The cinematic masterpiece that is [movie title].
Speedrunners of the original game released in 1997 have unearthed a peculiar yet significant finding that has piqued the interest of both avid fans and casual players alike. After exploiting specific in-game mechanics, players may successfully navigate Aerith to remain with their party even beyond her predetermined demise. As Sephiroth’s blade falls, she’ll witness her own climactic demise, a notorious homicide that unfolds before her very eyes, leaving her clinging to life in desperation.
The discovery of this speedrunning breakthrough was a testament to collaborative effort, with AceZephyr and Kuma being the two speedrunners whose contributions were most frequently acknowledged. The new skip builds on data from a previously discovered speedrun tactic known as the Kalm skip, which, implied by its name, enables players to bypass an in-game area called Kalm. The game’s open-world design enables players to navigate diverse landscapes and exploit subtle routes, allowing them to reach previously inaccessible areas by walking in specific patterns. The discovery of alternative pathways has led to the identification of novel skips, exemplified by a recent proof-of-concept video presented by Kuma, as well as a concise demonstration by AceZephyr. This breakthrough showcases Cloud’s remarkable traversal through water in an engaging display. Ultimately, this new shortcut enables speedrunners to travel directly from Midgar to the sprawling Metropolis of the Ancients, potentially trimming up to two hours from their speedrun times.
While speedrunning techniques may seem obscure, a notable exception is the accessible YouTube video by 4-8Productions, which effectively demystifies these concepts.
What makes this video’s take on the topic of speedrunning particularly amusing is its lighthearted treatment of avoiding Aerith’s death as a mere incidental byproduct of the skip. Ultimately, speedrunners aim to uncover exploits and strategies that enable them to navigate the game at an unprecedented pace. Whether Aerith joins in or not is ultimately of secondary importance.
Given that Aerith’s death is a pivotal moment in the narrative, it’s crucial to acknowledge the emotional impact on her character; therefore, the notion that she’s “being saved” might be an oversimplification – ? While you might typically play through the rest of the game accompanied by Aerith, fighting beside you as well? To efficiently complete the game without wasting time on repetitive battles, one strategy is to employ a combination of tactics, including exploiting the soft-lock feature when engaging in combat with Aerith and leveraging various methods for skipping random encounters. So, this isn’t exactly the “save Aerith” scenario fans had long assumed was feasible for many years following its initial release. While it may hold limited appeal for some, its significance is undeniable, offering a massive breakthrough with far-reaching implications for the speedrunning community and beyond.
