Final Fantasy VII Creators Discuss Rebirth and Aerith’s Fate - The New York Times

One of the most consequential scenes in video game history is being remade by the creators of Final Fantasy VII. Will they kill Aerith again?

There were early warnings in the 1997 role-playing game Final Fantasy VII that Cloud Strife harbored delusions of grandeur. An identity borrowed from an old war buddy. Genetics spliced from a parasitic alien. A toxic relationship with a super soldier.

But it was the moment Cloud unwillingly raised a sword toward Aerith Gainsborough, his affectionate companion, that it appeared he had lost all self-control. Not until his weapon lowered could players relax.

And then, a twist.

After the screen faded into an animated sequence, Sephiroth, the evil super soldier with silver hair and snake eyes, appeared from the skies without warning to plunge a sharp katana through Aerith’s back.

Her death was permanent, an inconceivable notion when video games were known for giving characters extra lives. As Aerith collapsed, so did a narrative trope that had restricted the medium’s dramatic potential.

Players watched helplessly as Sephiroth killed Aerith.

“I felt it was imperative for us to show the gravity and rawness of loss,” said Tetsuya Nomura, the Square Enix director responsible for developing the traumatizing scene.

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2024-02-20 17:01:12Z
CBMiTWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm55dGltZXMuY29tLzIwMjQvMDIvMjAvYXJ0cy9maW5hbC1mYW50YXN5LXZpaS1yZWJpcnRoLWFlcml0aC5odG1s0gEA

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