wasted.

[@jovenc4508]

I hate when people make the argument that "Cloud only knew Aerith for like 45 minutes, why would he mourn her loss so much?" Completely mixing up game play time for in game world time. It's obvious in the game that significant time passed after Cloud and Aerith met before she died and honestly, how much time do you have to know someone to feel regret about not being able to save them when you're standing there watching them die?

[@LostChildOfTime]

It's not about length, it's about depth. I mean, Cloud knew Aerith technically longer than the player did and it was the player who wanted to revive her, not Cloud. Personally, there really is no character in a video game, let alone a Final Fantasy video game who left such an impression. Perhaps those people who didn't care much for her were used to having that kind of person around them and takes them for granted. But I think a lot of us who appreciated Aerith loved having her around that much because we wish someone would respond to a side of us that we conceal like she could with Cloud. People who can tear down your walls in an endearing way while they just wear their heart on their sleeve can be something special and rare, especially if you don't have a ton of friends. Aerith deserved every tear that dropped when her death was experienced by players who weren't numb to her significance... who felt the emptiness when she was no longer in the group. Not only did her caring extend to people, but literally the whole world in the end. And it was so beautifully executed. Thinking about experiencing it over again in the remake... less than a month left until the new game, IDK if I'm ready for this. The characters this time around are so incredibly and accurately fleshed out just from the demo alone.... Aerith, even for those who haven't played the original, is going to be a heavy hitter.

[@ShadowDinosaurNetworkTV]

Aerith is a character who I couldn't help but love. I felt heartbroken when the major plot event took place. She was such an impactful character.

[@TheGamersState]

This is precisely why Aerith is my favourite character in this game. Don't get me wrong; I love all the playable characters in Final Fantasy 7 (Yes even Cait Sith) but Aerith was so special and I hated seeing her die. When Cloud and Sephiroth squared off at the end of the game, I remember using Omnislash and saying to myself "This is for Aerith!".

[@Sonicsgirl13]

Aries was and still is my favorite Final Fantasy character. When I watched my cousin play FF7, I fell for Aries. I enjoyed every moment that she was in. She's...everything I hoped to be...as silly as that is. And when she died....I was devastated. She died...just like that. It still hurts, even to this day. Ya know it's really amazing how we can be so attached to fictional characters almost as they are real people. But fiction is based on reality so...I suppose that makes sense. Seeing her in Kingdom Hearts 1 brought me absolute joy (yeah I know, not really canon but let me be happy damnit)! Thank you, Digi. For making a Who dat for one of the most beloved video game characters. Have a good one, man.

[@Amuro1X]

Surface Level Observers: Tifa is such a bad ass. She punches and kicks things. Me: Aerith is from the hood, yo.

[@propheinx2250]

Me: Aerith buys stuff with her body....

[@Freashplayer]

We're getting close. If Digi reviews Tifa. He'll have talked about two characters from the OG opening.

[@zigzoinks5493]

I miss that opening.

[@rekusanreku5540]

2 months later...

[@geminuri]

11:12 the first and only time you'll see cloud legitimately laughing throughout this game aerith is the best

[@DrWhatever]

I'm 100% a tifa fan boy so I didn't pay the most attention to Aerith but this was very eye opening. Her burdens were already obvious but you definitely point out her confidence that I didn't pay attention to and how much she really tried to take the burden for her friends.

[@Jayfive276]

Oh sure I’d go with Tifa...but I’d still be thinkin’ about Aerith...

[@762x69]

TifaArmy🤘

[@Flaris]

I love Tifa's character. But I wouldn't discount the situation Aerith was involved in and the burdens she was carrying. She was a strong character and her loss was a tragedy. She did what she could and was instrumental to the day being saved.

[@DrWhatever]

@@Flaris i wasnt, I was just saying I didn't really dive deep in her perspective, that's all.

[@ria9542]

I'm so thankful for your honest and fairly talking about her!! She's literally represented the sunshine of the game, from Cloud's life, to the plot, the player, and the rest of the characters as well. Every funny moment in the game came from her ideas. The cross dress that every player had funn with it, was her idea at the first place, and I think no one from the other character could possibly think about it even. Thank you❤❤

[@Artista_Frustrado]

-I love that now her jacket looks even more like a Biker jacket. I mean yeah we lose some hips but the bums are still there, so we good -a character so important they recreated that moment in Smash Bros... the one Cloud Strife picture & is THAT moment

[@ShibuNub3305]

_"-a character so important they recreated that moment in Smash Bros"_ Sephiroth trailer: *Bonjour*

[@coldfiredx7687]

I love how they played with your expectations of the characters. At first glance, you’d think Arieth is the sweet, quiet type. And Tifa, the bar girl with nice “assets”, to be the playful flirty one. Nope! It’s exactly the opposite!

[@LowellLucasJr.]

This is a troupe I've always seen between Aeirith & Tifa: Tifa-Girl next door. Aeirith- The gentle Motherly type. When in reality... Aeirith- I'll RIP IT OFF! Tifa- Ooh lemme sooth it with some ice, baby!

[@B1ackmagic]

To me, Aerith represented "life" itself. She was so full of life and the creators took every opportunity to show that in her actions during the course of the game. Just as Tifa is shown to be loyal and courageous at every opportunity. On some level I feel that the characters each represent something subtle. However Aerith was the most clear, obvious and loud in her purpose to the story.

[@jianuzzi]

Aerith is my favorite character in all fictional history. Movies, games, books, ect. Thanks for video.

[@reyash1996]

She is and still my favorite female chara from 97 till now. Love her so much.

[@YoMamaBih]

A video of the best girl? The Thicc Staff Waifu? Digi, you are a man of culture.

[@rainythemagician8830]

Believe it or not, I've never played this game, as absurd as that sounds. For a long time, the only thing I knew about it was Aerith's demise, but it's interesting to finally understand the context of everything else around her. The importance of the character on the story and the emotional impact she left. That's really nice. Also, I finally know how to properly pronounce her full name.

[@sedefendendo8851]

Aerith’s death was something I was aware of before I started FF7 three days ago. But what made the tragic scene worse is that I’d taken the subject in light to a friend of mine who loves Final Fantasy and he often told me to shut up until I play the game. I convinced myself to give the game a go and I couldn’t stop playing for so long. I powered through hours of gameplay and I’d forgotten all about her death. I reached the point of her death and was devastated, even though I knew it was coming. That shows how much the game does right.

[@devilish21885]

How many people had their first feeling of loss with Aerith? Like Cowboy Bebop (Super Eyepatch Wolf also does a great video on this) the feeling is that the characters and the player are impacted by a terrible loss and have to press on. Take note of how many times her name comes up after her death. The whole party in their search for meaning, be it Cait Sith’s need for atonement, Vincent’s mourning over an unrequited love, Cid’s dream of space flight, or Yuffie’s wounded pride, all decide that because Aerith loved the planet and fought and died for it, so would they.

[@omariwalker1006]

I knew a final fantasy character would come someday. Glad to hear from you again!👍🏾

[@parjol9064]

Aerith is such a ray of sunshine. I love her so much, no character from this game manages to cheer me up as much as this girl

[@trevinodude]

Aerith... her death still has people shook. But at least FF7 and KH's shared fans can take some solice that Aerith still lives on in the KHverse.... but what the heck happened to Sora at the end of KH3.... oh... sidetrack there aside... This is a great video. Aerith was such a great character in FF7 and her death might very well be the driving force behind many player's reason for getting back at Sepheroth. May the original version of the Flower Girl rest in peace... and I am NOT ready to see her death in HD when the remake comes out.

[@komerihimura]

Even though I both absolutely adore Aerith and Tifa equally, Aerith was the first one who I fell in love with. Me as an avid Aerith fan appreciates this qwq

[@SilentTandem]

I got goosebumps at the end of the video... Always impressed by your work DiGi, think this might be one of my favorite episodes you've done 💙❤️

[@akiinmoonlight79]

FF7 is one of the best games of all time and it was a lifechanger for millions of people ♥️

[@DarkshadowXD63]

Ahhhhhhhhhh yaaaaaa another Digi video

[@NiGHTSaturn]

Digi!!! Yesssss! ❤️

[@psparks8453]

Aerith: you can't fall in love with me Me: I do

[@762x69]

This is my second video viewing of a Aerith breakdown and its really fascinating how much of the game structure was constructed around having the player connect with her. One of the more twisted things (that being Aerith soft cover but tough guts) is that I and some other gravitated to Tifa for the opposite effect (Tifa's tough fighter exterior and soft personality [and two other soft things]). Interestingly in game you can take one of the two on a date, so the funny thing is that as the player you have choice to connect either way. Looking forward to more FF characters takes Bro. 🤘🤘

[@andysee6996]

I haven't played any Final Fantasy games, but Aerith's death is one of the few things I know about this game. I would ask how one could make Aerith live and still make the story work (perhaps while killing off another character), but I'm sure many other people have tried this and some have succeeded. I mean, I hardly know what I'm even talking about.

[@kelendalkazama9926]

YOU'RE FINALLY BACK WE MISSED YOU BRUV

[@ravenfrancis1476]

Honestly kinda wish Aerith didn't die. Not even in a "oh I miss her character" sort of way, in a "I'm tired of strong female characters constantly dying" kind of way.

[@royponeage2138]

Im sure its cause to most people it was obvious and now exactly story important, but just to add game mechanic importance, she was also the unspoken core of any rpg party, ie main healer white mage. Makes it so it will hit you one every level even if you are a cold unfeeling pragmatist.

[@WolfMoon351]

Oh I hope you guys can do Who Dat? Red XIII

[@LostChildOfTime]

This video proves that I thought I'd be prepared for a lot in life, but I'm probably not prepared for Remake Aerith.

[@jaimebarba2814]

My man! In this and the tifa episode u missed the opportunity to show them in their corneo dresses! In the remake they look absolutely stunning.

[@supermichael9857]

She’s my Gal

[@MemoriesInMonochrome]

11:36 *OMG!!* *THANK YOU!!!* 💯👏🏼🌟

[@DrWhatever]

Your breakdowns are great. Its really nice to see break downs on character, costume and story breakdowns. This helps me study for fan arts.

[@Hell_Soll]

yes YES!!! I was waiting for this to finaly watch!!! I was at work when I saw your tweet and now I finaly watched it!!! so beautifull!!! that makes the wait until april even more painfull > 3

[@Eunos]

...Get back in there Tear!!!.. That theme when she dies man, even now it legit leaves a lump in my throat.. I'll be honest, Aerith wasn't even my favourite character in the game but that scene is still pretty damn powerful.

[@stuck_in_a_fishbowlagain652]

It’s been 23 years and I’m still not ready to relive that moment in HD. Great Vid!

[@blockheads1587]

Love the work and effort you put into this, keep it up man

[@mimmikibilly]

Music starts... Me: 😢

[@oddnstrangegames8164]

Ah yeah, it's my boy Digi! Very glad to see you post another one of these videos. I wanna try and replay this game before the remake to compare the writing and make a video on it. Buuut I doubt I'll have time.

[@mariapazgonzalezlesme]

Welcome back, Digi. It's been awhile since we had seen you around!

[@karikamiya3940]

Oh this hit me right in the feels

[@RyukoDragonHalf]

Back in the day, FF7 was "Dad's game" - he was so invested in the gameplay and characters and story! But, when [SPOILER] happened, he stopped. Cold turkey. And I don't think he's tried to finish the game since then. [SPOILER] certainly had a great impact on video games, but in some ways, that impact was too much, I suppose. Even though I now know so much about the game from secondhand accounts and analyses, like your own, I'd still like to try playing it through myself someday!

[@arkron81]

I think one of the things that IMPACTED me the most about Aerith's death is that, until Final Fantasy VII, party members were "sacred", in a manner of speaking. Sure, they may end up being separated from you for a while, but they always returned. None of them ever DIED, even if it was to be returned to life, later. Aerith was the first PERMANENT death of a party member in a JRPG game that I experienced. And happening so soon in the story made me feel that she'd be brought back later... but none of that happened.

[@supersonicmario56]

Ow . . . My Feelings . . . .

[@liquidraiden6343]

Mentioned how it looks like she is dancing when casting magic in the remake. Immediately looks at Yuna. Yuna is probably like (Girl! Quit trying to steal my style!)

[@christianandonandon3492]

At least she is still alive in kingdom hearts.

[@KesorodaBlk]

Aerith got her footwear choice from Mario and Luigi. You can’t afford to be in the slums, climbing pipes and running across scrap metal unless you’re wearing 🥾 boots!

[@KesorodaBlk]

Also, I strongly feel that she’s from a farm, and knows her shit when it comes to being around the rough and tumble

[@brandoncutler09]

0:18 Dang, bruh. You had to start out the video with that theme song, huh? 😐😢

[@ClassicKrak83]

I feel you on Aerith. But no one ever mentions Biggs Wedge and Jessie. That was half your party and pretty much the demise of Avalanche.

[@masamune2984]

Never subbed so fast after watching a video. Is all of your content this fantastic and well-thought-our? ☺️

[@omnisystem6030]

My guy thanks to your tails doll video kept me watching

[@boxhead8514]

He is back!

[@RukiMoogle]

I see Sephiroth disliked this video.. jealousy can be an ugly thing!

[@millgiass]

Aeris is definitely an uber important game character. Her death is certainly and easily one of the most ground breaking scenes in gaming history. I considered Alys' death in Phantasy Star 4 to be just as impactful if not MORE heart wrenching, but this one more thoroughly permeates gaming culture as a whole. Those who experienced Alys' death first like me might agree with me. However, Aeris' death goes beyond people who grew up with the game... There are people who have never played the game in their lives and they know of this. It's that important. Anyone who wants to know what I'm talking about otherwise, play Phantasy Star 4. Similarly it happens about 1/3rd into the game and it's painful. What's more if you go for an optional fight later on that wound is reopened and salted.

[@SteebsLive]

Oh man, i remember your Tali Zorah video from quite some time ago, I recognized you from the art style of the thumbnail

[@j.r.taylor6212]

Great Video DiGi, love your stuff bro, cant wait til the next one my dude. Would you consider doing a Who Dat, on Wizeman? Or Jackle?. I just figured itd be cool to have a few more villains in dis piece yo!! Hope you do more FF7 too.

[@rowleyryan9025]

I love these videos. Would love to see you do a Who Dat on G from SFV.

[@kingcrimzin]

Yessss

[@ChickenSoupMusic]

Aerith is Sephiroth’s opposite. Cloud is the character who in many ways could have gone either direction except of his connection to her.

[@melioras_pheonoraptor8936]

Actually, if I’m correct I think the game developers said Tifa is actually Sephiroths opposite when it comes to the influence they both have on cloud.

[@yolomodoka7137]

Hey digi I like to say that I love your videos and I loved this one as well and also I like to ask could you please make the next who dat video be sephiroth I thought how you covered areith in this video was great and really would like to see how you do with good ol sephy

[@Katzykeens]

Do Tifa next! :3 One of my best friends *super* relates to Tifa, and I always related to Aerith

[@CDMAN402]

HERE FROM NEBRASKA KEEP DROPPN DiGi

[@mrNobody9999]

Hype! I thought Who Dat was canceled after that Twitter post.

[@Artisticfakeshow]

The like;dislike ratio is impressive. Keep it up Digi!

[@MisteRRYouTuby]

This is a new one...

[@femmy2584]

Been a while since we had another Who Dat?

[@BellowDGaming]

I actually didn't cry for Aerith's death I was more pissed on Sephiroth my healer character is gone.

[@cheddilowe02]

Amazing. p.s. Are you gonna talk about Seth now that he's in SFV?

[@metalbobted]

You’ve made me wait all this time for a video only for me get way too OCD on the way you’ve spelt her name. Reeeeeeeeeeee!! Good job as always though.

[@arielcerecer142]

I mean. It is the true canon name though. But I will always prefer Aeris.

[@lukeamparo6586]

Currently playing Remake but watched Watchmojo's Top 10 Character Deaths years ago. Me: *sees* *Aerith* "Ah yes, the walking grave."

[@Flaris]

You could basically do these videos about every FF7 main character. There is so much good stuff when it comes to their designs, personalities, and character moments. Aerith's life and...the rest was huge in this game. And this did a great job covering her impact. She had a great mixture of qualities and without pun intended, was full of life. Be kind of awesome if you could handle the FF7 trio of Aerith, Cloud, and Tifa. The other characters deserve attention too, but before the first part of the remake comes out....it might be nice to take a good look at these three.

[@tracyndiyob162]

happy birthday aerith!!! (love her birthday is right after nico robin's as i could see them as friends.:3) i love aerith and how she really gave a "flower growing beautifully even in a filthy defiance of being forgotten by society city" her sweet but also very determined nature and even at times shocking for her character(especially being the flirty one compared to the more quiet demeanor of tifa and yuffie's boisterous front.:3) that i'm glad recent material is bringing back. with the remake being an alternate take on the world i'd like to see you be able to change some story beats like maybe even change aeriths fate.(i remember her death wasn't planned from the beginning and it would be very interesting to see how events would go with this change,just give it hard conditions to do in exchange for being in the other events.)

[@DutchDread]

Thank you for touching on the importance of color schema and balance, it's why I don't like the new Tifa design, and people just don't seem to believe or care that her new color scheme fundamentally changes her character.

[@jackofallclaws6672]

Sorry if I sound weird here...but I just realized that her original design kinda makes me think about a Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwich.

[@Nonjola]

I hope you will talk someday about the designs of the Kingdom Hearts characters. Because in my opinion, they overused the colors in their designs.

[@CuppaGi]

Hey man, long time viewer. I'd be fucking ecstatic if you could do a Who Dat for Edelgard, from Fire Emblem Three Houses. I got a friend who hasn't seen the light, and I'm no good at explaining.

[@DrWhatever]

Missed you vids ! First

[@omariwalker1006]

Honestly, I've been waiting for the Who Dat! for Tifa for years now. Mainly because I just want to your reaction at the "visual design" section! I can't wait to see that😁

[@omariwalker1006]

* To see

[@duckydog7521]

If you can, could you do an episode on Raiden from MGS and MGR? Considering how he's a cyborg and all and because of that he doesn't technically wear clothes (At least not when he's fighting) the portion where you look over the character's design would be a bit strange too do, but seeing as how you did an episode on Orisa I don't think its completely out of the question. One thing I find of note about his design is the fact that his extended heels actually serve a practical purpose considering they let him lock his blade in his foot and slash with it.

[@DrWhatever]

Also it's interesting that people usually give tifa the motherly role but in aeriths big moment. It was very maternal of her.

[@Roze_aye]

Unrelated, but DiGi. Do you know whatever happened to SirJ?

[@Angelalex242]

"You can't fall in love with her. Even if you think you have, it's not real."

[@ursoanonimo8398]

Protect & care.

[@nasirb3343]

do tifa lockhart next

[@jophuss7750]

I’m sorry that this comment is off topic for the video but you can you do a who dat episode on Remy from street fighter 3?

[@andysee6996]

I've only watched a little bit of this video and as an outsider to the Final Fantasy as a whole, I have one question. Could the story of Final Fantasy VII work if Aerith lived through the entire game. I'm hoping that the story can be flexible enough that there isn't a mandatory death, there's a major death but your actions determine who dies.

[@kouchankami8075]

this story is Earth and Aerith &Cloud love story ...

[@ashrafamran6336]

Who dat? She's my love

[@bubullus1169]

8:55 what about Tifa's abs?

[@reblokha]

6:27 Thank you for reminding me why I hate her design in Crisis Core.

[@ZeldaFan0o0]

i hate crisis core sm ;_;

[@jackofallclaws6672]

Kinda personally thought you’d talk about Cloud or Sephiroth...or Tifa!

[@Hydruss443]

I kinda like Tifa more, but I have to admit that Aerith is awesome. She literally wears timberlands. That's at least worth some extra badassery points.

[@AmateurAnimations65]

So here's a question to anyone interested in answering it. With FF7 Remake seeming to establish a new timeline where things will play out differently in future games, do you think Aerith will stay alive in this new timeline?