The Myth, the Legend, the Buster Sword: Why is Cloud’s Sword So Big?
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Cloud Strife’s Buster Sword from Final Fantasy VII is iconic, instantly recognizable, and undeniably huge. The simple answer to why it’s so big is that it’s a deliberate design choice to reflect the game’s themes of overwhelming odds, heroic scale, and exaggerated proportions. Functionally, it has little grounding in realistic sword design. Instead, it’s a visual shorthand for Cloud’s internal struggles, his borrowed identity, and the immense responsibility he carries. The sword’s size emphasizes his role as a larger-than-life hero battling forces beyond comprehension. It serves as a constant reminder of Angeal Hewley, its original owner and a symbol of lost honor and duty. In essence, the Buster Sword’s size is a narrative device, enhancing the game’s story and Cloud’s character arc.
Decoding the Colossus: A Deeper Dive into the Buster Sword
The Buster Sword isn’t just big; it’s almost comically impractical. But that’s the point. To understand its significance, we need to consider its history, its symbolism, and the wider context of the Final Fantasy VII universe.
Origins and Inheritance
The Buster Sword didn’t originate with Cloud. It was originally wielded by Angeal Hewley, a 1st Class SOLDIER and mentor to Zack Fair. Zack, in turn, carried the sword before entrusting it to Cloud. This inheritance is crucial. The sword represents a lineage of heroic figures, each facing impossible challenges. Its size is a testament to their strength, both physical and emotional. It also underscores the burden of legacy that Cloud inherits. He’s not just wielding a weapon; he’s carrying the weight of expectations and memories.
Symbolism and Metaphor
The sheer size of the Buster Sword is a powerful symbol. It represents the overwhelming scale of the challenges Cloud faces. He’s fighting against powerful corporations, genetically engineered super-soldiers, and ultimately, a god-like being bent on destroying the planet. The sword’s size mirrors the immensity of these threats.
Furthermore, the sword can be seen as a metaphor for Cloud’s own internal struggles. He grapples with his identity, his memories, and his place in the world. The sword’s unwieldiness reflects the difficulty he has in coming to terms with his past and forging his own path.
The Aesthetics of Excess
Final Fantasy VII, like many Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs), embraces exaggerated character designs and weaponry. This aesthetic choice isn’t accidental. It contributes to the game’s sense of fantasy and wonder. The Buster Sword fits perfectly within this visual language, adding to the game’s overall impact and memorability. The visual design of Final Fantasy VII is a major part of its lasting legacy.
The Weight of Expectation
The sword, for all its fantastical properties, carries a significant weight – both literally and figuratively. Joey Roper from Vsauce3 estimated that a real-life version of the Buster Sword could weigh between 20 and 60 pounds depending on the materials used. While this is a hypothetical calculation, it highlights the immense physical strength required to wield such a weapon effectively.
However, the psychological weight is arguably more important. Cloud is constantly reminded of the heroes who came before him, and the responsibility to live up to their example. The Buster Sword serves as a tangible reminder of this burden.
Why the Size Matters
Ultimately, the Buster Sword’s size is a narrative tool. It amplifies the story, enhances the character development, and contributes to the overall impact of Final Fantasy VII. It’s a bold design choice that speaks to the ambition and creativity of the game’s creators.
The game’s creators continue to inspire new ways of understanding complex narratives in video games, which is something the Games Learning Society explores with interest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions related to Cloud’s Buster Sword and its significance within the Final Fantasy VII universe:
How big is Cloud’s sword?
From tip to handle, the Buster Sword is approximately five to six feet long, with a single-edged large blade approximately one foot wide.
Why does Cloud’s Buster Sword look different in Advent Children and Crisis Core compared to the original Final Fantasy VII?
The Buster Sword’s design has evolved over different iterations of the Final Fantasy VII franchise. The Remake’s design harkens back to the original, while Advent Children and Crisis Core feature a slightly different look. The reasoning behind these changes are artistic choices.
How heavy would Cloud’s sword be in real life?
Estimates vary, but depending on the material used, a real-life Buster Sword could weigh anywhere from 20 pounds (using a zinc-aluminum alloy) to 60 pounds (using high-carbon steel).
Why did Cloud change his sword in the Story Mode for the PlayStation 4 version?
In the Story Mode for the PlayStation 4 version, Cloud wields the Fusion Sword, likely because the story takes place during the events of Advent Children.
Did Berserk inspire Cloud’s sword?
Many believe that the anime and manga Berserk, with its protagonist Guts and his massive sword, the Dragonslayer, heavily influenced the design of large swords in anime and JRPGs, including the Buster Sword.
How big is Guts’ Dragonslayer sword?
Based on comparisons to Guts’ height, the Dragonslayer is estimated to be between 60 to 72 inches (150 to 182 centimeters) long.
Why does no one recognize the Buster Sword?
While the Buster Sword was once wielded by Angeal and Zack, they weren’t considered highly famous soldiers, remaining largely in Sephiroth’s shadow. Furthermore, personnel changes within Shinra likely led to lower-ranking soldiers being unfamiliar with the weapon.
Is Cloud as strong as Sephiroth?
Sephiroth is generally considered stronger than Cloud, both physically and magically. However, Cloud’s determination and the support of his allies allow him to overcome Sephiroth’s superior power.
Why does Cloud’s sword have bandages?
The bandages are likely used to hold pieces of the Fusion Sword together, especially in Advent Children when Cloud uses it in its divided form.
Whose sword was heaviest in real life?
King Maharana Pratap of India is known for wielding a pair of 25 kg swords, making them the heaviest swords known to have existed historically.
How tall is Cloud?
Cloud Strife is 5’7″ (173 cm) tall.
Is Zack older than Cloud?
Zack is slightly older than Cloud, around 23 years old, and is one of the taller characters in the game, standing at around 6’2″.
Is Cloud a failed clone?
Cloud is considered a “failed copy” of Sephiroth, retaining some degree of his own sense of self while being influenced by Sephiroth’s will.
Why does Cloud hallucinate Sephiroth?
Cloud’s hallucinations of Sephiroth are a result of being injected with Jenova cells, allowing Sephiroth to exert his influence and control over him.
Why does Sephiroth call Cloud a puppet?
Sephiroth calls Cloud a puppet because he is manipulating Cloud through his will and the power of his mind, essentially using Cloud to carry out his plans.
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