“He’s back and he’s not alone…”
When this ad hit gaming magazines in the late '90s, fans of Final Fantasy VII did a double-take — was that Cloud Strife holding his iconic Buster Sword… in a fighting game?
Yes. Yes, it was.
This unforgettable ad marked the launch of Ehrgeiz: God Bless the Ring, a 3D fighting game developed by DreamFactory and published by Squaresoft. While the game featured an original roster of combatants, its claim to fame was clear: beloved Final Fantasy VII characters were entering the arena. Cloud, Tifa, Sephiroth, Vincent, Yuffie, and Zack were all playable, and it was the first time fans could see them battle it out outside the RPG world.
🥊 What Made Ehrgeiz Stand Out?
🧬 Crossover Hype
Final Fantasy VII had become a cultural phenomenon. Seeing Cloud and crew in a fighting game was unexpected, exciting, and slightly surreal — and it worked. This wasn’t just fan service; it was an invitation to step back into the world of Midgar, now with high-octane punches and aerial combos.
🕹 Fast-Paced 3D Combat
Ehrgeiz was no clone. With multi-tiered arenas, explosive moves, and a dynamic camera, it delivered gameplay that was as intense as its bold character lineup.
🧩 Mini-Games & Extras
The ad proudly showcases more than just brawls. It promises “four different, challenging mini-games” — including a futuristic board game, obstacle courses, and even a tug-of-war-style sumo challenge. These added modes gave Ehrgeiz a unique, arcade-style twist that kept players coming back.
🗡 A Full RPG Dungeon Mode
In true Squaresoft fashion, the game also packed in a full-fledged RPG mode complete with randomly generated dungeons, loot, and progression systems. It was like getting a side game within the main game — a bold choice that solidified Ehrgeiz as more than a novelty.
Why This Ad Still Slaps
This ad screams late-’90s Squaresoft confidence. Big, bold characters. Heavy shadows. A dark tournament vibe. And of course, that irresistible line:
“He’s back and he’s not alone…”
It was a call to fans, a promise that the journey with Cloud and his allies wasn’t quite over. For many players, Ehrgeiz was their first taste of seeing Final Fantasy characters outside their original story — a concept that would eventually become the foundation for games like Kingdom Hearts and Dissidia.
Did you play Ehrgeiz back in the day? Were you shocked to see Cloud throw down in a wrestling ring instead of wielding magic materia? Share your memories in the comments — and as always, God Bless the Ring.
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