In 1997, few video games had been tackling the form of themes that Closing Fantasy VII does. Even by as we speak’s requirements, not plenty of RPGs deal with and produce psychological well being to the forefront like Closing Fantasy VII did. Closing Fantasy VII stands out as a pioneer in addressing trauma in video video games, significantly by means of the character of Cloud Strife. It additionally weaves a story surrounding grief and the character of life instantly into it’s gameplay, forcing you to consider and react to demise. The sport’s portrayal of trauma and therapeutic is critical and set the usual for not simply RPGs, however the entire trade shifting ahead.
Earlier than delving into the subject, I wish to make it clear that I’m not a psychological well being skilled, nor do I intend for this to be a complete evaluation of psychological well being. Nevertheless, I’ll focus on how Closing Fantasy VII addresses weighty themes like grief and post-traumatic stress. With that in thoughts, let’s discover how Closing Fantasy VII navigates the complexities of trauma.
Cloud is arguably one of many earliest online game characters to showcase signs of post-traumatic stress dysfunction (PTSD). His backstory, together with his tenure as a SOLDIER, the traumatic Nibelheim Incident, and his time in captivity, all contribute to his enduring psychological well being struggles.
Through the Nibelheim Incident, Cloud’s world is shattered. He witnesses the destruction of his hometown, the lack of his mates, and the obvious demise of Sephiroth. After this, he’s held captive and experimented on by Hojo for 4 years. This prolonged interval of captivity and experimentation with Jenova cells additional exacerbates Cloud’s trauma, leaving him with deep psychological scars that proceed to hang-out him all through the sport.
These traumatic occasions result in Cloud subconsciously creating a false persona, merging items of his identification with that of Zack Honest. This complicated psychological phenomenon is a testomony to the depth of Cloud’s trauma and the profound influence it has had on his psyche.
All through the sport, Cloud grapples together with his identification and recollections, typically experiencing flashbacks and hallucinations. It’s as if he’s haunted by his personal previous. These signs align with these of PTSD, together with intrusive recollections, avoidance of triggers, and adverse modifications in temper and cognition.
Cloud’s journey to restoration is a central theme of Closing Fantasy VII. With the help of his mates and thru confronting his previous, he steadily involves phrases together with his true identification and the occasions that formed him. His story highlights the significance of looking for assist and help for psychological well being points, even in a fictional setting.
The sport’s portrayal of Cloud’s struggles with PTSD is groundbreaking for its time. It shines a lightweight on the psychological toll of trauma and the journey to therapeutic. The sport’s themes of life, demise, and the interconnectedness of all beings are underscored by its remedy of trauma and therapeutic.
Hironobu Sakaguchi, father of Closing Fantasy and producer of Closing Fantasy VII, misplaced his mom throughout manufacturing of Closing Fantasy III. This private loss influenced the event of Closing Fantasy VII, resulting in the idea of the Lifestream. This thematic basis laid the groundwork for the sport’s exploration of life and the connection to the planet.
The sport deeply intertwines its narrative with the concept of the Lifestream, which metaphorically represents life itself. This idea is additional explored within the sport’s remedy of demise and grief. Closing Fantasy VII options a number of emotional deaths, however none are as stunning and impactful as Aerith’s.
Aerith was no aspect character; she was a mainstay in your occasion. You invested in her gear, making it look like she was right here to remain. Till she wasn’t. Her sudden demise was a gut-punch in 1997. The absence of a boss theme within the subsequent struggle, changed as an alternative by Aerith’s theme, underscores the emotional weight of her passing. It’s as if we, the gamers, are in shock, unable to completely register the boss struggle.
The occasion mourns, and gamers felt it too. Over time, numerous gamers have sought methods to maintain Aerith alive by means of varied in-game actions, in fact unsuccessfully. It’s fascinating to see how folks reply to it; it’s nearly as if this digital demise has affected gamers in a real-life approach, leaving a long-lasting influence.
In the long run, Aerith’s demise strengthens the sport’s overarching theme of life. Though she has bodily departed, her reminiscence and spirit dwell on, serving as a reminder of each the fragility and resilience of life itself.
In conclusion, Closing Fantasy VII‘s exploration of trauma is a testomony to its narrative depth and emotional influence. The sport’s themes of life, demise, and the interconnectedness of all beings are underscored by its remedy of trauma and therapeutic. As a groundbreaking work within the realm of online game storytelling, Closing Fantasy VII continues to resonate with gamers and critics alike, setting a excessive customary for addressing complicated themes within the medium.
Closing Fantasy VII is obtainable on the PS4, Xbox One, Change, and PC. Closing Fantasy VII Remake is obtainable on the PS4, PS5, and PC. Closing Fantasy VII Rebirth will launch on the PS5 on February 29, 2024.
