Top 12 Final Fantasy Characters

One for every game before they ruined the series.

Vivi

“How do you prove that we exist? Maybe we don’t exist.”

The quintessential black mage. Vivi combines all that is adorable with the firepower to level a town. Innocent and courageous, Vivi is willing to go to any length for his friends. He will fight to last and sacrifice everything to help save the world.

Vivi FFIX

Gilgamesh

“Enough expository banter! Now we fight like men! And ladies! And ladies who dress like men! For Gilgamesh…it is morphing time!”

Gilgamesh is simply the best recurring character in the Final Fantasy series. From his transvestite monologue in FFV to his manifold fakeout in FFXII he is the series’ embodiment of mischief.

GIlgamesh Final Fantasy

Kefka

“Son of a Submariner! You’ll pay for this!”

Psychotic to the max. Best. Villain. Ever.

Kefka FFVI

Quistis

“You know, the boys often choke on this test when I come with them. I guess my charm makes them nervous.”

FFVIII is divisive among fans of the series and the inclusion of Quistis in this list will no doubt be no different. Quistis is one of the few bright spots in the misery of VIII. The SeeD Instructor is level-headed and rady for business, but always ready to see the lighter side of the apocalypse.

Quistis FFVIII

Red XIII

“Would you kindly hurry? The heat is drying my nose.”

The world’s fluffiest philosopher. Red’s age and wisdom make him a wise and welcome addition to the party. Plus he’s adorable; although if you said that to he’s face he’d likely maul you.

Red XIII FFVII

Sephiroth

“Out of my way. I’m going to see my mother!”

Norman Bates eat your heart out. Midgar’s number one badass just wants his mommy and he’s prepared to tear the world apart for her. This platinum blonde psycho would slice you in half with his Masamune as soon as look at you.

Sephiroth FFVII

Cecil

“I’m a coward… A coward who cannot even defy orders he knows he ought not follow…”

While Cecil might not be the most fun to be around, his quest for redemption is one as old as time. During the course of FFIV he literally goes from dark and shady to white knight. As heroes go, you’d be hard pressed to find a better one.

Cecil FFIV

Balthier

“I’m the leading man. You know what they say about the leading man: he never dies.”

I’ve always found a healthy amount of delusion a very attractive quality in a protagonist. Convinced that Final Fantasy XII is The Balthier Show feat. Everyone Else, this sharpshooting skypirate cuts a swathe across Ivalice plundering hearts and booties. Er… that came out wrong.

Balthier FFXII

Lulu

“This won’t hurt… much.”

Black mage extraordinaire and the owner of Spira’s biggest belt collection. Lulu is an ice queen with a heart of gold, ready to lay down her life for her summoner and eventually for Wakka too. The less said of her affinity for plush toys the better.

Lulu FFX

Auron

“This is your story. It all begins here.”

A man with a past you say? With a big secret? No. Auron is not a man with a past and a big secret. Auron is a man with a shady past and a colossal jar of big secrets. I love a good mysterious mentor. See: Giles Comma Rupert.

Auron FFX

Tellah

“You spoony bard!”

Tellah’s biggest contribution to the Final Fantasy series and indeed to gaming at large is the above quote. In one of the industry’s most notorious translations gaffes, Tellah’s explosion of fury is diluted to mild annoyance, which, incidentally, pretty much sums up Tellah’s magical power.

Tellah FFV

Aeris

“Don’t fight here! You’ll ruin the flowers!”

All of my heart. Forever.

Aeris FFVII

 

So, who did we miss? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain Gameplay