Cloud and crew head back to Nibelheim and meet Vincent, then off to Rocket Town and an introduction to Cid. Then Yuffie steals our materia so we're off to the mystical land of Wutai.

We visit a magical place and see more examples of clumsy representation in FFVII. We hear a bit from John Eric Bentley (voice of Barrett) via Crashing Game night, and experience one of the most emotional moments of the game.

Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, and Nanaki learn about Barrett's past and visit the Gold Saucer for the first time. Plus, the real-world parallels to an energy company sending private military personnel to massacre a small town.

We comment on Rufus Shinra, the welcoming ceremony, and displays of military might. Plus, FFVII continues to blow us away with its presentation and complex themes on our way to Costa Del Sol.

The Nibelheim Incident in its original telling by Cloud Strife. Themes emerge more clearly surrounding memory, reliable narrators, the nature of magic, sympathetic villains, making choices in a crisis, and what gives you strength in moments of abject horror.

Our heroes infiltrate Shinra, learn about the Ancients, meet Red XIII, and walk the trail of blood in one of the more memorable segments of FFVII.

Cloud and Aerith infiltrate Wall Market, do a little cross dressing, find Tifa in a strange place and meet Don Corneo who reveals a larger conspiracy. Plus, the romantic elements of the story deepen.

In this episode, we make a promise to Tifa, meet Aerith Gainsborough and do a deep dive on her character, then begin to open up some of the deeper spiritual themes of Final Fantasy VII. Plus, more hints at Cloud's mysterious past, and a discussion on some of the ambiguous gender dynamic at play.

We dive into the complicated legacy of Barrett Wallace and begin to talk representation in FFVII. We also start to think about the consequences of the ecoterrorism and meet Tifa who hints at Cloud's past. 

We begin our conversation on Final Fantasy VII. Before we can get into the game, we have to take a look at everything surrounding it and set the stage for why this is one of the most-discussed video games of all time. Then, we have just enough time to break down its iconic intro.