Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and the Misstep in the Aerith Scene

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, despite being a masterclass in almost every aspect, falters at a critical juncture – the iconic Aerith scene. Throughout its runtime, the game excels with its combat, open worlds, and character development. However, when it comes to handling Aerith’s death, the developers stumble, opting for a cryptic, convoluted approach that leaves players scratching their heads.

The Misguided Moment

In the original Final Fantasy 7, Aerith’s fate was a pivotal, emotional moment that resonated with players. In Rebirth, Square Enix attempts to alter this outcome, leading to a sequence filled with conflicting visuals, confusing editing, and a lack of clarity.

The scene unfolds with Sephiroth’s fatal blow aimed at Aerith, only for Cloud to intervene, resulting in a glitchy, disjointed reveal of Aerith’s survival. This ambiguous presentation, while attempting to be surprising, ends up muddling the impact of the emotional climax.

The Revealed Truth

As the game progresses, it becomes evident that Aerith’s continued presence is more spiritual than physical, symbolized by green lights and subtle hints. The blurred lines between life and death create a meta puzzle, robbing the moment of its raw emotional power.

Furthermore, the transition from Aerith’s death scene to a prolonged boss battle undermines the grieving process, leaving little room for players to process the loss effectively.

The Contrast with the Original

Unlike the original game, which handled Aerith’s death with profound solemnity, Rebirth falls short in providing a cathartic farewell. The lack of closure and mourning after Aerith’s demise diminish the impact of the moment, failing to do justice to her character’s journey.

A Missed Opportunity

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, despite its overall brilliance, stumbles in delivering a poignant conclusion to Aerith’s arc. The focus on subverting expectations and creating a meta-narrative detracts from the emotional core of the story, leaving fans longing for a more heartfelt resolution.

While the game excels in many aspects, the mishandling of Aerith’s pivotal moment stands out as a significant misstep. However, the journey alongside Aerith throughout the game remains a testament to the character’s enduring legacy and impact.

For fans of the series, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth still offers a compelling experience filled with engaging gameplay and immersive storytelling. Despite its flaws, the game’s strengths shine through, making it a worthwhile addition to the iconic franchise.

Embrace the adventure and remember the unforgettable moments that make Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth a must-play for RPG enthusiasts!