When it was announced in 2015, fans didn’t know what to expect fromFinal Fantasy 7 Remake. Unbeknownst to them, the remake was intended to be much more than a standalone title with updated graphics. On the contrary, the game was to be a massive overhaul with respect to visuals, gameplay, and story. The scope of such an undertaking meant that concessions had to be made, however. The exclusion of Red XIII as a playable character inFinal Fantasy 7 Remake, for instance, was one such concession. WhenFinal Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2is released, it would make sense to correct this shortcoming by expanding upon Red XIII as a character.
Characters are the soul ofFinal Fantasy 7’s story. While players of the original may have forgotten about obscure enemies, ineffective items, or obscure aspects of the plot, its cast of heroes will always stand out in their minds.Final Fantasy 7 Remakedid great work to explore andreinventFinal Fantasy 7’scharacters, but Red XIII’s backstory deserves more recognition. The stage is set forFinal Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2to cover the gang’s trip to Cosmo Canyon, so it’s a great opportunity to focus in on Red XIII and his backstory.
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Red XIII in the Original Final Fantasy 7
In the original game, Cloud, Barret, and Tifa come across Red XIII while looking for Aerith at Shinra HQ. Hojo, an evil scientist responsible for kidnapping Aerith, is attempting to create a new species by combining her DNA with Red XIII’s. By doing so, Hojo intends to create a new species that he believes will preserve the Cetra. Since they are imprisoned together in the same holding tank, Red XIII fakes aggression towards Aerith which prompts Barret to shoot the tank.Barett’s gun-armdoesn’t break the tank’s glass, but it does cause a malfunction that forces Hojo to open the container. Consequently, this gives Red XIII and Aerith a chance to escape.
From there, Red XIII joins the gang on their journey across Gaia, often contributing his wise counsel to Cloud. Red XIII belongs to a tribe of ancient warriors who reside in Cosmo Canyon, a settlement in which he was raised. Naturally, much is revealed aboutRed XIII’s pastwhen the party travels to that location later in the game. His real name, for instance, is actually Nanaki.
The Significance of Red XIII’s Backstory
Cosmo Canyon is the location whereFinal Fantasy 7’seco-terrorist group Avalanchewas formed. Because of its connection to Gaia and the lifestream, the canyon became something of a pilgrimage spot for those wishing to become closer to the planet. It makes sense then that it would be the starting point for a group dedicated to saving Gaia. Red XIII consequently has a deep appreciation and respect for nature. This, along with his unwavering loyalty, is what makes him an invaluable asset in the fight against Shinra.
To skim over the surface-level details is one thing, but the significance of Red XIII’s connection to the planet only grows as the plot progresses. Red XIII is dealing with his own internal struggle, trying to reconcile the possibility that he, too, may be another failedSephiroth clone. So when he’s the one trusted with the Black Materia, and consequently the one responsible for handing it over to a manipulated Cloud, it weighs heavily on his mind and changes the trajectory of the plot.
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Red XIII’s Role in Final Fantasy Remake Part 2
Whether or notFinal Fantasy Remake Part 2will strictly adhere to the original story or not remains to be seen. In the first remake, gamers were surprised to find certain deviations from the plot with which they were familiar. The writers were introducing a new universe, one that could coexist alongside the already established canon, a bit like how Into the Spider-Verse justified the existence of more than one Spider-Man. But with regard to Red XIII,Naoki Hamaguchi has said he appeared too latein the story, and the developers consequently decided not to feature him as a playable character.
Moving forward, however, the developers ought to reconsider this backseat role. Red XIII’s backstory is deep and rich with lore, and he remains one of the most interesting characters in the series (he is the only playable quadrupedal in the entire franchise, after all). His spiritual and druidic connection to the planet is important given the game’s overtly environmental themes, and his relationship with Cloud is a key part of the plot. Without him, there’d be no progressing the narrative to one of themost memorable moments inFinal Fantasy 7.
Final Fantasy 7 Remakewas the product of many years of planning, and the writers probably made very deliberate decisions in consideration of the game being broken up into a possible trilogy. Not being able to play as Red XIII in an action-RPG environment was disappointing for many players. Fans were also disappointed by Yuffie’s absence in the remake’s first game, but Square Enix quickly remedied this by featuring theyoung ninja inFinal Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade. Maybe Red XIII will make his debut inFinal Fantasy Remake Part 2, and the focus of the game’s reworked plot will begin to more closely focus on him and Cosmo Canyon.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2is in development.
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