IT HAS TO BE THIS WAY - Let's Play - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth - 38 - Ending 

As I post this finale, my eyes are watery. My heart is full. Because I've just beaten one of the best games I've ever played.

Cloud: [spoiler action here] Sephiroth: “YOU FOOL! I HAVE 70 ALTERNATIVE TIMELINES!! YOU’LL NEVER FIND YOUR MAIN!!!”

The way Tifa doesn’t say a word after the boss gauntlet is heartbreaking. It looks like it is taking everything in her to move, she even has to be prompted twice to leave the temple. It feels like she’s retreated into herself. The part that kills me is when Red feels Aerith there, you see Tifa lift her head to look before just letting it fall back to her knees and I just… That broke my heart into pieces. Tifa loved Aerith. And now she’s gone. Just another person taken by that maniac, another person she couldn’t save. Another ghost she gets to drag behind her. Another tragedy Tifa gets to survive.

And thus, a new entity is born: Schrödinger's Aerith.

I like how near the end Nico turned into Cloud himself... Nico: "I saved her right?" Barret puting a hand on his shoulder: "sure ya did buddy..." Tiffa cries... And Aerith... Aerith smiles...

So to explain the bit with Rufus: it's never outright stated but it's but it's basically confirmed that Rufus is in fact Viceroy Sarruf. You can tell because "Sarruf" is a phonetic anagram of "Rufus", a fact that is particularly obvious in Japanese as Sarruf is just Rufus with the characters reversed. Basically it's revealed that the one behind Wutai's interim government was in fact Rufus all along under a false identity. He funded the rebels in Wutai in order to oppose Shinra, not for altruistic reasons but rather to make a power-play against his father and try to seize the company. Remember, that the reason Rufus wasn't in Midgar until the end of Remake was because he had basically been exiled for plotting to assassinate his father in a bid for power. Before Crisis also revealed that Rufus is actually Avalanche's primary financial backer, again showing that he continuously supports anti-Shinra groups to oppose his father. The Wutai interim government is just another anti-Shinra group Rufus was backing. However, when his father died he unexpectedly became the new president which caused a bit of a problem for Rufus since he obviously couldn't reveal his affiliation with Wutai for fear of jeopardizing his new position as president. This allowed "Glenn"/Sephiroth to take advantage of Rufus's absence to basically seize complete control over Wutai's government. Whenever he talked about being "sent by Viceroy Sarruf" to Rufus, he was basically mocking Rufus because he knows that Rufus is in fact Sarruf and knows that he can't reveal that fact. The reason "Glenn"/Sephiroth wanted to restart Shinra's war against Wutai is to distract Shinra so that they don't ally with Cloud or otherwise oppose his plans. This also likely explains the difference between Yuffie's characterization in this game and the original: in the original Sephiroth had no interest in Wutai and thus without "Glenn's" help the Wutai interim government never got off the ground. In this version, Serpiroth has all the memories of his original self and thus has a vested interest in Wutai as a way to get Shinra off the board. As such, he supported the Wutai rebels to provoke war which is why Yuffie's character changed considerably.

"Did aerith just die?" "Ya know it was really hard to tell"

Nico finally finishes the game, his life has truly been changed and he has 5% of an idea of what the fuck is going on he stares at his copy of the game there is now a picture of Red XIII wearing stamp’s helmet Sephiroth: “Hello Nico, your invited to Homecoming”

“I thought the planet whispers would like me!!” Why they hell would the planet like you? You broke its intended destiny and killed its destiny shepherds that were going to lead it to a future where humanity was wiped out and the planet could peacefully recover with its chosen natural life forms. The planet must really hate Cloud now.

As far as I know, there's three general theories for who *spoilers obviously* is that Aerith at the end. 1. It's Lifestream Aerith. (You know the one we in like that one dream in Remake and is part of the AC Sephiroth theory.) 2. It's Aerith that's alive in another timeline. (And now Cloud can see the other timeline but the others can't so they don't see the other timeline.) 3. It's a hallucination because Cloud has f&cking snapped. (Could be Jenova/Sephiroth stuff, or could be just regular ole' Cloud not handling things well.) Honestly there's evidence for it being all three at once somehow. Also Sephiroth last episode dropping the Black Materia only to make Cloud fetch it like twice is probably NOT it being over complicated and its just Sephiroth screwing with Cloud and controlling him in a really degrading way just because he can. Like Sephiroth is just having fun. Probably why he gave it to Cloud at the end of this too. (Poor Cloud and everyone else involved)

Don't you get it Nico? Dogs have such a big influence on Zack that the type of dog Stamp is, changes his entire upbringing to decide whether he wants to ask Hojo questions to help Cloud, try to save Biggs, or just not be able to decide. But not enough to change ANYTHING ELSE. Zack is known as a puppy after all, and therefore DOGS ARE EVERYTHING.

“It’s a canon event Cloud.”

Cloud: *Save Aerith Sephiroth: YOU FELL FOR IT FOOL! THUNDERCROSS SPLIT ATTACK

Never in a million years would I think we’d see Zach and Cloud fighting Sepheroth together like this, yet here we are

I think the deal with Aerith at the end is a combination of Cloud getting chucked through the Lifestream, Aerith’s own spirit in the Lifestream, and Cloud’s mind desperately trying not to fracture. Sudden loss stings. It stings more to know there’s something you could’ve done to stop it and failing. And Cloud’s not mentally stable enough to handle failing to save Aerith when he felt he could, so his mind’s jacked into a fading timeline where he saved her guided by Aerith herself. He’s physically in the base timeline, but he’s straddling the line between the Base Timeline and the Saved Aerith Timeline just to keep him motivated to... simply live, honestly. He’s still so close to losing his will to live, so Aerith’s trying to soften the blow until Cloud is able to accept her death by making it seem like she has to stay behind at the Forgotten Capital. It’s the simplest way to explain her absence for the rest of their journey.

Regarding the change from Bizarro Sephiroth, the original name is "RI-BA-SU Sephiroth," which the original translators must have read as "REVERSE Sephiroth" and translated as "BIZARRO" (as in the Superman villain who is the reverse of everything Superman is). How it should be read is "REBIRTH Sephiroth," so "Sephiroth Reborn" would in fact be a closer translation.

*The timeline where Cloud prevents Aerith’s death* Sephiroth: YOU FOOL! YOU’VE MESSED WITH THE NATURAL ORDER!!!

I’m of the belief that the 3rd game will have Cloud learn all the things of the original and also that Aerith is actually dead. And we’re gonna get a flashback to when she fell in his arms and that whole speech he gives about how she won’t be able to smile(and stuff) anymore that was in the original. Which was suspiciously muted and glitching out here. Almost as if Cloud suppressed it.

Nico: How many timelines are there? How many Stamps are there?! Me: Depends. How many dog breeds are there? (Answer: A lot.) Nico: Oh okay. Me: Unless one of the timelines has Stamp as a cat... Nico: *EXPLODES!*

At least one thing is consistent: Zack echoing the player's sentiment of "wtf is going on" 😂😂

I interpreted the Aerith stuff as Cloud, as shown earlier with “remembering” Zack in Nibelheim, is essentially gaslighting himself into thinking he saved her. This is supported by the glitchy effect that usually happens with his memories also happening here, as well as the other party members clearly seeing her as dead. That is also why Cloud is the only party member that doesn’t have a full limit gauge in the Jenova fight- because he still believes that Aerith is alive. As for the Aerith at the end, whether that is a hallucination, lifestream projection, or another world’s Aerith, I couldn’t possibly tell you.

Said this during Max’s playthrough so I figured I’ll say it here too. I'm starting to think that it's less timeline shenanigans and more "inside and outside the life stream" Maybe Sephiroth's Promised Land is merging the two together and having absolute control over both.

The way Zack and Cloud posed together to face Sephiroth looks almost like how Riku and Sora pose for battle. If Cloud faced his sword behind him like Sora it’d be the same.

Also, in the credits, the burial scene of aerith are supposed to be in the "blanked" credits where no scene is going on. That implies that cloud is blanking those memories

realising that Aerith had seen the crack in the sky the whole time chills me to the bone

Not having assess on other characters did make the wing part of the fight much harder. Basically you have to attack the wings with the right elements. It's a LOT easier a section if you know that, which you only get told through assessing them. The Aerith/Cloud vs Sephiroth part is a pain in the ass. Having barrier helps a LOT.

I'm going to miss this game it was a magic that I needed again after so long I can only imagine what part 3 could be now especially with how crazy things are getting now. Now time for the annual let's play recommendations Plan escape Torment is a very philosophical game if you are up to it, Big Fables if you are looking for a short game and lastly a return to Three Houses it's already coming up to the five year anniversary it would be a good time to return or maybe Three Hopes.

All 3 of Cait Sith prophecy came true

So Rufus and Viceroy Sarruf are the same person, right? You arrange Sarruf around and you get Ruffas (japanese: Saurufu anagrams perfectly to Rufausu). Both Sarruf and Rufus are outsiders who aided Wutai during the War against Shinra. We know Rufus was there with Glenn, but according to Yuffie, Glenn fought with Sarruf. We know Rufus aided Avalanche at that time, but neither Yuffie nor Shinra Company is unaware of that, which makes me think Rufus created the Sarruf identity for himself while he was over there. When "Glenn" first showed up in Rufus' office, Tseng introduced him as an envoy of Sarruf, which shocked Rufus. When Glenn tried to introduce Sarruf on TV, and Sarruf didn't show up, Glenn jokingly brought it up with Rufus about how he was no a show, and Rufus shrugs it off. All of that plus the fact we've never seen Sarruf's face makes me think it is actually Rufus. Yuffie speaks proudly of Sarruf, and I think Part 3 is where she'll discover it's actually Rufus and thus she'll have some 1v1 battle with him.

Cloud: "Why is he laughing?" Areith: "Because he knows there's a part 3." Sephiroth: "That wasn't even my final form Cloud. I'll be waiting for you in part 3."

Poor Cloud he already had it rough before but now he is even in worse shape than before now and part 3 Whenever that comes out is only going to get insane. For recommendations for the next LP please can it be another route of Fire Emblem Three Houses it's almost up to five years now.

To clarify and discuss the whispers. This is how I view them, in remake they were controlled by fate (Being obeders of fate) and once we messed it up we thought fate was gone. Now in rebirth we see two types the white and black whispers that are defined by the planet and sephiroth. I see them different as instead insuring fate continues it's now the desired future of each side. Sephiroth controlling the black whispers to help destroy the planet while the white are fighting back. The white whispers while seem like alies are not they just have a similar goal to cloud and team. So when the white whispers interfere with cloud and gang it's the planet saying "No do not stop Airith for the betterment of the planet" it the planets eyes it's best outcome was for them to not get involved. (Side note: the black whispers that broke the wall were meant to be controlled by sephiroth usually but in that instance Cloud gained some control (Thanks to who he is ;) ) overthem to meet his goals.)

“Hey guys! I might do one last video to cover some of the bonus stuff! I can probably knock out Rulers of the Outer Worlds, Bonds of Friendship, and To Be A Hero in one vid, right?” Me: breaks into hysterical laughter.

I'm going to miss this let's play and poor Cloud he just cannot catch a break in this game I don't know how much worse he can get in part 3. Onto recommendations and I suggest Bug Fable it's a very fun game that I recommend for a shorter LP or Fire Emblem Three Houses to do another route.

Note: I made this comment before watching all the way to the end of the video The ending is a bit confusing with what had happened. But the idea is that Aerith did die, as seen with how Tifa is crying as if a tragic event had happened. And while Red looking towards her says otherwise, animals had been prone to sense supernatural entities such as a Ghost. This brings me to what had appeared in the OG FF7. That being the Ghost event where we get to see Aerith's ghost. Aerith's Ghost was something that can be found in the Sector 5 Slums' Church tending to the flowers after returning to Midgar during the final act. However, when approached, it would vanish. To trigger this event you have to defeat Jenova Life, who was renamed Jenova Lifeclinger in this game. So it was an end game event that many players, you included, had most likely seen when visiting the Church in the Slums of Sector 5. All the while, implying that Aerith is watching over Cloud from beyond the grave. Which makes what we have here in Rebirth a bit of a reference to that. Especially since in the previous episode, we have a date sequence between Cloud and Aerith end in the church where the ghost could be encountered. And yes, while we do have an actual ghost of Aerith, its highly possible that the timelines are starting to bleed together a bit. After all, there is a timeline where Aerith survives thanks to Cloud breaking fate again. Also, before I forget, the fortunes which Cait Sith gave Cloud at the Gold Saucer all came true. Last Minute surprise refers to both Zack and Aerith showing up to help Cloud fight Sephiroth. Lucky Color Black is for the Black Materia. And while the last one is cryptic, "seek and you are sure to find. But alas, you shall forever lose what you cherish most", it might relate to the next game. That or Aerith dying. Idk. The original game did spoil itself about that plot point when you're at the Gold Saucer.

It's time for let's play recommendations and I suggest the original paper mario game or super paper mario come on more Bowser and lastly a return to Three Houses it's been long enough now.

The Aerith theme during the JENOVA fight was everything I wanted 😁

I wonder… A lot of Sephiroth’s lines kinda sound like he’s projecting his feelings on to Cloud. Is there some small part of him that still feels guilt or shame over what he’s become?

The title is a Metal Gear Rising reference.

Hey Nico! Your P3 and FF7 rebirth series kept me going throughout my job hunting journey. What a fucking coincidence that this series ends when I finally landed a job! Love your stuff man. Much love from the Philippines

The ending of Rebirth is deliberately confusing. Just like how remake was so that it’ll tie into the 3rd game. I don’t agree with everything the long comments at the end mentioned but a lot of details are spot on like Cloud losing his mind. And Sephiroth/Jenova is taking FULL advantage. The scene when he smiles at Aerith near the water her body is placed in is EERIE on purpose. There’s so much lore and theory to rip into this game and I loved every bit of it The crater is going to be so brutal man. And I can’t wait for it. Rebirth has been a masterpiece and it’s been a joy to watch. Devs have cooked this story over a decade and I’m so excited to see the finale. Thanks so much for playing! Edit: YES WHY DOESN’T THE OFFICIAL SOUNDTRACK HAVE ALL THE TRACKS?!?! THE MUSIC IS INSANE

Sephiroth be like: Cloud, its a Canon event.

EDITED Hope we get to see the Gold Saucer dates before the of this week 😅 Anyway, given that last goodbye at the end, and how Cloud seems to believe that Aerith is alive and safe somewhere else, it seems to imply that this Aerith is more illusion than ghost; her saying "Goodbye" might just Cloud's inner self expessing that deep down he knows that she's never coming back. Honestly I wasn't too keen on the idea of her being brought back as some sort of force ghost that appears every now and again; it can very easily make her death feel like less of a significance if they strip us of the cold reality that none of them will be to actually speak to her again, and it can be seen as disrespectful to her and the original game. Now given what we know of the second half of the OG game, Tifa will probably play more of a protagonist role in part 3, which I'm hoping gets greatly expanded upon. But did anyone notice something strange when Tifa arrived at the alter; for just a brief moment there's static in her vision, and she seemed to perceive a scene very similar to what Cloud was seeing, of Aerith surviving, like she was briefly seeing what her heart desired at that very moment, much like Cloud. Could this have something to do with her very recent dip in a pool of Mako? Will this be brought up in part 3? I think I might have some idea on how this will play out in the next game: Cloud won't necessarily see illusions of Aerith accompanying them; his current mindset is that he's absolutely certain that she's safe somewhere else after he saved her successfully, that he beautifully played his role as the hero he promised Tifa he would become. He is in such absolute denial that he has failed to make good on this promise even after becoming as powerful as he is today, and that it cost one of his most precious companions life. He can't accept that, that he is an unmitigated failure of a hero. Thus the sad reality was blocked out almost completely, replaced with nothing but success in this last endeavour. Now Tifa on the other hand knows the truth in her head, that her friend that she grew to love is no longer with her; but her heart, much like Cloud's, is filled with a desire to see her, alive and well. Cloud won't be the one who will be frequently haunted by illusions of Aerith throughout part 3, because he's not stuck between acceptance and denial, unlike Tifa. It's because Tifa is stuck with her desire to see Aerith that I believe that she will be the one constantly seeing Aerith's image flashing in and out of her vision. It'll get stronger and more frequent as the story proceeds, to the point where she's eventually able to communicate with the illusion; a good time for this to happen is during her execution in Junon, where she's at her absolute lowest point, more so than even in the original. She comes to realise that the Aerith in front of her is not only just her illusion, but just another side of Tifa herself in the form of the one she deeply admired. Nevertheless the illusionary Aerith pleads with her not to give up, that she can still save Cloud; "If you didn't believe you could go on, I wouldn't even be here giving you this cheesy speech", she'd probably say 😉

"Seven seconds till the end" 17:26 - 17:33

Nico, if you want a suggestion for what to play next you could try the visual novel Mahoyo or as it’s also known as Witch of the Holy Night. It’s been localized and it takes place in the same universe as Fate and it’s a great introduction to the mechanics of the series!

I know almost everyone is gonna comment on the story/ending/timeline shenanigans... But I'm sitting here trying to yell through the scream that the reason the wings weren't getting damaged well enough is that he wasn't countering the element they were 😅 He was so close noticing they were changing and I went "I wonder why" Xd

Nico if you are looking for recommendations may I suggest a return to Fire Emblem Three Houses to do another route (please Black Eagles) it's soon to be the five year anniversary it would be a great time to return to the game.

So the thing I've noticed after watching the ending cutscene for the second time is that when Aerith being all silent and pantomime-y, the surrounding doesn't seem to affect her. Here at 1:31:12 if you watch closely she reacted very slowly or looked behind just because of the party's reaction even and their clothes were flapping except her. But here 1:35:10 when she actively talking to Cloud, Aerith reacted to the propeller and you can see that she were obviously affected now, clothes and hair. So, I think this Aerith can control when/where can she manifest or who can see or hear her just like what happened in the Advent Children where the kids were having a physical interaction with Aerith and Zack at the church. I dunno what this could mean but I'm a firm believer that Cloud and Aerith can reunite somehow by hanging onto every tiny crumbs they left plus the song No Promises to Keep

38:43 Zack: "It's time to live more than just our Roxas fictions." Zack tosses Cloud bustee blade Cloud: "Right. Duel wield time!" Cloud wields two buster blades.

Can’t believe the Whispers did a reverse Barret

Now this has been a ride of a LP I can only imagine how part 3 will go. I don't know if you have planned anything already but if not might I recommend Super Paper Mario or a return to Three Houses to do another route perhaps even Three Hopes it would be great to return to Fodlan.

We've been denied Aerith's death this time... but we'll probably get hit with it in the last game. And hard. Watching Cloud realise the truth is gonna be painful. Probably in that one part in Madeel.

2 VA who voiced Sephiroth has also played / voiced Superman, so… Sephiroth: “HOW DOES IT FEEL, CLOUD? HOW DOES IT FEEL, TO BE DECONSTRUCTED, TO BE THE VICTIM, TO SEE YOUR LOVED ONES DIE?!”

The way I see it the blood/no blood scene is Cloud almost dissociating (probably didn’t use that word right). The no blood version is what Cloud wants to see vs what is actually there.

Guys, we've just finished disc 1!

when i'm done with this, i can finally watch all those hour long video essays about this game.

Of all the things I expected this game to do, Shrodinger's Aerith was not on my bingo card.

Nico: Zack, the most normal dude in FF7 Me: And this is why I love him (Zack)

What an absolute ride it’s been. Looking forward to the next adventure that awaits us ^^. Farewell Cloud and friends, until we meet again.

Yakuza 5 next? 🥴

Ending Aerith theory: that Aerith is Jenova (possibly in Cloud's head/blood because of Hojo bs). She's WAY too cheery and eager to tell Cloud what he wants to hear considering what just happened, and the records at the Temple Of The Ancients told us that appearing as someone's loved one was Jenova's M.O.

This games ending broke me at 17:30 I really thought I had stopped Sephiroth from stabbing Aerith this time

Here's a little fun fact: Meteor Shots is Cloud's Limit Break in Crisis Core, and chain slash is the limit break for unknown characters, which could be seen as Zack's own limit break

AERITH'S ALIVE...no wait, she's dead...BUT ACTUALLY, SHE IS ALIVE...but actually, she is dead...BUT SHE WOKE UP...but everyone mourning over her death...BUT CLOUD SEE HER ALIVE...but she dead...BUT ACTUALLY.... DARN YOU NOMURA AND NOJIMA!!!!

Cloud: Ah, I'm so glad we've managed to save Aerith, it looked dicey there for a second. The entire remaining party: ... Aerith: Uh, Cloud, that's not exa- Cloud: Come on team, we've gotta go find and finish off Sephiroth, now that we've proven he can't tear us apart, it's going to be a piece of cake! Aerith: ...Yeah, I'm sure it'll be fine. Cloud: Maybe we'll find Zack too!

So Nico got through the whole stage of Sephiroth’s elemental wings without once pausing to wonder if waiting to use the fire attacks for when the wings were in ice mode would be a grand idea. Well, Max never thought equipping Cait with anything would be a good idea, even after getting his ass kicked, so I can see why you guys are friends. Joking aside, this fight is insane on hard mode. If you do a hard mode playthrough on your own time, I hope you at least record your boss fights this time around and do a compilation video this time.

Standing here, I realize you were just like me, tried to make history. But who’s to judge the right from wrong? When our guard is down, I think we’ll both agree…that violence breeds violence. But in the end… *video title*

I'm not sure how I feel about Aerith's convoluted and confusing fate in Rebirth. The original scene is well-known, straightforward, and emotionally impactful. Did this moment in rebirth occur in the same manner as the original? And this is Cloud in denial? His mind racing, trying to cope with the traumatic experience? Or Sephiroth manipulated Cloud into believing he did saved Aerith when in fact he didn’t... Or did Rebirth Cloud actually save Aerith by breaking Sephiroth's control far more quickly than the original did? Then, in some way, Sephiroth split this incident into two timelines while still stabbing Aerith. Or did the fate ghost alter everything to keep the story within canon? So Aerith was struck with a sword through the back regardless and died. Still interested to see it’s conclusion in the final game whenever it releases

1:51:50 I gotta agree with Nico here, this game was made while they were developing Evercrisis it makes no sense to make a mobile gotcha game that ties together into your big studio trilogy. Only to quickly end it. It’s likely they want EC to last between Rebirth and whatever the next part is called, at the very least 3-5 years is a good life span for games like that.

Me and a friend have been going stir crazy with theories and wonders about stuff in Kingdom Hearts because we're still awaiting the next game. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth fulfils the desire in us to ramble to each other about theories and things by being a new thing.

Ah yes, my favorite plot point in Final Fantasy 7 Schrödinger's Aerith

I saw someone else point this out on Twitter, but it is interesting that they seem to be setting up something of a rivalry between Sephiroth and Rufus in this continuity, since one can actually draw a lot of parallels between the two of them as "Sons of Shinra" (that is, the company, not the man) who both stand as heirs to the company's legacy and, in their own ways the planet itself, and least from their respective points of view. Of course we know Sephiroth's whole deal at this point, at least from the original timeline, of him effectively being the planet's reckoning that was created out of Shinra's hubris, and meanwhile Rufus is the guy who's inherited a company that basically took over the world then kind of let it go to shit, so even if he's not necessarily doing it out of noble intentions he can kind of see the writing on the wall for the company, and the world as a whole, and stands at the crossroads of whether to keep pursuing the fabled "Promised Land" that his father hoped would magically make all of their problems go away or turn things in another direction before it's too late for everyone. You'll also recall that Rufus did become something of an ally to Cloud in Advent Children and was even able to give the villains in that movie the runaround, so if Sephiroth really has knowledge even past the original game it makes sense that he might scheme to keep Rufus from forming too close an alliance with the heroes as they potentially enter uncharted territory.

1:18:46 i almost thought this will be a reference to the Don Corneo Sections. Cloud: "Why is he laughing?" Aerith: "Because he is sure that he has already won"

BUT IN THE END IT HAS TO BE THIS WAY!!!

Part 3 is going to be INSANE! The party is gonna think that Cloud is crazy, Cloud realizing what happened to Aerith and see how he handles it, the Reunion that Sephiroth is trying to make happen. The end of this series is going to BLOW OUR MINDS!

I'm seeing the credits till and this episode still has an hour left?? Lol, Nico must have BIG thoughts afterwards

I just finished my play though of rebirth and that ending was amazing. My eyes were watery too I loved every minute of it save for one or two things. Chocobo racing tracks and the cait sith section The game as whole was so well done now we wait for the third and final part

I really only know these characters from KH and from watching you play and gush over these Remakes, but my god. The way it’s absorbed me into all the crazy timeline shit, tearing up over the characters and everything. I can’t tell how much of me is reacting to share in how you’re reacting and how much of me is just genuinely hyped and intrigued by everything this game throws at us. What an insane game, they’re absolutely cooking with this trilogy and I can’t wait to see how they finish it.

Congrats on finishing the game!! With Rebirth done, I absolutely would love to see Octopath Traveler 2 for the next let’s play! It’s a turn-based RPG with eight different stories that eventually intertwine, and just everything about it is phenomenal to me. The gorgeous orchestral music, the beautiful hd2d art style, the extremely fun and satisfying battle system, the voice acting, the great character writing and designs as well! I’ve always wanted to see you play an Octopath game seeing as it’s one of my favorite games ever, and I think you’d really like it. (If you’re wondering if you should play OT1 first, the games can be enjoyed on their own.)

Finally got around to finish this series and damn... I can't say I grasped all the little details since I became a bigger FF fan from IX onwards, but this game still hits like a truck and the love for the original shows despite the plot changes. I feel it is even more impactful seeing Nico's attachment to it, truly a "Let's" Play. Now to catch up on the finale discussion and looking forward to new exciting adventures!!

Congrats on beating the game, Nico! If you're looking to figure out what to play next, I'd suggest either Octopath Traveler 2, or Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (both of them being turn-based RPGs). The latter would be a good choice if you're looking for a shorter, yet still charming, experience after Reload and Rebirth, but I think you would really love the former for its gameplay, music, and characters.

Ah yes, a timely release! Now I can watch before bed and not as I'm going to bed 😅

An interesting detail about the Jenova's fight: Cloud is the only one of the entire party who start without a Limit Break ready. Why? Because he's the only one who isn't overwhelmed by his anger and sorrow like the others

Well, with Rebirth done (outside of possible postgame stuff), I'd like to recommend Trails in the Sky for the next LP, with Trails Through Daybreak coming out in less than a month, this would basically be the perfect time to hop onto the series, the first entry isn't too big, somewhere between 20-30 episodes more than likely, though I understand if you're JRPG'd out with this and Persona 3. If you'd like something short, To The Moon's minisodes, A Bird Story and Finding Paradise would make for a great quick 6 or 7 episodes!

Now that we’re here at the ending of this game I want to thank you Nico. I never played the original because the PS1 was the only PS console I never owned, and the little knowledge of this game that I knew of came from Kingdom Hearts, so my first experience of this game came from the Remake LP you did 4 years ago. And every since then I’ve been hooked onto this series following some of the other FF7 stuff like the Crisis Core remake, as well as playing other FF games such as 10, 16, 9, just to name a few. And what a journey it has been for me. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you Nico for showing just how magical this series can be! Here’s to when part 3 releases hopefully in 2027!!!

No promises await at journey's end, but I can promise you one thing: I already can't wait to join you once again in Part 3, at journey's end. :') It was such a joy to experience this game with you. It was an unforgettable experience completing this game myself. I can't believe there was a time where I was worried it would be impossible to top Remake Part 1. It's funny, I found myself seriously in a very long funk and feeling weirdly anxious at the end of Part 1, despite LOVING IT don't get me wrong. But I just...feel so satisfied after Part 2, and hopeful? Still mind-boggled!! But...I dunno, I dunno how to put it into words, really. I just loved this game so much. It was so much fun. I can't believe how it never stopped impressing me. The dev team sacrificed and worked so hard for this game. I definitely recommend watching Max's "TONS of FF7 Rebirth Info from the DEVS" video, I loved hearing them all talk about their experiences during development, all the struggles and funny anecdotes and just how much passion they have dedicated for this project. I wholeheartedly agree with you Nico, I wished the content regarding Sephiroth and his past was implemented in the main game. I found a lot of it really fascinating. Just noooot a fan of splitting story content to different platforms or whatever, but eh. Just my preference. After thinking on it a while, it kinda-like when Aerith died in the OG FF7 game, it felt like for me and lots of others were in denial. I remember feeling like that a lot when I was younger. It's interesting, seemingly, seeing Cloud in that position. Heartbreaking. And denial is such a raw and true facet of grief. UGH. My heart and head is gonna burst. Thank you so much, Nico!!! Two huge LPs are coming to a close soon, and I'm also looking forward to Metaphor, but I really do hope you get to take a break soon and don't forget to take care of you!! 🌸 Looking forward to seeing the post game stuff and your reactions to the remaining dates!!

My personal theory is that Cloud is somehow drifting between worlds, with his deteriorating mental state being a case of misdirection. When Cloud enters the altar it's just like the expressway. He is taken to another world, one where he saves Aerith, while she dies in the prime world. It would make sense then that he would be able to interact with Zack, who is also in a void of similar colour to the portals and cracks. And in the ending cutscene, Cloud sees the crack in the sky, while the others can't. Because he defied fate and doomed a world. The materia Cloud has also reflects both skies. Now I could be completely wrong, which I welcome. But it's very fun to speculate on nonetheless. Cloud is super fucked up so the most logical conclusion is that he is just being an unreliable narrator again like OG VII. Also Nico's silence in the ending credits speaks 1000 words, and I agree with a lot of your takes on how they handled the game. Excited to see your LP of 3R, whatever it's called. (My bet is on Reprise)

It's time that NicoB experiences the greatness that is Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga! Or he could play Paper Mario 64 since he already beat TTYD. But I'm still hoping he gets into the Mario & Luigi series.

Read this Nico because this is the theory that makes the most sense in my opinion! There's an NPC in Cosmo Canyon that says that the Lifestream cannot tell the difference between dreams, memories and reality. So in my opinion, these "different timelines" are just dream worlds that contain the hopes of those that are deceased. It would explain why Aerith says "Let's just say... This is my dream" and "Don't worry, this place is like a second home to me". Because the Lifestream is the Promised Land for the Cetra. Cloud probably can see both the real world and the Lifestream, this is why he thinks Aerith is saved. Also the fracture in the sky is very similar to the background of Cloud's mind during the Lifestream Sequence in the Original game. I think this is the theory that makes the most sense, and the Harbiter of Fate they killed at the start of Remake was just a red herring, it does not control time, it just controls the Lifestream and makes sure the Planet does not confuse memories and reality. But now that they killed it, Sephiroth can merge reality with the Lifestream.

This Lets Play has been Phenomenal!!

38:52 Zack and Cloud doing the Riku and Sora pose at the end of KH2 against Sephiroth/Xemnas 2024.

As for the next Let’s Play, I’d be down for Yakuza 5 since it’s been awhile since 4. Or maybe another Mario RPG?? Or Trails in the Sky??? (I’ve been dying to see you get into Trails!!!) Either way I’m looking foreword to your next LP!!!

Hey y'all! Haven't even seen the first episode of the series, (Please don't spoil anything, I want to watch myself,😢) but I decided to stop by to say: please either do Zelda Phantom Hourglass or Undertale Yellow next? Those are the two I want to see the most at the moment! That is all.

I’ve been waiting for this day for 3 months

Nice recap at the start. It made perfect sense!

I also think Cloud is somehow in between different timelines and can see Aerith from a different timeline. That or he's just losing it.

This game was NicoBs fantasy come true (his final fantasy 🐱)

Hey Nico, I just wanted to say thank you for for creating such amazing content for these last to ffv 7 games. But mainly I wanted to say I’ve been a been a fan since you played KH1 all that time ago. You playing through the KHs series gave me the best content I could ever have. Watching it is like going back to when I was a kid seeing your reactions to everything is exactly how I remembered I was as a kid. Your videos for KH for me is better than any show Netflix or HBO could ever offer me. I just wanted to say I get that same feeling too with these ffv7 videos. I can’t wait for the next game and keep up the content!

Wasn't a fan of the game myself but glad you enjoyed it

I think the white whispers were trying to prevent cloud from seeing this. While the black ones needed cloud to so he can have guilt and righteous anger