As the highly-anticipated Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth approaches its release, fans are brimming with expectations about the game’s narrative and potential twists. Square Enix has already signaled that this remake trilogy will provide a fresh take on the classic storyline, deviating from the original game’s events. With the door open for significant changes, some fans speculate whether Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth might take a page from The Last of Us Part 2’s playbook and deliver a game-changing twist.

One of the noticeable alterations from trailers is the increased presence of Zack in the narrative. Unlike the original game where he was primarily featured in flashbacks, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth hints at Zack working closely with the main party in the present. This deviation in the timeline could set the stage for a major plot twist, akin to Joel’s early demise in The Last of Us Part 2.
In the original continuity, Zack’s demise before the events of Final Fantasy 7 had a significant impact on Cloud’s character development. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, however, may upend these events, suggesting Zack’s survival and a new twist where Cloud meets a different fate. This could involve switching Aerith for Cloud in the tragic scene where she is killed by Sephiroth.

Such a twist would undoubtedly stir controversy among fans, much like Joel’s early death in The Last of Us Part 2. Nonetheless, if players get the opportunity to experience most of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth as Cloud before this turning point, it could offer a novel but acceptable take for long-time fans. This twist might set up intriguing scenarios for the final installment of the remake trilogy, with Zack assuming the role of the protagonist and facing off against Sephiroth.
Although this approach would be a risky move, Final Fantasy 7 Remake’s willingness to deviate from the original script suggests that Square Enix is open to pushing boundaries. Should this twist come to fruition, it would be a well-guarded secret, much like how The Last of Us Part 2’s trailers concealed Joel’s minimal role in the game, with many of his scenes appearing as flashbacks. The inclusion of the Whispers in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth implies that these scenes could originate from an alternate timeline, leaving ample room for narrative innovation.




