# Another Critical Role Actor Joins Final Fantasy VII: Just What We Needed, Right?
The gaming world is abuzz once again, and no, it’s not because someone finally solved the mystery of why every video game protagonist looks like they moonlight as a Calvin Klein model. It’s because another actor from *Critical Role*, the beloved (or overhyped, depending on your mood) Dungeons & Dragons show, is lending their voice to *Final Fantasy VII Rebirth*. And no, they’re not voicing Shiva in the way you’d expect. Let’s dive into this groundbreaking development that will undoubtedly change your life forever.
## Who Is Joining Now? Another Day, Another Voice Actor
Let’s start with the basics—because apparently, some people still need a refresher on who’s who in the voice-acting zoo. This time, it’s Matthew Mercer, known for his role as the Dungeon Master on *Critical Role* and for voicing a laundry list of characters in anime and gaming. Mercer is stepping into the icy shoes of Shiva in *Final Fantasy VII Rebirth*. But wait—it’s not the Shiva you’re thinking of. This isn’t the iconic ice queen summon who drops glaciers on enemies. Nope. This Shiva is an entirely new character, because apparently, Square Enix thought, “Why not confuse everyone?”
### Why This Matters (Or Doesn’t)
For those who live under a rock or prefer their RPGs with fewer existential crises, *Final Fantasy VII Rebirth* is the second installment in the *Final Fantasy VII Remake* trilogy. Yes, trilogy—because Square Enix realized they could stretch one game into three and fans would still throw their wallets at them. With each new installment, the developers have introduced twists and turns, some of which are brilliant, while others feel like they were brainstormed during a caffeine-fueled 3 a.m. meeting.
This casting decision, while exciting for Mercer’s fans, begs the question: Do we really need more characters in a narrative already bursting at the seams? Or is this just another way to keep the *Critical Role* fandom engaged while simultaneously confusing the rest of us?
## The Evolution of Shiva: From Ice Summon to… Wait, What?
Let’s talk about Shiva. In the original *Final Fantasy VII*, she was a summonable entity—a literal goddess of ice. You’d call her to the battlefield, and she’d obliterate enemies with frosty precision. Fast forward to 2023, and now Shiva is a guy—voiced by Matthew Mercer—who has absolutely nothing to do with the summon we know and love. It’s like naming your dog “Cat” just to mess with people.
So, what’s the deal with this new Shiva? According to Square Enix, this character is a part of some convoluted subplot designed to “enhance the narrative.” Translation: They needed to justify why the trilogy costs more than your rent.
### Pros & Cons of This Casting News
#### Pros:
– **More Matthew Mercer**: Because who doesn’t want more of Mercer’s smooth baritone in their life?
– **Fresh Spin**: It’s always fun to see creative liberties taken with beloved franchises. Sometimes.
– **Critical Role Fans Rejoice**: If you’re a fan of *Critical Role*, this is like Christmas morning.
#### Cons:
– **Confusion Galore**: Wait, so Shiva isn’t Shiva? What’s next? Bahamut is actually a chocobo?
– **Overcrowded Narrative**: With every new character, the story risks becoming as bloated as a Thanksgiving turkey.
– **Polarized Fanbase**: Not everyone is thrilled about these changes. Some fans just want their nostalgia untainted.
## The Bigger Picture: Is This a Trend?
This isn’t the first time *Critical Role* actors have crossed into major gaming franchises. Laura Bailey, Ashley Johnson, and Liam O’Brien have all lent their voices to iconic video games. It’s almost as if *Critical Role* has become a farm system for the gaming industry. And honestly, why not? These actors are talented, passionate, and have built a massive fanbase. But it does raise the question: Are we leaning too heavily on one pool of talent? Is the gaming industry falling into the trap of casting for clout rather than fit?
For a deeper dive into the rise of *Critical Role* actors in gaming, check out our article on [the intersection of D&D and video game storytelling](#). And while you’re at it, here’s a great read on [how voice acting is shaping modern gaming](https://www.pcgamer.com/how-voice-acting-is-redefining-narrative-in-gaming/).
## Final Thoughts: Are We Excited or Just Tired?
So, what does this all mean for *Final Fantasy VII Rebirth*? On one hand, it’s exciting to see a beloved voice actor join an iconic franchise. On the other hand, it’s a reminder that franchises like *Final Fantasy* are constantly reinventing themselves—sometimes to great effect, and sometimes to the frustration of longtime fans.
At the end of the day, this casting news isn’t going to make or break the game. But it does add another layer of intrigue (and confusion) to a series that’s already juggling more plotlines than a soap opera. Whether you’re thrilled or rolling your eyes, one thing’s for sure: *Final Fantasy VII Rebirth* will give us all something to talk about. And isn’t that the real point?
## Ready to Dive In?
Love it or hate it, *Final Fantasy VII Rebirth* is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about games of the year. Pre-order your copy today and prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, plot twists, and, apparently, new definitions of old characters. And hey, if all else fails, at least we’ll have Matthew Mercer keeping us entertained.
### Call-to-Action
What are your thoughts on this casting news? Are you excited, confused, or just here for the memes? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and share this article with your fellow gaming enthusiasts. Let’s keep the conversation going!
