:Cloud Strife

In contrast to Final Fantasy VI, which featured multiple "main characters", Square's staff decided in the beginning of Final Fantasy VII{{'s}} development that the game would follow a single identifiable protagonist.{{cite web|url=http://shmuplations.com/ff7/|title=Final Fantasy VII – 1997 Developer Interviews|publisher=Shumplations|access-date=April 13, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923162806/http://shmuplations.com/ff7/|archive-date=September 23, 2016}} In Hironobu Sakaguchi's first plot treatment, a prototype for Cloud's character belonged to an organization attempting to destroy New York City's "Mako Reactors".{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/a/final-fantasy-7|title=Final Fantasy 7: An oral history|last=Leone|first=Matt|date=January 9, 2017|website=Polygon|publisher=Vox Media|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109201832/http://www.polygon.com/a/final-fantasy-7|archive-date=January 9, 2017|access-date=April 22, 2020}} Kitase and Nomura discussed that Cloud would be the lead of three protagonists,{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ff7citadel.com/press/int_egm.shtml|title=Interview with Yoshinori Kitase and Tetsuya Nomura from Electronic Gaming Monthly, issue #196, October 2005.|date=October 2005|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|publisher=Final Fantasy VII Citadel|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011164522/http://ff7citadel.com/press/int_egm.shtml|archive-date=October 11, 2007|access-date=October 9, 2007}} but Nomura did not receive character profiles or a completed scenario in advance. Left to imagine the stories behind the characters he designed, Nomura shared these details in discussions with staff or in separately penned notes. Frustrated by the continued popularity of Final Fantasy IV{{'s}} characters despite the release of two sequels, Nomura made it his goal to create a memorable cast. The contrast between Cloud, a "young, passionate boy", and Sephiroth, a "more mature and cool" individual, struck Amano as "intriguing", though not unusual as a pairing. When designing Cloud and Sephiroth, Nomura imagined a rivalry mirroring that of Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojirō, with Cloud and Sephiroth representing Musashi and Kojirō, respectively.{{cite web|author=blackoak|url=http://shmuplations.com/ff7/ |title=Final Fantasy VII – 1997 Developer Interviews |website=Shmuplations |access-date=January 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923162806/http://shmuplations.com/ff7/ |archive-date=September 23, 2016 |url-status=live}}

Kitase and Nojima developed Cloud's backstory and his relationship to Sephiroth.{{cite web | title = FFVII Not Being Remade – Nomura. | url = http://ps3.ign.com/articles/793/793956p1.html | publisher = Ziff Davis | website = IGN | date = June 4, 2008 | access-date = July 5, 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080512062755/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/793/793956p1.html | archive-date = May 12, 2008 | df = mdy-all}} While drafting the game's scenario, Nojima saw a standing animation created by event planner Motomu Toriyama that depicted "Cloud showing off". The animation impressed Nojima and inspired the idea that Cloud had developed a false persona. This later led Nojima to create Zack Fair, a SOLDIER whom Cloud aspired to be like, to expand on the mystery of Cloud's past. Nojima left the unfolding of events regarding Cloud's identity unwritten,{{Cite journal|date=May 31, 2012|script-title=ja:デイレクターが語る『FFVII』|journal=Shūkan Famitsū|language=ja|publisher=Enterbrain|issue=1224|pages=54–55}} and Kitase was unaware of the significance of Zack's addition until playtesting. Kitase reviewed Nojima's scenario and felt that Cloud, who was neither single-minded nor righteous, offered a fresh take on a protagonist. The love triangle between Cloud, Tifa Lockhart, and Aerith Gainsborough was also viewed as novel for the series. Nojima likened Cloud and Tifa's relationship to one of friends since nursery school, and compared Aerith to a transfer student arriving mid-term.

In early scripts, Sephiroth would have deceived Cloud into thinking that he had created him, and he had the ability to exert control over Cloud's movements.{{Cite book|title=Final Fantasy VII Ultimania Ω|publisher=Square Enix|year=2005|isbn=4-7575-1520-0|editor=Studio BentStuff|pages=528–529|language=ja}} As in the finished game, Cloud would discover that Shinra's experiments and his own insecurities had made him susceptible to Sephiroth's manipulation. Cloud would have also somehow injured Tifa prior to the game's events, leaving her with memory loss of the event and a large scar on her back. Kitase rejected a proposed scene written by Masato Kato involving Cloud and Tifa walking out of a Chocobo stable the morning before the final battle, with Tifa following only after checking around.{{cite book | title=Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Ultimania | year=2009 | isbn=978-4-7575-2560-3 | language=ja | publisher=Square Enix | pages=8–13 | edition=Revised}} Kitase found it "too intense" and Nojima described the proposal as "extreme"; however, Kitase maintained a toned-down scene written by Kato depicting the night before, which has Tifa speak a risqué line of dialogue before a fade to black. According to Nojima, none of the staff expected that the scene, despite "the line in question", "would be something so important".

Nojima wanted to write scenes in such a way that players themselves could decide what Cloud was thinking.{{cite AV media |year=2002 |title=Beyond Final Fantasy |medium=DVD |publisher=Square |language=ja, en |minutes=14 |chapter=The Creators: Event}} Nojima used Cloud's foggy memories as a device to provide details about the world that would be unknown to the player but considered common knowledge to its inhabitants.{{cite web|url = http://www.glitterberri.com/final-fantasy-vii/nojima-interview/|title = Nojima Interview|date = June 1, 2011|access-date = January 9, 2016|website = GlitterBerri's Game Translations|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160126195855/http://www.glitterberri.com/final-fantasy-vii/nojima-interview/|archive-date = January 26, 2016|df = mdy-all}} To emphasize Cloud's personality, event planners repeated elements they found interesting, such as Toriyama's standing animation and Cloud's use of the phrase "not interested".

In retrospective, Nomura and Final Fantasy VII Remake co-director Naoki Hamaguchi have described Cloud as a "dorky character".{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2018/02/07/final-fantasy-vii-remake-changed-clouds-design-nomura-says-closest-original/|title=Final Fantasy VII Remake Changed Cloud's Design, Nomura Says It Is Closest To The Original|date=February 7, 2018|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=March 13, 2018|archive-date=November 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113181635/https://www.siliconera.com/2018/02/07/final-fantasy-vii-remake-changed-clouds-design-nomura-says-closest-original/|url-status=live}} According to Nomura, although post-Final Fantasy VII titles featuring Cloud have emphasized his "cool side", "in the original game, Cloud had many comical or lame moments".{{Cite web|url=https://www.dualshockers.com/tetsuya-nomura-new-details-final-fantasy-vii-remake/|title=Tetsuya Nomura Reveals New Details on Final Fantasy VII Remake|last=Agossah|first=Iyane|date=March 4, 2020|website=DualShockers|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406001900/https://www.dualshockers.com/tetsuya-nomura-new-details-final-fantasy-vii-remake/|archive-date=April 6, 2020|access-date=April 22, 2020}} Nomura believes that the reason Cloud became popular with audiences is due to the impact his personality made on Nojima's scenario.

File:CloudStrifeearlysketch.png

In addition to testing models ported from Square's 1995 SIGGRAPH demo, Nomura and several other artists created new characters, including an early design of Cloud. Sakaguchi, impressed with Nomura's illustrations and detailed handwritten notes for Final Fantasy V and VI,{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/final-fantasy-v-turning-point-tetsuya-nomuras-career/|title=How Final Fantasy V Was A Turning Point In Tetsuya Nomura's Career|last=Sato|date=March 13, 2014|website=Siliconera|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111145848/https://www.siliconera.com/final-fantasy-v-turning-point-tetsuya-nomuras-career/|archive-date=January 11, 2020|access-date=April 22, 2020}} tasked him with designing Final Fantasy VII{{'s}} main characters.{{Cite magazine|date=May 10, 2012|script-title=ja:「ファイナルファンタジー」２５周年 — ファイナルファンタジーVII|magazine=Famitsu|publisher=Enterbrain|issue=1224}}

Nomura's notes listed Cloud's job as {{nihongo|magic swordsman|魔法剣士|mahō kenshi}}.{{Cite book|title=Final Fantasy VII Ultimania Ω|publisher=Square Enix|year=2005|isbn=4-7575-1520-0|editor=Studio BentStuff|page=518|language=ja}} Cloud's design underwent several revisions. Nomura's first draft of Cloud featured slicked-back black hair to contrast with the long silver hair of the game's primary antagonist, Sephiroth,{{cite web | author=McLaughlin, Rus | date=April 30, 2008 | title=IGN Presents: The History of Final Fantasy VII | url=http://retro.ign.com/articles/870/870770p1.html | publisher=Ziff Davis | website=IGN | access-date=August 15, 2010 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917074604/http://retro.ign.com/articles/870/870770p1.html | archive-date=September 17, 2008 | df=mdy-all}} and to minimize the model's polygon count.{{Cite journal|date=May 31, 2012|script-title=ja:デザイナーが語る『FFVII』|journal=Shūkan Famitsū|language=ja|publisher=Enterbrain|issue=1224|pages=56–57}} However, to make Cloud stand out more and emphasize his role as the game's lead protagonist, Nomura altered Cloud's design to give him spiky blond hair.{{cite web | url = http://flaregamer.com/b2article.php?p=81&more=1 | title = Tetsuya Nomura's 20s | publisher = Flare Gamer | access-date = February 26, 2016 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120709232759/http://flaregamer.com/b2article.php?p=81&more=1 | archive-date = July 9, 2012 | df = mdy-all}} Nomura also made Cloud taller than he appeared in the SGI Onyx demo, while a discarded iteration drawn "more on the realistic side" depicted Cloud with a taller head and body and more muscular physique.{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2017/03/09/nomura-final-fantasy-vii-remake-kingdom-hearts-iii-clouds-design-never/|title=Nomura On Final Fantasy VII Remake, Kingdom Hearts III, And Cloud's Design That Never Was|publisher=Siliconera|date=March 9, 2017|access-date=March 13, 2018|archive-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422114724/https://www.siliconera.com/2017/03/09/nomura-final-fantasy-vii-remake-kingdom-hearts-iii-clouds-design-never/|url-status=live}}

Yoshitaka Amano, who handled character illustrations for previous Final Fantasy titles, painted promotional images for the game by taking Nomura's "drawings and put[ting his] own spin on them".{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly7Rd4OOB8I|title=The Art of Final Fantasy VII: An Interview with Yoshitaka Amano|date=January 9, 2017|publisher=Polygon|time=1:19|access-date=May 2, 2020|archive-date=June 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613073203/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly7Rd4OOB8I&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}} According to Amano, because of the hardware limitations of the PlayStation, the platform Square had settled on for Final Fantasy VII, characters could not be rendered realistically.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly7Rd4OOB8I|title=The Art of Final Fantasy VII: An Interview with Yoshitaka Amano|date=January 9, 2017|publisher=Polygon|time=1:28|access-date=May 2, 2020|archive-date=June 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613073203/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly7Rd4OOB8I&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}} Amano thought that Cloud's baggy pants, which taper at the bottom, reflected a "very ... Japanese style", resembling the silhouette of a hakama.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly7Rd4OOB8I|title=The Art of Final Fantasy VII: An Interview with Yoshitaka Amano|date=January 9, 2017|publisher=Polygon|time=2:21|access-date=May 2, 2020|archive-date=June 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613073203/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly7Rd4OOB8I&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}}

Early renditions of Cloud's weapon, the {{nihongo|Buster Sword|バスターソード|Basutā Sōdo}}, depicted a smaller, thinner blade. Variations included additions such as a small chain connected to the pommel, magnets securing the blade to Cloud's back, and a more detailed design resembling a "Western-style sword". The Buster Sword's blade grew in subsequent illustrations, and Nomura called it "the Giant Kitchen Knife", envisioning it as unrefined steel.{{Cite book | title = Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: Reunion Files | publisher = Square Enix | year = 2006 | isbn = 4-7973-3498-3 | editor-last = SoftBank | page = 7 | language = ja, en}} Square's staff conceived of a minigame involving Cloud driving a motorcycle at the start of the game's development,{{cite magazine|magazine=Famitsu|issue=1224|title=Yoshinori Kitase Interview}} and Nomura's illustrations included Cloud riding a {{nihongo|"Hardy-Daytona"|ハーディ＝デイトナ|Hādi-Deitona}}, a Shinra motorcycle based on a real-life motorbike, the Yamaha VMAX.{{cite magazine |title=The Final Fantasy |magazine=Computer and Video Games |date=12 December 1997 |issue=194 (January 1998) |page=98 |url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_194_1998-01_EMAP_Images_GB/page/n113}}

Image:Cloudac1.jpg and had his Buster Sword replaced with the pictured Fusion Swords and bike Fenrir.]]

For Advent Children, Nomura agreed to direct the project largely because of his attachment to Cloud's character.{{cite web | title = Interview with Kazushige Nojima and Tetsuya Nomura from FLAREgamer. | url = http://flaregamer.com/b2article.php?p=109&more=1 | publisher=FLAREgamer | date = October 10, 2005 | access-date = July 5, 2008}} Although Nomura stated that Cloud was a more positive character in Final Fantasy VII than in Advent Children, he did not believe that such an "'upbeat' image of him is what stuck in the minds of the fans", and the script was written to explain why Cloud returned to a state of mind "consistent with the fans' view of him".{{Cite book | title = Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: Reunion Files | publisher = Square Enix | year = 2006 | isbn = 4-7973-3498-3 | editor-last = SoftBank | page = 6 | language = ja, en}} Nomura describes Cloud's life as peaceful but, hurt by the losses he experienced during the original game, one which he grew scared of losing.{{cite AV media |year=2005 |title=Distance |medium=DVD featurette |publisher=Square Enix |language=ja |minutes=22}} Blaming himself for things outside of his control, Cloud, Nomura elaborated, needed to overcome himself.{{cite AV media |year=2005 |title=Distance |medium=DVD featurette |publisher=Square Enix |language=ja |minutes=27}} In contrast to other heroes, who Nomura sees as typically possessing character defects amounting only to quirks, he believed Cloud's weakness to be humanizing.{{cite AV media |year=2005 |title=Distance |medium=DVD featurette |publisher=Square Enix |language=ja |minutes=28}}

Nojima viewed the theme of the story as one of forgiveness, which he believed required hardship; by taking up his sword and fighting, Cloud struggles to achieve it.{{cite AV media |year=2005 |title=Distance |medium=DVD featurette |publisher=Square Enix |language=ja |minutes=26}} Nojima sought to establish Cloud's withdrawn personality by depicting him as having a cell phone, but never answering any calls. He originally intended for Aerith's name to be the last one displayed in the backlog of ignored messages that appear as Cloud's cell phone sinks into the water, but altered the scene because it "sounded too creepy".{{Cite book|title=Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: Reunion Files|publisher=Square Enix|year=2006|isbn=4-7973-3498-3|editor-last=SoftBank|page=8|language=ja, en}} The wolf which Cloud imagines "represents the deepest part of Cloud's psyche" and "appears in response to some burden that Cloud is carrying deep in his heart",{{Cite book | year=2006 | editor=SoftBank | title=Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: Reunion Files | language=ja, en | publisher=Square Enix | isbn= 4-7973-3498-3 | page=86}} vanishing at the film's end. Nomura cites one of the film's final scenes, in which Cloud smiles, as his favorite, highlighting the lack of dialogue and Cloud's embarrassment.{{cite AV media |year=2005 |title=Distance |medium=DVD featurette |publisher=Square Enix |language=ja |minutes=29}} The scene influenced composer Nobuo Uematsu's score, who grew excited after coming across it in his review of the script, commenting on the difficulty players who had finished Final Fantasy VII would have had imagining Cloud's smile.

Nomura sought to make Cloud's design distinctly different from the other characters. About thirty different designs were made for Cloud's face, and his hair was altered to give it a more realistic look and illustrate that two years had passed since the game's conclusion.{{Cite book | title = Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: Reunion Files | publisher = Square Enix | year = 2006 | isbn = 4-7973-3498-3 | editor-last = SoftBank | page = 16 | language = ja, en}} The staff attempted rendering Cloud based on the game's original illustrations, but concluded that doing so left his eyes unrealistically big, which "looked gross".{{Cite book | title = Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: Reunion Files | publisher = Square Enix | year = 2006 | isbn = 4-7973-3498-3 | editor-last = SoftBank | page = 73 | language = ja, en}} Further revisions were made to Cloud's face after completion of the pilot film, which featured a more realistic style.{{Cite book | title = Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: Reunion Files | publisher = Square Enix | year = 2006 | isbn = 4-7973-3498-3 | editor-last = SoftBank | page = 75 | language = ja, en}} In contrast to his hair, Cloud's clothes were difficult to make in the film.{{cite book |title=Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Prologue |year=2005 |isbn=4-08-779339-7 |language=ja | publisher=Square Enix}} After deciding to give Cloud a simple costume consistent with the concept of "clothes designed for action", the staff began with the idea of a black robe, eventually parring it down to a "long apron" shifted to one side.

Cloud's weaponry was based on the joking observation that because his sword in the original game was already enormously tall, in the sequel, he should use sheer numbers.{{Cite book | title = Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: Reunion Files | publisher = Square Enix | year = 2006 | isbn = 4-7973-3498-3 | editor-last = SoftBank | page = 68 | language = ja, en}} Referred to as {{nihongo|"The Fusion Swords"|合体剣|Gattai Ken}} during the film's development,{{Cite book | title = Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: Reunion Files | publisher = Square Enix | year = 2006 | isbn = 4-7973-3498-3 | editor-last = SoftBank | page = 78 | language = ja, en}} early storyboard concepts included Cloud carrying six swords on his back, although the idea was later modified to six interlocking swords. While the idea was not "logically thought out" and the staff did not think that they could "make it work physically", it was believed to provide "an interesting accent to the story".{{Cite book | title = Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: Reunion Files | publisher = Square Enix | year = 2006 | isbn = 4-7973-3498-3 | page = 77 | language = ja, en | editor = SoftBank}} Cloud's new motorcycle, {{nihongo|Fenrir|フェンリル|Fenriru}}, was designed by Takayuki Takeya, who was asked by the staff to design an upgraded version of Cloud's "Hardy-Daytona" motorcycle from Final Fantasy VII. The bike got bigger as development continued, with Takeya feeling its heaviness provided an impact that worked well within the film.{{cite video | people = Tetsuya Nomura (Director) | date = April 25, 2006 | title = Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Distance: The Making of Advent Children | medium = DVD | publisher=Square Enix}} In the original game, Cloud's strongest technique was the {{nihongo|Omnislash|超究武神覇斬|Choukyūbushinhazan| lit. "Super-ultimate War-god Commanding Slash"}}. For his fight against Sephiroth in the film, Nomura proposed a new move, the {{nihongo|Omnislash Ver. 5|超究武神覇斬ver.5|Choukyūbushinhazan ver.5}}, a faster version of the original Omnislash. The staff laughed at the name of Cloud's move during the making of it, as Nomura was inspired by a sports move from Final Fantasy X, whose protagonist, Tidus, explained the addition of a more specific name would make people more excited.{{cite AV media|title=FF7AC 特別限定BOX ADVENT PIECE:LIMITED|year=2005|medium=DVD}} Studio: Square Enix.

Themes expanded upon in the director's cut Advent Children Complete include Cloud's development with links to other Final Fantasy VII media in which he appeared.{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/22/tgs07-advent-children-gets-dirty-on-blu-ray/ |date=September 22, 2007 |last=Yoon |first=Andrew |title=TGS07: Advent Children gets dirty on Blu-ray |work=Joystiq |publisher=AOL |access-date=August 22, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629204519/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/22/tgs07-advent-children-gets-dirty-on-blu-ray/ |archive-date=June 29, 2011}} To further focus on Cloud's growth, Square decided to give him more scenes when he interacts with children. Additionally, the fight between Cloud and Sephiroth was expanded by several minutes, and includes a scene in which Sephiroth impales Cloud on his sword and holds him in the air, mirroring the scene in the game where he performs the same action. The decision to feature Cloud suffering from blood loss in the fight was made to make his pain feel realistic.{{cite magazine |magazine=Famitsu |publisher=Enterbrain |title=Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Complete |language=ja |date=March 2009 |pages=29–30}}

In the making of the fighting game Dissidia: Final Fantasy, Nomura stated that Cloud's appearance was slightly slimmer than in Final Fantasy VII because of the detail the 3D of the PlayStation Portable could give him. While also retaining his original design and his Advent Children appearance, Cloud was given a more distinct look based on his Final Fantasy VII persona.

Cloud's initial redesign for Final Fantasy VII Remake was initially more different than the original, but was later altered to more closely resemble Nomura's original design. Early on in Final Fantasy VII, Cloud crossdresses to find Tifa, and Nomura noted this event was popular with the fans and reassured that the remake would keep this part. On the other hand, the character designer stated that their final design was not decided yet.{{cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/final-fantasy-7-remake-feature-cross-dress-315/|title=Final Fantasy 7 Remake Will Feature the Cross-Dressing Scene|date=December 8, 2015|publisher=GameRant|access-date=March 12, 2018|archive-date=June 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625075730/https://gamerant.com/final-fantasy-7-remake-feature-cross-dress-315/|url-status=live}} Kazushige Nojima worked on making Cloud's interactions with Tifa and Barret Wallace natural. Despite fear of the possible result, Nojima also wanted players to connect with the character once again.{{cite web|url=https://gematsu.com/2019/11/final-fantasy-vii-remake-details-turks-avalanche-cloud-abilities-chocobo-aerith-and-barret-visuals|title=Final Fantasy VII Remake details Turks, Avalanche, Cloud abilities, Chocobo & Moogle summon, more; Aerith and Barret visuals|date=November 25, 2019|publisher=Gameatsu|access-date=November 25, 2019|archive-date=November 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127215933/https://gematsu.com/2019/11/final-fantasy-vii-remake-details-turks-avalanche-cloud-abilities-chocobo-aerith-and-barret-visuals|url-status=live}} Kitase further claimed that in the remake they aimed to make Cloud more inexperienced and informal than in Advent Children, due to him not being fully mature.{{cite web|url=https://futurefive.co.nz/story/final-fantasy-vii-remake-preview-developer-interview|title=Final Fantasy VII remake preview & developer interview|work=FutureFive New Zealand |publisher=Future Five|access-date=May 2, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703174341/https://futurefive.co.nz/story/final-fantasy-vii-remake-preview-developer-interview|url-status=live |last1=Price |first1=Darren }}

Co-director Naoki Hamaguchi noted that since the original game offered the option for the player to decide Cloud's interest in a female character, he wanted the remake to retain this in the form of an intimate conversation when splitting from the main team.{{cite web|url=https://nerdist.com/article/final-fantasy-vii-remake-interview-yoshinori-kitase-naoki-hamaguchi/|title=FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE Creators Explain Episodic Release|publisher=Nerdist|access-date=April 14, 2020|archive-date=April 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413205848/https://nerdist.com/article/final-fantasy-vii-remake-interview-yoshinori-kitase-naoki-hamaguchi/|url-status=live}}

The theme song "Hollow" is meant to reflect Cloud's state of mind, with Nomura placing high emphasis on the rock music and male vocals.{{cite web|url=https://www.frontlinejp.net/2020/04/17/ffvii-remake-interview-with-nomura-tetsuya-and-kitase-yoshinori/|title=FFVII Remake: Interview with Nomura Tetsuya and Kitase Yoshinori|website=Frontline|date=April 17, 2020|access-date=April 21, 2020|archive-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701202906/https://www.frontlinejp.net/2020/04/17/ffvii-remake-interview-with-nomura-tetsuya-and-kitase-yoshinori/|url-status=live}}

{{multiple image

| footer = Takahiro Sakurai (left) is the Japanese voice actor for Cloud Strife in the majority of Final Fantasy media and other appearances. Cody Christian (right) provides the English voice of Cloud in the Final Fantasy VII Remake series.

| image1 = Sakurai Takahiro from "GODZILLA The Planet Eater" at Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo International Film Festival 2018 (31747117738).jpg

| alt1 = Takahiro Sakurai

| caption1 =

| image2 = Cody Christian by Gage Skidmore.jpg

| alt2 = Cody Christian

| caption2 =

| perrow = 2

| total_width = 320

}}

The original Final Fantasy VII did not have voice acting. For the Ehrgeiz fighting game, Kenyu Horiuchi voiced Cloud in the arcade version and Nozomu Sasaki voiced him in the home console version.{{cite web|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Final-Fantasy/Cloud-Strife/|title=Cloud Strife|publisher=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=January 31, 2020|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803235910/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Final-Fantasy/Cloud-Strife/|url-status=live}} Since Kingdom Hearts, Takahiro Sakurai has been the Japanese voice of Cloud, with Teruaki Sugawara, the voice director at Square, recommending him to Nomura based on prior experience.{{Cite book | year=2006 | editor=SoftBank | title=Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: Reunion Files | language=ja, en | publisher=Square Enix | isbn= 4-7973-3498-3 | page=12}} Nomura had originally asked Sakurai to play the protagonist of The Bouncer, Sion Barzahd, but found that his voice best suited Cloud after hearing him speak. Sakurai received the script without any accompanying visuals, and first arrived for recording under the impression that he would be voicing a character other than Cloud. For Advent Children, Nomura wanted to contrast Cloud and Vincent Valentine's voices because of their similar personalities.{{Cite book | year=2006 | editor=SoftBank | title=Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: Reunion Files | language=ja, en | publisher=Square Enix | isbn= 4-7973-3498-3 | page=49}} As a sequel to the highly popular Final Fantasy VII, Sakurai felt greater pressure performing the role than he did when he voiced Cloud for Kingdom Hearts. Sakurai received comments from colleagues revealing their love of the game, some of them jokingly threatening that they would not forgive him if he did not meet their expectations.

During recording, Sakurai was told that "[n]o matter what kind of odds are stacked against him, Cloud won't be shaken".{{Cite book|title=Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: Reunion Files|publisher=Square Enix|year=2006|isbn=4-7973-3498-3|editor-last=SoftBank|page=13|language=ja, en}} Sakurai says that while he recorded most of his work individually, he performed alongside Ayumi Ito, who voiced Tifa, for a few scenes. These recordings left him feeling "deflated", as the "exchanges he has with Tifa can be pretty painful", with Sakurai commenting that Cloud—whom he empathized with as his voice actor—has a hard time dealing with straight talk.{{Cite book|title=Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: Reunion Files|publisher=Square Enix|year=2006|isbn=4-7973-3498-3|editor-last=SoftBank|pages=13–14|language=ja, en}} Sakurai says that there were scenes that took over a year to complete, with precise directions being given requiring multiple takes.{{cite AV media |year=2005 |title=Distance |medium=DVD featurette |publisher=Square Enix |language=ja |minutes=20}}

According to Sakurai, Cloud's silence conveys more about him than when he speaks. While possessing heroic characteristics, Sakurai describes Cloud's outlook as negative, and says that he is delicate in some respects. A fan of VII, Sakurai had believed Cloud to be a colder character based on his original impression of him, but later came to view him as more sentimental. After the final product was released, Sakurai was anxious to hear the fans' response, whether positive or negative, and says that most of the feedback he received praised him. While recording Crisis Core, Sakurai felt that Cloud, though still introverted, acted more like a normal teenager, and modified his approach accordingly. Cloud's scream over Zack's death left a major impression on Sakurai, who says that he worked hard to convey the emotional tone of the ending. Sakurai has come to regard Cloud as an important role, commenting that Cloud reminds him of his own past, and that, as a Final Fantasy VII fan himself, he is happy to contribute.{{cite book | title=Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Ultimania | year=2009 | isbn=978-4-7575-2560-3 | language=ja | publisher=Square Enix | edition=Revised}}

For the remake of Final Fantasy VII, Sakurai found Cloud more difficult to portray than his previous performances. He re-recorded his lines multiple times, and credited the voice director with guiding him.{{cite web|url=https://dengekionline.com/articles/26223/|title=櫻井孝宏にとってのクラウドとは？『FFVIIリメイク』クラウド役・櫻井孝宏さんインタビュー|website=Dengeki Online|date=February 13, 2020|access-date=May 10, 2020|archive-date=April 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402224457/https://dengekionline.com/articles/26223/|url-status=live}} Nomura elaborated that the remake's interpretation of Cloud has a distinct personality; he attempts to act cool, but often fails to do so and instead comes across as awkward, which Nomura asked Sakurai to reflect in his acting. Another challenge for the developers was finding a suitable voice for the teenage Cloud seen during flashbacks. To better match Cloud's rural upbringing, they decided to hire a child from a rural area rather than an established actor, and ultimately went with 13-year-old Yukihiro Aizawa.{{cite tweet|number=1248572634146586624|user=theatreacademy|date=April 10, 2020|access-date=2020-05-02 |language=ja |title=本日発売！！PS4ゲームソフト「ファイナルファンタジーVIIリメイク」ムギ役 #中村文徳 エアリス幼少役 #田中千空 マリン役 #梅崎音羽 ベティ役 #鎌田英怜奈 ティファ(8才/13才) #三本采香 クラウド(13才) #相澤幸優 皆さん、是非遊んチェックしてみてください！！#FF7R #FF7リメイク |trans-title="Released today !! PS4 game software" Final Fantasy VII Remake "Wheat playing # Fuminori Nakamura Aris's childhood role # Chizora Tanaka Marine role # Otowa Umezaki Betty role # Hidefa Kamada Tifa (8 years old / 13 years old) # Kusaka Sanbon Cloud (13 years old) # Yukyuu Aizawa Everyone, please check it out! !! # FF7R # FF7 Remake"}}{{cite web |last=Agossah |first=Iyane |date=March 4, 2020 |title=Tetsuya Nomura Reveals New Details on Final Fantasy VII Remake |url=https://www.dualshockers.com/tetsuya-nomura-new-details-final-fantasy-vii-remake/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406001900/https://www.dualshockers.com/tetsuya-nomura-new-details-final-fantasy-vii-remake/ |archive-date=April 6, 2020 |access-date=May 2, 2020 |website=DualShockers}}

In most English adaptations, Cloud is voiced by Steve Burton, who was first hired to voice Cloud after a Square employee saw his role in the 2001 film The Last Castle.{{cite web|url=http://www.novacrystallis.com/2018/01/dissidia-final-fantasy-nt-english-voice-cast-talk-roles-experiences-final-fantasy/|title=Dissidia Final Fantasy NT English voice cast talk about their roles and experiences with Final Fantasy|date=January 24, 2018|publisher=Nova Crystallis|access-date=March 13, 2018|archive-date=March 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314174406/http://www.novacrystallis.com/2018/01/dissidia-final-fantasy-nt-english-voice-cast-talk-roles-experiences-final-fantasy/|url-status=live}} Burton's work as Cloud in Advent Children served as his first feature-length role, an experience he enjoyed.{{cite web | title = Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children DVD Interview – Steve Burton (voice of Cloud) | url = http://dvd.ign.com/dor/objects/761530/final-fantasy-vii-advent-children/videos/ff7_steve_burton_040706.html | work = IGN | publisher = Ziff Davis | date = April 7, 2006 | access-date = August 1, 2010 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090811003443/http://dvd.ign.com/dor/objects/761530/final-fantasy-vii-advent-children/videos/ff7_steve_burton_040706.html | archive-date = August 11, 2009 | df = mdy-all}} Calling the character a rare opportunity for him as an actor, Burton describes Cloud as having a "heaviness about him".{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/76452/steve-burton-on-kingdom-hearts-ii.jhtml|title=Steve Burton on Kingdom Hearts II|date=February 24, 2006|website=MTV|publisher=Viacom|access-date=March 5, 2016}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Burton says he is surprised when fans recognize him for his work as Cloud, whom he has referred to as "[one of the] coolest characters there is", and considers himself lucky to have voiced him.

Although Burton expressed his desire to voice Cloud for the remake of Final Fantasy VII, he was replaced by Cody Christian; Burton thanked Square for his work, and wished Christian luck.{{cite web|url=https://gamingbolt.com/final-fantasy-7-remake-update-steve-burton-involved-doing-voice-acting-for-cloud-strife|title=Final Fantasy 7 Remake Update: Steve Burton Involved, Doing Voice Acting For Cloud Strife|date=May 7, 2017|website=MTV|publisher=GamingBolt|access-date=March 12, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203062941/https://gamingbolt.com/final-fantasy-7-remake-update-steve-burton-involved-doing-voice-acting-for-cloud-strife|archive-date=February 3, 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://gamingbolt.com/final-fantasy-7-remake-cloud-strife-will-have-a-new-voice-actor|title=Final Fantasy 7 Remake – Cloud Strife Will Have A New Voice Actor|publisher=Gaming Bolt|access-date=June 14, 2019|date=June 13, 2019|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308222848/https://gamingbolt.com/final-fantasy-7-remake-cloud-strife-will-have-a-new-voice-actor|url-status=live}} Christian said that he was honored to portray what he described as an iconic character, and vowed to give his best performance.{{cite tweet |author=Cody Christian|user=ReallyCody|number=1138532929242447872 |date=June 11, 2019 |title=Honored and humbled to be able to announce my participation in the @FinalFantasy VII remake as the voice of Cloud Strife. I vow to give nothing shy of 100% and my absolute best to ensure this iconic character's depth and complexity resonates. Thank you all for the support. ❤️|access-date=January 4, 2020}} He also commented on Burton's previous work, stating, "Steve, you paved the way. You made this character what it is and have contributed in shaping a legacy".{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2019/06/15/final-fantasy-vii-remake-cloud-voice-cast/|title=Final Fantasy VII Remake Has A Completely New Voice Cast|date=June 17, 2019 |publisher=Comic Book|access-date=January 5, 2020|archive-date=September 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929190511/https://comicbook.com/gaming/2019/06/15/final-fantasy-vii-remake-cloud-voice-cast/|url-status=live}} Christian used Burton's works as an inspiration for his portrayal of the character.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/final-fantasy-vii-remake-star-cody-christian-talks-paving-new-way-iconic-character-1289672|title='Final Fantasy VII' Remake Star on "Paving New Way" for Iconic Character|publisher=Hollywood Reporter|access-date=April 3, 2020|archive-date=April 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421221741/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/final-fantasy-vii-remake-star-cody-christian-talks-paving-new-way-iconic-character-1289672|url-status=live}} Teenage Cloud was voiced in English by Major Dodson.{{cite web|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Final-Fantasy/Cloud-Strife/|title=Cloud Strife|publisher=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=May 2, 2020|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803235910/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Final-Fantasy/Cloud-Strife/|url-status=live}} For the next installment, Christian said that the character differed from Remake as he aimed to explore more his sensitive side like his past or intimate relationships he is often involved.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/interview-how-cody-christian-humanized-cloud-in-ffvii-rebirth/ |title=How Cody Christian Humanized Cloud in FFVII Rebirth|date=March 14, 2024 |access-date=April 4, 2024}}

{{main|Final Fantasy VII|Final Fantasy VII Remake|Final Fantasy VII Rebirth}}

Cloud is introduced as a mercenary employed by AVALANCHE, an eco-terrorist group opposed to the Shinra Company, and who claims to be formerly of SOLDIER 1st Class, an elite Shinra fighting unit.Square (September 7, 1997). Final Fantasy VII. PlayStation. Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Barret: Yo. Cloud! There's somethin' I wanna ask ya. Was there anyone from SOLDIER fighting us today? / Cloud: None. I'm positive. / Barret: You sound pretty sure. / Cloud: If there was anyone from SOLDIER you wouldn't be standing here now. / Barret: Don't go thinkin' you so bad jes cuz you was in SOLDIER." Beginning the game with the placeholder name {{nihongo|"Ex-SOLDIER"|元ソルジャー|Moto Sorujā}}, Cloud assists AVALANCHE's leader, Barret Wallace, in bombing a Mako reactor, power plants which drain the planet's "Lifestream". Despite appearing detached and more interested in the pay of his work, Cloud demonstrates moments of camaraderie, such as prioritizing Jessie's security over his escape during the Mako Reactor 1's explosion.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy VII|developer=Square|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment America|date=September 7, 1997|platform=PlayStation|quote=Cloud: I don't care what your names are. Once this job's over... I'm outta here.}}{{cite video game|title = Final Fantasy VII|developer = Square|publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment America|date = September 7, 1997|platform = PlayStation|quote = Cloud: Wedge!! You all right!? / Wedge: .......Cloud...... You remembered..... my name. Barret's up top. ...help him....... An' Cloud.... Sorry, I wasn't any help. / Cloud: I'm going up! Aeris, you look after Wedge.}} Players can choose to interact in a friendlier manner with AVALANCHE's members.{{cite video game|title = Final Fantasy VII|developer = Square|publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment America|date = September 7, 1997|platform = PlayStation|quote = Biggs: What!? you tellin' me you're too good to drink with me? Don't act big-headed jus' because you were in SOLDIER! / Yeah, why not?/ Biggs: Oh!! That's more like it! Even if you were with SOLDIER, you're still a rookie here.}} After being approached by his childhood friend and AVALANCHE member, Tifa Lockhart,{{cite video game|title = Final Fantasy VII|developer = Square|publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment America|date = September 7, 1997|platform = PlayStation|quote = Cloud: But I'm different from all of them. I'm not just going to find a job. I want to join SOLDIER. I'm going to be the best there is, just like Sephiroth. / ... / Tifa: Hey, why don't we make a promise? Umm, if you get really famous and I'm ever in a bind... You came save me, all right? / Cloud: What? / Tifa: Whenever I'm in trouble, my hero will come and rescue me. I want to at least experience that once. / Cloud: What? / Tifa: Come on--! Promise me----! / Cloud: All right... I promise.}} Cloud agrees to continue helping AVALANCHE.{{cite video game|title = Final Fantasy VII|developer = Square|publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment America|date = September 7, 1997|platform = PlayStation|quote = Cloud: I'm not a hero and I'm not famous. I can't keep... the promise.}}{{cite video game|title = Final Fantasy VII|developer = Square|publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment America|date = September 7, 1997|platform = PlayStation|quote = Cloud: This is my pay? Don't make me laugh. \ Tifa: What? Then you'll...!! / Cloud: You got the next mission lined up? I'll do it for 3000. / Tifa: Thanks, Cloud.}} Cloud encounters Aerith Gainsborough, a resident of Midgar's slums, and agrees to serve as her bodyguard in exchange for a date.{{cite video game|title = Final Fantasy VII|developer = Square|publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment America|date = September 7, 1997|platform = PlayStation|quote = Aerith: Then, get me out of here. Take me home. / Cloud: OK, I'll do it... but it'll cost you. / Aerith: Well then, let's see...... How about if I go out with you once? / [Cloud makes an affirmative nod.]}} He helps her evade Shinra, who are pursuing her because she is the sole survivor of a race known as the Cetra. During the course of their travels, a love triangle develops between Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith.{{cite video game|title = Final Fantasy VII|developer = Square|publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment America|date = September 7, 1997|platform = PlayStation|quote = Aeris: I knew that Cloud would come for me. / Cloud: Hey, I'm your bodyguard, right? / Aeris: The deal was for one date, right? / Tifa: ............oh, I get it. / Aeris: ...!? Tifa! Tifa, you're there too! / Tifa: EXCUSE me.}}{{cite book |title = Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Ultimania|year = 2009|isbn = 978-4-7575-2560-3|language = ja|publisher = Square Enix|pages = 8–13|edition = Revised}}

Following the player's departure from Midgar, Cloud narrates his history with Sephiroth, a legendary member of SOLDIER and the game's primary antagonist, and the events that led to his disappearance five years prior. Cloud joined SOLDIER to emulate Sephiroth, and explains that he would sign up for a "big mission" whenever they became available, as the conclusion of Shinra's war with the people of Wutai ended his chances for military fame.{{cite video game|title = Final Fantasy VII|developer = Square|publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment America|date = September 7, 1997|platform = PlayStation|quote = Cloud: I joined SOLDIER so I could be like you. But by the time I made First Class, the war was already over. My big hopes of becoming a hero like you ended with the war. That's why I always sign up whenever there's a big mission. Kind of a way to prove myself.}} Sephiroth started questioning his humanity after accompanying him on a job to Cloud's hometown of Nibelheim and discovering documents concerning Jenova, an extraterrestrial lifeform and Sephiroth's "mother".{{cite video game|title = Final Fantasy VII|developer = Square|publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment America|date = September 7, 1997|platform = PlayStation|quote = Cloud: Traitor? / Sephiroth: You ignorant traitor. I'll tell you. This was an itinerant race. They would migrate in, settle the Planet, then move on... At the end of their harsh, hard journey, they would find the Promised Land and supreme happiness. But, those who stopped their migrations built shelters and elected to lead an easier life. They took that which the Cetra and the planet had made without giving back one whit in return! Those are your ancestors. / Cloud: Sephiroth... / Sephiroth: Long ago, disaster struck this planet. Your ancestors escaped... They survived because they hid. The Planet was saved by sacrificing the Cetra. After that, your ancestors continued to increase. Now all that's left of the Cetra is in these reports. / Cloud: What does that have to do with you? / Sephiroth: Don't you get it? An Ancient named Jenova was found in the geological stratum of 2000 years ago. The Jenova Project. The Jenova Project wanted to produce people with the powers of the Ancients......no, the Cetra! ...I am the one that was produced.}} This ultimately led to Sephiroth burning down Nibelheim, killing Cloud's mother. Cloud confronted Sephiroth at Mt. Nibel's Mako Reactor and was believed to have killed him, but Cloud dismisses this as a lie, as he knows he would be no match for Sephiroth. He is troubled by the fact that although he most likely would have lost the fight, he lived after challenging Sephiroth.

However, numerous visual and audio clues suggest the unreliability of Cloud's memory. Cloud will spontaneously remember words or scenes from his past, sometimes collapsing to the ground while cradling his head,{{cite video game|title = Final Fantasy VII|developer = Square|publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment America|date = September 7, 1997|platform = PlayStation|quote =It was a great place for you two to see each other again. / Cloud: ...You're right. / Why couldn't you see each other alone? / Cloud: ...I don't know. I can't remember clearly... / Why don't you try asking Tifa?"}} and appears not to remember things that he should, such as the existence of a SOLDIER First Class named Zack.{{cite video game|title = Final Fantasy VII|developer = Square|publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment America|date = September 7, 1997|platform = PlayStation|quote =Tifa: Zack...... / Cloud: Do you know him? / Tifa: N, no, I don't know him! / Cloud: Your face tells me differently. / Tifa: I told you, I don't!}} As Sephiroth begins manipulating his mind,{{cite video game|title = Final Fantasy VII|developer = Square|publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment America|date = September 7, 1997|platform = PlayStation|quote = Cloud: ......I'm afraid to find out the truth...? But...... why?.}} he takes advantage of his memory by telling him that his past is merely fiction and that Shinra created him in an attempt to clone Sephiroth.{{cite video game|title = Final Fantasy VII|developer = Square|publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment America|date = September 7, 1997|platform = PlayStation|quote = Sephiroth: Five years ago you were... ...constructed by Hojo, piece by piece, right after Nibelheim was burnt. A puppet made up of vibrant Jenova cells, her knowledge, and the power of Mako. An incomplete Sephiroth-clone. Not even given a number. ...That is your reality.}} Cloud learns he cannot remember things such as how or when he joined SOLDIER and resigns himself as a "failed experiment",{{cite video game|title = Final Fantasy VII|developer = Square|publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment America|date = September 7, 1997|platform = PlayStation|quote = "Cloud: Professor Hojo... I don't have a number. You didn't give me one because I was a failed experiment.}} then goes missing. The party later discovers a comatose Cloud suffering from Mako poisoning.

It is revealed that Cloud never qualified for SOLDIER, and instead enlisted as an infantryman in Shinra's army. During the mission to Nibelheim, he served under Sephiroth and Zack and hid his identity from the townspeople out of embarrassment. Following Sephiroth's defeat of Zack at the Mt. Nibel Mako reactor, Cloud managed to ambush him and throw him into the Lifestream, believing him to be dead. Both he and Zack were imprisoned by Shinra's lead scientist, Professor Hojo, for four years of experimentation. Zack later escaped with Cloud to the outskirts of Midgar before Shinra soldiers gunned him down. As a result of exposure to Mako radiation and the injection of Jenova's cells,{{cite video game|title = Final Fantasy VII|developer = Square|publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment America|date = September 7, 1997|platform = PlayStation|quote = Cloud: You see, someone in SOLDIER isn't simply exposed to Mako energy. Their bodies are actually injected with Jenova cells...... For better or for worse, only the strong can enter SOLDIER. It has nothing to do with the Jenova Reunion. But weak people...... like me, get lost in the whole thing. The combination of Jenova cells, Sephiroth's strong will, and my own weaknesses are what created me. Everyone knew that. I'm...... Cloud. ......the master of my own illusionary world. But I can't remain trapped in an illusion any more...... I'm going to live my life without pretending.}} Cloud's mind created a false personality based on Zack's, inadvertently erasing the latter from his memory.{{Cite book|title = Final Fantasy VII Ultimania Ω|year = 2005|isbn = 4-7575-1520-0|pages = 210–215| publisher=スクウェア・エニックス |editor-last = Studio BentStuff|language = ja}} After piecing together his identity, Cloud resumes his role as leader and silently expresses his mutual feelings with Tifa the night before the final battle. At the game's conclusion, Sephiroth reappears in Cloud's mind a final time, but is defeated in a one-on-one fight.Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Ultimania (Revised Edition) (in Japanese). Square Enix. 2009. pp. 76–81. {{ISBN|978-4-7575-2560-3}}.

Cloud appears in a minor role in the mobile game Before Crisis, a prequel set six years before the events of Final Fantasy VII. The player, a member of the Shinra covert operatives group, the Turks, encounters Cloud during his time as a Shinra infantryman working to join SOLDIER. The game portrays Cloud's natural talent for swordsmanship,{{cite book | title=Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Ultimania | year=2009 | isbn=978-4-7575-2560-3 | language=ja | publisher=Square Enix | pages=36–41 | edition=Revised}} and recounts his role during Nibelheim's destruction.

In the 2005 animated film Advent Children, which is set two years after the conclusion of Final Fantasy VII,{{cite video | people = Tetsuya Nomura (Director) | date = August 14, 2008 | title = Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children | medium = DVD | publisher=Square Enix | quote=Marlene: "Sadness was the price to see it end". It's been two years since they told me that.}} Cloud lives with Tifa in the city of Edge along with Marlene, Barret's adopted daughter, and Denzel, an orphan affected by a rampant and deadly disease called Geostigma. Having given up his life as a mercenary,{{cite video | people = Tetsuya Nomura (Director) | date = September 14, 2005 | title = Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children | medium = DVD | publisher=Square Enix | quote=Reno: You're our buddy, aren't ya? / Rufus: Kadaj and his group are young and violent – as dangerous as they come. That's why we decided that it might be in our best to hire a little muscle. / Cloud: Too bad. I'm a delivery boy now.}} Cloud now works as a courier for the {{nihongo|"Strife Delivery Service"|ストライフ・デリバリーサービス|Sutoraifu Deribarī Sābisu}}, which Tifa set up in her new bar. After Tifa confronts him following the disappearance of Denzel and Marlene, it is revealed that he also suffers from the effects of Geostigma, and he responds that he is unfit to protect his friends and new family.{{cite video | people = Tetsuya Nomura (Director) | date = September 14, 2005 | title = Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children | medium = DVD | publisher=Square Enix | quote=Tifa: You have Geostigma, don't you? You're going to give up and die, is that it? So it is. / Cloud: There's no cure. / Tifa: Yeah, but, that's not stopping Denzel, is it? Don't run! Let's fight it together! We can help each other, I know we can. I guess ... that only works for real families. / Cloud: Tifa ... I'm not fit to help anyone – not my family, not my friends. Nobody.}}

However, after Tifa urges him to let go of the past,{{cite video | people = Tetsuya Nomura (Director) | date = September 14, 2005 | title = Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children | medium = DVD | publisher=Square Enix | quote=Tifa: Dilly dally, shilly-shally! / Reno: I think she wants you to move on, man.}} Cloud sets out for the Forgotten City in search of the children. There, he confronts Kadaj, Loz, and Yazoo, genetic remnants of Sephiroth left behind before he diffused into the Lifestream completely.{{cite video | people = Tetsuya Nomura (Director) | date = September 14, 2005 | title = Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children | medium = DVD | publisher=Square Enix | quote=Kadaj: The stigma. But you know all about that, sir. Mother's memetic legacy lives on in the Lifestream and makes it happen. She does so much for us and we ... we don't even know where to find her. But what can we do? We're just remnants, really remnants of Mother's legacy. Until we find Mother and receive her cells, we can't be whole again! Geostigma and the Legacy aren't enough ... for a true reunion. / Rufus: What do you mean? / Kadaj: But, sir! Surely you've noticed ...}} Cloud's battle with Kadaj takes them back to Aerith's church, where Cloud recovers from his Geostigma with Aerith's help.{{Cite book|title = Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Ultimania|publisher = Square Enix|year = 2009|pages = 58–61|language = ja|isbn = 978-4-7575-2560-3|edition = Revised}} After merging with the remains of Jenova, Kadaj, resurrects Sephiroth. Cloud, having overcome his doubts, defeats Sephiroth once more, leaving a dying Kadaj in his place.{{cite video | people = Tetsuya Nomura (Director) | date = September 14, 2005 | title = Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children | medium = DVD | publisher=Square Enix | quote=Aerith: Kadaj? / Kadaj: Huh? / Aerith: You don't have to hang on any longer. / Kadaj: Mother is that ... / Aerith: Everyone's waiting if you're ready.}} At the film's conclusion, Cloud, seeing Aerith and Zack, assures them that he will be fine and reunites with his friends.

Cloud appears in On the Way to a Smile, a series of short stories set between Final Fantasy VII and Advent Children. "Case of Tifa" serves as an epilogue to VII, and portrays Cloud's life alongside Tifa, Marlene, and Denzel. "Case of Denzel" relates how Cloud first met Denzel,{{cite video |date=February 20, 2007|title = Final Fantasy VII – Advent Children (Limited Edition Collector's Set) |medium = DVD |publisher=Square Enix |location = Japan}} and was later adapted as a short original video animation for the release of Advent Children Complete, On the Way to a Smile - Episode: Denzel.{{cite video |date=June 2, 2009|title = Final Fantasy VII – Advent Children Complete|medium = Blu-ray |publisher=Square Enix |location = Japan}}

Cloud appears in a supporting role in the PlayStation 2 game Dirge of Cerberus. A year after the events of Advent Children,{{cite video game|title=Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII|developer=Square Enix|Publisher=Square Enix |date=August 15, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote=WRO Member: The WRO was originally established three years ago after Meteorfall.}} Cloud, working alongside Barret and Tifa, lends his support to the ground forces of the World Regenesis Organization and his ally Vincent Valentine in their siege of Midgar and counterattack against the rogue Shinra military unit Deepground.{{cite video game|title=Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII|developer=Square Enix|Publisher=Square Enix|date=August 15, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote=Vincent: Yeah. And what about you? / Cloud: What do you think? / Tifa: Right! You can count on us! / Barret: When I'm through, there won't be a single sucka standing! / Vincent: Right. / Cloud: And as for you... / Vincent: Don't worry. Leave Deepground to me.}}

In the PlayStation Portable game Crisis Core, Cloud is presented as a young Shinra infantryman who befriends Zack.{{cite video game|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII|developer=Square Enix|Publisher=Square Enix|date=March 24, 2008 |platform=PlayStation Portable|quote=Zack: Good news, Tseng! Me and... / Cloud: Cloud / Zack: Me and Cloud here are both backwater experts. Oh yeah!}} During the game's conclusion, a dying Zack gives Cloud his Buster Sword, telling him that he is his legacy.{{cite video game|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII|developer=Square Enix|Publisher=Square Enix |date=March 24, 2008 |platform=PlayStation Portable|quote=Zack: Continue living. You are proof that I existed. My dreams and pride, I give it all to you. / Cloud: I am proof that you existed.}} The game ends with Cloud heading to Midgar, reprising the start of Final Fantasy VII.{{cite video game|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII|developer=Square Enix|Publisher=Square Enix |date=March 24, 2008 |platform=PlayStation Portable|quote=Cloud: My name is Cloud. SOLDIER 1st Class.}} Zack and Cloud's connection was meant to be expanded upon near the game's ending, with both of them planning to flee to Midgar, but due to limitations in the console's hardware, these scenes could not be implemented and they instead decided to focus on Zack.{{cite web | author=Gantayat, Anoop | date=October 14, 2010 | title=The 3rd Birthday Has Skippable Event Scenes | url=http://andriasang.com/comq6w/3rd_birthday_and_crisis_core/| publisher=Amdriasang | access-date=October 15, 2010 | archive-date=December 25, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225031024/http://andriasang.com/comq6w/3rd_birthday_and_crisis_core/ | url-status=dead}}

Cloud reprises his role from the original Final Fantasy VII in the 2020 remake, which is part of a planned trilogy of games remaking the original 1997 game. While marketed as a remake to the original 1997 game, Square claims that there are other different meanings in this game.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/final-fantasy-vii-remake-is-part-five-of-the-final-fantasy-vii-compilation-and-nomura-talks-about-the-term-remake/|title=Final Fantasy VII Remake Is Part Five of the Final Fantasy VII Compilation and Nomura Talks About The Term Remake|date=April 29, 2020|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=May 2, 2020|archive-date=June 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623014955/https://www.siliconera.com/final-fantasy-vii-remake-is-part-five-of-the-final-fantasy-vii-compilation-and-nomura-talks-about-the-term-remake/|url-status=live}} He was featured once more as the protagonist in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.

Nomura redesigned Cloud for his appearance in Kingdom Hearts. He is depicted with a crimson cape and a clawed version of his left-handed glove, while the Buster Sword's blade is wrapped in bandages. Nomura stated that Cloud's left arm was inspired by Vincent Valentine, and explained that he wanted to give the character a more demon-like appearance due to his ties to the dark side in the game.{{cite book | title=Kingdom Hearts Ultimania: Revised Edition | publisher=Square Enix | location=Japan | language=ja | isbn=4-7575-1349-6 | year=2002}} Nomura also stated that he wanted to leave the question of whether Cloud was searching for Aerith open to the player's interpretation. In the first game, Kingdom Hearts, Cloud appears in the Olympus Coliseum world, with Hades hiring him to kill Hercules, and fights Sora as a prerequisite.{{cite video game | title = Kingdom Hearts | developer = Square | publisher=Square Electronic Arts | date= November 15, 2002 | platform= PlayStation 2 | quote=Hades: That little punk is your next opponent, okay? Now, don't blow it. Just take him out. / Cloud: The great god of the Underworld is afraid of a kid? Sorry, but my contract says— / Hades: I know! You think I don't know? I wrote the contract! I know it says you're only required to kill Hercules in this tournament. But you've gotta fight that kid to get to him. Come on. Hey, it's like that old goat says: Rule 11: It's all just a game, so let loose and have fun with it! I mean, a casualty or two along the way is no big deal, right?}} After the fight, Hades sends Cerberus to attack Cloud and Sora, who Hercules saves. Cloud meets with Sora afterward and explains that he is searching for someone.{{cite video game | title = Kingdom Hearts | developer = Square | publisher=Square Electronic Arts | date= November 15, 2002 | platform= PlayStation 2 | quote=Cloud: I'm looking for someone. Hades promised to help. I tried to exploit the power of darkness, but it backfired. I fell into darkness, and couldn't find the light.}} In Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix, there is an additional scene where he battles Sephiroth. During the credits, Cloud is shown reuniting with the residents of Hollow Bastion. A memory-based version of Cloud appears in the Game Boy Advance sequel Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories as a boss in Olympus Coliseum and later as a summon card for Sora.{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories|developer=Jupiter|publisher=Square Enix U.S.A., Disney Interactive|date=December 7, 2004|platform=Game Boy Advance|quote=Cloud: I'm not here for the Cup. Just Hercules. Today he loses more than the competition. / Sora: You don't mean... But why?! What did he do to you? / Cloud: This is business. Stay out of it.}}{{cite book | last= Hollinger | first= Elizabeth | year = 2004 | title = Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Official Strategy Guide | publisher=BradyGames Publishing | isbn= 0-7440-0473-X}}

Cloud reappears in Kingdom Hearts II, depicted with his Advent Children design. He is searching for Sephiroth,{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts II|developer=Square Enix|publisher=Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games |date=March 28, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote=Sora: Oh, Cloud! / Donald Duck: Whatcha doing? / Cloud: I'll get him. This time, we settle it. Me, and the one who embodies all the darkness in me. / Donald: I thought you looked kinda different, Cloud. / Cloud: If I do, it's his fault. / Sora: Whose? / Cloud: Sephiroth. Tell me if you see him. / Sora: Okay. What's he look like? / Cloud: Silver hair. Carries a long sword. / Sora: Sure. Well, be seeing you, Cloud. / Cloud: Be careful. He messes with your head, makes you think darkness is the only way.}} and in turn Tifa is searching for him.{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts II|developer=Square Enix|publisher=Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games |date=March 28, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote=Tifa: Hey, you! / Tifa: I'm looking for somebody. Have any of you seen a guy with spiky hair?}} Cloud fights alongside Leon's team during the Heartless invasion of Hollow Bastion. Should the player choose to engage Sephiroth and win the battle, Cloud returns and fights Sephiroth, which ends with both of them disappearing in a flash of light after Tifa gives Cloud her support. Sora concludes that Cloud is still fighting with Sephiroth, and will not stop until he is defeated.{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts II|developer=Square Enix|publisher=Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games |date=March 28, 2006 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote=Goofy: Where'd they go? Do ya think they made it back to their own world? / Sora: They went somewhere else... Cloud went to fight a great battle—to defeat the darkness inside him.}} A digital replica of Cloud also appears in Kingdom Hearts coded in the Olympus Coliseum, helping Sora and Hercules battle Hades.{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts coded|developer=Square Enix|publisher=Square Enix, Disney Interactive Studios |date=November 8, 2008 |platform=Mobile phone|level=Olympus Coliseum}} Cloud also appears in the Kingdom Hearts manga adaptations, reprising his original role.{{cite book|title=Kingdom Hearts|chapter=25|isbn=1-59816-218-7|volume=2|author=Amano, Shiro|publisher=Tokyo Pop|year=2006}}{{cite book|title=Kingdom Hearts II|isbn=978-4-7575-4533-5|volume=9|author=Amano, Shiro|publisher=Tokyo Pop|year=2015}}

The OVA Last Order: Final Fantasy VII serves as an alternate retelling of Nibelheim's destruction and Zack and Cloud's escape from Shinra imprisonment.{{cite video |date=April 10, 2009 |title=Last Order: Final Fantasy VII |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0489134/ |medium=DVD |publisher=Square Enix |access-date=March 10, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123115015/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0489134/ |archive-date=January 23, 2009}} Animated and produced by Madhouse, based on a script by Kazuhiko Inukai, several scenes diverge from Final Fantasy VII{{'s}} depiction of events, such as reinterpreting Cloud's rescue of Tifa by having her view his face.{{Cite book|title=Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: Reunion Files|publisher=Square Enix|year=2006|isbn=4-7973-3498-3|editor-last=SoftBank|page=95|language=ja, en}} Although it is associated with and makes references to the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII, Last Order is considered an outside work.{{Cite book | year=2008 | editor=Studio BentStuff | title=Final Fantasy 20th Anniversary Ultimania File 2: Scenario | language=ja | publisher=Square Enix | isbn=978-4-7575-2251-0 | page=226}}

Cloud has also appeared in various games outside of the Final Fantasy VII continuity. He is a playable character in the PlayStation version of Ehrgeiz.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/action/ehrgeiz/hints.html?tag=tabs;cheats|title=Ehrgeiz Hints & Cheats|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=August 15, 2009}} In Chocobo Racing, Cloud is a hidden character who rides a motorcycle.{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/driving/chocoboracing/hints.html?tag=tabs;cheats | title=Chocobo Racing Hints & Cheats | access-date=August 15, 2009 | publisher=CBS Interactive | work=GameSpot}} Cloud is one of several playable Final Fantasy VII characters in Itadaki Street Special for the PlayStation 2 and Itadaki Street Portable for the PlayStation Portable.

Cloud also features in the LittleBigPlanet fan remake of Final Fantasy VII by Jamie Colliver. Colliver’s adaptation reimagines the entire original PS1 game as a platformer.{{cite web|url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/07/13/ffvii_lbp2_pack/ |title=Final Fantasy VII LittleBigPlanet 2 Costume Pack Hits Tomorrow |publisher=Andriasang |date=July 13, 2011 |access-date=July 13, 2011 |first=Anoop |last=Gantayat |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714232425/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/07/13/ffvii_lbp2_pack/ |archive-date=July 14, 2011}}{{cite web |author=Diaz |first=Ana |date=July 19, 2024 |title=Final Fantasy 7 recreated in Little Big Planet 2 looks shockingly good |url=https://www.polygon.com/2024/7/19/24200467/final-fantasy-7-remake-little-big-planet-2 |accessdate=May 8, 2025 |work=Polygon |archive-date=May 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250507131831/https://www.polygon.com/2024/7/19/24200467/final-fantasy-7-remake-little-big-planet-2 |url-status=live }} Cloud is a playable character representing Final Fantasy VII in the rhythm game Theatrhythm Final Fantasy,{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/11/12/aerith-snow-vivi-and-faris-are-in-theatrhythm-final-fantasy-too/|title=Aerith, Snow, Vivi, And Faris Are In Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy Too|publisher=Curse|work=Siliconera|date=November 12, 2011|access-date=June 30, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010031057/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/11/12/aerith-snow-vivi-and-faris-are-in-theatrhythm-final-fantasy-too/|archive-date=October 10, 2013}} with his Advent Children persona serving as downloadable content.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/clouds-advent-children-costume-theatrhythm-final-fantasy-curtain-call-dlc/|title=Cloud's Advent Children Costume In Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call As DLC|date=May 21, 2014|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=January 28, 2020|archive-date=January 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129213610/https://www.siliconera.com/clouds-advent-children-costume-theatrhythm-final-fantasy-curtain-call-dlc/|url-status=live}} Players in Final Fantasy Explorers can briefly transform into Cloud, enabling use of his Omnislash Limit Break from FFVII.{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/08/28/final-fantasy-explorers-will-let-transform-cloud-final-fantasy-heroes/|title=Final Fantasy Explorers Will Let You Transform Into Cloud And Other Final Fantasy Heroes|publisher=Curse|work=Siliconera|date=August 28, 2011|access-date=August 31, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831004103/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/08/28/final-fantasy-explorers-will-let-transform-cloud-final-fantasy-heroes/|archive-date=August 31, 2014}}

Cloud is the protagonist of Final Fantasy VII G-Bike, a mobile game for which Nomura designed a new costume for him.{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/09/22/tetsuya-nomura-made-cloud-new-costume-final-fantasy-vii-g-bike/|title=Tetsuya Nomura Made Cloud A New Costume For Final Fantasy VII G-Bike|publisher=Curse|work=Siliconera|date=September 22, 2014|access-date=September 30, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924055759/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/09/22/tetsuya-nomura-made-cloud-new-costume-final-fantasy-vii-g-bike/|archive-date=September 24, 2014}} This was inspired by Cloud's Advent Children fights which producer Ichiro Hazama thought was "very cool, and radical", and influences from the title went into the game.{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/nine-things-you-should-know-about-the-next-final-fantas-1609635288 |title=Nine Things You Should Know About The Next Final Fantasy VII Spinoff |last=Schreier |first=Jason |date=July 23, 2014 |website=Kotaku |access-date=May 18, 2020 |archive-date=April 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414051424/https://kotaku.com/nine-things-you-should-know-about-the-next-final-fantas-1609635288 |url-status=live }} CyberConnect2 CEO Hiroshi Matsuyama sought to improve Cloud's popularity with this game.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/matome/geforce-now/interview.html |title=クラウドゲーミングで少しでもゲームを遊んでくれる人が増えるのは「ありがとう」しかない！サイバーコネクトツー松山洋氏に聞く |date=July 23, 2014 |magazine=Famitsu |access-date=December 30, 2019 |archive-date=January 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125032310/https://www.famitsu.com/matome/geforce-now/interview.html |url-status=live }}

Cloud appears as a playable guest character in the 2014 Nintendo crossover fighting games Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, sporting his character designs from both Final Fantasy VII and Advent Children. According to the games' director Masahiro Sakurai, Final Fantasy characters were heavily requested to appear in the Super Smash Bros. series, with Cloud receiving the most support out of all of them. Reflecting on his inclusion in an interview with Tetsuya Nomura, while other characters from the Final Fantasy series were considered, Sakurai ultimately felt that none of them could match Cloud's popularity and he could not imagine including a different character.{{Cite web | url=https://www.sourcegaming.info/2016/01/20/sakurai-x-nomura-creator-interview-2016-part-one/ | title=Sakurai x Nomura: Creator Interview 2016 [Part One] | date=January 20, 2016 | access-date=January 27, 2020 | archive-date=March 24, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324164241/https://www.sourcegaming.info/2016/01/20/sakurai-x-nomura-creator-interview-2016-part-one/ | url-status=live }} His model was primarily based on his appearance in the Dissidia series, with slight alterations under Nomura's supervision. Cloud was made available as in-game downloadable content alongside a stage based on Midgar in December 2015.{{cite web|last1=Goldfarb|first1=Andrew|title=Final Fantasy 7's Cloud Coming to Super Smash Bros Wii U, 3DS|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/12/final-fantasy-7s-cloud-coming-to-super-smash-bros-wii-u-3ds|website=IGN|date=November 12, 2015|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=November 12, 2015|archive-date=November 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113034440/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/12/final-fantasy-7s-cloud-coming-to-super-smash-bros-wii-u-3ds|url-status=live}} A pair of Cloud amiibo figures were released in July 2017. He returns as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018), and is now playable in the game's base roster.{{Cite web | url=https://www.smashbros.com/en_US/fighter/61.html | title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch system | access-date=June 18, 2018 | archive-date=June 10, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610204132/https://www.smashbros.com/en_US/fighter/61.html | url-status=live }} As part of the update adding Sephiroth to the game as downloadable content in December 2020, Cloud was given his "Omnislash Ver. 5" to use against opponents, being exclusive to his Advent Children costumes.{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsY0pdCW9N0 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/vsY0pdCW9N0 | archive-date=2021-11-17 | url-status=live | title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Mr. Sakurai Presents "Sephiroth" | website=Youtube | date=December 17, 2020 | access-date=December 17, 2020}}{{cbignore}}

Cloud was considered for inclusion as a guest character in the PlayStation 2 version of Soulcalibur II, but this did not come to pass, with Heihachi Mishima from Tekken taking the spot instead.{{cite web |last=Meister |first=Rich |title=Cloud Strife was almost the PS2 guest character for Soulcalibur II |url=https://www.destructoid.com/cloud-strife-was-almost-the-ps2-guest-character-for-soulcalibur-ii-466346.phtml |website=Destructoid |access-date=January 17, 2020 |date=October 10, 2017 |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807090841/https://www.destructoid.com/cloud-strife-was-almost-the-ps2-guest-character-for-soulcalibur-ii-466346.phtml |url-status=live }}

In the PlayStation game Final Fantasy Tactics and its PlayStation Portable update, The War of the Lions, Cloud is accidentally pulled into the world of Ivalice by an ancient machine called "the Celestial Globe", which was activated by Ramza Beoulve. Cloud is disoriented after arriving in Ramza's world, and after a short exchange with Ramza and the others, he leaves.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy Tactics |developer=Square|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment America |date=June 20, 1997 |platform=PlayStation |quote=Summoned young man: What happened? Last thing I remember was getting caught in the current. / Besrodio: Hum, I've read about this before. It could be some forwarding device. / Mustadio: Forwarding device? / Besrodio: You know, to travel to other worlds, different space. / Ramza: So, he came from other space? / Besrodio: Maybe. Look at his clothes, Quite unusual. / Summoned young man: My....name's Cloud. Yes...Cloud. / Ramza: I'm Ramza. They're my friends.... / Cloud: I don't care about names. What I need is a battlefield. Yeah... that's it... I'm a member of SOLDIER. / ... / Cloud: I must go...must go to that place...}} He wanders into Zarghidas Trade City, where he encounters a flower girl named Aerith.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy Tactics|developer=Square|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment America |date=June 20, 1997 |platform=PlayStation |quote=Flower Girl: Buy a flower? Only 1 gil. Cloud: ...... Flower Girl: Something wrong? Do I resemble someone? / Cloud: No...it's nothing.}} As Cloud is leaving the area, Aerith is accosted by a man demanding payment.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy Tactics|developer=Square|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment America |date=June 20, 1997 |platform=PlayStation|quote=Town Knave: I've been looking for you, Aeris... Selling flowers for your mom? Good for you... / Flower Girl: Then more days.... No, just wait a week, please. / Knave: Don't mess with me! It's overdue! I'm gonna get my 30000 gil, one way or another!}} Cloud returns to help Aerith escape, and Ramza and his party catch up to him.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy Tactic|developer=Square|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment America |date=June 20, 1997 |platform=PlayStation|quote=Knave: Hmm, pretty good looking! Oughta try sellin' your body instead of flowers. Hee, hee. / Cloud: Get your hand off her! / Knave: What did you say!? / Cloud: Didn't you hear me? Get your dirty hand off her! / Knave: Who the hell are you? Dressed in funny clothes! / Cloud: Go [Aeris]...now...}} After the battle, he joins Ramza's party as a playable character.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy Tactics|developer=Square|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment America |date=June 20, 1997 |platform=PlayStation|quote=Cloud: I've lost... a very important thing.../ Ramza: Cloud... ? /Cloud: Ever since, I've been floundering. Who am I? What should I do? What's this pain.../ Ramza: Cloud... there's someone in your world waiting for you, isn't there? We might be able to send you back where you came from using the rest of the holy stones./ Cloud: Let's go, Ramza. I can't be here. I must go... to the Promised Land...}} Cloud also appears as an enemy unit in the "Brave Story" series of battles as part of Rendezvous, the unlockable cooperative multiplayer mode in The War of the Lions.

Cloud serves as the representative hero of Final Fantasy VII in Dissidia Final Fantasy, a fighting game featuring characters from the Final Fantasy series.{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action/dissidiafinalfantasy/news.html?sid=6195546&mode=previews | last=Niizum | first=Hirohiko | title=Dissidia: Final Fantasy Hands-On | access-date=August 21, 2010 | date=August 6, 2008 | publisher=CBS Interactive | work=GameSpot | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413220707/http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action/dissidiafinalfantasy/news.html?sid=6195546&mode=previews | archive-date=April 13, 2009 | df=mdy-all}} He is depicted in his FFVII design, while his Advent Children design is also available. His fight against Sephiroth in this game is based on their battles from VII and Advent Children.{{Cite book | year=2009 | title=Dissidia Final Fantasy Ultimania | language=ja | publisher=Square Enix | isbn= 978-4-7575-2488-0 | page=530}} Along with the entire cast, Cloud reappears in the prequel Dissidia 012 as a Warrior of Chaos. Concerned for Tifa, who is on the opposing side, Cloud tries to defeat Chaos alone; after nearly being killed, he is saved by the goddess Cosmos, and becomes one of her warriors. Cloud's main outfit is based on Yoshitaka Amano's original artwork concept,{{cite web|url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/09/15/flying_get/ |title=This Week's Pre-TGS Flying Get |publisher=Andriasang |author=Gantayat, Anoop |date=September 14, 2010 |access-date=September 14, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100916212600/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/09/15/flying_get/ |archive-date=September 16, 2010}} while his Kingdom Hearts outfit appears as downloadable content.{{cite web|url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/09/16/square_enix_psp_push/#post_comments |title=Square Enix Makes Big PSP Push |publisher=Andriasang |author=Gantayat, Anoop |date=September 16, 2010 |access-date=September 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918094458/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/09/16/square_enix_psp_push/ |archive-date=September 18, 2010}} Cloud again appears as a playable character opposite Sephiroth in the series' third entry, Dissidia NT, wearing his Advent Children outfit. The development staff worked carefully to translate Cloud's original moves from his previous role, most notably his swordplay Omnislash which was developed to be his strongest move.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/matome/dff/diary21.html|title=【コイチ プレイ日記】第9回"強者に聞く！ディシディアの上達法！"【クラウド編】|magazine=Famitsu|access-date=May 16, 2020|language=ja|archive-date=August 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820153033/https://www.famitsu.com/matome/dff/diary21.html|url-status=live}}

Although Cloud does not appear in Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, his Final Fantasy VII attire appears as an alternative for the main character alongside the Buster Sword.{{cite web|url=https://na.square-enix.com/us/blog/lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii-collector%E2%80%99s-edition|title=LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII Collector's Edition|publisher=Square Enix|access-date=March 12, 2018}} The Advent Children outfit is also present in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/final-fantasy-xiv-realm-reborn-gets-advent-children-cloud-tifa-costumes/|title=Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn Gets Cloud's Advent Children Costume|date=February 2015|publisher=Square Enix|access-date=January 20, 2020|archive-date=January 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129213334/https://www.siliconera.com/final-fantasy-xiv-realm-reborn-gets-advent-children-cloud-tifa-costumes/|url-status=live}} Cloud's original attire is also present in the mobile phone game Mobius Final Fantasy,{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/mobius-final-fantasy-first-place-can-play-ff7-remake-cloud/|title=Mobius Final Fantasy Is The First Place You Can Play As FF7 Remake Cloud|date=December 4, 2017|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=January 20, 2020|archive-date=September 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930181429/https://www.siliconera.com/mobius-final-fantasy-first-place-can-play-ff7-remake-cloud/|url-status=live}} and Final Fantasy Explorers-Force.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/final-fantasy-explorers-force-gets-march-15-release-date-japan/|title=Final Fantasy Explorers-Force Gets A March 15 Release Date For Japan|website=Siliconera|date=March 13, 2018|access-date=March 28, 2020|archive-date=March 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328183410/https://www.siliconera.com/final-fantasy-explorers-force-gets-march-15-release-date-japan/|url-status=live}}

Cloud has been merchandised extensively, in many different forms, including figurines and jewelry.{{cite web |url=http://www.square-enix-shop.com/usa/list_product.cfm?game_cat_id=2 |title=Square Enix Merchandise List |access-date=August 7, 2008 |publisher=Square Enix |date=August 7, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080804215914/http://www.square-enix-shop.com/usa/list_product.cfm?game_cat_id=2 |archive-date = August 4, 2008}}{{cite web |url=http://www.square-enix-shop.com/jp/dsp_product.cfm?product_id=259 |title=Square Enix Merchandise List 2 |access-date=August 7, 2008 |publisher=Square Enix |date=August 7, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080220193642/http://www.square-enix-shop.com/jp/dsp_product.cfm?product_id=259 |archive-date = February 20, 2008}} In commemoration of the franchise's 20th anniversary, Square released figurines of him alongside other Final Fantasy protagonists.{{cite web|url=http://release.square-enix.com/na/2008/12/dissidia_final_fantasy_announced_for_mid-year_2009.html|title=Dissidia Final Fantasy Announced for Mid-Year 2009 Release in North America|publisher=Square Enix|date=December 18, 2008|access-date=May 3, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223032915/http://release.square-enix.com/na/2008/12/dissidia_final_fantasy_announced_for_mid-year_2009.html|archive-date=December 23, 2008}} Square Enix's manager of merchandise, Kanji Tashiro, said at the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con that Cloud's likeness has produced some of the company's best-selling items, and that fans could look forward to further adaptations of the character in the future.{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2008-08-03/square-enix-national-manager-of-merchandise-kanji-tashiro|title=Interview: Square Enix's National Manager of Merchandise, Kanji Tashiro|last=Bertschy|first=Zac|date=August 3, 2008|work=Anime News Network|access-date=July 5, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080805125234/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2008-08-03/square-enix-national-manager-of-merchandise-kanji-tashiro|archive-date=August 5, 2008}} Popular models at the time included Cloud's Advent Children figurine and Final Fantasy VII Hardy-Daytona bike set, both of which sold particularly well in European and North American markets. Square has also released two promotional books primarily focusing on Cloud's character: Cloud vol.1, which was released in 2007,{{Cite book|title=Cloud vol.1 |publisher=ASCII Media Works |language=ja|id= {{ASIN|4840239886|country=jp}} |date=December 1, 2007}} and Cloud message, in 2008.{{Cite book|title=Cloud message |publisher=ASCII Media Works|language=ja|id= {{ASIN|4048673009|country=jp}} |date=December 12, 2008}} In 2013, a replica of the Buster Sword was created by blacksmith Tony Swatton for the webseries Man at Arms.{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/man-at-arms-builds-80-pound-replica-of-final-fantasy-viis-buste/|title=Man at Arms builds 80-pound replica of Final Fantasy VII's Buster Sword|last=Cowan|first=Danny|date=May 22, 2013|website=Joystiq|publisher=AOL|access-date=May 25, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627080252/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/man-at-arms-builds-80-pound-replica-of-final-fantasy-viis-buste|archive-date=June 27, 2014}}

{{multiple image

| align = right

| direction =

| width =

| total_width = 350

| image1 = Hiroshi Matsuyama 20080704 Japan Expo 03.jpg

| alt1 = Hiroshi Matsuyama

| caption1 =

| image2 = Masahiro Sakurai 2021.jpg

| alt2 = Masahiro Sakurai

| caption2 =

| image3 = Yoko Taro cropped.jpg

| footer = Game designers Hiroshi Matsuyama, Masahiro Sakurai and Yoko Taro spoke favorably of Cloud's character and his impact in gaming.

}}

Cloud has been mostly well received by critics. In his review of the PC release of Final Fantasy VII, Ron Dulin of GameSpot commented that "a simple understatement will have to suffice: Cloud is easily the most interesting and complex character ever presented in a game".{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/final-fantasy-vii-review/1900-2536027/|title=Final Fantasy VII Review|last=Dulin|first=Ron|date=July 7, 1998|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016111436/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/final-fantasy-vii-review/1900-2536027/|archive-date=October 16, 2013}} RPGamer{{'}}s Aujang Abadi called Cloud "one of the most complex characters Square has created", as well as "the first truly complicated main character".{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/editor/2003/q2/042103aa.html|title=The Strife Manifesto|publisher=RPGamer|first=Aujang|last=Abadi|access-date=August 31, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119061358/http://www.rpgamer.com/editor/2003/q2/042103aa.html|archive-date=January 19, 2010}} Sharon Packer identifies Cloud as having mental illness in the form of dissociative identity disorder (DID),{{cite book |last1=Packer |first1=Sharon |title=Mental Illness in Popular Culture |date=2017 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-4408-4389-1 |page=231 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IKDPDgAAQBAJ&pg=PA231 |access-date=March 24, 2020 |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114200757/https://books.google.com/books?id=IKDPDgAAQBAJ&pg=PA231 |url-status=live }} while Katie Whitlock identifies him as having involuntary memory resulting from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).{{cite book |last1=Whitlock |first1=Katie |chapter=Traumatic Origins: Memory, Crisis, and Identity in Digital RPGs |editor-last1=Voorhees |editor-first1=Gerald A. |editor-last2=Call |editor-first2=Joshua |editor-last3=Whitlock |editor-first3=Katie |title=Dungeons, Dragons, and Digital Denizens: The Digital Role-Playing Game |date=2012 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing USA |isbn=978-1-4411-3892-7 |page=160 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ySTNDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT160 |access-date=April 6, 2020 |archive-date=March 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315022046/https://books.google.com/books?id=ySTNDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT160#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }} The book Japanese Culture Through Videogames addresses Cloud as a complex fictional character, comparing him with Metal Gear{{'}}s Solid Snake, Final Fantasy VI{{'}}s Terra Branford, and Tekken{{'}}s Jin Kazama due to his identity issues.{{cite book|title=Japanese Culture Through Videogames|year=2019|author=Hutchinson, Rachael|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-0367111380}} Kurt Kalata of Gamasutra stated that Cloud is "somewhat of a weakling" with grandiose delusions and other psychological issues. He also called Cloud one of the first unreliable narrators in a role-playing video game.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3581/a_japanese_rpg_primer_the_.php?page=3|title=A Japanese RPG Primer: The Essential 20|last=Kalata|first=Kurt|date=March 19, 2008|website=Gamasutra|publisher=UBM TechWeb|access-date=March 5, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304050520/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3581/a_japanese_rpg_primer_the_.php?page=3|archive-date=March 4, 2016}} According to Patrick Holleman, "no RPG has ever deliberately betrayed the connection between protagonist and player like FFVII does".{{cite book |last1=Holleman |first1=Patrick |title=Reverse Design: Final Fantasy VII |date=2018 |publisher=CRC Press |isbn=9780429834523 |page=38 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GQprDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT38 |access-date=April 7, 2019 |archive-date=February 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209221533/https://books.google.com/books?id=GQprDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT38#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }} The game's use of the unreliable narrator literary concept has drawn comparisons to films such as Fight Club (1999), The Sixth Sense (1999), American Psycho (2000), and Memento (2000), with Patrick Holleman and Jeremy Parish arguing that the game takes the unreliable narrator concept a step further by establishing a connection between the player and the protagonist.{{cite book |last1=Holleman |first1=Patrick |title=Reverse Design: Final Fantasy VII |date=2018 |publisher=CRC Press |isbn=9780429834523 |pages=36–38 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GQprDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT36 |access-date=April 7, 2019 |archive-date=February 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209221652/https://books.google.com/books?id=GQprDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT36#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Parish |first1=Jeremy |title=Final Fantasy VII Deep Dive, Part 5: An RPG Gets Existential With Its Central Question: "Who Am I?" |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/dissecting-final-fantasy-vii-part-5an-rpg-gets-existential-with-its-central-question-who-am-i |website=USgamer |access-date=March 26, 2019 |date=March 23, 2017 |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327191634/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/dissecting-final-fantasy-vii-part-5an-rpg-gets-existential-with-its-central-question-who-am-i |url-status=dead}} Jack Ridsdale of PCGamesN argues that Cloud is a deconstruction of the hero archetype and toxic masculinity, and compares the plot twist about his true identity to that of Fight Club.{{cite news |last1=Ridsdale |first1=Jack |title=Final Fantasy 7 is important because it lets its men be vulnerable |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/final-fantasy-7-remake/ff7-male-vulnerability |access-date=27 April 2020 |work=PCGamesN |date=4 February 2020 |archive-date=April 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409091848/https://www.pcgamesn.com/final-fantasy-7-remake/ff7-male-vulnerability |url-status=live }} In Alana Hagues from RPGFan said Cloud's shock when Sephiroth kills Aerith has a major impact on her as Cloud properly expresses depression over death, something no video game has ever done to her.{{cite web|url=https://www.rpgfan.com/feature/more-than-just-a-flower-girl-a-personal-thank-you-to-aerith-gainsborough/|title=More Than Just a Flower Girl: A Personal Thank You to Aerith Gainsborough|website=RPGFan|date=20 May 2020 |access-date=June 11, 2024}} While Cloud is never addressed as a God, he has to protect the peace as Sephiroth plays the role of Satan and his Shadow, with Cloud having to surpass him in the narrative.{{cite book|title=The World of Final Fantasy VII: Essays on the Game and Its Legacy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GcqrEAAAQBAJ&dq=messiah+cloud+final+fantasy&pg=PA20|author=Jason C. Cash; Craig T. Olsen|publisher=McFarland|year=2023|isbn=9781476647258|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218211811/https://books.google.com/books?id=GcqrEAAAQBAJ&dq=messiah+cloud+final+fantasy&pg=PA20|url-status=live}}

Cloud's respective relationships with Aerith and Tifa were also popular with writers.{{cite web |last=Glasser |first=AJ |date=February 14, 2008 |title=Top 10 Square Enix Couples |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/top-10-square-enix-couples/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730212149/http://www.gamesradar.com/top-10-square-enix-couples/ |archive-date=July 30, 2012 |access-date=June 24, 2010 |website=GamesRadar |publisher=Future US}}{{cite web |author=McGrath, Jack |date=April 29, 2011 |title=The Ten Greatest Romances in Gaming History |url=http://www.technobuffalo.com/2011/04/29/the-ten-greatest-romances-in-gaming-history/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705104001/https://www.technobuffalo.com/the-ten-greatest-romances-in-gaming-history |archive-date=July 5, 2020 |access-date=February 4, 2016 |website=technobuffalo.com}}{{cite web | last=Grimes | first=Rae | title=The Best Relationships In The Final Fantasy Series | website=CBR | date=2024-04-12 | url=https://www.cbr.com/final-fantasy-cutest-couples/ | access-date=2024-05-10}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/final-fantasy/best-final-fantasy-romances/|title=The Best Final Fantasy Romances|accessdate=May 10, 2024|publisher=Paste Magazine|archive-date=29 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129160019/https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/final-fantasy/best-final-fantasy-romances/|url-status=live}} The popularity of both relationships, how they were written and their partial ties to the original game's affinity mechanics have led to multiple instances of fan creations, fandom debates and ship wars, with many debating and arguing topics ranging from Tifa and Aerith's compatibility with Cloud to the canonicity and intent of his feelings towards either heroine through story and character analysis and authorial or supplemental materials (such as the Ultimanias, developer interviews and tie-in novels) across much of the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII in the years since the original game's release.{{cite web|last=Boson|first=Holly|url=https://www.polygon.com/22985368/final-fantasy-7-aerith-aeris-vs-tifa-love-triangle-cloud-strife|title=Final Fantasy 7's Tifa-vs.-Aerith war is unwinnable|website=Polygon|date=2022-03-23}}{{cite web|last=Diaz|first=Ana|url=https://www.polygon.com/24156687/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-cloti-clerith-tifa-aerith-ship|title=Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth set the fandom back 20 years|website=Polygon|date=2024-05-16}} RPGamer writer Marie Freed states that she saw Tifa's loyalty and love for Cloud, even in the light of having to relive her own traumas, as admirable, and a welcome contrast to the "destined" romance seen in previous title Final Fantasy IV.{{cite web |last=Freed |first=Marie |title=Aeris the Ideal, Tifa the Human |url=https://archive.rpgamer.com/editor/1999/q1/012499mf.html |accessdate=2024-03-28 |website=RPGamer}} Siliconera writer Cory Dinkel claims that Final Fantasy VII has no love triangle by the end due to multiple story and character developments and revelations surrounding the characters involved and that

Cloud and Tifa's relationship is the truly canonical romance despite the suggested complexity surrounding it in the sequel film Advent Children.{{cite web|last=Dinkel |first=Cory| date=February 25, 2024|title=There is Not a Love Triangle in Final Fantasy VII|url=https://www.siliconera.com/there-is-not-a-love-triangle-in-final-fantasy-vii/|access-date=March 29, 2024|website=Siliconera}} These particular relationship aspects as well as other facets spanning the entire main cast of the Final Fantasy VII franchise were given more prominence within the character writing and story of Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, with the latter specifically having a major emphasis on bonds through expanded characterization and more apparent affinity mechanics as well as the revamped Gold Saucer dates tied to them; an aspect that has also sparked further analysis and discourse on the nature of Cloud's relationships.{{cite web|last=Pritchard|first=Marie|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-relationships-explained-9403|title=Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Relationships explained|website=Eurogamer|date=2024-02-29}}{{cite web|last=Orr|first=Jessica|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-gold-saucer-date-explained-ferris-wheel-9403|title=Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Gold Saucer Date Explained|website=Eurogamer|date=2024-03-27}}{{cite web|last=Diaz|first=Ana|url=https://www.polygon.com/24108672/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-cloud-shipping-debate-tifa-aerith-cloti-clerith-ending|title=Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth takes a side in the great Tifa and Aerith debate|website=Polygon|date=2024-03-26}}{{cite web|last=Diaz|first=Ana|url=https://www.polygon.com/24156687/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-cloti-clerith-tifa-aerith-ship|title=Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth set the fandom back 20 years|website=Polygon|date=2024-05-16}}

Cloud's redesign in Kingdom Hearts was praised as being the best in the game by Animefringe.{{cite web|url=http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/2005/12/feature/01-2.php|website=AnimeFringe|title= The Legacy of Final Fantasy VII|author1=Crocker, Janet |author2=Smith, Lesley |author3=Henderson, Tim |author4=Arnold, Adam | date=December 2005|page=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080613190811/http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/2005/12/feature/01-2.php|archive-date=June 13, 2008|access-date = August 18, 2010}}

His development in Advent Children was praised by DVD Talk as one of the best parts from the film.{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/21290/final-fantasy-vii-advent-children/|title=DVD talk: Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children review|publisher=DVD Talk|author=Santos, Carlo|date=April 21, 2006|access-date=August 3, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090819013636/http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/21290/final-fantasy-vii-advent-children/|archive-date=August 19, 2009}} In regards to the remains of Midgar from Advent Children, Destructoid noted the message within its writing regarding the characters' lives in Midgar, as its people are able to move on with their lives, but Cloud is unable to due to past trauma over Aerith's death.{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/the-message-to-fans-in-advent-children-complete/|title=The message to fans in Advent Children Complete|website=Destructoid|date=25 May 2009 |access-date=February 2, 2022}} Kotaku saw the focus on Midgar's ruins as a parallel with psychological trauma due to how some of its survivors suffer from Geostigma, a disease that cannot be fought physically.{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/15-years-on-final-fantasy-vii-advent-children-is-a-lo-1845045609|title=15 Years On, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Is A Lot Smarter Than I Remember|website=Kotaku|date=14 September 2020 |access-date=February 2, 2022}} Joystiq{{'}}s Andrew Yoon opined that the director's cut version of the film provides more depth to Cloud's development, taking advantage of its longer runtime by better "humanizing [him]".{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/review-final-fantasy-advent-children-complete/|title=Review: Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Complete|publisher=AOL|website=Joystiq|author=Yoon, Andrew|date=May 29, 2009|access-date=August 4, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527204823/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/review-final-fantasy-advent-children-complete|archive-date=May 27, 2010}} GamesRadar stated that while Cloud felt like a "miserable" character in the film, him coming to terms with his past was appealing alongside his new swords stored in his bike.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/final-fantasy-7-advent-children-it-okay-it-now/|title=Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children - is it okay to like it now?|publisher=GamesRadar|date=April 7, 2016|access-date=March 14, 2018|author=Roberts, Sam|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926163719/https://www.gamesradar.com/final-fantasy-7-advent-children-it-okay-it-now/|url-status=live}} Yoshinori Kitase said that the fight between Cloud and Sephiroth was popular enough to make Japanese gamers do a remake of it in Dissidia Final Fantasy and expected Western fans would also emulate it.{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/my1Up?publicUserId=6049935#selection-1059.151-1063.3|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708005728/http://www.1up.com/do/my1Up?publicUserId=6049935#selection-1059.151-1063.3|archive-date=July 8, 2012|url-status=dead|title=Welcome to the DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY Developer Blog!|website=1UP.com|access-date=March 15, 2018}} Meristation praised Cloud's new appearance in Advent Children and how it came across appealing in the spin-off Dirge of Cerberus, despite him having less screentime due to the narrative focusing on Vincent.{{cite web|url=https://as.com/meristation/2016/02/11/reportajes/1455174000_153121.html|title=La Evolución de Cloud en Final Fantasy|date=February 22, 2016|publisher=MeriStation|language=es|access-date=January 30, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925015819/https://as.com/meristation/2016/02/11/reportajes/1455174000_153121.html|url-status=live}}

When deciding on using a Final Fantasy representative for Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, Nomura and Super Smash Bros. series creator and director Masahiro Sakurai quickly agreed with adding Cloud to the cast. This was mostly because of Cloud's high popularity within the series in contrast to other Final Fantasy characters like Bartz or Terra, and multiple requests from fans of the character. According to Sakurai, he envisioned Cloud as being a relatively easy to play character in anticipation of a large variety of players using him, and stated that the Buster Sword served as a lynchpin in regard to developing his sword swings.{{cite web|url=http://www.sourcegaming.info/2016/01/20/sakurai-x-nomura-creator-interview-2016-part-one/#more-5563|title=Sakurai X Nomura|date=January 20, 2016|publisher=Source Gaming|access-date=January 5, 2020|archive-date=December 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224045728/http://www.sourcegaming.info/2016/01/20/sakurai-x-nomura-creator-interview-2016-part-one/#more-5563|url-status=live}} Cloud's popularity and addition to the Super Smash Bros. series generated multiple response, most notably in Twitter's trends.{{cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/super-smash-bros-is-adding-cloud-strife-and-everyone-is-freaking-out-1308863|title=Super Smash Bros. is adding Cloud Strife, and everyone is freaking out|date=November 13, 2015|publisher=TechRadar|access-date=January 20, 2020|archive-date=May 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517040614/http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/super-smash-bros-is-adding-cloud-strife-and-everyone-is-freaking-out-1308863|url-status=live}} Although The Verge pointed out that the series had featured other third-party characters like Solid Snake, Mega Man, and Sonic the Hedgehog, they nevertheless expressed surprise over Cloud's inclusion because of Final Fantasy VII{{'}}s lack of release on a Nintendo console.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/12/15/10133878/final-fantasy-7-cloud-smash-bros-release-date|title=Final Fantasy VII's Cloud is coming to Smash Bros. today|date=December 15, 2015|publisher=The Verge|access-date=January 20, 2020|archive-date=October 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005003737/https://www.theverge.com/2015/12/15/10133878/final-fantasy-7-cloud-smash-bros-release-date|url-status=live}} Despite that, he was well received.{{Cite web|last=Parish|first=Jeremy|date=2018-12-03|title=We rank the Smash Bros. (and friends)|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2018/12/3/18120401/super-smash-bros-ultimate-character-rankings|access-date=2020-11-05|website=Polygon|language=en|archive-date=October 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006074733/https://www.polygon.com/features/2018/12/3/18120401/super-smash-bros-ultimate-character-rankings|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/joker-is-the-craziest-super-smash-bros-character-reveal-since-cloud|title=Joker is the Craziest Super Smash Bros. Character Reveal Since Cloud|date=December 7, 2018|publisher=USGamer|access-date=January 20, 2020|archive-date=July 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731221903/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/joker-is-the-craziest-super-smash-bros-character-reveal-since-cloud|url-status=dead}}

During anticipation for the remake of Final Fantasy VII, Cloud's role in the trailers were the focus of multiple journalists. IGN highly praised the design and marketing involving his visual appearance.{{cite web|url=https://es.ign.com/final-fantasy-vii-remake/158213/news/final-fantasy-vii-remake-estrena-un-nuevo-trailer-con-cloud-como-protagonista|title=Final Fantasy VII Remake estrena un nuevo tráiler con Cloud como protagonista|date=November 30, 2019|publisher=IGN|access-date=January 5, 2020|archive-date=April 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421082815/https://es.ign.com/final-fantasy-vii-remake/158213/news/final-fantasy-vii-remake-estrena-un-nuevo-trailer-con-cloud-como-protagonista|url-status=live}} TechSpot noted fans were interested in Cloud's love interests but claimed that Cloud's relationship with Aerith was subtle in retrospective.{{cite web|url=https://www.techspot.com/news/83189-final-fantasy-vii-remake-new-trailer-drops-hints.html|title=Final Fantasy VII Remake's new trailer drops hints at potential love triangle|date=December 13, 2019|publisher=TechSpot|access-date=January 5, 2020|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807114728/https://www.techspot.com/news/83189-final-fantasy-vii-remake-new-trailer-drops-hints.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/final-fantasy-vii-remake-trailer-break-down/|title=Final Fantasy VII: Who's Who (and What's What) in the Remake Trailer|date=September 12, 2019|publisher=CBR|access-date=January 5, 2020|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926185318/https://www.cbr.com/final-fantasy-vii-remake-trailer-break-down/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/reviews/final-fantasy-vii-remake-rouses-old-romantic-feelings-some-its-changes-will-be-divisive/|title=Final Fantasy VII Remake rouses old, romantic feelings. But some of its changes will be divisive.|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=April 13, 2020|archive-date=April 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415054214/https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/reviews/final-fantasy-vii-remake-rouses-old-romantic-feelings-some-its-changes-will-be-divisive/|url-status=live}} Despite noting his antisocial and aloof attitudes in the remake,{{cite web|url=http://www.digra.org/wp-content/uploads/digital-library/DiGRA_2022_paper_103.pdf|title=Final Fantasy VII Remake: In Search of Queer Celebration|website=Digra|publisher=Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences|author=Heijmen, Nicky; Vosmeer, Mirjam|accessdate=August 25, 2023|archive-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611222328/http://www.digra.org/wp-content/uploads/digital-library/DiGRA_2022_paper_103.pdf|url-status=live}} In a feature article, GameSpot compared Cloud with Kazuma Kiryu from Sega's Yakuza video game series due to both sharing similar features and development across the narrative through Midgar's cities as both protagonists have a tendency to help civilians.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/final-fantasy-7-remake-has-big-yakuza-energy-and-i/1100-6476496/|title=Final Fantasy 7 Remake Has Big Yakuza Energy And It's Wonderful|website=GameSpot|access-date=April 25, 2020|archive-date=July 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705141102/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/final-fantasy-7-remake-has-big-yakuza-energy-and-i/1100-6476496/|url-status=live}} When it comes to Rebirth, Digital Trend saw Cloud's failures to save Aerith as a story about dealing with trauma as the returning player find a possible way to stop Aerith's death like Cloud attempts and instead ends in tragedy again.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/final-fantasy-vii-rebirth-ending-analysis/|website=Digital Trends|access-date=March 16, 2024|title=In defense of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's polarizing ending|date=March 15, 2024 }} Cloud's rivalry with Sephiroth was also the subject of praise in Rebirth as it allows two characters be allies before the latter becomes the antagonist while the former comes across as a rookie in comparison.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/09/final-fantasy-vii-rebirth-playstation-cloud-strife-sephiroth-demo-chocobo-1235550829/|website=DeadLine|access-date=September 23, 2023|title=Final Fantasy VII Rebirth PlayStation Cloud Strife Sephiroht Demo Chocbo|date=September 21, 2023|archive-date=September 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923021327/https://deadline.com/2023/09/final-fantasy-vii-rebirth-playstation-cloud-strife-sephiroth-demo-chocobo-1235550829/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2023/tokyo-game-show/playing-as-sephiroth-in-final-fantasy-vii-rebirth-makes-you-feel-like-the-ultimate-badass/.202726|title=Playing as Sephiroth in Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth Makes You Feel Like the Ultimate Badass|website=Anime News Network|access-date=September 23, 2023|archive-date=September 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925170243/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2023/tokyo-game-show/playing-as-sephiroth-in-final-fantasy-vii-rebirth-makes-you-feel-like-the-ultimate-badass/.202726|url-status=live}}

For his performance as Cloud in Final Fantasy VII Remake, Cody Christian received a nomination for "Performer in a Leading Role" at the 17th British Academy Games Awards.{{cite web | url = https://www.bafta.org/games/awards/2021-nominations-winners | title = 2021 BAFTA Games Awards: The Nominations | accessdate = 2 March 2021 | date = 2 March 2021 | publisher = British Academy of Film and Television Arts | archive-date = April 29, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210429221939/https://www.bafta.org/games/awards/2021-nominations-winners | url-status = live }} For the 2024 Golden Joystick Awards, Christian won "Best Lead Performer" for his work as Cloud in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. {{Cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/golden-joystick-awards-2024-shortlist-categories-revealed-vote-now/ |title=Astro Bot and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth lead the shortlist for the Golden Joystick Awards 2024, nudging out Helldivers 2 and Balatro for the most nominations |date=2024-10-04 |website=GamesRadar+ |last=West |first=Josh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004163943/https://www.gamesradar.com/games/golden-joystick-awards-2024-shortlist-categories-revealed-vote-now/ |archive-date=2024-10-04 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=2024 Golden Joysticks Unveils Intriguing Game Of The Year Shortlist |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattgardner1/2024/11/04/2024-golden-joysticks-unveils-intriguing-game-of-the-year-shortlist/ |last=Gardner |first=Matt |date=2024-11-04 |access-date=2024-11-04 |website=Forbes}}

Cloud set a trend in the Final Fantasy series in regards to the characterization of main characters. Following Final Fantasy VII, Nomura designed Squall Leonhart, the lead of Final Fantasy VIII giving him a similar anti-hero persona. Tasked with creating a "female version of Cloud" for Final Fantasy XIII,{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/news/ffxiii-interview |title=FFXIII Interview: Nomura, Kitase, Hashimoto and Toriyama |date=June 7, 2006 |last=Smith |first=Luke |website=1UP.com |access-date=October 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805002459/http://www.1up.com/news/ffxiii-interview |archive-date=August 5, 2011 |url-status=dead}} Nomura designed Lightning with Cloud's success in mind, stating that he "desired for her to be ... loved for a long time, like Cloud".{{cite journal|date=November 14, 2013|script-title=ja:ここに, ひとつの神話が終われワを迪える解放者の覚醒よワ13日一|journal=Shūkan Famitsū|language=ja|publisher=Enterbrain|issue=1302|page=42}} After Lightning was voted as the most popular female character in the series by Japanese fans, Mollie Patterson of EGMNOW commented: "Some have also brought up that Lightning is kind of the female equivalent to Cloud, which might be why she gets so much love".{{cite web|url=http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/japan-ranks-their-favorite-final-fantasy-females/|title=Japan Ranks Their Favorite Final Fantasy Females|last=Patterson|first=Mollie|date=January 18, 2013|website=EGMNOW|publisher=EGM Media|access-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923234556/http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/japan-ranks-their-favorite-final-fantasy-females/|archive-date=September 23, 2015}} However, for Final Fantasy X, the staff aimed for a more contrasting hero would act more cheerful in the narrative, Tidus.{{cite web|author=Knight, Sheila|year=2003|title=Tetsuya Nomura 20s|url=http://flaregamer.com/b2article.php?p=81&more=1|publisher=FLAREgamer|access-date=13 April 2006|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709232759/http://flaregamer.com/b2article.php?p=81&more=1|archive-date=9 July 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite book|year=2001|editor1=Sam Kennedy|editor2=Gary Steinman|title=Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine August, 2001|page=96|publisher=Ziff Davis Media}} Similarly, Nomura created Noctis Lucis Caelum from Final Fantasy XV with another different characterization from Cloud and Squall's and instead more insecure.{{cite magazine|date=8 February 2008|magazine=Famitsu Weekly|language=ja|title=1000号記念スペシャル表紙プロジェクト|publisher=Entenebran}} When the game Nier failed to be a success in North America despite portraying an elder as a protagonist to appeal to Westerns, director Yoko Taro convinced other staff members to use instead a younger type for the English remaster version, using Cloud as an influence.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/yoko-taro-didnt-mean-to-make-nier-sad-on-purpose/1100-6490892/|title=Yoko Taro Didn't Mean To Make Nier Sad On Purpose|website=GameSpot|accessdate=May 21, 2023|archive-date=May 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501163913/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/yoko-taro-didnt-mean-to-make-nier-sad-on-purpose/1100-6490892/|url-status=live}}

IGN stated that Cloud set a trend for role-playing video game heroes,{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/characters/cloud-strife|title=Cloud Strife Biography|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=January 28, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021135629/http://www.ign.com/characters/cloud-strife|archive-date=October 21, 2012}} describing his "spiky blond hair" and "gigantic Buster Sword" as "instantly identifiable icons, recognized by gamers around the world".{{cite web|url = http://uk.ign.com/articles/2008/05/16/top-25-final-fantasy-characters-day-v?page=3|first = Dave|last = Smith|title = IGN's Top 25 Final Fantasy Characters|work = IGN|date = May 16, 2008|publisher = Ziff Davis|access-date = July 20, 2008|archive-date = March 15, 2024|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240315022026/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/16/top-25-final-fantasy-characters-day-v?page=3|url-status = live}} Edge described Cloud as an example of "excellent design and characterization".{{cite web | url = http://www.ff7citadel.com/press/int_edge.shtml | title = The Making of Final Fantasy VII | work = Edge | publisher = Matthew Pierce | access-date = July 21, 2008 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080705141229/http://www.ff7citadel.com/press/int_edge.shtml | archive-date = July 5, 2008 | df = mdy-all}} Famitsu in 2010 published a seven-page tribute to Cloud, showcasing his many appearances throughout the years.{{cite journal|date=February 4, 2010|script-title=ja:今週の特集読者が選ぶ! 人気キャラクター クラウド|journal=Shūkan Famitsū|language=ja|publisher=Enterbrain|issue=1103|pages=143–149}} He was named best character of all time in Dengeki PlayStation{{'}}s 2007 "Den-Play Awards".{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/837/837350p1.html|title=Nomura Talks FFXIII|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=November 22, 2007|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=November 22, 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071123114222/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/837/837350p1.html|archive-date=November 23, 2007}} GameSpot published a video titled "Greatest Game Hero: Cloud Strife" for his inclusion in their 2009 "All Time Greatest Game Hero" poll, showcasing scenes of Cloud as he appears in Advent Children.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/greatest-video-game-hero/standings/index.html|title=All Time Greatest Game Hero – The Standings|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=September 15, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811115320/http://www.gamespot.com/greatest-video-game-hero/standings/index.html|archive-date=August 11, 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/psp/rpg/finalfantasyviiadventchildren/video/6227706 |title=Greatest Game Hero: Cloud Strife |date=September 16, 2009 |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=August 14, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090925062915/http://www.gamespot.com/psp/rpg/finalfantasyviiadventchildren/video/6227706 |archive-date=September 25, 2009}}

{{reflist}}

• {{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/from-ehrgeiz-to-kingdom-hearts-the-many-faces-of-final-fantasy-viis-cloud-strife/|title=From Ehrgeiz to Kingdom Hearts—The Many Faces of Final Fantasy VII's Cloud Strife|website=Siliconera|access-date=May 4, 2020|author=Sato|ref=none}}
• {{cite web|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/features/articles/opinion/cloud-strife-an-inspiration-to-us-all/375630/|title=Cloud Strife: An Inspiration to Us All|date=April 10, 2020|author=Chris Shrive|publisher=Hardcore Gamer|access-date=April 11, 2022|language=en-US|archive-date=July 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709170335/https://hardcoregamer.com/features/articles/opinion/cloud-strife-an-inspiration-to-us-all/375630/|url-status=dead}}

{{FFVII|state=expand}}

{{Super Smash Bros.}}

{{Good article}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Strife, Cloud}}

Category:Characters designed by Tetsuya Nomura

Category:Fictional bodyguards in video games

Category:Fictional characters with amnesia

Category:Fictional characters with dissociative identity disorder

Category:Fictional characters with post-traumatic stress disorder

Category:Fictional couriers

Category:Fictional criminals in video games

Category:Fictional cross-dressers

Category:Fictional defectors

Category:Fictional eco-terrorists

Category:Fictional human test subjects

Category:Fictional mercenaries in video games

Category:Fictional private military members

Category:Fictional super soldiers

Category:Fictional swordfighters in video games

Category:Final Fantasy VII characters

Category:Genetically engineered characters in video games

Category:Male characters in video games

Category:Orphan characters in video games

Category:Science fantasy video game characters

Category:Super Smash Bros. fighters

Category:Video game bosses

Category:Video game characters introduced in 1997

Category:Video game characters who can move at superhuman speeds

Category:Video game characters with superhuman strength

Category:Video game mascots