Introduction:
Final Fantasy is one of the most iconic gaming franchises of all time, and the series’ characters have been immortalized in countless forms of merchandise. One of the most popular collectibles in recent years has been figures, with various companies releasing highly detailed and accurate models of Final Fantasy characters. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at one of these figures – the Final Fantasy Cloud figure.
1. The Backstory of Cloud Strife
Cloud Strife is the main protagonist of Final Fantasy VII, arguably the most beloved game in the entire series. The game takes place in a dystopian world called Gaia, where corporations have seized control of everything from the environment to the economy. Cloud starts off as a mercenary hired by a group of rebels who are fighting against the Shinra Corporation. Throughout the game, he uncovers a larger conspiracy involving the planet itself and ultimately teams up with a cast of memorable characters to take down the ultimate villain – Sephiroth.
2. The Design of the Figure
The Final Fantasy Cloud figure seeks to capture the essence of the character both visually and aesthetically. The figure is designed and produced by Square Enix, the same company behind the video game series. The first thing that stands out about the figure is its size – it measures in at around 10 inches tall. The sculptor of the figure, Masaki Asai, has done an incredible job in recreating Cloud’s iconic design. Cloud is seen here in his classic outfit, complete with his buster sword that measures at about 6 inches long. The figure also features some of the most intricate and detailed paintwork seen on a figure with each strand of his hair seamlessly blending into one another. His light blue eyes detail his serious expression and the shading on his clothing come together to provide a perfect representation of the character’s existence.
3. The Quality of the Figure
One of the things that sets the Final Fantasy Cloud figure apart from so many other figures on the market is its incredibly high quality. Every aspect of the figure – from the sculpting to the paintwork to the articulation – is done with extreme care and attention to detail. The build quality is excellent, with no loose or wobbly parts that might make the figure difficult to pose. Additionally, the figure is highly articulated, meaning that it can be posed in a variety of different ways. The weapons are also exceptionally detailed, and combining Cloud with the included base, it becomes possible to recreate his iconic battle poses from the game.
4. The Cost and Accessibility of the Figure
The Final Fantasy Cloud figure is an officially licensed product, which means that it can only be purchased from official merchandise retailers. It can also be found on some sites like Amazon and eBay at times. With a retail price of around $150, it is definitely not cheap, but it’s still within reason for a figure of this size and quality. While it may be out of reach for some fans, it is important to remember that this level of craftsmanship doesn’t come cheap.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Final Fantasy Cloud figure is undoubtedly one of the best representations of the iconic character available today. The combination of high-quality materials, intricate design, and attention to detail make it a must-have for any fan of the series, but also a great choice for anyone interested in collecting action figures more generally. While the price tag may be steep for some, it is well worth the investment for those looking to add a piece of Final Fantasy history to their collection.
