Cloud Strife (Dissidia NT)

Cloud Strife is a Warrior of Materia in Dissidia Final Fantasy NT and its arcade version, representing Final Fantasy VII. He is a Vanguard-type character. Cloud returns from his original appearance in the 2008 Dissidia Final Fantasy and Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy, in which he had a similar combat style.
Cloud's default player name is Nameless Soldier. His manikin counterpart has been renamed Ethereal Mercenary, and now resembles his Cloudy Wolf attire.
== Profile ==
=== Appearance ===
Cloud's default attire, "Ex-SOLDIER Op", is an updated version of his default attire from Final Fantasy VII, though his clothing is now darker. Its first alternate coloration is black with a black-and-white shoulder pauldron, based on the 1st Class SOLDIER uniforms in Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-. The second alternate coloration is purple, more closely resembling his attire in the original Final Fantasy VII.
Cloud's first alternate costume is "Cloudy Wolf". This is an updated version of his "Cloudy Wolf" attire from the PSP Dissidia games, based on his attire in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, and is Cloud's main attire in the story of Dissidia Final Fantasy NT. Its first alternate coloration colors his shirt blue, and his leg cloth gains a camouflage pattern. The second alternate coloration colors his shirt purple, and his leg cloth gains a Fenrir emblem pattern.
His second alternate costume is the "Sky-Soarer", an updated version of his "Kingdom Hearts Gear" attire from Dissidia 012 and the first Kingdom Hearts, where he wears Vincent Valentine's red mantle and bronzed gauntlet over his SOLDIER fatigues, and possesses a black demonic wing on his left side. The outfit has gained a metal plate in three segments over his right hip, with the segments from the top being bronze, gold, and silver. The first alternate coloration recolors his mantle green, his SOLDIER fatigues brighter purple, and his wing brown. The second recolors his mantle black, his SOLDIER fatigues gray, and his wing white.
DFFNT Cloud Costume 01-A.png|Ex-SOLDIER Op, 1st class I.
DFFNT Cloud Costume 01-B.png|Ex-SOLDIER Op, 1st class II.
DFFNT Cloud Costume 01-C.png|Ex-SOLDIER Op, 1st class III.
DFF2015 Cloud 2nd Form.png|Cloudy Wolf I.
DFF2015 Cloudy Wolf B.png|Cloudy Wolf II.
DFF2015 Cloudy Wolf C.png|Cloudy Wolf III.
DFFNT Cloud's Kingdom Hearts Costume A.png|Sky-Soarer I.
DFFNT Cloud's Kingdom Hearts Costume B.png|Sky-Soarer II.
DFFNT Cloud's Kingdom Hearts Costume C.png|Sky-Soarer III.
=== Personality ===
Due to regaining his memories, Cloud's personality is now based on his true personality after the events of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. While he is still reserved and stoic, he makes quips with Bartz and is more confident in himself. He has a fondness of the gods world enough to yield a crystal.
===Equipment===
Cloud equips greatswords. Nearly all of his weapons can be equipped by him in the original Final Fantasy VII, with two exceptions being the Fusion Sword from Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, and the Kingdom Hearts version of the Buster Sword. 
His default weapon is the Buster Sword, his iconic weapon from Final Fantasy VII, using the original design. Cloud's first alternate weapon is the Hardedge, which is considerably larger than the original appearance and is equal in size to the Buster Sword, retaining its inscribed kanji from its official art. His second alternate weapon is the Fusion Sword, originally from Advent Children, and Cloud's main weapon in the story of Dissidia Final Fantasy NT. His third alternate weapon is the Force Stealer, designed with a more mechanical and sleeked look, particularly the steel-jointed hinge wings crossguard. This blade is thinner with a symmetrical beveled grove pattern, and has a small red orb imitating materia in the base. The fourth alternate weapon is the Organyx which, like the Force Stealer, is more mechanical and industrial in design, making it out to be a composite constructed weapon. The main blade is now a simple steel silver, thicker and with a smaller triangular gap on the blunt side fastened into an L-pattern slot and held in place with bolts and rivets on a track slide marking the rim of the mouth of the base section. The golden guard on the base section has a large bolt centerpiece that appears to hold the blade's tang in place with the handle. Cloud's fifth alternate weapon, the Buster Sword (KH), is based on the Kingdom Hearts variation of the iconic sword, in which the weapon is wrapped in bandages. 
Cloud also has a bonus alternate weapon, the Nail Bat, available to players who pre-ordered or purchased the "Day One Edition". Its design has being updated from its original appearance.
Dissidia2015BusterSword.png|Cloud's Buster Sword.
Dissidia2015Hardedge.png|Cloud's Hardedge.
DFF2015 Force Stealer Cloud.png|Cloud's Force Stealer.
DFFNT Fusion Sword Cloud.png|Cloud's Fusion Sword
DFF2015 Cloud's Organics.png|Cloud's Organyx.
DFFNT Cloud's Buster Sword (KH).png|Cloud's Buster Sword (KH).
DFFNT Nail Bat Cloud.png|Cloud's Nail Bat.
== Story ==
Cloud is summoned as a warrior of Materia to fight in the new war. At Materia's tower, Cloud and the other champions are informed that they must fight each other to produce enough energy to sustain the existence of World B. After their meeting is interrupted by Spiritus, Materia orders her champions to fight his forces.
Cloud sets off alone to find Bartz, as he was absent during their meeting with the goddess. Traveling to the Interdimensional Rift, Cloud saves Bartz from Sephiroth's ambush while the latter was distracted by his fight with Exdeath. The four battle until planesgorgers arrive to devour the realm. Before they retreat, Sephiroth tells Cloud that both parties' goals will eventually align. Fazed by his warning, Cloud and Bartz fall through a portal that appears beneath them.
Arriving in an illusion Eden gateway, Cloud and Bartz properly reunite and reveal that they each hold memories of both their homeworld and the previous cycles. As they return to Materia's tower, Cloud briefs Bartz on Materia's identity and the reason they were summoned back to World B. As the pair ends up lost, they decide to wait in Alexandria for help just as Shantotto drops from another portal. Cloud enlists her assistance to return to Materia's domain. As Bartz does not recognize Shantotto from the previous cycles, Cloud explains she is their new ally. As they depart the area, Cloud realizes that if they eliminate Spiritus as they did with Chaos, they could end the new conflict, but does not voice his opinion, much to Bartz's confusion.
At Materia's tower, Cloud introduces Bartz to her and informs her of the planesgorgers' presence. Cloud is taken aback when she asks why her champions do not simply excise them. Shantotto steps in and opens communications with Spiritus. After being informed of the situation, the heroes and antagonists agree to stage a battle against each other to lure out Shinryu, the true cause for the loss of energy in World B. In the ensuing fight, Cloud and Bartz come to Squall's aid who is being attacked by Jecht and Golbez. Cloud protects Squall when Golbez sends a barrage of flying rocks at him before directly engaging him. Once the battle energy summons Shinryu, Cloud participates in a joint attack against the dragon, but is repelled as Shinryu reveals his true form in a potent burst of power. Once the warriors regain their composure, they work together to defeat Shinryu.
The moogles give Cloud a crystal to host his memories for Materia to use in the new cycles of wars. With a crystal doppelgänger of himself to serve on Materia's behalf, Cloud is sent home.
== Gameplay ==
:Type: Vanguard - Most of Cloud's skills can be charged up to two extra levels by holding down the skill button, and charging can be canceled by sidestepping.
Cloud has a moveset consisting of simple but powerful sword blows that deal heavy damage and can easily slam opponents into walls and floors to set up for combos. He can charge his attacks for greater power and easily build up Bravery to land a powerful HP attack. As in the original Dissidia games, Cloud moves and attacks slowly to make up for his great powerful, and his moves have a fair bit of start-up to them that is heightened if he takes time to charge them. He also remains a melee-focused character and his ranged options are limited.
=== Abilities ===
Move	Damage 	Input 	Type 	Power 	Frame Data 	Image
 	Bravery 	 	Ground 	 	 	
 	Pummel your foe with three consecutive blows of your sword. (Hold to charge) 	Pummel your foe with three consecutive blows of your sword. (Hold to charge) 	Pummel your foe with three consecutive blows of your sword. (Hold to charge) 	Pummel your foe with three consecutive blows of your sword. (Hold to charge) 	Pummel your foe with three consecutive blows of your sword. (Hold to charge) 	
 	Bravery 	 	Ground 	 	 	
 	Charge your opponent, knocking them into the air, then finish them with a downward slice. (Hold to charge) 	Charge your opponent, knocking them into the air, then finish them with a downward slice. (Hold to charge) 	Charge your opponent, knocking them into the air, then finish them with a downward slice. (Hold to charge) 	Charge your opponent, knocking them into the air, then finish them with a downward slice. (Hold to charge) 	Charge your opponent, knocking them into the air, then finish them with a downward slice. (Hold to charge) 	
 	Bravery 	 	Ground 	 	 	
 	Plunge your sword into the ground and cause a damaging shockwave. Charging fully will cause the shockwave to travel further. 	Plunge your sword into the ground and cause a damaging shockwave. Charging fully will cause the shockwave to travel further. 	Plunge your sword into the ground and cause a damaging shockwave. Charging fully will cause the shockwave to travel further. 	Plunge your sword into the ground and cause a damaging shockwave. Charging fully will cause the shockwave to travel further. 	Plunge your sword into the ground and cause a damaging shockwave. Charging fully will cause the shockwave to travel further. 	
 	Bravery 	 	Aerial 	 	 	
 	Pummel your foe with three consecutive blows of your sword. (Hold to charge) 	Pummel your foe with three consecutive blows of your sword. (Hold to charge) 	Pummel your foe with three consecutive blows of your sword. (Hold to charge) 	Pummel your foe with three consecutive blows of your sword. (Hold to charge) 	Pummel your foe with three consecutive blows of your sword. (Hold to charge) 	
 	Bravery 	 	Aerial 	 	 	
 	Plunge your sword into the earth from the air and cause a shockwave upon landing. (Hold to charge) 	Plunge your sword into the earth from the air and cause a shockwave upon landing. (Hold to charge) 	Plunge your sword into the earth from the air and cause a shockwave upon landing. (Hold to charge) 	Plunge your sword into the earth from the air and cause a shockwave upon landing. (Hold to charge) 	Plunge your sword into the earth from the air and cause a shockwave upon landing. (Hold to charge) 	
 	Bravery 	 	Aerial 	 	 	
 	Generate a massive tornado that moves through enemies. (Hold to charge) 	Generate a massive tornado that moves through enemies. (Hold to charge) 	Generate a massive tornado that moves through enemies. (Hold to charge) 	Generate a massive tornado that moves through enemies. (Hold to charge) 	Generate a massive tornado that moves through enemies. (Hold to charge) 	
 	Bravery 	 	Dash 	 	 	
 	Charge forward while performing a whirlwind of blows. 	Charge forward while performing a whirlwind of blows. 	Charge forward while performing a whirlwind of blows. 	Charge forward while performing a whirlwind of blows. 	Charge forward while performing a whirlwind of blows. 	
 	HP 	 	- 	 	 	
 	Carve into your opponents with three powerful strikes. (Hold to charge) 	Carve into your opponents with three powerful strikes. (Hold to charge) 	Carve into your opponents with three powerful strikes. (Hold to charge) 	Carve into your opponents with three powerful strikes. (Hold to charge) 	Carve into your opponents with three powerful strikes. (Hold to charge) 	
 	HP 	 	- 	 	 	
 	Send meteors barreling toward distant foes. Charging increases range. 	Send meteors barreling toward distant foes. Charging increases range. 	Send meteors barreling toward distant foes. Charging increases range. 	Send meteors barreling toward distant foes. Charging increases range. 	Send meteors barreling toward distant foes. Charging increases range. 	
 	HP 	 	- 	 	 	
 	Release three successive blasts of varying magical affinities at the target's position after a long charge time. The move will not activate if you stop during the charging process. 	Release three successive blasts of varying magical affinities at the target's position after a long charge time. The move will not activate if you stop during the charging process. 	Release three successive blasts of varying magical affinities at the target's position after a long charge time. The move will not activate if you stop during the charging process. 	Release three successive blasts of varying magical affinities at the target's position after a long charge time. The move will not activate if you stop during the charging process. 	Release three successive blasts of varying magical affinities at the target's position after a long charge time. The move will not activate if you stop during the charging process. 	
 	HP 	 	- 	 	 	
 	Unleash a flurry of blows that finishes with an overhead strike. Limit Break increases range and number of attacks, as well as makes you invincible from the point of the first hit until your opponent takes HP damage.	Unleash a flurry of blows that finishes with an overhead strike. Limit Break increases range and number of attacks, as well as makes you invincible from the point of the first hit until your opponent takes HP damage.	Unleash a flurry of blows that finishes with an overhead strike. Limit Break increases range and number of attacks, as well as makes you invincible from the point of the first hit until your opponent takes HP damage.	Unleash a flurry of blows that finishes with an overhead strike. Limit Break increases range and number of attacks, as well as makes you invincible from the point of the first hit until your opponent takes HP damage.	Unleash a flurry of blows that finishes with an overhead strike. Limit Break increases range and number of attacks, as well as makes you invincible from the point of the first hit until your opponent takes HP damage.	
 	EX Skill 	 	- 	 	 	
 	Temporarily increase defense and decrease the time required to charge each attack. 	Temporarily increase defense and decrease the time required to charge each attack. 	Temporarily increase defense and decrease the time required to charge each attack. 	Temporarily increase defense and decrease the time required to charge each attack. 	Temporarily increase defense and decrease the time required to charge each attack. 	
==Quotes==
== Gallery ==
DFFNT Cloud PSN Render.png|Alternative CG Render.
Ethereal Mercenary.png|Manikin.
Cloud Intro Pose NT.gif|Intro animation.
Cloud Victory Pose NT.gif|Victory animation.
New Dissidia Cloud.png|Presentation screenshot.
DFF2015 Group Battle.png|In battle with other characters.
Dissidia Arcade Tutorial Cloud.png|Cloud from the arcade tutorial.
DFF15 Cloud Trailer.jpg|In trailer.
Dissidia Final Fantasy Cloud.png|In-game render (Old engine).
Dissidia Final Fantasy cloud arcade.jpg|In-game render (Modified-PS4 engine).
Dissidia Final Fantasy Warrior of Light VS Cloud.png|Cloud versus the Warrior of Light.
DFF2015 Sephiroth SS2.png
Dissidia NT Secretum (1).png|Cloud in Secretum poster. 
Dissidia NT Secretum (2).png|Cloud in Secretum artwork.
DFFNT Cloud Strife PSN Render Icon.png|PSN Render Icon.
Dissidia Final Fantasy NT Main Heroes.png|Cloud alongside the other 14 main characters.
==Allusions==
His custom quotes refer to various events he was involved in from his home game:
*"Not interested" is Cloud's catchphrase, which he says multiple times throughout the game.
*"Come, planet! Show us your answer!" refers to a line Cloud says before fighting Bizarro-Sephiroth.
*"There's not a thing I don't cherish!" refers to Cloud's reply to Sephiroth, who wants to take what he cherishes most, in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children.
*"Stay where you belong...in my memories" refers to the line he says when defeating Sephiroth in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children.
*
== Trivia ==
* Yosuke Hayashi from Team Ninja, who had never worked on a Final Fantasy game before, felt there was a fixation surrounding character modeling, and has commented they re-created Cloud's face almost a hundred times for the arcade version due to feedback that something wasn't quite "Cloud-like" enough about him.
* Cloud was one of the first six characters announced for the arcade version.
* His white demon wing in Sky Soarer III seems to be in juxtaposition to Sephiroth's fallen angel wing design (risen demon).
== Citations ==
de:Cloud Strife (Dissidia)
es:Cloud Strife/Dissidia
it:Cloud (Dissidia)
ru:Клауд Страйф/Dissidia
Category:Characters in Dissidia Final Fantasy NT