End of the World | FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH [Part 41] First Playthrough | Main Story Ending

[@juliatvgames]

WELL there it is, the end of the main story!!! Hooooooooooly moly that was so much to process 😭😭💔 I'm overwhelmed. I feel like I already have more post-game thoughts to discuss next stream 😅 Thank you so much for joining me for this adventure

[@tyrgannusgaming6657]

And now the long wait for the finale. FF7 is a lot to chew on, and having such a long wait before the end is hard for all of us. Glad you picked up the game and I'm looking forward to Shadow of the Erdtree

[@sexmachine77]

😢

[@lisandrochichi]

You should react to all limit brakes and all the combos. Most of them are very good

[@TonyKanameKuran]

You’re welcome! And thank you for sharing your thoughts and reactions to FFVII Rebirth. We’ll look forward to the conclusion three years from now.

[@tumitomas783]

Julia, if you want, look again at Aerith's resolution in the remake and look at how she puts her hand on his face when she tells him not to fall in love with her. The same gesture when she dies in his arms.

[@senorchips1138]

I started crying the moment cloud was telling aerith she wasnt being herself after the flower pin. Thats when I knew this was going to be goodbye and she just wanted to be happy with cloud one last time 😢

[@benerio1664]

Aerith: You promise? Cloud: Promise. "No Promises to Keep" starts playing... Absolute Cinema.

[@nuuked]

the og japanese script does not involve the word "promise". what the original delivers is /certainty/ by saying: "きっとだよ! (kitto da yo!)" - "きっとだ! (kitto da!)" which should be translated as "undoubtedly" aka. "i am going to defeat sephiroth." - "for sure?" - "for sure." this scene is supposed to define a clear contrast between promises that have been made (and maybe/not been kept) in the past (a.e. clout towards tifa and zack towards aerith) so in my eyes, the english translation is failing this sentiment

[@benerio1664]

@@nuuked Thank you for the info. But the English version works better.

[@IMAX-my6oo]

Aerith is one of best character in videogame history.

[@tonymaccaroni1683]

Facts

[@meg6437]

There's something so heartbreaking about a character that is so innocent and has a beautiful soul and you can't save them no matter what you do

[@AceOvrZero]

shes still alive so to speak in the other timeline maybe they will merge somehow

[@puffman06]

tbh I think FF7 remake project Barrett is a top 3 video game character ever written. Brilliant writing, brilliant performance.

[@laileleneirose7966]

Yess, he’s fantastic as a character.

[@aprendecoreano2014]

"How am I supposed to play anything else?" EXACTLY. It's been already almost 2 months since I finished this game and I keep coming to other people's walkthroughs, completely unable to play any other game.

[@CloudStrifeeeeee]

I’m the same way. I literally had to stop gaming to fully process what I just experienced. I wasn’t gaming for like 1-2 months lol.

[@Mutation80]

This!

[@zacatkinson3926]

Join the club I've been playing FF since 1992

[@vangmx]

You know a game is a masterpiece when you finish the game, it still lingers on in your mind and heart. It was like this in 1997; it’s the same in 2024. Rebirth is GOTY in my book.

[@mangomariel]

same, lol. If you like the combat tho, I recommend trying Hard mode.

[@Lullaby28]

There's something so beautiful yet so sad about Cloud/Aerith, they really have a bond that transcends time and space. It's peak writing.

[@Padgestic]

If this game had been written for a movie, it would've won every award going.

[@tonymaccaroni1683]

Amazing storytelling.

[@Silverfish-qv8ig]

Completely agree. Total respect for Clotis too, but love the Star-crossed lovers theme of Cloud & Aerith. The only group I struggle with are Zerith's. Mainly because most of them haven't played the OG or simply don't see reason!

[@Valborn_]

The characters of this game are so well written, especially Cloud - how he started off as a cold mercenary and slowly opening up to the rest of the group despite his mental struggles, he started to care for them and protect each of them, and you see glimpses of the 'real Clould' amid the strong facade he's trying to put up. The synergy he have with the other casts is a proof of the relationship he built through the game as well. And yet at the ending 2 chapters you see him slowly start to pullaway from the group, caring less, becoming more violent and mindless under the influence of Sephitroth, which hurts a lot. The subtle detail on his pupils constricting and dilating was a good catch too. Him not able to process the loss of Aerith might be a big hit next part.. Part 3 is going to be a wild ride if they can tie all the loose ends of the story together. Can't wait. Thank you again for the wonderful playthrough! It was such a joy to see your reaction through the game coming from a new fan. I'll be there to catch you again when Part 3 comes :)

[@thatstheway2429]

100%. They made all of the party characters better, but Cloud is absolutely phenomenal in this game. The VA crushed it.

[@DufusShinra]

And now Cloud is losing his mind🥲🥲🥲

[@sebastiendaigle7214]

depends what you are consuming as media, as far as am I concerned, they are well written for anime-ish characters if you are looking for that but its overall pretty bad when you compare it to better tv shows or books.

[@cloudstruck2785]

@@thatstheway2429 Totally agree. Cloud is such a complex, deep and well written character who is so badly misunderstood by the majority of players. I love him and his overall character arc throughout the game. Cody Christian was born to be the voice of Cloud - he kills it!

[@thatstheway2429]

@@sebastiendaigle7214 well obviously. In a good show or book you have so much more time to convey characters. That’s a silly comparison. It’s a game first at the end of the day.

[@Foxheimer]

"A story of a love that can never be, and a hatred that always was."

[@tumitomas783]

Only the old people understand your message i loved ❤️

[@rey_s90]

Ah yea the original trailer!

[@darthangelus2606]

OG players know what you mean. But maybe also those who don't play through these games with clouded eyes.

[@garywood97]

Lol you've got a long memory.

[@Foxheimer]

@@garywood97 Sign it's still working lol. I bought the game because of that commercial but the french one which is identical to the Us one "Une histoire d'amour impossible et de haine qui n'en finit pas" The french voice actor is famous for dubbing actor like Harrison Ford, Jeff Golblum, Stallone, Richard Gere, Schwarzenegger, Danny Glover etc ... imagine the impact on a 14 years boy fan of cinema ...

[@jacknelson8640]

I have watched every episode the whole way through from FF7 remake to Intergrade and finally rebirth. Thank you so much for keeping me entertained for so many months ! I honestly don't know what ill do now that it is coming to an end. So gutted for Aerith even though I knew what was coming. All of it was sad but for me it was Tifa's reaction from loosing a friend. Thank you so much for playing this game Julia

[@juliatvgames]

@@jacknelson8640 thanks so much for joining me 🥰

[@jadeysting1883]

Cloud had several flashbacks (or flashforwards?) of the Forgotten Capital events during Remake, when he first met Aerith at the Church and several more during the battle against the Whispers at the end. One of the scenes was not shown at the end of Rebirth. I think this will all be incorporated into Cloud's redemption arc in Part 3. Great playthrough Julia, now welcome to 3 painful years of waiting with the rest of us 😆

[@Ohne_Silikone]

When you see cloud talking instead of cloud tearful during the death scene that is also very important. The talking sequence of events stems from the OG. I also think that the bloody overlay stems from the OG version as well. I think in coming to terms with Aeriths death, for which in this game he can't even find any words, they will revisit the OG event in which he could describe and thus get a hold over his feelings. I think that is also the reason why - spoilers - they skipped the burial of Aerith. Cloud is so traumatized he can't process the loss, let alone that it is definite, locked in by a burial ceremony. That is also my reason for believing that Aerith is definitely gone. Cloud can never find closure, or what closure he will find will be rendered meaningless by having her pop in and out of existence now and then.

[@joseserrato8528]

Such an amazing playthrough. So glad I found this channel; It's been so much fun watching you play through this game and Remake as well as getting to hear all your theories not having consumed any other FF games. Can't wait for the next playthrough and hopefully more FF games in the future!

[@juliatvgames]

Thank you so so much ❤️ FF7R is in my top favorites now and I'm so glad I could share my experience with so many people. FFX and 16 are both on my list, so definitely more FF in my future!

[@fishyjja]

@@juliatvgames when u mention that u enjoy playing through this one blind because youre following clueless cloud, it reminds me so much of X and the main character Tidus

[@cameronforte9861]

@@fishyjja I love that about 7 and 10 actually. The first time through, it's like playing it from the protagonist's perspective who has no idea what's going on. Then the second time, it's like seeing it from everyone else's perspective. 10 especially though.

[@itheGuillen]

That dream date Aerith knowing her time was limited and trying to enjoy her last moments was honestly heartbreaking to watch. Then seeing Sephiroth come into the church at the end. Rip that Aerith as well goddamn 😭 The developers said no promises to keep is about everyone Aerith has met or cares for. The instrumental version playing during their dream date however is 100% directed at Cloud. They released the official soundtrack a few weeks back and that version is called “One last date - my dream.”

[@Eclectic.Nostalgia]

I disagree on the 2nd line though, there's so much connection with the lyrics version that connects Aerith to Cloud, plus the devs just denied it after Loren Allred confirmed that it's from Aerith maybe to avoid shipping wars. The Lyrics are singular and Story of Rebirth is obviously about Aerith and Cloud by majority. They're building it up for Aerith's death. I'm not into toxic shippings but they will all have their moments, I just think Rebirth is mostly the build up of Aerith. "Walking city streets with worn cobblestones Listening to people rushing past to rhythms all their own Life passing me by, not thinking how the years have flown Until I met YOU" - This is obviously talking about a CITY (Nibelheim is not a City. Only Midgar) street which Cloud met Aerith and bought her flower in Midgar. The lyrics is talking about a single person. "If only I'd never known All the burdens I was born to bear Lived a life without a care in the world save for you But that won't do" - If you played through Cosmo Canyon part where Aerith had a speech, you will know. Also "This isn't about me though. It's about saving the world - and you" - Church scene. "Take my hand" - A powerful line which is symbolic to Cloud in Aerith, not just in their date, but all over Final Fantasy 7. "Struggling against the crowds and finding ourselves all alone" - I think they are talking about their date in a 'dream' where Aerith gave Cloud the white materia that became physically real in the main world. "Fate and destiny are no guarantee Still I hope someday you'll come and find me" - Her fate in the end of Rebirth.

[@NerdStrikesBack]

@@Eclectic.Nostalgia You're disagreeing with the writer, director, and one of the creative directors of the game because you think you know the story better than them? Consider that the interview where they say it's about everyone important to her was recorded far in advance of the singer saying it was about Cloud and Aerith. They didn't record it in response to anything, they said that because it's true. Yes, there are a lot of lines that apply to Cloud, or to Zack, both from a romantic and platonic angle. But isn't it significantly more heartfelt if she wrote that song about all her friends and family, and how much she values all of them?

[@chibiusa]

@@NerdStrikesBack Nojima also said the same thing about the song being for everyone in an interview that was published in the Ultimania, which is even older than the video interview with Nomura and Uematsu, since it takes several months to a full year to print books, then deliver them to warehouses and bookstores. So, unfortunately for the Clerith shippers, it had nothing to do with damage control or shipping wars. Loren Allred also had zero interaction with the devs as shown in the BTS video, so the research she did was entirely on her own via Wikipedia and KZbin (according to her). Why would anyone take anyone else's words other than the lyricist's when the lyricist (Nojima) literally wrote the words and the story? And it's funny because all the streamers I've seen accurately interpreted the song as a goodbye for everyone without even seeing the interviews. Shippers are so delusional.

[@jaybee4288]

@NerdStrikesBack Tifa has big booba. The only thing good about her character and the only reason you like her. Stop getting so emotional about it, noones fault if you don’t understand the story.

[@NerdStrikesBack]

@@jaybee4288 LMAO wtf you talking about? I didn't say anything about Tifa. Also you're on a video from a person who likes Tifa and I'm pretty sure she would disagree. There's a lot more to like about her, I couldn't care less about booba, but glad to know your misogyny knows no bounds.

[@romo_lampkin]

The part where you get Barret & Red XIII as your party, and Barret asks, "Good to go, Nanaki?" absolutely wrecks me for some reason.

[@ShuiroHotaru]

"What if Aerith loves Zack so much she creates another existence for him" It's pretty much what Cloud did for Aerith, haha, he created a World in which he saved her and she lives. Is this world real, an illusion, or both... Or neither, lol.

[@BlackMetal-uv6qm]

Even if it's just an illusion: The fact that Cloud does that, create a world where she is alive and kicking, the fact that he, who has seen so many people close to him dying, is completely unable and unwilling to accept her passing, is very telling.

[@zacatkinson3926]

huh not quite

[@ArkadiEnver]

Also I know a lot of people give you crap for not playing the other games but it's cool seeing someone who doesn't know whats gonna happen

[@Ariastyr]

Yes ^ I'm so thankful she hasn't played og and is not going to play Crisis Core. Going in blind is refreshing. I love seeing her reactions to everything with no prior knowledge or expectations.

[@numinous_ashes]

100% this. It's a rarity and part of what makes this playthrough so special. I have a better appreciation for how well the writers structured this experience for new players after watching it. Here's hoping Julia can hold out and avoid playing the other games (and/or being spoiled by numbskulls) before Part 3.

[@toddvergith9485]

I agree, too. It's been fun watching someone who knows nothing apposed to someone like Maximilian who knows everything.

[@zacatkinson3926]

We dont go what's going to happen its a different game

[@ArkadiEnver]

@@zacatkinson3926 Yes of course. Especially for part 3. But we still know a good amount of what has happened and is going to happen. But a lot of new stuff has been added too. Which is pretty cool that new and old fans don't know entirely whats to come.

[@dearthofdoohickeys4703]

I don’t see people talk about this much, but Aerith and Sephiroth are two sides of the same coin. Both have the power to see other worlds. Aerith is in harmony with the planet, Sephiroth’s is trying to destroy it. Aerith is symbolized by flower petals, Sephiroth by black feathers. Aerith uses white whispers to fight against Sephiroth’s black whispers. Aerith has a white materia, Sephiroth wants the black materia. At the end of the game Cloud can still see and talk to Aerith even though she’s dead, just like he can see and talk to Sephiroth even thought he’s supposed to be dead. And the craziest one of them all: Sephiroth and Aerith have the same bangs!

[@rhaspados666]

Nice little fact for you about the bangs and the sides of the same coin bit. Early in story development sephiroth and aerith were gonna be siblings

[@coxfire]

About the same bangs: seph and aerith were supposed to be siblings in early drafts of the game, hence the hairdo looking alike

[@Ohne_Silikone]

@@CloudStrifeeeeee because Aerith and Sephiroth are both more than Human and Tifa is not. Cloud has his connection to both of them. Ultimately it is not Tifa who will let him snap out of it, but it is Aerith being in perril. The fight between Aerith and Sephiroth for Clouds loyalty is different from the support Tifa gives him to try and keep him humanly sane. I do understand that Aerith also tries to draw out the real cloud, but less in psychological and more in an existential way, as I see it. It is just on another level. Aerith is battling Sephiroth. Tifa is battling Clouds traumata.

[@Wraith921]

@@CloudStrifeeeeee max dood who is a big Tifa fan evens said aerith is clouds light and the world's light

[@NerdStrikesBack]

@@CloudStrifeeeeee The whole "Cloud's light and darkness" thing was only for Kingdom Hearts II. This was where the Nomura quote comes from regarding Tifa and Sephiroth as those roles, where they were more literal rather than figurative as Darkness and Light are tangible forces in that series. In FF it's not that strict, Cloud obviously cares about all of his friends, they all play a role in helping him do what he needs to. Not just Aerith, not just Tifa. And Sephiroth isn't just Cloud's darkness, either, even if he is a huge source of his trauma.

[@tumitomas783]

Aerith and Cloud vs sephirot is Rosa and Alfred final figth . All the game have a loveless reference about cloud Aerith.❤

[@CloudStrifeeeeee]

They are so reuniting in the 3rd game and I can’t wait. So many hints towards this such as No Promises to Keep and the Loveless play. Remember that Aerith still doesn’t have her Ultimate Limit Break and Final Weapon yet so she is definitely going to be playable in part 3.

[@elfsong713]

​@@CloudStrifeeeeeemaybe in the same way Zack was playable in this one.

[@coxfire]

Julia, I will miss your FFVII updates. It was fantastic to watch you on this journey, and see you get sucked in this world and these characters. You caught up on a lot, and rest assured that the OG fans had a few questions like you. The 3 years wait to part 3 will be difficult! Now you can finally go back to Elden rings! Cheers!!

[@juliatvgames]

Thank you! I will miss these games too 😭

[@Wraith921]

I want you to see loveless play but aerith as your date, you'll see so many parallels with cloud and aeriths story in the loveless play and their date tells us more about the narrative. Also i think you should watch advent children. It can't really spoil anything for you aeriths death was really the only important spoiler.

[@NerdStrikesBack]

She shouldn't watch it until she beats part 3, the whole fun of her experience is not having any additional materials revealed yet.

[@numinous_ashes]

Dude, the entirety of Advent Children is one massive spoiler for the original game, as it reveals the state of affairs after the end of OG. Y'all be crazy. And no, Aerith's death is not the only important spoiler.

[@absolutestyle1078]

@@numinous_ashes If she wants to play it blind more power to her esp from a fan reaction standpoint. But the developers literally remade Crisis Core and re-released Advent Children in movie theaters before this game came out because this game technically takes place after Advent Children. Certain characters have knowledge of what transpired up through Advent Children which is why square enix re-released them before this game came out.

[@ariyuril]

The Rufus = Sarruf is pretty spot on, because the anagram is closer with the JP romaji.

[@wk8276]

The Aerith in the forgotten forest is not the same Aerith from the church. Notice she doesn't have the yellow-flowered pin on her jacket.

[@dearthofdoohickeys4703]

It’d be more accurate to say the Aerith in the church was not the same one that’s in the rest of the game.

[@CloudStrifeeeeee]

But its possible that they are all connected anyway because its been confirmed that Aerith can show a future of herself to Cloud via dreams like how she did in Remake during the resolution sequence. Notice how in the final cutscene she still says “You have to promise not to look up” so the Aerith at the end has knowledge about the dream date. She even hints at the beach at costa del sol about Cloud meeting her future self. Could be her unique ability as the last cetra.

[@playmiker]

Congrats on finishing! Such a fun playthrough to watch. Your channel/this playthrough showed up in my recommended videos a little after I finished the game. Had a ton of fun watching your thoughts and how you processed everything that was going on. Your positive attitude and smile definitely shined through in every video. This game is crazy and the third part is only gonna be crazier!

[@edwardlwittlif]

10:30 Julia: "Why are they letting me choose if it's fated already?" 👀👀👀

[@orome9793]

Right. Caught that as well.

[@tonymaccaroni1683]

The illusion of choice...

[@Ohne_Silikone]

28:46 "maybe it is time for a little push, I give you my blessing". Sephiroth decides here what Timeline Cloud continues in here. He know that he will come for him, so by placing himself as a target in front of this one, he lures Cloud into the wormhole thingy that brings him here. And Aerith, using him as a vessel to get the white materia to this other timeline knew all this time. And so the empty vessel begets the empty vessel.

[@bizold]

And thus Cloud begins his Hollow Knight arc.

[@Ohne_Silikone]

@@bizold if his personal growth always lives up to the challenge as dramatically as surely as in Bleach, then we have nothing to fear.

[@Travesty9090]

I've watched pretty much every playthrough I can get my hands on. I think yours is my favorite, thank you for the journey. :) The way I understand the "multiverse" as it's being presented in this story is a little different from how multiverses are usually presented. The lifestream represents a continuous spiritual chronology of all events the planet has ever, or will ever, experience, existing all at once. I think at the end of Remake, the Arbiter represents the planet's ability to maintain an "ordered" lifestream. When it's defeated, it doesn't wipe the slate clean of future/past events, but it does allow the lifestream to be manipulated. When it's manipulated, it's less like creating different timelines or complete universes, and more like fraying or unraveling a thread in the normally well-ordered "rope" of the lifestream. Each time one of those threads is frayed(for instance when Aerith deflects bullets to save Zack), it splits off into another world that is ultimately doomed to end, at the end of the unraveled thread that's no longer connected to the lifestream's rope.

[@juliatvgames]

Thank you for joining me and for the comment :D I've been trying to think about the "multiverse" idea more as the lifestream/manipulation and you've put it into words way better than I could! haha

[@Travesty9090]

@@juliatvgames LOL happy to be of service :D

[@mysticalos]

@@juliatvgames I think the closest parallel i draw is Yggdrassil/norse mythology. There is a single lifestream, similar to a single tree, and from it branches, many words. The threads of lifestream in this case. AND if you want to go deeper, the branches then extend to leaves for the even smaller variations (zack went left, zack went right).

[@gallarinas]

agree completely

[@BloodmothGR]

Once again, thanks for the journey and the company Julia... This game has been a part of me since I was 11 and I'm happy myself and chat were able to share it with you, even if only via stream. Love you all

[@juliatvgames]

Thank you bloodmoth 😊🥰

[@Divicy]

Your playthrough of the game was insanely satisfying to watch as you are a newcomer to the series entirely. Thank you so much for playing through as much as you can. It's always nice to see people giving this franchise the love it deserves. I can't wait to see your playthrough for when part 3 rolls around! Wondering if you'll be considering watching the movie (FF7 Advent Children) as well after you wrap everything up.

[@HollowedKnight66]

Both Remake and Rebirth were so fun to watch you play Julia, following your Twitch was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made ❤ your content

[@PierceArner]

It was a blast to luck out and catch a bunch of this live! I also wanted to mention (no spoilers) a new detail to this game that you picked up on, which was the possibility of Sarruf being implied to be Rufus in the ending. Even beyond the rich kid comment, "Sarruf" is using a type of name rearranging wordplay that's faily common in Japanese fiction by a character taking up a pseudonym for using another identity. The same thing is overtly present in the Rufus/Sarruf name scheme in Japanese where having a syllabary rather than an alphabet makes that a tiny bit more clear ("Ru-Fa-Su" changes to "Sa-Ru-Fu"). If you remember when Glenn first appeared in Junon, Tseng tells Rufus that he was sent by Viceroy Sarruf - and if that's true, it would explain why Rufus is so immediately caught off guard and offers to make a deal with Cloud so that he can focus his efforts on that situation getting out of his control in Midgar. Some fun things to keep an eye out for, and kooking forward to you getting to see all the dates!!

[@CloudStrifeeeeee]

Ur definitely onto something!

[@juliatvgames]

Yesssss, interesting!!! Thanks for extra insight!

[@PierceArner]

@@juliatvgames Happy ta help!!

[@Eclectic.Nostalgia]

That scene in the church where Aerith pushed Cloud was one of the most impactful moment in gaming

[@Renoistic]

It works really well for both new and old fans. The whole dream/date sequence is so great and sad.

[@Eclectic.Nostalgia]

​@@Renoistic "This isn't about me though. It's about saving the world - and you" - This one got me

[@Ohne_Silikone]

Yes. It might be the most emotional moment of the game. She knows what is going to happen to her all this time and is keeping composure as she awaits her end with her back towards Sephiroth walking up on her.

[@eledgy]

Truly one of the moment in gaming.

[@brieezy.]

I loved that moment, gave me chills😳 honestly the whole game the fact that Cloud is basically a zombie with a conscience of his own… Brilliant, amazing and thoroughly compelling❤

[@PaulJohnson-zv3hl]

Fun fact for people the first known records of dream analysis are from 3000 years ago in a set of poems called the “Epic of Gilgamesh” The rules of the dream logic in the poems were dreams could be prothetic, characters could talk to gods and when asleep/unconscious a part of them could travel to other worlds. Maybe rebirth added some more rules? 😉 I thought Julia symbolised that brilliantly with “It’s like a Tardis in your head”…… I loved your playthrough Julia I’ll definitely be back for future games ❤

[@Fleur-de-Alys]

I haven't seen anyone talk about this yet. Rewatch the scene after Cloud blocks the Masamune. Look at how much the sword angle changes at the glitch (partially concealed with a camera pan change). Look at where the blood is actually coming from. Look at the few frames where we see the Sephiroth clone standing up after - particularly at his feet. And then look at the Assess info for Jenova Lifeclinger. There is trickery afoot. And why? Sephiroth celebrates the confluence of emotions. Sephiroth Reborn's Assess describes what he's trying to do. He needed Cloud to despair. But Cloud enters the Jenova battle without his Limit Break. What actually prevented his plans here from coming to fruition? His last lines to Aerith are "I underestimated you" and "Begone, your part is played." He did not expect this intervention.

[@CloudStrifeeeeee]

So its actually a good thing that Cloud doesn’t have his limit during the fight? 😆

[@CloudStrifeeeeee]

SPOILERS FOR OG:- I actually wonder what Sephiroth means by saying “I underestimated you” We know that Sephiroth will always be destined to lose if he kills Aerith because she gains the ability to stop Meteor by merging the lifestream. Why would Sephiroth repeat the same mistake? Your theory makes alot of sense. Sephiroth’s intention was not to kill Aerith this time but he still needed Cloud to despair to feed the planet with his intense emotions for the confluence of worlds. He doesn’t get to with Cloud because we see Aerith calming him down which is why he doesn’t have his limit break against Jenova Lifeclinger. But regardless, Sephiroth still managed to siphon the intense anger from the rest of the party members which is why they all have their limits breaks which reunited the worlds temporarily. Sephiroth was clearly angry when Cloud and Aerith made him fall to his knees and caused him to back off. My theory on why Sephiroth says he underestimated her was maybe because Aerith has somehow gained the ability to possibly stop Meteor without having to die and merge with the lifestream itself. Hence why she was able to physically/spiritually appear for the final fight and fight alongside Cloud. If she was truly dead, we would ONLY see “HP and MP fully restored” as a nod to Aerith helping Cloud from the lifestream. Its possible that the final fight takes place in Cloud’s dream which is why she fades away. Similar to how she faded away in Cloud’s dreams during her resolution in Remake. It doesn’t mean that she died. Perhaps she really IS residing in the capital as she says she is during the ending to continue praying to stop Meteor from happening. Thoughts?

[@Fleur-de-Alys]

@@CloudStrifeeeeee I don't think that's the extent of his plans this time. To paraphrase the mad scientist, he's dreaming bigger. This was actually supposed to be the "end point" of his new plot (see: Sephiroth Reborn's Assess), but it was foiled. I'm not entirely sure where he goes from here, but I can't wait to find out~

[@tonymaccaroni1683]

Oh our girl is cooking, more than Sephiroth could have ever expected. This time, she came well prepared.

[@CloudStrifeeeeee]

@@tonymaccaroni1683 lets have hope brotha!

[@pinoy_dude]

58:59 Red XIII saying "You're gonna be sorry" actually broke me. You can hear the pain in his voice 💔

[@drakenfist]

That fight has so many good lines. One of my favorites is a exchange between Tifa and Cait Sith. Tifa: You good?. Cait: BETTER THAN THAT THING IS GONNA BE IN A FEW MINUTES!!. Tifa: You got that right!.

[@StelioMichonta]

Feeling like Part 3’s gonna be really dark. The gang all sad + Cloud’s mind totally being fried. If they win and the reunion of worlds doesn’t happen, he’s gonna have to come to terms with Aerith dying, can’t even imagine what that’s gonna look like

[@User8vfjhejf]

Aerith won't be in part 3

[@dearthofdoohickeys4703]

@@User8vfjhejf I’m telling you now, that’s not going to age well

[@CloudStrifeeeeee]

⁠@@User8vfjhejfmy guy she is 100% going to be playable. Why? She hasn’t gotten her final limit break and weapon from the og yet! Why are there so many people that want Aerith to be dead lol. Does it have to do with shipping? Is it because she is a threat to your ship?

[@zacatkinson3926]

This is flat out wrong

[@randoviewer5212]

@@CloudStrifeeeeeehonestly, i think it’s gonna be more like Zack in this game, you get small segments as her only. Aerith is gone and dead.

[@DanKaschel]

In an interview, Yoko Taro, the director of the Nier games, said his design philosophy was to "make players feel something". I'm definitely drawn to games that focus on that. This game definitely succeeded in spades, and most of its failings (from my perspective) were when it strayed into open world filler. You were a wonderful foil for this experience. My favorite thing was how you noticed so many things i didn't, like musical themes being repeated or clues in their wardrobes. I never pick up on those things. Cant wait for part 3!

[@mioxm9614]

What a journey. Its always great as fan of the OG and Remake to see new players take on this story we all love.

[@ArkadiEnver]

"But alas, you shall forever lose what you cherish most" NOOO!! 😭

[@dearthofdoohickeys4703]

You just don’t get it at all. There’s not a thing Cloud doesn’t cherish!

[@rhaspados666]

​@dearthofdoohickeys4703 I can give you this pear

[@orome9793]

​@@dearthofdoohickeys4703That's some mental gymnastics.

[@ArkadiEnver]

@@dearthofdoohickeys4703 Huh? We know Cloud cherishes many things. But Cait's fortune was about what he cherishes "The Most." What he cherishes the Most out of the many other things he cherishes.

[@CleanBee45-cu1hp]

​@@dearthofdoohickeys4703 The fortune doesn't say anything about Cloud not cherishing a thing. Cait sith's fortune is about what he cherishes most.

[@ProjectGenesisMusic]

You popped in my suggested videos with your Remake playthrough which led me to other streamers. I usually only watch streams of my youtube friends, but I love this story so much I enjoy watching reactions and next thing I know I'm subscribed to you and 3 others thanks to your awesome and honest reactions haha. My favorite part was you gently telling Sephiroth to shut up.

[@juliatvgames]

Haha aw that’s great! Welcome 😄

[@a.kavalier1105]

One of Julia's best series along with Mass Effect Trilogy. FF7 Rebirth GOTY 2024.

[@zjohnson101]

Watching you style on sephiroth like that with Zack and Cloud is the most entertaining thing I've seen this week LMAO I'm gonna miss watching these

[@NikoCat11]

Such a joy to watch you through this journey. Thank you, it was a bless! Part 3 will be completely insane 😊

[@Qbin07]

I don't really watch many streamers, but watching you, and a few others, starting FFVII and seeing them fall in love with it is a thing I love to see. It's been my favorite game since 97 so forget a few years, try waiting like 20 just for the remake, lol. So take care Jules. I'll be back when you stream part 3

[@Renoistic]

In an earlier Zack section you can actually hear and see the merchants and photographer doing their thing. I love the consistency and little hints thrown out the game.

[@Muscu666]

Thank you Julia for these videos. I’ve discovered your channel with Remake, couldn’t much catch you live on Twitch so I watched all of it on KZbin. As a fan of og FF7 since 1997, it was so cool to see you experience all this, meet all these characters, feel for them. I loved every moment of it

[@AlexanderArts]

Thanks for all the streams/videos Julia! It was a crazy ride, huh? Looking forward to Part 3!~

[@Neptune_171]

1:23:53 so as you can see, the game has confirmed that sephiroth is, in fact, unable to read. This leads me to ponder what exactly happened in the shinra manor basement. If sephiroth is truly illiterate, then were professor ghast's books all picture books??

[@Max43343]

First time we've seen him cry :( Apart from that tear in Remake

[@KirosanaPerkele]

It honestly is impossible to explain the ending. There are many hints, bits and pieces, but they don't make a coherent whole. We can know for sure only when part 3 comes out. I suggest however that you rewatch both Aerith resolution in Remake and the walk on the beach Aerith and Cloud took in Costa del Sol in chapter 6. Bear in mind also that in the Remake ending Aerith used to say "I miss it. The steel sky" until recently when they patched it to the more literal translation "This sky. I don't like it". Could she see the crack in the sky that Cloud now sees already back then? And finally, the scene at 53:59 There are several, ever so slightly different versions of this cut-scene and no one is talking about it. Specifically, the small green balls of lights under Sephiroth's feet. In some versions there are lots more, in others none. You had very few. What does it all mean? I don't know, but it's no accident.

[@Renoistic]

One thing I can definitely say after replaying both Remake and Rebirth is that almost everything seems consistent/coherent. The white particle effect when Aerith shows up in the boss fight can be seen when Aerith opens up the portal in Remake, and you can see lots of shared effects/iconography/phrases across both games, some that you didn't even think about in Remake. It's all really interesting and I can't wait for part 3.

[@Requinix17]

What small green balls of light under sephiroth's feet?

[@KirosanaPerkele]

@@Requinix17 You can see only few and only for a brief moment when he descends Other videos of this same scene might sport lots more or even none.

[@Requinix17]

@@KirosanaPerkele I don't even see it. Couldn't it just be depending on the user's graphics settings?

[@KirosanaPerkele]

​@@Requinix17 You might have to look frame by frame. Try finding the other versions where they are more prominent. I highly doubt it's just the graphic settings because the difference is so big and also the pattern of the feathers varies.

[@Wraith921]

Caith sith" you will forever lose what you cherish most"

[@orome9793]

Marlene "SHE'S GONNA DIE BRO!"

[@CloudStrifeeeeee]

The question is are Cait Sith’s predictions actually accurate or not.

[@nohemi6899]

@@CloudStrifeeeeee They are in Rebirth, yeah, and that fortune was true in OG. Cloud found Sephy and lost Aerith. First fortune is about trusting others and a pleasant twist may surprise you. The team kept the white portal open for Cloud so he could walk in, which leads to saving one Aerith. Second fortune is to watch your belongings, lucky color is Black. Cloud found the black materia in his pocket.

[@darthangelus2606]

@@CloudStrifeeeeee All of Cait Siths predictions came true in this game.

[@CloudStrifeeeeee]

I am aware guys. But what if on the off chance he was referring to something else. What if Aerith is not really dead. What if the part where they open up the portal isnt what Cait was referring to. What if the Black Materia that Cloud has is a fake? Just a suspicion I have. Some have agreed that Cait’s predictions are not actually accurate and could mean the complete opposite of what they are.

[@Digital_David]

You seem to be following the story very well and I was impressed with that because of how many odd plot twists this story throws our way and (and much is still unexplained and unresolved). I appreciated how nervous you looked playing the final chapter. Chapter 14 was filled with never-before-seen story elements.

[@vulcanh254]

2:50:35 To answer your question without spoilers: Remake / Rebirth add a lot of fluff. Things that are only about 3-8 minutes in the original are now expanded into entire 2 hour long chapters. So yeah the pacing is much faster in og. They also introduced new things and new characters. Everything with Kyrie, Roche, Leslie, Chadley etc. wasn't in the og so it's kind of filler stuff. And of course the world map was much smaller. Well it's the same size but you covered long distances very quickly because of limitations at the time. So all this world map side stuff is new.

[@CloudStrifeeeeee]

Even Cissnei wasn’t in the OG.

[@Zakemaster]

So glad to have been along for the ride. This game really is something special, even if I have some issues here and there. If some other game edges Rebirth out of being my GOTY, I’ll be shocked. I’m just hoping all of the work they put into Rebirth really speeds up work on Part 3. Since the open world systems, a lot of the environments, and the rest of the skeleton is there, I don’t think it’s completely outrageous to hope for a Winter 2026 or Spring/Summer 2027 release. I’d be shocked if it’s later than 2027. The only reason I might think it could slow down is all the restructuring that Square Enix announced they’re going through right now. Fingers crossed, though. The wait for the rest is going to be killer.

[@Padgestic]

Thank you for the many brilliant streams of FF7 Rebirth Julia, I hope you enjoyed this masterpiece of a game. 💙

[@cameronforte9861]

Now that all three of you are done, I think what would really be cool to see you, Kastaclysm, and Whimsypsyche have a stream where you all discussed the game, thoughts and theories, predictions, etc...

[@brandishspear1988]

I hate when Cait Sith is right…. Aerith and Cloud’s relationship is “special” while it’s only a fleeting moment. It extends beyond the boundaries of time and reality. Her scene on the church broke me because now she properly say goodbye to the “player” a thing that didn’t happen in OG. Now that she is gone I will only remember the best moments like the short walk to Sector 6 when cloud shed a single tear and they cue in the ost”midnight rendezvous” that scene is so nostalgic. Hopefully this time her sacrifice will result to a happy ending for her friends, after all that is her prayer.

[@garnix5042]

FYI, the whole part with governor Sarruf is new. So nobody could tell you if your Rufus=Sarruf theory is right. But that is indeed what people seem to believe. The devs also said "it should be quite obvious now who Sarruf really is".

[@garnix5042]

Also, remember in Intergrade, when Zijhe (or whatever his naming is) is captured by 2 Shinra soldiers, and they ask him who is giving Avalanche intel? He jokes around "Heiddegger? Rufus? Hojo?". How fun would it be if he was saying the truth :P

[@ETHomerin]

Really something wasn't it?! :) Anything in particular you're looking forward to? A scene, a place, or an event? Any certain characters we wanna see be happy, or other one's that we want to get it bad? I know I've got plenty of all these things! That ending felt like a firework, a strange mysterious firework!

[@iceman10129]

Clouds so lucky. He's got 2 girlfriends, he beat his enemy for the 2nd time on his way to the 3rd. He got to hang with his best bud, and he has a new materia for his sword. Everything is looking up!

[@carlolaroco8802]

Cloud & Aerith ❤

[@a.kavalier1105]

Cloud & Tifa. ❤️ Zack & Aerith. ❤️ Barret & Cait Sith. ❤️ FACTS.

[@Tic950]

Damn, these botaccounts are so weird. Half an hour ago the comment by "carlo" had nine thumbs ups and now suddenly it's at 24 thumbs ups when at the same time every other comment nearly stayed the same... Do you guys really think this will change anything?

[@Nat_the_White_Mage]

@@Tic950 I just gave a thumb up. I read your comment and decided I had to do it. You can even consider me a bot, I don't care

[@Nat_the_White_Mage]

@@a.kavalier1105 More like wishful thinking. That one with Barret and Cait Sith is even cute

[@CloudStrifeeeeee]

Soulmates!

[@tnae]

100% Rufus is Surruf....I have no confirmation but I've belieeved that since my first play through when he didn't show up for the broadcast.

[@djcetra]

RIP Aeris 1997 - RIP Aerith 2024

[@carlolaroco8802]

For Aerith Gainsborough

[@amcrae385]

I loved her so much more,..in 2024.

[@hencytjoe]

@@amcrae385 yeah, we were kids back then. We're adults now. Our emotional understanding is better.

[@Adallace]

Except they don't seem to kill anyone off in the remakes, even Aerith was there walking around at the end.

[@djcetra]

@@Adallace She's dead. Cloud's mind is fragmented as hell, he's the only one that sees her. Aerith has always been a protector of the planet, her spirit is always around. Physical however, in the main storyline she's dead.

[@GLARCYK]

BEST GAME EVER MADE ❤

[@kinakomono]

I am glad to see more of "Dance hold" pickers xD

[@JeffACornell]

With minimal knowledge of OG, here's how I interpret the ending. The ending of Remake, when they defeated Fate, doesn't actually allow them to significantly change events in the main world, but defeating Fate is what allows other worlds to exist and to be created. That's why we didn't start seeing Zack's world until the end of Remake: it didn't exist before that. So I figure that Cloud did indeed save Aerith, but saving her doesn't change the fact that she was fated to die. Instead it just creates a new world in which she now lives, but she's still dead in the main world. Cloud, for whatever reason, can now see through the veil and sees both worlds at once, so he sees the weird sky and can talk to Aerith, while as far as the rest of the party is concerned she's just dead. Best guess: it's high Mako exposure that allows Cloud to see both worlds. That's why Tifa was able to get a glimpse of both outcomes when they found Aerith, because of Tifa's Mako/lifestream exposure at the reactor. So Cloud, with his long-term SOLDIER conditioning, fully sees both worlds and can talk to Aerith. Tifa, with her one-time high exposure, gets just a glimpse. Everyone else just sees the main world.

[@elfsong713]

Solid theory! It makes the ending of Remake make a lot more sense. I love how we all have these theories and nobody, not even the OG players, knows what is right.

[@EvikaCZ]

Well what a ride...Thank you for such an amazing journey, Julia. ❤ I found your channel with FFVII Remake and you became my most favorite streamer/youtuber. Your genuine reactions. How good you are at figuring out things game throws at you. And just so many more things this comment would be more longer if I named them all. My first FF game was XV but I love this game so much. Never played original only Crisis Core (just couldn't resist to Zack😅). So this journey was also new to me. And so confusing sometimes. And can't wait for more Final Fantasy journeys with you. Also other games, like Stellar Blade I also love and currently playing. Gotta say this game got you a regular follower. 😊 Once again...thank you for an amazing journey. Btw. I have the same theory about Rufus. You are not the only one. 😅

[@juliatvgames]

Thank you so much 😭 glad to have you here!!

[@Complecx]

from the old cellphone game, its rumored that rufus was the money behind avalanches birth, and from the ending it seems lucia and matt also joined after the soldier story. Side note, evercrisis latest chapter released reveals some secrets behind sephiroth. Glad you enjoyed the story.

[@jAyAr22]

3:05:36 missing slides here. Wonder why? 😢

[@dearthofdoohickeys4703]

Spoilers: There’s a LOT of things missing. Why couldn’t we hear Cloud say his speech how “she’ll never laugh or cry again” when he’s holding Aerith? Where’s the scene where everyone goes to Aerith body to say goodbye? Or when Cloud lays her to rest in the water? It’s not an accident they left that out, Cloud probably compartmentalized it, and I bet we’ll see more of it in part 3.

[@dantcromos]

@@dearthofdoohickeys4703 the devs have been so careful and thoughtful that they definitely won't forget those important moments from OG but we do have glimpses of them... his speech is in this game from that reality he don't want to accept (just not heard at 55:58)... everyone else saying goodbye (more like realizing she's dead) can be seen a little right after the final battle ends, when all run to her at 02:31:20, but it changes to Cloud unreliable pov. The compartmentalize word is perfect to describe Cloud now.

[@dreamphoenix]

Touching reactions! Great vid, thank you.

[@alin3323]

This game was a masterpiece but the ending left me sad confused and unsatasfied i just hope part 3 will clear out all the confusion this game left us with

[@gallarinas]

completely agree

[@gallarinas]

that church scene is sadder than aerith’s actual death scene

[@Neptune_171]

1:10:58 I died at cloud going "you ok?" with the giant ball of goo about to destroy him. Like bro are YOU ok????

[@Andrew1990M]

I post this to every first-timer’s final episode. But a big thank you to the commenters for not spoiling this ending. It was the meme spoiler everyone openly talked about, like S**** k**** D********* is now, so I’m glad everyone took your enjoyment of this game seriously and didn’t say anything. Still a whole lot to shut up about with regards to Zack though, and a long time to shut up about it. But yeah, his character is to be the uncomplicated hero, minimal baggage, he just wants to do the right thing for everyone. Also, you’re one of the few players I’ve seen actually do the button prompts at 53:00. A lot of people thought they would make you kill Aerith, but they are actually to make you resist Sephiroth and lower your sword. Unfun fact: Bringing Vincent exceeded the Bronco’s load, losing Aerith made it fit to fly again.

[@Ariastyr]

GG! I'm so glad to have got to experience this journey with you on your first time. I stumbled across your channel right as you started Remake and have been enjoying your videos since. It's been quite the journey, and I'm looking forward to seeing the finale a few years from now, though I'll have to watch that later as I want to play part 3 first myself. On an unrelated note, I wanted to recommend a game series to you. Not sure if you've ever heard of the Trails/Kiseki series, but seeing how you love deep stories and great character building, thought I'd recommend it. I was browsing your completed/upcoming games and didn't see it in the list, so figured I'd mention it in case you felt interested in checking it out. It's a lesser known series, but gaining a lot of popularity in the west recently. If you're curious, I'd recommend checking out Trails of Cold Steel 1 though 4. Cold Steel 1 is the sixth game in the series, and a lot of people will claim you can't start with it, but it's not true. I myself started with Cold Steel 1-4, then went back to the play the others, and I don't regret it one bit. It's now my most favorite game series. The Trails series is well known for being one of THE BEST world-building, character-building series. It's full of twists and unexpected events. I highly recommend it.

[@spiderhulk26]

The reason why the white whispers were blocking u before is because aerith doesn't want you to go where she is while sephiroth wants you to go there

[@Heat55wade3]

One of the better reactions I've seen to the ending, Nice video!

[@Requinix17]

I feel like that final scene with Rufus and Glen was very meta. "Our promised land will become reality" / "a father's dream, accomplished by his son" / "I want the real thing, not some imitation" / "in the back, just like old times" are we talking about Rufus, or the game?

[@clem1257]

I love this game so much. 3 years or so to wait now.

[@mitchrogers4217]

What a great playthrough 👏 this games characters has always been its biggest strength and why they have stayed with people for over 20 years. They all face loss and trauma but still they fight on even when it seems hopeless. Everyone has theories on the last few cutscenes and its exciting to think whats next. Give this streamer some love all. Julia is the best at what she does.

[@FifthOfNovember_Original]

”It’s been fun” 😭😭😭 10/10 would become depressed again

[@hendreor.m6685]

crazy that most of the things that happened in this and the previous game were in the OG as just Disc 1,out of 3 discs

[@Erikthedood]

Most of FF7 OG was on disc 1. Disc 2 is only icicle inn up to the Midgar invasion. Disc 3 was just the endgame with Sephiroth and whatever extra side content you had left to do. The only reason the game was 3 discs on ps1 was because the CG cutscenes took up a shitload of space. In reality. We’re like 2/3 through the story by the end of rebirth.

[@oggregster]

Everybody was pissed at aerith death during jenova fight thats why they all had their limit break... except for cloud for obvious reason😔

[@CloudStrifeeeeee]

Just my theory:- It might be a good thing that Cloud didn’t have his limit. Sephiroth’s goal was to collect rage and sadness from the party members except for Cloud (Aerith calmed him down). The energy was still enough for the merging of worlds to happen which is why we see Cloud and Zack fighting together. But the merging of worlds was temporary and not permanent because he couldn’t get Cloud to be angry.

[@Anon51129]

3:00:56 As you can see here in the end credits, Aerith is the canon Rosa. Aerith is also the default Rosa if you get Barret, Red and the trio (Caith Sith, Vincent and Cid) as dates. So that makes it 4 out of 6 dates. Cloud=Hero Aerith=Rosa Sephiroth=Varvados -I hope you watch, not only the Aerith date, but the whole Loveless play with Aerith so you'll see the parallels in the story of "Loveless" and Rebirth. Cloud's reaction as she sings is also different. -Cloud and Aerith also met at the "Loveless" street and under the "Loveless" poster in OG. -Kitase said that "Hollow" is Cloud's song about his feelings and "No Promises to Keep" is about Aerith's feelings and he wanted players to pay attention to that. -Loving someone beyond death is something that FF games are known for.

[@itsregal]

best birthday ever I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE GAME JULIA

[@edwardlwittlif]

2:16:38 The read is just... magnificent

[@flimermithrandir]

I can see the Rufus Sarruf Connection, probably are the same Person. Not 100% for sure but i would not be surprised.

[@Adallace]

3:31:04 My mind was blown when I left Midgar and saw the world map when I played the original FF7 for the first time 🙂 didn't know what I was in for either.

[@Mauro019]

So hard to continue with another game after this amazing experience

[@Xehanort10]

1:26:31 That form of his has also been called Bizarro Sephiroth.

[@tonydeluna8095]

A journey well fought to the end Julia

[@艾列特]

10/10 GAME. Vincent is so cool.

[@cameronforte9861]

3:42:57 Don't worry, you won't need months to recover. For me, it's only been 27 years and counting. 😂

[@leakedclipsdaily]

2 videos in less than 24 hours. Well done!

[@djgusto5878]

Thanks for playing my favorite game of all time!!!

[@spiderhulk26]

When referring to aerith's death . Aerith in spiritual form was trying to protect cloud's sanity after she was stabbed while sephiroth is trying to break it . when referring to the end aerith is watching over them spiritually and cloud doesn't accept that she is dead which may lead him to go crazy . I feel Aerith is dead in the main reality ( spiritually alive like og and advent children ) and alive in the dream world when cloud saved her ( similar to zack's situation but she can exist in both) I feel cloud was in dream world with og aerith while our aerith was with the rest of the party in the main reality when cloud was unconscious.

[@SjPedro]

it was a pleasure to relive this through your eyes.....now let's all take a collected breath and NOT think that part 3 is gonna be only on 2027.... blast....i just thought about it......

[@Zakemaster]

I’d guess 2027 is probably realistic. At best we’ll get a Winter 2026 release, but 2 1/2 years for a huge AAA game these days just doesn’t seem likely. I’m hoping that Summer 2027 is as long as we have to wait, though.

[@SjPedro]

@@Zakemaster I'm thinking december 2027 to mark the 30 year anniversary of the original FFVII ...would make sense. besides most of the assets already exist since most of the world is complete minus certain areas. most of the work I'd say is incremental and not necessarily the same departure as it was from Remake to Rebirth

[@duckducklarry]

oh my god, you immediately got completely and totally engrossed in the lil date with aerith, the rest of this isn't gonna go very well for you huh EDIT: oh my god watching you cook on this is so much fun

[@Ohne_Silikone]

3:06:36 spoilers I guess... she kind of died in almost all timelines, if not all. She died in the original, portrayed in the flashbacks witht Cloud talking while hunched over Aerith. If the reunion of worlds includes the one in which she seems to get saved, rewriting it in her demise, she dies there as well. She died in the church where she said farewell to cloud, as probably in all of Zacks worlds, so professed by Marlene. Zack didnt hold back Sephiroth at the church steps and we don't know what happened inside, but I expect not much good. We also don’t know what happened after Zack sought Hojo though. So a little hope might still remain. Then again, Sephiroth has been rounding up Aeriths pretty tenaciously. If she does live in some worlds, I expect her to die in these as well in the third game. The premise of the original game has always been that they wanted to install this crushing definite loss, of which there was no turning back. It was a key aspect for the plot that Aerith gets martyred so that she can become an embodiment of the lifestream, fighting from within with holy on her side. It would definitely alter this basic element of the story if they let her live.

[@MuMasoo]

Its clear Cloud saved Aerith this time, but because of the reunion she died anyways. Such a heartbreaking way to remake the most iconic death in video games.

[@CloudStrifeeeeee]

There are too many hints that point that she’s alive. This is not the OG anymore. Not after they crossed the portal in Remake. Things will be different. If Aerith is dead, they would have made a 1 to 1 remake without the introduction of whispers, multiple worlds, etc.

[@Ohne_Silikone]

@@CloudStrifeeeeee yes and no. They said they would stay true to the premises of the original, but not in the way to get there. In rebirth they let you experience the confusion and distortion of reality first hand right along with the main protagonist. They did so in OG as well. Who didn't believe that eventually Aerith would be phoenix-downed or something back into existence after losing her? They drove the expectations in that direction willingly with Cait Sith his ark, just to make all aspects about the loss: the shock, denial, anger and finally grief a process that the players had to endure for themselves. This game is keeping you off balance all the time. I can also see how it is strategic to have options open at the moment. They did the same with Biggs at the end of Remake, only to let him experience survivors guilt in a non-plot-driven side track existence, untill he gets killed as suddenly as it is unceremoniously. It is the nihilistic experience they intended, all the more contrasted by Zacks hopefull demeanor. I do fear what they have in store for him. Maybe his positivity will be crushed in the end when all Aeriths have gone. I wouldn't like that ending, but I can see how they will work towards that. In a sense I do like this about the game in general. It is not scared of being unforgiving to the player and the sugar coating is only there to bring out the bitterness by contrast. No promises await a journeys end.

[@Ohne_Silikone]

@@CloudStrifeeeeee by the way, they would have never made a carbon copy of the game where it comes to the storyline, because it wouldn't and couldn't have the same impact anymore as the original had, due to spoilers. They had to com up with an enhanced version to drive the same emotions home. Ff7 has always been acclaimed for its emotional driven storyline, not only in its narrative but also in the experience of playing it. That is also why the single time path never has been a problem. It is not the focus.

[@NerdStrikesBack]

@@CloudStrifeeeeee I would be careful about making definitive statements about how different things will be when you know for a fact you can't promise that. It's an easy path to putting your foot in your mouth in three years. Consider how much has actually changed so far: almost nothing. A lot of additions, a few subtractions or alterations, most of them minor. It seems likely to me that the rest of the game will be the same, but I'm also not going to promise that since there's no way of knowing.

[@amcrae385]

'What the hell is this game?" So happy this legendary game delivered for you. I've been playing since 96, I've had your exact reaction, but with Last of us pt 2. Gaming is great.