Zack Fair: The Forgotten Hero of Final Fantasy VII

Introduction

Zack Fair. The name itself evokes a sense of bittersweet nostalgia among Final Fantasy VII fans. He is not the brooding, iconic figure of Cloud Strife, nor the enigmatic antagonist Sephiroth. Yet, in the tapestry of the Final Fantasy VII universe, Zack Fair is a thread of vibrant color, a testament to unwavering hope, and a profound embodiment of sacrifice. More than just a precursor to Cloud, Zack Fair is a hero in his own right, a character whose story, though tragic, resonates deeply with those who have experienced it. He represents the idealistic spirit of a SOLDIER, the unwavering loyalty of a friend, and the ultimate price paid for protecting what he held dear. This article will delve into Zack Fair’s character, his undeniable significance in the Final Fantasy VII saga, and explore why he remains a beloved, yet often overlooked, figure in gaming history.

Character Overview: Who Is Zack Fair?

Zack Fair is instantly recognizable by his spiky, dark hair, reminiscent of his protege Cloud, and his standard SOLDIER uniform. He is often portrayed with a confident grin and a youthful exuberance that belies the hardships he endures. At first glance, Zack embodies the archetypal hero: brave, determined, and always ready to lend a helping hand.

However, beneath this initially bright exterior lies a more complex individual. Zack Fair originates from Gongaga, a small village in the Final Fantasy VII world. He harbored grand dreams of becoming a SOLDIER, specifically aiming for First Class, the elite rank within Shinra’s military organization. His motivations were simple: to be a hero, to protect the innocent, and to leave his mark on the world. He is depicted as incredibly loyal to his friends, particularly his mentor Angeal Hewley and, later, Cloud Strife.

While Zack presents a cheerful and optimistic facade, his journey reveals moments of doubt, fear, and profound sadness. He grapples with the moral complexities of Shinra’s actions, questions the nature of heroism, and suffers immense loss throughout his life. These experiences shape him, transforming him from a naive recruit into a seasoned warrior with a strong sense of justice. It’s this evolution that truly defines Zack Fair as a compelling and memorable character.

Zack’s Role in the Final Fantasy VII Narrative

The true extent of Zack Fair’s story is primarily explored in Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, a prequel that focuses entirely on his experiences. Here, we witness his rise through the ranks of SOLDIER, his close bond with Angeal, and his involvement in the unraveling conspiracies within Shinra Electric Power Company.

Key events in Crisis Core define Zack’s character arc. His relationship with Angeal is central, as he learns about the darker side of SOLDIER and the burden of legacy. The emergence of Genesis Rhapsodos, another SOLDIER plagued by genetic degradation, throws Zack into a web of intrigue and ultimately leads him to question everything he thought he knew about his organization.

The Nibelheim incident serves as a pivotal point in Zack’s life. He accompanies Sephiroth, a legendary SOLDIER, to Cloud’s hometown of Nibelheim. During a mission at the local Mako Reactor, Sephiroth learns about his origins and descends into madness, setting fire to the town and battling Zack. This confrontation leaves Zack injured but alive.

Following the Nibelheim incident, both Zack and Cloud are subjected to horrific experiments by Professor Hojo, which are only revealed throughout Crisis Core. For years, they are subjected to Mako infusion and Jenova cells, rendering Cloud catatonic and Zack heavily weakened. This is where Zack takes on his most important role, saving Cloud, and escaping Shinra’s clutches.

The Crucial Relationship with Cloud Strife

Zack’s relationship with Cloud Strife is at the heart of his legacy. After the Nibelheim incident and the subsequent experiments, Zack becomes Cloud’s protector. He helps Cloud escape the Shinra mansion and embarks on a journey to reach Midgar. During this time, as Cloud remains in a mostly unresponsive state, Zack shares his dreams and aspirations with him.

Unbeknownst to Cloud, he is unintentionally absorbing elements of Zack’s personality, memories, and even fighting style. Cloud, being exposed to Jenova cells, and the traumatic events, Cloud’s mind essentially rewrites itself, merging his own identity with aspects of Zack’s. This leads to Cloud’s initial distorted perception of himself as a First Class SOLDIER in the main Final Fantasy VII game.

The tragedy lies in the fact that Zack’s selflessness ultimately contributes to Cloud’s confusion and the challenges he faces in accepting his own identity. However, Zack’s influence also empowers Cloud, granting him the strength and determination to fight for what he believes in.

The Tragedy and Sacrifice of Zack Fair

After years of evading capture, Zack and Cloud are ambushed by Shinra forces just outside of Midgar. Despite being outnumbered and weakened from the experiments, Zack valiantly fights to protect Cloud, who is still largely unresponsive.

This final battle is a heart-wrenching moment in gaming history. Zack, knowing his end is near, entrusts the Buster Sword, a symbol of his and Angeal’s legacy, to Cloud. His last words, “Enjoy your life… for both of us,” encapsulate the selfless nature of his sacrifice.

Zack Fair’s death is not merely a plot device; it’s a profound moment of loss that shapes the entire Final Fantasy VII narrative. It underscores the themes of memory, identity, and the consequences of war. His sacrifice provides the foundation for Cloud’s journey, while simultaneously highlighting the tragedy of a hero whose contributions are initially unknown to the world.

Zack Fair: A Symbol of Hope and Resilience

Despite his tragic end, Zack Fair embodies hope and resilience. He never loses his optimism, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. His unwavering belief in justice and his dedication to protecting others serve as an inspiration.

Zack’s story reminds us that even in the darkest of times, hope can endure. He represents the power of friendship, the importance of fighting for what you believe in, and the enduring legacy of a hero who gave everything for the sake of others.

Zack’s Enduring Legacy

The revelation of Zack Fair’s existence profoundly impacts Cloud’s journey in Final Fantasy VII. As Cloud gradually recovers his true memories, he comes to terms with Zack’s sacrifice and his own fragmented identity. He starts to honour Zack’s memory by becoming the hero Zack envisioned him to be.

Zack’s influence extends beyond Cloud, shaping the overarching themes of the game. He represents the human cost of Shinra’s ambitions and the importance of remembering those who were lost in the pursuit of power.

In subsequent Final Fantasy VII media, such as Dirge of Cerberus, Zack’s legacy is further explored. He becomes a symbol of hope and redemption, reminding players of the sacrifices made to protect the planet.

The Final Fantasy VII Remake project has renewed interest in Zack Fair, altering the timeline to create the possibility of Zack’s survival. This possibility has ignited a fire among Final Fantasy fans, leading to endless theories on how his presence in the narrative will play out.

Zack is a fan favourite character, due to his bright, fun-loving attitude, which is a stark contrast to the more somber attitude of Cloud.

The Future of Zack Fair

The ongoing Final Fantasy VII Remake project has opened up exciting possibilities for Zack Fair. The ending of Final Fantasy VII Remake hints at a diverging timeline where Zack may have survived his final battle.

It remains to be seen how Zack’s potential return will affect the story of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and beyond. Some speculate that he will become a key ally to Cloud, while others fear that his presence could create further confusion and conflict. Regardless of his role, Zack Fair’s continued involvement in the Final Fantasy VII universe is sure to be a significant and emotional experience for fans. It will be interesting to see if him living through the event will change the storyline completely.

Conclusion

Zack Fair’s tale is not merely a backstory; it’s an essential component of the Final Fantasy VII experience. He’s a reminder that heroism isn’t always about grand gestures or public recognition, but about selflessness and the courage to protect others, no matter the cost. Zack Fair remains a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. He may be a forgotten hero to some, but his legacy continues to resonate, reminding us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, sacrifice and the unwavering belief in a better tomorrow can leave an indelible mark on the world. Zack Fair is not just a character; he is a symbol of everything that makes Final Fantasy VII a timeless masterpiece.