The Game With A 101 Different Interpretations

Jenova = Lucrecia?

Throughout the entire six months the FF VII Debate Tourney on FF:WA's forums, there has never been two people's opinions on the story line completely match. From basics such as who really was the best match for Cloud, to an ending that few truly understood upon first viewing. And then there's the complex 'J=L Theory'. (To non forum regulars, this is the theory started by MadTinkerer - Jenova as Lucrecia.) This theory in itself is hard to get your head around, especially when one can accept some of the theories as true and some as false.

The sheer depth of the plot - whether intentional or a mistake by Square - leaves Final Fantasy gamers today in no doubt VII is the greatest Final Fantasy.

Aeris vs. Tifa - the love story that never was? The classic debate and one that we will never see resolved. Aeris' death does not stop the debate from going on. Who was Cloud meant to be with?

Tifa's argument is her childhood friend-relationship with Cloud. In the lifestream the young Cloud states that if she tells the adult Cloud of her feelings for him then he'll be very happy. There is also the night they spent alone together at the Highwind. Of course no one can be sure what happened there, but Tifa's reaction when she fears that they may have been seen is a little strong.

Never before had players experienced such a plot twist...	What were Tifa's true feelings for Cloud?

Aeris has always had a valid case because the growth of Cloud and Tifa's relationship happens after her death. Aeris never hides her love for Cloud, and he does cry at her death. Cloud, in return, seems to make no attempt to come onto her - but perhaps his mission to save her in the Midgar building a symbol of his love?

There is no doubt that both girls are romantically interested in Cloud. But is Cloud interested in either of them? He makes no real reference to wanting a relationship with either besides his younger-selves plea to Tifa, and again, there is no clear indication that the night by the Highwind was anything but two friends sharing a moment together.

"Hold on a minute, wasn't Red XIII the last of his kind?"

The major part of the story, and the cause of endless debating across all FF VII Internet message boards, was the ending. A very confusing conclusion and one that sparked my first debate at FF:WA. One line: -

Red XIII - 'Its too late for Holy, it's having the opposite effect'

Translation error or actual truth? The line can be interpreted in three ways: -

• Holy did have the opposite effect. It called upon the lifestream that gathered and destroyed Meteor, thus saving the world.
• Holy didn't have the opposite effect and was merely nullified by Meteors strength. However, the lifestream gathered at Midgar of its own accord and gave Holy the extra power it needed to destroy Meteor.
• Holy didn't have the opposite effect. Instead the lifestream gathered and destroyed Meteor alone.

All of these are perfectly valid theories, but it will never be known for sure what Square intended to convey, something that can be frustrating and leads to more improvable theories.

There is also the question, did humans survive? The children's laughter leaves a cryptic clue, however we know that Red XIII survived and had children. Since he can speak as humans do, there is really no reason not to believe that his children can laugh as human children laugh. Another annoying question left unanswered is the one of how he could procreate, as he was apparently the last of his species.

The Greatest Of Them All?

Final Fantasy VII is a complex story, with characters you can relate to and understand. Questions continue to boggle your mind three years after you complete it. What other game can you think of that can boast such credentials?

If you still haven't played Final Fantasy VII...	You should slap yourself silly as its the greatest game ever according to Nick

Final Fantasy VII revolutionised gaming forever: it brought the genre from the shores of Japan to the much needing shelves of the western world. It showed that there was more to games than mindless kicks and punches. It is truly epic and in 20 years time it will be "up there" with the old classics such as Pong, Space Invaders, Mario and Mortal Kombat. It was one of the turning points in gaming history, and changed many people's views on what a game should be forever.

In my opinion, Final Fantasy VII is truly the best game ever made.

Written By Nick Curd, Edited By Karen
Further Editing By Rob

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