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{{Short description|Character in Final Fantasy}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox character
| name = Zack Fair
| series = [[Final Fantasy]]
| image = Zack Fair.png
| image_upright = 1.2
| caption = Zack Fair in ''[[Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII]]'' (2007)
| first = ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'' (1997)
| last = ''[[Final Fantasy VII Rebirth]]'' (2024)
| creator = [[Kazushige Nojima]]
| designer = [[Tetsuya Nomura]]
| voice = {{Collapsible list|title=[[English language|English]]|[[Rick Gomez]] (2006-2018)|Caleb Pierce (2020-present)}}{{Collapsible list|title=[[Japanese language|Japanese]]|[[Kenichi Suzumura]]|[[Nozomu Sasaki]] (''Ehrgeiz'')}}
| home = Gongaga
| weapon = Buster Sword
}}
{{Nihongo|'''Zack Fair'''|ザックス・フェア|Zakkusu Fea|lead=yes}} is a character in the ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' [[role-playing video game]] series by [[Square Enix]] (originally [[Square (video game company)|Square]]). He is first introduced as a [[non-player character]] in ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'' (1997) and later appears in the ''[[Compilation of Final Fantasy VII]]'' works ''[[Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII|Before Crisis]]'', ''[[Last Order: Final Fantasy VII|Last Order]]'', ''[[Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children|Advent Children]]'' and, most prominently, ''[[Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII|Crisis Core]]'', a prequel to the original game which focuses on him and expands on his backstory.

Although Zack died before the events of ''Final Fantasy VII'', is rarely mentioned, and only appears late into the story in flashbacks, he is a crucial part of the game's story, as following [[Post-traumatic stress disorder|traumatic events]] involving them and [[Sephiroth (Final Fantasy)|Sephiroth]], [[Cloud Strife]] unknowingly confused parts of his past with Zack's. While Cloud originally believes himself to be a member of the [[paramilitary]] organization SOLDIER, the military wing of the megacorporation Shinra, this story was in fact that of Zack, with Cloud being his friend and a regular soldier. Zack died in the weeks leading up to  ''Final Fantasy VII''<nowiki/>'s opening, sacrificing himself to protect Cloud from Shinra's army after they escaped from imprisonment;<ref group="Note" name="Death">The scene of Zack's death is optional in the European and North American releases of ''Final Fantasy VII''; otherwise, Zack appears to have died at the hands of Sephiroth earlier in the story, despite having canonically survived the encounter.</ref> a mentally shaken Cloud's memories of the events were heavily affected, and he forgot Zack entirely.

Zack was not originally part of ''Final Fantasy VII''{{'}}s story during development, but scenario writer [[Kazushige Nojima]] wanted to bring a sense of mystery to the title, and created the character to help complicate Cloud's backstory. He was designed by [[Tetsuya Nomura]], and his last name is derived from "fair weather", to contrast with Cloud's last name, Strife. With Zack's conceptual backstory in place for ''Final Fantasy VII'', the staff decided to use ''Compilation of Final Fantasy VII'' to expand upon his character. Zack is voiced by [[Kenichi Suzumura]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Cody |date=February 29, 2024 |title=Who Are the Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Voice Actors? |url=https://www.siliconera.com/who-are-the-final-fantasy-vii-rebirth-voice-actors/ |access-date=May 2, 2024 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US}}</ref> in Japanese and [[Rick Gomez]] in English prior to ''[[Final Fantasy VII Remake]]'', in which he is voiced by Caleb Pierce. Suzumura was chosen specifically by Nomura for his voice, and was given the role without an audition. Western critics have praised Zack's character, commenting on his development since ''Final Fantasy VII''.

==Concept and creation==
Zack did not exist in the original scenario of ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'', but was created when scenario writer [[Kazushige Nojima]] decided to add some mystery to the plot, most notably in relation to [[Cloud Strife]]'s background.<ref name="10thinter"/> Nojima had always planned for Cloud's memories of his life to be proven false as the game went on, but he had not decided on how to implement this until he hit on the character of Zack. Nojima also used Zack to link Cloud and [[Aerith Gainsborough]], as Zack was her first love and Cloud reminds her of him, thus creating an emotional connection between herself and Cloud. Originally, the role of her first love was to have been fulfilled by the game's antagonist [[Sephiroth (Final Fantasy)|Sephiroth]] as suggested by Nomora. As the game continued development, Nojima worked out the mysteries regarding Zack and Cloud, which led to some scenes needing revision. Director [[Yoshinori Kitase]] was surprised by the revelation of Cloud's and Zack's connection, as until the later stages of development, even he did not know about Zack. Character designer [[Tetsuya Nomura]] got the request to design Zack when ''Final Fantasy VII'' was reaching the end of development. Prior to the late addition of Zack, Nojima had asked the staff to add details to some scenes to hint at his existence, despite not revealing Zack's existence to the staff until later.<ref name="10thinter">{{cite book | title=Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Ultimania | year=2009 | isbn=978-4-7575-2560-3 | language=ja | publisher=Square-Enix | pages=8–13 | edition=Revised}}</ref> The opportunity to write Crisis Core would gave Nojima the ability to expand on Zack's character and create a personality for him. Although Zack is linked with Cloud due to multiple parallels, Nojima stated that the personality of Zack was based on ''[[Final Fantasy X]]'' protagonist [[Tidus]], as both are rarely bothered by their own thoughts and are generally cheerful.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Legend of Final Fantasy VII: Creation - Universe - Decryption |year=2019 |publisher=Edición Kindle |edition=Third Editions |author=Mehdi El Kanafi; Nicolas Courcier |isbn=9782377840021 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yM-IDwAAQBAJ&dq=tidus+final+fantasy&pg=PT166 |access-date=2023-02-22 |archive-date=2023-05-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512114732/https://books.google.com/books?id=yM-IDwAAQBAJ&dq=tidus+final+fantasy&pg=PT166 |url-status=live }}</ref>

For ''[[Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children]]'', Zack made only a couple of brief appearances, and as such, was not difficult to animate; the team had also acquired his design early in production, allowing modeling of his character to be taken care of.<ref name="rf"/> Nomura had wanted Zack to have a "nice, upbeat voice", which influenced his decision to cast [[Kenichi Suzumura]].<ref name="rf">{{Cite book | year=2006 | editor=SoftBank | title=Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: Reunion Files | language=ja, en | publisher=Square-Enix | isbn= 4-7973-3498-3 | page=59}}</ref> Beforehand, Nomura had had dinner with Suzumura, where he had decided that "at that point [Nomura] wanted him to be in one of his projects if the opportunity ever presented itself". Suzumura was offered the role without an audition. Nomura explained that, because Zack had been chosen to be the lead in ''[[Last Order: Final Fantasy VII]]'', he needed "someone who could handle [the] role well".<ref name="rf"/> The staff used ''Last Order'' as an opportunity to portray Zack "properly" as a "handsome, light-hearted man [who] was in everyone's memory".<ref>{{Cite book | year=2006 | editor=SoftBank | title=Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: Reunion Files | language=ja, en | publisher=Square-Enix | isbn= 4-7973-3498-3 | pages=94–95}}</ref> In English, Zack is voiced by [[Rick Gomez]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Mielke, James |date=March 13, 2008 |title=FFVII Advent Children |url=http://www.1up.com/news/ffvii-advent-children |publisher=IGN Entertainment Inc. |work=[[1UP.com]] |access-date=August 25, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208102412/http://www.1up.com/news/ffvii-advent-children |archive-date=February 8, 2012}}</ref>

In an interview with [[IGN]] whilst promoting ''Crisis Core'', Yoshinori Kitase explained that when the original game was created, Zack was a minor character, although Nomura had created art design, and Nojima had created a basic concept of Zack's story.<ref name="ukign">{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/28/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii-uk-interview | title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII UK Interview | publisher=IGN Entertainment Inc. | work=[[IGN]] | first=Dave | last=McCarthy | date=28 April 2008 | access-date=March 2, 2009 | archive-date=16 October 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016122335/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/28/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii-uk-interview | url-status=live }}</ref> Kitase further explained that "you could say that the idea [for the storyline of ''Crisis Core''] has been cooking for 10 years".<ref name="ukign"/> Before ''Crisis Core'' began development, the staff had planned to create a [[PlayStation Portable]] port of ''[[Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII]]'', but soon changed their minds to create a game that focused on Zack, whose fate was predetermined; fans knew how the game was going to end.<ref name="10thinter"/><ref name="oneup">{{cite web|author=Mielke, James |date=March 19, 2008 |title=Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core (PSP) Preview |url=http://www.1up.com/previews/crisis-core |publisher=IGN Entertainment Inc. |work=[[1UP.com]] |access-date=July 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809211631/http://www.1up.com/previews/crisis-core |archive-date=August 9, 2016}}</ref> Throughout the game, the staff decided to use a blue sky in [[cutscene]]s to represent Zack, while other features in such scenes are meant to symbolize his connections. Several of Zack's actions from the game were also designed so as to augment the similarities that Aerith finds between him and Cloud in ''Final Fantasy VII''.<ref name="ulticc">{{cite book | title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII 10th Ultimania | year=2007 | isbn=978-4-7575-2126-1 | language=ja | publisher=Square-Enix}}</ref>

Due to Zack initially appearing as a younger person than in previous games, Suzumura was asked to portray Zack in a fashion that shows him to be naive for his [[character arc]] to be more noticeable, as he becomes more mature throughout the narrative.<ref name="dengekimao"/> He wears the SOLDIER 1st class uniform, consisting of a black, sleeveless [[Polo neck|turtleneck]], black boots, and armor. In ''Crisis Core'', Zack has two outfits; his ''Final Fantasy VII'' outfit and a different outfit worn during the start of the game, which he changes after fighting Angeal Hewley. Originally, Zack was meant to wear red clothing until Tetsuya Nomura drew his black outfit.<ref name="japvoice">{{Cite book | year=2006 | editor=SoftBank | title=Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: Reunion Files | language=ja, en | publisher=Square-Enix | isbn= 4-7973-3498-3}}</ref> He was made as a conventional heroic character in contrast to Cloud, who was written as an unlikely hero. There was an attempt to make Zack's and Aerith's interactions appealing in ''Crisis Core''.<ref name="dengekimao">{{cite magazine|magazine=Dengeki Mao|date=October 2007|publisher=ASCII Media Works|title=Kenichi Suzumura Interview}}</ref> Zack's full name was first revealed in an article in ''[[Dengeki PlayStation]]''. Nomura stated that Zack's name was derived from 'fair weather' and specifically chosen because it contrasted with Cloud Strife's name.<ref name="Dengeki Interview">{{cite journal | journal = [[Dengeki PlayStation]] | publisher = [[ASCII Media Works]] | date = March 2007 | page = 146 | author = Dengeki Staff | title=Tetsuya Nomura Interview | language=ja}}</ref> Zack and Cloud's connection was also meant to be expanded upon near the game's ending, with both of them planning to flee to [[Midgar]], but due to limitations in the console's hardware, these scenes could not be implemented, and instead, they decided to focus on Zack's role as a warrior.<ref name="triviadev">{{cite web | author=Gantayat, Anoop | date=October 14, 2010 | title=The 3rd Birthday Has Skippable Event Scenes | url=http://andriasang.com/comq6w/3rd_birthday_and_crisis_core/ | publisher=Amdriasang | access-date=October 15, 2010 | archive-date=December 25, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225031024/http://andriasang.com/comq6w/3rd_birthday_and_crisis_core/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> The game's remaster, ''Crisis Core Reunion'', was developed as part of the ''Final Fantasy VII Remake'' project and acts as a prequel to the main trilogy designed to familiarize players with the story of Zack ahead of his appearance in ''[[Final Fantasy VII Rebirth]]'', where he would play a more significant role.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilliam |first=Ryan |date=2022-07-18 |title=The Crisis Core remaster may add a new wrinkle to the FF7 Remake trilogy |url=https://www.polygon.com/23268464/crisis-core-final-fantasy-7-remaster-reunion-ff7-remake-rebirth |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327032435/https://www.polygon.com/23268464/crisis-core-final-fantasy-7-remaster-reunion-ff7-remake-rebirth |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-18 |title=Crisis Core Reunion can be considered part of the FF7 Remake project, producer says |url=https://www.destructoid.com/crisis-core-reunion-final-fantasy-vii-remake-project-kitase-quote-news/ |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=Destructoid |language=en-CA |archive-date=2022-10-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014184942/https://www.destructoid.com/crisis-core-reunion-final-fantasy-vii-remake-project-kitase-quote-news/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Appearances==
Zack had a small role in the original ''Final Fantasy VII''. He is first mentioned by name in Gongaga, his hometown, where his parents do not know what happened to him after he left to join SOLDIER, and are worried for his safety after not hearing from him for years. It is at this point that Aerith explains Zack was her first love.<ref name="zack">{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VII]] |developer=[[Square (video game company)|Square]] |publisher=SCE America |date=September 7, 1997 |platform=PlayStation |quote='''Aeris:''' What a shock..... I didn't know Zack was from this town. / '''Cloud:''' You know him? / '''Aeris:''' Didn't I tell you? He was my first love.}}</ref> Cloud later realizes that some of his memories and aspects of his personality were actually Zack's, and not his own.<ref name="shame">{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VII]]|developer=[[Square (video game company)|Square]] |publisher=SCE America |date=September 7, 1997 |platform=PlayStation |quote='''Cloud:''' I never was in SOLDIER. I made up the stories about what happened to me five years ago, about being in SOLDIER. I left my village looking for glory, but never made it in to SOLDIER...... I was so ashamed of being so weak; then I heard this story from my friend Zack... And I created an illusion of myself made up of what I had seen in my life..... And I continued to play the charade as if it were true.}}</ref> [[Flashback (narrative)|Flashback]]s reveal that both Zack and Cloud battled [[Sephiroth (Final Fantasy)|Sephiroth]] after he burned down the town of Nibelheim upon discovering he was born from a scientific experiment. After Cloud defeated Sephiroth, both Zack and Cloud were taken to be used in experiments by Shinra. Eventually, Zack awoke and was able to escape with a semi-conscious Cloud to the city of Midgar, but on the edge of the city, Shinra troops gunned him down.<ref name="Zack'sprofile"/> While the flashback showing Zack's and Cloud's escape is optional in the North American and European releases of ''Final Fantasy VII'' and the Japanese ''International'' version,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/before-crisis-final-fantasy-vii/videos/franchise-player-final-fantasy-vii-video-feature-6188534/?tag=videos%3Btitle%3B2 | title=Franchise Player: Final Fantasy VII Video Feature | date=March 28, 2008 | author=Dodson, Joe | access-date=September 8, 2010 | publisher=CBS Interactive | work=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> it was originally planned to be shown once Cloud discovered the results of Shinra's experiments.<ref>{{Cite book | year=2005 | editor=Studio BentStuff | title=Final Fantasy VII Ultimania Ω | language=ja | publisher=Square-Enix | isbn=4-7575-1520-0 | page=529}}</ref>

Zack's character and backstory is expanded upon throughout the ''[[Compilation of Final Fantasy VII]]''. In the prequel game ''Before Crisis'', Zack supports Shinra in their fight against the eco-terrorist group [[AVALANCHE]]. During the game, two of his SOLDIER acquaintances are captured and experimented upon, and Zack is able to bring them back to their senses but is unable to save them. Zack also appears during the chapter covering the Nibelheim incident, and later as a [[boss (video gaming)|boss character]] when he and Cloud are fugitives from Shinra and are being pursued by [[Turks (FF7)|the Turks]].<ref name="Zack'sprofile">{{cite book | title=Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Ultimania | year=2009 | isbn=978-4-7575-2560-3 | language=ja | publisher=Square-Enix | pages=82–85 | edition=Revised}}</ref> The [[original video animation|OVA]] ''[[Last Order: Final Fantasy VII|Last Order]]'' follows Zack and Cloud's journey to Midgar with flashbacks of the Nibelheim incident.<ref name="lastorder">{{cite video |date=April 10, 2009 |title=Last Order: Final Fantasy VII |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0489134/ |medium=DVD |publisher=Square Enix |access-date=June 29, 2018 |archive-date=January 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123115015/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0489134/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Zack also has a small role in the film sequel ''Advent Children'', where most of his appearances are flashbacks from Cloud's point of view. He also appears at the end of the film, where he and Aerith speak to Cloud.<ref name="Zack'sprofile"/> In the [[director's cut]] version, ''Advent Children Complete'', his role is expanded, and he appears during Cloud's battle with Sephiroth. His death is also shown, where he gives Cloud the Buster Sword and tells him to become his "living legacy".<ref>{{cite video | people = [[Tetsuya Nomura]] (Director) | date = June 2, 2009 | title = Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Complete | medium = [[Blu-ray Disc]] | publisher = [[Square Enix]] | quote ='''Cloud:''' That's right. I am your living legacy.}}</ref>

Zack is the protagonist of ''Crisis Core'', a prequel to ''Final Fantasy VII'', which deals primarily with his backstory. In the game, Zack is trained as a SOLDIER by his close friend, Angeal Hewley, and hopes to become a hero while working for Shinra.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII]]|developer=[[Square Enix]]|Publisher=SCE America|quote='''Lazard:''' By the way, what is your dream? 'To become 1st'... is it? / '''Zack:''' No... To become a hero!|date=August 24, 2008 |platform=[[PlayStation Portable]]}}</ref> When Angeal, and another SOLDIER, [[Genesis Rhapsodos]], betray Shinra, Zack and Sephiroth are dispatched to kill them, but decide to avoid doing that if possible.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII|developer=[[Square Enix]]|Publisher=SCE America |date=August 24, 2008 |platform=[[PlayStation Portable]] |quote='''Lazard:''' The company has decided eliminate Genesis and his cohorts. This includes Angeal as well. /.../ '''Sephiroth:''' They believe your emotions will hamper your judgment. / '''Zack:''' Well, of course! / '''Sephiroth:''' That's why I'm going too.}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII]]|developer=[[Square Enix]]|Publisher=SCE America|quote='''Sephiroth:''' Angeal has been sighted./'''Zack:''' So it's search and destroy?/'''Sephiroth: '''The army is mobilizing, but there's still time. You and I will find them before they do, and... / '''Zack:''' And WHAT?/ '''Sephiroth:''' fail to eliminate them. |date=August 24, 2008 |platform=[[PlayStation Portable]]}}</ref> He and Sephiroth learn that both Angeal and Genesis were the result of a Shinra experiment called "Project G", where they were injected with [[Jenoba|Jenova]] cells prior to being born in an effort to create perfect SOLDIERs. However, both Angeal and Genesis are suffering from side effects, leading them to antagonize Shinra in the hopes of finding a cure.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII|developer=[[Square Enix]]|Publisher=SCE America |date=August 24, 2008 |platform=[[PlayStation Portable]] |quote='''Sephiroth:''' Project G gave birth to the man we know as Genesis.}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII|developer=[[Square Enix]]|Publisher=SCE America |date=August 24, 2008 |platform=[[PlayStation Portable]] |quote='''Zack:''' Working for Hollander now? / ... / '''Angeal:''' I've become a monster. /.../ '''Angeal:''' Angels dream of one thing. / '''Zack:''' Please tell me. / '''Angeal:''' To be human. /.../ '''Angeal:''' Defend yourself!}}</ref> Over the course of the game, Zack befriends Cloud and begins dating Aerith.<ref name="Zack'sprofile"/><ref>{{cite video game|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII|developer=[[Square Enix]]|Publisher=SCE America |date=August 24, 2008 |platform=[[PlayStation Portable]] |quote='''Zack:''' Good news, Tseng! Me and... / '''Cloud:''' Cloud / '''Zack:''' Me and Cloud here are both backwater experts. Oh yeah!}}</ref> During a mission to find Angeal and Genesis, Angeal forces Zack to kill him, as he wants to stop hurting people because of his mutations. Before dying, Angeal thanks Zack for stopping him and gives him his Buster Sword.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII|developer=[[Square Enix]]|Publisher=SCE America |date=August 24, 2008 |platform=[[PlayStation Portable]] |quote='''Angeal:''' Zack. You have my thanks. This... is for you. Protect your honor, always...}}</ref> Later, while Zack and Sephiroth search for Genesis and the former Shinra scientist Dr. Hollander, they go to Nibelheim, where Sephiroth learns that he was the result of genetic experimentation involving Jenova. The game then depicts the Nibelheim incident, leading to Zack and Cloud being taken captive and subjected to experiments.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII|developer=[[Square Enix]]|Publisher=SCE America |date=August 24, 2008 |platform=[[PlayStation Portable]] |quote='''Zack:''' By the way, where are we going? / '''Sephiroth:''' To Nibelheim.}}</ref> Four years pass, Zack and Cloud are able to escape, and Zack learns that Genesis has come to believe the only way he can be cured is by being injected with Sephiroth's cells. As Sephiroth is presumed dead, the only source of these cells is Cloud, and Zack realises that Genesis plans to kill Cloud.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII|developer=[[Square Enix]]|Publisher=SCE America |date=August 24, 2008 |platform=[[PlayStation Portable]] |quote='''Genesis:''' The gift of the goddess... A pure S cell sample will stop the degradation process.}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII|developer=[[Square Enix]]|Publisher=SCE America |date=August 24, 2008 |platform=[[PlayStation Portable]] |quote='''Hollander:''' That infantryman carries within his body the last pure S-cells in the world.}}</ref> Zack decides to stop Genesis, and after defeating him, he and Cloud head to Midgar, where he hopes to be reunited with Aerith.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII|developer=[[Square Enix]]|Publisher=SCE America |date=August 24, 2008 |platform=[[PlayStation Portable]] |quote='''Aerith's letter:''' I wish I knew where were you. It's already been four years now. /.../ '''Zack:''' Aerith, wait for me.}}</ref> However, Zack and Cloud are intercepted by Shinra infantry, and Zack is killed. As he is dying, Zack bequeaths the Buster Sword to Cloud, telling him to be his living legacy.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII|developer=[[Square Enix]]|Publisher=SCE America |date=August 24, 2008 |platform=[[PlayStation Portable]] |quote='''Zack:''' Continue living. You are proof that I existed. My dreams and pride, I give it all to you. / '''Cloud:''' I am proof that you existed.}}</ref> As Cloud heads towards Midgar, Zack is pulled into the sky by Angeal, and wonders if he has become a hero.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII|developer=[[Square Enix]]|Publisher=SCE America |date=August 24, 2008 |platform=[[PlayStation Portable]] |quote='''Zack:''' Those wings... I want them too. It feels good. If you see Aerith, say hi for me. Hey, would you say I became a hero?}}</ref>

Zack has served as the basis for several forms of merchandise, such as being pictured on the ''Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Potion'' [[soft drink]] cans.<ref name="soft drink">{{cite web | url=http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-lx-49-en-70-29cf.html | title=Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Potion (canned softdrink) | publisher=[[Play-Asia]] | access-date=March 7, 2009 | archive-date=October 7, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007182234/http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-lx-49-en-70-29cf.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="mini">{{cite web | url=http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-01-49-en-70-299n.html | title=Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Potion with Trading Arts Mini Figure | publisher=[[Play-Asia]] | access-date=March 7, 2009 | archive-date=June 15, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615120514/http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-01-49-en-70-299n.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Outside the ''Final Fantasy VII'' series, Zack is an unlockable character in the [[PlayStation]] version of the [[fighting game]] ''[[Ehrgeiz]]'', where is playable in arcade, versus, and minigame events.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/ehrgeiz/platform/ps/?tag=tabs%3Bcheats | title=Ehrgeiz Hints & Cheats | access-date=August 15, 2009 | publisher=CBS Interactive | work=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> He made his debut appearance in the ''[[Kingdom Hearts]]'' series in the prequel ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep|Birth by Sleep]]'' for the [[PlayStation Portable]], where he has a more youthful appearance than in his ''Final Fantasy'' incarnation. He is featured prominently in the Olympus Coliseum (which is where Cloud often appeared in previous installments), where he participates in tournaments to achieve his dream of becoming a hero.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep|developer=[[Square Enix]]|Publisher=Square Enix |date=September 7, 2010|platform=[[PlayStation Portable]] |quote='''Zack:''' C'mon. Phil, please. I really wanna be a hero.}}</ref> As ''Birth by Sleep'' is a prequel to the other ''Kingdom Hearts'' titles, the staff chose Zack as they wanted a character from a ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' prequel.<ref>{{cite web | access-date = August 9, 2010 | publisher = CBS Interactive | website=[[GameSpot]] | date = July 19, 2010 | url =http://www.gamespot.com/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep/previews/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-qanda-6269951/?tag=newsfeatures%3Btitle%3B2 | title = Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep Q&A}}</ref>

An alternate timeline version of Zack is introduced in ''[[Final Fantasy VII Remake]]'', where he survives the ambush by Shinra forces and continues dragging Cloud toward Midgar. This version of Zack returns in ''[[Final Fantasy VII Rebirth]]'', in which he helps Aerith's adoptive mother Elmyra look over a comatose Cloud and Aerith as the end of the world approaches. After learning of Aerith's fate from Marlene, Zack's timeline briefly merges with the main one and he teams up with Cloud to battle Sephiroth before being brought back to his timeline.<ref>{{cite web | access-date = April 18, 2020 | author = Gravelle, Cody | website = [[Screen Rant]] | date = April 13, 2020 | url = https://screenrant.com/final-fantasy-7-remake-different-ending-explained-ps4-ff7/ | title = Final Fantasy 7 Remake's Different Ending Explained | archive-date = April 20, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200420035747/https://screenrant.com/final-fantasy-7-remake-different-ending-explained-ps4-ff7/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

==Critical reception==
[[File:Rick Gomez.jpg|thumb|Rick Gomez's performance as Zack received positive response by the media.]]
Response to Zack's character has generally been positive. He has been described as one of the best and popular video game characters of the series.<ref name="top10">{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/03/25/final-fantasy-vii-top-10-characters?page=6 | title=Final Fantasy VII: Top 10 Characters | publisher=IGN Entertainment Inc. | website=[[IGN]] | first=Dave | last=Smith | date=25 March 2008 | access-date=January 7, 2009 | archive-date=24 October 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024224823/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/03/25/final-fantasy-vii-top-10-characters?page=6 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/news/snake-beats-mario-coolest-video |title=Snake Beats Mario, Is Coolest Video Game Character Ever |author=Glifford, Kevin |publisher=IGN Entertainment Inc. |website=[[1UP.com]] |access-date=March 10, 2010 |date=February 10, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622072101/http://www.1up.com/news/snake-beats-mario-coolest-video |archive-date=June 22, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2013/10/greatest-final-fantasy-characters-all-time/zack-fair |title=Zack Fair — The 20 Greatest Final Fantasy Characters of All Time |website=Complex |date=2013-10-08 |access-date=2013-11-22 |archive-date=2013-10-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012144347/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2013/10/greatest-final-fantasy-characters-all-time/zack-fair |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://animeanime.global/2019/09/18/48279.html|title=To celebrate Kenichi Suzumura's birthday! Favorite character performed by Kenishiro Suzumura is? 3rd place is Ryutaros from「Den-O」, 2nd place is Masato Hijirikawa from「Uta no Prince-sama」, 1st place is…|website=Anime Anime Global|date=18 September 2019|access-date=May 14, 2020|archive-date=22 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422165352/https://animeanime.global/2019/09/18/48279.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[James Stephanie Sterling]] of ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' found Zack to be one of video game's most [[Sexual attraction|sexually appealing]] male characters due to his personality and look.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamesradar.com/videogame-characters-wed-go-gay-for/ | publisher=Future plc | title=Videogame characters we'd go gay for | website=[[GamesRadar+]] | first=Jim | last=Sterling | access-date=August 8, 2010 | archive-date=October 7, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007020245/http://www.gamesradar.com/videogame-characters-wed-go-gay-for/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

Zack's role in ''Crisis Core'' has received a mainly positive reaction. ''IGN''{{'}}s Ryan Clements particularly praised Zack's relationships with the other main characters.<ref name="ignreview">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/03/19/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii-review|title=IGN: Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Review|publisher=IGN Entertainment Inc.|work=[[IGN]]|author=Clements, Ryan|date=19 March 2008|access-date=February 13, 2009|archive-date=28 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128102748/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/03/19/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii-review|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[1UP.com]]''{{'}}s Jeremy Parish agreed with Clements, arguing that Zack's story contrasted with other RPG plots, calling it "the heart of the game".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/final-fantasy-vii|title=Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core Review|author=Parish, Jeremy|publisher=IGN Entertainment Inc.|work=[[1UP.com]]|access-date=August 9, 2010|date=March 19, 2008|archive-date=December 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227070749/http://www.1up.com/reviews/final-fantasy-vii|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kevin VanOrd from ''[[GameSpot]]'' labelled Zack a "likable and complex hero", arguing that he "transcends the usual spiky-haired heroism and teenage angst with an uncommon maturity that develops as the game continues".<ref name="gamespot">{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii/reviews/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii-review-6188326/ | title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Review | publisher=CBS Interactive | work=[[GameSpot]] | first=Kevin | last=VanOrd | access-date=March 7, 2009 | archive-date=November 23, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123195505/http://www.gamespot.com/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii/reviews/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii-review-6188326 | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[GameSpy]]''{{'}}s Gerald Villoria described Zack as "King of the Nice Guys", noting that even though he can be a "pretty hate-worthy character if you're the jaded type who mocks the typical Final Fantasy storyline", players who dislike him could come to appreciate him.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://uk.psp.gamespy.com/playstation-portable/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii/860767p1.html | date=March 19, 2009 | title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Review | publisher=IGN Entertainment | work=[[GameSpy]] | first=Gerald | last=Villoria | access-date=August 17, 2009 | archive-date=July 15, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090715153210/http://uk.psp.gamespy.com/playstation-portable/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii/860767p1.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Zack was also called an "endearing main character" by ''[[GameRevolution]]'' who stated that despite what the character goes through during the game, he still retains his friendly attitude.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/crisis-core-ffvii | date=August 8, 2008 | title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII - PSP | publisher=[[Game Revolution]] | first=Nick | last=Tan | access-date=August 9, 2010 | archive-date=September 24, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120924120739/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/crisis-core-ffvii | url-status=live }}</ref> Like other reviewers, ''RPGamer'' viewed him to have the "full, soulful carriage of a ''Final Fantasy'' hero" due to his personal conflicts, despite his "artfully teased hair and devil-may-care grin".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/ff/ff7cc/ff7ccprev.html|title=Starring Sephiroth and Some Other Chumps|publisher=RPGamer|author=Welhouse, Zach|access-date=August 25, 2010|archive-date=December 27, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227133856/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/ff/ff7cc/ff7ccprev.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Although ''[[Eurogamer]]''{{'}}s Simon Parkin found Zack's physical appearance to be highly similar to Cloud's, he added that "this fan service doesn't put a foot wrong until he reaches into his [Zack's] pocket, pulls out a mobile phone and speaks".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/final-fantasy-vii-crisis-core-review | date=June 23, 2008 | title=Crisis Core - Final Fantasy VII Review (PSP) | publisher=Gamer Network | work=[[Eurogamer]] | first=Parkin | last=Simon | access-date=August 17, 2009 | archive-date=June 4, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604024147/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/final-fantasy-vii-crisis-core-review | url-status=live }}</ref> ''GamesRadar''{{'}}s AJ Glasser commented that the way Zack obtains the Buster Sword and the way he gives it to Cloud is the "ultimate payoff" of ''Crisis Core'', stating that the fact gamers know how the game will end is a serious detraction.<ref name="gradar">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii-review/|author=Glasser, AJ|date=July 8, 2008|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII review|publisher=Future plc|work=[[GamesRadar]]|access-date=July 25, 2010|archive-date=October 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010002419/http://www.gamesradar.com/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> When [[Ayaka]] finished the song "Why" for ''Crisis Core'', she mentioned that she wanted to deliver it alongside Zack's fate "to the hearts of many people".<ref>{{cite web | title=Crisis Core Gets a Star | date=May 18, 2007 | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/05/18/crisis-core-gets-a-star | publisher=IGN Entertainment Inc. | work=[[IGN]] | access-date=July 24, 2010 | archive-date=October 26, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026105739/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/05/18/crisis-core-gets-a-star | url-status=live }}</ref> ''IGN UK''{{'}}s Dave McCarthy noted how Zack's role in the ''Compilation of Final Fantasy VII'' evolved as the series developed, to the point of him getting his own game.<ref name="ignuk">{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/13/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii-uk-review | title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII UK Review | publisher=IGN Entertainment Inc. | work=[[IGN]] UK | date=June 13, 2008 | author=McCarthy, Dave | access-date=August 26, 2010 | archive-date=January 11, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111123813/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/13/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii-uk-review | url-status=live }}</ref> Because Zack survives to the events of ''Crisis Core'' in the events of ''Remake'', Meristation looks forward to his role in ''Rebirth'' and his link with Cloud.<ref name="as.com">{{cite web|url=https://as.com/meristation/2022/06/29/reportajes/1656487929_703104.html|title=Crisis Core y la desmitificación de Final Fantasy VII|website=Meristation|date=29 June 2022|access-date=February 4, 2023|archive-date=17 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517234142/https://as.com/meristation/2022/06/29/reportajes/1656487929_703104.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On the other hand, ''PSXextreme''{{'}}s Ben Dutka, felt that Zack was not worthy of his own game, believing that only players with "halfway decent memories" and a "hardcore completionist mentality" will be able to remember Zack's appearances in the original ''Final Fantasy VII''.<ref>{{cite web | title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Preview | url=http://www.psxextreme.com/psp-previews/71.html | publisher=Present Poise Media | work=PSXextreme | date=December 19, 2006 | author=Dutka, Ben | access-date=July 24, 2010 | archive-date=June 16, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616193726/http://www.psxextreme.com/psp-previews/71.html | url-status=dead }}</ref> ''IGN UK'' expressed a mixed opinion about the character, feeling his personality was sometimes annoying, although it served to contrast with the serious attitudes of the other main characters.<ref name="ignuk"/> Similarly, ''VideoGamer.com''{{'}}s Wesley Yin-Poole called Zack Cloud's "identical twin in all but hair colour" and complained about his personality being "annoying" during the first half of the game.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.videogamer.com/psp/crisis_core_ffvii/review.html | title=Crisis Core - FFVII Review | publisher=VideoGamer.com | author=Yin Poole, Wesley | date=June 23, 2008 | access-date=August 26, 2010 | archive-date=July 17, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717202057/http://www.videogamer.com/psp/crisis_core_ffvii/review.html | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Destructoid]]'' agreed, telling players not to expect to enjoy Zack if they do not like "cocky teenagers" and even labelling him an "annoying cockhole".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-review-final-fantasy-vii-crisis-core-77821.phtml | title=Destructoid Review: Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core | publisher=Crave Online | work=Destructoid | author=Bennett, Colette | date=March 27, 2008 | access-date=August 26, 2010 | archive-date=August 11, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100811074621/http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-review-final-fantasy-vii-crisis-core-77821.phtml | url-status=live }}</ref> ''PALGN'' called Zack an unfamiliar character in the series since his only appearances were in backstories.<ref name="palgn">{{cite web|title=PALGN: Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII |url=http://palgn.com.au/sony-psp/11870/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii-review/ |website=PALGN |date=June 24, 2008 |author=Ellis, Kimberley |access-date=July 24, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226221908/http://palgn.com.au/sony-psp/11870/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii-review/ |archive-date=December 26, 2013}}</ref><ref name="as.com"/> Conversely, John Friscia of ''[[Escapist Magazine]]'' thought that Zack "reminds us that being hero doesn't have to be boring".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/crisis-core-reunion-ff7-zack-fair-hero-archetype-not-boring/ | title=Zack Fair Shows Us That Being a Hero Doesn't Have to be Boring | date=21 December 2022 | access-date=28 May 2023 | archive-date=28 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528061553/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/crisis-core-reunion-ff7-zack-fair-hero-archetype-not-boring/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

There was also commentary about Zack's actors. Eurogamer praised Zack's English voice actor for doing a good job, noting "his character's maturing and developing over the 15-hour storyline".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/final-fantasy-vii-crisis-core-review?page=2 | title=Crisis Core - Final Fantasy VII Review (PSP), page 2 | publisher=Gamer Network | work=[[Eurogamer]] | first=Parkin | last=Simon | date=June 23, 2008 | access-date=August 17, 2009 | archive-date=February 12, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212235344/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/final-fantasy-vii-crisis-core-review?page=2 | url-status=live }}</ref> ''IGN AU''{{'}}s Patrick Kolan agreed, calling Rick Gomez's work "pretty likeable".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/19/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii-au-review?page=3 | title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII AU Review | publisher=IGN Entertainment Inc. | work=[[IGN]] AU | author=Kolan, Patrick | date=19 June 2008 | access-date=August 26, 2010 | archive-date=19 February 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219084716/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/19/crisis-core-final-fantasy-vii-au-review?page=3 | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Gameplanet (New Zealand)|Gameplanet]]'' criticized Rick Gomez's acting, finding it more immature than they expected.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameplanet.co.nz/psp/reviews/132064.Final-Fantasy-VII-Crisis-Core-review/|author=Gunn, Micky|date=March 19, 2008|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII review|publisher=[[Gameplanet (New Zealand)|Gameplanet]]|access-date=August 26, 2010|archive-date=February 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130222112024/http://www.gameplanet.co.nz/psp/reviews/132064.Final-Fantasy-VII-Crisis-Core-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> Caleb Pierce's work as the character in ''Reunion'' resulted in several complaints from reviewers due to lacking Gomez's appeal, making the character come across as untolerable due to lacking heroic and energetic tone from Gomez.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ungeek.ph/2022/12/tbr-crisis-core-final-fantasy-7-reunion-review-just-like-old-times/|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion Review Just Like Old Times|website=Ungeek|date=21 December 2022|access-date=January 7, 2023|archive-date=1 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201035028/https://www.ungeek.ph/2022/12/tbr-crisis-core-final-fantasy-7-reunion-review-just-like-old-times/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.levelup.com/PlayStation-5/juegos/683088/Crisis-Core-Final-Fantasy-VII-Reunion/review|title=Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion Review|website=Level Up|date=6 December 2022|access-date=January 7, 2023|archive-date=7 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107222910/https://www.levelup.com/PlayStation-5/juegos/683088/Crisis-Core-Final-Fantasy-VII-Reunion/review|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/crisis-core-final-fantasy-7-reunion-zack-fair-voice-comparisons-gomez-pierce/|title=Comparing Zack's New Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion Voice to His Old One|website=GameRant|date=15 December 2022|access-date=January 7, 2023|archive-date=7 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107222913/https://gamerant.com/crisis-core-final-fantasy-7-reunion-zack-fair-voice-comparisons-gomez-pierce/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/final-fantasy-7-crisis-core-reunion-voice-acting/|title=FF7: Crisis Core Reunion Didn't Update The One Thing It Should Have|website=ScreenRant|date=15 December 2022|access-date=January 7, 2023|archive-date=7 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107223454/https://screenrant.com/final-fantasy-7-crisis-core-reunion-voice-acting/|url-status=live}}</ref> The criticism from fans in regards to Pierce's performance as Zack resulted in mods being created for the game to restore Gomez's performance, among other voice actors from ''Crisis Core''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/crisis-core-final-fantasy-7-reunion-mod-reverts-to-original-english-voice-actors|title=Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion Mod|newspaper=Eurogamer.net|date=6 January 2023|access-date=January 7, 2023|archive-date=4 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204072432/https://www.eurogamer.net/crisis-core-final-fantasy-7-reunion-mod-reverts-to-original-english-voice-actors|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/final-fantasy-7-crisis-core-reunion-mod-original-voice-actors/|title=This Final Fantasy 7 Crisis Core Reunion Mod Aims To Restore The Original Voice Actors|website=Eurogamer|date=31 December 2022|access-date=January 7, 2023|archive-date=7 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107222913/https://www.thegamer.com/final-fantasy-7-crisis-core-reunion-mod-original-voice-actors/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of Final Fantasy VII characters|List of ''Final Fantasy VII'' characters]]

== Notes ==
{{reflist|group=Note}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category-inline}}

{{FFVII}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fair, Zack}}
[[Category:Characters designed by Tetsuya Nomura]]
[[Category:Final Fantasy VII characters]]
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