Final Fantasy 7 was a groundbreaking moment for PlayStation and Japanese RPGs. Although it was the seventh installment in the immensely popular franchise, Final Fantasy 7 was the first game in the series to be released on the PlayStation, and to feature 3D graphics rather than purely 2D sprites and design. Across the original game's 3 CD-ROMs, players were introduced to the city of Midgar, as well as several characters that soon became fan favorites. One of the most enduring of these characters was Tifa Lockhart.

Tifa has made several lists of best female characters in video games and continues to be popular among players and critics alike. She has a ton of standout moments, both in the original game and the Final Fantasy 7 Remake — moments that showcase her empathy, her humor, and her sheer badassery.

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Tifa Lockhart — Fighter, Friend, And Fierce Ally

Final Fantasy 7 Tifa

Tifa is a member of the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE, along with other characters like Barret, Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge. They pick up Cloud Strife — the enigmatic protagonist of Final Fantasy 7 — during the game's opening, and together they work to take down the ubiquitous power company Shinra and face down other formidable enemies. As well as being a crusader and integral part of this group, Tifa owns the 7th Heaven bar situated in the slums of Midgar.

Tifa can come across as reserved and shy, but she's observant and empathetic, always offering a helping hand to those in need. She often cautions restraint and encourages others to think things through before rushing to act, but Tifa can more than handle herself when it comes to a fight. When players use Tifa, she brings a fast, close-range fighting style to combat with martial arts moves that she can perform in a quick combo. Tifa is undoubtedly one of Square Enix's most popular characters, and it's not very hard to see why.

Tifa's Teenage Trauma

Sephiroth surrounded by flames in Final Fantasy VII

Through Cloud and Tifa's combined recollections, players of the original Final Fantasy 7 learn of the events of the Nibelheim Incident, a pivotal moment in establishing key characters' identities. During the event, Sephiroth – a war hero and famous member of SOLDIER – learns the truth behind his origins and destroys the village of Nibelheim, the hometown of both Cloud and Tifa. Sephiroth is one of the most iconic villains of the Final Fantasy series, with his flowing locks, unstable sanity, and ominous presence, he's a hard bad guy to forget.

In the ensuing violence, Sephiroth kills Tifa's father with his Masamune. Cloud discovers Tifa standing over her father's body, and sees as she takes the katana and attacks Sephiroth, fuelled by her anger and pain at the fate of her father. Seeing how Tifa fearlessly faced down a very powerful and skilled adversary while still only a young girl is as heartbreaking as it is admirable. The event sparks her hatred of both Shinra and the white-haired villain, and secures her future as a thorn in both of their sides.

Female Friendships For The Win

Tifa and Aerith from Final Fantasy VII Remake

Although the original game was still a hefty undertaking, the Final Fantasy 7 Remake has been expanded and split into a multi-part release. This allowed the developers at Square Enix to explore more aspects of its sprawling tale and engrossing world, including fleshing out several key character relationships. One of the most touching and arguably fan-service-orientated friendships is that of Tifa and Aerith.

Aerith is the last of an ancient and magical race called the Cetra, and is a rival for Cloud's affections along with his childhood friend Tifa. It would have been easy for the two strong female characters to just butt heads instead of working together, but the Final Fantasy 7 Remake features some fun and beautiful moments of female friendship.

From taking out a group of Corneo lackeys in full costume, to comforting each other in times of trouble, the Final Fantasy 7 Remake takes the opportunity to expand these interactions. One of the most touching moments was when Aerith promises to find Tifa's bar and take care of Marlene while Tifa heads off to take on Shinra, proving the strength of their friendship and Tifa's commitment to helping her friends and completing her mission.

Kicking Ass And Taking Names

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Screenshots Show Off Sephiroth, Aerith, and More

With her status as a motherly figure aside, Tifa is first and foremost a fighter with moves like Divekick. She's not afraid to stand up for what she believes in or take on enemies far more powerful than her. There are plenty of instances where Tifa's formidable martial arts skills are called on to take on adversary after adversary, or her no-nonsense interrogation skills are needed.

Players see this firsthand when she confronts the crime lord and ruler of the Wall Market district, Don Corneo. Although accompanied by Cloud and Aerith, it's Tifa that takes charge in this scene. She shows she's not someone to be taken lightly, and she isn't afraid to get graphic when it comes to describing the consequences. However, one of Tifa's most kick-ass moments is when she joins Barrett and Cloud in infiltrating Shinra's headquarters towards the end of the game in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake. This section of the game really tests the characters' resolve and resourcefulness, and lets Tifa show off her varied skill set.

Being A Hero Isn't About Keeping It All Inside

Tifa crying from Final Fantasy VII Remake

Like all the best characters in the Final Fantasy series, Tifa combines lots of different (and sometimes seemingly contrasting) traits that culminate in a complex and compelling depiction of a hero. She's tough and strong, but she also has a softer side. Tifa isn't afraid to let her feelings show, or to voice her doubts and issues. Sometimes one of the bravest things is to be vulnerable, and Tifa showcases this in the best way.

In a moment of quiet before their next mission, Tifa has a heart-to-heart with Cloud and tells him she feels "trapped" by AVALANCHE's upcoming mission to take down another reactor. Although the eco-terrorist group's aims are honorable, it's inevitable that their disruptive actions often lead to more immediate harm than good. Tifa's doubts and worries humanize her character and show how much she cares about those around her, as she worries about innocent lives getting hurt.

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Friendships That Stand The Test Of Time

final fantasy 7 remake tifa water tower stars square enix

In a scene that provides a pivotal moment for both Cloud and Tifa, Cloud states his intention to leave his childhood home of Nibelheim and pursue his dream of joining SOLDIER. Cloud tells Tifa of his resolve, and the sweet exchange between the two of them serves as a foundation for their future friendship and continued support of each other.

The scene in the original Final Fantasy 7 is short but sweet, and shows Tifa's belief in her friend, wondering if he'll make the headlines and become as famous as some of the other Shinra Soldiers. In both versions, she makes Cloud promise to come and save her if she's ever in trouble, and it becomes a touchpoint throughout both of the games to signal their childhood bond and the innocence they had in their youth. In each case, Tifa's unwavering belief in her friend is a testament to her loyalty and her heart.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake is available now for the PS4 and PS5.

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