The release ofFinal Fantasy 7 Remakein 2020 has reinvigorated what’s likely the most popular game in the decades-old franchise. And, much like whenFinal Fantasy 7was released in 1997, one character has stolen the hearts of JRPG fans. Aerith is an iconic part of the originalFinal Fantasy 7in a way the remaining cast of characters wasn’t.Final Fantasy 7 Remakerevitalized that love for Aerith in a new way. It’s unsurprising then that fans across the world are celebrating today, as it’s Aerith’s birthday.
The officialFinal Fantasy 7 RemakeTwitter account started off the celebration on social media early Sunday morning. In a short post, the account asked fans to join in wishing Aerith a happy birthday, saying that “We’re celebrating a certain flower girl’s birthday today with one of our favorite scenes from @FinalFantasy VIII REmake…” with a chair emoji. As fans can probably guess, the attached clip featuresAerith in one of her fancy dressesswinging a folding chair at a bad guy.
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Square Enix’s Twitter replies are filled withFinal Fantasy 7fans wishing Aerith a happy birthday. Most of them share their own favorite Aerith moment from the remake, or something else related to the series. Some have sharedFinal Fantasy 7 Remakefanart, some have shared their favorite music from the JRPG, and others yet have found their own way of celebrating the occasion.
One unsurprising but still revelatory detail is that almost all of the clips are of the new Aerith and not her 1997 predecessor. That’s not surprising since 2020’s Aerith is given much more characterization compared to the original version of herself.Final Fantasy 7 Remakeplayersare able to see her fully animated and voiced. Her personality is rich and on full display. Square Enix very clearly put a lot of effort into being true to the original character while also creating someone new and fleshed out.
Fans' willingness to grow closer to the Aerith may also have something to do with the original game, as well. After all,Final Fantasy 7left many players in an emotionally compromised state regarding Aerith. That impact has likely left players emotionally invested inAerith inFinal Fantasy 7 Remakeeven before meeting the character.
Regardless of the reasons whyFinal Fantasy 7 Remakeplayers are enamored with Aerith, it’s clear that there are a lot of passionate fans. An in-universe birthday is a fun way for that fandom can come together to celebrate their experiences and the work thatSquare Enixhas done. And if anyone deserves a big birthday celebration, it’s Aerith.
Final Fantasy 7 Remakeis available now on PS4.
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