Aerith from FINAL FANTASY 7 Rebirth speaks out on epic gaming rivalry

In a recent interview, Briana White, the voice actor behind Aerith in Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, shared her perspective on the romantic narrative involving Cloud Strife and the option between Aerith or Tifa. Contrary to long-standing debates within the fan community, White suggested that the series is designed to reflect player choice, emphasizing the role-playing aspect of the game where any romantic option pursued by the player is valid. She points out that the game's design, which allows for dates with different characters, indicates that there’s no conclusive answer, and supports diverse player experiences. This approach brings a refreshing take on the ‘shipping war’ that has surrounded the characters for years, and aligns with the flexible, personal storytelling approach of role-playing games.

How does Final Fantasy VII Rebirth allow players to engage with the story's romantic elements?

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth gives players the freedom to explore romantic storylines through choices that can lead to dates with different characters, reflecting their personal preference and playing into the game's role-playing nature where all choices are validated.

Final Fantasy VII has been a cultural touchstone in gaming since its initial release in 1997. With an epic story, memorable characters, and groundbreaking visuals for its time, it defined the RPG genre and left a lasting legacy. The game’s protagonist Cloud, and his interactions with Aerith and Tifa, particularly in relation to the love triangle subplot, has been a topic of passionate debate among fans. Final Fantasy VII Remake and the sequel, Rebirth, have revitalized these discussions by reintroducing the characters with modern graphics and voice acting while adding depth to the player's emotional involvement through enhanced narrative choices.