Final Fantasy 7 (FF7) is renowned for its captivating romance options, contributing significantly to its iconic status. Long before experiencing the game firsthand, I was aware of pivotal elements such as Sephiroth’s reputation and Aerith’s destined fate at the Temple of the Ancients. What intrigued me most was the notorious love triangle involving Cloud, Aerith, and Tifa— a topic that sparks endless discussions among fans. With my growing familiarity with the broader Final Fantasy franchise, I realized that Final Fantasy 7’s approach to romance creates a distinct experience within the series.
Recently, I delved into various entries of the Final Fantasy series that I had previously overlooked. While it challenged my perspective on Final Fantasy 8, which was my first encounter with the franchise, I began to understand how FF7 breaks the mold with its player-driven romantic choices. It’s particularly notable that no other game in the series has attempted to replicate this level of player engagement in character relationships.
FF7: The Franchise’s First Venture Into Romance Choices
Prior Final Fantasy Titles Featured Romance Without Player Choice
In the current gaming landscape filled with complex relationship mechanics like those in Baldur’s Gate 3, FF7’s romance choices may appear simplistic. However, it was groundbreaking for the Final Fantasy series, as it allowed players to influence character relationships for the first time. Prior entries, including Final Fantasy 2 with Firion and Maria, Final Fantasy 4 featuring Cecil and Rosa, and Final Fantasy 6’s memorable duo of Celes and Locke, incorporated romance as a narrative element without engaging player agency.
Conversely, Final Fantasy 7 offers players a decision-making opportunity on who to lead on a date in the Gold Saucer. Although the choices are somewhat hidden through situational dialogues, they ultimately affect the chosen character for this iconic moment. Despite the game’s mechanics slightly favoring Aerith, determined players can influence outcomes based on their interactions throughout the game.
A Shift Away from Romance in Subsequent Final Fantasy Titles
The Romance Narrative in FF8 and Beyond
Since the release of Final Fantasy 7, romantic choices have been largely absent in mainline entries. While Final Fantasy XIV includes marriage mechanics among players, it doesn’t allow for romantic influence within its story structure, returning to a more traditional narrative design. Notably, both FF8 and FF10 emphasize their central love stories, making player-driven romance nearly impossible to implement.
It is curious that no subsequent title has mimicked FF7’s romance mechanics, despite their popularity. While a future installment could potentially reintroduce these options, it’s surprising that this innovative feature has not resurfaced in original titles since 1997.
Surprising Absence of Romance in the Franchise’s Future
The Impact of Final Fantasy 7’s Romance Mechanics
Square Enix is undoubtedly aware of the appeal of FF7’s romance dynamics. In the recent Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the upgrade in the hidden approval system enhances player agency, allowing return visits to the Gold Saucer to control date outcomes post-game. This shift acknowledges the emotional significance of these relationships and the ongoing debates about Cloud’s true love. However, one wonders why similar mechanics haven’t been attempted in later titles.
Interestingly, the game seems to have a subtle bias towards Aerith as Cloud’s character interest, a choice that aligns with overarching themes of urgency and the struggle to preserve what matters most. The emotional weight of Aerith’s eventual fate amplifies if she is perceived as Cloud’s closest companion.
This raises questions about whether romance options were never intended to be an integral part of future entries. The predictably linear narratives of Final Fantasy titles suggest a hesitation to disrupt storytelling with additional player-chosen pathways, though successful romances could coexist with thematic depth.
Anticipating Romance Decisions in FF7 Part 3
Will Romance Choices Matter in Final Fantasy 7 Part 3?
The upcoming Part 3 of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy promises to shed light on the significance of romance options within the series. A crucial point of inquiry will be the inclusion of the approval meter—absent in the previous remake but featured in Rebirth. If it reappears, its role in determining romantic interactions could reflect its narrative importance.
If romance choices from Rebirth are disregarded in Part 3, it may indicate a return to scripted romance narratives throughout the series. Conversely, if player choices begin to shape the story’s direction, this could pave the way for future games to embrace a more flexible narrative approach. Although I find this less likely, I eagerly await the outcome to discover the future of romance in Final Fantasy.