N o t . I n t e r e s t e d - A Cloud Strife Club

[Dragon Mage]

Hmmm, it doesn't look TOO bad to me. Sure, his hair looks a bit shaggy, but that could just be the perspective and the artist. Cloud's hair doesn't look terrible spiky from straight on -- you REALLY see it when he turns his head, so maybe the artist intentionally overdid it to make his hair look spiky as fans remember it to be. Even so, I'm not loving it, but I've seen worse so..... it could be better, but it could also have been worse.

[offtopic]
The others look nice though. Ever notice how Tifa looks more 'western' in the art but in AC she looks more Asian? (slightly flatter face) I wish they'd make her more consistent. :\
[/offtopic]

At least Cloud has his cool outfit though? That's a bonus!

Oh! And found a GREAT Cloud picture! 8D

Ta daaaa~ :dave:

I'm guessing he's casting a spell. Everyone shout HUZZAH! for the nail bat FINALLY making an appearance in a quality fanart! It's the best weapon the first disc, you know.

 

[The Witch]

1. Oh, Cloud joshes his friends around, but it's a very quiet kind of snark. Like the bear in a marshmallow. He'd have to know that'd piss Barret off, and while HE may not laugh like a troll, he is teasing.

I was under the impression that Cloud didn't know the hilarity of his statement.

2. I think we may be taking this a bit too seriously, counting the number of times Cloud has smiled/laughed/chuckled/etc. <_< I mean, heh heh, not like we get to 'see' the characters all of the time, right? I mean, we don't see them use the bathroom, right? Needless to say, my point is that we know he DOES laugh/giggle/snark/chuckle/etc. He is actually capable of it unlike.... some other characters..... *coughvincentcough* So he isn't a total, 100% pure stoic enigma. I mean..... he's only human, right?

Eh, not really. There's an ultimania quote that says the laugh scene on top of the church is the first time Cloud laughed in the game. And then in AC, Nomura said Cloud's smile at the end is "impressive" because of how little he shows that sort of emotion normally. If Nomura went as far to say that they made Cloud speak with his eyes because his face is so emotionless then it makes sense that Cloud would only smile/laugh a few times here and there.

And going to the bathroom and breathing is implied. Laughing or smiling from a character that is known to have stoic expressions and for the vast majority of the time only speaking with his eyes because of how little his face shows emotion isn't implied like breathing or going to the bathroom is.

But yeah, Cloud is very capable of laughing and smiling, it just takes a hulluva lot, is all. I guess one could say Cloud laughed/smiled a heck of a lot more often, but I'm personally going to go off of the times the compilation showed me.

3. Cloud did focus on the bad in that one instance that you are talking about Cali, in AC. But then, we also know that Sephiroth was trying to make him off himself, so take that with some salt. But in every way I see it, Cloud merely uses the bad moments to push himself further, to try more and do better. Tifa falls off the cliff when they were young -- he joins SOLDIER to get better at protecting her. Shinra destroys Sector 7 slums -- he goes on a mission to take out Shinra and Sephiroth. So while these things are negative in nature, he's using them as reinforcement to keep pushing himself to be better. Those things never go away for him, but he doesn't linger on them constantly.

Oh, I completely agree! Just look at the beginning of the game. If it wasn't for Cloud blaming himself for letting Aerith get kidnapped by Shinra, and then swearing by all means to rescue her, Cloud would have never sought out to break into Shinra HQ (because previous to him blaming himself for Aerith's kidnapping, Cloud said he didn't give a crap about the city or planet). Which means he would have never found out Sephiroth was alive. Same can be said about her death scene, Cloud said he was fighting above all else to unfreeze her smile and it was revenge he was after, revenge for burning down his home town, etc--so yes, I agree completely. Those bad moments pushes Cloud to seek revenge or to settle the battle.

But, Cloud never actually realizes to use those negatives to push himself. It's usually someone else that does it for him. Marlene, Vincent, Aerith, and Tifa.

But i kinda disagree. >.< If Cloud never lingered on his problems he wouldn't have done exactly what he did during AC or the end of VII. Cloud does linger, he lingers a lot actually--but the difference is that he has a solid reason to do that lingering. But when realization finally hits him he does try and step above it--it just takes a special touch.


Also, I've seen that fanart before but it never gets old. It's so gorgeous and sexy. I love how he's using fire materia and using his Nailbat. So mobster.

anyhoot, fanart:
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/Mizu_no_hakucho/a Cloud Club Album/24101275_p8.jpg

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/Mizu_no_hakucho/a Cloud Club Album/24101275_p7.jpg

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/Mizu_no_hakucho/a Cloud Club Album/24101275_p6.jpg

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/Mizu_no_hakucho/a Cloud Club Album/24101275_p5.jpg

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/Mizu_no_hakucho/a Cloud Club Album/24101275_p3.jpg

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/Mizu_no_hakucho/a Cloud Club Album/23370751.png

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/Mizu_no_hakucho/a Cloud Club Album/23367674_m.gif

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/Mizu_no_hakucho/a Cloud Club Album/20847681.png

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/Mizu_no_hakucho/a Cloud Club Album/19074283_p8.jpg

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/Mizu_no_hakucho/a Cloud Club Album/14196693_p0.jpg <--finally someone included Barret! This artist is one of my fav. might be C/T if you take it that way.

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/Mizu_no_hakucho/a Cloud Club Album/13039215.png

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/Mizu_no_hakucho/a Cloud Club Album/100313b.jpg<-- might be C/A if you take it that way

 

[Tucker]

!
Gals & Guys... Cloud is absolutely hideous in his new picture. I mean, he looks like he got wasted on weed one night then his walleyed ass stumbled out in the ocean and allowed a squid to live on his head and act as either a hat or his hair! It's that bad.

This made me laugh.

But I do agree quite a bit His hair looks like those house plants and his left eye looks like...well yeah weed

Oooh Caitlin I like the art you posted His eyes are closed, and then when the spell hits the enemy he opens his eyes and is like BAM BITCHES WHAT NOW ??



http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/Mizu_no_hakucho/a%20Cloud%20Club%20Album/14196693_p0.jpg
Oh I know! Nobody ever thinks of Barrett! He's never anybody's favorite character either. Poor Barret

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/Mizu_no_hakucho/a Cloud Club Album/19074283_p8.jpg
Haha I ♥ this. And I do believe that's Sephiroth there too. Is the black haired man supposed to be anybody? Tseng Eh probably not, but it looks like him!

 

[Dragon Mage]

I was under the impression that Cloud didn't know the hilarity of his statement.

I dunno, he's great at keeping a poker face, right? I wouldn't put it past him to troll Barret and still appear as if he was totally oblivious to the obvious results.

Eh, not really. There's an ultimania quote that says the laugh scene on top of the church is the first time Cloud laughed in the game. And then in AC, Nomura said Cloud's smile at the end is "impressive" because of how little he shows that sort of emotion normally. If Nomura went as far to say that they made Cloud speak with his eyes because his face is so emotionless then it makes sense that Cloud would only smile/laugh a few times here and there.

Well yeah, but I mean..... I don't think there's really enough there to nitpick, is all. Lol, it's pretty much getting into theoretics at that point and we'd be trying to guess how much Cloud laughs/smiles/feels giddy/cuddles teddy bears/etc. simply through conjecture! It sounds like a really ridiculous math problem and I don't really have the strength for that, honestly.

And going to the bathroom and breathing is implied. Laughing or smiling from a character that is known to have stoic expressions and for the vast majority of the time only speaking with his eyes because of how little his face shows emotion isn't implied like breathing or going to the bathroom is.

But yeah, Cloud is very capable of laughing and smiling, it just takes a hulluva lot, is all. I guess one could say Cloud laughed/smiled a heck of a lot more often, but I'm personally going to go off of the times the compilation showed me.

Well, couldn't smirking be also implied? Technically? Supposedly? I mean, it's also implied he doesn't trust Yuffie and like the color blue, but it isn't like there's a huge point made out of it.

Eh, I guess I'm just more of a loose-interpretation person. Personally, I try and think of it from stepping in his shoes: If Yuffie got drunk and did a cartweel on the table and crashed into Cid, who cursed and lost his cigarette which flew into Cait Sith and set him on fire, which made Tifa and Aerith go chasing him around with materia to put it out and Vincent just sat there the whole time like nothing was happening..... I dunno, if I were Cloud, and I've got as much expression as a vault door, I think I'd smirk at the very least.

Either that, or shake my head, go get some aspirin, and lock myself in my room! XD

It's the implied 'in-between' moments of the game with such a crazy and bass ackwards group of people that makes me think crazy shit would happen and might make Cloud chuckled if only once or twice. Theoretical; but not entirely improbable, I think.

But, Cloud never actually realizes to use those negatives to push himself. It's usually someone else that does it for him. Marlene, Vincent, Aerith, and Tifa.

But.... I thought that's what we just agreed he did? How else to explain his reasons for joining SOLDIER and the like?

Hmm. I'm confused.

I think it'd be more accurate to say that the others make sure he pulls away the way through, to complete what he set out to do but uncertainty was starting to make him falter.

But i kinda disagree. >.< If Cloud never lingered on his problems he wouldn't have done exactly what he did during AC or the end of VII. Cloud does linger, he lingers a lot actually--but the difference is that he has a solid reason to do that lingering. But when realization finally hits him he does try and step above it--it just takes a special touch.

I like to think of it as more like.... a swift kick in the ass! Same difference, really.

Spoiler

One includes Barret and the other doesn't.

Oooh Caitlin I like the art you posted His eyes are closed, and then when the spell hits the enemy he opens his eyes and is like BAM BITCHES WHAT NOW ??

XD Exactly, what I was thinking!



Also, i'm kinda lovin' the Aerith phone charm!

 

[Saints&Storms]

I dunno whats going on but for one we can see how much or how little rather Cloud smiles/laughs or not when he's on the screen in games and movies and its a few times alone that plus what the creator man says kinda takes out the middle-man and keeps us from having to guess -- Clouds not a smiley person -- thats why us fans like him he gives Chuck Norri a run for his money and Clint Eastwood a fight for his name.

I mean Sora called the guy 'Mr. Unnapproachable' pretty much explains it all, and did we ever see him even laugh in Dissidia either? Meh, speaks for itself if you ask me.

 

[Dragon Mage]

Fine, whatever.

He's a depressed, eternally sad person that has nearly zero sense of humor and is virtually unlikeable. He has never been happy, never is happy, and never will be happy. He has the expression and emotional spectra of a rock. Laughter is an alien concept to him and he exists only to be stoic and mean and tough.

There.

Let's talk about something else. When you get right down to it, debating over personal interpretations of Cloud's behavior is pointless, because we're all part of the harem anyway. For whatever different reasons, we are all still fans of the character.

Lets just get back to when we talked about what kind of cake he would like or something.

I put down a vote for orange sherbert.

 

[The Witch]

If we can't discuss Cloud what the heck is the point of a fan club? It gets kind of boring posting pictures and saying how hot he is... and that's coming from the biggest Cloud fangirl of all. I'm genuinely interested in everyone's opinions. And discussing opinions(whether it's people saying what their interpretation is or not) it's still discussion--which is better than just spamming pictures for post count.

There's no need for harsh sarcasm, though. And some of us find Cloud's rare laughs/smiles, stoic expressions, and "humorless" ways to be quite endearing and very likable.

Much like people who like Cloud as something else.


I guess I understand if you don't wish to discuss something out of fear it turns into a debate so... yeah But honestly, I thought we were just discussing? I'm not trying to debate I just want hefty conversation in a fan club for once as apposed to pictar spamage. If you feel like you're being debated that's not what I was intending at all

and I'd prefer to make you feel more comfortable so I guess I'll just... stop?

Anyway...

I actually believe Cloud's favorite icecream would be orange sherbet. For cake... I think he'd like chocolate or something.

he gives Chuck Norri a run for his money and Clint Eastwood a fight for his name.

WIN! I love you

 

[Saints&Storms]

Fine, whatever.

He's a depressed, eternally sad person that has nearly zero sense of humor and is virtually unlikeable. He has never been happy, never is happy, and never will be happy. He has the expression and emotional spectra of a rock. Laughter is an alien concept to him and he exists only to be stoic and mean and tough.

There.

Yep, he is that's why I like him

If we can't discuss Cloud what the heck is the point of a fan club? It gets kind of boring posting pictures and saying how hot he is... and that's coming from the biggest Cloud fangirl of all. I'm genuinely interested in everyone's opinions. And discussing opinions(whether it's people saying what their interpretation is or not) it's still discussion--which is better than just spamming pictures for post count.

Doth my eyes deceive me, Cali bored of speaking of Cloud hotness?; something is wrong here, its never boring to speak of that which is Cloud unbelievably good tan, sexy hair and ridiculously good looks.

Matter of factly; I have a topic to discuss on that exact matter -- Favorite body part of Cloud's, cali behave for this.

 

[The Witch]

Yep, he is that's why I like him

Me too

Doth my eyes deceive me, Cali bored of speaking of Cloud hotness?; something is wrong here, its never boring to speak of that which is Cloud unbelievably good tan, sexy hair and ridiculously good looks.

Pfft, gurrl, pah-leez.
I can personally go on about how hot Cloud is for days on end.

I just don't want lurkers to think that's the only reason fans like him. Yus, he is unbelievably hot and yus he is the coolest hero evar. But I do enjoy dipping my toes into the serious discussion lake from time to time. While I would happily have Cloud's baby, I want to speak about him as a character as well sometimes, okay goshhhh!

Matter of factly; I have a topic to discuss on that exact matter -- Favorite body part of Cloud's, cali behave for this.

I cannot believe you asked that! But I will answer anyways

I really really really love Cloud's pecs and biceps. They're just... ugh! flawlessly and deliciously handsome and so well toned. I know we've technically never saw him without a shirt on before, but oh my glob, can you imagine how toned his back would be? Think about it, he lifts and swings/fights with two huge weapons, his shoulder blades and serratus anterior(or whatever the heck it's called, I don't know cuz I had to google it ) would look god-like. not to mentionnnn, I bet his Adonis belt would look unbelievably sexy as well.

But besides his irresistible body, his blue eyes and golden tan is always so very very splendid to gawk at.

 

[Saints&Storms]

Me too

Pfft, gurrl, pah-leez.
I can personally go on about how hot Cloud is for days on end.

I just don't want lurkers to think that's the only reason fans like him. Yus, he is unbelievably hot and yus he is the coolest hero evar. But I do enjoy dipping my toes into the serious discussion lake from time to time. While I would happily have Cloud's baby, I want to speak about him as a character as well sometimes, okay goshhhh!

I agree, but I don't care as long as its Cloud we're talking about personally, But, I mean, I guess the man only has so many pieces to talk about and one that we must and may not ever speak of at all. So, yes, I want to speak about Clouds inner and more personal attributes and inner turmoils as well, if I may

I cannot believe you asked that! But I will answer anyways

I really really really love Cloud's pecs and biceps. They're just... ugh! flawlessly and deliciously handsome and so well toned. I know we've technically never saw him without a shirt on before, but oh my glob, can you imagine how toned his back would be? Think about it, he lifts and swings/fights with two huge weapons, his shoulder blades and serratus anterior(or whatever the heck it's called, I don't know cuz I had to google it ) would look god-like. not to mentionnnn, I bet his Adonis belt would look unbelievably sexy as well.

But besides his irresistible body, his blue eyes and golden tan is always so very very splendid to gawk at.

*Proceeds to mentally pour syrup on mental image of Clouds shirtless chest*

Yeah, those for me too....


Except you for got one of the most important things on him and that's his sexy delicious......hair -- what else would I say? His hair is a definite attraction as well as his butt, yes you read right his butt, I know because the way he walks that he must have a sexy ass.

 

[The Witch]

I have no idea how I could forget about his hair I can't even describe his hair. I think the most attractive thing about it is that we all know he doesn't style it. He was born with that gravity defying doo I have no idea why, but I have the feeling it would be as sexy to touch as buzzed hair(like how soldiers cut their hair)

I will not speak on the butt comment because I will not be able to refrain myself from destroying this club with rabid fangirlness... however, we all know how cute he'd look in a pair of good ol' jeans, amiright?

 

[Saints&Storms]

I have no idea how I could forget about his hair I can't even describe his hair. I think the most attractive thing about it is that we all know he doesn't style it. He was born with that gravity defying doo I have no idea why, but I have the feeling it would be as sexy to touch as buzzed hair(like how soldiers cut their hair)

I will not speak on the butt comment because I will not be able to refrain myself from destroying this club with rabid fangirlness... however, we all know how cute he'd look in a pair of good ol' jeans, amiright?

Exactly, his magnificent hair! Yes, sexy motorcycle oil covered jeans on his nice and sexy ass, lemme just say; yes pls? I can't believe we've seen Kadaj shirtless, Zack shirtless and even Barret but not Cloud :zomg what kind of world do we live in?!? C'mon Nomura and SE give me some philanthropy

 

[The Witch]

oil-stained jeans on Cloud... me wants that!

It breaks my fangirl heart thinking about how we've been forced to see Zack's gorilla form, Kadaj's dinky ol' body, and on top of that, a dinosaur body like Barret(he's like, 40 isn't he? ) ... Oh! and not to mention Sephiroth. (but that's not bad cuz the man looks like a greek god )

Here's some fanarts:
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums...loud Club Album/blog_import_4e92b7d688adc.jpg

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums...loud Club Album/blog_import_4e92b7d4aeda5.jpg

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums...loud Club Album/blog_import_4e92b7cf51bd3.jpg

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/Mizu_no_hakucho/a%20Cloud%20Club%20Album/1289692791.gif -- good god, my emotions! that neck and chest is just yummy

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m613/super_CALI_fragilisticexpialidocious/C%20l%20o%20u%20d%20x%20A%20e%20r%20i%20t%20h/Album%202/24404730_p0.jpg --sexyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/Mizu_no_hakucho/a Cloud Club Album/21729792_p4.jpg

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/Mizu_no_hakucho/a Cloud Club Album/20081031.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums... d x A e r i t h/Album 2/4dc2aae4NE9Ft3fU.png -- young Cloud

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/Mizu_no_hakucho/a Cloud Club Album/20110829.jpg --you see Aerith's hands in this so Zeriths and Clotis, not sure if this is Clerith.

 

[Dragon Mage]

I guess I understand if you don't wish to discuss something out of fear it turns into a debate so... yeah But honestly, I thought we were just discussing? I'm not trying to debate I just want hefty conversation in a fan club for once as apposed to pictar spamage. If you feel like you're being debated that's not what I was intending at all

and I'd prefer to make you feel more comfortable so I guess I'll just... stop?

Wowholyshit, I totally didn't realize anyone had posted. XD

I hear where you're coming from and I agree completely -- It's just that I seem to be the only one of my particular persuasion (i.e. Cloud isn't an emotionless hardass all the time) around here and I rather feel like I'm getting run over and pounded on for a lot of nothing. In short, no one likes being constantly on the defensive, and that's what it's starting to feel like.

By all means, let a hefty conversation go on, I just wish it were a different aspect of the character, that's all. I mean, dear lord, he's got to be one of the most nuanced characters out there. There must be something we can talk about! Hell, I'll even debate his position on concealed carry weapons.

f a r f a l l a

That last picture looks like Aerith is pinching his cheeks Alas, not the cheeks I would pinch.... but each to their own, I guess.

 

[The Witch]

Wowholyshit, I totally didn't realize anyone had posted. XD

We're Cloud's heram, remember. We're always active. Always.

I hear where you're coming from and I agree completely -- It's just that I seem to be the only one of my particular persuasion (i.e. Cloud isn't an emotionless hardass all the time) around here and I rather feel like I'm getting run over and pounded on for a lot of nothing. In short, no one likes being constantly on the defensive, and that's what it's starting to feel like.

I can understand that. I'm sorry if that's how it honestly made ya feel. In all seriousness though, I just enjoy going over other people's reasonings for why they think something because I never know if I might change my mind about it. but i can tots see why it'd feel that way. sorry.

By all means, let a hefty conversation go on, I just wish it were a different aspect of the character, that's all. I mean, dear lord, he's got to be one of the most nuanced characters out there. There must be something we can talk about! Hell, I'll even debate his position on concealed carry weapons.

Can we discuss whether he'd look smokin' hot in motorcycle stained jeans? Because thanks to my sister bringing it up, it's now all I can think about when I enter this fan club.

@f a r f a l l a

That last picture looks like Aerith is pinching his cheeks Alas, not the cheeks I would pinch.... but each to their own, I guess.

I didn't really like the picture itself but I thought someone else would. Also, I would pinch either of his cheeks

 

[Alak]

Hey, guys. I just noticed that there's a fan club for Cloud (been inactive on these forums for a year). Do you have room for one more member? I tried to play catch up, but after page 36 I decided to just skip to the last page and post. Awkwardly enough, the most recent posts seem to be talking about Cloud's harem... and since I don't swing that way I'll go ahead and turn around and whistle

Anyway, I'll try to answer some of the questions from the first 36 pages.

Why do I like Cloud?
I liked playing an introvert hero who exhibits dry sarcasm. He cracks me up everytime I replay the game and the fact that he is a jerk sometimes is also refreshing. The tragic past is also welcomed and I feel like he's one of the most developed Final Fantasy protagonists over the course of his main game. Combat-wise, he's pretty equivalent to a lot of other main characters (having a balance between strength and magic) so versatility makes him a beast in battle. Maybe it was due to the materia system, but to this day I find Cloud to be the most enjoyable to level up and play with. The best thing about this character, in my opinion, is that despite being such a lone wolf, his greatest strength is drawn from his friends. I think a lot of his fans can relate to that. Sure, he enjoys solitude, but you know that his friends are always with him in his heart (best example is Advent Children). Oh, and he's also my best character in Dissidia. I don't have Duodecim yet but I heard he received lot of buffs!

What's my favorite outfit for Cloud?
Personally, I'm fond of his outfit from the first Kingdom Hearts game.

What's my favorite limit break?
For Cloud, it'd probably have to be Omnislash Ver. 6 (if that's even its real name) from Advent Children Complete. A very close second would be Meteorain.

Who is Cloud's best friend?
Tifa would be the obvious choice since she acts as a sort of confidant and they knew each other when they were kids. If Cloud needed guy-time, though, I'd probably say Barret would be his best male friend. The fact that you have the option to have a night out with him heavily implies this for me.

Who else in the FF franchise would be his closet friend?
Off the bat, the first person who comes to mind would be Squall. Not only do they have similar personalities, but the two just seem to naturally flow well together. The scene from Kingdom Hearts II (when they fight side by side) pretty much sums it up for me. Sure, they won't be the most talkative dynamic duo but let me post two quotes:

"The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch swing with, never saying a word, and walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you've ever had. "

"True friendship comes when silence between two people is comfortable. "

Bear with me here, but I think another good friend would be Terra. They've both been manipulated and used by their villainous counterparts. They've both served in the military. They've both experienced and overcame self-doubt. They both care for orphaned children. In Dissidia, they both team up at one point and prove to be very helpful to one another on an emotional level. With this many similarities, it's hard not to think that these two could be really good friends.

Favorite quote from Cloud?
Yuffie: C'mon Cloud say something...
Cloud: ...something.

Best spell for Cloud to use?
Despite fire being his main spell in Dissidia and its sequel, I've always associated him with lightning (no pun intended). You just fight so many machines in disc 1 that it's hard for me not to think of another primary spell for him.

What's Cloud's hobby?
I see him fiddling with technology (as any guy would ). We can tell that he has an affinity towards it as he customizes the Fenrir after buying it. I'm pretty sure he built his new sword, and that's impressive considering how they're all designed to operate on both an individual and cohesive basis. His phone is pretty spiffy, at least it was when Advent Children came out in 2005 (it's probably garbage nowadays lol).

What would Cloud's job be in real life?
Honestly, after seeing this picture, I can't see him being anything other than a cell phone salesman. He probably won't be the most likable salesman, but I'm sure he'll succeed with the female demographic.

In regards to the most recent conversation about his personality:
I'm not entirely sure if it's possible to put a label on Cloud Strife and have him fall under a specific persona. He's a character that has undergone a lot of change since Crisis Core all the way to Dirge of Cerberus (I'm not including KH/KHII/Dissidia/Duodecim's Cloud). We've seen him smile and laugh in CC and even at some instances in FF7. Once he overcomes his depression in AC, he smiles twice (that's saying a lot) and even cracks a joke in DoC. This doesn't mean he's a happy-go-lucky character, but it does show that he's capable of enjoying himself around those in his inner circle. This may sound risky, but I think at the end of FF7 Cloud is almost socially normal (assuming there's such thing as normal). He's actually talking and cheering with his crew as opposed to when he first met Barret and acted like a total jerk to him and the rest of Avalanche. Advent Children forced him to spiral back down, and even though I hate the change I'll just go ahead and accept it. If I have to try and explain it, I'd say that Cloud just never had the time to have Aeris' death fully impact him in FF7. After the meteor was no longer an issue, the emotion found its way back up to the surface. That's the only point in the character's history where I'd actually say he was depressed, if not outright emo.

Here's my best attempt at trying to summarize Cloud's personality:

- He likes to present himself as a serious, no-nonsense, stoic person towards those who aren't his close friends. It helps cut out the small talk from strangers or people he just doesn't like. The stone cold demeanor is also a tremendous asset in combat since we never see Cloud panic. Being able to keep his head leveled is the why I consider Cloud to be a top-3 combatant in the FF7 universe.

- On the other hand, Cloud is also a very compassionate person who brings the wall down around his new family. Zack, Aeris and Tifa are probably the only characters we see him actually having a full, voluntary conversation with (smiles seen with 2/3). Although he's not as talkative with the rest of his friends, we do know that he considers them as his family. Cloud's compassion also extends to children in particular. He's not much of a people person around adults, but I noticed that he forms special attachments with Denzel (who he picked up off the street) and Marlene (who's not even his daughter). Who knows, maybe Cloud might turn out to be a really good father someday.



Now, another part of Cloud that I actually haven't seen discussed much before is his relationship with his mother. I think that's a big factor that plays into who he is now even though neither Squaresoft nor Square-Enix touched on it much. I'm might sound stupid for throwing out random theories, but I'd say that his mom was the closet person to him growing up. Sure, people might throw in Tifa as the focal point of his childhood, but I think the death of Cloud's mom shows us how much she meant to him. She's mentioned when Cloud stabs Sephiroth for the first time. We know that before the Nibelheim incident, Cloud was shockingly friendly as a teenager. After what happened, he held quite an opposite composure. Yes, there were other factors involved. His hometown was burned down. His best friend was beaten half to death. His childhood friend was stabbed half to death. All this was done by his childhood hero, too. Let's not forget the drugs... and we can probably guess what an overdose of mako and jenova cells could do to the human mind. Oh, then said best friend was shot to death by the Shinra army. Yet, even with all of this being said, I still think he had a very close bond with his mom. Most people I know who are raised with a single parent tend to show a lot of affection towards said parent. Cloud's probably no exception.

What do you guys/girls think?


***EDIT***

Oh, and I'm not sure if this has been posted somewhere between pages 37 and the current one, but here's a fun comic made by ObstinateMelon:

http://obstinatemelon.deviantart.com/gallery/25038206

He's currently replaying FF7 and drawing a satirical comic series based on the game. The guy does point out plot holes and other silly parts of the game, so if you're one of those fans who don't like it when someone makes fun of FF7, just don't read it.

 

[The Witch]

Hey, guys. I just noticed that there's a fan club for Cloud (been inactive on these forums for a year). Do you have room for one more member? I tried to play catch up, but after page 36 I decided to just skip to the last page and post. Awkwardly enough, the most recent posts seem to be talking about Cloud's harem... and since I don't swing that way I'll go ahead and turn around and whistle

Anyway, I'll try to answer some of the questions from the first 36 pages.

Of course you may join!

Why do I like Cloud?
I liked playing an introvert hero who exhibits dry sarcasm. He cracks me up everytime I replay the game and the fact that he is a jerk sometimes is also refreshing. The tragic past is also welcomed and I feel like he's one of the most developed Final Fantasy protagonists over the course of his main game. Combat-wise, he's pretty equivalent to a lot of other main characters (having a balance between strength and magic) so versatility makes him a beast in battle. Maybe it was due to the materia system, but to this day I find Cloud to be the most enjoyable to level up and play with. The best thing about this character, in my opinion, is that despite being such a lone wolf, his greatest strength is drawn from his friends. I think a lot of his fans can relate to that. Sure, he enjoys solitude, but you know that his friends are always with him in his heart (best example is Advent Children). Oh, and he's also my best character in Dissidia. I don't have Duodecim yet but I heard he received lot of buffs!

I agree wholeheartedly! Dry sarcasm and his jerkish ways is one of the reasons I love him so much. And I agree about him being the most developed hero of an ff game.

Who else in the FF franchise would be his closet friend

Bear with me here, but I think another good friend would be Terra. They've both been manipulated and used by their villainous counterparts. They've both served in the military. They've both experienced and overcame self-doubt. They both care for orphaned children. In Dissidia, they both team up at one point and prove to be very helpful to one another on an emotional level. With this many similarities, it's hard not to think that these two could be really good friends.

I might not agree with the Squall part but THIS I do totally see happening. I think Cloud would care for her like a sister because of how much they have in common. So I agree. They'd be best friends.

Favorite quote from Cloud?
Yuffie: C'mon Cloud say something...
Cloud: ...something.

Absolute favorite quote ever. This one line right here sums up Cloud's entire personality.

What's Cloud's hobby?
I see him fiddling with technology (as any guy would ). We can tell that he has an affinity towards it as he customizes the Fenrir after buying it. I'm pretty sure he built his new sword, and that's impressive considering how they're all designed to operate on both an individual and cohesive basis. His phone is pretty spiffy, at least it was when Advent Children came out in 2005 (it's probably garbage nowadays lol).

I totally agree! Cloud seems as though he enjoys building on his vehicle! As us fangirls were saying, Cloud would work on his motorcycle and therefor oil stain his clothes.

In regards to the most recent conversation about his personality:

Here's my best attempt at trying to summarize Cloud's personality:

- He likes to present himself as a serious, no-nonsense, stoic person towards those who aren't his close friends. It helps cut out the small talk from strangers or people he just doesn't like. The stone cold demeanor is also a tremendous asset in combat since we never see Cloud panic. Being able to keep his head leveled is the why I consider Cloud to be a top-3 combatant in the FF7 universe.

That's a pretty good way to put it actually

Now, another part of Cloud that I actually haven't seen discussed much before is his relationship with his mother. I think that's a big factor that plays into who he is now even though neither Squaresoft nor Square-Enix touched on it much. I'm might sound stupid for throwing out random theories, but I'd say that his mom was the closet person to him growing up. Sure, people might throw in Tifa as the focal point of his childhood, but I think the death of Cloud's mom shows us how much she meant to him.

I agree again. I think his mom was really the only person he actually talked to as a child tbf. As you mentioned Tifa, Cloud aimed to gain her attention but as Tifa said in VII, they weren't that close as children and they didn't really know one an other. :/ So I think you have a very good reason in believing that his mom was the closest person to him growing up, especially since no one else in nibelheim was willing to befriend him.

We know that before the Nibelheim incident, Cloud was shockingly friendly as a teenager.

Wait--what? I didn't know that? Is that from Crisis Core? Because I thought it said in VII that Cloud always got in fights and thought all the other children were stupid or childish?

Most people I know who are raised with a single parent tend to show a lot of affection towards said parent. Cloud's probably no exception.

What do you guys/girls think?

I agree, actually. Like I said, I think it makes a lot of sense that Cloud would be very close to his mother especially since he had zero friends until he joined Soldier. :C

Oh, and I'm not sure if this has been posted somewhere between pages 37 and the current one, but here's a fun comic made by ObstinateMelon:

http://obstinatemelon.deviantart.com/gallery/25038206

He's currently replaying FF7 and drawing a satirical comic series based on the game. The guy does point out plot holes and other silly parts of the game, so if you're one of those fans who don't like it when someone makes fun of FF7, just don't read it.

Thanks I'll read that sometime soon.

 

[Alak]

Yeah, as a child Cloud was pretty angsty. His condescending behavior is something we hear about from Tifa, but in Crisis Core we see a completely different attitude. I think while his failure to get into SOLDIER hurt him, the experience also humbled him. Check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IbErHy1x_E

That's probably one of the more popular scenes from Crisis Core because it's the first time Cloud and Zack meet. Cloud not only smiles and cracks a joke, but he actually laughs... twice! That's why I believe that he was a friendly guy as a teenager. Don't get me wrong, he's still introverted like no other, only willing to open up in 1 on 1 conversations rather than with groups.

It's been a while, but I think I remember him being talkative in Before Crisis. He was selfless in that game so I'm assuming Cloud was a pretty nice guy in that portrayal, as well. It is pretty sad to see him change so much due to a few really bad events.

 

[The Witch]

Yeah, as a child Cloud was pretty angsty. His condescending behavior is something we hear about from Tifa, but in Crisis Core we see a completely different attitude. I think while his failure to get into SOLDIER hurt him, the experience also humbled him. Check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IbErHy1x_E

That's probably one of the more popular scenes from Crisis Core because it's the first time Cloud and Zack meet. Cloud not only smiles and cracks a joke, but he actually laughs... twice! That's why I believe that he was a friendly guy as a teenager. Don't get me wrong, he's still introverted like no other, only willing to open up in 1 on 1 conversations rather than with groups.

It's been a while, but I think I remember him being talkative in Before Crisis. He was selfless in that game so I'm assuming Cloud was a pretty nice guy in that portrayal, as well. It is pretty sad to see him change so much due to a few really bad events.

doh,
I always forget about the retcons. >.< Yeah, I forgot about that scene. And you're right. He does laugh a few times there (and he looks so cute! ). I just don't think how he acts in CC matches how Tifa or VII describe him as acting in the original game. :/ Not saying you're wrong or anything. Obviously Cloud laughs and stuff(we've seen it happen a few times) I just don't think those scenes mean he laughs and cracks jokes left and right, ye know? It's gotta be with the right group of people at the right time.

I mean, we have him acting all friendly here but then we have official quotes saying he's a jerk... it gets very confusing But like you said, I think when he's with his close circle of friends(Vincent, Barret, Red, Cid, Aerith, Yuffie, Tifa, Reeve) I think he does open up a bit more and show his rare laugh (as shown in CoT when Barret and Cloud got plastered drunk and laughed about random crap ) or smile (as shown at the end of AC).

 

[Alak]

lol I think it's confusing because we don't have an exact timeline. If we did try to make one, we'd probably see Cloud grow up as any real person would (which also adds to the awesomeness of his character). Honestly, I think we both are correct in our interpretations.

- Cloud as a child is unsociable. He looks down on other children his age, especially those who are friends with Tifa. This leads to a lot of fights with his peers. He does know Tifa, however, so she remembers him at this stage in their lives. Since he has a crush on her and wants to prove himself, Cloud goes on to be like his idol... assuming this path with get him the ladies. (I think this part of his life is what you're referring to)

- Cloud leaves to try and join SOLDIER and this is the last time Tifa talks to him until he's 21 and she's 20. No game/novel specifies this, but I personally assumed that they never bothered trying to contact one another between childhood and adulthood.

- Cloud's 16 years old in Crisis Core. We know he failed to get into SOLDIER, so he doesn't have that same childish, arrogant attitude (at least based on what we've seen in his appearances in the game). We know that he's open and friendly towards Zack. We don't exactly see him talking to anyone else, so it may be assumed that he's still an introvert who has a playful side. (This part of his life is what I was referring to)

- Cloud visits Nibelheim and is too embarrassed about his failures to show his face in public. So, we know why he's not particularly talkative in Nibelheim. However, everything bad happens. His childhood idol kills his mom, severely injures Tifa, beats up his best friend, and burns the town to the ground. Oh, and he gets stabbed by Sephiroth and drugged by Hojo & Co.

- Right before FF7, Cloud regains sanity (word usage is highly debatable) just in time to find his best friend/savior to be riddled with bullets. Considering how loud Cloud screams at this part of the scene, I'd say the whole Mr. Nice Guy persona is effectively buried.

- FF7 begins with Cloud having no family, no friends, and no real job. Since everyone he was close to was either hurt and/or killed, we understand why he's really aloof. It's not to say that he has a heart of ice, but Cloud certainly put up a massive wall around himself. Towards the end of the game, we see him acting somewhere between his Crisis Core self and the distant mercenary persona.

- Advent Children shows him depressed because Aeris' death comes back to haunt him. He's failed to find a cure for Denzel's geostigma. In the process, he's contracted geostigma. Yeah, a person can only take so much failure before sinking into depression. At the end of the movie, he's kind of sort of back to his old self from the end of FF7.

- Dirge of Cerberus only shows him for like a measly 30 seconds. He's picking up his phone now and he makes some lame joke. I'm going to go out on a limb and say he's officially back to the awkwardly lovable but still introvert Cloud.


That's the timeline I picture for Cloud in terms of his personality. Of course, this is coming from a fan's point of view so take it with a grain of salt.