Ultimate Showdown: Examining the Epic Evolution of Final Fantasy's Protagonists - Clive vs Noctis

Final Fantasy 16's Clive Rosfield has garnered comparisons to other beloved protagonists in the franchise since the release of the game's first trailer. Fans couldn't help but draw parallels between Clive and Final Fantasy 15's Noctis, given their similar beginnings and the innovative storytelling methods employed in both games. Despite their shared core concepts, Final Fantasy 16's Clive sets himself apart through his past experiences, appearance, and unwavering drive to create a world of equality. The game, which has been met with critical and commercial success, presents Clive's journey in a linear fashion, focusing on three pivotal stages of his life as he strives to achieve his goals and uncover the truth behind his haunting past.

Princes With A Divine Gift

Noctis and Clive, the main protagonists of Final Fantasy 16, have striking similarities despite the major changes in the game from its predecessor, Final Fantasy 15. Both characters are the firstborn sons of royalty and possess divine powers as a result. Noctis harnesses the power of Lucien Kings, while Clive possesses the Gift of the Phoenix, allowing him to wield fire-based magic. Furthermore, their paths in life are set when their respective Kingdoms come under attack.

In addition to their shared background, Noctis and Clive also adhere to well-established Final Fantasy traditions. They both adopt the characteristic spikey-haired recluse persona that is often associated with male protagonists in the series. However, what sets them apart is their unique bond, not only in terms of appearance but also in their narrative journeys. Both characters experience significant gaps in time, during which they return as grown adults to liberate their homeland. They begin their stories as young and adventurous teens, only to mature into honorable heroes as they face the challenges that lie ahead.

Two Heroes In Search of the Crystal

Clive and Noctis, despite their shared foundations, diverge significantly in terms of their character development. Clive, characterized by his dark nature, experiences a tragic event that results in the loss of his brother, station, and freedom in a single night. In contrast, Noctis is driven by his aspiration to be a benevolent king. This difference in motivations leads the two characters to approach a common story element with opposing intentions. Both Final Fantasy 15 and Final Fantasy 16 depict a world where the magic originates from Crystals. Noctis embarks on a journey to harness unimaginable power by becoming a vessel for the Crystal, while Clive's life mission revolves around eradicating the Crystals to liberate humanity from their influence. Throughout their respective journeys, both characters encounter the Eikons, or summons, of the series. Clive forms a bond with the dark Eikon Ifrit, who serves as a villain and the final boss in Noctis' narrative.

From the moment Clive was introduced in the trailer for Final Fantasy 16, comparisons to his predecessor, Noctis, have been drawn. While the two initially share similarities in their motivations, the choices they make during their quests shape them into distinct protagonists. Ultimately, Noctis embraces a life of honor and tradition, utilizing the righteous power of the Crystal and his divine gifts to protect the realm. In contrast, Clive opts for any means necessary to establish a world where every individual lives and dies as equals, even if it means dismantling much of humanity's existing way of life.

Final Fantasy 16 is available now for PS5.