What are the chances that Square will finally resolve the Love Triangle in AC and reunite Cloud with Aerith? What are the chances that Square will show that Cloud loves Aerith only?

Cloud is dying. There's about a 50% chance that he will die. If he dies, there's a 100% chance that he will be reunited with Aerith. If he lives, I'd say there's about a 50% chance of Cloud ending up alone vs. ending up with Tifa. It looks like the odds are in our favor, in that respect. :lol:

But even if he dies, will Square conclusively show Cloud's love for Aerith with a kiss or an "I love you"? Square's in a tricky situation, after all. If they conclusively show Cloud's love for Aerith, there's going to be a lot of very unhappy Cloti fans. It will contradict the Cloti interpretation of FFVII. If they conclusively show that Cloud loves Tifa, there's going to be a lot of very unhappy Cleris fans. That would contradict our view of FFVII.

Personally, I would even be unhappy if Square conclusivelyshowed that Cloud loved Aerith *while she was alive*, but let him get in a love relationship with Tifa now. That would also contradict my view of the game because I understood that Cloud had decided to keep on searching for Aerith until he found her and that Cloud was willing to go against all odds to be together with Aerith again, no matter what it took.

Nomura said in one interview that there are as many interpretations of FFVII as there are gamers, which shows that they are aware of the Cleris vs. Cloti interpretations of the game. Nomura also said in the same interview that the AC staff had decided to stop before contradicting the views of players. If they don't want to contradict the views of players, then what are the chances that they will conclusively show us that Cloud loves Aerith only?

AC SPOILERS

It depends on how much Aerith loves Cloud and his fogiveness. If he forgives himself there's a higher chance of him surviving and ending up with Tifa.

I guarentee that it he dies, the best we will get will be a hand-reach scene at the end and Cloti's would find it hard to argue with that as FFVII ended in near the same way.

I think that Cloud will talk of his love for Aerith and his guilt at failing her to Tifa and Tifa will no doubt comfort him. Then it's Aerith's turn and we know what she says to him already that she never blamed him. Vincent's 'I've never tried' comment on redemption will be important too, because Cloud responds by saying that he is going to try and find forgiveness. It's all down to whether Cloud forgives himself... Or whether Sephiroth, or even Geostigma takes that choice out of his hands.

I'd love to see Cloud and Sephiroth take each other out, but Sephiroth realising he's been a puppet all along just as he dies... would be great too.

Are you saying that Cloud will end up with Tifa if he forgives himself? Is it that simple? I've never seen indication that he loved Tifa as anything other than a friend. Cloud does have to resolve his guilt, yet that doesn't mean he has to move on to love anyone other than Aerith.

My understanding of the end of FFVII was that Cloud would keep on searching for Aerith until he found her, even against all odds. My understanding of the end of FFVII was that Cloud loved Aerith only, and that he chose to be with her regardless of what it took and regardless of what it cost him. If he were to end up with Tifa, that would completely contradict my understanding of the ending.

If Cloud does survive, and if he does forgive himself, I don't think that is any guarantee that he wll move on. The greatest thing supporting that is that Nomura said that the AC team had decide to stop before contradicting anyone's view of the game. That alone suggests that they will leave it inconclusive... unfortunately. :(

Hehe... that will be a topic for another debate at some point, since I don't believe that Sephiroth was a puppet. I think he was very much in control. :rolleyes:

Aly, I think DSC meant that if Cloud had forgiven himself, that Tifa would be more likely in comparison to him not forgiving himself. There's no way he could end up with Tifa without forgiving himself, and the chance is still very small even if he did forgive himself.

I think S-E will leave some big hint, but they won't say it conclusively because they can't. I think the Clotis stating that the cameos in other games mean nothing is stupid, because that's the only evidence Square can boldy use to explain Cloud and Aeris's love. They can't say anything directly in AC, because it would contradict fan's views. The cameos are an outlet for Nomura and the others to throw support behind Cleris in FF7, because Square won't let them say anything directly tied to the game itself.

Seii_Monogatari is right about what I said, should Cloud not forgive himself for Aerith's death then he will never get with Tifa. If he forgives himself he with either move on, look for Aerith again... or die and probably reunite with Aerith. So that's a much higher chance of Aerith and Cloud being together anyway.

Yes, it would be interesting.

Ohhhh, I thought you were saying that if he forgives himself, he'll move on. Forgiving himself may raise the chances that he will move on, but I don't think there's any guarantee of that. I'm glad you agree. :rolleyes:

That's the way I see it, too. Even if he forgives himself, he may end up alone. Even if he lives, he may end up alone.

About forgiving himself - there's several things affecting it. I don't think it's just because he was unable to save her in the Death Scene. He also blames himself after the Lifestream Event for being responsible for making Meteor fall because he gave the black materia to Sephiroth. If Sephiroth hadn't summoned Meteor, there would have been no reason for Aerith to sacrifice herself. So that's part of the reason he's blaming himself, too.

He also blames himself for the death of Zack and his mother. He was unable to save his mother in the Nibelheim fire, and he was unable to save Zack after Zack rescued him from the lab. Those things are making Cloud's guilt even worse.

Added to that - the Cloti's are hoping that Aerith healed Cloud when she touched his arm. If Cloud is feeling guilty about her death NOW, wouldn't he feel even worse about it after she healed him? His perception is that he let her die. If Aerith were to heal him, wouldn't Cloud feel even more guilty that Aerith given him life after he was unable to save her?

But to get back on topic - I think there's a greater chance that AC will be inconclusive than anything. I would really like to see them resolving it conclusively in favor of Cloud and Aerith so that the arguing will stop - but I don't think we can count on that happening. :(

It would be lovely if they finally say it out loud - CLOUD LOVES AERITH! I mean, in that romantic, intimate way of course. :lol: (Because some people will probably retort, 'duh of course Cloud loves Aerith but as a friend and nothing more')

But I highly doubt it. They'll probably make up another open-ended conclusion that will unleash more debates of epic proportions. :(

i think nomura enjoys watching the "war of the fans" lol an dis likely that this damn love tringle will never resolve- or if nomura will finish it once and for all and just TELL US!! itll be easier that way, although square has been trying to tell us by using hints and camoes:> why dont they just get to the point urgh

I hope so, but the pessimist within me says that there'll probably be nothing conclusive. If Square wanted to end the debate once and for all, it would be likely that they'd do so by "baby-stepping" everyone in the direction of one interpretation. In other words, slowly-but-surely release more and more suggestive evidence pairing Cloud with Aerith. They seem to be doing so with Kingdom Hearts and whatnot, and even the hinting so far for AC seems more suggestive in nature than anything before. We may have to wait for Crisis Core, or perhaps the ACTUAL SEQUEL (damn you square!) to get something more conclusive. Just a thought.

I don't think Nomura likes the war of the fans. Obviously, he's been trying to hint at us for years(KH anyone?), but I believe it to be SE squelching him. He was quoted saying he was told to stop before he contradicted anyone's beliefs

Hum, I remember Nomura saying that the love triangle will be resolved in AC... But anybody trusts Nomura ^^UU... But I think it will be true in some way... My opinion is that Cloud will die or he will be alone. If they resurrect Aeris Clotis will be disappointed and if they put Cloud with Tifa Cloris will be idem. And I think that if they end the film with Cloud alone, I will be disappointed because I would consider it like a deception because all would be ending like the FF7 and SE can return seven years after and they can do another AC with the same argument ¬¬...
Conclusion, Cloud´s death is the best because people would be think "damn it, Cloud is death TT_______TT", not "oooh, Cloud ends with Tifa/Aeris"... Something like Cowboy Bebop or Rurôni Kenshin endings ^^
Sorry for the possible mistakes U.U

The only thing I remember is that he said AC would "touch" on the Love Triangle. I just wish Nomura would slip-up in a conference or at a film festival or something! And I do think they love watching us squirm, I know I would if I had created such a controversy!! :lol:

That's all I remember Nomura saying, too. Do you really think they've enjoyed watching us debate this for the last seven years, especially with all the anger and hatred that's kicked up by the debates? Nomura prolly gets asked about it at least once a week - I'd be sick of it by now if I were him.

[QUOTE]The only thing I remember is that he said AC would "touch" on the Love Triangle. I just wish Nomura would slip-up in a conference or at a film festival or something! And I do think they love watching us squirm, I know I would if I had created such a controversy!![QUOTE]

Really?? :blink: ... Sorry, I was mistaken then U.U... I didn´t remember it very well. This quote was said long ago ^^UU... Well, I keep my opinion despite this...until I will see the film ¬¬
But if the LT isn´t resolved in AC, the discussions will continue then... It´s tiring U.U

Ye know, another thing that would weigh against a conclusive ending is the number of people who believe that Cloud loved neither Aerith or Tifa. Sure, they're in the minority, but there are people who think Cloud loved Zack, or Yuffie, or Sephiroth, or Barret, and even people who think Cloud loved no one.

No matter who Square paired Cloud up with, it's going to make a group of fans unhappy.

Nomura said it himself "Cloud's such a popular character I don't want to decide for him!"
Coward <_<

Should the creative team behind SE be pressured by the fans and gamers in deciding which character will they make Cloud love? I understand that they must be concerned because of marketing concerns and business and such, but if I were them, I'd hate it if my decision in finishing my story will be greatly influenced by disgruntled fans who just want to see their preferred couple be 'official' to rub it in the face of the other fans and say, "See, we were right and you were wrong!" :angry:

I mean, in a way, it's not the creative genius of these people who are writing down the story, it's obsessive fans and the company's desire to please everybody who will view the movie... which we know is impossible...

You're right, Zhakeena - it's a shame that the company is driven by the desire to please all fans rather than by creative genius alone, but it's pretty obvious that they are being influenced by the desire to please fans. Square is a business trying to bring in money. Since displeasing fans results in lost revenue, it will effect what they produce.

We know the company's talent at making things inconclusive, though. The quote that Sefie gave above was Nomura talking about Kingdom Hearts, and Kingdom Hearts did leave the Cloti's room to squirm away from the Cleris evidence. Yet, Kingdom Hearts quite clearly demonstrates Cloud's love for Aerith when you don't want to squirm away from it. If Square considers Kingdom Hearts inconclusive, then they will probably make Advent Children inconclusive in a similar manner. They'll make things obvious to those who want to see it, but they'll leave room for interpretation at the same time. It doesn't make me happy, but I think that's most likely what they'll do. <_<

i think even if square said: CLOUD IS IN LOVE WITH AERIS O CLOUD IS IN LOVE WITH TIFA, he love triangle would continue to exist..." sight" :huh:

I wouldn't mind if Cloud was alone by the end of AC. I'd love for him to be single even though I'd love it more to see him show strict evidence of love for Aeris. I really doubt that they will have him "with" someone. They want to keep Cloud's image the way it is and have everyone love him even after AC.

Looking at the way things work according to Square for the past 11 FF games though... They want to leave a lasting impression on the fans. In my opinion, Aeris just forgiving him as he goes and forgets all the feelings he showed for her in FFVII and other games and goes to make out with Tifa seems very blah to me. The biggest impact Square could possibly give to the audience is him dying a heroic, memorable death and seeing a glimpse of his promised land, which he has suffered so much for. And maybe the last few scenes can be him hearing a small giggle behind him as he turns around and sees Aeris smiling and reaching her hand out to him. It would leave much room for debate, something Square does seem to want to give, and yet show who they see who Cloud should be with. A method given in KH. But who knows what is in their plotting little minds. We'll find out when AC is released.

Yeah, I agree with you... In my opinion Cloud´s death would be the best and most logical ending that AC can have today ^^UU

Hey guys...I can't remember where I heard this from...but is it true that Nomura has stated that he knows who Cloud loves, but that fans could also decide for themselves? :unsure:

So true!!!! And I agree that they won't be able to resolve this issue at all if they leave AC's ending "open". The debates will definitely just get worse. I mean, they're a business with the purpose of making a profit but it really irritates me, as a true FF fan, that Square would far rather keep all their fans happy than go all out with their own storyline and plot (which is what true fans are more interested in). I love the FF series because they're able to draw me into the games with such emotionally and beautifully written storylines. Of course, I am already slightly disappointed with AC simply because I know much of it will be based off of the fans. I'm a Cleris not only because of how I've interpreted the game but also because of the obvious hints that they've shown us through KH and Tactics. Since they've already gone as far as to hinting who Cloud loves, they might as well make it openly clear, ya know? It would be a bonus to be able to openly acknowledge that Cloud and Aeris are the canon couple of VII, but even if it turns out that I'd been wrong this whole time and they're not, I'd still love them regardless. No matter who the canon couple is, I'd far rather watch a movie based on Square's own creations. If we just wanted fanwork, we woudn't need Square, right? <_<

I haven't heard of it, but I think that it is pretty obvious, since he was the director of the game, and the director of the movie, even if he's not the plot writer, he still knows what the plot writters are planning, since that's one of his duties as director.

You have just shown a great point, wich I share. Yes they have given us so many hints, telling us that Cloud & Aerith are FFVII's official couple, by KH and FFT. I don't think that they're trying to make all fans happy, just because they are leaving it to an open interpretation, I think that they said this because, the biggest factor, for the people to watch the movie, is to see the final resolution for the Love Triangle, and if they gave it before the movie, it wouldn't have the same impact, as it has now, when we don't know for sure wich will be FFVII's official couple.
And yes, if we just wanted fanwork, we wouldn't need Square, except for making us games, since we can't. :lol:

I totally agree, Hades. If Square's gonna bother continuing the FF7 franchise, they might as well show some guts and deliver something suspensful, surprising, or just something that adds a new dimention to the story... otherwise, why bother? If Square hopes to do a follow-up to the game any justice, they're gonna just have to risk off-putting some of the fan base by either definitely tieing up loose ends (ahem... CxA...), or adding something remarkable to the storyline.

I agree that Square should wrap up the Love Triangle, but I'm not at all sure that they will. No matter what they do, certain groups will be angry. I have no problem with them resurrecting Aerith in some way, but lots of people would. If Cloud dies, there's a whole bunch of people out there who think that only Ancients can make it to the Promised Land. If Cloud gets together with Tifa, there's gonna be a whole lot of people unhappy, too. When I say a lot of people, I mean millions of people who are all potential buyers. I'm not sure they want to risk that.

Square only said they would touch upon the love triangle in AC. They never said they would resolve it. I'm not sure what they'll do.

I've heard people say that in forums, but I've never seen it documented. I've never seen a link have given to a source for that statement. He hasn't said it in reference to AC... it's something he supposedly said in an interview years ago, but nobody seems to know where or when he said it.

They're just gonna 'touch on' the LTD...I remember reading this at Final Fantasy 7 Citadel, but what is its actual source?
Even if they ‘touch upon’ the love triangle, I think they won’t conclude it. I mean if SE officially confirmed that Cloud loved either woman, that isn’t just ‘touching upon’, that’s a major resolution! I’m guessing ‘touching upon’ merely means they’ll be acknowledging it: that Tifa loved and maybe still loves Cloud, that Cloud loved and continues to love Aerith.

If he really did say that, it’s good news for us. From all the pro-Clorith hints in the past few years, we know who he considers Cloud’s true love. If he did say this, he’s practically confirmed Clorith as canon.
But this is probably just a rumor…no source or anything… :unsure:

That was said in an interview that was published last summer at AC.net. Unfortunately, the links to any interviews and news from Square were deleted when AC.net changed servers about a month ago. I can't find anything prior to 2/7/05 available at AC.net now.

They'll only touch the Love Triangle, because they can't do anything else (not because they don't want to), since it was already developed in the game (even if it wasn't resolved), and also Aerith died. Remember that in order to have a Love Triangle, you need three alive chartacters, not two alive chracters and one dead, or whatsoever. They can end the Love triangle by only touching it in the movie, they don't have to develop it again. I think that Nomura's and other SE declarations on the Love Triangle, have been missunderstood, if they haven't told wich is FFVII canon couple, its because that would make AC less interesting (at least, that is what I hope).

I agree with everyone that Square will most likely not resolve the love triangle, or any other "loose end" in the FF7 storyline, for that matter. As Anastar noted, there are just too many fans with divided opinions and views about the storyline of FF7 that would make "resolving" anything problematic. However, that in of itself could be disastrous for Square as well. If they try to hard to be "open ended" and make everyone happy, it could backfire: the storyline for AC could be so amorphous and unengaging that EVERYONE will be unhappy with the product. It's really risky for Square, and I'm worried they may not pull it together unless they get a little gutsy and take a risk with the storyline.

That's something the Cloti's have been saying for ages, and I don't agree with it. If Cloud fell in love with Aerith before she died and remembers his love for her, isn't that competing against a relationship with Tifa? If the memory of his love for Aerith is greater than Cloud's wish for a relationship with Tifa, why would he get together Tifa?

The Cloti's seem to think that Cloud will end up with Tifa just because Tifa is available and because Tifa loves him. They never seem to consider that Cloud has to love Tifa in order to get involved in a relationship with her. Just because Tifa has feelings for Cloud does not mean that Cloud has feelings for her.

However, I think you're right that the Love Triangle existed in the game rather than AC. At this point, Square can either make it clear who Cloud loved during the game, or leave it ambiguous. Whether or not Square decides to make it clear who Cloud loves or loved, I think it'd be best to have Cloud die at the end of AC. It'd be the easiest way to have the fighting between Cleris and Cloti stop.

Unless the Cloti's want to make fantastic hypocrits of themselves, Cloud would no longer be available for a relationship with Tifa because he's dead. Tifa wouldn't have the ability to communicate with Cloud after death because neither of them are Cetra... so according to Cloti logic, Tifa should move on with someone else. :lol:

The remaining question is whether Cloud would find Aerith after death. If nothing else, I don't see why Aerith's spirit couldn't lead Cloud to the Promised Land after death. :rolleyes:

Yes, there is a Love Triangle, but a psicologycal one, not a Love Triangle that can be worked with, like in the game. See, in the game there was 2 girls trying to make Cloud be with them (each one respectively), and Cloud that couldn't define his feelings, now in Advent Children, that one of the girls is dead, even if Cloud still has feelings (love?) for her, the Love Triangle can't be played as it was in the game.

I don't think that he can't enter the Promised Land without Aerith's help, I think that he can do it by himslef. I think that the biggest difference between humans and the Cetra, its perception, see the humans saw the Planet as something they could explode, in order to have profit or comfort, but the Cetra saw the Planet as somthing sacred that should be respected and been take care of, and this respect was rewarded with the Promised Land. Cloud doesn't seem to follow any of both perceptions in paricular, but he has saved the Planet already, also has shown that somehow he can comunicate with the Planet, thing that was suposed, that only the Cetra could do. This is why I say that he can get to the Promised Land by himself.

Ahhh, I see what you mean. No, it can't be played the same way that it was in the game, and it is more psychological now. However, it is still possible that Cloud may end up with Aerith at the end of AC if he dies. It is also possible that Cloud may end up with Tifa if he lives, although I think it's more likely that Cloud will end up alone if he lives.

I've always thought that Cloud could get to the Promised Land by himself, too. I'm just saying that if nothing else, I don't see why Aerith couldn't lead him there. Those that say Cloud can't make it to the Promised Land claim that the Promised Land is for the Cetra only. They get that from Elder Hargo saying this in Cosmo Canyon: "The Promised Land is the resting place of the Ancients" "It doesn't exist for us, but it did for the Ancients" You can see Elder Hargo's speech here: http://www.geocities.com/ffseriespics/ElderHargo.htm We were debating the Cloti points about that in this thread: The Promised Land I've always agreed with you, though. :rolleyes:

If Cloud does somehow survive in the midst of all that exists in the movie, and if he does somehow end up alone, I would like somehow at least for it to be shown that he's forgiven himself completely and has the resolve to move on. I don't want to see him remain emo for his sake. Granted, if proof of his love for Aeris is further explored and somewhat solidified I'll be floored, but for Cloud's character sake, as a video game icon so he'll contain some dignity, I'd like him to accept that though she may be dead he can't structure his life around the deceased, but remember and cherish that was had in life.

Which is better? Living a solitary life that gives you meaning, or being in a relationship that makes you miserable? Given that Cloud has spent two years travelling on Fenrir and working with the orphans, it seems to me that Cloud has already found meaning in his solitary life.

Cloud has apparently spent no time just agonizing over his situation. For all we know, Cloud has moved on in the only sense that he is capable of - alone. If Cloud were nearly as "emo" as everyone assumes, then he'd be sitting in a cave someplace doing nothing but agonizing over what happened, but he hasn't. Instead, he found something meaningful to do with his life.

Cloud was never a socialite. He spent 14 years on his own in Nibelheim. He spent five years in a lab, either in a solitary cell or with one cellmate - Zack. Again, that's hardly a "normal" situation. Living a solitary life is nothing to be ashamed of, and it certainly doesn't mean that you don't appreciate life. Just because Cloud isn't with Tifa doesn't mean that he hasn't already moved on in his own way.

Obviously our opinions differ, but I do find Cloud's behavior different from what it was in-game. From what's stated in the trailers, he's given the insinuation that he practically gave up. Since I don't have anymore time to elaborate, I'll leave it at my belief that Cloud does portray emo-like behavior. You assume Cloud would be miserable in a relationship in which I'm assuming you mean Tifa. Anything could happen, and in my opinion, the game pretty much left it to where anything really could happen.

I understand your point that Aerith could lead him to the Promised Land, but I just wanted that he could do it by himslef. As for what Elder Hargo's speech consist, once and again I'll bring up my previous point. It is just matter of perception, I think that when he says that the Promised Land is not a place for humans, he is refering to humans by their actions, see the only ones that really cared of the Planet were the Cetra, but the humans just saw the Planet as something they could explode, and the Promised Land, is a place where only the ones who really cared about the Planet can enter. I think that the Cetra is the group that is selected to be in the Promised Land, and a signal of being a selected one, is to be able to comunicate with the Planet.
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What does "emo" means?
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I think that if he hasn't been able to find happiness with Tifa or anybody else until now, he'll never find it. He had 2 years to find out if Tifa was his true love, or to get over Aerith's death, but insted he only thought about Aerith, and how he couldn't protect her. So that takes me to the conclusion, that, without Aerith, life has not a meaning for him?

In my opinion, Cloud is acting very much the way he did in-game. He is also reacting very normally for someone who has a terminal disease, especially when he knows it is uncurable. Cloud was driven by a purpose for most of FFVII, and that "purpose" has been missing in his life until the SHM came around in AC. What I'm suggesting is that Cloud hadn't "given up" on everything like people are assuming, but that he had moved on in his own way. Even though Cloud hasn't "moved on" according to your own standards, he may very well have "moved on" by his own standards. Given that he has lived much of his life as a solitary person, and joining in with Avalanche was in fact unusual for him to do, it's quite normal for him to be alone. He found something meaningful to do with his life by helping the orphans. He hasn't let go of his guilt, no... but it hasn't totally incapacitated him, either, or else he wouldn't be helping the children and travelling on Fenrir. Cloud found something meaningful to do with his life during the last two years by helping the orphans. He found something that he wanted to do by travelling around on Fenrir. Isn't that moving on with his life? It may be as much "moving on" as Cloud will ever do because he doesn't want anything more than that.

Basically, it means that you are overwhelmed by emotion. Some people believe that Cloud wasn't characterized by angst during FFVII. They believe that the angst-ridden Cloud we see in AC is out of character.

Hmmm... that's possible. Yet, Bugenhagen was able to listen to the Planet. He was also able to hear the consciousness of the Cetra in the Forgotten City explain the use of Holy in Disk Two. Do you think Bugenhagen made it to the Promised Land?

When Elder Hargo said that, "The Promised Land is the resting place of the Ancients." "It doesn't exist for us, but it did for the Ancients", I've always thought that he meant that the *concept* of the Promised Land doesn't exist for humans. For example, you could also say that Heaven is the resting place for Christians, and that it doesn't exist for Hindu's. Why? Because Hindu's believe in Nirvana rather than in Heaven. ;) I think Elder Hargo was simply saying that the Promised Land was part of the Cetra tradition and culture, and that it didn't exist in the tradition and culture of the human population.

Buhon:

I very much so agree with you, Buhon. Either way, risks will be involved. In that case...I personally feel that they're much better off writing the storyline however they want instead of focusing so much on the fans. I suppose I'll certainly be impressed with Square though, if they manage to keep their fans at least satisfied with AC's ending kept "open".

Clerith-son:

It's how I see things too. If Cloud was ever going to get in a relationship with Tifa, I feel that he would have already done so at the end of the game. He never did...and two years later, he's still not with her. It's probably why I feel AC wouldn't make much sense to me if he suddenly ends up with her at the end of it. :no:

I agree with you both. IF Cloud fell in love with Tifa during FFVII, like the Cloti's want to believe, then he would be with her now. IF Cloud and Tifa cuddled all night and confessed their undying love to one another under the Highwind, like the Cloti's want to believe, then Cloud actually ditched Tifa after the game. IF Cloud were in love with Tifa, then he'd be wanting to fight against Geostigma in order to be with her.

Does not being in a relationship with Tifa mean that Cloud hasn't moved on with his life, however? Does living a solitary life mean that Cloud hasn't moved on with his life? If Cloud gets rid of his guilt during the movie and lives, people are thinking that Cloud will move on with his life. I'm suggesting that Cloud already has moved on with his life during the last two years by finding something meaningful to do by helping the children. Cloud lived a solitary life before FFVII. Why should he transform into a social person in order to "move on"? I'm suspecting that Cloud has moved on as much as he will ever "move on" because it's actually in character for him to live a solitary life.

Angst is in his name. Literally. To say Cloud WASN'T "emo" in FFVII would mean that you have to stop taking that crack while playing for the sake of degrading Cloud's good name.

Cloud is no where "out of character" in AC. He just chose to express his feelings more openly in AC than in FFVII. He hid in FFVII. He chose to hide his emotions, only letting them out in his worst times. Why? Because he was the leader of the group and he knew he had to be strong for everyone. Especially when he has an especially emo girl asking him to tell her everything is ok. :rolleyes: He isn't the "leader" in AC any longer and he isn't bound by others to show leadership qualities. In other words, he's himself now with nothing stopping him from being that way. In AC, this is the real Cloud. Not some forced leader, this is him. So let's stop falling for his outer layer and/or appearance in FFVII, shall we? I am sick of people who don't think about the depth of Cloud and judge him on the charade he played to mask who he really is. ESPECIALLY when it comes to last generation SD graphics and second rate translation of text. Time to watch and learn with real animation and VOICES. Again, I cannot stress this enough, AC Cloud is the raw Cloud Strife. Deal with it.

Besides, a character can't be "out of character" when it is the character's creators that are the ones making him that way. It's called "character development". It's a lot more common than it seems.

And this is coming from someone who has studied his character since the game came out. And for A+ college assignments yet. I think I have a bit of credibility behind my conclusions.