SPOILERS LTD Remake — It's like New Coke except ... no, it's exactly like New Coke

[Maidenofwar]

I honestly don't have the time, energy, or money to settle on fanon. There comes a time when you have to bail, for some it comes sooner than later.

I agree that the devs shouldn't be attacked for this, and respect them for what they are saying. For anyone who doesn't want to settle there are other games and series, don't be baited (yes, this message is also for me)

 

[GamerSkull]

I honestly don't have the time, energy, or money to settle on fanon. There comes a time when you have to bail, for some it comes sooner than later.

Not trying to be disrespectful in any way so hope you don’t take this like that.

But how do you feel about the OG? That game essentially ends with Cloud and Tifa so CA would have to be fanon, no?

 

[Rin]

I honestly don't have the time, energy, or money to settle on fanon. There comes a time when you have to bail, for some it comes sooner than later.

I'm not sure I follow. Are you saying that if CA isn't endgame that FF7 isn't worth spending money on and being apart of the fandom? If so, that's more than fair since, and please correct me if I'm wrong, it sounds like CA plays a big role in your overall enjoyment of the game as a whole.

 

[twosevens]

Hi! I'm new (though I've been lurking since Remake--and trying to catch up since I finished Rebirth!). Wasn't planning to post, but the NPTK reveal just got me so excited I couldn't resist.

"Till we meet again" has much more depth now she is talking about all of the people she has lost the people she wants to reunite with. "Reunion" has even more meaning now.

It also finally makes me realize why she cried tears at the end not because of Cloud (He was standing near her anyways) it was because of all of the people she wants to meet

I really love how much depth and poignancy gets added to all the date sequences with this reveal. For example, Barret forcing Cloud to sway with him to the beat of the music -- originally it felt like just a cute moment, like a dorky dad trying to get an edgy teen to loosen up. But now it's all that plus Barret himself reflecting on and appreciating his relationship with Cloud, with Aerith, with all their friends on this stage and in the audience with them. And Barret's conversation on the gondola? Now inspired by Aerith's song, which reminded him of how precious their existing bonds are and easily people may pass out of your life to be met again.

It also makes me realize that we get a glimpse of Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge at the end because those are the characters that Cloud would think of meeting again at this point if the story. I'm so curious if everyone saw someone different... For example, I'm sure Aerith didn't see that trio. Did Aerith see Zack and Ifalna in particular? Maybe even Elmyra, given her line on Corel Mountain about her?

I also do like that Red's date mentions that he knows Aerith is in danger -- which suggests that even this memorywiped Aerith knows that she's in danger, even as she's writing and performing the song. So regardless of it playing in Chapter 12 or at the credits, Aerith can absolutely be singing it for Cloud, Tifa, Barret, etc. and her fear of losing all these relationships she cherishes.

Sorry for the messy post, just very excited and need to get these thoughts out of my head so I can think about other things
hahaha. Also hope it's okay to post in LTD, the general thread is a little intimidating (and it feels like you folks appreciate all the character relationships anyway!).

 

[Hellenic]

View attachment 15261View attachment 15262View attachment 15263View attachment 15265

Well there you have it

Welp, so much for the song being just about Cloud huh.

 

[GamerSkull]

Hi! I'm new (though I've been lurking since Remake--and trying to catch up since I finished Rebirth!). Wasn't planning to post, but the NPTK reveal just got me so excited I couldn't resist.



I really love how much depth and poignancy gets added to all the date sequences with this reveal. For example, Barret forcing Cloud to sway with him to the beat of the music -- originally it felt like just a cute moment, like a dorky dad trying to get an edgy teen to loosen up. But now it's all that plus Barret himself reflecting on and appreciating his relationship with Cloud, with Aerith, with all their friends on this stage and in the audience with them. And Barret's conversation on the gondola? Now inspired by Aerith's song, which reminded him of how precious their existing bonds are and easily people may pass out of your life to be met again.

It also makes me realize that we get a glimpse of Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge at the end because those are the characters that Cloud would think of meeting again at this point if the story. I'm so curious if everyone saw someone different... For example, I'm sure Aerith didn't see that trio. Did Aerith see Zack and Ifalna in particular? Maybe even Elmyra, given her line on Corel Mountain about her?

I also do like that Red's date mentions that he knows Aerith is in danger -- which suggests that even this memorywiped Aerith knows that she's in danger, even as she's writing and performing the song. So regardless of it playing in Chapter 12 or at the credits, Aerith can absolutely be singing it for Cloud, Tifa, Barret, etc. and her fear of losing all these relationships she cherishes.

Sorry for the messy post, just very excited and need to get these thoughts out of my head so I can think about other things
hahaha. Also hope it's okay to post in LTD, the general thread is a little intimidating (and it feels like you folks appreciate all the character relationships anyway!).

Welcome!

And yeah, the Avalanche trio showing up makes a lot more sense now.

 

[CldS7]

Hi! I'm new (though I've been lurking since Remake--and trying to catch up since I finished Rebirth!). Wasn't planning to post, but the NPTK reveal just got me so excited I couldn't resist.



I really love how much depth and poignancy gets added to all the date sequences with this reveal. For example, Barret forcing Cloud to sway with him to the beat of the music -- originally it felt like just a cute moment, like a dorky dad trying to get an edgy teen to loosen up. But now it's all that plus Barret himself reflecting on and appreciating his relationship with Cloud, with Aerith, with all their friends on this stage and in the audience with them. And Barret's conversation on the gondola? Now inspired by Aerith's song, which reminded him of how precious their existing bonds are and easily people may pass out of your life to be met again.

It also makes me realize that we get a glimpse of Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge at the end because those are the characters that Cloud would think of meeting again at this point if the story. I'm so curious if everyone saw someone different... For example, I'm sure Aerith didn't see that trio. Did Aerith see Zack and Ifalna in particular? Maybe even Elmyra, given her line on Corel Mountain about her?

I also do like that Red's date mentions that he knows Aerith is in danger -- which suggests that even this memorywiped Aerith knows that she's in danger, even as she's writing and performing the song. So regardless of it playing in Chapter 12 or at the credits, Aerith can absolutely be singing it for Cloud, Tifa, Barret, etc. and her fear of losing all these relationships she cherishes.

Sorry for the messy post, just very excited and need to get these thoughts out of my head so I can think about other things
hahaha. Also hope it's okay to post in LTD, the general thread is a little intimidating (and it feels like you folks appreciate all the character relationships anyway!).

That’s what I’m saying it literally makes every date scene better

Barret Cloud, Yuffie Cloud goofing around, Cloud and Tifa holding each other. The whole party is listening to the experiences and taking it into context for each duo

 

[Sacky]

Hi! I'm new (though I've been lurking since Remake--and trying to catch up since I finished Rebirth!). Wasn't planning to post, but the NPTK reveal just got me so excited I couldn't resist.



I really love how much depth and poignancy gets added to all the date sequences with this reveal. For example, Barret forcing Cloud to sway with him to the beat of the music -- originally it felt like just a cute moment, like a dorky dad trying to get an edgy teen to loosen up. But now it's all that plus Barret himself reflecting on and appreciating his relationship with Cloud, with Aerith, with all their friends on this stage and in the audience with them. And Barret's conversation on the gondola? Now inspired by Aerith's song, which reminded him of how precious their existing bonds are and easily people may pass out of your life to be met again.

It also makes me realize that we get a glimpse of Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge at the end because those are the characters that Cloud would think of meeting again at this point if the story. I'm so curious if everyone saw someone different... For example, I'm sure Aerith didn't see that trio. Did Aerith see Zack and Ifalna in particular? Maybe even Elmyra, given her line on Corel Mountain about her?

I also do like that Red's date mentions that he knows Aerith is in danger -- which suggests that even this memorywiped Aerith knows that she's in danger, even as she's writing and performing the song. So regardless of it playing in Chapter 12 or at the credits, Aerith can absolutely be singing it for Cloud, Tifa, Barret, etc. and her fear of losing all these relationships she cherishes.

Sorry for the messy post, just very excited and need to get these thoughts out of my head so I can think about other things
hahaha. Also hope it's okay to post in LTD, the general thread is a little intimidating (and it feels like you folks appreciate all the character relationships anyway!).

general right now just seems to be theories and not much else

 

[twosevens]

That’s what I’m saying it literally makes every date scene better

Barret Cloud, Yuffie Cloud goofing around, Cloud and Tifa holding each other. The whole party is listening to the experiences and taking it into context for each duo

Yes! Everyone feels a little more aware of their connections to one another and how fleeting those connections can be because of Aerith's song. Adds another layer to the gondola conversations -- maybe they were willing to be more vulnerable because of the song?

For example,

• Barret: thinking about those he will meet again (Myrna) leads to this (also potentially Tifa's near death experience)
• Yuffie: thinking about the SOLDIER she'd like to meet again
• Aerith: thinking about Zack of course, and wanting to meet the real Cloud

Just so wonderful, I loveee this new context. For me, it definitely elevated a moment that felt a little fanservicey (a character having a generic Disney moment) into something beautiful and nuanced.

 

[Maidenofwar]

The OG was where they said to have two heroines, and the hero waver between them (Kitase), and depending on how you played, and without the benefits of Ultimanias and such, you could have a completely different, memorable and valid experience. Already they change so much from saying Aerith was one who brought out Cloud's rare smile and to melt his frosty exterior. I realise things are different now.

I already accepted CA to not be the only canon a long time ago, I made my peace with that. Now if they go full ZA and CT it's their story, it's mainly to other CAs that if they'll feel more respected, validated or their money's worth elsewhere that's valid. Yes, CA means alot to me too.

 

[twosevens]

general right now just seems to be theories and not much else

Yeah, and even a few weeks ago it felt like the character relationship stuff could be a bit tricky to talk about! But this thread feels very level headed

 

[Stiggie]

I honestly don't have the time, energy, or money to settle on fanon. There comes a time when you have to bail, for some it comes sooner than later.

I agree that the devs shouldn't be attacked for this, and respect them for what they are saying. For anyone who doesn't want to settle there are other games and series, don't be baited (yes, this message is also for me)

Rather than taking your interpretation and dismissing the game if it isn't validated wouldn't it be better to see what is validated and to see if that story is worth enjoying?
I mean, I almost always have things in stories where I go "I think this would have been better if". But rather than hold on to this fantasy of my ideal story and comparing everything to that and finding that it inevitably comes up short I think I'd rather just let that fantasy go and see what value I can find in what I DID get and try to maximize the enjoyment I can get from it.

Like, I suppose I get the sentiment because I do something similar when I talk about how much I hate the changes in remake and that I just wanted a mostly 1-on-1 remake, but there I think it's more valid since there is an actual real product to compare it to rather than a fantasy. But even when I complain about that I almost always get the same reaction: "just enjoy it for what it is and stop being toxic, you'll always have the OG". But like, you'll always have your interpretation of the OG as well, you can always fantasize you know.

Can I ask, what is it about the Cloti interpretation of the game that you find unsatisfying? Cloud and Tifa are adorable, Zack and Aerith are adorable, no one loses, it makes sense, the characters and their struggles are deep and great....I just...I don't get what a romance between Cloud and Aerith would add to this story, I just don't see it, I only ever see the negatives so I just....I can't relate, at all. To me, all the most engaging analyses and descriptions of Cloud and Aerith....have always come from Clotis.

Edit: Basically what I'm saying is. Why isn't Aerith being the savior of the planet who had deep bonds of friendship and spiritual love with everyone she met enough? Why does she also need to be in love with Cloud?
Isn't it enough to see that a garden is beautiful without having to believe that there are fairies at the bottom of it too?

 

[GamerSkull]

The OG was where they said to have two heroines, and the hero waver between them (Kitase), and depending on how you played, and without the benefits of Ultimanias and such, you could have a completely different, memorable and valid experience. Already they change so much from saying Aerith was one who brought out Cloud's rare smile and to melt his frosty exterior. I realise things are different now.

I already accepted CA to not be the only canon a long time ago, I made my peace with that. Now if they go full ZA and CT it's their story, it's mainly to other CAs that if they'll feel more respected, validated or their money's worth elsewhere that's valid. Yes, CA means alot to me too.

Hmm, yes he does waver to some degree but reading between the lines and with the compilation, it’s pretty clear he ultimately chose Tifa.

Now I can still see that being possible whilst simultaneously still cherishing Aerith, like Cloud’s VA said not every relationship necessarily needs to be romantic.

Ultimately, Aerith is dead in the OG and I doubt the writers want Cloud to basically wait to reunite with her by dying eventually when one of the primary things is moving on from loss but still cherishing the memories you had of them.

But I suppose there is enough plausible deniability to have a different take… but I think it’s pretty clear if you read between the lines.

 

[Ryeleigh]

I honestly don't have the time, energy, or money to settle on fanon. There comes a time when you have to bail, for some it comes sooner than later.

I agree that the devs shouldn't be attacked for this, and respect them for what they are saying. For anyone who doesn't want to settle there are other games and series, don't be baited (yes, this message is also for me)

I hope this won't come off as annoying or anything because it seems that we have very different views on shipping. I won't try to persuade you or change your mind either because ultimately you do what's best for you. I also know that this is the debate thread but I really want to remind everyone that no one, including the creators, other fans, the characters being romantic or platonic or familial, can't and shouldn't take away anyone's enjoyment of what they enjoyed about them and their bond in the first place. No one needs to "win" to enjoy what they enjoy (especially when everyone enjoys what they enjoy before winning, you know).

 

[KindOfBlue]

I think going into FF7 with the expectation that any ship needs to be “validated” is part of the problem with this fanbase. Most people have this attitude innocently because let’s face it, things weren’t always this well-defined. To an extent, I understand why some might feel that they’ve been burned.

Personally, I dislike shipping for this exact reason. At it’s most extreme, you get a delusional weirdo who uses an AI-generator to make the character’s voice harass a company and pretends to send yakuza after devs.

It’s not about ships, and it’s never been about ships. It’s basic storytelling between characters with established feelings. Had Tifa been the one to die in the OG and never get a chance at a happy life with Cloud, I would feel the exact same way.

 

[CldS7]

I think going into FF7 with the expectation that any ship needs to be “validated” is part of the problem with this fanbase. Most people have this attitude innocently because let’s face it, things weren’t always this well-defined. To an extent, I understand why some might feel that they’ve been burned.

Personally, I dislike shipping for this exact reason. At it’s most extreme, you get a delusional weirdo who uses an AI-generator to make the character’s voice harass a company and pretends to send yakuza after devs.

It’s not about ships, and it’s never been about ships. It’s basic storytelling between characters with established feelings. Had Tifa been the one to die in the OG and never get a chance at a happy life with Cloud, I would feel the exact same way.

This is not a war on ships and never been about ships, it’s a war on the literal narrative and plot of the game. That’s why this discourse has continued for nearly 30 years.

It’s always been a war on narrative and trying to change the entire biggest reveal of the entire game

 

[Stiggie]

I think going into FF7 with the expectation that any ship needs to be “validated” is part of the problem with this fanbase. Most people have this attitude innocently because let’s face it, things weren’t always this well-defined. To an extent, I understand why some might feel that they’ve been burned.

Personally, I dislike shipping for this exact reason. At it’s most extreme, you get a delusional weirdo who uses an AI-generator to make the character’s voice harass a company and pretends to send yakuza after devs.

It’s not about ships, and it’s never been about ships. It’s basic storytelling between characters with established feelings. Had Tifa been the one to die in the OG and never get a chance at a happy life with Cloud, I would feel the exact same way.

So would I, that having been said if that had happened I don't think I'd have been in this community complaining about it. I've been burned like that before, hell, this has happened with the vast majority of my favorite ships. What I did was stop watching and go somewhere else, so I suppose I can at least understand the sentiment of "this or nothing". I have arguments why I think those decisions ruined the stories, but I did accept it and move on.

This is not a war on ships and never been about ships, it’s a war on the literal narrative and plot of the game. That’s why this discourse has continued for nearly 30 years.

It’s always been a war on narrative and trying to change the entire biggest reveal of the entire game

Agreed, the problem here isn't who Cloud loves, but how that "small" change snowballs into changing almost every aspect of the story.

 

[GamerSkull]

Yeah, typically my issue with these is that they are disregarding what the story is putting down. If Aerith’s and Tifa’s roles were reversed, I’d probably be telling CT fans that it’s cool as fanon but it’s not what happened.

For instance, saying Cloud’s mom referred to an older woman. Yes, I would agree that it is certainly a reference to Aerith, but I don’t see it as proof of canonicity. It’s just another thing to throw on to the pile of “getting sad that Aerith’s life was cut short.”

A red herring, like I’ve said in the past.

 

[Lex]

The OG was where they said to have two heroines, and the hero waver between them (Kitase), and depending on how you played, and without the benefits of Ultimanias and such, you could have a completely different, memorable and valid experience. Already they change so much from saying Aerith was one who brought out Cloud's rare smile and to melt his frosty exterior. I realise things are different now.

I already accepted CA to not be the only canon a long time ago, I made my peace with that. Now if they go full ZA and CT it's their story, it's mainly to other CAs that if they'll feel more respected, validated or their money's worth elsewhere that's valid. Yes, CA means alot to me too.

This is one of the reasons I've always respected your views as a Clerith, because unlike some of the insane takes on Twitter you acknowledge canon as a whole.

I would say don't be disheartened tbh. I think there's plenty there for Clerith as a ship in Rebirth and who knows what they'll do in the next game. My position has always been that Aerith and Cloud were supposed to look like the perfect couple until tragedy strikes, to give it more weight and impact. It's designed to be a red herring, but that doesn't mean they don't feel anything for each other. It contributes to Cloud's loss of self after she dies, then Tifa puts him back together and he fully remembers who he is and how he felt/ feels about Tifa (confirming mutual feelings).

I think where we maybe differ in our opinions is in how that plays out in the OG - no matter what you do, Cloud and Tifa confirm their feelings for each other (high affection or low affection - this happens anyway, the only difference is how explicit the scene is) and I think it's naive for anyone to assume that "confirming their feelings for each other" isn't romantic or is somehow a choice, even in the low affection version of the scene.

It's not just the players to blame for that, because as I've said in the past it's perfectly understandable that people would play through VII and overlook the romantic stuff between Cloud and Tifa, especially if all you're thinking about is Cloud and Aerith - will we get her back? Can they be re-united? These are the thoughts that run through some players heads when they play OG for the first time. Players who are hung up on that relationship are actively not going to acknowledge another love interest when all they're thinking about is a happy ending for the couple they liked.

The closest parallel I've seen in media was the ending of The Legend of Korra, where half the fanbase were convinced there was nothing romantic going on because they completely overlooked all the buildup and hints. It took the creators to come out and say it outright immediately after it aired for people to stop arguing that Makorra (idk I don't remember that ship name, it was awful anyway) was the true endgame.

Just take heart you're not one of the Twitter crazies. Someone told me the other day the apparent read on Twitter regarding the new Gongaga scene is that Tifa was trying to take advantage of Cloud in his weakened mental state "which is disgusting" etc. These people are absolutely unhinged.

 

[Yoru]

This is one of the reasons I've always respected your views as a Clerith, because unlike some of the insane takes on Twitter you acknowledge canon as a whole.

I would say don't be disheartened tbh. I think there's plenty there for Clerith as a ship in Rebirth and who knows what they'll do in the next game. My position has always been that Aerith and Cloud were supposed to look like the perfect couple until tragedy strikes, to give it more weight and impact. It's designed to be a red herring, but that doesn't mean they don't feel anything for each other. It contributes to Cloud's loss of self after she dies, then Tifa puts him back together and he fully remembers who he is and how he felt/ feels about Tifa (confirming mutual feelings).

I think where we maybe differ in our opinions is in how that plays out in the OG - no matter what you do, Cloud and Tifa confirm their feelings for each other (high affection or low affection - this happens anyway, the only difference is how explicit the scene is) and I think it's naive for anyone to assume that "confirming their feelings for each other" isn't romantic or is somehow a choice, even in the low affection version of the scene.

It's not just the players to blame for that, because as I've said in the past it's perfectly understandable that people would play through VII and overlook the romantic stuff between Cloud and Tifa, especially if all you're thinking about is Cloud and Aerith - will we get her back? Can they be re-united? These are the thoughts that run through some players heads when they play OG for the first time. Players who are hung up on that relationship are actively not going to acknowledge another love interest when all they're thinking about is a happy ending for the couple they liked.

The closest parallel I've seen in media was the ending of The Legend of Korra, where half the fanbase were convinced there was nothing romantic going on because they completely overlooked all the buildup and hints. It took the creators to come out and say it outright immediately after it aired for people to stop arguing that Makorra (idk I don't remember that ship name, it was awful anyway) was the true endgame.

Just take heart you're not one of the Twitter crazies. Someone told me the other day the apparent read on Twitter regarding the new Gongaga scene is that Tifa was trying to take advantage of Cloud in his weakened mental state "which is disgusting" etc. These people are absolutely unhinged.

Exactly. As always, support who you want. No one can tell you what you must like or not.

It's just that a work exists. It has a beginning and an end. And in the end, it's pretty clear and obvious who the final "ship" is. I'm sorry but it's not "opened to interpretations". These are just facts in the most literal sense possible.

As long as you're aware of this, and don't force your desires on what the work should be, I have no problem with any ship.

 

[GamerSkull]

I would say don't be disheartened tbh. I think there's plenty there for Clerith as a ship in Rebirth and who knows what they'll do in the next game. My position has always been that Aerith and Cloud were supposed to look like the perfect couple until tragedy strikes, to give it more weight and impact. It's designed to be a red herring, but that doesn't mean they don't feel anything for each other. It contributes to Cloud's loss of self after she dies, then Tifa puts him back together and he fully remembers who he is and how he felt/ feels about Tifa (confirming mutual feelings).

Beautifully said. I think I basically have the same exact take on the whole game. I also agree that no matter what Aerith will still be a special person to Cloud.

And yeah, Twitter is nuts. I’m not really sure how the Gongaga bit can be construed as Tifa taking advantage but I’m not surprised. I saw a take that Tifa manipulated Cloud by forcing the promise on him when they were children.

I think in the end, the moral of the story is: Twitter sucks.

 

[Jane Fane]

♪ Till the daaaaaaay that part 3 comes out
Where or wheeeeeeen, I wish I could say
But belieeeeeeeve, know that weeeeeee'll be here
Love triangle debate, we won't ever stop ♪

 

[Yoru]

♪ Till the daaaaaaay that part 3 comes out
Where or wheeeeeeen, I wish I could say
But belieeeeeeeve, know that weeeeeee'll be here
Love triangle debate, we won't ever stop ♪

It's been a long time since there were any debates. It's just people talking to walls.

 

[Stiggie]

For instance, saying Cloud’s mom referred to an older woman. Yes, I would agree that it is certainly a reference to Aerith

Is it though? I never understood why this is so commonly asserted as the normal thing to assume. I don't know about you but I never even realized that Aerith was older than Cloud when I played the OG, if that's mentioned somewhere its well hidden. It's the kind of stuff you learn from reading ultimanias or booklets.

When I hear that scene I hear Claudia talking about the temptations of city girls and that he should settle down with someone who'll take care of him. When I think City girl I think Aerith, when I think "Someone who'll take care of him" I think of Tifa in mideel.
And when I hear "mature" I think of the girl running her own bar rather than the girl still living with her mother.
I've always found the technicality of Aerith being 1 year older such a weird thing to highlight as the important part when a years difference is arbitrary at best, hell, if Claudia was really talking about an older woman we should be talking about Elmyra XD

Especially when we consider that at the time of the talk Tifa was literally living next door to Claudia and Claudia was aware that Cloud liked her it seems blatantly obvious that Claudia herself specifically had Tifa in mind, and the context surrounding Clouds reaction to is makes it equally blatantly obvious that Cloud wasn't interested in his mothers opinion of women since he was already thinking about Tifa.

So if both Cloud and Claudia are thinking about Tifa during that moment, and if we don't even know anything about Aeriths age when the flashbacks happens, then why is it certainly a reference to Aerith?

 

[Yoru]

Is it though? I never understood why this is so commonly asserted as the normal thing to assume. I don't know about you but I never even realized that Aerith was older than Cloud when I played the OG, if that's mentioned somewhere its well hidden. It's the kind of stuff you learn from reading ultimanias or booklets.

When I hear that scene I hear Claudia talking about the temptations of city girls and that he should settle down with someone who'll take care of him. When I think City girl I think Aerith, when I think "Someone who'll take care of him" I think of Tifa in mideel.
And when I hear "mature" I think of the girl running her own bar rather than the girl still living with her mother.
I've always found the technicality of Aerith being 1 year older such a weird thing to highlight as the important part when a years difference is arbitrary at best, hell, if Claudia was really talking about an older woman we should be talking about Elmyra XD

Especially when we consider that at the time of the talk Tifa was literally living next door to Claudia and Claudia was aware that Cloud liked her it seems blatantly obvious that Claudia herself specifically had Tifa in mind, and the context surrounding Clouds reaction to is makes it equally blatantly obvious that Cloud wasn't interested in his mothers opinion of women since he was already thinking about Tifa.

So if both Cloud and Claudia are thinking about Tifa during that moment, and if we don't even know anything about Aeriths age when the flashbacks happens, then why is it certainly a reference to Aerith?

It can be both.

• Tifa is the one keeping him in check. She finds him a place to sleep. Give him work and relation advices. And it can be taken as forshadowing for when she'll be the one to find the real him.
• Aerith doesn't buy his bullshit Solider persona and make fun of him to show him when he's kinda cringe and ridiculous playing bad boys.
  
  Personally I find Tifa far more mature than Aerith in Remake who's just here to have fun (as she should be)