Fascinating and Bizarre Character Entrances in Final Fantasy 7
Unveiling unique characters is a crucial aspect, but these Final Fantasy entrants took eccentricity to another level Prepare for the most peculiar character introductions in the series: Zell (FF8), Vanille (FF13), Kefka (FF6), Cait Sith (FF7), Ardyn (FF15), Shadow (FF6), and the unforgettable Auron (FF10)
Highlights
Final Fantasy games have had some strange character introductions, like Zell in FF8 practicing martial arts in the academy instead of the training grounds.
In FF13, Vanille maintains a lively and optimistic demeanor even amidst the gloomy and tumultuous circumstances she finds herself in.
Initially masquerading as a clumsy fool who incessantly grumbles about sand, Kefka in FF6 cunningly conceals his true wickedness, leading players astray with a deceptive first impression.
The Final Fantasy games are renowned for their dynamic and captivating characters, with many of them being integral members of the main party. However, the series is also known for its incredibly iconic and unforgettable villains, who have garnered a devoted following among long-time fans. Despite this, some of the introductions of new characters in the series have been rather peculiar.
Whether it was due to these characters intentionally acting peculiar to deceive others or simply appearing unexpectedly, there have been numerous character introductions that were particularly strange and startling. While these characters often undergo further development as the story progresses, their initial appearances undoubtedly caught players off guard.
7 Zell - Final Fantasy 8
Final Fantasy 8
Platform(s) PlayStation (Original), PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One, iOS, AndroidReleased February 11, 1999Developer(s) Square EnixGenre(s) JRPG
Zell clearly personifies the loud-mouth brawler archetype, a familiar character type in the Final Fantasy series. This becomes evident to Squall the moment he lays eyes on him. Unlike others, Zell chooses to showcase his martial arts skills in an unconventional location: right in the middle of the academy, seemingly unconcerned about his surroundings. It is quite peculiar that he would demonstrate his close-quarters combat abilities near the library of Balamb, instead of the designated training grounds. Nevertheless, this eccentric behavior undeniably accentuates Zell's unique personality, making for an odd yet memorable introduction.
6 Vanille - Final Fantasy 13
Final Fantasy 13
Platform(s) PS3, Xbox 360, PCDeveloper(s) Square EnixPublisher(s) Square EnixGenre(s) JRPG
Final Fantasy 13 has faced criticism for its ambiguous storytelling, but the initial scenes of the game depict a chaotic and devastating situation. Within a single hour of gameplay, countless civilians, including Hope's mother, tragically fall to their deaths off a bridge. Despite the somber atmosphere, Vanille, a cheerful and carefree young girl, appears unaffected by the tragedy. In a surprising turn of events, she impulsively steals an airbike, leading them to an ancient Vestige. While Vanille's character evolves throughout the game, her behavior upon introduction raises questions about her normalcy.
5 Kefka - Final Fantasy 6
Final Fantasy 6
Platform(s) SNES, Android, iOS, Game Boy Advance, PC, PS1, PS4, SwitchReleased October 11, 1994Developer(s) Square EnixGenre(s) RPG
Most fans of the series are already aware that Kefka plays the role of the main villain in Final Fantasy 6. However, the game cleverly downplays his villainous nature by initially presenting him as a bumbling idiot. He first appears in Terra's flashback at the beginning of the game, but fans are not given definitive confirmation that it is indeed Kefka. Nevertheless, his presence exudes a sense of maniacal and unhinged behavior.
It is not until later on that players see Kefka formally introduced as he approaches Figaro Castle with two of his soldiers. Instead of projecting an intimidating or menacing aura, Kefka simply complains about the sand in his shoes and his current situation before breaking into his distinctive laughter. While this aligns with his silly and over-the-top character, it may confuse players observing him for the first time, questioning his identity and level of threat.
4 Cait Sith - Final Fantasy 7
Final Fantasy 7
Platform(s) PlayStation (Original), PC, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4Released January 31, 1997Developer(s) Square EnixGenre(s) RPG
Cait Sith's distinctive design already makes him a peculiar character, but his sudden appearances before the party in Final Fantasy 7 are highly disconcerting. The first encounter takes place at the Golden Saucer, a massive amusement park bustling with children and professionals, making Cait and his towering Moogle and feline body conspicuous.
Furthermore, he assumes the role of a "fortune teller" and, after briefly joining the party, abruptly departs, creating one of the most unexpected moments in the entire game. However, he reappears later on. Despite his undeniable usefulness in battles, Cait's unconventional introduction in the storyline gives the impression that he was hastily added, even though he plays a crucial role in the overarching narrative.
3 Ardyn - Final Fantasy 15
Final Fantasy 15
Platform(s) PS4, Xbox One, PC, StadiaReleased November 9, 2016Developer(s) Square EnixGenre(s) Action RPG
Ardyn is often hailed as one of the top-notch and exceptionally well-crafted antagonists in the entire series. However, his sudden appearance in the main storyline raises questions. During Noctis and his comrades' early adventures, they unexpectedly encounter Ardyn at the Galdin Quay, an unassuming seaside restaurant where a significant villain would least likely be found.
Ardyn identifies himself as a "Man of no consequence" and goes the extra mile to aid Noctis and his companions in their journey to Altissia. This unconventional approach in introducing a major villain showcases SquareEnix's knack for defying expectations. The peculiar setting and Ardyn's altruistic assistance make for a truly memorable albeit atypical character introduction.
2 Shadow - Final Fantasy 6
Final Fantasy 6
Platform(s) SNES, Android, iOS, Game Boy Advance, PC, PS1, PS4, SwitchReleased October 11, 1994Developer(s) Square EnixGenre(s) RPG
Shadow, a formidable member of the Final Fantasy 6 party, possesses exceptional speed and wields ninja daggers with devastating prowess. However, the circumstances surrounding his introduction to players are rather peculiar. Should players choose to control Sabin after the party's separation on the raft, Shadow unexpectedly emerges in Gau's father's house, offering few words before being recruited.
Throughout the narrative, Shadow accompanies Sabin, yet he maintains the autonomy to depart at will. Curiously, the enigmatic details of Shadow's past are only revealed when players rest at an inn. This enigmatic character seemingly materializes out of thin air, eluding conventional logic and almost appearing like a mod or unintentional programming anomaly.
1 Auron - Final Fantasy 10
Final Fantasy 10
Platform(s) PS2Released December 17, 2001Developer(s) Square EnixGenre(s) JRPG
Unlike other party members in Final Fantasy 10, Auron, the wise samurai, doesn't receive a typical introduction that provides insight into his personality and skills. Instead, players first encounter him during Sin's attack on Zanarkand, where he appears to embrace the destruction, raising a jar of sake as the monster approaches. Later on, when Auron reappears, it becomes evident that he is familiar with Tidus, yet he provides no clues about his origins. Square Enix's decision to showcase Auron in such an enigmatic manner stands out as the most obscure character introduction in the game.
