[WARNING: Spoilers for Final Fantasy 7 Remake below]
Ever since Final Fantasy 7 Remake's release, the subversive nature of many of its changes has undeniably come under fire. While many fans have focused on the perplexing ending, there were plenty of other alterations made to Cloud's adventures through Midgar. One of the most infamous portions of the original Final Fantasy 7 was Cloud and Aerith's many incidents and stunts in Wall Market. This section ends with the now-iconic scene of a cross-dressing Cloud infiltrating the nefarious Don Corneo's mansion to rescue Tifa.
Of course, the story of Wall Market is already one that should be familiar to fans of the series. The original game's Wall Market was portrayed as a dark and dangerous place with sleazy activities and crime rampant. However, much of the incidents that Cloud participates in to acquire his new feminine look are dated and frankly, not acceptable for modern times. In response to this, Final Fantasy 7 Remake opts to create an entirely different Wall Market experience. Shockingly, not only does this section surpass the original, but this retelling is also FF7 Remake's best chapter by a landslide.
FF7 Remake's ninth chapter begins with Aerith and Cloud's journey to Wall Market. This leads them to the collapsed expressway, an area from the original game that has now been made into a fully-fledged dungeon. Upon completing parts of the dungeon Aerith and Cloud have adorable interactions in which they awkwardly offer and miss opportunities to give each other high fives. Adding on to this, the battle theme in this area is called "High Five" and it lays down an addictive techno beat that also matches these small but pleasant interactions. The end of the dungeon adds a new recreation of the original games Wall Market song as a small homage. The dungeon fittingly ends with Aerith and Cloud finally having a successful high five. It's a simple but endearing moment for both characters.
How FF7's Wall Market Has Changed
From this point on, the core plot is expanded for the better. Tifa takes it upon herself to search for Don Corneo being well aware of the danger. By Aerith's unwavering request, Cloud goes on to save Tifa. What comes afterward is a series of tasks Cloud and Aerith must complete to get Aerith approval to see the Don. Some of these tasks include going on a few side quests, taking down enemies in the Corneo Coliseum (including the Hell House), and receiving a hand massage from the angry and impulsive Madam M.
After participating in all these activities, Aerith has a brilliant idea to get Cloud in the mansion. This leads to Cloud being dragged into the Honey Bee Inn to participate in a show with the eccentric Andrea Rhodea. The end of the act leads to Andrea and his crew giving Cloud his new feminine makeover. Andrea leaves Cloud with an impactful quote stating, "True beauty is an expression of the heart, a thing without shame to which notions of gender don't apply." Surely, a stark but very welcome contrast to the Honey Bee Inn from its source material.
The time spent in Don Corneo's mansion is haunting and memorable. The reimagined version of Don Corneo's theme brings a suspicious tone to the entire location. Soon after finding Tifa, Cloud is selected by Corneo to be his next "bride-to-be". Following this, is one of the best sequences in the game in which Tifa and Aerith bond while taking down Corneo's goons. The song that plays during this sequence is a remix of Tifa's theme called "Smash Em, Rip Em" and it is an impeccable track. Tifa and Aerith end the chapter by rescuing Cloud from Corneo's clutches, forcing the Don to answer their question if he wishes to make it out unscathed. The party's threats to Corneo are just as comedic as the player might expect.
Overall, Final Fantasy 7 Remake's Wall Market section is a huge improvement over its source material. The new depth and characters added to make the arc more cohesive are much appreciated and also immensely entertaining.