Social media is a problematic cesspool, but every once in a while it gives us a gem.
Yesterday, this gem was in the form of a simple post on Twitter/X. It featured eight simple words, and one very cursed image that has sent ripples through sections of certain online fandoms: “I seen this, so now you have to:”
Why? Why does it work so well? Why does Cloud Strife’s face look eerily fitting on Eminem’s head and body? The image is part disturbing, part fascinating, but honestly, just really funny as well.
The post has since gone viral, garnering over 2.2 million views with its 4,700-plus reposts. And with a discography as long and memorable as Eminem’s, it was bound to spawn endless memes lampooning the rapper’s lyrics: “Snap back to reality, ope, there goes Gravity (Materia)” is one that made me chuckle. And many, many others.
I especially like the “I seen this so now you have to” of it all, because I’ve basically just done the same thing to Destructoid’s readers. It’s kind of like that VHS tape in The Ring, except the odds of this cursed image making anyone die in seven days are very low (but never zero). If nothing else, the picture confirms just how important hair design is.
The memes and sub-memes that have been born from this concerning image (who the hell even had this idea anyway?) have been plentiful. But my personal favorite? This mash-up of Cloud and Sephiroth, set to the Eminem song “Love The Way You Lie” featuring Rihanna. It’s just perfection:
Or this one that put Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” lyrics to the FF7 battle theme:
And even the official FF7 account has gotten in on the fun, so that’s how you know it really went big:
Just gonna stand there and watch him burn, are you? Yeah, maybe, when Final Fantasy VII: Revelation releases in 2027 for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2.
