As I eagerly dove into the recently released demo forFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirth, little did I know that I was about to witness a significant shift in perspective, a subtle twist that breathed new life into the iconic narrative of the original game. The opening scene takes us on a familiar journey to Nibelheim, where Cloud and Sephiroth are joined by two generic guardsmen.
Initially, I was under the impression that I was witnessing Cloud’s journey. However, there were hints that something was off – Cloud’s uncharacteristic joviality, almost puppy-like, presented a marked departure from his usual brooding demeanor. As the scene unfolded inside the vehicle en route to investigate a Mako reactor in Nibelheim, Cloud paced restlessly, drawing the attention of Sephiroth, who requested him to stop. Cloud’s response, a simple “I can’t,” marked the moment of realization that this wasn’t Cloud but rather someone else entirely. This wasn’t Cloud. It was Zack.
Playing Zack Through Cloud
The realization hit me as I noticed Cloud, who actually is the guardsman, frail and sickly, reliving the events from Zack’s perspective. This moment, pulled straight from the original game but inspired byFinal Fantasy 7Crisis Core Reunion, showcased Zack’s new pivotal role in the Remake universe. The scene with Sephiroth mirrored many scenes from Reunion where Zack expresses his dream of becoming a hero. It’s an endearing theme woven throughout the Reunion narrative. That was when I realised that Zack will be getting his much deserved time in the spotlight in the upcoming game.
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At the 20-minute mark of the demo, Cloud finds himself on a mountain path with Tifa and Sephiroth. Eager to prove his readiness to become the hero he aspires to be, he takes the lead, a responsibility willingly granted by the formidable Sephiroth. As you fight alone with Cloud, the gameplay strongly echoes the style of Reunion. This callback brings a smile to my face, recalling those intense moments in which the only reliable strategies are the deployment of healing spells and skillful dodging in Reunion’s chaotic combat. This brief solo sequence with Cloud captures that same essence, adding a touch of intensity and unpredictability to the overall experience.
The realization of Zack’s role is solidified when Sephiroth, engaging in playful banter, affectionately refers to Cloud as a “puppy.” This seemingly innocuous taunt not only pays homage to Zack’s nickname, “Zack the puppy,” within Reunion but also emphasizes Zack’s profound influence on Cloud’s character. The clarity of this revelation became all but confirmed during that scene, highlighting that Sephiroth playfully called Cloud a “puppy” due to the deep imprint of Zack’s essence embedded within the narrative.
Cloud assumes the role of a henchman dealing with an unknown sickness, entrusted with protecting a younger Tifa. It’s worth noting that this revelation about Cloud’s altered role and the depth of this connection wouldn’t be fully appreciated without prior knowledge of Zack’s story at this point in the narrative. Tifa’s discontent during this shared responsibility moment sheds light on the unexpected shift in dynamics, portraying Cloud not as the enigmatic leader but as the dependable guardian. It all culminates in showing just how important Zack is to Cloud’s overall character development.
Cloud is far from being associated with a “puppy-like” attitude. Instead, he epitomizes the brooding protagonist archetype, a role often portrayed by characters like Squall from Final Fantasy 8 and Lightning from the Final Fantasy 13 trilogy. The distinct contrast in demeanor between Cloud and Zack promises to enhance the depth of both characters within the rewritten timeline.
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A Hero’s Legacy
Playing the demo brought me back to Zack’s final scene, where he, bloodied and dying, holds Cloud’s head to his chest. In his last breaths, Zack passes the iconic Buster Sword to Cloud, urging him to be a living legacy. In a literal sense, Cloud internalizes this responsibility, not just adopting Zack’s inspirational role but also assimilating his psychological essence. This transformative experience molds Cloud into a new persona, the brooding hero stepping onto the train in the opening moments of the original game.
With the full game set to release by the end of February, the anticipation of Zack receiving the attention he’s deserved for so long is exciting. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth seems poised to delve into Zack’s character more profoundly, seamlessly weaving his narrative into the fabric of the overarching story. As a dedicated fan who has witnessed Zack’s evolution from a supporting character to a beloved figure, the promise of his expanded role in the upcoming game is genuinely uplifting.
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