Spoilers for Final Fantasy VII [1997], Remake, and Rebirth.
Aerith’s death in the original Final Fantasy VII left players wondering if she could be revived, sparking endless discussions in online forums and magazines. Back in 1997, when games didn’t often deal with lasting consequences, Aerith’s death felt shocking. Cloud, holding Aerith as she dies, realizes the depth of his grief while Sephiroth remains indifferent, viewing emotions as trivial. This internal conflict drives much of Cloud’s journey, forcing him to confront his humanity rather than just imitate Zack Fair.
Final Fantasy VII concludes with a group of rebels ready to save Gaia, hearts full of determination. But fans and Square Enix found ways to defy death, like using GameShark codes to keep Aerith alive or including her in other games like Advent Children. In a world where characters are easily resurrected, Aerith’s death seemed more like a bump in the road. Yet, in Rebirth, there’s no escaping her fate. The looming threat of her death casts a shadow over the game, as Shinra, Sephiroth, and the lifestream threaten their quest. However, Aerith stands firm amidst the chaos.
Fans often find themselves caught between excitement and anticipation.
From the start of Remake, Aerith seems to know more about her fate than others. She never explicitly says it, but it’s clear she understands the dangers they face. Despite this, she cherishes the moments outside Midgar, grateful for the company she keeps. Rebirth is filled with side quests and new mechanics that might seem trivial, but they contribute to the game’s essence. Unlike many open-world games, where the main quest can feel overshadowed by optional tasks, here it feels intentional.
As the story nears its end, Aerith shares memories with Cloud, offering glimpses of the Midgar Slums while Shinra heads to the Temple of the Ancients. Even with Sephiroth lurking, Aerith wants to savor simple moments like trying candy or choosing jewelry. The multiverse may be at risk, but all Aerith desires is to share a moment with Cloud, hand in hand.
There was a Eurogamer article where Robert Purchase questioned why RPGs, with their high stakes, allow the world to wait while players finish side quests. Maybe it’s not that the end feels unimportant but rather that the game world must allow players to explore and immerse themselves in it fully.
Final Fantasy VII never intended for threats like Sephiroth and Shinra to be forgotten. Once Sephiroth sets his plan in motion, the music changes, reminding players of the impending doom. The game has taken something precious, leaving a void that neither players nor Square could fill. Rebirth, however, starts by urging players to appreciate the world and its people, showing that even when faced with Sephiroth’s cruelty, the heroes will stand firm, ready to fight for what matters.
The game brings us to a pivotal moment where it seems Aerith might be spared. But as fate would have it, she meets the same end. Her death is a fixed event, a “canon event,” as some might say, inevitable despite deviations in the storyline. Aerith’s death in the Temple of Ancients remains unchanged.
Rebirth, though, offers something different. Cloud, having glimpsed madness and inevitability, knows the universe’s path but chooses to resist. Humanity’s essence—feeling, thinking, and caring—demands it. Unlike most games, Rebirth ensures that everything you’ve experienced matters.
This theme appears in other Final Fantasy games, like XV and XVI, where ruin seems certain, yet every interaction offers reasons to save the world. Despite facing death repeatedly, Square encourages us to celebrate life’s messy beauty. When death arrives, it has a face, but life, with its myriad experiences, holds many. The willingness to face the end comes from seeing those faces.
For years, fans hoped to prevent Aerith’s departure, not accepting her limited time. Rebirth gives us more time to appreciate life, ensuring no regrets when the end comes. In 1997, Cloud focused on loss, but in 2024, he embraces the moment, telling Aerith, “I got this,” before letting her go to fight for the world she loved.
When the battle ends, Cloud understands the void Aerith left, carrying her memory, even if it’s just an echo. He can’t bring her back but shares her essence with friends, ensuring they’re not alone in their grief. Rebirth shows that knowing her made them better.
Ultimately, Rebirth teaches a vital lesson: accepting loss doesn’t erase the pain but enriches life. We remember Aerith, cherish our time with her, and face the future with open hearts. The Remake project invites us to look forward, savoring the journey despite its inevitable end.
