Editing Cloud Strife (section)

==Legacy==
Cloud has been merchandised extensively, in many different forms, including figurines and jewelry.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.square-enix-shop.com/usa/list_product.cfm?game_cat_id=2 |title=Square Enix Merchandise List |access-date=August 7, 2008 |publisher=Square Enix |date=August 7, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080804215914/http://www.square-enix-shop.com/usa/list_product.cfm?game_cat_id=2 |archive-date = August 4, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.square-enix-shop.com/jp/dsp_product.cfm?product_id=259 |title=Square Enix Merchandise List 2 |access-date=August 7, 2008 |publisher=Square Enix |date=August 7, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080220193642/http://www.square-enix-shop.com/jp/dsp_product.cfm?product_id=259 |archive-date = February 20, 2008}}</ref> In commemoration of the franchise's 20th anniversary, Square released figurines of him alongside other ''Final Fantasy'' protagonists.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://release.square-enix.com/na/2008/12/dissidia_final_fantasy_announced_for_mid-year_2009.html|title=Dissidia Final Fantasy Announced for Mid-Year 2009 Release in North America|publisher=Square Enix|date=December 18, 2008|access-date=May 3, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223032915/http://release.square-enix.com/na/2008/12/dissidia_final_fantasy_announced_for_mid-year_2009.html|archive-date=December 23, 2008}}</ref> Square Enix's manager of merchandise, Kanji Tashiro, said at the 2008 [[San Diego Comic-Con]] that Cloud's likeness has produced some of the company's best-selling items, and that fans could look forward to further adaptations of the character in the future.<ref name="interviewmerch">{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2008-08-03/square-enix-national-manager-of-merchandise-kanji-tashiro|title=Interview: Square Enix's National Manager of Merchandise, Kanji Tashiro|last=Bertschy|first=Zac|date=August 3, 2008|work=Anime News Network|access-date=July 5, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080805125234/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2008-08-03/square-enix-national-manager-of-merchandise-kanji-tashiro|archive-date=August 5, 2008}}</ref> Popular models at the time included Cloud's ''Advent Children'' figurine and ''Final Fantasy VII'' Hardy-Daytona bike set, both of which sold particularly well in European and North American markets.<ref name="interviewmerch"/> Square has also released two promotional books primarily focusing on Cloud's character: ''Cloud vol.1'', which was released in 2007,<ref>{{Cite book|title=Cloud vol.1 |publisher=ASCII Media Works |language=ja|id= {{ASIN|4840239886|country=jp}} |date=December 1, 2007}}</ref> and ''Cloud message'', in 2008.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Cloud message |publisher=ASCII Media Works|language=ja|id= {{ASIN|4048673009|country=jp}} |date=December 12, 2008}}</ref> In 2013, a replica of the Buster Sword was created by blacksmith [[Tony Swatton]] for the webseries ''Man at Arms''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/man-at-arms-builds-80-pound-replica-of-final-fantasy-viis-buste/|title=Man at Arms builds 80-pound replica of Final Fantasy VII's Buster Sword|last=Cowan|first=Danny|date=May 22, 2013|website=Joystiq|publisher=AOL|access-date=May 25, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627080252/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/man-at-arms-builds-80-pound-replica-of-final-fantasy-viis-buste|archive-date=June 27, 2014}}</ref>

===Critical reception===
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Cloud has been mostly well received by critics. In his review of the PC release of ''Final Fantasy VII'', Ron Dulin of ''[[GameSpot]]'' commented that "a simple [[understatement]] will have to suffice: Cloud is easily the most interesting and complex character ever presented in a game".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/final-fantasy-vii-review/1900-2536027/|title=Final Fantasy VII Review|last=Dulin|first=Ron|date=July 7, 1998|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016111436/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/final-fantasy-vii-review/1900-2536027/|archive-date=October 16, 2013}}</ref> ''RPGamer''{{'}}s Aujang Abadi called Cloud "one of the most complex characters Square has created", as well as "the first truly complicated main character".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/editor/2003/q2/042103aa.html|title=The Strife Manifesto|publisher=RPGamer|first=Aujang|last=Abadi|access-date=August 31, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119061358/http://www.rpgamer.com/editor/2003/q2/042103aa.html|archive-date=January 19, 2010}}</ref> Sharon Packer identifies Cloud as having mental illness in the form of [[dissociative identity disorder]] (DID),<ref>{{cite book |last1=Packer |first1=Sharon |title=Mental Illness in Popular Culture |date=2017 |publisher=[[ABC-CLIO]] |isbn=978-1-4408-4389-1 |page=231 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IKDPDgAAQBAJ&pg=PA231 |access-date=March 24, 2020 |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114200757/https://books.google.com/books?id=IKDPDgAAQBAJ&pg=PA231 |url-status=live }}</ref> while Katie Whitlock identifies him as having [[involuntary memory]] resulting from [[post-traumatic stress disorder]] (PTSD).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Whitlock |first1=Katie |chapter=Traumatic Origins: Memory, Crisis, and Identity in Digital RPGs |editor-last1=Voorhees |editor-first1=Gerald A. |editor-last2=Call |editor-first2=Joshua |editor-last3=Whitlock |editor-first3=Katie |title=Dungeons, Dragons, and Digital Denizens: The Digital Role-Playing Game |date=2012 |publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing USA]] |isbn=978-1-4411-3892-7 |page=160 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ySTNDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT160 |access-date=April 6, 2020 |archive-date=March 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315022046/https://books.google.com/books?id=ySTNDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT160#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> The book ''Japanese Culture Through Videogames'' addresses Cloud as a complex fictional character, comparing him with ''[[Metal Gear]]''{{'}}s [[Solid Snake]], ''[[Final Fantasy VI]]''{{'}}s [[Terra Branford]], and ''[[Tekken]]''{{'}}s [[Jin Kazama]] due to his identity issues.<ref>{{cite book|title=Japanese Culture Through Videogames|year=2019|author=Hutchinson, Rachael|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-0367111380}}</ref> Kurt Kalata of ''[[Gamasutra]]'' stated that Cloud is "somewhat of a weakling" with grandiose delusions and other psychological issues. He also called Cloud one of the first [[unreliable narrator]]s in a role-playing video game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3581/a_japanese_rpg_primer_the_.php?page=3|title=A Japanese RPG Primer: The Essential 20|last=Kalata|first=Kurt|date=March 19, 2008|website=Gamasutra|publisher=UBM TechWeb|access-date=March 5, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304050520/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3581/a_japanese_rpg_primer_the_.php?page=3|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref> According to Patrick Holleman, "no RPG has ever deliberately betrayed the connection between protagonist and player like ''FFVII'' does".<ref>{{cite book |last1=Holleman |first1=Patrick |title=Reverse Design: Final Fantasy VII |date=2018 |publisher=[[CRC Press]] |isbn=9780429834523 |page=38 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GQprDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT38 |access-date=April 7, 2019 |archive-date=February 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209221533/https://books.google.com/books?id=GQprDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT38#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> The game's use of the unreliable narrator literary concept has drawn comparisons to films such as ''[[Fight Club]]'' (1999), ''[[The Sixth Sense]]'' (1999), ''[[American Psycho (film)|American Psycho]]'' (2000), and ''[[Memento (film)|Memento]]'' (2000), with Patrick Holleman and Jeremy Parish arguing that the game takes the unreliable narrator concept a step further by establishing a connection between the player and the protagonist.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Holleman |first1=Patrick |title=Reverse Design: Final Fantasy VII |date=2018 |publisher=[[CRC Press]] |isbn=9780429834523 |pages=36–38 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GQprDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT36 |access-date=April 7, 2019 |archive-date=February 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209221652/https://books.google.com/books?id=GQprDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT36#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Parish |first1=Jeremy |title=Final Fantasy VII Deep Dive, Part 5: An RPG Gets Existential With Its Central Question: "Who Am I?" |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/dissecting-final-fantasy-vii-part-5an-rpg-gets-existential-with-its-central-question-who-am-i |website=[[USgamer]] |access-date=March 26, 2019 |date=March 23, 2017 |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327191634/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/dissecting-final-fantasy-vii-part-5an-rpg-gets-existential-with-its-central-question-who-am-i |url-status=dead}}</ref> Jack Ridsdale of ''[[PCGamesN]]'' argues that Cloud is a deconstruction of the hero archetype and [[toxic masculinity]], and compares the plot twist about his true identity to that of ''Fight Club''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ridsdale |first1=Jack |title=Final Fantasy 7 is important because it lets its men be vulnerable |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/final-fantasy-7-remake/ff7-male-vulnerability |access-date=27 April 2020 |work=[[PCGamesN]] |date=4 February 2020 |archive-date=April 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409091848/https://www.pcgamesn.com/final-fantasy-7-remake/ff7-male-vulnerability |url-status=live }}</ref> In Alana Hagues from RPGFan said Cloud's shock when Sephiroth kills Aerith has a major impact on her as Cloud properly expresses depression over death, something no video game has ever done to her.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rpgfan.com/feature/more-than-just-a-flower-girl-a-personal-thank-you-to-aerith-gainsborough/|title=More Than Just a Flower Girl: A Personal Thank You to Aerith Gainsborough|website=RPGFan|date=20 May 2020 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> While Cloud is never addressed as a God, he has to protect the peace as Sephiroth plays the role of Satan and his Shadow, with Cloud having to surpass him in the narrative.<ref>{{cite book|title=The World of Final Fantasy VII: Essays on the Game and Its Legacy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GcqrEAAAQBAJ&dq=messiah+cloud+final+fantasy&pg=PA20|author=Jason C. Cash; Craig T. Olsen|publisher=McFarland|year=2023|isbn=9781476647258|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=February 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218211811/https://books.google.com/books?id=GcqrEAAAQBAJ&dq=messiah+cloud+final+fantasy&pg=PA20|url-status=live}}</ref>

Cloud's respective relationships with Aerith and Tifa were also popular with writers.<ref>{{cite web |last=Glasser |first=AJ |date=February 14, 2008 |title=Top 10 Square Enix Couples |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/top-10-square-enix-couples/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730212149/http://www.gamesradar.com/top-10-square-enix-couples/ |archive-date=July 30, 2012 |access-date=June 24, 2010 |website=GamesRadar |publisher=Future US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=McGrath, Jack |date=April 29, 2011 |title=The Ten Greatest Romances in Gaming History |url=http://www.technobuffalo.com/2011/04/29/the-ten-greatest-romances-in-gaming-history/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705104001/https://www.technobuffalo.com/the-ten-greatest-romances-in-gaming-history |archive-date=July 5, 2020 |access-date=February 4, 2016 |website=technobuffalo.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Grimes | first=Rae | title=The Best Relationships In The Final Fantasy Series | website=CBR | date=2024-04-12 | url=https://www.cbr.com/final-fantasy-cutest-couples/ | access-date=2024-05-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/final-fantasy/best-final-fantasy-romances/|title=The Best Final Fantasy Romances|accessdate=May 10, 2024|publisher=Paste Magazine|archive-date=29 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129160019/https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/final-fantasy/best-final-fantasy-romances/|url-status=live}}</ref> The popularity of both relationships, how they were written and their partial ties to the original game's affinity mechanics have led to multiple instances of fan creations, fandom debates and ''[[ship wars]]'', with many debating and arguing topics ranging from Tifa and Aerith's compatibility with Cloud to the canonicity and intent of his feelings towards either heroine through story and character analysis and authorial or supplemental materials (such as the Ultimanias, developer interviews and tie-in novels) across much of the ''[[Compilation of Final Fantasy VII]]'' in the years since the original game's release.<ref>{{cite web|last=Boson|first=Holly|url=https://www.polygon.com/22985368/final-fantasy-7-aerith-aeris-vs-tifa-love-triangle-cloud-strife|title=Final Fantasy 7's Tifa-vs.-Aerith war is unwinnable|website=Polygon|date=2022-03-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Diaz|first=Ana|url=https://www.polygon.com/24156687/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-cloti-clerith-tifa-aerith-ship|title=Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth set the fandom back 20 years|website=Polygon|date=2024-05-16}}</ref> ''RPGamer'' writer Marie Freed states that she saw Tifa's loyalty and love for Cloud, even in the light of having to relive her own traumas, as admirable, and a welcome contrast to the "destined" romance seen in previous title ''[[Final Fantasy IV]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Freed |first=Marie |title=Aeris the Ideal, Tifa the Human |url=https://archive.rpgamer.com/editor/1999/q1/012499mf.html |accessdate=2024-03-28 |website=RPGamer}}</ref> [[Siliconera]] writer Cory Dinkel claims that ''Final Fantasy VII'' has no love triangle by the end due to multiple story and character developments and revelations surrounding the characters involved and that
Cloud and Tifa's relationship is the truly canonical romance despite the suggested complexity surrounding it in the sequel film ''Advent Children''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dinkel |first=Cory| date=February 25, 2024|title=There is Not a Love Triangle in Final Fantasy VII|url=https://www.siliconera.com/there-is-not-a-love-triangle-in-final-fantasy-vii/|access-date=March 29, 2024|website=Siliconera}}</ref> These particular relationship aspects as well as other facets spanning the entire main cast of the ''Final Fantasy VII'' franchise were given more prominence within the character writing and story of ''Final Fantasy VII Remake'' and ''Final Fantasy VII Rebirth'', with the latter specifically having a major emphasis on bonds through expanded characterization and more apparent affinity mechanics as well as the revamped Gold Saucer dates tied to them; an aspect that has also sparked further analysis and discourse on the nature of Cloud's relationships.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pritchard|first=Marie|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-relationships-explained-9403|title=Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Relationships explained|website=Eurogamer|date=2024-02-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Orr|first=Jessica|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-gold-saucer-date-explained-ferris-wheel-9403|title=Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Gold Saucer Date Explained|website=Eurogamer|date=2024-03-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Diaz|first=Ana|url=https://www.polygon.com/24108672/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-cloud-shipping-debate-tifa-aerith-cloti-clerith-ending|title=Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth takes a side in the great Tifa and Aerith debate|website=Polygon|date=2024-03-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Diaz|first=Ana|url=https://www.polygon.com/24156687/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-cloti-clerith-tifa-aerith-ship|title=Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth set the fandom back 20 years|website=Polygon|date=2024-05-16}}</ref> 

Cloud's redesign in ''Kingdom Hearts'' was praised as being the best in the game by ''Animefringe''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/2005/12/feature/01-2.php|website=AnimeFringe|title= The Legacy of Final Fantasy VII|author1=Crocker, Janet |author2=Smith, Lesley |author3=Henderson, Tim |author4=Arnold, Adam | date=December 2005|page=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080613190811/http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/2005/12/feature/01-2.php|archive-date=June 13, 2008|access-date = August 18, 2010}}</ref>
His development in ''Advent Children'' was praised by ''[[DVD Talk]]'' as one of the best parts from the film.<ref name="dvdtalk">{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/21290/final-fantasy-vii-advent-children/|title=DVD talk: Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children review|publisher=DVD Talk|author=Santos, Carlo|date=April 21, 2006|access-date=August 3, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090819013636/http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/21290/final-fantasy-vii-advent-children/|archive-date=August 19, 2009}}</ref> In regards to the remains of Midgar from ''Advent Children'', Destructoid noted the message within its writing regarding the characters' lives in Midgar, as its people are able to move on with their lives, but Cloud is unable to due to past trauma over Aerith's death.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/the-message-to-fans-in-advent-children-complete/|title=The message to fans in Advent Children Complete|website=Destructoid|date=25 May 2009 |access-date=February 2, 2022}}</ref> [[Kotaku]] saw the focus on Midgar's ruins as a parallel with psychological trauma due to how some of its survivors suffer from Geostigma, a disease that cannot be fought physically.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/15-years-on-final-fantasy-vii-advent-children-is-a-lo-1845045609|title=15 Years On, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Is A Lot Smarter Than I Remember|website=Kotaku|date=14 September 2020 |access-date=February 2, 2022}}</ref> ''[[Joystiq]]''{{'}}s Andrew Yoon opined that the [[director's cut]] version of the film provides more depth to Cloud's development, taking advantage of its longer runtime by better "humanizing [him]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/review-final-fantasy-advent-children-complete/|title=Review: Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Complete|publisher=AOL|website=Joystiq|author=Yoon, Andrew|date=May 29, 2009|access-date=August 4, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527204823/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/review-final-fantasy-advent-children-complete|archive-date=May 27, 2010}}</ref> ''GamesRadar'' stated that while Cloud felt like a "miserable" character in the film, him coming to terms with his past was appealing alongside his new swords stored in his bike.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/final-fantasy-7-advent-children-it-okay-it-now/|title=Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children - is it okay to like it now?|publisher=GamesRadar|date=April 7, 2016|access-date=March 14, 2018|author=Roberts, Sam|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926163719/https://www.gamesradar.com/final-fantasy-7-advent-children-it-okay-it-now/|url-status=live}}</ref> Yoshinori Kitase said that the fight between Cloud and Sephiroth was popular enough to make Japanese gamers do a remake of it in ''Dissidia Final Fantasy'' and expected Western fans would also emulate it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/my1Up?publicUserId=6049935#selection-1059.151-1063.3|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708005728/http://www.1up.com/do/my1Up?publicUserId=6049935#selection-1059.151-1063.3|archive-date=July 8, 2012|url-status=dead|title=Welcome to the DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY Developer Blog!|website=1UP.com|access-date=March 15, 2018}}</ref> Meristation praised Cloud's new appearance in ''Advent Children'' and how it came across appealing in the spin-off ''Dirge of Cerberus,'' despite him having less screentime due to the narrative focusing on Vincent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://as.com/meristation/2016/02/11/reportajes/1455174000_153121.html|title=La Evolución de Cloud en Final Fantasy|date=February 22, 2016|publisher=MeriStation|language=es|access-date=January 30, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925015819/https://as.com/meristation/2016/02/11/reportajes/1455174000_153121.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

When deciding on using a ''Final Fantasy'' representative for [[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U|''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' and ''Wii U'']], Nomura and ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' series creator and director [[Masahiro Sakurai]] quickly agreed with adding Cloud to the cast. This was mostly because of Cloud's high popularity within the series in contrast to other ''Final Fantasy'' characters like [[Bartz Clauser|Bartz]] or Terra, and multiple requests from fans of the character. According to Sakurai, he envisioned Cloud as being a relatively easy to play character in anticipation of a large variety of players using him, and stated that the Buster Sword served as a lynchpin in regard to developing his sword swings.<ref name="smash">{{cite web|url=http://www.sourcegaming.info/2016/01/20/sakurai-x-nomura-creator-interview-2016-part-one/#more-5563|title=Sakurai X Nomura|date=January 20, 2016|publisher=Source Gaming|access-date=January 5, 2020|archive-date=December 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224045728/http://www.sourcegaming.info/2016/01/20/sakurai-x-nomura-creator-interview-2016-part-one/#more-5563|url-status=live}}</ref> Cloud's popularity and addition to the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series generated multiple response, most notably in [[Twitter]]'s trends.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/super-smash-bros-is-adding-cloud-strife-and-everyone-is-freaking-out-1308863|title=Super Smash Bros. is adding Cloud Strife, and everyone is freaking out|date=November 13, 2015|publisher=TechRadar|access-date=January 20, 2020|archive-date=May 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517040614/http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/super-smash-bros-is-adding-cloud-strife-and-everyone-is-freaking-out-1308863|url-status=live}}</ref> Although ''[[The Verge]]'' pointed out that the series had featured other third-party characters like [[Solid Snake]], [[Mega Man (character)|Mega Man]], and [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]], they nevertheless expressed surprise over Cloud's inclusion because of ''Final Fantasy VII''{{'}}s lack of release on a Nintendo console.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/12/15/10133878/final-fantasy-7-cloud-smash-bros-release-date|title=Final Fantasy VII's Cloud is coming to Smash Bros. today|date=December 15, 2015|publisher=The Verge|access-date=January 20, 2020|archive-date=October 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005003737/https://www.theverge.com/2015/12/15/10133878/final-fantasy-7-cloud-smash-bros-release-date|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite that, he was well received.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Parish|first=Jeremy|date=2018-12-03|title=We rank the Smash Bros. (and friends)|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2018/12/3/18120401/super-smash-bros-ultimate-character-rankings|access-date=2020-11-05|website=Polygon|language=en|archive-date=October 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006074733/https://www.polygon.com/features/2018/12/3/18120401/super-smash-bros-ultimate-character-rankings|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/joker-is-the-craziest-super-smash-bros-character-reveal-since-cloud|title=Joker is the Craziest Super Smash Bros. Character Reveal Since Cloud|date=December 7, 2018|publisher=USGamer|access-date=January 20, 2020|archive-date=July 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731221903/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/joker-is-the-craziest-super-smash-bros-character-reveal-since-cloud|url-status=dead}}</ref>

During anticipation for the remake of ''Final Fantasy VII'', Cloud's role in the trailers were the focus of multiple journalists. ''[[IGN]]'' highly praised the design and marketing involving his visual appearance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://es.ign.com/final-fantasy-vii-remake/158213/news/final-fantasy-vii-remake-estrena-un-nuevo-trailer-con-cloud-como-protagonista|title=Final Fantasy VII Remake estrena un nuevo tráiler con Cloud como protagonista|date=November 30, 2019|publisher=IGN|access-date=January 5, 2020|archive-date=April 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421082815/https://es.ign.com/final-fantasy-vii-remake/158213/news/final-fantasy-vii-remake-estrena-un-nuevo-trailer-con-cloud-como-protagonista|url-status=live}}</ref> ''TechSpot'' noted fans were interested in Cloud's love interests but claimed that Cloud's relationship with Aerith was subtle in retrospective.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.techspot.com/news/83189-final-fantasy-vii-remake-new-trailer-drops-hints.html|title=Final Fantasy VII Remake's new trailer drops hints at potential love triangle|date=December 13, 2019|publisher=TechSpot|access-date=January 5, 2020|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807114728/https://www.techspot.com/news/83189-final-fantasy-vii-remake-new-trailer-drops-hints.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/final-fantasy-vii-remake-trailer-break-down/|title=Final Fantasy VII: Who's Who (and What's What) in the Remake Trailer|date=September 12, 2019|publisher=CBR|access-date=January 5, 2020|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926185318/https://www.cbr.com/final-fantasy-vii-remake-trailer-break-down/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/reviews/final-fantasy-vii-remake-rouses-old-romantic-feelings-some-its-changes-will-be-divisive/|title=Final Fantasy VII Remake rouses old, romantic feelings. But some of its changes will be divisive.|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=April 13, 2020|archive-date=April 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415054214/https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/reviews/final-fantasy-vii-remake-rouses-old-romantic-feelings-some-its-changes-will-be-divisive/|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite noting his antisocial and aloof attitudes in the remake,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digra.org/wp-content/uploads/digital-library/DiGRA_2022_paper_103.pdf|title=Final Fantasy VII Remake: In Search of Queer Celebration|website=Digra|publisher=Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences|author=Heijmen, Nicky; Vosmeer, Mirjam|accessdate=August 25, 2023|archive-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611222328/http://www.digra.org/wp-content/uploads/digital-library/DiGRA_2022_paper_103.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In a feature article, ''GameSpot'' compared Cloud with [[Kazuma Kiryu]] from [[Sega]]'s ''[[Yakuza (series)|Yakuza]]'' video game series due to both sharing similar features and development across the narrative through Midgar's cities as both protagonists have a tendency to help civilians.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/final-fantasy-7-remake-has-big-yakuza-energy-and-i/1100-6476496/|title=Final Fantasy 7 Remake Has Big Yakuza Energy And It's Wonderful|website=GameSpot|access-date=April 25, 2020|archive-date=July 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705141102/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/final-fantasy-7-remake-has-big-yakuza-energy-and-i/1100-6476496/|url-status=live}}</ref> When it comes to ''Rebirth'', Digital Trend saw Cloud's failures to save Aerith as a story about dealing with trauma as the returning player find a possible way to stop Aerith's death like Cloud attempts and instead ends in tragedy again.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/final-fantasy-vii-rebirth-ending-analysis/|website=Digital Trends|access-date=March 16, 2024|title=In defense of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's polarizing ending|date=March 15, 2024 }}</ref> Cloud's rivalry with Sephiroth was also the subject of praise in ''Rebirth'' as it allows two characters be allies before the latter becomes the antagonist while the former comes across as a rookie in comparison.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/09/final-fantasy-vii-rebirth-playstation-cloud-strife-sephiroth-demo-chocobo-1235550829/|website=DeadLine|access-date=September 23, 2023|title=Final Fantasy VII Rebirth PlayStation Cloud Strife Sephiroht Demo Chocbo|date=September 21, 2023|archive-date=September 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923021327/https://deadline.com/2023/09/final-fantasy-vii-rebirth-playstation-cloud-strife-sephiroth-demo-chocobo-1235550829/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2023/tokyo-game-show/playing-as-sephiroth-in-final-fantasy-vii-rebirth-makes-you-feel-like-the-ultimate-badass/.202726|title=Playing as Sephiroth in Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth Makes You Feel Like the Ultimate Badass|website=Anime News Network|access-date=September 23, 2023|archive-date=September 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925170243/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2023/tokyo-game-show/playing-as-sephiroth-in-final-fantasy-vii-rebirth-makes-you-feel-like-the-ultimate-badass/.202726|url-status=live}}</ref>

For his performance as Cloud in ''Final Fantasy VII Remake'', Cody Christian received a nomination for "[[British Academy Games Award for Performer in a Leading Role|Performer in a Leading Role]]" at the [[17th British Academy Games Awards]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bafta.org/games/awards/2021-nominations-winners | title = 2021 BAFTA Games Awards: The Nominations | accessdate = 2 March 2021 | date = 2 March 2021 | publisher = [[British Academy of Film and Television Arts]] | archive-date = April 29, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210429221939/https://www.bafta.org/games/awards/2021-nominations-winners | url-status = live }}</ref> For the 2024 [[Golden Joystick Awards]], Christian won "Best Lead Performer" for his work as Cloud in ''Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.'' <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/golden-joystick-awards-2024-shortlist-categories-revealed-vote-now/ |title=Astro Bot and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth lead the shortlist for the Golden Joystick Awards 2024, nudging out Helldivers 2 and Balatro for the most nominations |date=2024-10-04 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |last=West |first=Josh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004163943/https://www.gamesradar.com/games/golden-joystick-awards-2024-shortlist-categories-revealed-vote-now/ |archive-date=2024-10-04 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 Golden Joysticks Unveils Intriguing Game Of The Year Shortlist |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattgardner1/2024/11/04/2024-golden-joysticks-unveils-intriguing-game-of-the-year-shortlist/ |last=Gardner |first=Matt |date=2024-11-04 |access-date=2024-11-04 |website=[[Forbes]]}}</ref>

===Cultural impact===
Cloud set a trend in the ''Final Fantasy'' series in regards to the characterization of main characters. Following ''Final Fantasy VII'', Nomura designed [[Squall Leonhart]], the lead of ''[[Final Fantasy VIII]]'' giving him a similar anti-hero persona. Tasked with creating a "female version of Cloud" for ''[[Final Fantasy XIII]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/news/ffxiii-interview |title=FFXIII Interview: Nomura, Kitase, Hashimoto and Toriyama |date=June 7, 2006 |last=Smith |first=Luke |website=[[1UP.com]] |access-date=October 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805002459/http://www.1up.com/news/ffxiii-interview |archive-date=August 5, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Nomura designed [[Lightning (Final Fantasy)|Lightning]] with Cloud's success in mind, stating that he "desired for her to be ... loved for a long time, like Cloud".<ref>{{cite journal|date=November 14, 2013|script-title=ja:ここに, ひとつの神話が終われワを迪える解放者の覚醒よワ13日一|journal=[[Shūkan Famitsū]]|language=ja|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|issue=1302|page=42}}</ref> After Lightning was voted as the most popular female character in the series by Japanese fans, Mollie Patterson of ''[[EGMNOW]]'' commented: "Some have also brought up that Lightning is kind of the female equivalent to Cloud, which might be why she gets so much love".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/japan-ranks-their-favorite-final-fantasy-females/|title=Japan Ranks Their Favorite Final Fantasy Females|last=Patterson|first=Mollie|date=January 18, 2013|website=EGMNOW|publisher=EGM Media|access-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923234556/http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/japan-ranks-their-favorite-final-fantasy-females/|archive-date=September 23, 2015}}</ref> However, for ''[[Final Fantasy X]]'', the staff aimed for a more contrasting hero would act more cheerful in the narrative, [[Tidus]].<ref name="FlareG">{{cite web|author=Knight, Sheila|year=2003|title=Tetsuya Nomura 20s|url=http://flaregamer.com/b2article.php?p=81&more=1|publisher=FLAREgamer|access-date=13 April 2006|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709232759/http://flaregamer.com/b2article.php?p=81&more=1|archive-date=9 July 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="sun">{{cite book|year=2001|editor1=Sam Kennedy|editor2=Gary Steinman|title=Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine August, 2001|page=96|publisher=[[Ziff Davis Media]]}}</ref> Similarly, Nomura created [[Noctis Lucis Caelum]] from ''[[Final Fantasy XV]]'' with another different characterization from Cloud and Squall's and instead more insecure.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=8 February 2008|magazine=Famitsu Weekly|language=ja|title=1000号記念スペシャル表紙プロジェクト|publisher=Entenebran}}</ref> When the game ''[[Nier]]'' failed to be a success in North America despite portraying an elder as a protagonist to appeal to Westerns, director [[Yoko Taro]] convinced other staff members to use instead a younger type for the English remaster version, using Cloud as an influence.<ref name="sad">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/yoko-taro-didnt-mean-to-make-nier-sad-on-purpose/1100-6490892/|title=Yoko Taro Didn't Mean To Make Nier Sad On Purpose|website=GameSpot|accessdate=May 21, 2023|archive-date=May 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501163913/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/yoko-taro-didnt-mean-to-make-nier-sad-on-purpose/1100-6490892/|url-status=live}}</ref>

''IGN'' stated that Cloud set a trend for role-playing video game heroes,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/characters/cloud-strife|title=Cloud Strife Biography|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=January 28, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021135629/http://www.ign.com/characters/cloud-strife|archive-date=October 21, 2012}}</ref> describing his "spiky blond hair" and "gigantic Buster Sword" as "instantly identifiable icons, recognized by gamers around the world".<ref name=Top-25>{{cite web|url = http://uk.ign.com/articles/2008/05/16/top-25-final-fantasy-characters-day-v?page=3|first = Dave|last = Smith|title = IGN's Top 25 Final Fantasy Characters|work = IGN|date = May 16, 2008|publisher = Ziff Davis|access-date = July 20, 2008|archive-date = March 15, 2024|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240315022026/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/16/top-25-final-fantasy-characters-day-v?page=3|url-status = live}}</ref> ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' described Cloud as an example of "excellent design and characterization".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ff7citadel.com/press/int_edge.shtml | title = The Making of Final Fantasy VII | work = Edge | publisher = Matthew Pierce | access-date = July 21, 2008 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080705141229/http://www.ff7citadel.com/press/int_edge.shtml | archive-date = July 5, 2008 | df = mdy-all}}</ref> ''[[Famitsu]]'' in 2010 published a seven-page tribute to Cloud, showcasing his many appearances throughout the years.<ref name="famitsutribute">{{cite journal|date=February 4, 2010|script-title=ja:今週の特集読者が選ぶ! 人気キャラクター クラウド|journal=Shūkan Famitsū|language=ja|publisher=Enterbrain|issue=1103|pages=143–149}}</ref> He was named best character of all time in ''[[Dengeki PlayStation]]''{{'}}s 2007 "Den-Play Awards".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/837/837350p1.html|title=Nomura Talks FFXIII|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=November 22, 2007|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=November 22, 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071123114222/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/837/837350p1.html|archive-date=November 23, 2007}}</ref> ''GameSpot'' published a video titled "Greatest Game Hero: Cloud Strife" for his inclusion in their 2009 "All Time Greatest Game Hero" poll, showcasing scenes of Cloud as he appears in ''Advent Children''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/greatest-video-game-hero/standings/index.html|title=All Time Greatest Game Hero – The Standings|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=September 15, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811115320/http://www.gamespot.com/greatest-video-game-hero/standings/index.html|archive-date=August 11, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/psp/rpg/finalfantasyviiadventchildren/video/6227706 |title=Greatest Game Hero: Cloud Strife |date=September 16, 2009 |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=August 14, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090925062915/http://www.gamespot.com/psp/rpg/finalfantasyviiadventchildren/video/6227706 |archive-date=September 25, 2009}}</ref>