Fans get to meet some rather unique characters inCrisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion. It serves as a prequel to the originalFinal Fantasy 7, so fans not only get to see characters likeYuffie as a kid, but new faces that help lift the old favorites to greater heights. Originally exclusive to PSP, the newly remastered game has its first act completely devoted to the teacher and student relationship between Zack Fair and Angeal Hewley.
Zack Fair may have had a small role in the originalFinal Fantasy 7game, but inCrisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion, he’s the protagonist. Players go through the story of what secrets Shinra’s been hiding deep within the SOLDIER program as Zack meets up with characters like Cloud and Tifa while hacking and slashing alongside the Buster Sword’s original owner, Angeal. As Angeal teaches Zack to embrace his dreams and protect his SOLDIER honor, he constantly calls his student a puppy, much to his dismay.
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Zack the Puppy in Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion
Early on inCrisis Core, Angeal refers to his protege as “Zack the Puppy” and characters close to him follow his lead and do the same. While Zack doesn’t at all seem fond of the nickname, it’s rather fitting. He’s almost constantly running around, excitedly taking on the challenges he’s given in the SOLDIER program. Angeal’s mom even says that her son has written to her about him, calling him a restless puppy due to his short attention span. She laughs as she speaks of Angeal’s letters to her, butZack Fair takes it as a hit to his reputation.
It seems that Zack dislikes being called a puppy because he feels like he isn’t being taken seriously. Zack’s dream is to reach SOLDIER 1st classamong Shinra’s ranksand become a hero, even though others have told him it’s an unattainable goal. However, it’s hard to not see him as a puppy with how he acts and behaves at the start of the game. Even though he may feel like his “puppy” nickname is because he isn’t making the cut, it’s actually a name made out of fondness.
Angeal Hewley Loves Dogs
The mail even goes further to say that Angeal has a soft spot for puppies, even saying that the more a puppy frustrates him, the cuter the puppy seems to him. This adds new context to Angeal’s nickname for Zack, and even makes the earlier moments in which the1st class SOLDIERgets frustrated with him even sweeter.
It makes it clear that while Zack dislikes being called a puppy, it’s a term of endearment for Angeal. It stands as a symbol that even when he seems clearly frustrated and is constantly telling Zack to take things seriously or remain focused, Angeal finds it cute. This even shows in one of Zack’s DMW memories where he’s lost his sword and all Angeal can do is call him a restless puppy. Though, Angeal seeing Zack like a frustratingly cute puppy turns rather ironic after his student “kills” him. The last remaining piece of Angeal is found in a strange dog-like copy that watches over himin Aerith’s church. Even then, he still watches over the person he calls a “restless puppy” all the way to the end.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunionis available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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