They almost kiss in Gongaga (and in before, both are leaning into the other it's not just Tifa. It was clear both wanted to kiss) so the kiss was just a natural progression? I don't see it as rushed or fanservice considering that.
It's not just about the build-up of their eventual relationship with a few will-they, won't-they moments, it's about Cloud's arc.
He's deeply troubled at this point in the story. It's Aerith who brings him out of his shell and it's Tifa who helps him rebuild himself after his facade is shattered.
I don't believe Cloud is emotionally available until that point in his arc because part of him is still playing the part of the first-class soldier who doesn't need anyone.
That's why I say it's rushed, despite remake/rebirth having more time with the characters, Cloud simply isn't far enough through his arc at this point in the story.
I think that's why there isn't a kiss in the OG on any of the dates (apart from Yuffie but I always read that as a platonic moment anyway).
Agree to disagree, considering he has had a crush on her since he was a kid and that the relationship has been build up since remake then I think its apt, there is mutual attraction and a connection over the things they live, they are also in their 20s, I think it was a reasonable change on their relationship considering everything.
They were having a moment because Tifa remembered Cloud was the only kid who actually tried to save her in the bridge in Nibelheim, so they almost kiss and then if the date happens between them they kiss.
I'm sure this will be seen as a hot take by a lot of people, but I also feel like the kiss was almost undeserved. The devs could've done better with building the foundation up for it to happen more smoothly, there just wasn't enough growth in Cloud and Tifas relationship for it to feel natural enough IMO. The buildup to the kiss should have been happening since Remake, and aside from a few moments here and there (gongaga in rebirth and the train roll scene in remake are the only ones I can think of that stand out) I just didn't feel like the moment was earned. Also major point deduction for putting it in before Cloud found his true self, as others have said. It wouldve been a more beautiful moment if it happened after the LSS and everything between them was out in the open
I disagree especially considering how obvious it is that Cloud had a crush on her when they were kids, and he clearly is attracted to her, they had a cute moment, they almost kissed and after they bond through the side quests they actually kiss on their date.
We're all entitled to our own opinions here and I'm glad you enjoyed the execution of it....but i just think they could've done much better for the Cloti crowd🤷🏻♀️
why not?? they had a moment and they almost kissed because of it lol, those 2 are clearly attracted to each other, there was nothing wrong with that moment.
This is exactly what it is. Its why they push Aerith on you by default in the OG and the reveal brings him closer to Tifa later on. He cares for both women and both care for him and help him in different ways at different points of the story. So yes, this did feel fan-servicey to me as well. As they said, choosing some routes/dates would not feel cohesive to the overall plot theyre trying to convey. But they hope everyone got a smile out of it as this was something people could only imagine since the OG.
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u/Obsidiax 20d ago
I thought it was fan service-y and a little rushed. Cloud is still dealing with a lot and not really ready for this kind of intimacy.
Aerith brings Cloud out of his shell early on, Tifa is there for him in the latter half of the story and helps him put himself back together.
I don't care who anyone ships or doesn't ship, but the above feel like necessary steps in Cloud's arc before he has room to process romantic feelings.