CLOUD STRIFE: One of Gaming's Greatest

[@anabanana4526]

I am so pleased you mentioned that clip from Max Dood because he hit the nail on the head. Cloud is so talented and an every man. But he's also someone who obsesses more on his failures than his achievements and on those who were already stronger than him, despite him being younger and at a height disadvantage. The dude fails at giving himself grace, which, hello, we all do at some time or another. And he is the king of defensiveness until he is shown he doesn't have to be and I get that completely. So the moments where his heart shines, are truly brilliant. As you pointed out, free of Jenova's influence, he's a problem solver and sensitive. He just has the misfortune of clearly being manipulated and used. But if he was worthless, Sephiroth wouldn't bother with him or try to keep him alive. He's basically in the middle of a battle for his soul, so the fact that he pushes through this with the aid of his friends is peak storytelling. Love the vid and I'm trying to see what else I can get into too. I'll be following along with you!

[@jazzy_okami]

Very well said! And agreed on what you mentioned about Sephiroth, honestly he may be just as good at putting up a front too (considering why he’s so obsessed with Cloud). Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[@ClockWorksb]

I love him, there’s always so many layers to his character but anytime u see him achieve some form of happiness u wanna jump and cheer for him

[@jazzy_okami]

Agreed 🥹 he’s been through so much😭😭😭

[@samuelreynaldoff]

Going through Cloud heros journey the first time as a teen was one of the most mind blowing experience ever. Well done on the vid!

[@jazzy_okami]

It’s the type of stuff that sticks with you throughout life! Thanks so much for tuning in 🙏🏽😁

[@jmiester25]

He’s the best protagonist across all of fiction.

[@raindubium4055]

Cloud is my favourite character of all time in any form of media. Got me through some tough times when playing the OG in regards to grief and identity issues created around trauma. When people dumb him down to an emo stereotype it pains me because it just isnt true at all. Amazing video, really happy I came across it. 😁

[@jazzy_okami]

I’m glad he could be there for you in that way, I can definitely relate. It makes me happy this game and these characters were something we could experience! Thanks for tuning in 🥹

[@Valborn_]

Great video on a great character! Hearing Cloud's VA voice is like hearing the actual Cloud speaking, pretty wild. Looking forward to Part 3 to wrap up his character arc, not sure how am I gonna survive the wait though 🥹

[@jazzy_okami]

I’m really hoping it releases in time for the Og’s 30th anniversary ;-; I think I read that 80%+ of the og team is continuing making the 3rd so that’s promising!! (Thank you for tuning in! 😁)

[@justadarnminute474]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. So nice to see positivity in this community.

[@jazzy_okami]

I’m all about it! Thanks so much for tuning in 😁

[@mohammadalfattal2902]

Cloud is imo the greatest character in FF history, nobody is as interconnected with everything around him, so well written, so vulnerable yet so satisfying to see, he portrayed the great aspect of life and how one should move on from hardships and failures and keep going, GOAT

[@jazzy_okami]

Yesss!!!!

[@robertusmaximus42]

Great breakdown! I've always related to Cloud as a character. Whether it's looking up to him as a kid, or recognizing his flaws and how they mirror mine as an adult. We're total opposites with how we interact with others, but I relate to him nonetheless. As a kid I looked up to his confidence as a leader, but recognized his shyness immediately. As I got older, I started related to his struggles with identity, imposter syndrome, again shyness, depression, grief and survivors guilt during Advent Children. To eventually learning to rely on others and break down his walls. Overall, one of my favorite characters and I'm always glad to see him analyzed as more than just "emo Cloud".

[@jazzy_okami]

Well said! Thank you for tuning in and sharing your thoughts 🥹🙏🏽

[@Step43099]

It’s funny to think about just how protective Cloud over his friends especially Tifa. It’s obvious that he is, but I only thought about it because I saw a compilation recently of every time Tifa sighs in Remake and Rebirth Cloud will instantly look for her and check on her to see what’s wrong and it happens more than I actually realized (enough for a minute long compilation I believe which is pretty cool). It just makes me think how hyper aware he is for the people he cares for even if he doesn’t always know what to do or say in the moment he will protect them regardless

[@jazzy_okami]

See it’s the little/subtle things! 🥹

[@materiahunter8443]

Cloud is my favorite character ever! I could listen to anyone gush about him for hours.

[@jazzy_okami]

❤

[@JDavis4545]

Cloud has always been an interesting character to me because even though he has been through so much and comes off as a strong stoic, the group help develop his character showing the better side of himself proving that no man is an island. We see that all throughout FF7 and KH, plus I've always been a fan of his designs. Awesome video!

[@jazzy_okami]

Thank yew :,) And I agree, it’s funny because I got to experience the KH2 Cloud BEFORE Advent Children and I was so happy to see him get more lines and wear a dope ass outfit lol

[@ETHomerin]

Thank you for giving me something fun to watch while the rain stops outside my house :D Your assessment of Cloud is excellent. And I loved when you said any friend of Cloud's is a friend of mine. Love this attitude! Great vibes! I'd say that's my attitude with theories. Bring it with kindness. That being said, I love to come up with a heartbreaker, and of course I'll share one. Although I don't know what fictional story broke me. lol Oh dear, that theory. I've had this one for a few years but have reluctant to share it online. To set the record straight for anyone patient enough to read this comment on a video far better than anything I could make, I loved the compilation and what they are doing now. I would only want the Square staff to do what they truly want to do. I also don't mind open endings like that of Dirge. Not getting answers means more questions, which I love. So, I asked myself, what is that final piece of Loveless? You know... the one that only Genesis knows. 'To become the dew that quenches the land, to spare the sands, the seas, the skies, I offer thee this silent sacrifice.' But beware :) Endings can be cruel. And a young Tifa's misadventure has already shown us it is most unwise to follow those who go over the mountain. Should we go over it anyway? Yes? Do it? All right then. Let's go for a climb! Without further ado, it's time a loved one bids us adieu. Here is the sacrifice at world's end! Perhaps five or ten years after the events of Dirge, that legacy that Cloud inherited from Zack has finally gone on to Denzel. But this passing is different. And even though he is human, Denzel fully hears the voice of the Planet and Its final request. He tells Cloud they have to go to Nibelheim. When Cloud asks him why, Denzel's reply is 'the Promised Land.' And here on the slopes of Nibel we tragically learn that the legend is indeed true. In a sacrifice at world's end Cloud returns the gift of the goddess. But having passed on his legacy, Cloud cannot make it to the journey's end. Only those who the Lifestream calls may go beyond. He is unable to follow Denzel over and beyond the mountain where souls go to never return. And as a final balance is restored, a father and son are parted forever. As for Genesis, his final mission for the planet was beautifully simple. Weiss is arguably the most tortured character in the series. With his powers gone, I think he could use a nice home. What home could this be? Is there anyone who feels the need to provide care for a someone who is no longer there? Did anyone have a son about his age? Maybe a lost son who became a Soldier? :) Thanks again for another great video, Jazzy! The rain has stopped too!

[@jazzy_okami]

I’m glad I could add some positivity despite the weather! (& I’m glad you agree, sometimes it’s interesting to see how different people channel their passions of a character and game; but I definitely side with positivity.) Do you write? I feel like you should! Haha. I wonder how far square will take the franchise and if we do get to see more of Deepground or maybe even a time skip. I’m totally for something a bit more bittersweet for sure.

[@ETHomerin]

I do write a little bit, and dabble with poetry and song lyrics. Thanks for asking. :) For the most part I'm drawn to more physical work. But I would love to possibly self-publish something one day, put out some songs, or find someone who would want to sing them. As much as I love creativity, my urge for intense exercise often takes over. Over the last years I've felt drawn in the direction of rescue work. Right now I'm preparing to take the civil service test. The direction for me is fire fighting or water rescue. I was an English major but I have to say my real major was competitive swimming. In time I've come to lean more on the positive side on fiction too, despite my love for bittersweetness. Sometimes a sadder idea like this Denzel theory or a twisted one about Scarlet turns out to be more of an exorcism thought, when afterwards it's out of my system. While I have a flare for horror and love reading S. King, one of my favorite works ever was E. Morgenstern's Night Circus, which ended happily and I would never change a thing. Musically I now lean heavily on the positive. Deepground is definitely a curiosity. I felt like Sonon's situation was similar to Playable Character in Dirge online, but the lost sister was real. I think a time skip would be cool. It could be something we have never visited in possible future installments, or maybe during the credits in part 3 we see the party together in the church at the end of AC after the crowd has left. For this story, one might say the speculation that erupts goes beyond imagination. :D Can't wait to see what you have for us next, but I totally get taking a break too. We're all busier today lol

[@jazzy_okami]

@@ETHomerinyou’re welcome! I hope you can explore those creative outlets more since you have a lot of good stuff to say! (& yes these essays will come back in time, thank you for understanding haha)

[@thecitrusscale5465]

I will say Sephiroth does play a role in Cloud's development ironically positively. Sephiroth provides Cloud a frightening dark reflection as Sephiroth became and was adored as a hero similarly to how Cloud wanted to be. But Sephiroth lacked the one thing that Cloud had in abundance- love and being cherished. It was only after Cloud became a hero after OG7/AC that he understood the weight of it all and just wanted to be a family man. He fulfilled his oath to Zack and upheld a true SOLDIER's honor. And that's something that Sephiroth longs to be part of, whether he admits it or not, in Rebirth during the final battle, he even performs the SOLDIER's prayer during one of his moves. Showing there's SOME bond to his former self, in the bond he did have with Angeal. In his resurrection in LS:Blk, Sephiroth places all his chips in Cloud's EVERYTHING, which forms Sephiroth's core. Cloud doesn't need Sephiroth but Sephiroth is dependent on Cloud. Wonderful video about gaming's spiky haired chocobo farm boy, I'll definitely subscribe.

[@jazzy_okami]

I agree, overall it adds more complexity to their relationship, & is partially why he’s so obsessed with Cloud/needing to keep him alive, and I touch on Lifestream Black a bit in a previous theory video I recommend! Thanks so much for tuning in and subscribing I appreciate it! 🙏🏽

[@thecitrusscale5465]

@@jazzy_okami Oh no doubt! I look forward into digging in your videos, you definitely deserve more subscribers lol! Great work!

[@jazzy_okami]

@@thecitrusscale5465 thank you so much! ;-; subbed back as well, let’s keep at it and keep creating! 👌🏽❤️

[@cloudstruck2785]

I adore Cloud! He's the most iconic and influential protagonist in gaming history imo and I would like to thank you Jazzy for this little video. Over the past few years I've seen more and more hatred shown towards Cloud by so called "fans'" of the game. I agree that everyone is entitled to have their own preferences, but it's the amount of totally unjustified comments that are so toxic in nature that keep seeping in to every stream I watch, Twitter or even Cloud appreciation posts! Many people just do not understand Cloud or do not want to understand him so just hate on him instead - so sad, but true. Cloud is my hero and will always have a special place in my heart!❤

[@jazzy_okami]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and tuning in! It’s honestly odd to spend time hating on something (in our age there’s a rise in hate watching and a decline in media literacy/art appreciation). But luckily there’s still a massive group that don’t do this haha. Cloud being a popular and iconic character comes with some hate and negativity, but luckily a lot of love and appreciation ❤️

[@cloudstruck2785]

@@jazzy_okami You've just cheered me up. The FF 7 fandom needs more positive and beautiful people like you in it!

[@PixelShade]

Cloud's is such a mess, and becomes a complex character due to the very nature of the side effects of his "soldier training" and how non-linear the story is being told. To me there's three different versions of Cloud, And he is sliding in and out of these three different personas throughout the game. I will do this as spoiler free as I can: "The Real Cloud", the one from Tifa's childhood, the child and the person he was before he went away on "Soldier training", This is the one Tifa is emotionally connected with, the one she loves. And to Cloud, Tifa is his childhood sweetheart, and she becomes his rock, his support pillar that keeps him from loosing his former self. Cloud would do anything to protect Tifa and keep his childhood promise to her... Tifa spends the whole game supporting Cloud, and making sure he doesn't loose that side of himself. She is the only one that can truly connect with that side of him. "Soldier Cloud" the one carrying on Zack's legacy, this version of himself is calm, calculated, tactical, efficient, and strong, a one-man army... He doesn't carry Zack's personality, but his soldier eyes and mannerisms are very similar. This is the person Aerith becomes romantically interested in. With her upbeat personality, Soldier Cloud opens up his feelings more and more. And ultimately this version of Cloud does fall in love with Aerith. However throughout the game Aerith realizes that this isn't "the real Cloud", so she tries to seek him out, but cannot find him (only Tifa can). Lastly, "Rage Cloud". Let's call him that. insanely powerful, completely disconnected from "the real Cloud... In rebirth I would say that he is the one that killed the Midgarsormr (we saw the events unfold from Cloud's perspective) this version of himself also appear in the Gongaga reactor as well as the Temple of the Ancients. Has a strong connection with Sepiroth. This version of Cloud only appears when Cloud is in a physically or emotionally weak state.

[@jazzy_okami]

Thanks for tuning in, I get what you’re saying! I had to edit this because apparently I missed the very last part of your comment haha

[@mohammadalhusaini810]

Wish you talked about his relationship with sephiroth more, i know its more negative but it definitely help build him up as a character and i love how rebirth expanded that exponentially.

[@jazzy_okami]

For sure and I acknowledge it; I just didn’t want to go too in-depth or off course while still keeping it Cloud -centric (since I do go a little off course with my rant) but I’ll probably revisit when we get our conclusion in the 3rd game.

[@nickthehick1986]

Cloud is one of my favorite protagonists of all time, definitely #1 in final fantasy anyway. I loved rebirth because of how they portrayed his issues it made me kinda not like him, not in a bad way but he became kind of insufferable. But that only reinforces my love for him more since it makes his heros journey that much deeper.

[@jazzy_okami]

I agree! I love a flawed hero destined for redemption!

[@ectogamut]

9:00 where does this footage of Cloud and Tifa come from?

[@jazzy_okami]

Ooh sorry, it’s from Ever Crisis! I should’ve put that in the corner but I forgot :,(

[@wmen48]

Some minor thoughs. Zack v Sephiroth part was ok. But it kinda went over Aerith v Sephiroth who are the angel and devil on Clouds shoulder. Recently a friend of mine who is a green enviromentalist played og first time. She said that there is no romance in the game. That the cause is what's important and it's just kids messing around during free time. While for most this take isn't theirs it shows how the story itself is good. Though I would argue some romance adds to it. Eg. in temple of the ancients Cloud breaks Sephiroths control when the whispers attack Aerith. If it's just a friend that control is weakerer to break than when a loved one is attacked. Cloud actually is looking for a family - his friends. He just has problems expressing it. When you talked about personalities around him, he has most of them. And we can see how he interacts with them. I don't think Aerith and Tifa are good at that though. Of course he is more willing to let them do more around him. But I would argue the best to get to him are Zack and....Vincent. Zack is the big brother. They get along because they have the same background and Zack included Cloud as his friend just like Cloud always wanted. Vincent on the other hand is Clouds quite side cranked to eleven. Vince never speaks if it's not important and Cloud feels this on a relatable level. Also Cloud mentally is 16 while Vince is around 50 (serious father-son vibes). Even their absence from the world (coffin sleeping and tank imprisonment) is a mirror image of them. Having both of them around himself Cloud can model his life how he wants it to be (just like most teenagers do). At his lowest in AC he finds comfort in only relatable person - Vincent.

[@jazzy_okami]

I wanted to put Zack and Seph in the same section since they are admirable figures in Cloud’s life and I already state that Aerith is like a guardian later (also lifestream white vs black is something I already touch on). That and I appreciate Square’s treatment of masculinity and how one soldier who is pretty powerful (Zack, and that fact gets glossed over a lot) and another is extremely powerful, knows that, hides true emotions and is incapable of making strong bonds (Seph, which imo he actually does want deep down.) I think with the compilation like AC in mind, and the additional extension of character scenes in Remake/Rebirth, Aerith and Tifa are good at it (as shown in some scenes), keeping him on the straight and narrow at least so he’s less likely to break down. Letting let loose have fun, break the nerves and bring out his gentler side. Love =\= a romantic moment. While I agree the TotA scene with Aerith, Cloud’s strong emotions helps break control, love is… love whether you want to put a label on it or not. Cloud cherishes everyone, & obviously Aerith and Tifa are up there in his eyes but at that dire moment Idt anyone is thinking romantically, it’s just an over encompassing love and fear of not wanting that loved one killed, but that’s just my opinion. Although I recognize how Vincent and Cloud bond, I don’t talk about Vincent because I opted from talking too much about the rest of the story lined up with og that’ll be in part 3, so Cid and Vincent’s relationship with Cloud at that point aren’t quite developed yet.

[@lotus2001]

It’s interesting you think Tifa gets the most hate, in my experience I see Aerith get far more but I guess it depends on what corner of the internet you are in

[@jazzy_okami]

Yea, luckily I’ve only experienced Aerith getting a lot of love (As she should); I’d see the occasional negative comment involving shipping, but yea.

[@Jenova867]

He’s a great character and a unique protagonist