GamerSkull
Pro Adventurer
To be fair, the compilation has always pointed towards CT/ZA so I doubt that will change.
Although I suppose anything is possible.
Although I suppose anything is possible.
I watched one Spanish soap that I can't recall the title of, and I think I'm fine with that being my only one xD In anime's case, some does romance really well while some don't. I've seen a good mix and some in-betweens.Yeah Spanish soap operas too. Though the story style of FFVII is very subversive. From the surface it looks like a typical drama rivalry over a guy but when we deep dive it's not exactly and there is a lot of stuff just going on.
I think I have have heard of that drama lol. Though I will say in several anime I've watched the love triangles have been two girls like one guy and still root eachother on and respect eachother too. That's what I'm used to and I'm fine with it while others may not be.
Funny enough I have dealt with love betrayals in my life, cheating included unfortunately but in a fantasy setting love triangles and harems are just kind of a trope to me. I don't really like them, but they also don't really bother me either, idk.
I think it really depends on our experiences how we perceive the LT in Remake or any story really. In general I get how it can be an acquired taste and why we have less of them than in the 90's when they were all the rage.
I agree people don't have to like it and I can definitely see why it would make some people uncomfortable. You are valid.
Though I'm also the type of person that gets curious why things are done a certain way and overanalyzes everything.
And based on all the above I think I can say the devs weren't trying to upset anyone or show Aerith as terrible. It's just part of the execution of the story they chose to tell. And yeah a difficult balance but I do think they pulled it off. I love her friendship with Tifa too in this game. I think they did a great job. And a good job of showing her feelings for Cloud and being torn over Zack.
I'm also curious how pt 3 will handle things.
Honestly I'm not sure.In your opinion where do you think P3 will lead in terms of the LTD? To me it seemed pretty setup for Cloud and Tifa and a Zack and Aerith reunion. I personally feel like there's been too much done in Rebirth for them to walk back. For example, how do they walk back all that romantic development with Cloud and Tifa, if you include the kiss of course, only for him to turn around and say well actually. Like the reason I put this across is I believe things with Cloud and Aerith aren't so far gone as to you can't walk it back in P3, what with what Aerith said during the church scene of not even necessarily knowing where she stands, on top of constant cutscenes of Zacks devotion, Cloud not seemingly reciprocating (though we don't really know how he feels.)
CA in P3 is certainly something I could see the directors doing if they really wanted to. But to me if they really wanted to cement CA this was the game to do it, and in that regard I think they blew it? Because now they've kind of cornered themselves if they truly want CA for part 3
To be honest, I never personally liked that moment in her resolution. It felt bizarrely out of place and it didn't help that she was talking to herself, Cloud and the audience. So the whole thing just felt off.Also are we just never going to address her resolution in Remake? Where would she get the impression Cloud would think he fell in love with her? When did she realize it's not real? They have to refer to it eventually too. Or at least they should.
Yeah, my issue with it is mostly if she's talking to herself ok. Kinda makes sense given the situation. But... This is her future self who should know her feelings by now why talk to herself here? And if these devs want to put the point across that Cloud has romantic feelings for Tifa and not Aerith. This is just a very weird way to do it.To be honest, I never personally liked that moment in her resolution. It felt bizarrely out of place and it didn't help that she was talking to herself, Cloud and the audience. So the whole thing just felt off.
If I could share my takes on your questions,Also are we just never going to address her resolution in Remake? Where would she get the impression Cloud would think he fell in love with her? When exactly did she realize it's not real? Why was her future self dream visiting him at that point if this is their goodbye? They have to refer to it eventually too. Or at least they should.
Thanks that kinda helps.If I could share my takes on your questions,
1. “Are we just never going to address her resolution in Remake?” - I think we do get closure for Aerith’s resolution in the church date for Rebirth. Aerith tells Cloud, “At least I know now, where you and I stand I mean.” Depending on affinity, Players can either interpret this scene as Aerith accepting that Cloud sees her as a friend or Aerith is happy that he, at the very least, also wanted to spend more time with her.
2. “Where would she get the impression Cloud would think he fell in love with her?” - I don’t think this line is necessarily referring to a specific moment when/if Cloud fell in love with Aerith but I think it’s more of a warning for Cloud to not to get too attached because she wants to soften the blow when she dies (since Aerith in the Aerith resolution is theorized to be a version of herself aware that she dies). It’s also why I think during their church goodbye she tells him, ”Whatever happens, it’s not your fault.”
3. “When exactly did she realize it's not real?” - Similarily to #2, I don’t think this line is necessarily referring to a specific moment when/if Aerith realizes that Cloud’s attraction to her isn’t real. Rather, I think it’s more of Aerith hinting towards Cloud about his false memories and SOLDIER persona. In Rebirth, she says something similar during their GS Date about wanting to ”meet the real him” to his obvious confusion.
4. “Why was her future self dream visiting him at that point if this is their goodbye?“ - The obvious answer is that the devs really loved delving into Aerith’s prophetic side that was aware of her fate in Remake XD however, was it ever explicitly confirmed that the future Aerith in her Resolution was Advent Children Aerith? If not, the Remake Chapter 14 Aerith seems waaaaay more similar to Rebirth Chapter 14 Aerith. This would also line up better since the way Aerith talks about the future, Cloud, and their relationship in these sections of the game are very very similar.
I might change my mind if more evidence is brought up, but currently, I’m getting the sense that the Church Date in Rebirth IS THE CONCLUSION to Aerith’s Resolution in Remake. Just food for thought.
Yeah, my issue with it is mostly if she's talking to herself ok. Kinda makes sense given the situation. But... This is her future self who should know her feelings by now why talk to herself here? And if these devs want to put the point across that Cloud has romantic feelings for Tifa and not Aerith. This is just a very weird way to do it.
Because what I the CA am seeing is a very romantic looking scene with sparkles and him saying in the most anime way possible he's coming for her. And can you blame us? It is very baity.
I figured ok so he thinks he fell for her but it's a confusing situation because he is acting out a persona and she sees Zack in him. A meta narrative illusion. Sure.
But then later I'm told: No he only sees her as a friend. He never even thought he fell in love with her.
Ok. Then why have this scene? Why not just stay straight out Aerith thought she was in love but there is a difference between like and like. Even if it's to the player it baffles me why tell it to Cloud the character at that point. And why include him and imply he thought he fell in love. I still can't figure it out.
And I hope they at least clear it up somewhere.
Just to reply a second time cause I like your posts. I do feel like they bait both sides heavily in the sense of keeping the "LTD" going, because for both sides there's always a feeling of hope because of something the developers have done. Now some people might argue as a shipper you see everything with shipping goggles on, and so everything is either romantic or not, there is no inbetween. Cody himself alluded to the fact that not everything with characters needs to be sexualised, characters can have deep meaningful bonds with characters and it not be romantic.Thanks that kinda helps.
But while I kind of see everything you said is very logical. it's still frustrating.
Because I want a more clear cut no they're just friends if they're just friends. But then you got Ch 14 Aerith waxing poetic like this. So at the same time as a CA I'm supposed to believe ok so he doesn't feel romantic feelings for Aerith got it. He loves Tifa got it.
But then why did the devs use those words? She could have said don't get to attached? Why didn't they.
I think the issue I have is I can 100% accept Cloud and Aerith is a platonic bond. I've analyzed that scene and I do get what they were going for I think from a narrative standpoint I like the scene. But it does honestly feel like I'm being baited. Because that's the least platonic way to talk to someone and they keep doing stuff like this in Rebirth.
Giving us stuff that does look romantic the red dress scene, letting us interwine fingers and stuff using words like dont fall in love with me in a scene full of sparkles while at the same time going no silly CA, you got it wrong they're just friends!
I don't know what to make of that.
It’s frustratingly (for some) open to interpretation. And I say “for some” because I know some fans do thrive off the ambiguity of scenes pertaining to a ship even though I personally don’t like the feeling of being baited or never getting explicit confirmation of something, I was so relieved whenThanks that kinda helps.
But while I kind of see everything you said is very logical. it's still frustrating.
Because I want a more clear cut no they're just friends if they're just friends. But then you got Ch 14 Aerith waxing poetic like this. So at the same time as a CA I'm supposed to believe ok so he doesn't feel romantic feelings for Aerith got it. He loves Tifa got it.
But then why did the devs use those words? She could have said don't get to attached? Why didn't they.
I think the issue I have is I can 100% accept Cloud and Aerith is a platonic bond. I've analyzed that scene and I do get what they were going for I think from a narrative standpoint I like the scene. But it does honestly feel like I'm being baited. Because that's the least platonic way to talk to someone and they keep doing stuff like this in Rebirth.
Giving us stuff that does look romantic the red dress scene, letting us interwine fingers and stuff using words like dont fall in love with me in a scene full of sparkles while at the same time going no silly CA, you got it wrong they're just friends!
I don't know what to make of that.
Personally, I didn't see Cloud and Aerith's interactions as romantic. Because, as I said before, in my opinion there was only one moment in Remake where he seemed to be aware that Aerith even is a girl, lol. (The optional "best" dress scene. I liked her other dresses better, okay!) But I can definitely understand why others would find them romantic, especially if they're also OG fans, and the game does give players choices towards that. And in a way, it's nice for CA fans since it doesn't really detract from anything, I think.Yeah, my issue with it is mostly if she's talking to herself ok. Kinda makes sense given the situation. But... This is her future self who should know her feelings by now why talk to herself here? And if these devs want to put the point across that Cloud has romantic feelings for Tifa and not Aerith. This is just a very weird way to do it.
Because what I the CA am seeing is a very romantic looking scene with sparkles and him saying in the most anime way possible he's coming for her. And can you blame us? It is very baity.
I figured ok so he thinks he fell for her but it's a confusing situation because he is acting out a persona and she sees Zack in him. A meta narrative illusion. Sure.
But then later I'm told: No he only sees her as a friend. He never even thought he fell in love with her.
Ok. Then why have this scene? Why not just stay straight out Aerith thought she was in love but there is a difference between like and like. Even if it's to the player it baffles me why tell it to Cloud the character at that point. And why include him and imply he thought he fell in love. I still can't figure it out.
And I hope they at least clear it up somewhere.
Honestly even as a CA I am happy for CT fans getting the kiss. Congratulations! It's a beautiful scene and ya have every right to enjoy it.It’s frustratingly (for some) open to interpretation. And I say “for some” because I know some fans do thrive off the ambiguity of scenes pertaining to a ship even though I personally don’t like the feeling of being baited or never getting explicit confirmation of something, I was so relieved when
But I could only imagine how C/T shippers who have been diehard fans since 1997 must have felt after 27 years.Cloud and Tifa got a kiss in Rebirth.
Thanks that kinda helps.
But while I kind of see everything you said is very logical. it's still frustrating.
Because I want a more clear cut no they're just friends if they're just friends. But then you got Ch 14 Aerith waxing poetic like this. So at the same time as a CA I'm supposed to believe ok so he doesn't feel romantic feelings for Aerith got it. He loves Tifa got it.
But then why did the devs use those words? She could have said don't get to attached? Why didn't they.
I think the issue I have is I can 100% accept Cloud and Aerith is a platonic bond. I've analyzed that scene and I do get what they were going for I think from a narrative standpoint I like the scene. But it does honestly feel like I'm being baited. Because that's the least platonic way to talk to someone and they keep doing stuff like this in Rebirth.
Giving us stuff that does look romantic the red dress scene, letting us interwine fingers and stuff using words like dont fall in love with me in a scene full of sparkles while at the same time going no silly CA, you got it wrong they're just friends!
I don't know what to make of that.
There's been definite bait. Look at the song trailer. They almost got me until I took a step back and was like wait, are they really going to go this route after bringing Zack back? Probably not. And then the leaks happened, and it was Tifa that got the kiss.But at the same time, I feel that the game is doing a lot of bait-and-switch with CA. Like, it gives the appearance of - let's say romantic situations/framing - and at the same time it's just... not? Not really?
She says 好きにならないで。Doesn't that still mean "Don't fall in love with me." As we would say in English? I always thought suki 好き is still used as love in many cases. Like falling for someone. While Ai 愛 is more serious and deep like love between family or commited lovers or a married couple?Didn’t realize it was that confusing…In her resolution scene in Japanese she use the word “like” instead of love.
It might help to adopt language that refers to awareness and intentionality rather than a broad strokes. For example, take Uresei Yatsura (That's the one with Lum if you weren't aware). In the very earliest chapters Ataru x Shinobu was actually meant to be endgame, but Ataru had unreturned affection for literally every woman. That would make Ataru x EVERY woman semi-canon by the site's rubric, and Ataru x Shinobu would also be full canon despite Ataru x Lum being the endgame and Shinobu getting a different boyfriend.I had a discussion with a group about this and it was interesting, How would you actually describe canon?
Is it if characters are in a relationship? Is it if characters both have feelings for one another? Is it if two characters share there mutual feelings for one another? Is it canon if both characters have feelings for one another but never get to share there feelings? We came to the conclusion that there should be sub-sections of Canon such as Endgame Canon, Relationship Canon, and Romantic Canon. It sounds confusing, but Semi-Canon really doenst work since its too broad, and the site lists, for example, 1 episode of Pokemon where a character who only appears once has a crush on Ash as Semi Canon.
Now, this really doesnt matter that much its just for fun XD
If it does I shall scream vindication to the very heavens.I’m willing to bet good money on either the devs, or the Ultimania’s, outright confirming that much like Remake’s resolutions, all the Gold Saucer dates canonically took place.
Ooh, that's a pairing people ship and definitely really shouldn't...
Aerith’s arc and journey in Rebirth, and to an extent this portion of the OG’s story, actually reminded me a little bit of Elizabeth’s own story from BioShock Infinite.
Reminder that "love that could never be" was only US marketing material.They're trying to slam home the "love that could never be".
Some of the writers may like the CA romantic dynamic, or there's too many cooks in the kitchen.
I think it actually translates best to "like" rather than "love" but that it's definitely used more in a romantic way, but then as Aerith herself says there are many forms of suki/like. If she used Ai like you said, even though that can also mean love in different forms it's definitely more concrete than sukiShe says 好き二ならないで。Doesn't that still mean "Don't fall in love with me." As we would say in English? I always thought suki 好き is still used as love in many cases. Like falling for someone. While Ai 愛 is more serious and deep like love between family or commited lovers or a married couple?
I think this makes sense. There was some wish fulfillment in both cases with Aerith being reminded of Zack and with Cloud wishing to be a hero and being able to act as her bodyguard probably made him feel good. And it makes sense for their to be lots of confusion in terms of feelings. Though I myself have never thought Cloud couldn't express love in an overt way even in this point of the game. Maybe others thought so but I never really jived with that idea personally. "Not real" to me seemed to be more about his facade than anything.It's equally possible both are confused about their feelings for each other to an immense degree. It's all happened so fast, after all, how could they properly establish their feelings in that time when they've got so much else to do, and, in any case, Cloud is increasingly mentally unstable?
Just two weeks prior her lost love seemingly crashes back into Aerith's life. And ditto, just two weeks prior a man who developed a hero/SOLDIER complex (to impress Tifa, which he forgot) got given an opportunity to be a bodyguard for a flower girl and live that fantasy out. I think after the many twists and turns, they were given a resolution that, no, it's not the right fit because it's not the right person.
In the end, I just have to reiterate that the goal posts for romantic behaviour by Cloud have moved by virtue of the kiss. One can no longer suggest that "Cloud can't express love in an overt way" to explain why every CA scene seems to be able to be explained platonically. Cloud can be passionate, if it's with the right girl. That's a game chang
Agreed with all you said. I think in a way the LTD is just giving things to fans to be happy about. Maybe their perspective is different. I know in many anime I have seen there is a canon route with a canon love interest, but then the OVAS will hint at stuff with other characters. It's not to undermine the story but to give fans something if they like the other characters. And there is nothing really wrong with it per say.Just to reply a second time cause I like your posts. I do feel like they bait both sides heavily in the sense of keeping the "LTD" going, because for both sides there's always a feeling of hope because of something the developers have done. Now some people might argue as a shipper you see everything with shipping goggles on, and so everything is either romantic or not, there is no inbetween. Cody himself alluded to the fact that not everything with characters needs to be sexualised, characters can have deep meaningful bonds with characters and it not be romantic.
But what do the devs honestly expect when they don't spell it out clear as day. Yeah there's a kiss which is obviously a pretty big thing, but did they honestly expect nobody to look at other scenes with Cloud and Aerith (like the hand holding or confessions you've mentioned) and not at least think hmm... okay so there is still something here for CA despite the kiss.
There's no way they don't know what they are doing and I do find it unfair for all the people involved who are interested in seeing a good old story being told without LTD stuff clogging it all up. Then again maybe the devs are the complete opposite mindset and aren't even thinking of LTD stuff at all and are seeing it from a completely different perspective than we all are
She says 好きにならないで。Doesn't that still mean "Don't fall in love with me
Yeah and also laughs as he sneaks pictures of her it's very sweet. But stuff like that is exactly what I mean by feeling baited. Him about to say something. Then nothing.Speaking of “romantic framing” but then nothing happening. I’m in Cosmo Canyon doing side quests and I did the one where you have to take photos of celestial events with Aerith. I expected the selfie thing to be romantic but for some reason it just doesn’t come across that way. Cloud does act like he’s going to say something though but then turns away.