Highlights
The upcoming Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth may deviate from conventional norms, presenting unforeseen plot twists and defying players' preconceptions, reminiscent of the surprising narrative approach taken by The Last of Us Part 2.
The trailers hint at Zack potentially having a more significant role in the game's storyline, potentially partnering with the main party in the present. This could result in a significant plot twist where Cloud, similar to Joel in The Last of Us Part 2, meets his demise. This twist has generated controversy among fans, but it has the potential to offer a comparable experience to the original game if players primarily control Cloud throughout the majority of the gameplay. Furthermore, it could create an intriguing setup for the third installment of the remake trilogy, with Zack taking on the role of the main protagonist.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth may not meet fans' expectations for a faithful remake, given Final Fantasy 7 Remake's establishment of a different storyline. While the game is likely to cover key story elements from the original PlayStation title, there is potential for unexpected twists. Taking inspiration from The Last of Us Part 2, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth could subvert player expectations, with Zack playing a more significant role and potentially joining the main party in the present timeline. In a major twist, the game could lead Cloud, the iconic protagonist, down a similar path as Joel in The Last of Us Part 2.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's Cloud Could Suffer the Same Fate as The Last of Us Part 2's Joel
In the original storyline of Final Fantasy 7, Zack is killed by Shinra soldiers before the events of the game, as shown in Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7. Cloud, who was close friends with Zack, witnesses his death. This traumatic experience causes Cloud's mind to distort some of Zack's memories and characteristics, blending them with his own. These events shape the Cloud that players are familiar with, including the one in Final Fantasy 7 Remake. However, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has the potential to change how these events unfold.
There is a possibility that Zack could have somehow survived the attack and make a comeback in the new storyline of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. If this were to happen, the game could surprise players by making Zack the new protagonist, while Cloud takes on the role of the one who dies. Based on the combat and major story moments shown in the trailers for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the most likely scenario for Cloud's death would involve swapping Aerith for Cloud in the iconic scene from the original game where Aerith is killed by Sephiroth.
This potential twist may provoke controversy among fans of the original game, much like Joel's early demise in The Last of Us Part 2. However, if players are able to assume the role of Cloud for the majority of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth before his ultimate demise, it could still offer long-time fans a similar experience to the original title, potentially minimizing some of the controversy. Additionally, concluding Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth with this twist could create an intriguing setup for the third installment of the remake trilogy, wherein Zack assumes the role of the main protagonist and engages in a final confrontation with Sephiroth.
Choosing this direction for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth would represent a bold and risky move, yet the franchise has already demonstrated its willingness to deviate from the original script in Final Fantasy 7 Remake. If this twist becomes a reality, the trailers have effectively concealed it, similar to how the trailers for The Last of Us Part 2 falsely portrayed Joel's prominence in the game. Like Joel's scenes in the aforementioned game, Cloud's presence in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth could potentially stem from an alternate timeline due to the inclusion of the Whispers.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth will be released on February 29, 2024, for PS5.