Voice Actor Briana White Talks Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Anticipation for Players’ Reactions
The highly anticipated release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has left fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the moment they reach the game’s ending. And no one is more excited to see their reactions than Briana White, the voice actor behind the character Aerith Gainsborough.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is the second part of a trilogy that remakes the iconic 1997 Japanese role-playing game. Briana provides the English language voiceover for Aerith, a flower seller with a mystical connection that could potentially save the planet. Her fate in the original game is one of the most famous twists in gaming history.
“It’s what gamers think about when they think about the greatest gaming moments,” says Briana. “It was a shock, it was a surprise, it was incredibly subversive.”
The new game, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, has teased the possibility that Aerith’s destiny could change. Players have been racing to reach the end of the game to see if this departure from the original storyline actually occurs. However, with the game’s massive size and numerous side activities and mini-games, not many players have reached the ending yet.
“It’s already been six days,” Briana says. “And most people I know are still in chapter three. So there’s a whole game for them to go through still.”
As fans continue to grind through the game, Briana eagerly awaits their response to the finale. She admits to feeling nervous but also finds solace in the fact that everyone is currently immersed in playing the game, allowing her to relax and take a breather.
Briana’s journey to becoming the voice of Aerith was unexpected. Unlike many video game voice actors, she is an avid player herself and had built up a strong following on Twitch before landing the role. However, Final Fantasy was her first voice acting role, and she initially underestimated the challenges it would bring.
“I just didn’t think they had gotten the right person,” she says. “My inner critic was saying, ‘you don’t belong here’.”
But Briana managed to overcome her self-doubt and delivered a stellar performance in the previous game, Final Fantasy 7 Remake. This boosted her confidence for Rebirth, and she felt more playful and open in the recording booth.
While the main story of Rebirth tackles weighty themes and an epic quest to save the planet, the game also offers plenty of quirky side content. Players can engage in activities like completing obstacle courses as toads, competing in dolphin-riding stunt races, and riding chocobos, the iconic yellow bird-like creatures of Final Fantasy.
Briana admits that the tone changes in the game kept her on her toes. The cast doesn’t receive scripts in advance, so they never know whether they’ll be in serious mode or “doing something kind of goofy today.” But she finds it incredibly fun to adapt to these shifts in tone.
The most significant talking point of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is undoubtedly its ending. Developer Square Enix has urged streamers, reviewers, and fans to avoid spoilers and keep the new take on the story a secret. Briana acknowledges that people are curious about the ending but wants to give them the gift of experiencing it with fresh eyes.
As with any highly anticipated release, there is always the risk of social media abuse directed towards actors. Briana believes that the Final Fantasy fandom is generally respectful and understands that she didn’t write the game. She doesn’t anticipate a wave of hate coming her way but encourages those who feel angry or disappointed to find healthier outlets for their emotions.
“The people who would harass or belittle anyone involved in the making of the game because it didn’t go the way that you wanted it to – find a better outlet,” she says. “Go scream outside, go chop a tree down, punch a pillow, go to therapy. I mean, there are so many better outlets for anger and sadness.”
Briana considers herself fortunate to have avoided significant negativity and feels incredibly grateful to be part of the Final Fantasy franchise. As for whether she will return for the third part of the trilogy, she remains uncertain.
“They don’t tell me anything,” she laughs. “They give me a call, I say ‘when?’, and I show up. So if they don’t call, then I won’t. But if they do, then I will.”
The release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has captivated fans worldwide, and Briana White’s portrayal of Aerith Gainsborough has played a significant role in bringing the character to life. As players continue their journey through the game, the anticipation for the ending grows, and Briana eagerly awaits their reactions. With her talent and passion for gaming, Briana has proven herself as a valuable addition to the Final Fantasy franchise, and fans can