SkunkyArt | HungryKiriWolf — Sol Badguy vs Cloud Strife (Guilty Gear vs FF)

Two superhuman lab rats that were experimented on forcefully with something infused in their DNA (Gear Cells and Jenova Cells) to make them super soldiers alongside a close friend of their that they cared for (Aria Hale and Zack Fair). This experimentation also was the cause from turning their much weaker and frail bodies to superhuman capabilities and enhancing their magic.

Both worked for a military type organization that sought to defend mankind from the supernatural threats that opposed it in their early careers before leaving on.. incredibly bad terms (Shinra and the Holy Orders).

Both use ridiculously oversized swords that they made themselves that can empower their magical abilities (Sol's Fireseal/Outrage being able to enhance his fire magic capabilities and the Buster/Fusion Sword being able to use Materia which gives Cloud numerous spells) and would combine swords to make an even larger and more absurd but badass looking sword (The Outrage Mk.2 and The Fusion Sword)

Experts at magic while also having ridiculous hair and clothing.

Both are normally seen as dark, tragic and brooding characters yet are actually dorky and aloof while also having a dry sense of humor and a soft spot for others close to them. Being set out to protect the world from all manner of threats as they wander it for a living with a seemingly normal job.

Both had the most important women of their lives that they loved and deeply cared for taken away from them and have them die in their arms, said death would break them emotionally (Aerith and Justice/Aria)

They would also be anti-social during their work and would gain one friend that would become a massive influence to them (Zack Fair being Cloud's only and best friend. Aria Hale being Sol's lover), however they were taken away from their in front of them and watched them die as they gave their last words that would encourage their future actions.

Said guilt and failures would haunt them constantly and break them from the inside, yet never showed this to others (Cloud's guilt over being unable to save Zack and Aerith from their deaths, Sol accidentally killing Aria multiple times alongside being the creator of gears)

However, a second important woman entered their life that they're also closely related with would break the edgy shell and have them turn into a more jokey and relaxed, alongside giving them newfound purpose and becoming a great hero (Jack O' being Half of Aria, Tifa being Cloud's childhood friend)

They would also initially antagonize but soon become close friends with a freedom fighter leader and rebel of a group (Barret and Ky Kiske) that thought with their hearts that initially opposed them due to their nature (Barret initially disliking Cloud due to him originally being apart of SHINRA among other reasons. Ky disliking Sol for his nature as a gear and rebellious attitude) and what was truly right Both would constantly try to hunt down the causes of these guilt, never truly facing them on equal grounds until the end of their story (Sephiroth and That Man)

Both of their main villains were originally seen as friends of the protagonist before their betrayal and worked alongside them (That Man being Sol's Old Workmate, Asuka & Cloud looked up to Sephiroth) and would be the reason for their forced experimentation however, they contrast that Asuka initially wanted to help Sol and reunite him with Aria while Sephiroth.. didn't exactly care.

Both would eventually have to face and fight themselves (Cloud accepting Sephiroth isn't real and Holy Order Sol)

Both could also tap into an inner power that boosts their magical powers to overdrive with their moves turning into enhanced versions of them (Limit Break and Dragon Install) with an accompanying effect that surrounds them as they use it.

Really cool motorcycles like holy shit.