[General Discussion] FFVII Compilation Thread

Well, both the DVD and UMD versions are available for pre-ordering and EB and GameStop. I've got $25 down on both versions since I plan to own both. But thank God SE finally came up with a release date.

I think most of us were fairly certain it would be before Dirge of Cerberus, since I believe that game starts after the events of Advent Children.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

If I were you, if you haven't paid off your pre-order yet, I'd at least get about halfway there. That should just about do it if they don't give out pre-orders according to chronology. Even though we've merged, most EBs are like my store -- we still hold pre-orders for a couple days.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Darknation, you were about to preorder at Suncoast? Odd considering they're going out of business...

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

But take it from their perspective -- do they delay the English version even LONGER so they can settle a virtually neverending pursuit, or handle it later when they've got some breathing room.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Well I'll tell ya this Soldier -- S-E street-dated Advent Children for the 25th. We're getting a day early too, but we still can't sell it.

And neither can Best Buy, lest they get in deep shit.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Nah, we haven't gotten it yet. No worries.

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From what I've heard, you can buy the bonus disc separately. It's still $24.99 standard.

FELIPE NO

I agree. At first, I wasn't real thrilled with Cloud's voice, but I think it was more because of his attitude at the time. When he finally started getting into it and putting a little more emotion out there, I really started to dig his voice. As far as I'm concerned, Cloud's voice was very fitting.

I think some of the best vocal work was done by Sephiroth's and Rufus' VAs though. Rufus's VA really did a good job of conveying that business-esque tone of voice -- voices that presidents of major corporations seem to have. Without that voice, his presence, I don't think, would've been nearly as profound.

Sephiroth's voice though was perhaps the one I could truly say matched with what I had in my head. He sounded devious, evil, dark, etc. Every word he said made me shudder just a bit. You could tell just how damned evil he was in every syllable. Spot on for Sephiroth.

Vincent's VA was also spectacular. If I'm not mistaken, isn't Cowboy Bebop's voice actor for Spike the same guy who did Vincent? Sure sounds like him, and I found it to be really appropriate actually. That particular VA can change the tone of his voice quite well, and Vincent's enigmatic personality really lends itself to that kind of voice talent.

I'll agree to an extent about the lack of emotion, but the only person I really saw it from was Tifa. I think Cloud's was due to his personality and lack of social skill, but I couldn't really find an excuse for Tifa. There were a few lines where I could hear her screaming in my head, but on-screen she was a bit more subtle.

While I'm on the subject of voices, did anyone else notice the lack of sheer volume the voices had for the first good portion of the movie? Damn, I had to turn the subtitles on anyway just so I could understand what they were saying! I'm gonna listen to the Japanese track later and see if the problem carried over or if the VAs just need to project more.

I'll just put all of my thoughts and questions about the movie in a spoiler, jsut to be safe.

Spoiler:

About the ring bit -- I didn't see it on anyone else's finger save for Tifa's. The two glimpses I caught of it looked like it was a ring-sized replica of the lion's head emblem Cloud had on his ear and shoulder brace. I just assumed Tifa had it as a way to keep close to Cloud.

I was really glad they included Zack in the movie. He's a pretty integral part to Cloud's past. But speaking of characters, who the hell is Denzel? Is he just some random kid who gets a part in this movie, or he is of some great importance outside of the geostigma bit and knowing Marlene?

I was quite impressed with Cloud's new Omnislash -- Omnislash ver. 2.0. XD He really tore Sephiroth apart. And when he was being hurled toward Bahamut....damn! That reminds me...in the game, the summon materia was always red, and that was the only real discrepancy I could find in the movie. Kadaj summoned Bahamut with a light-blue materia, one more conducive to magic like Fire or Water, if I remember correctly.

I thought I was gonna wet myself throughout the whole movie.

I guess my only real burning question is the one about Denzel and how exactly he related to the movie outside of the obvious.

Originally Posted by SOLDIER

Spoiler:

And then there's all the questions I have; why did Kadaj have all the kids gather at the lake where Aerith died, and why did drinking the water corrupt them? Does the ring on Tifa's finger mean her and Cloud are married?

Spoiler:

My take on that was Kadaj had the ability to spread the Jenova cells into the water (during his little "explosion of power" or what have you), but since they came from him, they turned the children into Jenova offsprings, like the Black Robed Men from the game. It likely also reacted to the geostigma, since Kadaj said that was the defining mark of the Reunion.

Aeris's water -- the rain that healed Cloud's geostigma -- contained a counteragent and was able to heal them all. I might not be looking deeply enough into it, but from my first impression that's what I gathered. Oh, I don't think he necessarily had them gather there because Aeris died there. It was their base, and provided the necessary isolation for the task.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Spoiler:

If I were a betting man, I would've put all money down on that fight ending right there. When I saw him glowing orange and just about to throw down, I had no idea what I was in for, but I knew that was the final attack. Bitchin'.

And sure, sad Tifa and everything but still...sounded like she never really recovered. XD

Mena Suvari did a goo djob with Aeris considering the amount of lines she had. If she would've had more dialogue though, Suvari would've had to step up her vocal game. But then, I don't think ethereal people really talk all that much. >__>;

So then, how many swords does Cloud have? I think I counted 7 in all, but I might be wrong. In certain occassions, like a particular bike chase scene, I thought I saw him make a complete sword with only 5 blades.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Hantei

They explained Denzel's backstory in the "On the Way to a Smile" side stories, on AC's Japanese website. If I remember correctly, it was translated over at AC.net

Spoiler:

Actually, according to the commentary, it's called Omnislash ver 5.0. There's actually more than one limit break used throughout the movie. Try to see if you can spot them all out. Cloud also does his victory pose too.

Spoiler:

I did spot the victory pose he did on his way up to kill Sephiroth, which I thought was just fantastic. Speaking of victory, OMFG I ROFLD when I heard Loz's ring tone. XD And yeah, I saw Cloud use one or two of his Limit Breaks, and if I'm not mistaken Tifa, Yuffie, and Barret each used one. So if Cloud used two, and they all used one, there's 5.

If it's not too much trouble Hantei, could you provide a brief synopsis of what's on AC.net? Or if it is, link me to it?

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by SOLDIER

What does everyone think about

Spoiler:

Rufus remaining an active role now? Do you think they're trying to play him as a reformed villain now, like with the Turks? I for one don't like it; this is the same guy who set up a public execution for Tifa and Barret. He's bad, and I only approve of his return if he continues to be bad.

Spoiler:

Granted, it was pretty bastardized of him to set up a public execution, but that was two years ago. I think it's possible for him to want to reform his ways since, after all, he had as much of a near-death experience as anyone could have. So long as he maintains his "I'm the goddamn president, so shut up." attitude, I think he'd make a great external source of assistance for Cloud and the gang.

I mean Christ, if they Shinra building weapons and providing supplies for them, who needs to go hunt for gold?

OH! I just remembered I had a fairly burning question regarding the roster of the Turks...

Spoiler:

When the nets shot out to catch Rufus, the two Turks members who fired the nets looked an AWFUL lot like Elena and Tseng. And where was Reeve during all this time? I heard him on the phone call when Cloud's phone fell in the water but..

The "Tseng and Elena" duo also appeared behind Rufus later in the movie, when his geostigma started vanishing.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Spoiler:

And I heard him say that, but someone else in this thread mentioned that Tseng was supposed to have died in FF7.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Ah. Thanks for clearing that up, Magi.

For those of you wondering what's on the preorder disc, from what I've seen so far it's the English VA interviews. Although....it's kinda irritating. Rachel Leigh Cook gets on their, and all she does is talk about how Tifa can "kick so much butt and maintain such great hair." >__>; I dunno, that comment kinda gets on my nerves but that's not at all what Tifa's about or represents as a character. *sigh* Just goes to show the lack of knowledge some of the VAs have for Advent Children.

I'd imagine that if Cook would've maybe played through the game a bit, her acting would've severely improved.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Regarding the use of Limit Breaks -- I've been rewatching the movie with the strategy guide right in front of me, so I've been playing extra attention to the glowing weapon effect and come to the following conclusions:

Spoiler:

Cloud -- Uses Blade Beam twice and in two parts -- the first part of the attack was used to split apart Loz's attack where he hits the ground and causes a shockwave. The second part was used against Sephiroth where the beam splits into three parts. He used both Braver and the final part of Climhazzard against Bahamut. He used Braver when he knocked Bahamut down (the guide says it will "split an enemy in two unless they're powerful) and the final part of Climhazzard (the upward strike) to slice through Bahamut. And then of course is the new Omnislash.

Barret -- uses Big Shot twice. Once to hit Bahamut and the other to try and break apart his attack, which failed.

Tifa -- In the fight against Loz, I'm convinced she used Beat Rush (her intial combo), Somersault (the series of three kicks), Waterkick (the knee to the face), and Meteor Strike (throwing him into the ground after hitting him into the air).

Red XIII -- You MIGHT could say he uses Sled/Blood Fang, but I'm not so sure. If he did, it would've been against Bahamut.

Cid -- He's obviously used Boost Jump twice on Bahamut, but it could be argued he used Big Brawl to defeat the pack of those dog-things surrounding Tifa and Denzel.

Yuffie -- She might've used Greased Lightning against Bahamut when she threw her weapon at it. The weapon was glowing, so I assumed that's what it was.

Cait Sith -- Nothin.

Vincent -- Sadly, nothing either. I thought maybe the scene where he saved Cloud in the Forgotten City would've been a Limit Break or at least a variation of one, but there's no way. All of his Limit Breaks are full-blown transformations, and none of them have a cape on.

Originally Posted by Kurado

I also like how the dubbed movie made more sense than the horrendous subs we got when it was initially released. It's still kind of confusing in parts (like I'm still not sure what a "remnant of Sephiroth" is), but I think I have most of it down.

Spoiler:

The remnants of Sephiroth are those with the Sephiroth gene, or the memetic legacy of Jenova, or the ones infected with geostigma. They're all one in the same, hence why Kadaj gathers all those kids with geostigma and calls them brethren along with Cloud. They're all "remnants" of Sephiroth. Rufus used it in a derogatory manner toward Kadaj because he was calling Kadaj nothing but a weak replicate of the original. In truth, they're all weak replicates, but that's what was discussed in the game, at least as far as Cloud was concerned and why he was a bit of an outlier.

Originally Posted by SOLDIER

If you watched the MTV interview about KH2, you'd see that Cook also has an accurate look at Tifa's personality (strong on the outside, fragile and quiet in the inside, is a mother type figure, etc). By comparison, Suvari's interview merely consists of her going on about Aerith's dress (so pink and fluffy and light, I love her wardrobe, etc). Also, Spike TV had a short interview where Cook mentioned how she did a lot of practicing on how she should sound when hitting and being hit.

Say what you will about her performance, but I'm convinced they got the perfect actress for the job.

And just as well, Suvari had a better interview on the bonus disc regarding Advent Children. I guess her and Cook just sorta swapped stupid interview reponses. XD

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I'll also add that...

Spoiler:

One might argue that the geostigma-healing rain was Aeris's Pulse of Life Limit Break. Of course, that all depends on how big you wanted Aeris's role to be.

FELIPE NO

Spoiler:

Still on the remnant issue. In the game, and if I remember correctly, Cloud was the fifth "Sephiroth clone," meaning he not only had mako exposure, but the Sephiroth gene injected into him. Now, the game never mentioned the previous 4 to my knowledge nor did they mention any future prospects.

Wielding that knowledge, Kadaj, Yazoo, and Loz were probably experiments 6, 7, and 8 or higher, since they acknowledge Cloud as "big brother" more than once. While I'm still in this paragraph, I imagine that either of the three could've created Sephiroth the way Kadaj did. Kadaj was merely the one there when Rufus revealed Jenova's head.

From everything I've gathered, these terms are share common meaning -- geostigma, remnant, Jenova's memetic legacy, the Sephiroth gene, and Jenova cells. Geostigma is the result of the person's inner-Lifestream fighting a foreign invasion i.e. the Sephiroth gene. "Remnant" is the term for the people with geostigma, although Kadaj, Yazoo, Loz, and Cloud really only share that definition amongst themselves. I assume it's because, excluding Cloud, they consider themselves to be superior.

Jenova's memetic legacy and the Sephiroth gene are the same thing, and are the cause of geostigma. With Kadaj's "will" in the water the kids drank, he gave them what I assume to be an enhanced version of the Sephiroth gene; one that allowed him to control the kids.

The water in the flower bed, on the other hand, was likely something of a pure Lifestream well. It was able to overpower the Seph. gene and cure the geostigma.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Remind me again of the significance of Loveless?

Jam it back in, in the dark.

It's too bad that Nomura, after he did such a beautiful job with Advent Children, didn't get to work on FFXII's designs.

I will agree though that Tifa is the best of the redesigns, with Cloud's coming shortly thereafter. Barret, however, had to be the worst. What was with that mesh shirt? He doesn't seem like the kinda guy who wants to be trendy.

I'll throw in a vote for Kadaj, Loz, and Yazoo's designs. Their clothing was really cool. However, I'll give props for the best transition -- Sephiroth. He retained every bit of his evil appearance, and the fact that it was so well recreated made it even more frightening.

Edited for stupidity.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Inhert

wtf Nomura has to do with FFXII?

Whoops, nevermind. I thought Nomura was leading the character designs for FFXII, but upon closer inspection, I realized I was wrong. In reality, it's Akihiko Yoshida, who I'll hold responsible for my scorn toward FFXII from this day forward.

Sorry, Nomura. T_T

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

I did as well. It was interesting to see Cloud driving along a road like that, and stopping occasionally to talk to people.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by SOLDIER

Despite some similarities, I still find AC Cloud a much more extreme case than game Cloud at his worst.

Wait what? Why? For safety's sake, spoiler tags.

Spoiler:

Cloud, at his worst in the game, forgot who he was and fell into a coma, within which he was suffering from severe depression, mental trauma, repressed emotions and memories, and psychological disruption.

How is angst worse than THAT?! In my humble opinion, AC Cloud was quite a bit more loosened up than he was in the game, as evidenced by a few key things, most notably the sword in the ground and the wolf. From my perspective, that was him being able to recognize his past. The wolf, as per previous discussions, is a representation of his memories and emotions from two years ago.

At least in AC he wasn't torn up about who he really was -- he knew who he was, just didn't feel like he was the right person to protect anyone. In the game, he didn't even know who he was.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Then you've almost entirely misinterpreted Sephiroth. He's not just a Dr. Doom knockoff bent on controlling/destroying the world. Sephiroth wants to strangle the Planet -- he has something emotional against the world, much deeper than plain ol' villiany.

I, for one, loved the English dub for Sephiroth (and the movie in general). His voice was perfect for what I imagined his voice to be. As I've stated in earlier posts, I thought the English dub was fantastic for everyone.

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They didn't happen to mention what type of game Crisis Core will be, did they? I've heard strategy-RPG and action-RPG.

FELIPE NO

Has anyone made a general FF7 Compilation thread? I can't seem to find it...

Anywho, since it's at least FF7 related....check the link.

Seems Dirge of Cerberus is also going mobile with DoC: Lost Episode. What. The. Fuck. Since when did cell phones become the new gaming console? SE, you asshats, release things like this on the PSP and/or DS. Not a cell phone.

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XDDD That was hilarious. "Unpaid Overtime!" Ha. Sephiroth is the ultimate evil manager of DOOM.

Jam it back in, in the dark.