Final Fantasy is a legendary JRPG series that needs no introduction. Each and every game in this series has been important for this genre in many ways, with players loving both the turn-based and real-time combat this franchise has experimented with.
Some of the most notable Final Fantasy characters do a great job of illustrating why this series has attained such a legendary reputation. The reactions these characters have enjoyed and the way they’ve broken into the gaming mainstream make them highly important to the series as a whole.
8
Squall Leonhart
A Divisive Yet Iconic Character In His Own Right
- Notable Appearance(s): Final Fantasy 8, Kingdom Hearts 2
Final Fantasy 8 came hot on the heels of its celebrated predecessor and split fans down the middle. The Junction System, weird plot twist, and underdeveloped characters deserved their criticism, and there’s one character who personifies the reception this title enjoys to this day.
Based on whom players talk to, Squall is either one of the most well-written protagonists of all time or someone way too indifferent for his own good. His design is Nomura at his very peak, and the players who love Final Fantasy 8 swear by Squall as an excellent character whose love story with Rinoa more than redeemed this title in their eyes.
7
Sabin Rene Figaro
Immortalized Himself By Letting Fans Suplex A Train
- Notable Appearance(s): Final Fantasy 6
Final Fantasy has entered the memesphere in some form or another, with one of the biggest running jokes coming from the sixth mainline entry. During one particular boss fight against the Phantom Train, players were amused to find out that Sabin could suplex this boss without a care in the world… while he’s running for dear life on the train tracks!
It’s a hilarious moment that personifies Final Fantasy 6‘s charms and single-handedly turned Sabin into one of the most legendary characters in the franchise. His OP Blitz techniques already made him one of the best monks in the series, but this moment cements his legacy for good.
6
Yuna
A Beloved Character And One Of The Series’ Strongest Summoners
- Notable Appearance(s): Final Fantasy 10, Final Fantasy 10-2
Despite the fanservice accusations that Final Fantasy is definitely guilty of, the franchise has written its fair share of memorable female characters whom fans love. Yuna is the most obvious mention here, with this brave summoner carving her way into the hearts of fans who fell in love with Final Fantasy 10.
The game tells a surprisingly mature love story, with Yuna slowly growing from a person unsure of her goals into one of the most headstrong and morally infallible characters in the series. It’s an amazing transformation that makes her one of the most beloved characters in the series for many fans, making it easy to see why she was the perfect lead for a sequel.
5
Aerith Gainsborough
Her Death Is One Of The Most Iconic Video Game Moments Of All Time
- Notable Appearance(s): Final Fantasy 7, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Aerith has one of the most tragic stories in the game, which is why her optimism is so admirable. Despite being constantly hunted down by Shinra, she never lets despair get to her and tries her hardest to help save the world.
It would be impossible to talk about Aerith without mentioning the iconic scene where Sephiroth stabbed her in the Temple of the Ancients. It’s one of the most spoiled video game moments of all time that left fans reeling as a permanent party member left, never to return again.
4
Vivi Ornitier
A Black Mage With A Tear-Jerking Story
- Notable Appearance(s): Final Fantasy 9
Final Fantasy 9 serves as a perfect combination of old and new, with Vivi being a perfect example of the same. The iconic look of the franchise’s Black Mage is used to tell a tragic story where Vivi finds out the truth behind his origins… and his criminally short lifespan.
It’s something that he finds hard to digest after seeking answers regarding his existence for the longest time, but he swallows this grief and becomes the hero everyone loves, doing everything in his power to save the world, even though he won’t be here to witness a happily ever after. It’s a genuine tearjerker that has established this iconic Black Mage as one of the best-written Final Fantasy characters of all time and a huge reason why people consider Final Fantasy 9 to be the greatest title in the series.
3
Tifa Lockhart
Arguably The Most Popular Final Fantasy Femme Fatale Of All Time
- Notable Appearance(s): Final Fantasy 7, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
There’s no denying that Tifa’s character design, being tailor-made for the male gaze, hasn’t aged all that well. However, despite this issue, one can’t deny that her looks and badassery went a long way in making Tifa one of the most iconic Final Fantasy characters of all time.
She’s easily the most popular monk in the series, and people love her dynamic with Cloud as the two childhood friends become closer than ever. Final Fantasy 7 was a legendary game, and its popularity ensured that people would become familiar with Tifa and her warm personality as the game went on.
2
Sephiroth
A Legendary Video Game Antagonist Who Needs No Introduction
- Notable Appearance(s): Final Fantasy 7, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Sephiroth is one of the greatest video game antagonists of all time. His ridiculously long Masamune and his flowing silver hair are iconic, with later iterations of this character adding a wing to his form to literally embody the iconic boss soundtrack that plays during the game’s final battle.
His rivalry with Cloud is the stuff of legends, with his mysterious appearances and immense power ensuring that he left a lasting impression on players. While his frequent appearances across Remake and Rebirth don’t sit right with long-time fans, one can understand why they went down this route. After all, everyone knows how legendary this villain is, and making him a central part of these games is only natural.
1
Cloud Strife
Easily The Most Popular Protagonist In The Final Fantasy Series By A Country Mile
- Notable Appearance(s): Final Fantasy 7, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
To this day, there hasn’t been a Final Fantasy protagonist that has replaced Cloud in terms of sheer popularity. This spiky-haired blonde made a lasting impact from the very first minute of Final Fantasy 7 and never stopped dazzling players.
The issues with his stoic demeanor were explained in one of the game’s best plot twists, ensuring that players could finally see the real Cloud after he regained his memories. His amazing backstory, coupled with the impressive power he wields in combat, makes it clear why this protagonist and his massive swords have become iconic.
- Creation Year
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1987
- Developer(s)
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Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
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Square Enix
- Creator
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Hironobu Sakaguchi
- Latest Release
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Final Fantasy 16
- Creator(s)
-
Hironobu Sakaguchi
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