Final Fantasy 7 is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional video games in history, a status greatly attributed to the visionary narrative direction provided by its director, Yoshinori Kitase, alongside co-writer Tetsuya Nomura. Their combined creativity not only forged a compelling narrative but also introduced us to an array of unforgettable gaming heroes. The enduring popularity of Final Fantasy 7 is a testament to these creative choices, culminating in a successful and critically acclaimed trilogy that respects the original’s legacy.
Warning: This article contains spoilers for the original Final Fantasy 7, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. However, an intriguing aspect of Final Fantasy 7’s storytelling could have altered the course of its narrative significantly. Although the original game is lauded for its excellence, one planned change could have jeopardized everything, potentially stripping away one of gaming’s most iconic moments. It’s immensely interesting to explore how both Nomura and Kitase considered a different path for the game’s most heartbreaking death.
Alternate Fate: Barret’s Potential Demise
The Dilemma Between Two Characters
Aerith’s death is a hallmark of Final Fantasy 7, renowned for its shocking and profoundly emotional impact. Fans are left devastated, a sentiment I share after experiencing both the original and Rebirth iterations, where the scene resonates deeply, lingering in the mind for days. However, surprisingly, Nomura and Kitase nearly chose to eliminate Barret instead of Aerith. Imagine if Cloud had been cradling Barret in the Forgotten Capital during that pivotal moment.
In a 2005 interview with Electronic Gaming Monthly, archived by FF7 Citadel, Nomura and Kitase revealed their internal conflict about whether to sacrifice Aerith or Barret. Initially, they focused on three characters: Cloud, Aerith, and Barret, with Cloud being an obvious non-candidate. This left them torn between choosing one of the other two for a tragic end. At one point, Barret appeared to be a strong contender.
Tifa’s character was introduced later in development, a fact noted by Nomura during the interview, who clarified that the decision to kill Aerith was not a storyline adjustment to make way for Tifa.
From a fan perspective, many players would have been intensely disappointed had Barret met his end. It appears that Nomura also recognized this; after a lengthy and in-depth discussion, both creators concluded that eliminating Barret felt too predictable. They ultimately opted to “sacrifice Aerith”instead, knowing full well that this choice would have a more profound emotional impact.
Aerith’s Death: A More Profound Impact
A Twist That Resonates Deeply
The principal reason I, along with Nomura and Kitase, believe that Aerith’s demise is superior to Barret’s would have been is its sheer unpredictability. Although it has become part of gaming lore, at the time, Sephiroth’s ruthless act during such a significant moment—and after the emotional depth Cloud and Aerith shared—was utterly unforeseen. This shocking turn of events stands out, creating a memorable impact unlike any other in gaming history.
Nomura elaborated on this in the same interview, noting that previous Final Fantasy titles typically featured male protagonists heroically sacrificing themselves for a greater cause, a common trope that elicits emotional responses. To avoid conforming to this stereotype in Final Fantasy 7, Nomura and Kitase chose a different path with Aerith.
In their view, “Aerith’s death felt more organic and believable.”Barret’s character, known for his ready willingness to sacrifice himself, contrasted sharply with Aerith’s gentle and nurturing nature—qualities that make her untimely death all the more tragic. Her fate underlines Sephiroth’s malevolence, simultaneously heightening the emotional weight for players. Aerith’s death transforms Final Fantasy 7’s narrative into something unpredictable yet entirely earned.
FF7 Remake’s Intentional Play on Barret’s Fate
Barret’s Near Demise
Ultimately, Barret’s story would not entirely escape the shadow of death in Final Fantasy 7. The Remake introduced substantial character evolution, including a shocking scene where Barret confronts Sephiroth and is brutally stabbed with the infamous Masamune, leading players to believe he has perished. However, those familiar with Rebirth—or who haven’t cut the game short—quickly learn that Barret returns almost instantaneously, due to the Whispers, which correct his destiny, ensuring adherence to the narrative’s established timeline.
In a sense, this appears to be Nomura’s strategic method to let Barret face his demise without finality. It almost serves as a meta-commentary on the extended deliberation between him and Kitase about character arcs. This led to a richer understanding of why Aerith’s death was the more impactful choice. Despite the numerous storyline alterations in Rebirth, Aerith’s death maintains its poignant resonance, primarily due to its harsh and unexpected nature.
Aerith does not leave the battlefield after bravely confronting Sephiroth but is instead abruptly taken, emphasizing the cruelty woven into the fabric of Final Fantasy 7’s narrative. This tragic twist differentiates her demise from a noble sacrifice, which would have denuded the story of its emotional complexity and Cloud’s eventual psychological unraveling. As painful as it is to witness Aerith’s end, I am grateful that Nomura and Kitase made the choice they did, retaining the raw edge of the story.
Source: FF7 Citadel, Super Mauro Games/YouTube