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

[Saints&Storms]

By the way, for anyone who's interested in seeing what the new retcon is for the Sephiroth vs. Cloud battle, here's a low resolution stream:

http://www.gametrailers.com/user-movie/advent-children-complete-fight/314726

The video itself doesn't include the finishing move, but refer to my older post for a high quality video of that limit break. Aside from the ending, the fight itself is essentially the same. I'd recommend watching the full movie to see how the scenes were reordered along with the additional scenes. That's how I better understood what was going on in Cloud's mind during this time of his life. Story-wise, I felt the original Advent Children was a confusing train wreck.

Thanks for posting that, always good to see Cloud kicking ass, I used to own Advent Children Complete, but I guess I lost it, I have seen the entire movie though and I have to say it made certain parts of the fight much more action packed in my personal opinion.

Yeah, original Advent Children was a bit, all over the place -- just a bit I think though, ACC definitely freshened that up though.

Come to think of it Cloud got his limit quite a few times; and if its still the same standards as the games had that would mean Sephiroth landed a couple blows on him; all in all -- how awesome is it that Cloud fights with two swords? Thats just kick ass!

 

[Dragon Mage]

You've cleverly cut the image off from beneath Clouds shoulder where we'd see that the spaulder doesn't cover any further, a Pauldron tends to be larger and usually covers more vast areas like the arm-pit and lower still onto the bicep area, like the picture of the Pauldron you posted with the metal dropping off lower.

Actually, no, that was honestly the best high-quality image I could find of it in the 2 minutes. XD

Ah, but you see those 'leaves' that you quote as providing so much of the upper-arm protection could also be added to a spaulder.

For the purpose of this thread alone, I'm referencing the largest piece of metal in the armor itself, which is the basic structure of it anyway.

In this regard, a pauldron is slightly larger and curves more to protect the shoulder area just past the collarbone and extending down further toward the arm-pit area.

In this light, it is clear that Cloud is wearing a pauldron, and not a spaulder.

Its like I said, pauldrons are LARGE and spaulders are SMALL and limited to covering nearly and almost always just the shoulder as does and similar to the one single spaulder that Cloud wears in nearly all of his outfits.

Not necessarily. Actually, I've found a few spaulders out there with the same extensions that are on the pauldron image.

Like so~

So, since we're just considering the largest piece of metal which is safe to say is the 'vanilla' version of this piece of armor, then it goes without saying that Cloud wears a pauldron, because of the greater area it covers with the one piece.

 

[Alak]

So I just unlocked Cloud's character file in the Dissidia 012 Duodecim game. I'll go ahead and share it with you all in case some of you don't own the game:

A reserved young man who brandishes a large sword with ease. He leads his other warriors with his rational decision-making befitting a leader, but internally he has difficulty being confident in his actions.

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY

Originally summoned as a champion of Chaos, Cloud has forfeited the fight in objection to the irrationality of having to fight a friend summoned from the same world solely because they serve opposing gods. When his friend Tifa is faced with peril, Cloud casts aside his duty as a warrior of Chaos and fights to protect those he holds dear. His adamant will reaches the throne of Cosmos. Cosmos rescues Cloud after he is defeated by Chaos and on the verge of disappearing. Ironically, that whom he set out to protect sacrificed herself to protect him. Revived as a warrior of Cosmos, he searches for a meaning to fight out of the sense that he has lost something dear within his memories. Continuing on his journey while still troubled with questions, he finds a new meaning to fight in aiding his comrades realize their dreams.

FINAL FANTASY VII

A former SOLDIER 1st Class. A young swordsman with antisocial tendencies and arrogant words to match his famous title, Cloud gives out precise orders based on his rational decisions. While at times inspiring ill-will, he most certainly earned the trust of his comrades. While searching for his nemesis Sephiroth in hopes of protecting the planet, it slowly comes to light that the past Cloud speaks of greatly conflicts with reality.

As a side note, he has honed many skills unrelated to battle through his travels, from disguising himself as a beauty almost exceeding that of the heroine, to gliding down snow-covered mountains with grace on a snowboard.

So there you have it, it's a mini-bio for Cloud! One thing that this game emphasized that never really occurred to me before was his ability to lead others. Sure, every FF protagonist (or even secondary character) has gleaming qualities of leadership. If you think about it, though, Cloud's party was probably the most... different.

- Terrorist leader
- Bar hostess
- Last Cetra on the planet
- A dog
- Retired space man
- Remote controlled cat robot
- Emo vampire
- Ninja thief

Ok, so I super simplified the team, but even still you can't help but admire the fact that Cloud led these people on to save the entire world. Cloud deserves a medal.

Thanks for posting that, always good to see Cloud kicking ass, I used to own Advent Children Complete, but I guess I lost it, I have seen the entire movie though and I have to say it made certain parts of the fight much more action packed in my personal opinion.

Yeah, original Advent Children was a bit, all over the place -- just a bit I think though, ACC definitely freshened that up though.

Come to think of it Cloud got his limit quite a few times; and if its still the same standards as the games had that would mean Sephiroth landed a couple blows on him; all in all -- how awesome is it that Cloud fights with two swords? Thats just kick ass!

You actually bring up a very good point: Cloud uses a lot of limit breaks in the movie. It's not exclusive to the Sephy fight, but I noticed that he was able to use a limit break depending on the situation.

- Used Blade Beam to counter Loz's quake attack.
- Used Braver and Climhazzard against Bahamut Sin.
- Used Blade Beam (no blue aura), Omnislash, and Omnislash V6 against Sephiroth.

Maybe the whole "damage taken -> limit break" could just be exclusive to gameplay. To me, it just seemed like Cloud was beginning to master these attacks (well, at least Blade Beam). I know Sephiroth was powerful enough to use a superior version of Blade Beam without taking a lot of damage. Sephiroth is an individual who has no perceived limits, so those are just regular attacks for him. Maybe Cloud has ascended to a level in Advent Children that he no longer has to break his limits to achieve such moves. He simply wills himself to utilize them, while the more devastating ones such as Omnislash and Omnislash V6 require more physical motivation.

That's just my thought on it, what do you guys think? Has Cloud gotten stronger in AC to the point that he's assimilated some of the easier limit breaks into his natural moveset?

 

[The Witch]

Ooh, thanks for those bios. Alak, when Cloud joins Cosmos side, does he still remember Tifa and his past friends/encounters from 012?

 

[Saints&Storms]

Actually, no, that was honestly the best high-quality image I could find of it in the 2 minutes. XD

Ah, but you see those 'leaves' that you quote as providing so much of the upper-arm protection could also be added to a spaulder.

I don't even understand this second part, what do you mean exactly? Spaulders are small and limited to the shoulder, while like I said pauldrons cover more of the bicep, its that strip of armor and other shell covering the bicep that makes the difference.

For the purpose of this thread alone, I'm referencing the largest piece of metal in the armor itself, which is the basic structure of it anyway.

No, plain and simple a pauldron is wider ranged while a spaulder is meant for to act as a shoulder piece.

In this regard, a pauldron is slightly larger and curves more to protect the shoulder area just past the collarbone and extending down further toward the arm-pit area.

That;s...exactly what I've been saying What are you getting at? You just said exactly what I have been saying all along, Pauldrons are that of armor for the shoulder that covers the Shouylder, bicep and armpit and tend to be larger, Cloud covers his shoulder and shoulder alone and is small...making it a Spaulder.

In this light, it is clear that Cloud is wearing a pauldron, and not a spaulder.

Sorry, no light has been shed here, you have posted images of Pauldron that extend MUCH further than that of Cloud in Final Fantasy VII OR Advent Children, like I said numerous times before; Clouds covers his shoulder -- no more, no less.

Not necessarily. Actually, I've found a few spaulders out there with the same extensions that are on the pauldron image.

Sorry, but yes, necessarily it is the basic design of a Pauldron to be large and cover a more vast area of the arm unlike a spaulder which is small JUST like Clouds.

Sorry, I've never seen or heard of such a thing, you may have but that doesn't necessarily decide what is what >.>

Like so~

So, since we're just considering the largest piece of metal which is safe to say is the 'vanilla' version of this piece of armor, then it goes without saying that Cloud wears a pauldron, because of the greater area it covers with the one piece.

Like what? I see you have once again posted images of pauldrons, that are much longer and LARGER than Clouds are, I don't know what you are posting this image again for

No; we're considering the ENTIRE piece of armor, which is the singlet that Clouds wears and is a spaulder, because its lack of coverage.

No, what makes a Pauldron is its coverage of the bicep and armpit along with the shoulder, so ~ sorry Clouds is a Saulder, its not the "vanilla version" of anything, its a spaulder

But bottom of the line; how you exploded on Cali in reaction to her calling it a shoulder pad was flat out rude, especially considering it was a spaulder and not a pauldron

@Alak

Can I just say how much I adore that description of Cloud? I mean nothing made me more nostalgic about Final Fantasy VII and the Cloud we all know and love than THAT description, Dissidia was definitely a Cloud fangirls most hopeful dream

A former SOLDIER 1st Class. A young swordsman with antisocial tendencies and arrogant words to match his famous title, Cloud gives out precise orders based on his rational decisions. While at times inspiring ill-will, he most certainly earned the trust of his comrades. While searching for his nemesis Sephiroth in hopes of protecting the planet, it slowly comes to light that the past Cloud speaks of greatly conflicts with reality.

The only thing is I didn't ever think that Cloud was searching for Sephiroth because he wanted to protect the Planet, I recall people telling me before that he was only after Sephiroth for his own personal gain and no further, which makes me think back to WHY Cloud wanted to save the Planet...?

On the matter of Cloud being a leader, I remember how adamant some of the characters were to elect him as leader; I recall Aerith pushing and saying that he should be the leader as well, and no one could have done the job better than Cloud!

Maybe the whole "damage taken -> limit break" could just be exclusive to gameplay. To me, it just seemed like Cloud was beginning to master these attacks (well, at least Blade Beam). I know Sephiroth was powerful enough to use a superior version of Blade Beam without taking a lot of damage. Sephiroth is an individual who has no perceived limits, so those are just regular attacks for him. Maybe Cloud has ascended to a level in Advent Children that he no longer has to break his limits to achieve such moves. He simply wills himself to utilize them, while the more devastating ones such as Omnislash and Omnislash V6 require more physical motivation.

Actually that makes much more sense, because at the end of Final Fantasy VII when you are fighting the TRU form of Sephiroth Cloud was able to use Omnislash without even attaining a single hit on him, it definitely seems possible that Cloud has just come to that level of technique as opposed to being hit so many times, because I can't recall him being hit in his fight against Loz and Yazoo in Agito; but he was STILL able to use Bladebeam I think it was?

@ f a r f a l l a

Alak, when Cloud joins Cosmos side, does he still remember Tifa and his past friends/encounters from 012?

I don't know why he wouldn't remember it all, why else would he despise Sephiroth so much as he does in the game as well?

 

[Alak]

@ Psalm 14:1

Good, question and I agree that Cloud didn't seem like the environmentalist type of person. That's more in line with Barret and Tifa's agenda. Cloud did mention a few times that it was important to stop Sephiroth from destroying the world, but to me that's everyone's reason for fighting. Underneath that heroic persona, Cloud probably wanted revenge. We know the guy doesn't let go very easily and his emotions play a big role into who he is and what he does. Sephiroth burned down his home, killed his mother, nearly killed Zack, nearly killed Tifa, nearly killed Cloud, successfully killed Aeris(th), and manipulated Cloud into giving him the key to the world's demise. This also wasn't some generic villain either, because Cloud spent his childhood to teenage years idolizing Sephiroth. He even got to know Sephiroth personally during their trip to Nibelheim. Cloud was indeed looking to save the planet, but I'm willing to bet that his top priority was vengeance.

@ farfalla

According to the silly rules of Dissidia, only the winners of each war get to carry on their memories to the next one. The losers who are reborn have no recollection of their past, only retaining knowledge of their abilities and name. Cloud was a warrior of Chaos to begin with, so he remembered who Tifa was:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cport3zgHP0

At the end of that video, he monologues that remembering only makes one lose the will to fight. Cloud then goes on to betray his team and fight Chaos himself. Cloud is defeated and dies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAO3vWUoF8A

Despite being resurrected as a warrior of Cosmos, he still died as a warrior of Chaos. In the 12th cycle, the warriors of Chaos were victorious once more so they retained their memories. I believe that Cloud still kept his memories because of this. He never mentions Tifa in the 13th cycle (because Dissidia was made before Duodecim), but he does acknowledge his memory of Sephiroth. Cloud also carries on this lacking will to fight in the 13th cycle, and that becomes his theme for his story arc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I4J4QD6eZM


Here's a fan video that corresponds to my responses to both Psalm and farfalla:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBTfrUOylos


Oh, and as for this silly little spauldron vs. pauldron vs. shoulder pad argument that's going on. By definition, that thingamajig that Cloud wears can be referred to by all three of those terms. You're all right about it so it's pointless to keep that debate going.

 

[The Witch]

Oh, and as for this silly little spauldron vs. pauldron vs. shoulder pad argument that's going on. By definition, that thingamajig that Cloud wears can be referred to by all three of those terms. You're all right about it so it's pointless to keep that debate going.

This. Seriously it doesn't matter. I mean, let's not call people ignorant for not knowing it and let's not debate it any more, guys. :/ The shoulder thingy doesn't matter.

Also, Alak, thanks for the 012 info. So by the time of the first dissidia Cloud still had his memories from 012, right?

(sorry this is confusing to me )

 

[Alak]

lol it's confusing for everyone, mainly because there's so many contradicting points to the game's story that you have to just nod your head and accept whatever is said. Cloud retaining his memories isn't official, but I'd say yes he did keep them from 012 since he recognizes Sephiroth. In 012, Barts/Butz didn't recognize Gilgamesh so that's an example of lost memories. Because Cloud was the complete opposite, we can logically assume that he still knows what happened in 012 (and all the cycles prior to that).

 

[The Witch]

Okay, that's what I thought. Thanks Alak! I wonder if they're going to make a new dissidia? what will Cloud's story be?

 

[Saints&Storms]

@ Psalm 14:1

Good, question and I agree that Cloud didn't seem like the environmentalist type of person. That's more in line with Barret and Tifa's agenda. Cloud did mention a few times that it was important to stop Sephiroth from destroying the world, but to me that's everyone's reason for fighting. Underneath that heroic persona, Cloud probably wanted revenge. We know the guy doesn't let go very easily and his emotions play a big role into who he is and what he does. Sephiroth burned down his home, killed his mother, nearly killed Zack, nearly killed Tifa, nearly killed Cloud, successfully killed Aeris(th), and manipulated Cloud into giving him the key to the world's demise. This also wasn't some generic villain either, because Cloud spent his childhood to teenage years idolizing Sephiroth. He even got to know Sephiroth personally during their trip to Nibelheim. Cloud was indeed looking to save the planet, but I'm willing to bet that his top priority was vengeance.

Yeah I definitely think that sums it all up, you definitely know a whole lot about FFVII, its refreshing to finally see another fan who knows the story well. But in the end yeah it became about vengeance, I still feel a bit skeptic about why he suddenly wanted to save the world almost seemingly out of no where might I add.

Oh, and as for this silly little spauldron vs. pauldron vs. shoulder pad argument that's going on. By definition, that thingamajig that Cloud wears can be referred to by all three of those terms. You're all right about it so it's pointless to keep that debate going.

Eh, it was fine for a few posts but yeah, I'm done with it, its pretty pointless -- it doesn't really matter that much at all really. Especially since I agree it can be called numerous things as any person sees fit. So lets be done with it.

How about a new topic? So then what is everybody's pro's and cons about Clouds character? Everyone has the things they love but what about things that aren't so much your favorite? (hope this kinda question is allowed...?)

 

[Dragon Mage]

Psalm 14:1

I'm not arguing this anymore. I thought at first it was in good fun and light humor, but now I'm done. The wiki says it's a pauldron. So I'm calling it a fucking pauldron.

Glad we cleared that up.




Cloud Pros:

1. His hair.
2. His body.
3. The way he trolls his friends without seeming to. (DoC and other cases.)
4. His badass quotient.
5. The silly and weird shit he says. ("Let's mosey"?)

Cloud Cons:

1. The annoying tendency of this titular character to never resolve himself to a decision, indeed, or to quite get around gratuitously long silences and socially deprecating moments and simply give the player/audience a straight and level answer-slash-explanation, unlike this ridiculously long sentence.
2. In shorter terms, his inability to stop beating around the bush which has so far prevented him from mass-producing spiky-haired babies.
3. He could emote a little more. Repression is dangerous.
4. BRIGHTER. COLORS. they do exist. Clothes come in them too! True story.
5. His very annoying habit of constantly wearing a shirt-- I mean, um, um, of not saying enough pre-asskicking one-liners. Yeah.

 

[Alak]

Hmm pros and cons. My list is going to be a lot more subjective than my usual posts, so I apologize if I offend anyone.

Cons

- I feel he's too easily brought down sometimes, and rather than sympathizing with him I tend to get frustrated with Cloud. To clarify, I'm referring to his attitude in Advent Children. FF7 Cloud probably was down for a few minutes until he picked himself back up again. In AC, I had to sit through over an hour's worth of depression. Giving up just doesn't seem to be part of Cloud's personality... at least until this movie came out.
- He might be tall in Japan, but to me Cloud seems too short for a hero possessing such physical power.
- I found his conversion to realism to be disagreeable. His features are more smooth and feminine than the hardened, grungy look that all FF7 characters used to have. He also got a lot skinnier.
- His abilities are highly inconsistent and that's due to the roller coaster that we call his mind. I can't find the source, but I read once before that Cloud failed to get into SOLDIER because he was mentally weak, yet, he passed the physical prerequisites without any problems. We saw that without formal training, he was capable of defeating Sephiroth on 3 different occasions. We saw that with excessive mako treatment, no one doubted that he was superhuman. If only he had his head on straight all the time, Cloud would have surely surpassed everyone else in the FF7 universe.

Pros

- I like that he's imperfect. That con list that I've posted is one of the reasons why I love Cloud's character so much. In every major fight he took part of Cloud was the underdog. Cloud said it himself that his main reason for fighting in FF7 was "to get back at Sephiroth" which isn't a really heroic cause. He's a troubled guy, but in the end you know he'll always know what's right and he'll always find a way to do it.
- I like Cloud's ability to keep a level head. He's never shown to panic in battle. He can make serious decisions without letting his emotions get in the way.
- With that being said, I like that he is a strong leader.
- Love Triangle Debate. Only Cloud can keep it lingering after 10 years (and one of the girls is dead!). I challenge the reader of this post to find me any other Final Fantasy protagonist who's managed to pull this off. Oh, and I strongly believe that all those dating scenarios in FF7 are canon. Cloud just didn't get the chance to sleep that night.
- I like his versatility. He's used machine guns, the Buster Sword, a nail bat, materia, fusion swords, etc. He's also the proud owner of what I believe is the most powerful summon in the franchise.
- I like his affinity to technology.
- I like his funny catch phrases.
- He assimilates the best characteristics of those around him, yet, manages to maintain a unique persona.
- I like that he's into extreme sports.
- I especially like how quick to the point he can be. "Not interested" "I don't care what your names are [...]" "I'm leaving." "Shut up."

 

[Saints&Storms]

@Psalm 14:1

I'm not arguing this anymore. I thought at first it was in good fun and light humor, but now I'm done. The wiki says it's a pauldron. So I'm calling it a fucking pauldron.

Glad we cleared that up.

That's exactly what I said already DM

Could you please not be so sore to me? Cussing at me and stuff -- I take offense to that sort of thing as well as seeing people calling people ignorant, just please -- stop it -- I don't want to have any anger in this club and being cussed at will make me mad.

I don't care what anyone calls it, like I said before -- But for the record Wikipedia isn't exactly the gospel on all things true

---

Back ontopic, now I don't want to see this Fan Club turned into trash or shut down for that matter because that will really suck to get Clouds Club THIS far just to have it trashed >.>

What is everybody's pro's and cons about Clouds character?

My pro's on Clouds character, I may not have too many but I will try my darnedest to answer to the fullest, I hope I can recall fully all the things I know about Cloud xD I want to make this answer really long.

His anti-social tendencies!

• I really have always loved that Cloud is kind of introverted while still having that often tendency to open up to someone or about something, even though he is usually a jerk (for example to Wedge and Barret about joining AVALANCHE), but Cloud opens up to Marlene and Denzel and that's really adorable to me; the big brother vibe Cloud gives off really gave an interesting new side to him and that is definitely a Pro for me.

He's the bad-boy, need I go on?

• He's such a badass! I truly adore the bad-boy image that Cloud has maintained all these years, he's been a biker since the beginning and now he dresses in sexy Black clothes, without being leathered up like a stripper (xD), He has numerous "rebel without a cause" quotes and lines that has been used throughout the compilation the most memorable being -- our beloved title "Not Interested"!

His well developed background.

• His story is definitely another amazing pro about his character, he certainly is one of the Final Fantasy VII characters that was thoroughly developed and at such a believable pace too, nothing seemed rushed or typical about his background and that isn't typical about FF characters or any RPG persona.

He's a Leader!

• Like Alak pointed out a while ago; his leader-ship skills are for sure at the top of the list; Cloud was a really prominent leader of the FF series, he stood out amongst the rest of the protagonists of the series, I think it was how he always organized the team and made those cool speeches are what had always drawn me in personally. Clouds words at Sephiroths last Battle are for sure a high point.

His reliability and rare ability to rely on others!

• I think the way he finally relied on someone else was a very amazing thing, he did it in Final Fantasy VII when he told Aerith he was sorry about losing it and giving Sephiroth the Materia and again when he vowed to finish Aeriths mission and continue on his journey with AVALANCHE for the planets safety, and in Advent Children he FINALLY did it again when he talked to Vincent about being forgiven, he let a friend in again, and it ultimately led to him letting all his friends help defeat Bahamut and made him face up to taking care of it face first.

I guess one or two Cons for me about Cloud would have to be his solitude, while I adore this about him it leads to us never know enough about his character he is truly very mysterious, him and Vincent are too much alike! (secretly I love this though! xD)


His inability to vocalize his emotions, is definitely a con for me; I deeply wish he would tell certain people how he felt, I mean geez seriously Cloud with your vague-ness! but that's what makes him so cool I guess -- that introverted...ness





​

 

[Dragon Mage]

I found a pretty cool pictar. It isn't just Cloud, but I thought it was pretty cool:

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/8464/laughy.jpg

I mean, check that out. Aerith is laughing so hard, it's even making Cloud smirk! (Heh, I'll bet she's laughing about the Cloud's Adventures In Cross-Dressing!)

 

[The Witch]

Finally.





Yus, that is a wonderful picture. Cloud looks so cute and the Aerith (like you said) is so smilely. I like how Trio-esk Cloud, Aerith, and Tifa look. Very refreshing.

Did you guys all know that when the heartless attacked Hollow Bastion that Cloud was left behind when Cid and the others escaped? Nomura was asked if Cid left Cloud behind when they all escaped to which Nomura said "Cloud was just lost in confusion" isn't that so sad?

Hmm, I'm confused though. if Cloud was 22 in KH1 then how old was he when the heartless attacked before he got lost?

 

[Saints&Storms]

Did you guys all know that when the heartless attacked Hollow Bastion that Cloud was left behind when Cid and the others escaped? Nomura was asked if Cid left Cloud behind when they all escaped to which Nomura said "Cloud was just lost in confusion" isn't that so sad?

Hmm, I'm confused though. if Cloud was 22 in KH1 then how old was he when the heartless attacked before he got lost?

I actually didn't and I credit myself for being a KH wiz, you know that though, that IS really sad and just Clouds luck too, being left behind and searching for his friends ever since, thats another great thing about Clouds character though!

Squall said it happened 9 years prior to KHI I believe, so that would make Cloud just about 13 when it happened, I am pretty sure that's just around Birth By Sleep's timeline, but Cloud is not seen in that game and Hollow Bastions still stands...so its a bit confusing -- that means Cloud and Aerith, Cid, Yuffie and Squall are childhood friends in KH So...I wonder why Cloud is arch nemesis' with Sephiroth in THIS story?

 

[The Witch]

I actually didn't and I credit myself for being a KH wiz, you know that though,

I will not take this moment lightly. I know to know even the smallest detail like this is nothing compared to your monster-brain for KH info

that IS really sad and just Clouds luck too, being left behind and searching for his friends ever since, thats another great thing about Clouds character though!

I know My poor baby. I can just see lil Cloud all cute and adorable, puppy dog eyes as he's lost. Poor Cloud, he never has it easy.

Squall said it happened 9 years prior to KHI I believe, so that would make Cloud just about 13 when it happened, I am pretty sure that's just around Birth By Sleep's timeline, but Cloud is not seen in that game and Hollow Bastions still stands...so its a bit confusing -- that means Cloud and Aerith, Cid, Yuffie and Squall are childhood friends in KH So...I wonder why Cloud is arch nemesis' with Sephiroth in THIS story?

13? That is so young!! Hmm, I think Hollow Bastion is actually under fire from heartless during BBS... isn't it?

 

[Saints&Storms]

I know My poor baby. I can just see lil Cloud all cute and adorable, puppy dog eyes as he's lost. Poor Cloud, he never has it easy.

I doubt it. This is Young Cloud we're talking about, that means he's a fight starter and just as antii-social as adult Cloud, so nah he probably handled being lost really well, I think he probably just missed Aerith and co. while he was lost.

13? That is so young!! Hmm, I think Hollow Bastion is actually under fire from heartless during BBS... isn't it?

No, it is getting Heartless but its not under attack you are there quite often in the game and its not really so bad that people would have to flee, it reminds me, this means Zack didn't even know Cloud in KH because he's wandering around during this all and he was in Colosseum.

I wonder if Squall was Cloud's friend like Zack was in Kingdom Hearts, because I honestly can't imagine that xD

 

[The Witch]

I doubt it. This is Young Cloud we're talking about, that means he's a fight starter and just as antii-social as adult Cloud, so nah he probably handled being lost really well, I think he probably just missed Aerith and co. while he was lost.

But would Cloud be mean if he actually had friends like Cid, Yuffie, and Aerith around? I was under the impression Cloud was like that because people treated him badly?

Actually, I guess even with friends he'd still be starting fights and be anti-social.

But I agree. :C Cloud probably handled being lost very well(he's such a lone wolf) but like you said, he probably missed his friends

No, it is getting Heartless but its not under attack you are there quite often in the game and its not really so bad that people would have to flee, it reminds me, this means Zack didn't even know Cloud in KH because he's wandering around during this all and he was in Colosseum.

Wait, if it isn't shown in the game 9 years before KH, why does Squall say it happens then? Maybe that was good enough for Cid to take Yuffie, Aerith, and Squall to flee?

I wonder if Squall was Cloud's friend like Zack was in Kingdom Hearts, because I honestly can't imagine that xD

Ew, no. I just do not see Squall and Cloud being friends. Squall is a quite type sure, but he's very different from Cloud.

His anti-social tendencies!

• I really have always loved that Cloud is kind of introverted while still having that often tendency to open up to someone or about something, even though he is usually a jerk (for example to Wedge and Barret about joining AVALANCHE), but Cloud opens up to Marlene and Denzel and that's really adorable to me; the big brother vibe Cloud gives off really gave an interesting new side to him and that is definitely a Pro for me.

I agree so much. I love seeing Cloud acting all big brotherly to Marlene and Denzel. It makes my heart swell with joy. But I also love that with anyone besides his friends he's just a jerk.

He's the bad-boy, need I go on?

• He's such a badass! I truly adore the bad-boy image that Cloud has maintained all these years, he's been a biker since the beginning and now he dresses in sexy Black clothes, without being leathered up like a stripper (xD), He has numerous "rebel without a cause" quotes and lines that has been used throughout the compilation the most memorable being -- our beloved title "Not Interested"!

I so agree! Cloud's one of the few Japanese characters that actually lives up to being a baddie. But when you said "leathered up like a stripper" I couldn't help but think of squall

*dodges squall fangirls*

He's a Leader!

• Like Alak pointed out a while ago; his leader-ship skills are for sure at the top of the list; Cloud was a really prominent leader of the FF series, he stood out amongst the rest of the protagonists of the series, I think it was how he always organized the team and made those cool speeches are what had always drawn me in personally. Clouds words at Sephiroths last Battle are for sure a high point.

This is a part of Cloud that really doesn't get spoken of too much, and I think you said it very well. Cloud does, despite being through hell, keep his leader ability in check. Like you said, his speeches are so wonderful and really pumps you up for the final battle. He's definitely the best leader in FF franchise, if you ask me.

Come to think of it, I think Cloud is the only FF hero that makes speeches like this, isn't he? I don't remember Squall doing it nor Tidus, but that's where my memory stops.

His reliability and rare ability to rely on others!

• I think the way he finally relied on someone else was a very amazing thing, he did it in Final Fantasy VII when he told Aerith he was sorry about losing it and giving Sephiroth the Materia and again when he vowed to finish Aeriths mission and continue on his journey with AVALANCHE for the planets safety, and in Advent Children he FINALLY did it again when he talked to Vincent about being forgiven, he let a friend in again, and it ultimately led to him letting all his friends help defeat Bahamut and made him face up to taking care of it face first.

Oh, wordy! That made me a little teary eyed for a moment there. You're right. Cloud is a rare person that not only can rely on others but he's reliable himself. Such a good man.

I guess one or two Cons for me about Cloud would have to be his solitude, while I adore this about him it leads to us never know enough about his character he is truly very mysterious, him and Vincent are too much alike! (secretly I love this though! xD)

W-H-A-T?!
I LOVE that about him. I think it's one of the things that makes him so kick butt. But yeah, I see what you mean. It does kinda leave a mysterious side to Cloud and sometimes that is very bothersome.

His inability to vocalize his emotions, is definitely a con for me; I deeply wish he would tell certain people how he felt, I mean geez seriously Cloud with your vague-ness! but that's what makes him so cool I guess -- that introverted...ness

Tell me about!

- I feel he's too easily brought down sometimes, and rather than sympathizing with him I tend to get frustrated with Cloud. To clarify, I'm referring to his attitude in Advent Children. FF7 Cloud probably was down for a few minutes until he picked himself back up again. In AC, I had to sit through over an hour's worth of depression. Giving up just doesn't seem to be part of Cloud's personality... at least until this movie came out.

I agree to a certain degree. During VII Cloud had a reason to not give up. But in AC, he was feeling guilty on top of the fact that he had a incurable disease. I think that would take a toll on even the most confident and strong people.

- He might be tall in Japan, but to me Cloud seems too short for a hero possessing such physical power.

Omgoodness! I knowwww, right? 5 feet and 8 inches just doesn't live up to who he is as a person. But I kinda like it. He's this cool person but has this body height that most people don't equate to "cool" or "strong" and I think that's why I appreciate Cloud's 5'8" height so much. He doesn't let that make him feel weak and he always lets others know not to take him lightly.

Just like when he got in Barret's face in the beginning of VII. For a person of short stature like Cloud to get in the face of a bigger built(6'5") person that just shows how cool and kick ass Cloud is.

- I found his conversion to realism to be disagreeable. His features are more smooth and feminine than the hardened, grungy look that all FF7 characters used to have. He also got a lot skinnier.

Yeah, I would blame perfect CGI for that though. I think it can be agreed that when we all played VII for the first time we envisioned a much rougher and grungy version of him. But honestly, I think AC did a pretty good job of it. He's still the manliest FF hero IMO.

I can't find the source, but I read once before that Cloud failed to get into SOLDIER because he was mentally weak, yet, he passed the physical prerequisites without any problems.

Hmm, never heard of it, I'm sorry. I'll look for it though, that sounds interesting. Does that make sense though? At the time Cloud joined Soldier, he wasn't facing any mental problems?

- I like that he's imperfect. That con list that I've posted is one of the reasons why I love Cloud's character so much. In every major fight he took part of Cloud was the underdog. Cloud said it himself that his main reason for fighting in FF7 was "to get back at Sephiroth" which isn't a really heroic cause. He's a troubled guy, but in the end you know he'll always know what's right and he'll always find a way to do it.

I so agree!! I LOVE that about Cloud. It's what makes him so realistic and so human, ye know? It gets boring seeing the hero completely own in a fight and come out scratch-less. Like you, I've always appreciated this under-dog quality that Cloud has.

- I like Cloud's ability to keep a level head. He's never shown to panic in battle. He can make serious decisions without letting his emotions get in the way.

This

- Love Triangle Debate. Only Cloud can keep it lingering after 10 years (and one of the girls is dead!). I challenge the reader of this post to find me any other Final Fantasy protagonist who's managed to pull this off. Oh, and I strongly believe that all those dating scenarios in FF7 are canon. Cloud just didn't get the chance to sleep that night.

Believe it or not, the date scene isn't even what proves who Cloud likes more.

And looks like even Robot Chicken agrees Cloud doesn't have a wife... only, they think he's gay.

- I like his versatility. He's used machine guns, the Buster Sword, a nail bat, materia, fusion swords, etc. He's also the proud owner of what I believe is the most powerful summon in the franchise.

Yus!! I thought I was the only one that loved this about Cloud!!

- I especially like how quick to the point he can be. "Not interested" "I don't care what your names are [...]" "I'm leaving." "Shut up."

Me too, Alak!!

4. BRIGHTER. COLORS. they do exist. Clothes come in them too! True story.

I like Cloud in darker colors. Although, I would love to see Cloud in some worn/old denim jeans and a nice t-shirt(whether white, gray, black, military green, tan, or blue) it does not matter, as long as I see him in them I will be happy.

 

[Saints&Storms]

But would Cloud be mean if he actually had friends like Cid, Yuffie, and Aerith around? I was under the impression Cloud was like that because people treated him badly?

Actually, I guess even with friends he'd still be starting fights and be anti-social.

But I agree. :C Cloud probably handled being lost very well(he's such a lone wolf) but like you said, he probably missed his friends

That's what is so confusing! Why does he still hate Sephiroth and why is he still so broody and anti-social, or like Sora put it "Mr.Unapproachable", if he had friends in KH? I guess Nomura would probably just say 'its up to you'

In MY opinion Cloud would still be like that, I mean he had Zack and he still came out anti-social.

Wait, if it isn't shown in the game 9 years before KH, why does Squall say it happens then? Maybe that was good enough for Cid to take Yuffie, Aerith, and Squall to flee?

Because its still in the time-line of Birth By Sleep but you don't see it happen for awhile in the game, it ends with young Kairi picking flowers in her garden so I am pretty sure Hollow Bastion isn't under siege yet -- hence Cloud not being shown along with anyone else.

Ew, no. I just do not see Squall and Cloud being friends. Squall is a quite type sure, but he's very different from Cloud.

I agree so much. I love seeing Cloud acting all big brotherly to Marlene and Denzel. It makes my heart swell with joy. But I also love that with anyone besides his friends he's just a jerk.

Me too, i especially love how Marlene can throw a fit and boss him around like she does and Cloud talks to her as opposed to telling her to stop or behave xD THAT really gives him the big brother image!

I so agree! Cloud's one of the few Japanese characters that actually lives up to being a baddie. But when you said "leathered up like a stripper" I couldn't help but think of squall

Come to think of it, I think Cloud is the only FF hero that makes speeches like this, isn't he? I don't remember Squall doing it nor Tidus, but that's where my memory stops.

Oh, wordy! That made me a little teary eyed for a moment there. You're right. Cloud is a rare person that not only can rely on others but he's reliable himself. Such a good man.

Exactly, Nomura really made a impact with this spikey haired jerk