Sephiroth, the legendary big bad from Final Fantasy 7, is moving from the world of video games into the surprising market of adult beverages via a new collaboration between Square Enix and beverage giant Asahi. This new and unexpected marketing move sees the one-winged angel stepping away from his mission to destroy the planet to help sell some cold ones. While many fans are used to seeing his iconic silver hair in the Final Fantasy 7 compilation, they likely never imagined he would be taking on a job like this one.
There is an extensive history of real-world product tie-ins with the Final Fantasy 7 cast. Fans have been able to buy everything from character-inspired cologne to very expensive jewelry and designer clothes straight from the official Square Enix store. In the past, when Remake was nearing its debut, the marketing team went into overdrive by putting Cloud and the crew on a wide variety of snacks and soft drinks. Sephiroth himself is no stranger to this kind of work, as he previously appeared in a popular ad for Cup Noodles just a few years ago. Because he is so recognizable and has a massive following, he remains one of the most marketable figures in the gaming industry, despite his villainous history.
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Sephiroth Slices Into a New Role
The actual commercial for this partnership with Asahi is only about 20 seconds long, but it manages to pack in a lot of surreal visuals for dedicated fans. The silver-haired antagonist is seen wielding his massive Masamune sword, but instead of attacking heroes, he is delicately slicing up fresh lemons into thin pieces. The specific product being advertised is known as the "Future Lemon Sour," a type of chu-hai (a Japanese canned or freshly made cocktail consisting of alcohol, carbonated water, and citrus juice) that includes real fruit slices floating inside. To build up the excitement, the companies even released a mock news report from the in-game SNNet station to introduce the different flavors, including Original, Koime, and Plain. Watching the normally stoic and terrifying Sephiroth take a refreshing sip of the alcohol is a hilarious sight that has quickly gone viral across social media.
Beyond just a simple television ad, this partnership also includes a special physical location that fans can visit during a major holiday in Japan. A temporary pop-up venue is being established in the Roppongi Hills area of Tokyo, and it is designed to be a direct tribute to Tifa Lockhart’s famous Seventh Heaven bar from the games. This spot is known as "Lemon’s Heaven," and it will serve the three different versions of the lemon drink along with other non-alcoholic options for visitors. The creators even shared a fake invoice for hundreds of cans to make the location feel like a real part of the game’s world. Final Fantasy 7's Barret is also reported to be part of the experience, showing patrons exactly how to enjoy their sour brew.
If fans want to grab a drink at this themed bar, they will need to plan their trip carefully, as it will only be around for a very short time. The location is scheduled to be open during Golden Week in the Minato district of Tokyo, from April 29 through May 3. There are strict requirements for entry: visitors must be at least 20 years old to enter, and the venue can only hold about 60 people at any given time. While the bar is a local exclusive, fans living in the United States might still be able to find the special cans at certain Asian grocery stores to try the flavor for themselves. It is a rare opportunity for followers of the series to step into a piece of the narrative while enjoying a real-world product.
Who’s That Character?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
This bizarre collaboration arrives as the gaming community continues to explore the vast world of Rebirth, the second remake chapter, while awaitingthe final conclusion of this version of Final Fantasy 7. While the latest title is currently available on the PlayStation 5 and PC, it is officially slated to arrive on the Switch 2 and Xbox Series X in early June. The original remake is already available across almost every modern platform, including home computers and current consoles. Seeing Sephiroth use the weapon that destroyed Nibelheim to slice up a garnish is a memory that fans will likely carry with them for a long time.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 92/100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- February 29, 2024
- ESRB
- Teen / Violence, Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Language, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
The second game of the FINAL FANTASY VII remake trilogy.
After escaping from the dystopian city of Midgar, Cloud and his friends set out on a journey across the planet. New adventures await in a vibrant and vast world – sprint across grassy plains on a chocobo and explore expansive environments.
STORY
The lifestream represents the very cycle of life and death, where all life emerges from the planet and returns to its embrace. However, the Shinra Electric Power Company ruthlessly drains the planet of its very essence, the lifestream, and processes it for industry as "mako."
After overcoming countless fierce battles in the mako-powered metropolis of Midgar, ex-SOLDIER Cloud Strife and his companions step out into the wider world. Riding across grassy plains atop chocobos, they embark on an uncertain path, beginning their fated journey across the planet.
At the same time, SOLDIER First Class Zack Fair walks through the wastelands outside of Midgar. Wounded and weary, he drags his battered body forward while supporting his dear friend Cloud, who is delirious from mako poisoning. Beyond the veil of death, an ominous rift tears the heavens above.
Meanwhile, the Wutai interim government leads the Shinra Resistance Committee in a declaration of war.
In a grim procession, mysterious black-robed figures carry the remains of Jenova, the alien entity infamously known as the cataclysm from the stars and the catalyst of our plight.
Sensing the threat to the Planet itself, the fearsome guardians known as Weapons awaken and rise from the lifestream.
Through the machinations of Cloud’s sworn enemy Sephiroth, the strands of destiny intertwine and are reborn again.
- Franchise
- Final Fantasy
- PC Release Date
- January 23, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
- February 29, 2024
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- How Long To Beat
- 49 hours
