What's the big deal? (spoilers)

[Sasquatch]

Alright, I'm getting kinda tired of this. Aeris. So she died. Big whoop. Who cares? Is it really that big of a deal? She had no personality, little development, and was terrible in battle. Was it really that bad to see her go? Why does everybody make a big deal out of it, like they were in tears when they saw it happen? Not only is it "just a game" (I know some people get deeply involved with the games, but still), she was an innocent character, and something bad had to happen to her, especially when she's stupid enough to go search for something all by herself.

And really, was it that surprising? C'mon now.

Nobody cries when General Leo dies.

[rubah]

The first time I had played the game, I had already heard what happened to her, and judging from people's thoughts, she seemed like the sweetest most angelic thing on earthX.x;

And then she wasn't, and I was surprised. But that makes her sorta cooler

[Legendary Caladbolg]

She's not bad in battle. You just probably don't know how to use her.

[Kawaii Ryûkishi]

The overall direction of the scenes preceding, including, and following the actually impalement were rather heartbreakingly artful. Or artfully heartbreaking. Her stillness as she's locked in prayer, Cloud twitchingly holding his sword over her head all possessed with that creepy mind-control music, the abruptness of Sephiroth falling out of nowhere and his sword plunging right through her body, the way her eyes go wide and her hair comes undone and the White Materia falls to the floor with a clink and that sentimental music starts just as it does, the way Cloud trembles as he holds her in his arms while Jenovaroth indifferently gloats, the battle with Jenova-LIFE with the music still playing and Cloud killing it in one turn with Meteorain and righteous anger (well, the way I play), the rest of the party's individual reactions to it all, with Red mournfully howling and Yuffie breaking down and Cait Sith trying to cheer Cloud up before bowing both his heads and waddling away... That's more than enough to bring a tear to someone's eye, man, especially in 1997.

[Chris]

It was just such a shock when it first happened.
I was so completely stunned; I never saw it coming, really, I think it's a shock-factor.

[Seal Evil]

She's not bad in battle. You just probably don't know how to use her.

Yeah, I agree.

& I thought it was very sad when she died.

Games are the same as movies. They're only movies, with actors, but still... when people die, it can be very upsetting. Especially when you've 'known' that character from the beginning.

[Captain Maxx Power]

Being somewhat of a heartless monster, I laughed when the sword nailed her for some unbenowst reason. Even now the thought of the event raises a smile. A different reaction to be sure, but still profound none-the-less.

[TurkSlayer]

I wasn't suprised at all. I mean, she leaves,and all her stuff is returned to you, so it was obvious (to me at least) that she wasn't coming back. I wasn't really upset when I saw her die, but I did find it a little sad (which i think was because of the music.) I didn't actually hate her the first time I played, just really didn't like her. It wasn't until I read all the ressurection rumors that I started to hate her. But no, I've never understood people who were so upset by her death.

[redxiiii]

I wish I remembered how I reacted to Aerie`s death, but it was so long ago, to be honest I think I didn`t really care,probably because I never really used her at all and she felt quite annoying.

[vg_freddy]

I do remember i wasn't playing actually, i was just in my bed in front of the TV, my brother was playing, and then i see how sephiroth gets his sword on her. I was like O_O surprised, i didn't thought this was gonna happen, i played first the FFIX and i thought that they'd be just a happy couple like garnet and zidane, but nooo! so bad, she was good in battle, at least in my game! XD

[TasteyPies]

Aeris was great in a support role. I missed her ability to heal.

[Delta]

And really, was it that surprising? C'mon now.

No it wasn't you see it on the back of the box .

[Chibi Angel]

Being somewhat of a heartless monster, I laughed when the sword nailed her for some unbenowst reason.

So did me and my sister, the first time, my other sister was horrified. Then my sister (the horrified one)kept getting killed by the boss right after that so she had to keep watching it over and over again.

[Gwelenguchenkus]

Aeris had the best limit breaks in the game, in my opinion. One of her limit breaks, she raises everyone else's limit gauge to full, making them deal tons of damage usually.

For her final limit break, she makes everyone invincible for a LONG time, and also healing them to full health so that they can take hits even after it wears off, but by then you'll have obliterated the enemies.

She has the best magic and spirit in the game by far, and a HUGE MP pool.

Aeris not useful? Hardly!

And you're telling me she had no personality? She had as much personality as anynoe else in the group, in fact up to the point where she dies, she is prety much considered one of the main characters.

Her death scene was beautifully executed, as ryukishi exclaims pretty well in his post. I know the graphics aren't fantastic, but for 1997 they were amazing.

[Dreddz]

I didnt really care
She was weak, but did have some good limits like heal
It was a shock that she died as she was the first FF main party character to die.