Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Theory Deepens the Tragic Ending

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth introduces several intriguing changes to pivotal moments from the original game, yet it leaves many players with lingering questions as they delve into the sequel of this expansive remake. Players are eager for the final installment, which promises to shed light on the unresolved mysteries left in its wake. With the release of Rebirth on PC alongside FF7R, a new audience can engage in the emotional journey of Cloud Strife and confront a potentially deeper tragedy as new theories emerge.

[Warning: The following article contains spoilers for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.]

Continuing from the narrative established in FF7R, Rebirth follows Cloud and his allies as they venture beyond the confines of Midgar. Fans familiar with the original will recognize various iconic locations, now reimagined with fresh perspectives, such as the enchanting Golden Saucer, which revisits the game’s romantic undertones and its various dating possibilities. However, the narrative culminates with one of the most iconic sequences from Final Fantasy 7, which has been adapted in a rather perplexing manner.

Could Cloud Have Influenced Aerith’s Fate?

The Unreliable Narration of Cloud

Aerith praying at the City of the Ancients

Cloud Strife conflicted about striking Aerith

The narrative perspective predominantly aligns with Cloud, which influences how the story unfolds. However, it becomes evident that Cloud is not a reliable narrator. The trauma he endured following the Nibelheim incident muddles his understanding of his memories, blurring the lines between his experiences and those of Zack Fair. Although this ambivalence might not notably disrupt the storyline early on, it takes on a critical role as the plot progresses.

Particularly concerning is the scene involving Aerith’s demise in FF7 Rebirth. Uniquely, the injury itself remains unseen, with only blood depicted in one of the variations. This stylistic choice stems from Cloud’s perception as he begins to experience overlapping timelines—one in which Aerith survives and another where she does not. This moment is pivotal as Cloud struggles to differentiate between reality and illusion, a conflict that culminates at Aerith’s tragic end.

One suggested theory posits that Sephiroth manipulated Cloud during this crucial moment, as witnessed in earlier sections of the game, particularly when he attempts to seize the Black Materia from Aerith. Given the profound trauma Cloud has faced, it raises questions about whether he was psychologically coerced into dealing the fatal blow to Aerith himself. This theory hypothesizes that, instead of witnessing multiple timelines, Cloud’s mind is grappling with the guilt of having lost Aerith, perhaps leading him to hallucinate her presence.

The Confusion of Rebirth’s Ending

The Blurred Lines of Reality and Fiction

Aerith resting on Cloud's shoulder with her face overlayed — Image credit to Katarina Cimbaljevic

The finale of FF7 Rebirth essentially serves as a cliffhanger. The narrative intricacies of alternate timelines create ambiguity, suggesting that Cloud may visually navigate through them. This complex web allows him to perceive Aerith as alive within one timeline, even as she meets her end in another. However, given Cloud’s history of hallucinations, it’s feasible that Sephiroth’s influence resulted in him believing Aerith is alive as a coping mechanism for his trauma.

The conclusion is rife with uncertainty; the events leading up to the end of FF7 Rebirth are designed to provoke speculation. The game constructs numerous potential explanations for Cloud’s experiences with Aerith that render it challenging to determine a conclusive truth. Moreover, the character of Zack Fair presents a parallel dilemma, existing in differing states across timelines, complicating matters further as he seems to have some agency in navigating these realms.

With Sephiroth’s goals focused on merging the timelines, Cloud’s encounters hint at deeper narrative implications. Regardless, the ambiguous closing moments of Rebirth are crafted to evoke inquiry about Aerith’s ultimate fate within the grand scheme of the remake.

Is Cloud’s Vision of Aerith Driven by Guilt or Timelines?

Intersecting Theories: Guilt and Timelines

Aerith praying at the altar of the Forgotten Capital

The narrative culminates in a scenario where Cloud’s vision of Aerith could arise from profound guilt stemming from failing to save her or an inability to accept her death. Alternatively, he may truly perceive her existing in another timeline, all the while the Aerith he interacts with post-battle perhaps represents a figment of his imagination. Both options remain valid possibilities, and only future installments may clarify this complex allegory.

Even though FF7 was launched decades ago, the ongoing remake breathes new life into the expansive universe of Gaia and its cherished characters. By reimagining the story, it enhances the narrative depth far beyond the capabilities of the original game. Of particular significance are the newly introduced elements, such as the exploration of alternate timelines, which hints that the remake may function as a sequel to its predecessor. However, the true resolution of the storyline awaits players in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

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