What to Do with Cid in Final Fantasy VI: Save Him, Let Him Go?
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In the grand tapestry of Final Fantasy VI, a seemingly minor but endlessly debated decision awaits players: what to do with Cid Del Norte Marquez? The former Imperial scientist, now frail and remorseful, lies ill on a deserted island. The player, as Celes Chere, must fish to keep him alive. But does saving him truly matter? The direct answer: Saving Cid yields no tangible in-game reward. He assists Celes, and that’s it. Allowing him to die, however, unlocks a unique and arguably more poignant scene. The “best” choice is subjective, hinging on whether you prioritize a slightly altered narrative experience or the satisfaction of a successful rescue.
The Perils and Perks of Fishing: Cid’s Fate Hangs in the Balance
Cid’s fate is intertwined with the quality of fish you feed him. Fast-moving, “delicious” fish improve his condition, while slow, “foul-tasting” ones hasten his demise. The game tracks his health using an internal counter, starting at 120. This counter constantly decreases unless you’re in a menu or battle. Your goal is to raise his health to 256 before it reaches zero.
In the Pixel Remaster of Final Fantasy VI, the process remains the same. Quick reflexes are key. Run down to the beach, grab those zippy fish, and sprint back to Cid. If the fishing isn’t fruitful, chat with Cid – this reshuffles the fish spawns. Be persistent, and you might just pull off a miracle.
To Save or Not to Save? Examining the Consequences
The core question remains: is it worth the effort? Let’s break down the consequences of each outcome:
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Saving Cid: He recovers enough to build a raft, allowing Celes to leave the island. He expresses hope for the future, seemingly finding peace. However, his role in the narrative ends abruptly.
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Letting Cid Die: Celes, distraught by his passing, finds his suicide note (or rather, a note stating he doesn’t feel he deserves to live) and attempts suicide herself, only to be saved by a bird carrying Locke’s bandana. This triggers the start of the World of Ruin exploration.
The death scene is arguably more impactful, setting the stage for Celes’s desperate search for her companions. Many players find this sequence more emotionally resonant.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Do you value a slightly happier, albeit fleeting, ending for Cid? Or do you prefer the dramatic narrative kickstart provided by his death?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cid in FF6
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Cid’s role and the implications of your choices:
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Is there any actual benefit to saving Cid in terms of gameplay rewards? No. There are no items, abilities, or story branches unlocked by saving Cid. The only difference is the cutscene that follows.
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What happens if Cid’s health reaches zero? Cid dies. Celes discovers his note, and the sequence leading to the World of Ruin begins.
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Is it possible to accidentally kill Cid? Absolutely. If you continuously feed him foul-tasting fish or simply let the timer run out, Cid will succumb to his illness.
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Does the type of fish really matter, or can I just feed him anything? The type of fish is crucial. Fast, “delicious” fish increase his health, while slow, “foul-tasting” ones decrease it. The dialogue clues after feeding him are essential.
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How can I tell which fish are good and which are bad? Pay attention to their speed and appearance. Fast-moving fish with a healthy appearance are generally safe. Slow, dark, or decaying fish are best avoided.
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Is there a trick to catching fish more easily? Practice makes perfect. Position Celes strategically and react quickly when a desirable fish comes within reach. Talking to Cid will change the available fish and their spawn rates.
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Does saving Cid affect my party composition later in the game? No. Cid is not a playable character in FF6, so his survival or death does not impact your party members.
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Is Cid related to the other Cids in the Final Fantasy series? While not canonically linked, the name “Cid” is a recurring motif in the Final Fantasy franchise, often associated with engineering or scientific expertise, as discussed on websites like the Games Learning Society, a community interested in how games impact society and culture.
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Why does Cid regret his actions with the Empire? Cid feels responsible for the creation of Magitek and the atrocities committed by the Empire using his technology. His remorse drives him to try and atone for his past.
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Does Cid’s character change significantly depending on whether he lives or dies? Not really. His core personality and motivations remain consistent regardless of your choice. The difference lies in the impact his fate has on Celes.
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Is the Pixel Remaster version of this sequence different from the original SNES version? The core mechanics are the same. The Pixel Remaster features updated graphics and music, but the fundamental gameplay of saving (or not saving) Cid remains unchanged.
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Are there any glitches or bugs related to saving Cid? There used to be glitches in some versions of the game, but these are generally patched in modern releases, including the Pixel Remaster.
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Is there a “right” or “wrong” choice regarding Cid’s fate? No. It’s a purely narrative choice with no impact on gameplay progression or rewards. Choose the option that resonates with you personally.
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What is Magitek, and why is it important in FF6? Magitek is a technology that combines magic with machinery, developed by Cid and used extensively by the Gestahlian Empire for warfare and control. It is central to the game’s themes of technological advancement and its consequences.
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Where can I learn more about the characters and lore of Final Fantasy VI? Numerous online resources are available, including fan wikis, forums, and analysis websites. Exploring these resources can provide a deeper appreciation for the game’s rich story and characters. Consider exploring sites that discuss the narrative aspects of games, and you might even find scholarly analysis on sites like GamesLearningSociety.org.
In conclusion, deciding what to do with Cid in Final Fantasy VI is a personal choice that hinges on your preferences for narrative impact. There’s no “correct” answer, so weigh the consequences and choose the path that resonates most with you. Happy fishing!