Sephiroth (Final Fantasy)#Reception

Image:Sasaki-Ganryu-(Kojiro)-by-Utagawa-Kuniyoshi-1845.png served as inspiration for Sephiroth.]]

Sephiroth was a collaborative effort between Yoshinori Kitase, Tetsuya Nomura, and scenario writer Kazushige Nojima. Sephiroth was a heroic SOLDIER operative just like Cloud. Kitase further said Sephiroth is not a copy of one character, but taking different aspects and merging them together resulted in the character shown in the game. In regards to his characterization, the character does not see himself as an evil being but instead a chosen man to accomplish a goal; changing the world throughout his chaos will reach the Promised Land, which is the opposite of what Cloud's group wants.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/live/4yUCjiRkTZ4?t=5248s|title=Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Summoning A Masterpiece|work=Square Enix|via=Youtube|access-date=August 16, 2024}}

Sephiroth was designed by Final Fantasy VII{{'}}s character designer Tetsuya Nomura. Nomura has stated that Sephiroth was made to be a contrast to the game's main protagonist, Cloud, who was originally designed to have slicked-back, black hair.{{cite web|url=http://retro.ign.com/articles/870/870770p1.html|title=IGN Presents: The History of Final Fantasy VII|website=IGN|first=Rus|last=McLaughlin|date=April 30, 2008|access-date=September 14, 2008|archive-date=September 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917074604/http://retro.ign.com/articles/870/870770p1.html|url-status=live}} Kitase believes Sephiroth's role in Final Fantasy VII to be one of the main reasons for the game's popularity.{{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}} His name was derived from the Kabbalah, in which the ten sephirot on the Tree of life represent the ten attributes through which God reveals himself.{{cite web|url=http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14211782_biography.html |title=Sephiroth Biography |website=IGN |access-date=January 29, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080206202026/http://stars.ign.com/objects/142/14211782_biography.html |archive-date=February 6, 2008}} His character and role as main antagonist existed from the earliest stages of development, as originally, Nomura thought that the game's plot would deal exclusively with Cloud Strife pursuing him.{{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=April 13, 2006|archive-date=July 9, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709232759/http://flaregamer.com/b2article.php?p=81&more=1|url-status=live}} His weapon, the {{nihongo|"Masamune"|正宗}}, which has been featured in numerous Final Fantasy titles, is an elongated nodachi that he learned to use during his days in SOLDIER.Final Fantasy VII instruction manual The Masamune is named after the famous Japanese swordsmith Goro Nyudo Masamune, whose blades are considered national treasures in Japan.{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/part-xiii-final-fantasy/27455 |title=Final Fantasy Retrospective Part XIII |publisher=GameTrailers |date=November 2, 2007 |access-date=December 22, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090519001839/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/part-xiii-final-fantasy/27455 |archive-date=May 19, 2009}} When designing Cloud and Sephiroth, Nomura was influenced by his view of their rivalry mirroring the legendary animosity between Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojirō, with Cloud and Sephiroth being Musashi and Kojirō respectively. Sephiroth's look was defined as "kakkoii", a Japanese term combining good looks with coolness.{{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}} Yoshitaka Amano, who had handled character illustrations for previous Final Fantasy titles, noted a contrast between Cloud, a "young, passionate boy", and Sephiroth, a "more mature and cool" individual, as "intriguing", though not unusual as a pairing.{{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}}

File:Katana - Kanze Masamune.jpg. National Treasure.]]

Nomura wanted Sephiroth to appear early on in the game, and then have the plot deal with the protagonists following him, so that gamers would not meet the final boss until extremely late in the game. Sephiroth was initially going to be Aerith Gainsborough's sibling, as indicated by their similar hairstyles.{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/con11g/ffvii15/|title=Nomura, Kitase and Nojima Discuss Final Fantasy VII's Development|publisher=Andriasang|access-date=May 21, 2012|archive-date=March 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313202219/http://andriasang.com/con11g/ffvii15/|url-status=dead}} Later, however, he was changed to Aerith's past love, whom she would remember upon meeting Cloud. This character was then changed to Zack Fair, and Sephiroth's prior relationship with Aerith was dropped. In early drafts of the game, Sephiroth's personality was brutal and cruel, with a strong-willed and calm ego. He was to suffer from Mako addiction, resulting in a semi-conscious state as a result of high exposure to Mako energy.{{Cite book | year=2005 | editor=Studio BentStuff | title=Final Fantasy VII Ultimania Ω | language=ja | publisher=Square-Enix | isbn=4-7575-1520-0 | page=525}} Sephiroth was also intended to manipulate Cloud into believing that he was a creation of his will, but this aspect of the story was later abandoned. In another cut scene, when Sephiroth's physical body is first seen in the Northern Crater, it was to be female.{{Cite book | year=2005 | editor=Studio BentStuff | title=Final Fantasy VII Ultimania Ω | language=ja | publisher=Square-Enix | isbn=4-7575-1520-0 | page=528}} Jason Greenberg, the only artist working on the original PC port, recalled a crash bug that happened during Sephiroth's {{nihongo|Super Nova|スーパーノヴァ|Sūpānova}} technique. Near the end of the development cycle, many team members were done with their work and helped to test the game as much as possible. Greenberg spent nearly 24 hours playtesting battle during development.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/why-the-hell-do-they-have-mouths-a-final-fantasy-7-pc-retrospective/|title=Why the hell do they have mouths: a Final Fantasy 7 PC retrospective|magazine=Pc Gamer|date=April 25, 2017|access-date=June 2, 2020|last1=Fenlon|first1=Wes|archive-date=May 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504182328/https://www.pcgamer.com/why-the-hell-do-they-have-mouths-a-final-fantasy-7-pc-retrospective/|url-status=live}} Since his transformation into Safer Sephiroth in the game's final battle, Sephiroth has had a single black wing on his back, referencing his theme song "One Winged Angel".{{cite book | title=Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Ultimania | year=2009 | isbn=978-4-7575-2560-3 | language=ja | publisher=Square-Enix | pages=76–81 | edition=Revised}}

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| footer = While in Japanese Toshiyuki Morikawa consistently voiced Sephiroth, multiple actors voiced him in English: Lance Bass, George Newbern, and Tyler Hoechlin.

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Nomura has called Sephiroth "the ultimate antagonist in the Final Fantasy VII saga, there can't be anyone else", and regards him as an enemy from a previous generation, in contrast to his "Remnants" who appear in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children.{{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}} For Advent Children, the film sequel to Final Fantasy VII, scriptwriter Kazushige Nojima thought that the film's plot would be less entertaining without Sephiroth. His revival in the film was introduced in the early stages of development, but the official decision as to how to bring him back was not reached until later. Nomura originally planned to have him appear from the start, but as it took the staff two years to develop his design, the idea of his presence throughout the film was scrapped, and it was decided instead to have him only appear onscreen for a short time. Sephiroth was designed for the film to emphasize his other-worldliness, such as the fact that he is never seen blinking or breathing, and his voice is always monotone and calm. In the film, the staff stated that his strength had considerably increased, to the point that he had "ascended to a new level of existence".

Despite initially encountering problems as to who would voice him, Nomura said that once Toshiyuki Morikawa auditioned for the role, they knew they had their actor. Morikawa was instructed by the staff to speak all of Sephiroth's dialogue as if he felt superior to every other character in the film. The voice director and Morikawa agreed to make Sephiroth's voice sound calm to the point that he believes he cannot lose to Cloud, suggesting to Morikawa that he may reappear at some point in the future.{{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}} In the prequel Crisis Core, Morikawa portrayed Sephiroth in a charismatic fashion, as early on Sephiroth is presented as a hero.{{cite magazine|magazine=Dengeki Mao|date=October 2007|publisher=ASCII Media Works|title=Voice Acting Cast List}} The black wing that Sephiroth and the other Shinra experiments Angeal and Genesis show act as a sign of corruption.{{cite book | title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII 10th Ultimania | year=2007 | isbn=978-4-7575-2126-1 | language=ja | publisher=Square-Enix}}

For Final Fantasy VII Remake, Yoshinori Kitase wanted Sephiroth to have more scenes than in the original game due to his popularity, and compared him with the build of the film Jaws.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/sephiroth-jaws/|title=Square Enix's Kitase Says Sephiroth's Original Appearance Was Handled Like Jaws'|website=Siliconera|date=April 17, 2020|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=April 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427071136/https://www.siliconera.com/sephiroth-jaws/|url-status=live}} In the climax of the remake, Cloud encounters Sephiroth once again, and his words following the fight were kept as ambiguous.{{cite book|title=Final Fantasy VII Remake Ultimania|year=2020|publisher=Square Enix|url=https://aitaikimochi.tumblr.com/post/616804865416527872|access-date=May 5, 2020|archive-date=January 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109054218/https://aitaikimochi.tumblr.com/post/616804865416527872|url-status=live}} While Remake and Rebirth focus on the adult Sephiroth, the mobile phone Ever Crisis and First SOLDIER focus on Sephiroth's childhood. He is given a more sensitive characterization as he interacts with other characters related to SOLDIER. Nomura reworked the design to fit properly, focusing more on his shorter hair.{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/ff7-ever-crisis-new-character-young-sephiroth/|title=Who The New Character In The FF7: Ever Crisis Trailer Is

|website=Screen Rant|date=June 17, 2022

|access-date=October 6, 2023}} Yuichiro Umehara was shocked upon being cast for Sephiroth's role in the game, pressured due to how Morikawa already established Sephiroth's popularity in previous installments. He was influenced by Morikawa's presence when recording for the game to the point he feared Sephiroth did not sound as young as requested by the demands. As a result, he often talked with the director and the rest of the staff about how he should sound.{{Cite web | title=x.com | url=https://twitter.com/FFVII_EC_EN/status/1707817525264920683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1707817525264920683%7Ctwgr%5E7dcbd3beb192c99294a6c8bedd79805c6a9cf038%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Festnn.com%2Ffinal-fantasy-7-ever-crisis-young-sephiroth-weapons-ranked%2F | access-date=2025-01-04 | website=twitter.com}}

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In Final Fantasy VII, Sephiroth is the focus of two pieces of music written by series composer Nobuo Uematsu. His primary theme is {{nihongo|"Those Chosen by the Planet"|星に選ばれし者|Hoshi ni Erabareshi Mono}}, a piece utilizing bells, low drums, and a deep chorus, which accompanies his appearances throughout the game. In the final battle, {{nihongo|"Birth of a God"|神の誕生|Kami no Tanjō}} plays while the player fights Sephiroth's first form, "Bizarro Sephiroth", also known as "Reverse Sephiroth". This piece uses an instrumental version of the choral leitmotif prominently featured in "Those Chosen By The Planet."

The most well-known piece is {{nihongo|"One-Winged Angel"|片翼の天使|Katayoku no Tenshi|{{lit}} "An Angel With a Wing on One Side"}} which is played during the final confrontation with Sephiroth in his new "Safer" form. It contains Latin lyrics taken from sections of the Carmina Burana. In an interview featured on G4's Game Makers (formerly Icons), Uematsu revealed that the piece was designed to be a fusion of the musical styles of Russian composer Igor Stravinsky and rock musician Jimi Hendrix. Additionally, according to an interview with Polygon, Uematsu composed the piece by writing out various phrases over the course of two weeks and putting them together as if it was a puzzle. {{cite web |last1=Leone |first1=Matt |title=Final Fantasy 7: An Oral History |url=https://www.polygon.com/a/final-fantasy-7 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=4 May 2025}} The song revolves around his character, as this was what Uematsu was thinking about when writing it.{{cite web |title=Destrucoid interview: Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu |url=http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-interview-final-fantasy-composer-nobuo-uematsu-128986.phtml |website=Destructoid |author=North, Dale |date=April 17, 2009 |access-date=April 22, 2009 |archive-date=October 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028234417/http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-interview-final-fantasy-composer-nobuo-uematsu-128986.phtml |url-status=live }}

Three official covers have been done of the song. The first is an orchestration used in Kingdom Hearts, arranged by series composer Yoko Shimomura. The second is used in Advent Children, which plays throughout the battle between Cloud and Sephiroth and features the progressive metal stylings of Nobuo Uematsu's former band The Black Mages, as well as orchestral elements and new lyrics. The third is the orchestral version performed in the Distant Worlds concert series. Additional versions include "Vengeance on the World" from Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, "One-Winged Angel: Rebirth" from Final Fantasy VII: Remake, and "One-Winged Angel: Reborn" from Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth. {{cite web|title=Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Original Soundtrack|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080712234931/http://www.squaresound.com/final-fantasy-vii-advent-children-original-soundtrack-p45.html|archive-date=July 12, 2008|url= http://www.squaresound.com/final-fantasy-vii-advent-children-original-soundtrack-p45.html |publisher=SquareSound|access-date=November 20, 2007}}

File:SaferSephirothwing.jpg

Sephiroth is the main antagonist in Final Fantasy VII, who first appears after assassinating President Shinra. It is revealed over the course of the game that Sephiroth was once the most powerful member of SOLDIER, Shinra's elite military division, who was celebrated as a heroic veteran of the Shinra-Wutai war.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy VII|developer=Square Co|publisher=SCE America|date=September 7, 1997 |platform=PlayStation|quote=Cloud: I want to join SOLDIER. I'm going to be the best there is, just like Sephiroth!}} After the war, Sephiroth was sent on a mission to the village of Nibelheim, where he discovered that he was the product of a biological experiment that combined a human fetus with tissue from the extraterrestrial lifeform Jenova.{{cite video game |quote=Sephiroth: Exactly. And it's Hojo of Shinra that produced these monsters. Mutated living on organisms produced by Mako energy. That's what these monster's really are./Cloud: Normal members of SOLDIER? You mean you are different? H... hey, Sephiroth!/Sephiroth: N... no... Was!? Was I created this way too?!|title=Final Fantasy VII|developer=Square Co|publisher=SCE America|date=September 7, 1997|platform=PlayStation}}{{cite video game |quote=Sephiroth: The Jenova Project wanted to produce people with the powers of the Ancients... no, the Cetra. ...I am the one that was produced.|title=Final Fantasy VII|developer=Square Co|publisher=SCE America|date=September 7, 1997|platform=PlayStation}} Upon discovering the truth of his origins and the experiments that created him, Sephiroth developed an intense hatred for Shinra, which developed into hatred for all life.{{Cite web |title=Script: "Advent Children Complete" – The Lifestream |date=May 8, 2013 |url=https://thelifestream.net/advent-children/the-advent-children-complete-script/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |language=en-US |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202020829/https://thelifestream.net/advent-children/the-advent-children-complete-script/ |url-status=live }} After learning that Jenova, who he comes to consider his "mother", attempted to take control of the Planet 2,000 years ago, he decided to follow in her footsteps and become a god who would rule over the Planet.{{cite video game|quote=Sephiroth: They've come again, mother. With her superior power, knowledge, and magic, Mother was destined to become the ruler of the Planet. But they… Those worthless creatures are stealing the Planet from Mother. But now I'm here with you so don't worry. / Cloud: What about MY sadness!? My family... friends... The sadness of having my hometown taken away from me!? It's the same as your sadness! / Sephiroth: Ha, ha, ha... my sadness? What do I have to be sad about? I am the chosen one. I have been chosen to be the leader of this Planet. I have orders to take this planet back from you stupid people for the Cetra. What am I supposed to be sad about?|title=Final Fantasy VII|developer=Square Co|publisher=SCE America|date=September 7, 1997|platform=PlayStation}} He burnt down Nibelheim, resulting in the deaths of many people, but was assumed dead after a confrontation with Cloud inside a nearby Mako reactor; this event came to be known as the Nibelheim incident. However, Cloud does not believe he killed Sephiroth, since his skill and might dwarfs his, and acknowledges Sephiroth most likely had won, but spared him for unknown reasons.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy VII|developer=Square |publisher=SCE America |date=September 7, 1997 |platform=PlayStation |quote=Aeris: What happened to Sephiroth? / Cloud: In terms of skill, I couldn't have killed him. / Tifa: Official records state Sephiroth is dead. I read it in the newspaper. / Aeris: Shinra, Inc. owns the newspaper, so you can't rely on that information. / Cloud: ......I want to know the truth. I want to know what happened then. I challenged Sephiroth and lived. Why didn't he kill me?}} However, a few years later, Sephiroth reappears, determined to continue with his mission.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy VII|developer=Square Co|publisher=SCE America|date=September 7, 1997 |platform=PlayStation|quote=Cloud: Did you see him? Did you see Sephiroth? / Palmer: Yeah, I saw him!! I saw him with my own eyes! / Cloud: You really saw him? / Palmer: Uh! Would I lie to you at a time like this!? And I heard his voice too! Um, he was saying something about not letting us have the Promised Land.}}

His plan to become a god is based upon his belief that he can merge with the Planet's Lifestream, taking control of it and the Planet itself. To do so, he must summon Meteor, a destructive meteorite entity from outer space capable of catastrophically damaging the Planet. At this point, the Lifestream will flow to attempt to heal the injury, allowing Sephiroth to merge with it and its Spirit Energy.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy VII|developer=Square Co|publisher=SCE America|date=September 7, 1997 |platform=PlayStation|quote=Aeris: How do you intend to become one with the Planet? / Sephiroth: It's simple. Once the Planet is hurt, it gathers Spirit Energy to heal the injury. The amount of energy gathered depends on the size of the injury. ...What would happen if there was an injury that threatened the very life of the Planet? Think how much energy would be gathered! Ha ha ha. And at the center of that injury, will be me. All that boundless energy will be mine. By merging with all the energy of the Planet, I will become a new life form, a new existence. Melding with the Planet... I will cease to exist as I am now. Only to be reborn as a 'God' to rule over every soul. / Aeris: An injury powerful enough to destroy the Planet? Injure... the Planet? / Sephiroth: Behold that mural. The Ultimate Destructive Magic... Meteor.}} Despite appearing multiple times throughout the game, it is revealed that Sephiroth's physical body is sealed in the Northern Crater. The Sephiroth Cloud and his allies fought were parts of Jenova's body taking on his appearance and remotely controlled by Sephiroth from the Planet's core.{{cite video game|quote=Cloud: Jenova's cells... ...hmm. So that's what this is all about. The Jenova Reunion... / Tifa: Not Sephiroth!? You mean all this time it wasn't Sephiroth we've been after? / Cloud: I'll explain later. Right now, the only thing I'm thinking about is beating Sephiroth. / Tifa: But Sephiroth is...... / Cloud: He's here. The real Sephiroth is just beyond here. It's both incredibly wicked and cruel... But it's releasing a powerfully strong will from deep within this planet's wound.|title=Final Fantasy VII|developer=Square |publisher=SCE America|date=September 7, 1997|platform=PlayStation}} In the game's final battle, Sephiroth takes on two final forms. The first is called Bizarro Sephiroth, which is known as {{Nihongo|Libath Sephiroth|リバース・セフィロス|Ribāsu Sefirosu}} in the original Japanese version, meaning "The Core of Sephiroth" or "Sephiroth's Core" in Hebrew (ליבת ספירות). The second is called Safer Sephiroth, which is known as {{Nihongo|Seifa Sephiroth|セーファ・セフィロス|Sēfa Sefirosu}} in the original Japanese version, meaning "Final Sephiroth" or "The Last Part of Sephiroth" in Hebrew (סיפא ספירות). After his defeat, Sephiroth reappears only to Cloud as an apparition, and the exhausted duo fight once again. Cloud eventually wins the fight and kills Sephiroth with his sword. With Sephiroth dead, Aerith's prior magic deflects the meteor towards only Midgar, shielding the rest of the world from its impact. Many years later, Midgar is shown to be healing, possibly being able to be saved in the years to come.

Sephiroth makes several cameo appearances in the Final Fantasy VII prequel, Before Crisis, in which he supports Shinra in their battle against the eco-terrorist organization AVALANCHE. The Nibelheim incident is also featured in the game. The OVA Last Order also depicts the Nibelheim incident.{{cite video|date=September 2005|title=Last Order: Final Fantasy VII|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0489134/|medium=DVD|publisher=Square Enix|access-date=June 30, 2018|archive-date=January 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123115015/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0489134/|url-status=live}} Sephiroth also appears in Advent Children, a CGI film set two years after Final Fantasy VII. In the film, Kadaj, Loz, and Yazoo, his "Remnants", try to reincarnate him. Although Kadaj eventually succeeds, Cloud once again defeats Sephiroth, whose body changes back to Kadaj's upon his defeat.{{cite video|people = Tetsuya Nomura (Director)|date = September 2005|title = Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children |medium = DVD |publisher = Square Enix}} Sephiroth is also the focus of the On the Way to a Smile novella "Case of the Lifestream — Black and White". The story is set after the end of Final Fantasy VII but prior to the events of Advent Children, and centers on Aerith and Sephiroth's journeys through the Lifestream and Sephiroth's creation of Geostigma, a disease that infects anyone who came into contact with the tainted Lifestream.{{Cite book | year=2009 | title=On the Way to a Smile: Final Fantasy VII | language=ja | publisher=Square-Enix | isbn=978-4-7575-2462-0}} He is mentioned in Dirge of Cerberus, a game set one year after Advent Children, in which his biological mother, Lucrecia Crescent, discusses the experiments which gave birth to him.

Sephiroth is one of the main characters in the Final Fantasy VII prequel Crisis Core, in which he and protagonist Zack Fair search for two missing SOLDIERs, Genesis Rhapsodos and Angeal Hewley,{{cite video game|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII|developer=Square Enix|Publisher=SCE America |date=August 24, 2008 |platform=PlayStation Portable |quote=Tseng: Genesis and Angeal. Those two were Sephiroth's only friends.}}{{cite video game|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII|developer=Square Enix|Publisher=SCE America|quote=Sephiroth: Angeal has been sighted. / Zack: So it's search and destroy? / Sephiroth: The army is mobilizing, but there's still time. You and I will find them before they do, and... / Zack: And WHAT? / Sephiroth: fail to eliminate them. |date=August 24, 2008 |platform=PlayStation Portable}} This game also depicts the Nibelheim incident, where Sephiroth appears as a boss.{{cite video game|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII|developer=Square Enix|Publisher=SCE America|level=Hojo's Laboratory|date=August 24, 2008 |platform=PlayStation Portable}} Executive producer Yoshinori Kitase was pleased with Sephiroth's role in Crisis Core, feeling that he was given a more human side.{{cite web|url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/869/869858p2.html|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII UK Interview|website=IGN|first=Dave|last=McCarthy|date=April 28, 2008|access-date=September 14, 2008|archive-date=July 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713004927/http://psp.ign.com/articles/869/869858p2.html|url-status=live}}

Sephiroth appears in Final Fantasy VII Remake as the main antagonist. While his role as a presumed dead Shinra SOLDIER remain similar, Sephiroth now appears in the early hours of the game as an illusion to taunt Cloud and warn him to leave the Planet. He also projects himself as a "Sephiroth-clone" named Marco. In the final hours, Sephiroth appears in the Shinra building, showcasing his goal to summon Meteor destroying Midgar; and killing President Shinra before fleeing. After the group escapes Shinra's troops, Sephiroth awaits them at the end of the Midgar Expressway, where he acts as the final boss. Defeated, Sephiroth spares Cloud and gives him "seven seconds until the end" before disappearing, leaving behind only a fallen black feather.

In Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Sephiroth appears as a playable character and party member in the game's first chapter "Fall of a Hero", which depicts their survey for the Nibelheim's reactor, and his villainous origins with the infamous Nibelheim incident. In the present time, Sephiroth taunts Cloud again with illusions. He is then pursued by Cloud and the party, where they encounter Sephiroth-clones as well. Sephiroth later manipulates Cloud into giving him the "Black Materia" to summon Meteor. When Aerith attempts to stop him by summoning Cloud into an alternate reality, Sephiroth appears behind and swiftly kills her, prompting the party to avenge her. However, Sephiroth transforms into "Sephiroth Reborn" and upon defeat, flees into the northern regions.

Sephiroth's first appearance outside Final Fantasy VII was as a selectable character in the fighting game Ehrgeiz.{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/action/ehrgeiz/hints.html?tag=tabs;cheats | title=Ehrgeiz Hints & Cheats | access-date=August 15, 2009 | website=GameSpot}} A redesigned Sephiroth also appears in the North American and European versions of Kingdom Hearts as an optional boss character in Olympus Coliseum.{{cite book | last= Birlew | first= Dan | year= 2003 | title= Kingdom Hearts Official Strategy Guide | publisher= BradyGames Publishing | isbn= 0-7440-0198-6 | url-access= registration | url= https://archive.org/details/kingdomheartsoff00birl}} Lance Bass voiced Sephiroth in the game, while in subsequent titles he was replaced by George Newbern. In the Japanese re-release of the game, Final Mix, an additional scene was added in which Sephiroth fights Cloud, although the result of the fight is not revealed. Sephiroth was not included in the sequel Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, as director Tetsuya Nomura could not give him a storyline related to Cloud, and feared negative fan response if Sephiroth did not have a notable role in the story.{{cite book |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Ultimania |date=December 2004 |isbn=978-4-7575-1344-0 |language=ja |publisher=Square-Enix}} He reappears as an optional boss in Kingdom Hearts II, where he is first encountered by the series' protagonist, Sora, and then Cloud, who is pursuing him.Sora: Oh, Cloud! / Donald: Whatcha doing? / Cloud: I'll get him. This time, we settle it. Me, and the one who embodies all the darkness in me. / Donald Duck: 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. {{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}} When Sephiroth battles Cloud, both of them disappear, with Sora believing that they went somewhere else to continue their fight.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. {{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}} Nomura said that in the game, Sephiroth represents Cloud's dark side, in contrast to Tifa Lockhart, who represents his light side.{{cite book |title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Ultimania |year=2005|isbn=978-4-7575-1621-2 |language=ja |publisher=Square-Enix}} Although Sephiroth does not appear in the prequel Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, he is mentioned as a hero that Zack Fair aspires to be. The staff, however, did not know if they would portray him as a being of darkness like he was depicted as in other titles.{{cite book |script-title=ja:キングダム ハーツ バース バイ スリープ アルティマニア|year=2010 |isbn=978-4-7575-2788-1 |language=ja |publisher=Square-Enix}} Due to Sephiroth's many appearances as a boss in the Kingdom Hearts series, Square Enix decided he would not return in Kingdom Hearts III, as it would be redundant.{{cite web|url=http://gematsu.com/2017/07/kingdom-hearts-iii-development-team-still-debating-whether-include-sephiroth-secret-boss-battle|title=Kingdom Hearts III development team still debating whether to include Sephiroth secret boss battle|publisher=Gematsu|date=July 19, 2017|access-date=July 19, 2017|archive-date=July 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170719231742/http://gematsu.com/2017/07/kingdom-hearts-iii-development-team-still-debating-whether-include-sephiroth-secret-boss-battle|url-status=live}} Sephiroth also appears in the Itadaki Street games Special and Portable as an unlockable playable character.{{cite video game|publisher=Square Enix|developer=Paon|title=Itadaki Street Special|platform=PlayStation 2|date=December 22, 2004|language=ja}}{{cite video game|title=Itadaki Street Portable|developer=Paon|publisher=Square Enix|date=May 26, 2006|platform=PlayStation Portable}}

Sephiroth was also the representative villain of Final Fantasy VII in Dissidia Final Fantasy, and is featured in his FFVII guise, while an alternative outfit features his "Safer Sephiroth" form.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6170645.html |title=Final Fantasy XIII, Dissidia rock Square Enix Party |access-date=May 12, 2007 |author1=Torres, Ricardo |author2=Thorsen, Tor |name-list-style=amp |date=May 12, 2007 |website=GameSpot |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070514085702/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6170645.html |archive-date=May 14, 2007}} His fight against Cloud in the game was based on their fights from Final Fantasy 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 rest of the VII characters in Dissidia, Sephiroth appears in the prequel Dissidia 012.{{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}} The game includes a slightly altered Final Fantasy VII form for Sephiroth, as well as his Kingdom Hearts design.{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/comup2/dissidia_fourth_form_costumes/|title=Sephiroth and Laguna Costumes Hit Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy Next Week|publisher=Andriasang|access-date=June 23, 2012|archive-date=December 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225043218/http://andriasang.com/comup2/dissidia_fourth_form_costumes/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web | title=Check Out Tifa in Dissidia Final Fantasy | url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/113/1130545p1.html | date=October 26, 2010 | website=IGN | author=Gantayat, Anoop | access-date=June 14, 2012 | archive-date=March 17, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317225407/http://psp.ign.com/articles/113/1130545p1.html | url-status=live }} Sephiroth returns as a playable character opposite Cloud in the third entry, Dissidia NT. His form from Final Fantasy VII Remake also appeared in Final Fantasy Brave Exvius.{{Cite web |last=Sheehan |first=Gavin |date=August 5, 2021 |title=Sephiroth from FF7 Remake Comes to Final Fantasy Brave Exvius |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/sephiroth-from-ff7-remake-comes-to-final-fantasy-brave-exvius/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504204411/https://bleedingcool.com/games/sephiroth-from-ff7-remake-comes-to-final-fantasy-brave-exvius/ |archive-date=May 4, 2023 |access-date=September 14, 2021 |website=Bleeding Cool}} He is featured in the rhythm game Theatrhythm Final Fantasy and its sequel, Curtain Call, as an unlockable character, representing Final Fantasy VII.{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/12/26/theatrhythm-final-fantasys-second-tier-stars/|title=Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy's Second Tier Stars|publisher=Siliconera|date=December 26, 2011|access-date=June 30, 2012|archive-date=June 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620174815/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/12/26/theatrhythm-final-fantasys-second-tier-stars/|url-status=live}} He appears in the puzzle-platform game LittleBigPlanet, and its sequel as a character model; Media Molecule's Alex Evans felt "honored" that Sephiroth was allowed to appear in the games.{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/10/08/tgs-08-sackboy-solid-snake-and-sephiroth-to-join-littlebigplanet/|title=TGS 08: Sackboy Old Snake and Sephiroth to join LittleBigPlanet|publisher=PlayStation.Blog|date=October 8, 2008|access-date=October 15, 2008|first=Jeff|last=Rubenstein|archive-date=September 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110921115109/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/10/08/tgs-08-sackboy-solid-snake-and-sephiroth-to-join-littlebigplanet/|url-status=live}}{{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}} He also appeared as a cameo in Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate as a weapon, which was designed as a single black wing, referencing Sephiroth's appearance during the final battle of Final Fantasy VII.{{Cite web |last=Baird |first=Scott |date=March 26, 2021 |title=Sephiroth From Final Fantasy 7 Appeared In Monster Hunter As A Weapon |url=https://screenrant.com/final-fantasy-7-sephiroth-monster-hunter-weapon-cameo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504204411/https://screenrant.com/final-fantasy-7-sephiroth-monster-hunter-weapon-cameo/ |archive-date=May 4, 2023 |access-date=September 14, 2021 |website=ScreenRant}} Sephiroth was included as a playable fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, as the third fighter in Fighters Pass Vol. 2.{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/12/10/22168357/super-smash-bros-ultimate-dlc-sephiroth-game-awards-2020|website=Polygon|title=Sephiroth is coming to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate|first=Michael|last=McWhertor|date=December 10, 2020|access-date=October 28, 2021|archive-date=May 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504204407/https://www.polygon.com/2020/12/10/22168357/super-smash-bros-ultimate-dlc-sephiroth-game-awards-2020|url-status=live}} Despite being officially released on December 22, 2020, he was made available five days prior for a limited time via an event called the Sephiroth Challenge, in which the player must defeat him in a Final Fantasy-themed stamina match.{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/sephiroth-is-coming-to-smash-1845854494 | title = Sephiroth Is Coming To Smash | first = Ian | last = Walker | date = December 10, 2020 | access-date = December 10, 2020 | work = Kotaku | archive-date = December 11, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201211000921/https://kotaku.com/sephiroth-is-coming-to-smash-1845854494 | url-status = live }}

Sephiroth has served as the basis for several types of merchandise, such as the "Extra Knights" action figures first published by Bandai in Japan in 1997.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0031R741M/|title=Final Fantasy VII 7 Legendary Soldier Sephiroth Extra Knights Figure|website=Amazon|access-date=December 27, 2009|archive-date=March 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308213246/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0031R741M/|url-status=live}} A different model was released as part of the Play Arts collection, following the release of Advent Children. At the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con, Kanji Tashiro, Square Enix's manager of merchandise, said that the figure was one of their best-selling items.{{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 |work=Anime News Network |access-date=July 5, 2008 |date=August 3, 2008 |archive-date=August 5, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080805125234/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2008-08-03/square-enix-national-manager-of-merchandise-kanji-tashiro |url-status=live }} With the release of the film, Sephiroth was also included in a series of promotional material, primarily consisting of posters.{{Cite web|url=https://www.criticalhit.net/gaming/square-enix-trademarks-ever-crisis-and-the-first-soldier-is-a-sephiroth-game-on-the-way/|title=Square Enix trademarks Ever Crisis and The First Soldier, is a Sephiroth game on the way?|date=January 12, 2021|access-date=August 16, 2021|archive-date=May 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505170617/https://www.criticalhit.net/gaming/square-enix-trademarks-ever-crisis-and-the-first-soldier-is-a-sephiroth-game-on-the-way/|url-status=live}} Kotobukiya has included the character in numerous merchandise, including a series of cold casts based on his appearance in both the original game and the film sequel.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/8/22374302/final-fantasy-vii-advent-children-4k-hdr-remaster-june-8th-cloud-sephiroth|title=Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children is getting a 4K HDR remaster on June 8th|first=Chaim|last=Gartenberg|date=April 8, 2021|website=The Verge|access-date=August 16, 2021|archive-date=May 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505170616/https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/8/22374302/final-fantasy-vii-advent-children-4k-hdr-remaster-june-8th-cloud-sephiroth|url-status=live}} As part of promotional campaigns organized in Japan by Square Enix and Coca-Cola, a version of Sephiroth drawn in a super deformed style was featured in the first two volumes of a promotional collection.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/final-fantasy-vii-remake-how-square-enixs-sprawling-game-plays-like-epic-television-1289935/|title='Final Fantasy VII Remake' Is the Best Thing on Your TV Right Now (Opinion)|first1=Josh|last1=Wigler|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=April 13, 2020|access-date=August 16, 2021|archive-date=May 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505170616/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/final-fantasy-vii-remake-how-square-enixs-sprawling-game-plays-like-epic-television-1289935/|url-status=live}}

Products not connected to the release of games or films have also been produced. These include a figure as part of the Final Fantasy Trading Arts Vol. 1 series,{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001G527EK/|title=Final Fantasy Trading Arts Figures Sets of 4 (Cloud Strife, Rinoa Heartilly, Sephiroth & Yuna)|website=Amazon|access-date=December 27, 2009|archive-date=March 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308213127/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001G527EK/|url-status=live}} a set as part of the Square Minimum Collection alongside Cloud, and a rare figure of "Safer Sephiroth" as part of the Final Fantasy Creatures series (Chromium). "Reverse Sephiroth" was also released as a normal figure in volume 2. A figure based on his appearances in the Kingdom Hearts games was released in the second series of the Play Arts Kingdom Hearts sub-line.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0025ZPRA6/|title=Disney Square-Enix Kingdom Hearts 2 Play Arts Action Figure Sephiroth (Arena)|website=Amazon|access-date=December 27, 2009|archive-date=March 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308213246/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0025ZPRA6/|url-status=live}} Some replica weapon companies have produced replicas of Sephiroth's sword, the Masamune, as a {{convert|6|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} katana with a stainless steel unsharpened blade.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VF77DW/|title=Sephiroth Masamune Wooden Sword|website=Amazon|access-date=December 28, 2009|archive-date=March 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308213301/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VF77DW/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TK7JO6/|title=HUGE 68 inch Sephiroth Masamune Sword|website=Amazon|access-date=December 28, 2009|archive-date=March 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308213137/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TK7JO6/|url-status=live}} A statue at Kyoto University depicting Sephiroth was also made.{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/sephiroth-university-statue-welcomes-students-to-study/|website=Siliconera|title=Sephiroth University Statue Welcomes Students to Study (Update)|date=February 25, 2021|access-date=August 16, 2021|archive-date=May 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505172120/https://www.siliconera.com/sephiroth-university-statue-welcomes-students-to-study/|url-status=live}} Sephiroth received an amiibo figurine for use in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, which was released in January 2022.{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/ssbu-sephiroth-steve-alex-mythra-and-pyra-amiibo-confirmed/|website=Siliconera|title=SSBU Sephiroth, Steve, Alex, Mythra, and Pyra amiibo Confirmed|date=October 5, 2021|access-date=October 6, 2021|archive-date=October 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006160551/https://www.siliconera.com/ssbu-sephiroth-steve-alex-mythra-and-pyra-amiibo-confirmed/amp/|url-status=live}}

The OLED update to the Steam Deck, which was announced in 2023, replaces the system's accelerated processing unit (APU), built using 7 nm processing and nicknamed Aerith, with a newer 6 nm-based APU named Sephiroth.{{cite magazine | url = https://www.gamesradar.com/steam-deck-oled-kills-the-originals-aerith-processor-with-a-sephiroth-upgrade-as-valve-flexes-its-final-fantasy-7-fandom/ | title = Steam Deck OLED kills the original's Aerith processor with a Sephiroth upgrade as Valve flexes its Final Fantasy 7 fandom | first = Dustin | last = Bailey | date = November 10, 2023 | access-date = November 10, 2023 | magazine = Games Radar | archive-date = November 10, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231110191045/https://www.gamesradar.com/steam-deck-oled-kills-the-originals-aerith-processor-with-a-sephiroth-upgrade-as-valve-flexes-its-final-fantasy-7-fandom/ | url-status = live }}

On multiple occasions, numerous gaming magazines, including Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition,{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/68759/TOP_50_VIDEO_GAME_CHARACTERS_OF_ALL_TIME_ANNOUNCED_inGUINNESS_WORLD_RECORDS_2011_GAMERrsquoS_EDITION.php |title=Top 50 video game characters of all time announced in Guinness World Records 2011 Gamer's Edition |website=Gamasutra |date=February 16, 2011 |access-date=July 9, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512221954/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/68759/TOP_50_VIDEO_GAME_CHARACTERS_OF_ALL_TIME_ANNOUNCED_inGUINNESS_WORLD_RECORDS_2011_GAMERrsquoS_EDITION.php |archive-date=May 12, 2019}} described Sephiroth as one of the best video game bosses,{{cite book | year=2005 | editor= of EGM magazine | title=Electronic Gaming Monthly, October 2005 | pages=72–73 | publisher=Ziff Davis}}{{cite book | title=Game Informer: Issue 181 | chapter=The Top Ten Boss Fights | date=May 2008 | page=20}}{{cite web|url=http://www.officialplaystationmagazine.co.uk/2012/05/25/the-10-best-playstation-boss-fights-ever/6/#gallery-top |title=The 10 best PlayStation boss fights ever - Page 6 of 10 | PS3 Features |publisher=Official PlayStation Magazine |date=May 25, 2012 |access-date=November 22, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529085318/http://www.officialplaystationmagazine.co.uk/2012/05/25/the-10-best-playstation-boss-fights-ever/6/ |archive-date=May 29, 2014}} and best villains from both the Final Fantasy series and in video games.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespy.com/articles/493/493861p1.html|title=Top 10 Villains in Games|author=Schwartzman, Cary|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070709073540/http://www.gamespy.com/articles/493/493861p1.html|archive-date=July 9, 2007|publisher=GameSpy |date=October 2, 2001|access-date=December 29, 2009}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/210911/47_most_diabolical_video-game_villains_all_time?pp=4|title=The 47 Most Diabolical Video-Game Villains of All Time|magazine=PC World|date=April 2, 2008|access-date=December 29, 2009|archive-date=November 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128202254/https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/210911/47_most_diabolical_video-game_villains_all_time/?pp=4|url-status=dead}} Dave Smith of IGN called him the "heavyweight champion of Final Fantasy villains", and praised his appearance and backstory.{{cite web|url=http://stars.ign.com/articles/861/861824p11.html|title=Final Fantasy VII: Top 10 Characters|author=Smith, David|website=IGN|date=March 28, 2008|access-date=March 1, 2009|archive-date=July 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722025350/http://stars.ign.com/articles/861/861824p11.html|url-status=live}} Sephiroth was also named the 14th-best character of all time in Dengeki PlayStation{{'}}s retrospective awards feature about the original PlayStation.{{cite web | author=Gantayat, Anoop | date=November 22, 2007 | title=Nomura Talks FFXIII | url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/837/837350p1.html | website=IGN | access-date=November 22, 2007 | archive-date=March 7, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307165631/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/837/837350p1.html | url-status=live }} Professional wrestler Kenny Omega wore a Sephiroth-style ring outfit with a "One-Winged-Angel" entrance at Wrestle Kingdom 17,{{cite web | first=Zack | last=Zwiezen | url=https://kotaku.com/kenny-omega-sephiroth-ff7-wrestle-kingdom-cosplay-aew-1849950767 | title=Famous Wrestler Cosplays as Sephiroth at Japan's Largest Wrestling Event | website=Kotaku | date=January 4, 2023 | access-date=July 27, 2023 | archive-date=April 18, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418131429/https://kotaku.com/kenny-omega-sephiroth-ff7-wrestle-kingdom-cosplay-aew-1849950767 | url-status=live }} and additionally sported the attire as part of a downloadable content bundle in the 2023 remake of the 2014 game Like a Dragon: Ishin!.{{cite web|first=Stephanie|last=Liu|url=https://www.siliconera.com/kenny-omega-and-rahul-kohli-to-appear-in-like-a-dragon-ishin/|title=Kenny Omega and Rahul Kohli to Appear in Like a Dragon: Ishin|website=Siliconera|date=January 27, 2023|access-date=February 22, 2023|archive-date=March 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331085006/https://www.siliconera.com/kenny-omega-and-rahul-kohli-to-appear-in-like-a-dragon-ishin/|url-status=live}} Adi Shankar cites Sephiroth as an artistic and stylistic influence.{{cite web |url=https://mic.com/articles/181636/castlevania-netflix-producer-adi-shankar-talks-video-games-and-the-epic-movie-mashup-he-never-made |title='Castlevania' Netflix producer Adi Shankar talks video games and the epic movie-mashup he never made |last=Vincent |first=Brittany |date=July 7, 2017 |publisher=Mic |access-date=July 20, 2017 |quote= |archive-date=July 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709062357/https://mic.com/articles/181636/castlevania-netflix-producer-adi-shankar-talks-video-games-and-the-epic-movie-mashup-he-never-made |url-status=live }}

In Reverse Design: Final Fantasy VII, it was noted that Sephiroth's desire for world domination makes him come across as simpleminded, but the lack of humanity in his background serves as the cause for this characterization. It was also noted that Sephiroth may come across as lost in his own insanity, he is also intelligent and cunning.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GQprDwAAQBAJ&dq=sephiroth+final+fantasy&pg=PT64|title=Reverse Design: Final Fantasy VII|publisher=CRC Press|year=2018|isbn=978-1-138-32410-7|access-date=February 22, 2023|archive-date=May 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506140730/https://books.google.com/books?id=GQprDwAAQBAJ&dq=sephiroth+final+fantasy&pg=PT64|url-status=live}} Although Sephiroth is not based on any mythical figure, in The Secret Mythology of Final Fantasy, his final boss form was compared to 777 and Other Qabalistic Writings of Aleister Crowley, which also explores Hermetic Qabalah.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rQwmEAAAQBAJ&dq=sephiroth+final+fantasy+judaism&pg=SL168-PA118|title=The Secret Mythology of Final Fantasy|publisher=Kindle|year=2021|isbn=979-12-202-8408-0|access-date=February 22, 2023|archive-date=May 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513114742/https://books.google.com/books?id=rQwmEAAAQBAJ&dq=sephiroth+final+fantasy+judaism&pg=SL168-PA118|url-status=live}} PCGamer saw Sephiroth as Cloud's shadow, who he has to surpass as his mental issues and vulnerability are connected to their past,{{cite web|last=Ridsdale|first=Jack|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/final-fantasy-7-remake/ff7-male-vulnerability|title=Final Fantasy 7 is important because it lets its men be vulnerable|website=PCGamer|date=April 6, 2020|access-date=February 4, 2023|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}} which Kotaku agreed with. Sephiroth has often been regarded as one of the best bosses in gaming history thanks to Final Fantasy VII.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6086260/p-7.html |title=Top Ten Boss Fights |website=GameSpot |access-date=April 28, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208050432/http://www.gamespot.com/features/6086260/p-7.html |archive-date=December 8, 2008}}{{cite web |title=25 More of the Most Badass Boss Fights Ever |url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3178169 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716084725/http://www.1up.com/features/25-badass-boss-fights-time |archive-date=July 16, 2012 |access-date=March 29, 2010 |website=1UP.com}} AnimeFringe called him "the most notorious villain in the entire Final Fantasy series" and "quintessential bishōnen in the eyes of many fans -- male and female", comparing him with Kefka and praising his complexity.{{cite web|url=http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/2005/12/feature/01-1.php |publisher=AnimeFringe |title=The Legacy of Final Fantasy VII |author1=Crocker, Janet |author2=Smith, Lesley |author3=Henderson, Tim |author4=Arnold, Adam |date=December 2005 |page=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611160506/http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/2005/12/feature/01-1.php |archive-date=June 11, 2008 |access-date=August 18, 2010 |url-status=dead}} According to Inside Games, Sephiroth stands out from previous Final Fantasy games because his humanity and heroic nature is early explored which draws parallels to famous figures like Sasaki Kojirō or the lead character from Vampire Hunter D.{{cite web|url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2021/11/07/135143.html|title=なぜ「セフィロス」はライバルキャラとして圧倒的人気を誇るのか？『FFVII』異彩を放ち続ける"片翼の天使"の魅力|website=Inside Games|date=November 8, 2021 |access-date=April 4, 2024}} The scene in which Sephiroth kills Aerith has also prompted much commentary. GamesRadar+ called him "the biggest cock blocker in the gaming world", as writer Shane Patterson found Aerith's character to be appealing, and due to the fact Sephiroth killed her, players were no longer able to use her.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/f/top-7-blue-ball-moments/a-2008042893318897054/p-5 |title=Top 7... Blue Ball moments |publisher=GamesRadar |author=Patterson, Shane |access-date=February 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615185419/http://www.gamesradar.com/f/top-7-blue-ball-moments/a-2008042893318897054/p-5 |archive-date=June 15, 2011}} Also referring to the scene as a shocking moment, GameSpot suggested that the FMV sequence of Sephiroth appearing in front of the Nibelheim fire "might be one of the most recognizable cutscenes ever to grace video games".{{cite web|last=Gouskos |first=Carrie |title=Lucky Seven |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/features/6155700/index.html |access-date=February 7, 2010 |website=GameSpot |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307053200/http://uk.gamespot.com/features/6155700/index.html |archive-date=March 7, 2009}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/f/non-playable-characters-we-wish-were-playable/a-20081203115053234058/p-2 |title=Non-playable characters we wish were playable |publisher=GamesRadar |author=Meikleham, Dave |access-date=February 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615185535/http://www.gamesradar.com/f/non-playable-characters-we-wish-were-playable/a-20081203115053234058/p-2 |archive-date=June 15, 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://stars.ign.com/articles/103/1034215p1.html|title=Big Boss of the Day: Sephiroth|author=Scheeden, Jeese|date=October 12, 2009|website=IGN|access-date=February 18, 2010|archive-date=April 8, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100408063111/http://stars.ign.com/articles/103/1034215p1.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://stars.ign.com/articles/104/1042735p1.html|title=Big Baddie Brawl: Sephiroth vs. Liquid Snake|author=Scheeden, Jeese|date=November 11, 2009|website=IGN|access-date=February 18, 2010|archive-date=November 15, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091115101708/http://stars.ign.com/articles/104/1042735p1.html|url-status=live}} Matt Leone of Polygon stated that Aerith's death remained emotionally impactful despite the PlayStation's limited graphics and animation.{{cite web |last1=Leone |first1=Matt |date=January 9, 2017 |title=Final Fantasy 7: An oral history |url=https://www.polygon.com/a/final-fantasy-7 |access-date=May 4, 2025 |website=Polygon}}

However, some game editors have criticized Sephiroth's character. IGN{{'}}s Smith has stated that "Sephiroth was certainly a good-looking fellow, but his motivations were about as clear as mud".{{cite web|url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/162/162190p1.html |title=Final Fantasy IX review |website=IGN |author=Smith, David |date=November 22, 2000 |access-date=November 20, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212170216/http://psx.ign.com/articles/162/162190p1.html |archive-date=February 12, 2009}} When comparing Sephiroth with the Final Fantasy VI villain, Kefka Palazzo, GamesRadar commented that he "seems as interesting as a dead accountant painted brown",{{cite web|title=The Top 7... Outrageous Camp Bad Guys |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/f/the-top-7-outrageously-camp-bad-guys/a-20081107102214515048/p-4 |publisher=GamesRadar |access-date=January 5, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615185531/http://www.gamesradar.com/f/the-top-7-outrageously-camp-bad-guys/a-20081107102214515048/p-4 |archive-date=June 15, 2011}} while Screen Rant said that "Sephiroth is an iconic character, but not the most interesting villain to emerge from the Final Fantasy franchise".{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/final-fantasy-villains-kefka-kuja-better-ff7-sephiroth/|title=Final Fantasy Villains More Interesting Than FF7's Sephiroth|date=August 19, 2021|website=ScreenRant|access-date=September 14, 2021|archive-date=May 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506100212/https://screenrant.com/final-fantasy-villains-kefka-kuja-better-ff7-sephiroth/|url-status=live}} GameSpy editor Ryan Scott called Sephiroth the "King of Overrated Characters" during its villain feature for Dissidia Final Fantasy, arguing that gamers were impressed by him only because of his design and him murdering Aerith.{{cite web| url=http://psp.gamespy.com/playstation-portable/final-fantasy-dissidia/1011672p1.html| title=The Villains of Dissidia Final Fantasy: Sephiroth| publisher=GameSpy| date=August 6, 2009| access-date=August 29, 2009| archive-date=August 10, 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090810105246/http://psp.gamespy.com/playstation-portable/final-fantasy-dissidia/1011672p1.html| url-status=live}}

Critics have also commented on Sephiroth's role in works. Destructoid noted there was a message within the writing of the film regarding the characters' lives in Midgar, as the people of Midgar are able to move on with their lives, but Cloud is unable to due to past trauma. They compared this to how the team behind Final Fantasy VII and its fans are still attached to it and unable to move on.{{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=May 25, 2009|access-date=February 2, 2022|archive-date=February 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228154513/https://www.destructoid.com/the-message-to-fans-in-advent-children-complete/|url-status=live}} Kotaku saw the focus on Midgar's ruins as a parallel with psychological trauma due to how its survivors are suffering from Geostigma, a disease that cannot be fought physically, in contrast to Cloud's fights with Sephiroth.{{cite web |last=Nea |first=Chingy |date=September 14, 2020 |title=15 Years On, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Is A Lot Smarter Than I Remember |url=https://kotaku.com/15-years-on-final-fantasy-vii-advent-children-is-a-lo-1845045609 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513145604/https://kotaku.com/15-years-on-final-fantasy-vii-advent-children-is-a-lo-1845045609 |archive-date=May 13, 2023 |access-date=February 2, 2022 |website=Kotaku}} Yoshinori Kitase stated that the popularity of the fight between Cloud and Sephiroth caused Japanese gamers to do a remake of it for Dissidia Final Fantasy and expected that 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}} In relation to Crisis Core, IGN AU said that "even Sephiroth gets his moments in the sun", praising the depth in his backstory, which would later make his boss battle more entertaining.{{cite web | url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/882/882855p3.html | title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII AU Review | publisher=IGN AU | author=Kolan, Patrick | date=June 19, 2008 | access-date=August 26, 2010 | archive-date=February 11, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211011244/http://psp.ign.com/articles/882/882855p3.html | url-status=live }} IGN UK had a similar sentiment, stating that his character was granted "a more human dimension" and enjoying the events from before his descent into villainy.{{cite web | url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/881/881540p1.html | title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII UK Review | publisher=IGN UK | date=June 13, 2008 | author=McCarthy, Dave | access-date=August 26, 2010 | archive-date=November 14, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114232721/http://psp.ign.com/articles/881/881540p1.html | url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii-review/1900-6188326/|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Review|website=GameSpot|access-date=May 4, 2020|archive-date=April 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415034931/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii-review/1900-6188326/|url-status=live}} Though Meristation found Sephiroth to be more friendly in the prequel, his relationship with Genesis was criticized for influencing his decisions rather than him acting of his own will.{{cite web|url=https://as.com/meristation/2022/06/29/reportajes/1656487929_703104.html|title=Crisis Core y la desmitificación de Final Fantasy VII|website=Meristation|date=June 29, 2022|access-date=February 4, 2023|archive-date=May 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517234142/https://as.com/meristation/2022/06/29/reportajes/1656487929_703104.html|url-status=live}} In the book The World of Final Fantasy VII: Essays on the Game and Its Legacy, it is stated that Sephiroth's realization of his connection with Jenova and his descent into villainy caused him to lose his humanity makes him comparable to Satan. Like Satan, Sephiroth claims he will never die, most notably in Advent Children, as upon being defeated by Cloud, he tells him "I will never be a memory". His origins as a test subject to Hojo have been compared to Frankenstein's monster.{{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=978-1-4766-4725-8|access-date=February 18, 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}}

The idea that there are four characters with Sephiroth's name led VG247 to note the remake still had its own mysteries that original players would not understand while the title.{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2020/04/29/sephiroth-final-fantasy-7-remake/|title=There are four Sephiroths in Final Fantasy 7 Remake|website=VG247|date=April 29, 2020|access-date=May 5, 2020|archive-date=May 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510074706/https://www.vg247.com/2020/04/29/sephiroth-final-fantasy-7-remake/|url-status=live}} Siliconera described this incarnation of Sephiroth as haunting, due to how he often appears within Cloud's hallucinations across the plot.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/the-final-fantasy-vii-remake-sephiroth-appearances-help-him-haunt-the-cast/|title=The Final Fantasy VII Remake Sephiroth Appearances Help Him Haunt the Cast|website=Siliconera|date=April 28, 2020|access-date=May 5, 2020|archive-date=May 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505174003/https://www.siliconera.com/the-final-fantasy-vii-remake-sephiroth-appearances-help-him-haunt-the-cast/|url-status=live}} Electronic Gaming Monthly felt the remake's depiction of Sephiroth was more menacing than in the original due to his constant threats towards Cloud.{{cite magazine |last1=McCarter |first1=Reid |title=Final Fantasy VII Remake review |url=https://egmnow.com/final-fantasy-vii-remake-review/ |magazine=EGM |access-date=7 April 2020 |date=6 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407211754/https://egmnow.com/final-fantasy-vii-remake-review/ |archive-date=April 7, 2020 |url-status=live}} Tyler Hoechlin's work as Sephiroth was the subject of praise.{{Cite web |last=Howard |first=Jessica |date=2022-12-06 |title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion Review - Conflict Resolved |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/crisis-core-final-fantasy-7-reunion-review-conflict-resolved/1900-6418009/ |access-date=2022-12-06 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=December 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206123152/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/crisis-core-final-fantasy-7-reunion-review-conflict-resolved/1900-6418009/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Stevens |first=Colin |date=2022-12-07 |title=Crisis Core Final Fantasy 7 Reunion Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/crisis-core-final-fantasy-7-reunion-review/ |access-date=2022-12-07 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208013106/https://www.ign.com/articles/crisis-core-final-fantasy-7-reunion-review/ |url-status=live }} Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis's depiction of a young Sephiroth drew praise from fans.{{cite web |last=Cryer |first=Hirun |date=August 31, 2023 |title=Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis fans are losing it over young Sephiroth |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/final-fantasy-7-ever-crisis-fans-are-losing-it-over-young-sephiroth/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903121536/https://www.gamesradar.com/final-fantasy-7-ever-crisis-fans-are-losing-it-over-young-sephiroth/ |archive-date=September 3, 2023 |access-date=September 3, 2023 |website=GamesRadar+}} Sephiroth being playable in Rebirth also attracted positive response due to his friendlier relationship with Cloud during their visit to Nibelheim.{{cite web |last=Bussell |first=Cat |date=September 21, 2023 |title=Final Fantasy VII Rebirth preview Sephiroth now playable and he calls Cloud's name |url=https://www.techradar.com/gaming/consoles-pc/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-preview-sephiroths-now-playable-and-he-calls-cloud-names |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923130045/https://www.techradar.com/gaming/consoles-pc/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-preview-sephiroths-now-playable-and-he-calls-cloud-names |archive-date=September 23, 2023 |access-date=September 23, 2023 |website=TechRadar}}{{cite web |last=Jackson |first=Destiny |date=September 21, 2023 |title=Watch Cloud and Sephiroth Make Nice On Mount Nibel In 'Final Fantasy VII Rebirth' Hands-On Demo |url=https://deadline.com/2023/09/final-fantasy-vii-rebirth-playstation-cloud-strife-sephiroth-demo-chocobo-1235550829/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923021327/https://deadline.com/2023/09/final-fantasy-vii-rebirth-playstation-cloud-strife-sephiroth-demo-chocobo-1235550829/ |archive-date=September 23, 2023 |access-date=September 23, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}{{cite web |last=Eisenbeis |first=Richard |date=September 23, 2023 |title=Playing as Sephiroth in Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth Makes You Feel Like the Ultimate Badass |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 |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=September 25, 2023 |access-date=September 23, 2023 |website=Anime News Network}}

Several writers also noted Sephiroth's overpowered nature as a Kingdom Hearts boss, noting that, regardless of the player's skill, "walking away from this match unscathed" is not possible, and stating that the fight was more difficult than the entirety of Final Fantasy VII.{{cite web | url=http://www.gamerhelp.com/article_viewer.cfm?article_id=127580 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125233459/http://www.gamerhelp.com/article_viewer.cfm?article_id=127580 | archive-date=January 25, 2008 | title=The Hardest Bosses of All Time | publisher=GamerHelp | access-date=April 28, 2008}} AnimeFringe stated that only advanced gamers would be able to defeat Kingdom Hearts{{'}}s Sephiroth, as the player has no backup and his "devastating attacks can kill in seconds".{{cite web|url=http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/2005/12/feature/01-2.php|publisher=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}} After the addition of Sephiroth to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, game director Masahiro Sakurai acknowledged the belief that there are too many sword fighters in the roster, stating that "Well, even if it is another sword fighter, it will be fine as long as we balance them properly".{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=March 5, 2021 |title=Tired of sword users in Smash Ultimate? Sakurai says don't blame him |url=https://www.destructoid.com/tired-of-sword-users-in-smash-ultimate-sakurai-says-dont-blame-him/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506100212/https://www.destructoid.com/tired-of-sword-users-in-smash-ultimate-sakurai-says-dont-blame-him/ |archive-date=May 6, 2023 |access-date=August 23, 2021 |website=Destructoid}} Chris Carter of Destructoid and Ethan Gach of Kotaku both praised the addition of Sephiroth.{{Cite web |last=Gach |first=Ethan |date=December 18, 2020 |title=The Sephiroth Boss Fight Is The Most Fun I've Had In Smash Bros. Ultimate In A While |url=https://kotaku.com/the-sephiroth-boss-fight-is-the-most-fun-i-ve-had-in-sm-1845915900 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506100212/https://kotaku.com/the-sephiroth-boss-fight-is-the-most-fun-i-ve-had-in-sm-1845915900 |archive-date=May 6, 2023 |access-date=July 28, 2021 |website=Kotaku}}{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=December 18, 2020 |title=Sephiroth is here to stay in Smash, and he brought banger music tracks |url=https://www.destructoid.com/sephiroth-is-here-to-stay-in-smash-and-he-brought-banger-music-tracks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506100212/https://www.destructoid.com/sephiroth-is-here-to-stay-in-smash-and-he-brought-banger-music-tracks/ |archive-date=May 6, 2023 |access-date=August 31, 2021 |website=Destructoid}}

• List of Final Fantasy VII characters

{{Reflist}}

{{Final Fantasy}}

{{FFVII}}

{{Super Smash Bros.}}

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