Final Fantasy VII Revelation Unveils NPC Shiva Voiced by Marisha Ray at NYCC 2026

A new twist on Shiva is coming to Final Fantasy VII Revelation. During the game's New York Comic Con panel, it was announced that Critical Role's Marisha Ray will voice 'Polydroid Shiva.' The panel didn't clarify how this edgy version of the recurring ice summon fits into Revelation, but a behind-the-scenes clip showed her seemingly introducing a snowboarding minigame and blaming Vincent for her predicament.

"Have you any of the faintest idea of the consternation you've caused?" Polydroid Shiva asks. "Polydroid problems aren't my purview," Vincent retorts. (Cold, indeed!) She then challenges him: "Drop on a board, caped one, and give my slopes a spin. Let us see how you carve!"

Ray stood up from the front row but didn't take the stage. Moderator Lucy James asked Matt Mercer, who voices Vincent Valentine and is Ray's real-life husband and Critical Role co-star, about acting alongside her and seeing her in the game. "It was amazing, are you kidding me!" Mercer exclaimed. "[Shiva] is her favorite summon in the whole series."

When they learned they'd share scenes after Ray was cast, they celebrated but had one concern. "Talking to the team, it was like, 'I hope this wasn't any nepotism scenario,'" Mercer said. "It was like, 'Oh no, they didn't know she was your wife.' I was like, 'That's right, you earned that, baby!'"

The hour-long panel served as a sendoff for the cast, many of whom have spent nearly seven years recording these roles. Cody Christian, who voices Cloud, estimated he'd spent "800 hours collectively" in the booth perfecting his lines. "Every inflection, every breath, it all matters. We'd spend 10 minutes on 3 words just to make sure it was right," he said.

Final Fantasy VII Revelation launches on April 8, 2027. Director Naoki Hamaguchi (who wasn't at the NYCC panel but thanked fans via prerecorded video) has said the game will take over 100 hours for completionists to finish.

⚠️Vincent and Polydroid Shiva (voiced by Matt Mercer's wife, Marisha Ray) at the Snowboarding arena. Video shown at New York Comic Con.'--And give my slopes a spin!'Oh he can give my slopes a spin... 😏#RevelationSpoilers #FF7R https://t.co/kIgjUl5YIH

What do you think is the deal with this version of Shiva in Final Fantasy VII Revelation? More importantly, are you excited to shred the slopes in the game?? Hash it out in the comments.