By When people talk about iconic video game heroes, you have to bring up Cloud Strife. Final Fantasy VII, anyone? That game wasn’t just a defining RPG of its time—it was the beginning of something much bigger. And Cloud, with his giant Buster Sword and a personality that’s part brooding, part hero-in-the-making, became a symbol not only for the game but for a generation of gamers.
It’s been, what, nearly 30 years? But Cloud’s journey is still as powerful, messy, and downright emotional as it was back in ’97.
So, let’s take a stroll down memory lane. Grab a coffee—this is gonna be a deep dive into Cloud’s world, his evolution, and why he’s still one of the most beloved characters to ever grace a game.
The Origins of Cloud Strife: From Nibelheim to SOLDIER
Alright, let’s rewind to Cloud’s humble beginnings in Nibelheim. That place? Total snooze fest. Like, one of those towns where nothing happens except for the occasional dog barking. But Cloud? He was a dreamer—had bigger plans. He wanted to join SOLDIER, Shinra’s elite (and totally not evil) military force.
Fast forward past some tragic backstory, a few broken dreams, and—boom—Cloud finds himself as a mercenary. He’s about as far from SOLDIER as you can get. Or so he thinks. Turns out, things are way more complicated than a guy with a sword and a bad attitude.
So, Cloud Strife’s story is not just about saving the planet—though that’s important, of course—but it’s about him trying to figure out who he really is. I mean, he thought he was one person… and then, plot twist: he was actually someone else. Oops. The drama!
Cloud Strife’s Design: From Spiky Hair to Giant Swords
Okay, Cloud’s look—iconic, right? I mean, the dude’s got a giant sword. I’m talking “how do you even carry that thing?” giant. It’s like his whole design is just begging you to say, “Look at me! I’m a hero—just look at my hair!” And his hair? That thing defies physics.
Honestly, the first time I saw him in the original Final Fantasy VII, I was like, “Is that a wig? How does he keep that hairstyle from falling flat in the middle of a fight?” But hey, Cloud Strife made it work, didn’t he? That spiky mess became just as iconic as his Buster Sword.
Now, in the Final Fantasy VII Remake? The dude looks even more badass. The detail? Chef’s kiss. But even as graphics got fancier, there’s still something about that 1997 polygonal Cloud that just hits different. It’s like a nostalgic hug.
Cloud Strife’s Personality: More Than Meets the Eye
Let’s get real here for a sec. Cloud Strife isn’t just some brooding guy with a sword. I mean, okay, he is that… but there’s so much more going on. Underneath the hard exterior, he’s basically a walking identity crisis. At first, Cloud comes off like the typical tough-guy hero. But when he starts to peel back the layers? It gets real messy, real fast.
Here’s the kicker: Cloud doesn’t even know who he really is. For a good chunk of the game, he’s living in Zack Fair’s shadow, thinking he’s someone he’s not. And he’s got these weird memories that don’t quite add up. (Can you imagine thinking you’re someone else for most of your life? That’s gotta mess with your head.)
But over time, Cloud starts facing the truth. And let me tell you, it’s like watching a really slow but epic character arc unfold. It’s emotional. It’s raw. It’s beautiful. There’s nothing simple about Cloud’s journey—except maybe his haircut.
Cloud Strife and the Final Fantasy VII Plot: Saving the World (and Himself)
So let’s talk plot. I mean, if you’re gonna talk about Cloud Strife, you have to bring up Final Fantasy VII. This game wasn’t just a crazy ride for Cloud—it was a life-altering experience.
First, he’s a mercenary, then he’s fighting an evil megacorp (Shinra, of course), and then—wait for it—he’s trying to stop a literal planet-killer named Sephiroth. Oh, and did I mention Cloud’s also fighting his inner demons? Yeah, turns out he’s got a lot of emotional baggage. That’s not just a metaphor, by the way—he literally carries around a ton of unresolved trauma.
Oh, and then there’s Aerith. Sigh. Her death? It wasn’t just shocking; it was the moment Cloud’s emotional world exploded. I still remember my first time playing it—looking at the screen, seeing that… well, let’s just say I needed a minute to process it. Aerith wasn’t just a love interest—she was the light in Cloud’s chaotic world. Her death, and Cloud’s response, solidified him as not just a fighter, but a human being.
Cloud Strife in the Final Fantasy VII Remake: Old Dog, New Tricks
Alright, let’s talk Final Fantasy VII Remake—where Cloud Strife got a fresh coat of paint (and some killer voice acting). The remake didn’t just give Cloud a new look; it redefined him.
We see him as a bit more sarcastic, a little more brooding. I mean, the dude is still emotionally constipated (no surprise there), but this time around, we get to see even more layers to him—especially his interactions with the gang. Tifa, Aerith, Barret—they’re not just sidekicks. They’re people who help him find himself.
And let’s not forget the added scenes where Cloud starts questioning his past. It’s wild seeing him grapple with things we thought we already knew. Cloud Strife in the remake is a more introspective, less-macho version. Still badass though.
The Weapons of Cloud Strife: Bigger Is Better
Let’s talk gear. First, there’s the Buster Sword, which is the most iconic sword to ever exist. I remember when I first saw Cloud swing that thing around—I was like, “How is he not just… falling over from the weight?” The Buster Sword was basically Cloud’s physical manifestation of his emotional baggage. Huge, heavy, and hard to carry—but he did it, and he owned it.
Later on, Cloud picks up other weapons, like the Hardedge and Ultima Weapon, but the Buster Sword? That’s the one that defines him.
Cloud Strife’s Relationships: Tifa, Aerith, and a Whole Lot of Baggage
Now, I’m sure y’all remember Tifa and Aerith, right? These two women are way more than just love interests. They’re crucial to Cloud’s emotional growth.
Here’s the thing about Cloud’s relationships—they make him who he is. Tifa, with her childhood memories, is his anchor. Aerith, with her calm and mysterious aura, is the one who opens Cloud up to love and loss. And Sephiroth? Well, Sephiroth is basically Cloud’s ultimate nemesis, the source of all his trauma. But let’s not get too deep into that now.
Bulleted Fun Facts About Cloud Strife
Before we go, here are some fun tidbits about Cloud Strife you probably didn’t know. Or maybe you did, but hey, it’s nice to hear them again:
- The Buster Sword weighs around 80 pounds in real life (which, good luck carrying that around).
- Cloud’s design was initially inspired by the heroic archetypes of classic RPGs.
- There’s a crossover with Cloud in Kingdom Hearts, where he has a slightly darker edge (don’t we all?).
Cloud Strife’s Legacy: Still Iconic, Still Relevant
And here’s the kicker—Cloud Strife isn’t just relevant because of nostalgia. No, no. He’s relevant because his story resonates on a human level. He’s not just fighting for the planet—he’s fighting for himself.
The emotional depth, the trauma, the triumph—it’s all still with us. Cloud is a character you grow with, and no matter how many times you fight Sephiroth (in the original, the remake, or Crisis Core), his journey always feels like it’s still unfolding.