The Most Memorable Moments of the Compilation of FFVII – Part 1

Sephiroth’s resurrection in Advent Children/AC Complete

“This was a memorable moment because it marked the re-encounter of the two fated rivals, Cloud Strife and Sephiroth and it was the beginning of the epic fight that would settle this rivalry once and for all.

Moreover, it showed us the wonderful characterization of Sephiroth. In AC(C), Sephiroth is presented as a supernatural and menacing entity.

His design was already memorable in FFVII and it was improved in AC/ACC with a subtle yet tasteful restyling. Sephiroth himself was even more memorable, looking more androgynous and otherworldly than before.

The way Sephiroth talked to Cloud and described his new plan was frightening, because how calm he was, with a subtle smile and a composed yet intimidating voice, while Cloud sounded a bit anxious and frightened by Sephiroth’s presence.

Other than that, the way Sephiroth summoned the Negative Lifestream to cover the sky with just a wave of his hand was a subtle and classy way to give us a glimpse at Sephiroth’s true power without falling in exaggeration.

On the other hand, seeing the Negative Lifestream descending from the sky towards Midgar and Edge gave us the true notion on how the planet and all the people in it were in danger, because the very life source and blood of the planet was slowly but surely being turned into an agent of death, a weapon against the planet itself at the hands of the ominous being who brought despair to everyone.

Those are the reasons why Sephiroth’s resurrection in AC(C) was one of the most memorable moments in the Compilation of FFVII.” -Dark & Divine

The Sister Ray is fired from Midgar through Diamond Weapon & Sephiroth’s Barrier

“This moment is memorable because its the culmination of a lot of events, and is one of the last major hurdles of the game before confronting Sephiroth.

The FMV of the loading of the cannon is very dramatic, shown from an aerial point of view. The power of the cannon is depicted in a very clear way: Each Reactor fires up, sends Mako energy to the cannon, and the city goes dark as all available power is sent to the cannon for the shot. Once the cannon is fired, it shatters every window in the tower of the Shinra Building.

Meanwhile, the Planet is attempting to defend itself, via Diamond Weapon, who is attacking Midgar. The power of Diamond Weapon is notable, because even though you engage it in battle, you don’t destroy it. It takes a fully-charged shot from the Cannon to destroy Diamond.

Many fans may remember this moment because it was the origin of a controversy that wasn’t cleared up until AC/C came out- the whereabouts of Rufus Shinra. Many fans had assumed he died in this attack, since he is never seen after this point in FF7, and his office is obliterated by Diamond’s shots.

The shot ends up destroying Sephiroth’s Barrier, so that the Crater is accessible and Sephiroth can be attacked. There is finally some hope that something can be done to save the planet from Meteor.

These are the reasons why the Cannon being fired from Midgar and destroying Diamond Weapon and Sephiroth’s barrier is a memorable moment of FF7.” -Smaddy

The rescue of Aerith from the top floors of the Shinra Building.

“Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge were all dead. Sector 7, my home and sanctuary, was destroyed. The innocent flower girl, Aerith, was captured by the evil Shinra Corporation. Sitting in front of my television, I knew it was time to take action.

The rescue of Aerith from Shinra headquarters is quite possibly the most memorable moment of the Compilation, not only for the powerful dramatic force carrying the player through the ensuing action, but also for the small touches here and there that made the player feel in control of people, not simple characters.

When the party decided to rescue Aerith, I was all for it. Expecting a rigid sequence of plucky Cloud heroics, I was surprised and delighted to see the choices given to me. Did I want to storm the tower by force or sneak in silently? I was in control, I got to choose. Slipping quietly up the immense staircase, complete with banter and the occasional stop to rest up, things seemed to be going according to plan. What in many other games would be a simple scene of the characters taking a few stairs to the top was replaced by the gradual, and often funny, exposition of the characters.

Eventually, and somewhat unfortunately, I was then introduced to Hojo and his sadistic habits of scientific experiments and shoulder-shuddering laughter. I did not know his role in Cloud’s life, but I knew right away that he was not a person to take lightly as his introduction truly portrayed his insanity.

However, the introduction of a unique and likeable new character helped me to forget Hojo’s scheming, with Red XIII and Aerith joining my merry band of eco-terrorists. In short order however, the Turks found the party, tossing them in the holding cells of headquarters. Instead of taking the bland route and simply waiting out the night, I was given the option to check up on my characters, a small action that made them feel more real. Who did I like more? It was my choice to affect the interactions and affections of the characters involved. It was my chance to have these characters mean more to me.
But then it happened.

The prison cells were open, the guard was dead, only a single, thick blood trail left as evidence. The caring yet desperate interactions of the characters just a second ago was forgotten, replaced by an unexplainable fear of the unknown that had decimated Shinra headquarters. It was my first meeting with Sephiroth’s will. Slowly, perhaps slower than was needed, I snuck around the top floors of Shinra tower to examine the damage, only to find President Shinra himself murdered by Sephiroth’s weapon, a true statement to the SOLDIER hero’s power.

Just like that though, there was no time left for fear. Once again, I was on the run from the forces of the evil corporation, now led by the fear-mongering Rufus Shinra. I was in control of Cloud, riding with his sword drawn on a motorcycle, desperately swinging at soldiers as they tried to kill the allies I had come to know so well during the infiltration. For what seemed like the first time in gaming, I was angry not at the game itself but rather the enemies who tried to hurt my ‘friends’. I had not come this far to let something happen to my party members when we were so close to freedom.

Finally, with an intimidating boss left in ruins, the party was free. Standing alone on a massive highway ramp with a distant view of Midgar framing the action, the decision was made. Sephiroth had to be stopped, he could not be allowed to live. Watching this scene, I could not help but feel an odd mix of homesickness knowing I’d be leaving Midgar, and excitement to begin the hunt for the evil Sephiroth. No other game before or since has walked the fine line between the player choice and emotional involvement of the party’s rescue of Aerith from Shinra headquarters, and that is why I feel it is the most memorable moment of the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII.” -Cannon_Fodder

Cloud falling from Mako Reactor No. 5 Reactor and crashing through the roof into Aerith’s church.

The Compilation of Final Fantasy 7 has an abundance of high-action, emotionally charged scenes. In it we have numerous characters deaths, unexpected plot twists and epic showdowns. Yet somehow, amidst all this, there comes moments of quiet significance – moments that always seem to resonate just as brightly in our minds just as much, or maybe even more than any climactic confrontation. Such is a certain scene that occurs early on in the original Final Fantasy 7 title.

‘Shit! Can’t hold on much longer…’

Hanging on for dear life, our hero finds himself falling to his inevitable death. As players, we assume he can’t do so shortly after the came begun… but when he wakes from his would-be fatal fall, the imagery makes it seem as if he’s woken up in a sort of heaven. In the abandoned church where he lands, flowers grow on overly polluted soil, bathed in light where light should not be able to shine. In many ways, it really is the imagery of the scene that makes it stand out from any other. Amongst all this there is also a beautiful young lady…

‘…..So, we meet again.’

It’s an unlikely rencounter between two equally unlikely heroes. The meeting of Cloud Strife and Aeris Gainsborough is really one of the chief rising actions in the plot. They become entangled as two of the primary players in a fight for the life of the planet, as if this was a fateful encounter. From a story telling perspective, this is where the real action really starts to roll. Two heroes, heroes in immeasurably different ways, meet properly for the first time, unaware of the upcoming roles they are about to play…

More noteworthy, however, is amount of striking contrasts present in the scene. For one, the soft colouration of it is completely different all the harsh darkness thus far in the game. The armour clad soldier lying amongst a patch of flowers, tended to by a girl in pink is a soothing image, and the intense action just moments before comes to a gentle resolution. Aeris, light hearted and cheerful, is the complete opposite of the aloof Cloud. Like the radiant church in the middle of this downtrodden city, Aeris herself is the bright spot among an otherwise gloomy cast of characters. And really, that’s what this scene is all about – Aeris. Immediately we fall in love with her, even if it’s just a little bit. Her attitude is infectious, and provides relief. She eventually comes to be a symbol of peace to the FF7 world, much like the church is for Midgar.

I think I have probably noted every single thing I could possibly think of to stress the poignancy of this scene… but really, the fact of the matter is its value is rather inexplicable. It isn’t really all that dramatic, tear-jerking or filled with nail-biting action… but, I remember it because somehow underneath all its subtleties, there is something almost magical about it. I believe the team at Square Enix feels the same way, so much as to invoke nostalgia by making an allusion to it in Crisis Core.” -Looneymoon

The Final Battle in the Lifestream

“It was finally done. Sephiroth was dead, again, and the heroes had done all they could. Meteor still loomed over Midgar, its power threatening to destroy the lovingly named Planet once and for all, but the people had done all they could. Now, all that was left was to have faith in the prayer of a lowly flower girl from the slums.

At least that’s what I thought as the party began to file out of the Northern Crater, Cloud and Tifa bringing up the rear. When Cloud fell suddenly stopped in his tracks though, I realized something was wrong. At first I thought Cloud was simply exercising his ability to have extremely poorly timed mental fits, but what happened instead was quite possibly the most memorable moment of the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII: the final battle with Sephiroth in the Lifestream.

“I feel it…He’s still here. Still…he’s laughing…”

No sooner had these words left Cloud’s mouth that his spirit was pulled from his body and flung down a long, winding tunnel. At the edge of my seat with wide eyes, I was ready for anything. How Sephiroth was still alive I didn’t know, can’t say I cared either. I just knew he had to die.

When the two mortal enemies saw each other, the pixelated hate was palpable. Slowly, the camera panned in on the two facing off, brief flashes of either face building the tension and excitement. I was there, the battlefield, and with an odd mix of pride and relief Cloud unleashed Omnislash. Several devastating hits later, Cloud leapt into the sky, and with one final swing, he finally wiped the smug grin off Sephiroth’s face. The hero of SOLDIER fell back, bloodied and beaten, and in one final flash disappeared.

Several screamed curses later, I revelled in my victory, it was truly finished. The battle between Cloud and Sephiroth was a great end to an already great game, and because of this epic finale I feel it is the most memorable moment of the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII.”