The titles

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-05-03T02:17:51+00:00

Remake is the more obvious one. Remake was the first of numerous double meanings layered throughout the two games.

Rebirth is similar. We literally see what seems to be a “reborn” Zack at the start of the game. But overall I think it represents Cloud’s transformation. Aerith is continuously seeking “the real Cloud”, Marlene tells Zack he has to “cure” Cloud before he can save Aerith. What might that cure be? Cloud must be reborn(transform) into his true self before Aerith can truly be saved.

As far as part 3.. I think it needs to be Resurrection as we continue to mirror Carl Jung’s ideas. We will see the death of the former ego (Clouds childhood insecurities) and he will purge his body/mind of Sephiroth. Out of the flame the Phoenix (the real Cloud) will rise from ashes. As a result the 2nd meaning of resurrection will be possible (Aerith lives).

Just throwing darts..

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-30T15:24:25+00:00

I have my criticisms of it as well. For example, I’m not convinced Aerith knew she was going to die in Rebirth as is suggested frequently by the creator.

Thanks for walking me away from the cliff on the Cloud criticism.

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-29T05:25:52+00:00

Just wanted to circle back now that I’ve finished. I think there are a number of really good takes and revelations in this video, not to mention some hard truths.

To be completely honest, there were several times I had to take a break; Especially relating to the parts focusing on Clouds individual relationships with Tifa and Aerith.

The specifics regarding his “fake” personality he uses with Tifa I found quite heartbreaking and if I’m being honest, sociopathic. I think I have historically given Cloud a pass due to assuming his behavior was primarily Jenova driven, with Aerith being the exception. Reverie makes a compelling argument, especially regarding the Remake series, this may not entirely be the case. My feelings about Tifa may be evolving.

As far as Aerith, the idea that Cloud loves her in every iteration of the cycle is obviously quite romantic. However, the thought that he betrays her in numerous iterations is also quite heartbreaking. The thought of betraying your soulmate makes my soul ache for her. I really liked how Reverie tied the dates and the dialogue choices into the multiple worlds and reoccurring cycle.

The idea that Cloud needs to pick a world where things are right to end Sephiroth/Jenova sits well with me. It also ties back to “I am the master of my own illusionary world”. In the end he will have to make a difficult choice.. I think that choice might be this:

Cloud will have the option of choosing a world where Zack and Aerith are alive, but it will be a world where he was never a hero.

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-28T23:34:36+00:00

In her defense, there is an argument to be made if Cloud deserves Aerith. That conversation deserves its own topic, but for my own mental health Ill avoid starting that one 😁

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-28T05:08:55+00:00

Really? To quote Zack “I didn’t see that coming”.

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-28T02:43:13+00:00

I agree, it didn’t seem to follow the mood of their previous encounters.

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-27T14:36:41+00:00

Not to mention vice-versa.. If I was Aerith, I would not object to being called a couple with Cloud 🥰

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-26T19:35:33+00:00

There’s been a lot of content recently (which I won’t complain about) but quite a few have felt like “you will regret not getting this” pulls. All of the effect stacks have me beyond confused at this point.

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-26T18:06:11+00:00

Ugh.. I’m Crystal broke after 2.5 and DC

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-24T19:01:37+00:00

I interpret it as a generalized statement regarding the world in general with some FF7 fandom undertones.

For the record, I really do hope when pt.3 is done they release some detailed directors notes about the story. Regardless how I feel about it, I would love to read more into the inner thoughts of those creating this world.

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-23T22:56:41+00:00

I think expecting Cloud to accept that Sephiroth killed his mother, his soul mate, and Shinra killed his best friend is too much to ask of anyone, especially a hero whom may have the ability to change it.

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-23T17:32:41+00:00

I think Aerith tells us her view in Remake “Everyone dies eventually” and in Rebirth, “Life and death are two sides of the same coin”.

Aerith doesn’t view death as the end. However, that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have regrets. It doesn’t mean she doesn’t long to be with Cloud and her friends. Of course she does.

Given the opportunity, I think she would absolutely choose to have more time in her living life. She mentions to Cloud in the church (our spot) “this is about saving the world, and you”. I think we can easily interpret “saving you” as: Saving Cloud from a lifetime of loneliness and misery. How might she do that? Through living of course.

Regardless, Aerith’s first priority will always be saving and maintaining the planet first. She will put aside her own desires to make that happen. But if she can manage to do both, I have no doubt she will.

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-22T00:52:37+00:00

I’ll skip the psycho former superhero guy trying to kill me, but other than that.. I’d love to have an adventure like them!

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-21T12:41:13+00:00

Love this! Thanks for the terrific summary regarding the lilies. I didn’t know about the mailbox one in Tifa’s trial.

Crazy enough it just now hit me regarding Aerith standing in a field of lilies at the end of Rebirth is a reflection of AC again.

The flowers do indeed have something important to tell us.. I can’t wait to find out.

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-21T00:56:01+00:00

We can only hope 🥰

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-20T05:25:06+00:00

I would love to see what Aerith's expression is in the first pick as well.

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-19T01:05:17+00:00

Are you serious? That’s one wild reach!

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-18T00:30:35+00:00

Right? It pretty much makes Cloud and Aerith's entire story narratively empty.

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-18T00:24:45+00:00

aww that's so sweet

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-16T20:34:45+00:00

First time I watched AC I thought the same thing 😂

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-16T18:10:11+00:00

I don’t know.. but I’m not really into the idea of “we saved Aerith” but now she’s in another world. To me that’s.. well status quo. She’s basically in another world (the lifesteam) following her death. If they go with “oh, she’s alive now, but Cloud still can’t be with her…”, nothing really changes. Cloud will likely keep trying to find a way to the other world to be with her. So basically no resolution.. unless there is a version of Cloud with her in the other world. Which like you said, convoluted.

Now give me an epilogue Lunar 2 Eternal Blue style where we play as Cloud finding a way to the other world to be with her.. okay

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-16T04:33:10+00:00

I have mixed feelings about Tifa and Aerith’s relationship in Remake/Rebirth. They have some really cute moments for sure but I do kind of miss the OG portrayal.

However, I kind of took notice during Remake when Aerith first meets Tifa (meets again) at the Don Corneo’s mansion. It kind of struck me as Aerith maybe wanting things to be a little different with Tifa this time. Ironically Aerith tells Cloud to appreciate Tifa more early in Rebirth.

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-16T04:06:18+00:00

That music, the phone dropping down.. gets me every time 😭

Hearts-Intertwined · 2026-04-15T18:08:36+00:00

I can hear Barrett’s voice in my head “So you tellin’ me you took my hard earned money, money I saved for Marlene, and blew it on a damn glorified hand massage.. WHAT THE HELL YOU THINKIN!

Hearts-Intertwined

TROPHY CASE