Final Fantasy 7 Remaketold a surprisingly different story from the tale it was based on. Following the life of Cloud Strife as he journeys to settle the score with Sephiroth, this new rendition of the iconic story is chock-full of major changes that contrast with the 1997 title.
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Given its new approach, the future ofFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirthis difficult to predict. Some characters who died in the original game have been given a second chance, while others have been given a much deeper backstory. It is likelythat new charactersintroduced inRemakewill also play a vital role, but who deserves it more?
10Rude
While piloting a Shinra Military Transport Helicopter, Rude had the chance to end Cloud’s journey once and for all. Tasked with dropping the plate on the Sector 7 slums, Rude and Reno hover around the plate’s pillar, dispatching all who attempt to stop them.
Ruse eventually spots Tifa making her way up the pillar and steers the helicopter away, preventing her from being shot by Reno. The original game sees Rude admitting he is romantically interested in Tifa, so perhapsRebirthwill see him revealing why.
9Marlene
Final Fantasy 7 Remakepresented Marlene as one of the sweetest children in gaming. As the daughter of Avalanche’s ruthless leader,Marlene offers Barreta reason for him to let down his defenses and play the role of a loving father.
Though it was never confirmed in the original, the climax ofFinal Fantasy 7 Remakesees a popular fan theory being referenced through Marlene’s interaction with a flower. By hearing Barret’s voice through this plant, it seems likely that Marlene has been confirmed to be a descendant of the Ancients. If this is the case, Marlene’s story may finally be given the depth it deserves.
8Wedge
Wedge’s survival after the collapse of the Sector 7 plate was shocking to fans of the original as his demise was once sealed. Going on to assist the party during theirattempt to rescue Aerith, Wedge became a far more pivotal character in the game’s overall story.
Though his current status is unknown, it is unlikely he was given a second chance just for it to be taken away a few chapters later. Being presented as an animal lover with firm morals, it is likely Wedge will be playing a major role in the downfall of Shinra while behind the walls of Midgar.
7Biggs
Theoriginal game saw Biggsas a mostly emotionless mercenary whose death was of little consequence, but theRemakechose to enhance his backstory to the point where he became a main character.
After encountering him on the pillar, Cloud watches over him during his final moments. It is a heart-wrenching scene that is only made possible thanks to his impact on the new story. The game’s finale reveals that he survived this, implying he has a deeper story to tell.
6Reeve Tuesti
Unlike the opening segments in the original game, Reeve Tuesti has been given a much more compelling role. Known primarily for being the sole operator of Cait Sith, Reeve was presented mainly as comic relief in his first depiction.
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As the director of Urban Development, Reeve is appalled by President Shinra’s means of ensuring his dominance. Upon discovering his plans to drop the Sector 7 plate, Reeve insists that the casualties would be too great and begs the president to reconsider. The new layers to Reeve’s conscience suggest that his new story will be one full of grief and sorrow.
5Rufus Shinra
Painted in the original as a typical villain with very little personality,Rufus Shinra’s new renditioncaused fans to perceive him as a far more sinister presence than what he once was. Introduced intoRemaketoward the end of the story, Rufus is presented as a playful, but powerful figure during his exchange with Cloud.
As one of the primary antagonists of the original game, it appears developers have opted to further enhance his once passive role. As one of the fewRemakecharacters who can see the Whispers, Rufus' story is likely going to be expanded on.
4Yuffie Kisaragi
With fans receiving the opportunity to follow Yuffie during the events ofFinal Fantasy 7 Remake: Intergrade, it is likely she will be playing a much more critical role inRebirth. Restricted to being an optional character in the original, Yuffie has become a key player in this retelling’s overall narrative.
Upon learning that Shinra is manufacturing legendary Materia,Yuffie journeys from Wutaito Midgar to find and obtain a sample of it. Absent from the original, Yuffie’s new story is one full of realization and loss, so new themes will likely be implemented in her character in the future.
3Roche
Though Roche was a new addition to the story ofFinal Fantasy 7, his introduction served to create one of the better villains in the game. This rule-breaking mercenary is unpredictable and poses problems for both his enemies and his allies whenever he is on-screen.
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As a SOLDIER, Roche has likely been injected with Jenova cells, so he may journey to the City of the Ancients to celebrate his mother’sreunion with Sephiroth. This would allow for Roche to become a more empathetic character and may permit his history to be briefly explored.
2Leslie Kyle
Once one of Don Corneo’s inconsequential lackeys, Leslie Kyle played an extremely important role in this reimagined tale. Acting as an unlikely ally, Leslie assisted Cloud and his companions whenever they needed help.
Having lost his lover due to the Don’s perverted methods,Tifa convinces Lesliethat he shouldn’t lose hope and encourages him to keep looking for her. Leslie vows to reunite with her one day, so it is likely their story full be touched on inFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
1Jessie Rasberry
If Biggs can survive the collapse of the Sector 7 plate, it can be assumed that Jessie Rasberry can too. With the extensive backstory given to her duringFinal Fantasy 7 Remake, it wouldn’tmake sense for Jessienot to return inRebirthto continue her story.
Having met what may have been her demise while defending the Sector 7 pillar, Jessie’s story remains unfinished. With dreams of becoming a famed actor at the Gold Saucer,Rebirthcould finally present Jessie fulfilling her long-sought-after goals.
