Final Fantasy 16 producer Naoki Yoshida aimed to capture a Game of Thrones vibe for the game. The team working on the project was required to watch the popular HBO series, which heavily influenced various aspects of development. This influence is evident in multiple areas, such as the storytelling style and the game's immersive world.
However, it is the characters themselves who most closely resemble those from George R.R. Martin's masterpiece, with many of the game's cast bearing similarities to Game of Thrones characters. In fact, one could argue that each Dominant character in Final Fantasy 16 has their own Game of Thrones counterpart, with certain similarities that cannot be simply overlooked.
1 Clive Rosfield = Jon Snow
The similarities between Clive and Jon are quite evident. Both are young men with strong beliefs who fearlessly fight for what they believe in. Additionally, they both have a loyal wolf companion by their side. Moreover, both characters face disapproval from the head female figure in their past homes, although for different reasons.
In the A Song of Ice and Fire books, which serve as the basis for Game of Thrones, there isn't a specific main character since the perspective constantly shifts between characters. However, Jon stands out with the most number of chapters, suggesting he holds a significant role, just like Clive in Final Fantasy 16.
2 Joshua Rosfield = Brandon Stark
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Both Joshua and Bran, younger brothers of key characters in their respective stories, share a common trait of enduring serious injuries early on. They both devote their time and energy to gain more knowledge about the impending supernatural threat that threatens them. Bran seeks out the three-eyed Raven to awaken his latent powers and defeat the Night King, whereas Joshua embarks on a journey across Valisthea to uncover Ultima's nefarious plan.
However, there is a slight difference between them. Joshua is more capable compared to Bran, but neither of them truly possess complete self-reliance. While Meera Reed serves as Bran's guide into the unknown, Jote, Joshua's faithful attendant, provides him with support. Both Meera and Jote are willing to sacrifice their lives to protect their companions and ensure the successful completion of their mission.
3 Jill Warrick = Sansa Stark
Game of Thrones lacks significant female characters who embody righteousness, making it difficult to find a suitable counterpart for Jill. Sansa, however, comes closest to fitting the role. Growing up in the same household as the main character, she undergoes a transformation from a sweet young girl to a sometimes vengeful woman. Sansa carries the emotional scars inflicted by her cruel captors, paralleling Jill's experience under Imreann and the Iron Kingdom. Jill was enslaved after the fall of Rosaria and forced to use her Eikonic Abilities to kill innocent people. Although Sansa endured even harsher circumstances with the Lannisters and Ramsay Bolton, both characters were fundamentally changed by their servitude, ultimately gaining the strength and courage to continue fighting.
4 Cid Telamon = Tyrion Lannister
Cid stands out as an intriguing character, resembling a combination of personalities from Game of Thrones. His demeanor and humor bear a striking resemblance to Bronn, the sellsword, but their ideologies differ greatly. Similarly, Cid's insatiable thirst for knowledge evokes thoughts of Littlefinger, yet Petyr Baelish's self-serving nature contrasts sharply with Cid's principles.
Considering these aspects, the two most suitable matches for Cid are Tyrion and Varys. They both possess wit and knowledge in equal measures, and share an unwavering commitment to the betterment of the realm. However, Tyrion edges slightly ahead due to his occasional display of courage, fearlessly charging into battle and risking his life for what he believes is right.
5 Benedikta Harman = Margaery Tyrell
Benedikta's true nature remains elusive as she rarely lingers long enough for players to fully grasp her character. However, their limited interactions and intermittent flashbacks and cutaway scenes provide a fairly good understanding. Initially righteous, she gradually adopts a more cynical outlook due to her proximity to influential and ambitious individuals, similar to Margaery Tyrell.
Both women also employ their sexuality to advance their own objectives - Margaery with Joffrey and Tommen, and Benedikta with Hugo and Barnabas. Nevertheless, it would be inaccurate to label them as weak or helpless. In fact, both Margaery and Benedikta demonstrate their formidable presence at various points throughout their respective storylines.
6 Hugo Kupka = The Mountain
Gregor Clegane is one of the most fearsome characters in Game of Thrones. He possesses immense strength, being capable of crushing skulls with his bare hands, and shows no hesitation in killing women and children when necessary. His terrifying nature is further heightened when he is revived as Ser Robert Strong, a transformation that echoes Hugo's eventual change into Titan Lost.
Both Gregor and Hugo are symbols of raw power, yet they are easily manipulated by their emotions, rendering them susceptible to the control of others. In Gregor's case, it is first Tywin and later Cersei who pull the strings, while Barnabas utilizes Sleipnir to manipulate Hugo's actions. Interestingly, both individuals eventually defy their puppeteers in pursuit of revenge; Gregor with his brother Sandor, and Hugo with Clive.
7 Dion Lesage = Loras Tyrell
Dion's Game of Thrones equivalent would undoubtedly be Ser Loras Tyrell, not only due to his sexuality and enchanting appearance. Both men possess remarkable combat skills and hold leadership positions; Loras as the former Lord Commander of Renley's Kingsguard and Dion as the commanding officer of the Dragoons.
Moreover, they both serve under manipulative kings and eventually discover new purposes after being released from their obligations. Although Ser Loras's aspirations are more self-centered and lead to a grim fate, neither of them are portrayed as malicious characters. Their actions are predominantly driven by the wellbeing of the people and the betterment of their respective realms.
8 Barnabas Tharmr = Oberyn Martell
Both hailing from foreign lands in the east, Barnabas Tharmr and Oberyn Martell are skilled fighters who bear a striking resemblance and speak with distinct non-native accents. Portrayed by Norwegian actor David Menkin and The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal respectively, their combat prowess is truly exceptional, characterized by a rare combination of fluidity and grace.
Although Oberyn possesses an unwavering determination that surpasses Barnabas, both men share a stubbornness and hint of arrogance. Barnabas remains convinced of his triumph in the final confrontation with Clive, while Oberyn's overconfidence ultimately leads to the crushing of his eyeballs during his duel with the Mountain.
Final Fantasy 16 is available now exclusively for the PlayStation 5.