This is something I have wanted to make for a very long time. Actual construction of Strife began in the summer of 2002, and the first, semi-complete version was uploaded in early November of that same year. Of course, virtually nothing from that first version can be found on the site today, but everybody has to start somewhere, right?
I love Cloud; he's my favorite character from any form of media (now that I think about it, he's successfully bridged it all at this point). If he were real, he would be my hero. And the proud owner of a restraining order with my name on it.
Although most Final Fantasy heroes are endearing in their own angst-ridden way, Cloud rises above them all by being a complete nutcase--a nutcase who seeks redemption! He's a nutcase who -- against impossible odds -- sets out to right the wrongs of his past, some of which were not necessarily his to begin with. Cloud consistently does his best to overcome any handicaps to better the whole. Even if he doesn't let on at first, at the end of the day, he's just a nice guy. He's stepped up to save the world (twice!) with his genuine passion and love for life. He may be a little awkward, a little crazy, and more than a little messed up, but he still cares about his companions and the world around him.
I just love that crazy little man with all my heart, thus this tribute.
