Top 10 Coolest Things About Cloud Strife

Cloud Strife first appeared in ‘Final Fantasy VII’ as a mercenary hired by the eco group AVALANCHE in the city of Midgar. Designed by Tetsuya Nomura, he became one of the most recognizable protagonists in role playing games, with a story that moves from corporate sabotage to a planet spanning fight against Sephiroth. His look, gear, and abilities have evolved across games, movies, and spin offs while keeping the core elements that made him stand out.

Beyond the original PlayStation classic, Cloud features in ‘Final Fantasy VII Advent Children’, ‘Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII’, ‘Dirge of Cerberus Final Fantasy VII’, and the modern ‘Final Fantasy VII Remake’ project. He also appears outside the main series in crossovers like ‘Kingdom Hearts’ and ‘Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’, which has helped introduce him to new players across different platforms and game styles.

The Buster Sword

Cloud is most closely associated with the oversized Buster Sword that he wields at the start of ‘Final Fantasy VII’. The weapon’s rectangular blade and single hole near the hilt create a silhouette that is easy to identify even in low detail renders and polygonal models from the era. In the story, the sword originally belonged to Angeal and then Zack Fair before Cloud takes it up, which ties the weapon directly to his past.

Across later entries the Buster Sword often appears as a memorial marker or a touchstone for Cloud’s memories. In ‘Final Fantasy VII Advent Children’ the weathered Buster Sword is left at a cliffside as a tribute, and in ‘Final Fantasy VII Remake’ it serves as his default weapon with upgradeable cores that alter attack, magic, and defense growth. The weapon’s presence helps link each version of the narrative to a shared history.

Omnislash Limit Break

Cloud’s signature Limit Break is Omnislash, a multi hit technique that he can perform once his Limit gauge is filled through taking damage. In the original game it is learned from a manual and delivers a rapid sequence of strikes that can finish difficult encounters when timed well. The move also receives dedicated animations during key story moments, which makes it a recognizable highlight of his combat style.

Different projects present variations of the technique that match their battle systems. In ‘Final Fantasy VII Advent Children’ Cloud uses an aerial version of Omnislash that splits into numerous consecutive hits, and in ‘Final Fantasy VII Remake’ Omnislash appears as a powerful limit option within the active combat interface. In fighting game crossovers the move often serves as a super attack with properties tuned for that genre.

SOLDIER Enhancements and Mako Exposure

Cloud’s abilities are tied to the world’s use of mako energy and Jenova cells. While he is not a true First Class member of SOLDIER, he undergoes experimentation that grants him heightened strength and reflexes similar to those elite operatives. This backstory explains his capacity to wield huge swords, withstand extreme conditions, and interface with Materia at a high level.

The setting treats mako as both a power source and a force that can harm living beings. Characters exposed to it can gain heightened capabilities along with side effects that influence memory and perception. Cloud’s arc shows these consequences in detail, which grounds his impressive feats in the science and lore of the series.

Identity and the Zack Fair Connection

Cloud’s early narrative presents him as a former SOLDIER First Class, but his memories contain gaps and substitutions connected to his time with Zack Fair. Over the course of the story, revelations piece together how events near Nibelheim and after shaped his sense of self. The truth reframes key moments and explains why certain memories feel disjointed or out of order.

Follow up works fill in the timeline that leads to the start of ‘Final Fantasy VII’. ‘Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII’ covers Zack’s missions, his relationship with Aerith, and the handover of the Buster Sword, which gives context to Cloud’s condition at the beginning of the main game. These details align Cloud’s personal history with the larger conflict surrounding Shinra and Sephiroth.

Fenrir Motorcycle and the Delivery Service

In ‘Final Fantasy VII Advent Children’ Cloud uses a custom motorcycle named Fenrir that features storage compartments for modular blades. The bike’s design emphasizes stability and power, allowing it to carry multiple swords and handle high speed travel between sectors and open areas. It becomes a practical extension of his fighting style and his work life during that period.

Between major battles Cloud runs a small operation known as the Strife Delivery Service that handles packages around Edge and the surrounding region. The service explains his routine routes and connections with returning characters, and it places him in scenes where information and supplies move through the recovering cities. The framework shows how he operates day to day after the end of the original game’s events.

The Fusion Sword in ‘Advent Children’

Cloud upgrades from a single blade to the Fusion Sword in ‘Final Fantasy VII Advent Children’. This multi piece weapon breaks down into several smaller swords that can be used individually or combined into larger forms. The design allows Cloud to switch configurations mid fight, which matches the film’s emphasis on fast movement and airborne combat.

Each component of the Fusion Sword has a distinct profile, including narrower thrusting blades and broader cutting pieces that lock together along channels. The system lets Cloud adapt to different opponents and angles of attack without discarding parts. In game adaptations, similar multi form weapons appear as unlockable gear that references the film’s approach to modular equipment.

Materia Mastery and Summons

Cloud equips Materia to slot magic, command, and support effects into his weapons and armor. This system allows him to cast spells like Fire and Cure, attach support links for combinations such as elemental damage on attacks, and access summons that call powerful allies for short durations. His builds can shift toward offense, defense, or utility based on the Materia set he carries.

In ‘Final Fantasy VII Remake’ Materia returns with visible orbs embedded in equipment models and a progression tree that unlocks additional spells and passive bonuses as Materia levels up. Cloud can coordinate with party members to trigger synergy moves while maintaining his Materia based role. This preserves the customization of the original system within a real time combat flow.

Appearances in Crossovers and Other Franchises

Cloud appears as a guest in multiple series outside of the main narrative. In ‘Kingdom Hearts’ he shows up in Olympus Coliseum and other worlds with a design that incorporates elements from different entries, including a tattered cloak and a single wing motif in certain scenes. These appearances place him alongside characters from other Square Enix and Disney properties.

In ‘Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’ Cloud enters the roster with moves that adapt his sword techniques to a platform fighter. His Limit Gauge charges during a match and enables enhanced versions of special moves when full. Stages, music tracks, and spirits from ‘Final Fantasy VII’ accompany his inclusion, which highlights how his toolkit translates into competitive gameplay.

Remake Combat Stances and Weapon Upgrades

‘Final Fantasy VII Remake’ introduces Operator Mode and Punisher Mode as two stances that shape Cloud’s approach in battle. Operator Mode balances mobility and standard combos, while Punisher Mode increases damage and counter potential at the cost of speed. Players can switch between them instantly to respond to enemy behavior and to stagger foes effectively.

The remake adds weapon upgrade cores that enhance stats and unlock new perks like increased critical chance or guard efficiency. Each sword gains a unique weapon ability that can be mastered and used even when a different weapon is equipped. This system gives Cloud a broader set of viable loadouts without removing the identity of his most famous blades.

The Wolf Motif and Visual Symbolism

A silver wolf emblem appears in ‘Final Fantasy VII Advent Children’ and related materials as a recurring visual tied to Cloud. The motif can be seen as a charm on his gear and in transitional shots during character focused scenes. It functions as a visual anchor that follows him through the film’s locations and fights.

Merchandise, artwork, and in game models often include the emblem on clothing or accessories to connect designs across projects. The consistent use of this symbol helps viewers and players track Cloud’s presence even when outfits or weapons change between entries. It acts as a unifying mark for his post Midgar appearances.

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