For me seeing those blood stains in Midgar brought me chills on my first play through. The big ass marsh Midgar Zolom that had been easily staked by Sephiroth, yet wiped my party again and again was also an intimidating visual. Those things along with the fire filled flashback was also eerie and it helped set the tone for the guy, but by the time I got to know him he didn't live up to that hype and the initial fear he gave me.