Tseng

Tseng
(ツォン, Tson?)
Biographical information
Home	Midgar
Age	30 (born 1977)
Affiliation	Shinra Electric Power Company
Occupation	Director of the Turks
Physical description
Race	Human
Gender	Male
Hair color	Black
Eye color	Brown
Gameplay details
Type	Non-player character
Type	Non-player character
Type	Boss
Type	Player character
Weapons	Gun
Type	Non-player character
Type	Non-player character
Behind the scenes information
Designer	Tetsuya Nomura
Japanese voice actor	Junichi Suwabe
English voice actor	Ryun Yu Vic Chao (Remake)

The coolheaded leader of the Turks. Tseng has a knack for managing his eccentric subordinates. An old acquaintance of Aerith's, he has been keeping watch over her since she moved to the slums.

Final Fantasy VII Remake loading screens

Tseng is a recurring character in the Final Fantasy VII series. He is an antagonist in Final Fantasy VII, with an expanded role in Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Tseng is a playable character in Before Crisis -Final Fantasy VII-. He also appears in other entries of the series, including Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children and Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-.

Tseng is the director of the Turks unit within Shinra Electric Power Company's General Affairs division. He is cool-headed and stoic, conducting his duties professionally and concealing his true feelings. A veteran operative and highly trusted in the company, Tseng manages his subordinates Reno, Rude, and Elena, and acts as Rufus Shinra's right-hand man. He has complicated feelings for Aerith Gainsborough, who he has watched over since she was a child.

Tseng is an experienced field operative, but mostly works behind the scenes, handling paperwork and relaying orders to his subordinates. He is fought as a boss in the training mode of Before Crisis -Final Fantasy II- and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.

History

Before Final Fantasy VII

Tseng was born in 1977.

Rookie operations

Verdot saved Tseng's life.

As a rookie Turk, during "Special Episode: Tseng" in Before Crisis -Final Fantasy VII-, Tseng investigated the kidnapping of a Shinra soldier, infiltrated an unregistered ship in Costa del Sol, and discovered Shinra weapons on the black market. A conflicted Tseng prioritized saving the soldier's life over duty and was later reprimanded by Verdot. Tseng and Verdot eventually returned and ended the black market plot, but Tseng was pinned by a girder in an explosion and Verdot saved him. After a brief hospitalization, a guilt-ridden Tseng was commended by Verdot.

At age 15, Tseng was assigned to monitor Aerith Gainsborough, the last surviving Cetra, and persuade her to willingly cooperate with Shinra. He proceeded cautiously due to the circumstances of her mother Ifalna's death, observing her for weeks without taking action. He continued watching Aerith over the years, developing special feelings for her, visiting Elmyra Gainsborough's house often, and refusing to take her by force.

In February 1993, shown during "Aeris's Secret" in Final Fantasy VII and "In Search of Hope" in Final Fantasy VII Remake, Tseng informed Elmyra about Shinra's interest in Aerith and her Ancient heritage, and explained that she would lead the company to the "promised land".

On November 11, 1999, during "Special Episode: Legend" in Before Crisis -Final Fantasy VII-, Tseng worked with Legend on a mission to rescue a captured arms merchant. After Legend disobeyed orders and left the merchant to die, Tseng questioned Verdot about Legend's lenient punishment of house arrest, but gained a new understanding upon learning of his tragic past.

Avalanche Insurgency and Genesis War

Tseng in the Before Crisis -Final Fantasy VII- opening.

On February 30, 0001, Tseng assigned rookie Turks to patrol Sector 8 in Midgar. When alerted of Avalanche's attack on Mako Reactor 8, he dispatched Reno as reinforcements. Upon hearing Avalanche planned to assassinate President Shinra in Junon, Tseng sent Reno and the rookies to protect him. Later, during "In the White Light of Day, the Assassin Smiles", Tseng received reports on Avalanche's activity in Junon and kept the rookies updated. Shortly after, he sent the rookies to wrest the cannon from Avalanche's control in "Swords Clashing in the Evening Shadows", but Sephiroth arrived and forced Avalanche to retreat. A month later, during "Proof of a Scar Filled Existence", Tseng updated Reno and Rude on Avalanche's movements while they captured SOLDIER candidates in Costa del Sol.

Tseng and Zack investigate Banora.

During Chapter 1 of Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-, Tseng was dispatched alongside Zack Fair to investigate Banora after the disappearances of Genesis Rhapsodos and Angeal Hewley. They discovered Genesis and his forces had massacred the villagers, except for Gillian Hewley, stole Shinra tech which the president wanted destroyed, and took control of the village. They encountered Genesis in the local factory, who attacked them, but Angeal intervened and enabled their escape. Tseng informed Shinra of their findings and the village was firebombed.

On January 14, 0002, during "The Darkness Obscuring the Light", Tseng reported the missing SOLDIERs Essai and Sebastian at Icicle Inn, suspecting Avalanche had captured them. He directed the Turks to survey the area, assist the Shinra army, and destroy the Avalanche base. When the mission failed, he was shocked that Verdot was demoted for leaking information and expressed apologies to Zack Fair for the loss of his comrades. On February 01, Tseng asserted to a concerned Reno and Rude that the Turks would continue serving Shinra under Heidegger's command. He was disappointed in Verdot for taking the fall and asked him to watch over the Turks. Tseng and the Turks were sent to Junon with unclear orders. When a large Avalanche force attacked, Tseng and the Turks struggled under Heidegger's haphazard orders. As they despaired, Verdot resumed leadership, issued orders, renewed their hope, and led them to victory.

Five months later, on June 07, 0002, Tseng evacuated staff following Avalanche's release of a research specimen in the Shinra Building and their abduction of Professor Hojo during "The Lone Discerning Alignment". He secured data and then pursued Avalanche's chopper transporting Hojo via truck, but was setback by Avalanche troops and a highway explosion. Tseng eventually escorted Hojo back to the Shinra Building after Sephiroth intervened. Two months later, on August 09, in the "The Dash to Freedom, Tseng was sent by Verdot to apprehend Aerith but was stopped by a fellow Turk who rescued her from Avalanche. He explained his intention not to harm Aerith and stressed the importance of gaining her cooperation with Shinra. Believing she could save the world, Tseng resigned himself to patiently waiting for her to willingly return to Shinra.

Tseng declines Zack's offer to help and refocuses him.

Tseng defended Sector 8 with Reno, Rude, and Cissnei from Genesis' attack while trying to apprehend Hollander in Chapter 3 of Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-. He encountered Zack, declined his help, and redirected him to his mission. They were unable to capture Hollander and he escaped. Tseng later met Zack in the Sector 5 slums, informed Aerith was not at the Sector 5 slums church, directed him to Modeoheim, both agreeing to not share what Aerith told them.

Tseng, Zack, and Cloud crashed in Modeo Ravine and later arrest Hollander.

Tseng, Zack, and Cloud Strife traveled to Modeoheim via helicopter, but were shot down by Genesis's army and forced to continue to the village on foot. Tseng instructed Zack to infiltrate a mako excavation facility used as a base for Genesis, who was eventually defeated by Zack. In Modeoheim, Tseng and Cloud were injured by Angeal but encouraged Zack to save Hollander. After Angeal's death, Tseng arrested Hollander and detained him in Junon.

Tseng, Cissnei, and Zack arrive in Junon to combat Genesis's army.

Tseng and Cissnei monitored Zack's vacation in Costa del Sol during Chapter 6 of Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-. As Tseng contemplated Genesis's fate, they were suddenly attacked by his army but swiftly defeated them. Rushing to Junon after reports of another attack, Tseng ordered Zack to find and protect Hollander. He coordinated the evacuation of civilians and the injured with Cissnei, repelling Genesis's army, but Hollander escaped. Back in Midgar, Tseng observed Aerith selling flowers and she teased him about being a customer, but he insisted surveillance was part of his duty.

On September 21, 0002, during "The Awakening of the Dark Harbinger", Tseng assigned a Turk to investigate the disappearance of staff at the Mt. Nibel reactor and provided remote support and directions before Sephiroth eventually destroyed Nibelheim. During "The Scar that Sunders the Calm", Tseng and the Turks received secret orders from President Shinra to clean up Nibelheim and directed a Turk to prepare the Shinra Manor for Hojo's experiments. He gathered Nibelheim survivors with Reno and Rude, feeling disgusted by Hojo referring to them as "test samples".

Tseng was sent to Wutai on January 03, 0003 to blow up Avalanche's headquarters during "All of Our Resolve and Longing". He acted as support in the field, regularly updating Verdot and standing watch outside. During the mission, Tseng witnessed Yuffie Kisaragi condemn Shinra, assault another Turk, and flee. The mission ultimately succeeded and Avalanche was considered destroyed. A few months later, on April 12, 0003, in "Onward to the Distant Heavens", Tseng assigned a Turk to find a missing Cid Highwind on the day of Shinra No. 26's launch and later noticed that Avalanche had occupied the Corel reactor.

Tseng strategized with the Turks to recapture the Corel reactor from Avalanche on May 08, 0003, during "The Muddy Course of Inexorable Fate", splitting up and joined by another Turk. They encountered Rufus Shinra unexpectedly, leading to his arrest ordered by Verdot. Upon learning Rufus controlled Avalanche and was the Shinra informant, the Turks protected him from an Avalanche ambush led by Fuhito. Tseng encouraged Verdot to pursue his daughter, Avalanche commander Elfe, and gratefully took charge when Verdot left the Turks. He later received reports from Cissnei about a Turk's whereabouts in the reactor. Tseng eventually returned to headquarters in "An Eruption of Fanged Chaos" and reported to President Shinra about Rufus' arrest and a comatose comrade. He was then ordered by the president to locate and eliminate Verdot, leaving him conflicted.

Three years later, on October 30, 0006, Tseng, Reno, and Rude waited for their comatose comrade to wake during "The Howl That Shook Heaven and Earth". Upon awakening, they assured Avalanche was being monitored and relayed orders to kill Verdot. Tseng kept in touch with Reno during a mission to capture Deneh for Hojo and received reports of Avalanche activity in Cosmo Canyon, specifically the Ravens. He also received an update from Rude about "research samples" escaping the Shinra Manor.

Tseng and the Turks searched for the escapees Zack and Cloud.

On December 19, 0006, during "The Choices We Made in the Beginning and the End" of Before Crisis -Final Fantasy VII- and Chapter 9 of Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-, Tseng assigned the Turks to locate the escaped specimen and warned them about the army's pursuit. He was shocked to learn Zack was among them and recalled gathering him among the survivors after the Nibelheim incident. Cissnei eventually found them, but lied to Tseng for their sakes. In Last Order -Final Fantasy VII-, Tseng reflected on his orders following Nibelheim's destruction, reading records from Hojo that instructed the Turks to rebuild Nibelheim and bury evidence of the incident, and felt unhappy he had no choice but to obey. He helped the Turks locate escapees Zack and Cloud Strife but sighed as they approached Midgar, knowing he had to deny them freedom.

Tseng tasked Cissnei with saving Zack.

Tseng, along with Reno, Rude, and Cissnei, enacted a plan to save Zack and Cloud from Shinra's elimination in Chapter 10 of Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-, emphasizing the importance of Zack's survival due to Aerith's 88 letters to him. Despite their efforts, the rescue mission failed, and Zack was executed.

A few months later, on February 10, 0007, Tseng disobeyed orders in "The Consequences of Our Choices" to assassinate Verdot and chose to help find a cure for his daughter, Elfe. He instructed a Turk to meet with a cooperative Reeve Tuesti and was warned by Rufus about the army hunting the Turks. Tseng assured Rufus of the Turks' loyalty to Shinra. Tseng planned a strategy with a Turk and Reeve's robotic cat, Cait Sith, to obtain a Zirconiade support materia in the ruined Gongaga reactor. Eight moths later, on October 01, 0007, Tseng learned from Rufus that the final Zirconiade materia was at Corel Prison during "Resolve to Reach the End" and sent a Turk to retrieve it before Avalanche, providing a tracking device for the Ravens. Rufus later reported the Turk was captured by Scarlet's troops and warned that the Turks were in danger if Verdot was caught. Tseng rushed to Corel Prison, arriving too late, and resolved to rescue Verdot. The Turks then went into hiding as they were targeted by Shinra.

A few days later, on October 04, during "The Threat that Pierces the Heavens", Tseng tried and failed to access Shinra's mainframe for Verdot's location, promising loyalty to Rufus in exchange for it. He, Reno, and Rude fought off Shinra grunts and rescued Verdot from Midgar's dump, escaping with Shears' help. Tseng assured Verdot that Elfe was safe and declared the Turks would defeat Zirconiade after Fuhito's summoning. Tseng escaped Midgar with Reno, Rude, and Verdot in "Veering Wildly Towards an Unstoppable End". At the meeting point, they found Elfe but no Shears and were surrounded by Shinra troops. A Shinra soldier announced new orders from the president: the Turks' charges would be overlooked, but Verdot and Elfe were to be assassinated. Tseng, unsurprised, asserted his leadership, declared the end of an era, shot Elfe, thanked an understanding Verdot, and shot him. Tseng then returned to Midgar in a truck with the bodies of Verdot and Elfe in "The Concerto: Played Out to its Straining Point", leaving a devastated Reno and Rude behind.

During the epilogue of Before Crisis -Final Fantasy VII-, on December 09, Tseng attended a meeting regarding the future of the Turks and was given full leadership of Shinra's General Affairs division. With the support of Rufus, who acknowledged their loyalty for the assassinations of Verdot and Elfe, Tseng thanked him, though Rufus clarified it was not for their sake. Tseng informed Reno and Rude of the developments, vowing that the Turks would operate differently. Tseng, Reno, and Rude, proudly returned to action upon hearing an emergency announcement about Mako Reactor 1.

Original continuity

Jenova War

Tseng captures Aerith.

Tseng captured Aerith as part of a deal to ensure Marlene's safety during "Prevent the Fall of the Plate" in Final Fantasy VII. He arrived by helicopter after Reno's defeat, taunting Cloud's party and threatening to harm Aerith if they tried disarming the bomb. When questioned about Shinra's intentions for Aerith, Tseng revealed his orders to capture her, though further plans were undecided. He doubted the party's survival and departed. During "Storming the Shinra Building", Tseng assisted Rude in trapping and apprehending Cloud's party as they infiltrated the Shinra Building to rescue Aerith.

Tseng in the Mythril Mine.

Tseng and the Turks were assigned by Rufus to locate Sephiroth, tracking him to Junon. He encountered Cloud's party in the Mythril Mine during "Going After Sephiroth", scolded Elena for revealing mission details, sent her and Rude ahead, and gave his regards to Aerith. Tseng arrived in Junon during "The Stowaway Strategy" for Rufus's inauguration ceremony and later joined Reno and Elena at a bar before resuming their mission.

During "Gongaga, the Village of Sadness", Tseng headed to Gongaga to assist Scarlet in searching for the huge materia at the ruined reactor. He anticipated the creation of an ultimate weapon, envied the Advanced Weaponry division's increased budget, and remained silent when Scarlet insulted Heidegger.

Tseng and the Turks were stranded at the Gold Saucer due to a ropeway malfunction. He felt relieved that neither him nor Elena were chosen to play the leads in the nightly theater production. Tseng was oblivious to Elena's disappointment, wishing she would conduct herself better off-duty. Sometime during "Secret Date", Tseng tasked Cait Sith with acting as a Shinra spy within Cloud's party to obtain the keystone to the Temple of the Ancients.

Tseng and Elena investigated the Temple of the Ancients during "Within the Temple of the Ancients", discovering an important mural. He invited a flustered Elena to dinner before sending her to report to Rufus. Tseng was soon ambushed by Sephiroth, who gravely wounded him after he asked about the temple. Tseng was later found by Cloud's party, confessed to being deceived, revealed Sephiroth's true intentions, and surrendered the keystone. He expressed regret, shared an emotional moment with Aerith, and instructed the party to place the keystone on the altar. Tseng was left to die as the temple collapsed.

Tseng and the Turks evacuated Midgar during Meteorfall.

Depicted in Final Fantasy VII: On the Way to a Smile, Tseng quietly accepted death and reflected on past mistakes, unable to sense the lifestream. He was rescued by a backup Cait Sith and transported to a hospital in Junon. After recovering, Tseng rejoined his comrades, who were happy he survived, and assisted in the search for Rufus. He then helped the other Turks, including Verdot, evacuate Midgar as Meteor fell during the epilogue of Before Crisis -Final Fantasy VII-.

Post-Meteor

The day after Meteor's destruction, Tseng and the Turks met with Rufus and agreed to continue serving Shinra. Rufus assigned Tseng and Elena to gather information in Midgar, they headed to Wall Market, disguised themselves, and infiltrated a bar where Elena nearly confessed her feelings to Tseng. They discovered the first known casualty of Geostigma and as they reported back to Kalm, Tseng pondered if the disease was a punishment from the lifestream. Upon returning to find Rufus missing, Tseng coordinated a failed search, but continued looking himself.

Tseng and the Turks relocated to Sector 5. He approved Elena's idea to spread rumors of Midgar's collapse, scaring civilians into evacuating, and allowing Shinra's secrets to remain buried. Tseng and Elena investigated an assembly reported by Reno and learned it was volunteering civilians gathering building materials to construct a new city under Mütten Kylegate. Tseng and his comrades later returned to help in an effort to collect more intel. The next morning, Verdot visited them and Tseng questioned his sudden return, unsure how to address his former mentor. Verdot told them of Kylegate's plans and Rufus's capture, prompting them to hurry to Kalm and rescue Rufus. However, Rufus was kidnapped by Kilmister.

Tseng and the Turks continued searching for Rufus to no avail. When Rufus sent Kilmister to Midgar, Tseng suggested using Cliff Resort to study and treat Geostigma patients and helped transport them there. He eventually saved Rufus and Judd from a flooded cave with the help of his Turk comrades and Kilmister, and brought him to the resort. Tseng continued acting as Rufus's right-hand man and bodyguard after Rufus was taken to Cliff Resort. The Turks later learned Geostigma was caused by Sephiroth, with the black water containing traces of Jenova cells, and the disease becoming fatal if hope was lost. Tseng examined Kilmister's corpse the next day, questioned a confessing Judd, and reported to an unfazed Rufus. He listened as Rufus declared Shinra would find and secure Jenova, and was instructed to make preparations for the assignment.

Rebuilding Shinra

Two years later, in Final Fantasy VII The Kids Are Alright: A Turks Side Story, Tseng continued overseeing the Turks and serving as Rufus's aide at the Healen Lodge. Sometime after a discussion with Rufus about Annette Townshend, Reno and Rude brought Evan Townshend and Kyrie Canaan to the lodge, where Tseng told Evan he was the illegitimate son of the late President Shinra. Their meeting is cut short when Fabio Braun, Doyle, and Keough attacked to rescue Thropp, who was being interrogated Elena. Tseng helped defend the lodge but Evan bargained Rufus's life and the Turks were forced to let them go.

Tseng and Elena met Reno and Rude in Midgar and had Rude repair a helicopter for them. While informing his comrades of their new orders to find Jenova, Reno noticed someone was eavesdropping and Tseng sent Elena to capture them before eventually heading to Junon. Tseng and Elena stayed at a beach house in the newly refurbished Under Junon and heard a commotion outside. He recognized Red XIII bringing a girl to Eugene Dimitri's doctor's office, paid a visit, and realized the girl was Kyrie. When Tseng returned later, Kyrie was gone, but he later found her talking to a silver-haired boy resembling Sephiroth. The boy introduced himself as Kadaj and shook Tseng's hand, causing him and Kyrie to collapse. When they woke, Tseng advised Kyrie not to trust Kadaj.

When Reno and Rude arrived in Junon with Evan, Tseng decided to use him and Kyrie in their search for Jenova. Reno suggested helping Evan find his mother in Nibelheim, but Tseng agreed only to send himself and Elena, leaving Reno and Rude to handle their duties in Junon and await updates from their old colleagues. After a brief stop in Nibelheim, Tseng and Elena transported Evan and Kyrie to Icicle Inn, but stayed in the helicopter and listened to their conversations via a bug planted in Evan's bag. Tseng and Elena later moved to an inn room next to Evan and Kyrie's, continued to listen, and Tseng recognized Eugene Dimitri's name. Elena advised Tseng to rest but he refused, saw Kadaj outside the window, and left to investigate.

Tseng found no signs of Kadaj but discovered Evan in the guardhouse, only to be attacked by Kadaj, who vanished after Tseng was unable to confirm Jenova's location. Elena joined Tseng as they continued pursuing Kadaj, who set the town on fire. Returning to their helicopter, Tseng prepared a rocket launcher, and they engaged in battle with Kadaj. Tseng ordered Reno, Rude, and Elena to open fire, but a radio malfunction forced Tseng and Elena to act alone. After Kadaj sabotaged Reno and Rude's helicopter, causing them to jump out, Tseng fired a missile at it. Tseng and Elena soon returned to Under Junon.

Geostigma crisis

A recovered Tseng fought the Remnants of Sephiroth.

During Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, Tseng returned to North Crater with Elena to collect Jenova's remains but was ambushed and tortured by Kadaj, Loz, and Yazoo. They were rescued by Vincent Valentine. After recovering, Tseng and Elena saved Rufus from falling after his fight with Kadaj and later saved Reno and Rude after their helicopter was shot down in a battle with Loz and Yazoo. Following the defeat of the Remnants of Sephiroth, Tseng and his comrades witnessed Rufus being cured of Geostigma.

Remake continuity

Midgar operations

Tseng captures Aerith.

Tseng participated in the attack on the Sector 7 pillar during "Haunted" in Final Fantasy VII Remake, relaying the plate separation code to Reno and Rude. He requested status reports from them as they battled the militia defending the pillar, sent reinforcements, and instructed them to contact him after the mission was completed.

As Tseng headed for the pillar, he reported the loss of a chopper, and adapted plans upon seeing Aerith in "Fight for Survival". He followed her into Seventh Heaven, blocked her escape, and commented on her evading capture. Tseng agreed to Aerith's proposal to return to Shinra if Marlene was taken to safety. He brought Marlene to Elmyra in the Sector 5 slums and returned to headquarters with Aerith. After Reno and Rude were defeated, Tseng appeared to Cloud's party via transmission with a captive Aerith, asserting their inability to stop the plate separation. He thanked them for inadvertently enabling Aerith's capture and condemned Sector 7, doubting their chances as Aerith urged them to escape.

Tseng in the Turks' office.

During "The Belly of the Beast", Tseng did paperwork in the Turks' office with Rude and an injured Reno, suggesting the latter needed R&R. He coldly dismissed their guilt about the Sector 7 plate drop and made up excuses in an attempt to ease their feelings, but was received poorly. Tseng then received a call from Rufus requesting them. After Cloud's party escaped the Shinra Building during "Destiny's Crossroads", Tseng accompanied Rufus, who was now president. He noticed Rufus was distracted and inquired if something was wrong but received no answer. Rufus saw the Whispers, but an oblivious Tseng was unable to. Tseng then received an update that Reno and Rude were on standby for further instructions, and Rufus ordered him to bring them in.

Pursuit of Sephiroth

Tseng in the Mythril Mine.

Tseng and the Turks were ordered by Rufus to pursue the black robes and locate Sephiroth. He traveled through the Mythril Mine with Rude and Elena during "Deeper into Darkness" in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and encountered Cloud's party. After Rude and Elena were beaten, Tseng appeared and considered Barret a hypocrite for demanding the Turks answer for the blood on their hands. He reminded Avalanche that they were still wanted but was willing to let the party go if they did not interfere with their mission. Tseng asked Cloud to take care of Aerith and then shot at the party, covering Rude and Elena's escape.

Tseng monitored Junon during Rufus's inauguration.

During "Dawn of a New Era", Tseng joined Rufus in Junon for his inauguration ceremony and informed him that Glenn Lodbrok from Wutai had a message for the president from Viceroy Sarruf, eventually being dismissed. He later surveilled Cloud's disguised party as they infiltrated the city and performed in Rufus's parade alongside other Public Security teams.

Tseng watched in amusement as Reeve altered Avalanche's wanted posters in "All That Glitters". He then reported to Rufus that they were still monitoring Aerith and asked if she or the Weapons' magnum materia were more important before promising to step up surveillance. Sometime later, during "The Long Shadow of Shinra", Tseng attended a board meeting about Lodbrok's broadcast declaring war between Wutai and Shinra. He regretted the Turks' lack of intel but shared information on Lodbrok, the increase in uprisings since the Republic of Junon's fall, and the SRC.

Tseng traveled to the Gold Saucer with Rufus, Rude, and Elena during "A Golden Key", intending to win the keystone to access the Temple of the Ancients. He was confident that the "promised land" and the temple were the same, wondered how they would obtain the keystone, and Rufus replied he had an idea. Tseng watched as Rude, Elena, and Rufus battled Cloud's party in the Fight for Naming Rights. Cait Sith, acting as a spy for Shinra, betrayed Cloud's party, giving the keystone to Tseng, who then departed by helicopter with Rude, Elena, and Rufus.

Tseng and Elena prepare to fight Aerith, Red XIII, and Yuffie.

Tseng joined Rufus, Hojo, and the Turks in Junon until setting off for the Temple of the Ancients during "Where Angels Fear to Tread". Upon arriving, Tseng inserted the keystone into an altar and the Temple of the Ancients appeared. He led the Turks through the temple, eventually ordering them to split up due to Avalanche and Aerith's presence. Tseng teamed up with Elena and eventually ran into Aerith, Red XIII, and Yuffie. He advised against fighting but Yuffie's taunts angered Elena and they engaged, though Tseng emphasized sparing Aerith before a failed attempt at reasoning with her. After Tseng and Elena were defeated, Elena shielded Tseng, allowing him to head deeper into the temple.

Aerith showed concern for a wounded Tseng.

Tseng reached the pedestal and concluded the Temple of the Ancients was a fortress, but wondered what is was protecting. A robed man then transformed into Sephiroth, stabbed Tseng, answered that the temple protected the Ancients from humans who coveted their power, and was then shot dead. A concerned Aerith rushed to a gravely wounded Tseng, who assured her he was okay. He asked if the temple was the "promised land", and when she confirmed it was not, he was unsurprised. After Aerith assured Tseng she did not hate him, he explained the pedestal was the key and that only an Ancient could use it. Tseng then limped off to give his report and was later escorted out of the crumbling temple by Reno, Rude, and Elena. Upon returning to Midgar in "End of the World", Rufus refused Hojo's offer to treat Tseng's wounds, insisting the medical team would see to him.

Characteristics

Appearance

Tseng is a young man with a slim build, tan skin, straight, long black hair, and dark brown eyes. He has a tilak and sometimes wears his hair in a ponytail when in the field.

Tseng wears the standard Turks uniform consisting of a dark suit. In Final Fantasy VII, his suit is navy blue, while in later entries of the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII, it is black. Both suit variations are worn with a white dress shirt, a black tie, and black dress boots. In the Final Fantasy VII remake project, Tseng's design is similar to his original, but includes additional accessories such as black leather gloves and stud earrings.

Concept art by Tetsuya Nomura for Final Fantasy VII.

Field model from Final Fantasy VII.

Portrait from Before Crisis -Final Fantasy VII-.

Model from Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion.

Concept art by Roberto Ferrari for Final Fantasy VII Remake.

Personality

Had we refused, someone else would've completed the task. We have spared that someone the burden of a guilty conscience. Perhaps that will ease yours.

Tseng, Final Fantasy VII Remake § "Operation: Save Aerith"

Tseng and his subordinates.

Tseng is calm and collected. He is intelligent and insightful, possessing important intel about the planet, people, history, and Shinra. He is a stern, competent, and prudent director, deeply trusted by the company for his experience. Tseng takes pride in his duties as a Turk, aspires to act professional, adapts his personality to the situation, and leads casually. Despite his seemingly cold and serious demeanor, Tseng is loyal and compassionate, putting his hair up to indicate his reluctance to take on heinous missions. However, he tends to hide his true feelings.

Tseng takes after his admired mentor and former director, Verdot. He is dedicated to Shinra and follows orders without question, no matter how unpleasant the assignment. However, he secretly feels bitter and discontent with the company's decisions, notably Verdot's demotion and execution, Hojo's twisted experiments, and Zack's death, which all weigh heavily on his conscience. During his apparent final moments, Tseng even accepted his death as atonement for his past actions and failures.

Tseng monitored Aerith and befriended Zack.

Tseng maintains casual relationships with his acquaintances and colleagues. He excels at managing his eccentric and reliable subordinates Reno, Rude, and Elena, who respect him and turn to him for guidance despite his sometimes callous attitude. He also built a trusting friendship with Zack, working with him on various missions, joking around with him, and eventually going against company orders in a failed attempt to save his life, a burden that continues to pain him. Tseng is close with Rufus, acts as his trusted right-hand man and bodyguard, and agrees with his vision to help Shinra atone for their past by protecting the planet. He is not very close with the other Shinra executives, but they value his rational judgment and exceptional insight.

Tseng has complex and vaguely affectionate feelings for Aerith. When first assigned to monitor and capture her, he acted cautiously, especially after the circumstances around Ifalna's death. In his efforts to persuade Aerith to return to Shinra, Tseng refused to use force. He continued surveilling her for years, protecting her, and they considered each other special. When he was seemingly dying, Aerith cried and insisted she did not hate Tseng.

Abilities

Tseng is a veteran operative within the Turks, highly trusted by Shinra. He is skilled in offensive and defensive martial arts, marksmanship, and piloting.

Gameplay

Before Crisis -Final Fantasy VII-

Main article: Tseng (Before Crisis boss)

Tseng is fought as a boss in the Training Mode.

Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-

Tseng has a spot on Zack's Digital Mind Wave, known as "Air Strike". Tseng calls in a helicopter, spraying all enemies with machine gun fire, and launches missiles at them. Air Strike is unlocked at the moment the player meets up with Tseng in the second chapter, and is usable since the start of the third chapter.'

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Tseng is fought at the end of Chapter 13 alongside Elena.

Model from Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII.

Tseng's DMW icon.

Other appearances

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Behind the scenes

The original English localization to Final Fantasy VII gave the impression that Tseng died at the Temple of the Ancients, making his later appearance in Advent Children seem like a retcon. When met in Icicle Inn, Elena originally accused Cloud of "doin' in her boss", but the line was changed in the PC-version to say Cloud "messed my boss up", which is more accurate. In Tseng's last appearance in Final Fantasy VII, after giving the Keystone to Cloud and sitting down, his eyes blink and he twitches every now and then. When the player inserts the Keystone and sinks into the temple, Tseng's eyes have closed and he is no longer moving. This, alongside the original translation, further gave cause to believe that Tseng had died.

Final Fantasy VII Remake has an unused model for a younger Tseng where he has shorter hair. Rather than using this younger model, the flashback scene where Tseng addresses the young Aerith still uses his regular character model. This was never addressed in subsequent re-releases of the game.

Voice

Tseng is voiced by Junichi Suwabe in the Japanese releases of the Final Fantasy VII series. He was originally voiced by Ryan Yu in the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII, but was succeeded by Vic Chao in the Final Fantasy VII remake project.

Etymology

Tseng's name was initially misunderstood to be pronounced Shion in Japanese for English audiences, following an early fan translation of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children by Jasconius. Rather than translating by ear, Jasconius used the Japanese subtitles included on the DVD. ツォン (Tson?), the correct katakana form of "Tseng", was misread as the similar-looking シオン (Shion?). Many viewers were confused upon reading "Shion" but seeing Tseng (rather than a new character named Shion) in the film, and attempted to explain the error resulted in the aforementioned misconception. Tseng's name is indeed pronounced as "Tsung" in English.

"Tseng" is written as Tson in katakana as it is a Cantonese name (曾, which means great-grandfather, is a common Chinese family name) where e represents a sound resembling the short o of English, also approximated in Japanese with an unlengthened o vowel.

In the Final Fantasy VII Official Establishment File, prior to the English localization and the release of the game in Japanese, Tseng's name was written in Latin-text as "Zeng", which is the way his name is written in pinyin—a romanisation system of Mandarin that uses the Roman alphabet. After the release of the game's localization, efforts were made to use universal Latin-text for Japanese and English publications, which decided on "Tseng".

In spite of this, in Last Order -Final Fantasy VII-, Tseng's name is written as "Zheng" in English, which is how he signs a document near the beginning. His name is later written as "Zeng" in the credits. In Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-, Zack can come across a camera near the church in Sector 5, but even after reading the inscription as "T-S-E-N-G", he does not realize it is Tseng's and wonders how to pronounce that. This inscription is the same in the Japanese version, where the joke makes more sense because the gap between the Japanese pronunciation and the written text is greater.