CHALLENGER APPROACHING

Cloud Strife, the brooding blonde hero of Final Fantasy VII, is joining the roster of Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. At first it sounds strange: Final Fantasy VII was never on a Nintendo console, and Smash Bros. is already packed with another sword-wielding heavies (Cloud seems like a heavy, I mean, look at that Buster Sword). Nevertheless, we’re stupidly excited to see his addition. Here’s why!

The News Is Final Fantasy VII Related

We’re so thirsty for any new information on the Final Fantasy VII Remake that just seeing Cloud’s face is enough to throw us into a frenzy. With the Remake just announced at E3 2015–after years of speculation–Final Fantasy VII is fresh on our minds. Also, whatever happened to that PS4 port of the PC version…?

Neither Did We!

The last time we saw Cloud in a fighting game was in the Final Fantasy-themed brawler Dissidia 012 for the PSP in 2011. He’s also appeared in Dissidia’s arcade version, which is currently only available in Japan and doesn’t look like it’s heading West anytime soon, so us Final Fantasy nerds will take what we can get.

We’ll See Cloud Interact with Non-Final Fantasy Characters

In Kingdom Hearts, Cloud interacted with new characters created specifically for the series (along with the likes of Mickey Mouse and Goofy). But this is different.

Also, think about Kirby inhaling Cloud and taking his powers. Imagine a Kirby with spiky Cloud hair and a tiny Buster Sword. You’re welcome.

Poetry in Motion

While Final Fantasy VII had a command-based battle system,Super Smash Bros. will have Cloud moving in real-time, flipping wildly around stages and smashing opponents into oblivion.

Just look at those happy jazz hands. Cloud is excited, too!

Competition for Diddy

It’s widely known that Diddy Kong has been an overpowered monster in Super Smash Bros. But with Cloud on the block now, could Diddy possibly be unseated as Smash’s most stupidly powerful character?

Buster Sword Goodness

This is now the biggest sword in the game. Take your Monado and go home, Shulk.

Recreating Iconic Scenes in Silly Ways

The above image looks exactly like the scene in Final Fantasy VII where Aerith finds Cloud passed out in the flowers in the church. Think of the possibilities!

Taunts

We can’t wait to hear what kind of taunts Cloud will have. Here are the ones we’re hoping for the most:

“If this is all a dream, don’t wake me up.”

“I wanna talk about my money!”

“I’ll make a big enough ruckus for everyone!”

“Too bad, I’m a delivery boy now.”

“WAAAAAAAAAAAAH.”

Costume Skins

Here we see Cloud in his costume from the Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children movie. Nintendo has said we’ll be getting some cool costumes for Cloud, and we can’t wait to see the variations. We hope there’s one based on his first polygonal appearance on PlayStation 1. Or Cloud in a dress! Oh, and a shirtless one. We definitely need a shirtless Cloud option. Thanks in advance, Nintendo!

Nonsense Like This

“This isn’t the Lifestream.”

The Return of the Motorcycle

…Okay that’s Wario’s motorcycle, but let’s be honest: Cloud would look better on it.

Limit Breaks!

In keeping with Final Fantasy VII’s theme, Cloud’s final smash is a Limit Break!

The Midgar Stage

Cloud comes with his own personalized stage, built to look like the city of Midgar. In the background you can even see a Mako reactor! We’re assuming that cool remixes of Final Fantasy VII tracks will also accompany this stage.

Materia

You can’t have Final Fantasy VII without materia! He we see Cloud using the pretty little gems to summon some help.

Summons!

We got a look a few summons that will be wreaking havoc on the Midgar stage, much like Pokemon do on the Pokemon-related stages. Here’s Odin!

More Summons!

Another summon, Leviathan!

Even More Summons!

Here’s Ifrit!

Even More Summons!

Here’s Ramuh!

Summons Damage the Stage

Here’s a look at Ifrit damaging the Midgar stage. Looks intense!

The King of Summons

You can’t have summons without their king. Here’s a look at Bahamut creeping up on the stage…

Bahamut’s Wrath

…and executing his signature attack, Megaflare!

This is what dreams are made of.

Omnislash

Here’s Omnislash in action, looking good.

Bonus Costumes!

Also coming with Cloud are bonus costumes for Mii characters, designed to look like the iconic Final Fantasy creature, the Chocobo. We can’t wait!