The Real Reason FF Won’t Top Cloud’s Buster Sword

by

In the world of Final Fantasy, the weapons have always been a testament to the series’ imaginative brilliance. Like the characters they accompany, these weapons mirroringly embody the narratives they are part of, symbolizing the broader history of their stories. For instance, Tidus’ Brotherhood sword reflects the disaster inflicted by Spira’s Sin and echoes its oceanic setting, while Squall’s Gunblade embodies the edgy vibe of its era, balancing outlandishness with meticulous design. Among all these weapons, none has left such an indelible mark as the Buster Sword from Final Fantasy 7, a symbol that resonates not only within the IP but also in the broader landscape of pop culture.

When Final Fantasy 7 debuted in 1997, the Buster Sword design wasn’t revolutionary since other works like Kentaro Miura’s Berserk manga had already showcased similar aesthetics. However, its popularity soared because of its well-executed design, with the minimalistic blade enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the game; the gritty backdrop of Midgar is reflected in its appearance, while its Materia slots symbolize the dependence on Mako energy for magical abilities, a resource that is both depleted and misused by Shinra. The contrast between the luminescent Materia orbs and the worn steel of the Buster Sword’s blade not only highlights the juxtaposition between nature and industry but also underscores the hardships faced by Final Fantasy 7 characters, resonating with its historical significance.

Final Fantasy 7’s Buster Sword is Iconic in Both Design and History

The History of the Buster Sword

In the larger storyline of Final Fantasy 7, though Cloud is widely associated with wielding the Buster Sword, its history extends beyond his ownership. For those who have followed Crisis Core’s events, they will be aware that the sword’s origins trace back to Angeal’s father, whose moving backstory is hinted at through a brief yet poignant exchange of dialogue.

Angeal’s mom informs Zack that making the sword as a present for Angeal when he joined Shinra put a big financial strain on his father, who eventually died from exhaustion while trying to repay its cost. Honorable conduct became Angeal’s guiding principle, and he used the sword only in critical situations, fearing that damage or corrosion would spoil it as a tribute to his father.

The Tragedies Caused By Shinra

As Zack assumed control over the Buster Sword, Angeal’s lofty principles resonated within him, making the emblem of the Buster Sword an integral part of his persona. The concluding episodes of “Crisis Core” and its follow-up “Reunion” underscore the significance that extends far beyond the sword’s practicality and aesthetics. It transcends being merely a weapon; instead, it serves as a powerful symbol of honor that honors both Angeal and Zack’s lasting legacy.

Absolutely, the game “FF7 Rebirth” significantly altered the narrative direction of “Crisis Core” by introducing alternate timelines. Even though the significance of the weapon remains consistent, it underscores the profound impacts of Shinra’s actions across a vast expanse of the “FF7” universe and its characters, Cloud being just one illustration.

The Buster Sword’s Greater Impact

The modern reinterpretations of Final Fantasy 7, namely the Remake and Rebirth, have given the iconic Buster Sword from its source material a fresh glow. The weapon is closely associated with Cloud’s famous moveset, such that moves like Braver are now as synonymous with him as the sword itself. Although Cloud obtaining the sword partly symbolizes his confused identity, it’s fair to say that the sword is just as much his as it was Zack’s or Angeal’s. Given Cloud’s prominence among Final Fantasy protagonists, the Buster Sword has shared the limelight with him, embodying the might of the series and being referenced not only within other titles in Final Fantasy 7 but also beyond them.

In various installments of the Final Fantasy series, the Buster Sword has made a notable appearance. Some of these appearances even incorporated the character cameos seen in games like Dissidia. Additionally, this mighty weapon has been featured in downloadable content. For instance, in Final Fantasy 16, Clive is given the opportunity to use the legendary blade. The description of the sword serves as a moving tribute to the challenges faced by its previous wielders, as the grooves etched along its edge symbolize unimaginable hardship. Beyond Cloud’s expanding presence in popular culture and crossover games such as Super Smash Bros., both he and the Buster Sword have become iconic not only within the confines of the series but also across the broader landscape of gaming history.

Read More

2025-02-03 02:45