The Iconic Buster Sword's Near-Loss in Final Fantasy VII Remake
The beloved Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII has always been defined by his emotional turmoil and his iconic six-foot-long Buster Sword. However, Square Enix almost made a controversial decision to alter this iconic weapon for the remake trilogy. The concern? The sword's unrealistic appearance in the context of the game's real-world aesthetic, inspired by the classic PS1 graphics.
During the development of the remake, director Naoki Hamaguchi expressed doubts about the sword's realism, suggesting that it might weaken the game's immersion. The worry was that the sword, which looked impressive with blocky polygons in 1997, might not translate well to a more modern, less cartoony style. Hamaguchi recalled, 'There was a discussion about making the Buster Sword more realistic, but it was too iconic to change. If we had made it a regular sword, players wouldn't have accepted it.'
In the end, Square Enix decided to stay true to the original design, and this decision proved to be popular with fans. The iconic Buster Sword remained, and a new generation of players fell in love with it. Hamaguchi concluded, 'We made the right call by staying faithful to the original, and now a whole new generation of people adore it.'
Despite the director's comments, it's hard to know the extent of the original concerns. Without the Buster Sword, Cloud Strife would be a spiky-haired emo kid, a stark contrast to the iconic hero we know and love. This change would have significantly impacted the cosplay culture around the game, making it harder for fans to embody their favorite character.
This near-alteration of a beloved element highlights the delicate balance between staying true to the original game and adapting it for modern audiences. It also showcases the power of iconic designs, like the Buster Sword, in shaping the identity of a game and its fan base.
