I really don't know where to post this.....but....

If Tifa died, would you guys have the same feelings for her that you do Aerith?

Because Cloud likes Tifa as a friend, and so if Tifa were to die instead of Aerith, do you think that Cloud would go to Tifa like he did Aerith? Or was Cloud running for Aerith in love and shock. If Aerith lived and Tifa died, and the game played out exactly he same (just place Aerith in Tifa's role) do you think your feelings would be the same?

Sorry to like play Devil's advocate, just I really want to know this.

If everything were to be the same, except switch Aerith and Tifa's name, I would have liked Tifa.

I didn't like Aeris just because her name was Aeris... I liked her because of the role she played in the game.

no, I mean Aerith acted the same, she just switched with Tifa in the death scene.

But okay. I see your point though. ^^

Assuming Tifa and Aerith's characters are unchanged...

Let's say that in some act of valiant friendship, Tifa pushes Aerith out of the way during her prayer, and gets run through and dies herself.

End Results:
Tifa is dead. Tifa has no further purpose in the game, because Tifa's only human. Once she dies, her spirit dissolves into the lifestream and is gone for good. More importantly, her consciousness would not continue to live on in Cloud cause she hasn't the power to do that.

Aerith, being the cheerful one, would comfort Cloud in his time of need. Aerith is much better at protecting Cloud's heart, and he wouldn't grieve quite so much over Tifa. Cloud wouldn't emotionally retreat as much, and while he would still be guilty in Advent Childre (Zack's death was enough to cause it, Tifa's would be too) neither Zack nor Tifa would be able to manifest. Aerith, however, would still be the one to help him out of his grief, because, well, she's half Cetra and can talk to the spirits of the departed.

I would love Aerith in any case. It doesn't matter to me if she died or lived, Aerith is Aerith. If Tifa died, of coarse everyone would be devastated. Including Cloud. But that wouldn't change Aerith and Cloud's relationship from blooming. Avalanche would probably do something in remembrance for Tifa, like they did for Aerith. Cloud would grieve for her, like Aerith would.. but Cloud and Aerith would comfort eachother, and that would only help their relationship grow.

I don't like Aerith because she sacrificed herself for the Planet, but because she's the way she is. She's sweet, confident, and is hot-tempered on more then one occasion.

But if Tifa did sacrifice herself for the planet, my respect would shoot up for her... but she wouldn't replace my favorite Final Fantasy heroine.

If Tifa died.... i'd have to jump for joy and squeel like a school girl! Then, frolic in the flowers! :fangirl: :fangirl: Teehee, but if Tifa did die, i think Aeris would be able to help Cloud WAY more with it. She can handle Cloud emmotionally better than Tifa.

I would do that and more, I mean its not like I hate her character but the way fans show her off towards me makes me hater her, and her fans...I think I've just had a bad run in with the fans is my problem

I would love Aerith and be a Cloud and Aerith fan either way. I think Aerith would of been able to heal Cloud's wounds over time. I think a lot of things would of been different, I won't say Cloud wouldn't of felt guilty over Tifa's death but I think Aerith would of been able to be there for him in a different way then Tifa was when Aerith died.

Well, since Tifa is my favorite FF heroine (Don't worry, Aerith is close at second), I wouldn't feel any different about her and Aerith if she died. Both have different personalities that attract fans to them. So if Tifa were to die in place of Aerith, it might have some fans being drawn to Tifa more because of the circumstance. But not all fans (like some people mentioned before) like Aerith only because she died, so same goes for Tifa if that were the case. It's the way the characters are portrayed that make them favorites to fans.

And I also think, that if Aerith lived, she'd be able to help Cloud get over his guilt at a faster rate then he was in AC. Thats just what I think anyway.

Ahh... I see... Well if Aeris died... Alot of thing would have changed...

Alot of those changes directly affect Cloud's life.

I'll list some obvious changes...


1- Aeris helps Cloud in Mideel(When he goes all crazy) so he could get to work on getting Sephiroth and the huge materias.

Of course this also has a down side... Since Aeris has no memories of Cloud's past, he wouldn't be able to fill in many blanks... Thus forgetting alot of memories of Tifa. ^_~ You can see this as bad or good... Doesn't really matter.

2- Aeris would have known that Sephiroth was cancelling out Holy's power and would have told the gang and they would have saved Midgar from Meteor and Sephiroth would have been defeated.

3- Kadaj and the gang wouldn't have been evil if Aeris were there to cleanse them... Oh and they wouldn't have died either. You could see it as good versions of Sephiroth.


Basically it would be a boring game because Aeris would do all the thinking for the team. Hey, she can talk to the planet. It's not fair to Sephiroth who's in the planet... He'd be ratted out in a heartbeat if she were to ask where Sephy was. ^_~

And my opinion..

I would still like Aeris more... I liked Aeris more before the death scene occured.

If Tifa died the game would of ended, because since Aerith was alive Holy would be released and would stop Sephiroth from summoning Holy :P

If Tifa died instead of Aerith, there would be so many changes that it probably wouldn't be anything like FF7. But if I really had to think, I'll say that it wouldn't have made much difference except that perhaps I'll think a little less highly of Aerith (I'll still be very fond of her but it was her way she died that really made me pay special attention to her over, say, Rinoa). Sorry to say this, but either way, I could not have possibly liked Tifa more than Aerith. It's their personalities throughout the game that determine whether I like them or not.

The problem is that most people believe that Aerith fans only like her because she died tragically. Yes, that might be apart of it, but really (as many have already said), it's the personality that matters. Aerith to me is just more of a fun, well rounded character than say Tifa (who I firmly believe didn't have anything to her personality or her role in the game that didn't have something to do with - or in some cases completely revolve around - Cloud. Kind of a shame, really). Therefore if Tifa died instead, it's not like I'd magically start to like her.

If she did die, I would first of all question her motives (after the shock wore off). Why would she save Aerith's life at the expense of her own? Is her friendship for Aerith that strong that she'd give up a possible future with Cloud, or did she realize how much Aerith meant to Cloud and simply didn't want him to go through any pain (I've read fanfics of the like). Whatever the motive, however, it would be a pretty heroic act, which would make me respect her character all the more.

However, I wouldn't respect her character more than I did Aerith after her death. Why? Well, Tifa probably wouldn't have been able to make the decision to die for her friend until she saw the sword being brought down upon her (which already makes this entire situation improbable). It would have been a spur of the moment, gut reaction. But Aerith knew she was going to die from the beginning (I'm assuming). She had a lot of chances to run away and yet decided to die to save not just one person but - well, everyone. This to me makes her sacrifice more meaningful, but really, there is no higher act than giving your life for someone else, regardless of whether it's one or a billion.

As for Cloud, there's two schools of thought on how he might react:

1) Remember, Cloud cared for Tifa too, even if it's not in a romantic sense. He didn't pay too much attention to her before, but after she dies, he probably would realize just how much she meant to him (although again, this isn't romantic). Aerith would have tried to help him through it, but I think the guilt of not being able to protect who he believes to be his childhood friend at this point may have prevented Aerith from getting very far. It's like in S-cry-ed where (highlight for spoiler) Shireece dies to save Ryuhou. Because of his overwhelming guilt and loss, he just couldn't become romatnically involved with the other girl who was in love with him, even though she was clearly alive and he claerly cared for her.

2) Yes, Cloud cared for Tifa, but at this point in time, Cloud's like an egg just ready to crack at the slightest provocation. Losing Tifa might make him crack just like he did Aerith, but instead of pushing Aerith away he could cling to her to help him through his tough time, just like he did throughout FF7 and AC.

I think 2 is more likely. Cloud wouldn't be able to get through Tifa's death easily, but Aerith's help might speed up the process. Of course, it would also mean Aerith would have to help him during the Lifestream scene - could she do it? After all, at that point she knows about as little of Cloud as Cloud does. Would she be able to take Tifa's role?

Um in conclusion, sorry for the incredibly long winded post. That's my long answer. The short answer to the question is: If Tifa died, I'd :D . Um, sorry Tifa fans.

Agreed 100%. :yes:

I would have to disagree with this one. I don't believe the guilt of losing Tifa would ever have stopped Cloud from becoming involved with Aerith. The death of a "mere" friend would never stop anyone from being with the one they are in love with. That makes no sense to me. After all, it is because Cloud was in love with Aerith that the guilt and sorrow still follow him after 2 years. I believe Cloud would have felt guilty for a long time but not to the point of him becoming socially isolated from the woman he truly loves (Aerith). In fact, I can see Tifa's death being the force that drives Cloud into Aerith's arms for comfort.

I agree that Cloud would turn to Aerith to help him through his guilt since she truly understands and accepts him and he knows this. However, I really don't think Cloud would have "cracked" over Tifa's death in the way he did over Aerith. After all, Cloud has already experienced "losing" Tifa once, when he thought she was a "goner" during the Nibelheim incident. He didn't do a thing for her or say anything. In fact, he never found out if she was alive or not and didn't seem too excited to see her in Midgar. So, I really cannot see him having the emotional breakdown that he displayed during Aerith's death over Tifa, because we have already been shown his reaction at "losing" Tifa.

Tifa didn't die because she wuz a nigga and wut?

LOL CLERISTH NIGGERZ!111

Um, is there an actual point to your life??? :unsure: ~FF_G~

I know how you feel :P Guys gives you creepes *Brrr*

Anyways... I WOULDN'T NEVER LIKE TIFA LIKE I LIKE AERIS! Because at first sight I said: OMG THIS IS GOING TO BE MY IMPORTANT CHARACTER, she looks innocent, sweet, aaaaaaaaaaaaaalll! :P.

So I don't think it would make a change for me. Now it would make the CloTi fans said: "OMG BUT HE CAN LOVE AFTER DEATH." >>U So this would give me creeps lol.

[deleted]

(....)

You know, there are other things you could do with Photoshop other than porn right?? On the other hand, there are also other things you can do with your life other than surfing in the internet and watching porn. You can get laid for example eh?? Not a bad suggestion am I right?? ---Shrouded

Ouch... she wouldn't be here doing what she did if she were getting any ... more tact plz shroudie! >:[ - (a bored) STA ^^

Personally, my feelings for Aerith and Tifa would be no different if Tifa died. Tifa's character was always kind of tragic to me, so her death would only magnify that. It wouldn't change my original views of her.

I also don't think that Cloud would've reacted the same way if Tifa had been the one that died instead of Aerith. Although I'm certain he would've been very sad, I doubt that he would've been as devestated by her death as he was by Aerith's. I think that Cloud didn't actually realize he was in love with Aerith until he lost her. But he didn't love her because she died. So if Tifa died, I don't see why his feelings for her would change at all. Sure, he loves her as a friend. Romantically? I don't think so.

Most importantly, if Tifa was the one who died, I think it would've been a lot less shocking. Maybe I'm just a biased Clerith, but Aerith was the most important character of the game after Cloud. Tifa was a main character too, but she wasn't as necessary to the story as Aerith was (hence why she wasn't brought into the game until deep into its development). Part of why Aerith's death is still remembered as one of the most shocking moments in video game history is because she was the second main character, it was in the middle of the game, and (IMO) she was the main character's love interest. How often does a character that important die halfway through? If it was Tifa instead, it would be a shock but not as surprising for the player and not as earth-shattering for Cloud.

Tifa's death wouldn't change anything for me. To me, she's a character that's just there. However, since her most important role in the game involved her confirmation on Cloud's past memories...she would have been a pointless character if she'd died before any of that took place. :ermm:

Also, since her part in the Lifestream Sequence and the Highwind scene are major contributions to the idea of "Cloti", chances are, if she'd died before those two scenes occured...LTDs probably wouldn't exist to the same degree that they do today.

That's exactly how I see it. Cloud thought Tifa had died during the Nibelheim incident, and SE didn't portray a depression from Cloud over that. Even if Tifa had died instead of Aerith, I don't think SE would have focused on Cloud's feelings in the same manner that they focused on his feelings over Aerith. The death of a more minor character normally wouldn't leave as much of an impact on the players or the other characters in the game VS, let's say, the death of the main hero/heroine. It's pretty much why SE did what they did with Aerith...and not someone like Barret, Tifa, or Red XIII.

I wouldn't mind if Tifa died. You have to consider in the Lifestream sequence, that Cloud was shown that Tifa and her friends bullied Cloud when they were kids and thought that if he became part of SOLDIER, Tifa would like him because he became stronger. But also if Tifa did die, Cloud wouldn't have been able to unlock his past. I'm sure if Aeris fell in the Lifestream with Cloud, she would have guided Cloud to unlock his past. But would the Planet let Aeris return with Cloud?

Hummm...well, to be fair, Cloud DID know Tifa better during the first disc than he did during their childhood, so his reaction to her death might be a bit different. However, it was before and during the Nibelheim event that he had a crush on her, and he wasn't shown as being any kind of distraught. Even in Last Order, which certain fans claim is "So CloTi!" he just brushed her hair out of her eyes and hurried after Sephiroth.

As for my reaction, maybe I'd have liked Tifa more. Someone mentioned her saving Aeris would have been a "gut reaction", which means that it would be her first instinct to protect her friend. I find that pretty admirable, so I might think a bit more highly of her, but as all her pivotal roles are played after that event....yeah, she'd seem purdy pointless.
However, it would've given Aeris more screentime!

I would be so mad if Tifa were to die instead of Aries. That would've sucked so hardcore. I wouldn't have continued playing the game if that were to happy. That would suck!!!

Hmmm...I don't know. :unsure: I like Tifa and all, but since Aerith is still my favorite character it wouldn't change anything for me. And even if Tifa died she couldn't strike as much impact as when Aerith did. Besides, if she did that would mean more Cleris enjoyment :P (I know that sounded pretty mean XD)

Ready for a good, long explanation?
I don't adore Aerith because of her love for Cloud and visa versa, personally I would rather Sephiroth and Aerith, but whatever. I adore Aerith because she is sweet, gentle, docile and pure. Her personality was one of a true angel on earth, or whatever planet they were on in FF7. She cared for others more than herself and she cared for the planet and it's spirits more than herself, I doubt she even hated Sephiroth. I doubt that Aerith hated anybody. So I like Aerith because she is the purest person, even if she IS just a character, I have ever seen. So if on were to take Tifa and Aerith and switch their positions as in Tifa, as she was, died then no I would not like Tifa. Why? Because Aerith would still be the pure, sweet and docile woman that she was. If you took the name 'Tifa' and put it to Aerith's character, or if they had been created with swapped personalities and Tifa were tje pure one then yes, I would like Tifa better. But that is not the case. No matter how badly one trashes Aerith anywhere and makes Tifa out to be the better of the two, I will always love Aerith because she is better in my opinion.

Do you understand now? ^^

Their planet is called Gaia. ^_^

Isn't that FFIX's planet? I don't recall FFVII's planet ever having a name, it was always referred to "The Planet".

If Tifa died, i think Cloud would feel the way he feels now due to aerith's death. but i think Aerith wud b there for him and not pressure him n be all overprotected of him. :unsure: Even tho i dislike Tifa, i wud av a soft spot for her if she died, but inside me i wud b jumpin up n down soo much :lol: :D
i dont make any sense :cry: ah well LMAO! xx

The planet in FFVII is also called Gaia. That was confirmed by the creators before AC came out.

I think the gameplay would have been totally different.Because, Cloud, has known Tifa since they were little.I think, it would have been worse if she died, Cloud, has known and cared about her for so much longer, that it would be harder to continue on.But, I'm a C/T fan.So, that damn green eyed monster might be trying to come out, since I'm like Tifa. :cloud:
Cho

Sorry to disagree, but I think it would've been a lot less dramatic if Tifa died. She wasn't really the second main character like Aerith was. I could be (and probably am) biased here, but wasn't that what made her death so shocking? The fact that Aerith was THE main character, second only to Cloud, and she died only half-way through? I guess that's just my opinion, but I really think she was the heroine of the game.

About Cloud knowing Tifa longer, he didn't really. Even though they grew up together, Tifa didn't befriend Cloud until they were in AVALANCHE. So he actually knew both girls, in the way that you really know a person beyond acquaintance, for the same amount of time.

Losing Aerith, IMO, was probably the most devestating thing that could've happened to Cloud on his journey. Since I'm obviously a Clerith, I think that he was in love with her-- although I also think he didn't know it until he lost her. And the man had to be standing RIGHT THERE. He was so helpless to save her, yet so close. The fact that Cloud and Cloud alone was a few feet away when Sephiroth killed Aerith made the moment so much more dramatic, tragic, and shocking. It also raises the question as to why only Cloud was there and not all the others if he didn't love Aerith, and she meant the same to everyone.

Her loss was meant to symbolize a lot of things: the non-finality of death, martyrdom, and the inability to expect the loss of loved ones in real life. We have to ask ourselves this... why didn't Tifa die instead of Aerith? If the creators really were trying to portray the shock of death, killing the hero's love interest half-way through sure seems like a full proof way to do just that.

I was just thinking that a while ago…

I’m really not sure…Before I played VII I had heard a lot of stuff about Aeris/Aerith as we’ll as Tifa but something just drew me to Aeris (after hearing about her death)…dunno what it was (maybe I thought she looked better, which is true) but ever since then I’ve liked her.

but if Tifa had died instead of Aeris I would have been so happy! I mean I would have bawled my eye’s out (even though I hate her guts) but it wouldn’t have been like when Aeris died.

Ok so what I said made no sense at all but I still say it would’ve been better if Tifa had died and Aeris had lived…she would have been much better at unlocking cloud’s lost memories than Tifa.

Aerith may have Cetra powers that enable her to sense the Planet, and her bond with Cloud may be special/strong enough to transcend death...but I highly doubt she would have been much better at unlocking Cloud's lost memories. Simply put, she held no knowledge of those memories and wouldn't have been able to confirm anything.

I feel that, in a way, SE was showing that although Tifa was the key to Cloud's past memories, Aerith was, in turn, the key to Cloud's heart and soul. Afterall, Tifa couldn't find Cloud on her own, and needed Aerith's guidance to reach him.

Hmm... I don't know about that. Tifa was vital to unlocking Cloud's lost memories because she grew up with him in Nibelheim. Even if they weren't close back then, she could back up the truth and explain her memories of events to help Cloud uncover what really happened. Aerith wouldn't have been able to do that because she didn't grow up with Cloud. Yes, she knew there was something amiss, but I don't think she'd have been able to help him. Cloud needed someone who was there during his childhood.

Maybe if Zack was still alive, he could have helped him to a certain extent, having known Cloud in SOLDIER and been there during the Nibelheim mission. But Aerith? Not so much. Plus, during Maiden Of The Planet, Zack tells Aerith that they can't do anything to help Cloud, and that it's all up to Tifa. If there'd been a way for Aerith to help Cloud from the Lifestream, she'd have found it. Instead, she could only watch over them.

EDIT:

That's a really good observation, HD! It's nice to think of it that way.

Well everyone has expressed what I've wanted to say already but I'll just add my two cents anyway. :P

If Tifa had died instead of Aerith, I'd still like Aerith. I didn't prefer her over Tifa just because she died. I prefered her over Tifa due to their personality characteristics. (Of course, there's also the interaction & compatibility with Cloud factor, but I'll skip that)
Tifa didn't appeal to me because of her personality. Not to flame, I know Tifa has her good points and she's a fine woman, but on the whole I still find Aerith's character more endearing. The devastation from her death was probably because she was so full of life, so her death had this whole large degree of emptiness. If Tifa had died, it would be devastating as well, but dare I say not to the extent Aerith's was. The loss would be there, but it wouldn't be felt as much, imho.

Anyways. Dead or not, I'd still prefer Aerith who wears her heart on her sleeve fearlessly. ^_^

I would had like Tifa a little more if she did sacrafice herself in Aeris place. To me it would had shown her friendship toward Aeris and that she actually cared. But otherwise, Aeris will always be my hero. :fangirl:

Nah I would be like

"sweet Tifa died"

XD i dont like TIFA, Aeris rocks :cloud: :aeris:

If Tifa died, it'll be really sad for Cloud to lose a friend who supports him. :(

I feel funny for bringing this topic up again, since it's been over a year, but I feel like adding my two cents here. Anyway, if it was Tifa that died instead of Aeris, I would still like Aeris better. It was her death that made her one of the most memorable and notable game characters, but I didn't like her because she died. She was a very likable character on her own. Watching her friendship with Cloud grow, I dreaded it the moment I began to suspect her death was near (I knew she was going to die before I played the game). I wanted to see where her friendship with Cloud was going. It was so touching. But they had to kill her off right before she could be reunited with Cloud. I was really hoping for a romantic scene there when Cloud went up to the altar alone to see her. Sorry, I'm getting sidetracked.

On the other hand, Tifa had been pretty much just there. They hadn't really built on her relationship with the other characters, and her importance wasn't very clear. It wasn't until after Aeris died that she stood out more as a character. So, if they had killed her off then, her character would appear almost pointless, as well as her death. You'd wonder why they killed her off. It was a little early for anyone to die. It'll leave you wondering the point of her death. So, no, it wouldn't make her as memorable and notable as it made Aeris. But I might feel differently about her. Probably would think more highly of her and see her more as a tragic figure.

hmm.. if tifa dies?i think cloud will also feel sad since he lost his childhood friend,but his sadness will not be the same compared to Aerith's death.n maybe the plot of the game will be changing.Hmm..probably,Cloud and Aerith may become a lovers of what and live happily ever after..since aerith and cloud are the two main characters of the ffvii :D

Well, first I think the topic discussing "if Tifa died" focuses mainly on Cloud's reactions, no? :sweat: It's kinda UNIVERSAL RULE that Aerith's sacrifice is one important part that makes FF7 canon, a legend in all RPG games. (Considering an interview in FF7 Ultimania, Aerith's death has been highlighted for quite a page)...so what I would be more interested at would be Cloud's feelings. :P

IMO, Cloud's would be so sad too, shouts out and cry?? maybe, but I don't think he'll end up shutting up his mind and live in solitude in the case of Tifa's death. Because he's gonna have a lovely girl around him, cheering him up in the way he actually will be pleased, making easy jokes to relax him, confriming him that everything's gonna be alright with breathtakingly beautiful smiles~ :cleris: Cloud might carry the similar sin to Tifa's death, but he's not gonna be like a walking corpse, which is what he behaves in Aerith's case. :whistle: