Why can’t Aerith be revived?

Why Can’t Aerith be Revived?

Aerith, one of the most beloved characters in Final Fantasy VII, met her untimely demise in the iconic opera scene in the original game. While fans have long debated whether she could have been revived, the truth is that Aerith’s death was intended to be a permanent fixture in the game’s storyline. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons why Aerith’s revival was never intended by the game’s creators, and what they had in mind for her character development.

Aerith’s Death Was Always Part of the Plan

Director Yoshinori Kitase and scenario writer Kazushige Nozoe had always envisioned Aerith’s death as a pivotal moment in the story. They wanted to create a character that would elicit an emotional response from players, making her sacrifice even more poignant. "We intended for Aerith to be a character who would get close to the player," Kitase explained in an interview. "We wanted players to think, ‘She’s become a friend to me’ before taking her away."

Aerith’s Death Was Not Caused by Random Chance

Unlike some RPGs that feature random events, Aerith’s death was an intentional plot twist. Sephiroth’s sword, Masamune, was deliberately designed to kill Aerith, and Cloud’s actions were set in motion from the start of the story. "The encounter with Sephiroth and the death of Aerith were scripted," Kitase confirmed. "We wanted to create a sense of continuity and connection between the scenes."

The Story Required Her Sacrifice

Aerith’s death served a larger purpose in the story, allowing Cloud to come to terms with his past and his connection to Sephiroth. Her sacrifice enabled Cloud to discover his own strength and courage, "It was a critical moment for Cloud’s growth as a character," Nozoe said. "By losing someone close to him, he could realize the importance of his friends and the strength he possesses."

Other Characters Could Have Been Killed Instead

In an interview, Kitase revealed that there were alternative storylines that could have involved other characters dying instead of Aerith. "We discussed killing Tifa or Yuffie instead, but ultimately, Aerith was the most important character in that role," he explained. This decision demonstrates the importance of Aerith’s character and the significant impact her death had on the story.

Cloud’s Emotional Reaction Was Planned

Cloud’s emotional reaction to Aerith’s death was intentionally scripted to mirror the player’s own emotions. "We designed Cloud’s crying scene to be a key moment, where players could empathize with his grief," Nozoe said. "We wanted to create a connection between Cloud and the player, showing that he, too, was struggling to cope with the loss."

Conclusion

Aerith’s death in Final Fantasy VII was never intended to be a reversible event. The game’s creators envisioned her sacrifice as a necessary plot point to drive the story forward and shape Cloud’s character. While the idea of reviving her might be tantalizing, it would fundamentally alter the narrative and diminish the emotional impact of her original death.

Table: Key Reasons Why Aerith Can’t Be Revived

By understanding the deliberate choices made by the game’s creators, we can appreciate the significance of Aerith’s death and its lasting impact on the world of Final Fantasy VII.