FF7 Rebirth is a good game, but it is nevertheless filled with mysteries, to the point that even the guide struggles to answer players' questions. Which still seems quite strange.
The game FF7 Rebirth, the long-awaited sequel to Square Enix's emblematic saga, continues to be talked about, particularly through the complexity of its outcome which divides players. The book Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Ultimania, supposed to enlighten fans on the different aspects of the game, itself seems to struggle to reveal the secrets of this enigmatic ending. It's pretty crazy when you think about it.
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WARNING, this news includes SPOILERS on THE END OF THE GAME!!!
FF7 Rebirth and the divisive ending
In FF7 Rebirth, the player once again follows the adventures of Cloud and his companions in a universe where parallel dimensions and alternate timelines add a thick layer of narrative complexity. The final scene, where Cloud witnesses dramatic events, leaves players with more questions than answers. The scene that everyone feared takes place, Aerith is executed by a Sephiroth more cruel than ever, except that if in the original game, the scene is brutal and rapid, here, the alternative worlds collide and the We have a glimpse of several destinies in the form of flashes.
The fight that pits us against Sephiroth just after Aerith's death doesn't help to see things more clearly, since the last of the Cetras even participates in the ultimate confrontation before disappearing… then reappearing at the very end of the game. Only at that moment, only Cloud seems to be able to see him. This has led to speculation that Cloud may be experiencing visions from other realities, or that he is simply refusing to accept Aerith's loss.
An ultimate guide that doesn't answer everything
Recently, FF7 Rebirth Ultimania is available. It is an “ultimate” book offering many details and anecdotes on the game and its development. The book also talks about the ending, the fans' questions and this desire to lose the players to let them dangle until FF7 Remake 3. The book therefore teaches us that everything is intended, it is also explicitly stated that it is still unclear whether Aerith is dead or alive, suggesting that the answers could be addressed in a future sequel.
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Cloud may be having visions since he cannot accept his friend's death, or perhaps he is seeing another Aerith, a vision from another dimension. Some theories also suggest that Cloud may well be able to see beyond his own dimension, such as this mark that marks the sky, a harbinger of an imminent end. Many questions without any answers at the moment since as provided as it is, the Ultimania of FF7 Rebirth does not give us an answer. It is even said that the ending is deliberately open to suggestion and the developers do not wish to answer fans' questions to let them theorize.
Clarifications and ultimately few answers
However, the Ultimania FF7 Rebirth guide also offers clarifications on certain scenes. Answers which, moreover, always lead to more questions. In particular, we are told what Cloud whispers during his flashes. The blond boy very often has crises, visions which punctuate the game until the very end. When Aerith dies, Cloud can be seen muttering words that we cannot hear, but we now know that he is repeating what he said in the original game: ” My mouth is dry, my eyes are burningt”.
The objective here again is clear: to make players lose track and strengthen the link between the two works, the new dimension of the Remake and that of the original game. Are the two universes parallel, or are they colliding? Could Sephiroth be succeeding in his famous Reunion? Could Cloud's flashes be symptomatic of the progress of Sephiroth's ultimate goal? Many gray areas remain, and the creators clearly do not want to reveal everything at the moment. We will have to wait a few more years before having answers to our questions, until 2027 if we are to believe Square Enix.