Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Ending Revisits Aerith's Fate Amid Cloud's Uncertain Destiny

The ending involves Cloud following Aerith to the Forgotten City and failing to prevent her death, despite hints he might defy fate. He teams up with Aerith and Zack to fight Sephiroth but Aerith still dies.

There is debate among the writers over whether the ending is beautifully tragic or frustratingly misleading, with fakeouts suggesting Aerith might live.

Cloud keeping the Black Materia raises concerns he may still be under Sephiroth's control, leaving his mental state questionable going into the third game.

The return of Zack from Remake is underwhelming, as he plays little role in the ending events.

One writer feels the repeated Sephiroth boss fights and unclear direction for the next game has left them detached and no longer invested in hoping for anything from the trilogy.