Cloud Strife
Name: Cloud Strife
Japanese name: クラウド ストライフ (Kuraudo Sutoraifu)
Also known as: Miss Cloud
Hails from: Final Fantasy VII, and if you didn't know that you clearly know nothing about the FF series.
Fighting type: Smash and Blow / Buster Basher
Seiyuu/Voice Actor: Takahiro Sakurai / Steve Burton
Manliness level: 5/10 (see: Miss Cloud and his appearance in general)
Story
For once, Cloud's reason for being in yet another game is not to chase Sephiroth to the ends of the earth — he says he doesn't even have a reason to fight. Would it surprise you if he eventually gets his act together and fights Sephiroth to the tune of "One-Winged Angel"? No? Good, because that's exactly what happens. I'm sure no one saw it coming.
Thoughts
The problem with Cloud is that nothing is ever new with him anymore. Stick him in a FF character brawler and the only possible outcome is an epic battle with Sephiroth. That said, I have to say that seeing his limit breaks from FFVII as attacks is pretty cool, and Omnislash has always been awesome. But Square, couldn't you have given us his Wall Market outfit instead of his Advent Children getup? :( At least it's available as secret equipment.
Gameplay
Cloud was the character I started with, and he never caught my interest enough to continue using him, so I have no particular strategy for him other than to land hits. The AI has more of a clue than I do, though, and avoiding his quick attacks is critical. Using long-range attacks (or ones that put you out of his way, like Sephiroth's Octaslash) can work.
