Over the years, several iconic characters and images have become synonymous with the video game industry. These larger-than-life personas includeTomb Raider’s gun-toting Lara Croft,Sonic the Hedgehogand his trademark red sneakers, andFinal Fantasy 7’s Cloud Strife, with his spiky blonde hair, wielding a sword so big he looks like he should topple over. That weapon is the Buster Sword, and those who are playingCrisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunionfor the first time may be unaware of its history. Despite its association with Cloud,Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunionshows players that its history actually goes much further back than the broody ex-SOLDIER.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunionis set before events inFinal Fantasy 7andtells the story of Zack Fair, an enthusiastic young SOLDIER who is eager to rise through the ranks and become a hero. His story involves various characters from theFinal Fantasy 7universe but also introduces new ones too. It is through one of these new characters that players are first introduced to the Buster Sword, theiconic weapon that will finally end up in the hands of Cloud Strifeyears later.
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The Buster Sword Has Changed Hands More Than Once
The sword itself is classified as an enormous broadsword and is roughly between five and six feet long. Its handle looks considerably tiny in comparison but is robust enough for the wielder to be able to swing it as forcefully as possible. The sword also contains two slots that can be used to equipMateria, which are a huge part ofFinal Fantasy 7’s lore. Players first see the Buster Sword wielded by Angeal Hewley, a young, dedicated SOLDIER, who serves as a mentor to Zack. Stoic and serious, Angeal is seen by many to be the perfect role model for all young SOLDIERs.
The Buster Swordwas a gift, given to Angeal by his father who had it forged when his son joined SOLDIER. It was an expensive gift, and his father had to work tirelessly to try and pay off the debt he had accrued to be able to afford it. This exhaustive work would eventually catch up with the aging father, who passed away not long after. In order to honor his memory, Angeal vowed to use the sword as little as possible, to avoid it getting damaged, choosing instead to fight with a standard sword given to SOLDIERs.
Events inCrisis Coreresult in Angeal defecting from SOLDIER, ultimately leading to a confrontation with Zack. Upon his eventual defeat, Angeal’s final act is to entrust the Buster Sword to Zack, in order to continue his legacy and ensure his memory lives on. Zack gracefully accepts this gift, and unlike Angeal, uses this sword frequently in battle, taking advantage of its impressive size and power. The Buster Sword remains in Zack’s hands until his eventual passing during a fierce confrontation with a large number of Shinra soldiers. Their vast numbers are able to wear down and eventually defeat Zack, who is just about able to hand the sword to the onlooking Cloud before he passes, once again as a symbol of his legacy and memories.
Cloud quickly becomes acquainted with the giant blade, swinging it so ably and naturally that many would be forgiven for thinking he was its first and only owner. These days, the blade is almost seen as an extension of Cloud’s identity, and even when he appears in other games outside ofFinal Fantasy, such asKingdom HeartsandSuper Smash Bros, he is always accompanied by the Buster Sword. Its legacy as one of the most iconic weapons in video game history lives on, and thanks toCrisis Core, the origin and full history of the blade have been chronicled.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunionis available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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