Whispers are mysterious beings that appear in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the sequel to the 2020 remake of the classic RPG Final Fantasy 7. They are also known as the arbiters of fate, as they try to preserve the original timeline of the game and prevent any changes from happening. But who are they, and what is their role in the story? This article will explore the meaning and purpose of Whispers, their role in the game, and the controversy surrounding them.
The Meaning and Purpose of Whispers in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Whispers are like protective spirits created by the planet to save itself from destruction. They look like ghostly figures and make sure things happen the same as in the original game. Whenever someone tries to change what’s supposed to happen, Whispers show up and intervene.
Enforcement of destiny
The main purpose of Whispers is to enforce the destiny of the planet and its inhabitants. They want to keep the events of the original Final Fantasy 7 intact, as they believe that is the best outcome for the planet. They will attack anyone who tries to alter the course of history, such as Cloud and his friends, who have different memories and visions of the future.
Creation and appearance
Whispers are created by the planet’s will, which is also known as the Lifestream. The Lifestream is the source of all life and energy on the planet, and it flows through everything. Whispers are manifestations of the Lifestream’s desire to protect itself from threats, such as Sephiroth and Shinra.
Whispers appear as hooded figures that resemble Dementors from Harry Potter. They have different sizes and shapes, depending on their power and function. Some of them are small and swarm around, while others are large and boss-like. They can also merge together to form a giant Whisper called Harbinger, which is the ultimate arbiter of fate.
The Role of Whispers in the Game
Whispers play a significant role in the game, as they influence the events and actions of the characters. They have different functions and abilities, depending on their situation and goal.
Arbiters of fate
Whispers act as arbiters of fate, meaning they judge and decide the fate of the characters and the world. They can manipulate time and space, and create barriers and portals to transport themselves and others. They can also influence the minds and emotions of the characters, making them see visions or feel certain ways.
Protection of destiny
Whispers also act as protectors of destiny, meaning they try to prevent any changes from happening to the original timeline. They will appear and interfere whenever someone tries to do something different from what was supposed to happen. For example, they will stop Cloud from killing Reno in the church, or save Barret from being stabbed by Sephiroth in the Shinra building.
The Controversy Surrounding the Whispers
Whispers are a controversial addition to the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth series, as they change the original story and create a new timeline. Many fans have different opinions and theories about them, and some have criticized them for being unnecessary and confusing.
Fan theories
Many fans have speculated about the origin and nature of Whispers, and what they mean for the future of the series. Some of the popular fan theories are:
- Whispers are a result of Sephiroth’s manipulation of the Lifestream, as he tries to create a new timeline where he can win.
- Whispers are a result of Aerith’s connection to the Lifestream, as she tries to create a new timeline where she can survive.
- Whispers are a result of Cloud’s memories of the original game, as he tries to create a new timeline where he can save his friends.
- Whispers are a result of Zack’s survival, as he creates a new timeline where he can reunite with Cloud and Aerith.
Criticism
Some fans have criticized Whispers for being a cheap plot device and a way to justify the changes made to the original game. They argue that Whispers ruin the immersion and the suspense of the game, as they make the characters aware of their fate and the existence of other timelines. They also complain that Whispers are too vague and inconsistent, and that they create more questions than answers.
Conclusion
Whispers are a new and intriguing element in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, as they add a layer of mystery and complexity to the story. They are the planet’s guardians, who try to preserve the original timeline of the game and prevent any changes from happening. However, they also face resistance and opposition from the characters, who have different memories and visions of the future. Whispers are a source of controversy and speculation among fans, as they create a new timeline and change the original story. Whether Whispers are a good or bad thing for the game and the series is up to the players to decide.