There’s no question that the Final Fantasy VII remake has made an impression. But don’t let that overshadow what the original Final Fantasy VII brought to the table. Sure, the 1997 version features dated visuals and occasional clunky English translations. But this classic RPG title definitely has impressive narrative and character development. Not to mention, themes that remain relevant nearly 30 years after its launch. Square wasn’t afraid to share a story that explores loss, identity, and the repercussions of excessive human ambition. Metacritic’s universal acclaim and positive feedback from Reddit communities back this up. Simply put, the game’s incredible writing produced indelible lines that keep Final Fantasy VII timely.
Let’s spotlight one of the titles widely celebrated for pioneering cinematic storytelling in video games. Here are some memorable quotes that show why Final Fantasy VII still resonates with RPG fans.
The Story of Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII shows a world that’s running out of life. It follows Cloud Strife as he joins AVALANCHE. Together, they aim to stop an evil company from sucking the life out of Earth. However, things get more complicated when Sephiroth reemerges and poses a deadly threat.
The adventure initially takes players to what you could compare to a heist job. As Cloud, you take the job, walk through Midgar’s slums, and help blow up a Mako reactor. Along the way, you get to explore ancient ruins, dangerous wilderness, and remote villages. With 3D backgrounds, polygon character models, and full-motion video cutscenes, it not only captivates players but also showcases the evolution of the RPG genre. All of this happens before your eyes.
But the game’s big trick is that it gets personal. What starts as a fight for a planet becomes a story about grief and identity. Above it all is a callout of unchecked corporate greed and environmental exploitation. Matters that let the rich live on a plate above the poor and lead to self-destruction. And the game’s dialogue is most memorable when it reveals how characters respond to these.
Quotes from Final Fantasy VII
Putting the infamous “This guy are sick” aside, let’s take a look at some of the classic characters and the equally timeless lines they say:
Cloud Strife
Cloud Strife is a major protagonist in Final Fantasy VII. He’s a capable fighter with a guarded demeanor. At first, he comes off as headstrong, coldhearted, and someone who cares less about anyone else’s cause. But the game eventually strips that act away. Deep down, Cloud is socially awkward and extremely loyal to his friends. His most revealing lines concern his fractured memories and his complicated relationships.
- “I’m goin’ upstairs, I wanna talk about my money!”
- “If this is all a dream, don’t wake me up.”
- “All right, everyone, let’s mosey.”
- “Not interested.”
- “No one lives in the slums because they want to.”
- “Yeah, you’re the slum drunk.”
- “Not to be rude or anything, but could you go do someone else?”
- “What about my pain? My fingers are tingling. My mouth is dry. My eyes are burning!”
- “Anyone may claim that he will act in the direst times, yet only a brave man acts in times great and small.”
- “Don’t really care.”
Sephiroth
Sephiroth is the main antagonist of Final Fantasy VII. He was once celebrated as a legendary SOLDIER warrior. Calm and well-spoken. But things took a turn, and he descended into madness. Players know him as the standard for video game villains.
- “What I have shown you is reality. What you remember, that is the illusion.”
- “You are just a puppet. You have no heart and cannot feel any pain.”
- “Only death awaits you all. But do not fear.”
- “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.”
- “I have orders to take this planet back from you stupid people for the Cetra. What am I supposed to be sad about?”
- “Don’t…push…your luck…”
- “What are you saying? Are you trying to tell me you have feelings too?”
Tifa Lockhart
Tifa Lockhart is Cloud’s childhood friend. She’s part of AVALANCHE and often supports her teammates. She’s empathetic and intuitive. Much of her character comes through in her concern for Cloud.
- “Words aren’t the only way to tell someone how you feel.”
- “Quit slapping me! You old Wench!”
- “Will you stop acting like a r*tard and climb?”
- “It’s not that. I’m not sure about… me. My feelings.”
- “Cloud! Please don’t die! You can’t die! There’s still so much I want to tell you!”
- “So! You’re really leaving?! You’re just going to walk right out ignoring your childhood friend?!”
- “It’s all right. You’re here… Everyone’s all together. Together… we can do anything.”
- “As long as I’m with you… As long as you’re by my side… I won’t give up even if I’m scared.”
The Rest of the Characters in Final Fantasy VII
- “Too much hope is the opposite of despair… an overpowering love may consume you in the end.” – Vincent Valentine
- “The execution may have been unsuccessful, but your death by falling from here and crashing into the water below still might be pretty exciting.” – Scarlet
- “Playtime’s over for you, jackasses!” – Barrett
- “These days, all it takes for your dreams to come true is money and power.” – President Shin-Ra
- “A pro isn’t someone who sacrifices themselves for a job. That’s just a fool.” – Reno
- “Strength without determination means nothing, and determination without strength is equally useless.” – Godo Kisaragi
Lighter moments in Final Fantasy VII
- “You look like a bear wearing a marshmallow.”
- “Oh! Cloud! Your hair looks like a Chocobo!”
- “I been here since the beginnin’, an’ I still don’t know what the hell’s goin’ on.”
- “The girl in the bikini?”
- “Crap! No cigar.”
No doubt, these quotes remain a defining part of the original game’s appeal. The mix of emotional moments and relevant thematic elements has helped make Final Fantasy VII transcend its era.
