Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director explains the intention behind Cloud and Tifa's kiss.

Key Takeaways

One of the most important moments in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is the Gold Saucer dating scene.
When Cloud and Tifa are together, that moment ends with the two kissing, something that doesn't happen to anyone else.
Director Naoki Hamaguchi revealed that he did this to show Cloud's growth since he hugged Tifa in the remake.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi revealed that the optional kissing scene between Tifa and Cloud was created to show Cloud's growth after the two embrace near the end of the remake.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, one of the 2024 Game of the Year contenders, is filled with moments that fans have been talking about and debating all year. Naturally, one of the biggest points of contention stems from the optional dating scene, which allows Cloud to spend some special time with his companions.

Cait Sith dances on top of a puppet in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

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I still have nightmares about the Cait Sith section of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

Anyone who decides to throw a box at this damn cat should be thrown into the lifestream.

How you play Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth determines who your party members are, and they all have very unique scenes that range from heartwarming to romantic. Arguably (sorry Cloud and Aerith shippers) the most romantic scene is when Cloud and Tifa are on a date. The scene ends with the two sharing a kiss while fireworks explode in the background.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Director Talks About Cloud and Tifa's Kiss

Cloud and Tifa have arguably always been the main romance of Final Fantasy 7, but considering the fact that Remake and Rebirth imply that Aerith is also in love with Cloud, it's a surprisingly final moment that solidifies Cloud and Tifa as the main choices for the story. I know I'll get hate for saying it like I did when the scene was first released, but it's the truth that loves Jack.

Now, almost a year later, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi has finally commented on the scene and explained the intention behind it. As highlighted by Twitter user aitaikimochi and originally reported by 4gamer.net, Hamaguchi was recently presented with an award at the PlayStation Partner Awards 2024 in Japan and was asked a few questions about Rebirth.

Hamaguchi was asked specifically about the kissing scene between Cloud and Tifa and what the intention behind it was, and he revealed that it was done to show how much Cloud has grown since the remake. In that game, Cloud and Tifa shared a hug near the end of the game, and then kissed to show how their relationship had grown in Rebirth.

There is a clear intention behind this scene. In the previous game, there was a scene where Cloud hugged Tifa in the final quarter event scene towards the Shinra Building, but I hoped that Cloud would grow up in this game. So, if I gave Tifa a hug in the previous game, we discussed whether I should ask for more in this game. – Naoki Hamaguchi

Considering what's hinted at what happens between Cloud and Tifa at the end of the original Final Fantasy 7, it looks like their relationship will continue to grow in the third and final entry in the Remake. But we'll have to wait and see the details of that scene and how far Square Enix is willing to go.