How to Tune Up Your Tong Its Game and Win More Rounds

You know, I’ve always thought of Cloud Strife as the strong, silent type—the kind of guy who’d rather swing his Buster Sword than give a motivational speech. But playing through Final Fantasy VII Rebirth completely flipped that idea on its head. There’s this one scene where Cloud, our broody hero, ends up giving a rousing speech to a bunch of Shinra troopers. And honestly? It’s one of the most memorable moments in the game for me. At first, it feels a little silly—like, why is Cloud of all people doing this? But as Aerith and Tifa egg him on, you see him slowly lose himself in the moment. He starts off awkward, then something shifts. He leans into it, and suddenly you’re seeing a side of Cloud that wasn’t really there in the original game or even in Remake. It’s like watching someone discover they actually love karaoke after years of refusing to touch the mic.

I’ll admit, when I first heard about this scene, I thought it might come off as cringey or forced. But the way it’s written and delivered—even if it’s a bit over-the-top—somehow works. The characters are so unapologetically earnest, and that sincerity pulls you in. It’s refreshing, really. In a lot of games, dialogue can feel stiff or unnatural, like the writers are trying too hard to sound cool or profound. But here, the melodrama isn’t something you just tolerate; you buy into it. You want to see where it goes. And in Cloud’s case, it reveals something pretty human: even the most reserved people can surprise you when they’re in their element.

Let’s break it down a bit. Cloud has always been this stoic, big-sword-wielding mercenary, right? In Remake, we saw glimpses of his dry humor and the layers beneath his tough exterior, but Rebirth takes it further. This scene with the Shinra troopers isn’t just a throwaway moment—it’s character development in action. As he gets into the pep talk, you can almost feel him thinking, "Wait, I’m kind of good at this." And that’s the beauty of it. It’s not just about winning a battle or advancing the plot; it’s about showing us who Cloud is when he’s comfortable, surrounded by people who believe in him. I mean, who knew he had a hidden talent for rallying the troops? I sure didn’t, and that’s what makes it so compelling.

Now, I’ve played through the original FFVII more times than I can count—probably around 10 full playthroughs since it came out in 1997—and I never once pictured Cloud as someone who’d thrive in a leadership role like this. But Rebirth challenges that. It pushes past the initial "cringe" and dives into what makes these characters tick. The exaggerated personalities—like Barret’s loud, passionate outbursts or Red XIII’s noble seriousness—aren’t just for show. They set the stage for moments that stick with you long after you’ve put the controller down. In this case, Cloud’s speech isn’t just goofy; it’s a turning point. It made me realize that sometimes, the most awkward scenarios can reveal the deepest truths about a character.

And it’s not just Cloud. The whole game is filled with little interactions like this that elevate the narrative. Take the way Aerith and Tifa play off each other—they’re not just there to support Cloud; they’re active participants in shaping these moments. When they cheer him on during the speech, it’s not just for laughs. It’s a testament to their relationships and how they bring out the best in each other. I found myself smiling through that entire section, even though part of me was thinking, "This is so over-the-top." But that’s the magic of Rebirth: it embraces its dramatic flair and runs with it, making the story feel alive and unpredictable.

From a gameplay perspective, scenes like this also add depth to the overall experience. They break up the action and give you a chance to connect with the characters on a more personal level. In my playthrough, which took me roughly 70 hours to complete (yes, I’m a completionist), moments like Cloud’s speech stood out as highlights. They weren’t just cutscenes; they were opportunities to see the cast in a new light. And honestly, I think that’s what sets Rebirth apart. It’s not afraid to be earnest, even if it risks coming off as cheesy. In an industry where so many stories try to be gritty and realistic, this game reminds me that sometimes, a little melodrama can go a long way.

So, if you’re playing Rebirth and you come across a scene that feels a bit awkward at first, my advice is to lean into it. Let yourself get swept up in the exaggeration and the heart-on-its-sleeve storytelling. Because beneath the surface, there’s some excellent character work happening. Cloud’s pep talk might seem like a small moment in the grand scheme of things, but it’s these kinds of scenes that give the game its soul. They make the world feel richer and the characters more relatable. And who knows? You might even discover a new favorite side of a character you thought you had all figured out. I know I did.