Unexpected Twist in Final Fantasy 16: Cid's Groundbreaking Evolution
Final Fantasy 16 shatters tradition with Cid Telamon, as he takes center stage as the groundbreaking main protagonist, surpassing his previous supporting roles in the iconic series
Caution: The following article contains major spoilers for Final Fantasy 16. Proceed at your own risk.
Final Fantasy 16 made its highly anticipated debut this week, receiving both critical acclaim and commercial success. Fans and critics alike lauded the game for its revolutionary modifications to the franchise's usual conventions. Taking the series back to its roots of high fantasy, the game explores some of the earliest concepts that shaped the beloved Final Fantasy universe. While the title carves a new path, it also pays homage to its predecessors by featuring a character named Cid, a long-standing tradition in the mainline titles since Final Fantasy 2. However, Final Fantasy 16 surprises fans by deviating from expectations and presenting a remarkably different portrayal of Cid, making it arguably the most significant rendition of the character in the series' history.
Final Fantasy 16 follows Clive Rosfield, a former prince who is on a quest for vengeance against those who took away his younger brother, the rightful heir to the throne of Rosaria and the wielder of the Phoenix Eikon.
In the early stages of his journey, Clive is recruited by a rebel leader named Cid, who presides over a community of former slaves known as the Hideaway. Cid's vision is to establish a sanctuary where individuals can determine their own fate, liberated from the constraints of their birth, social status, and servitude. Embracing this cause, Cid extends his hospitality to Clive and his childhood companion Jill, the guardian of Shiva, after they sustain severe injuries during the game's initial chapter.
Final Fantasy 16's Cid Telamon is More Than A Supporting Character
In Final Fantasy 16, Cidolfus Telamon takes on a more prominent role compared to his predecessors. From the early stages of the game, Clive finds himself indebted to Cid and eventually joins forces with him. Cid becomes a pivotal character in the game's storyline as he strives to establish a sanctuary called The Hideaway for both slaves and Dominants. Furthermore, Cid assists Clive in seeking out the individual responsible for the death of his brother, Joshua, who was tragically killed by a mysterious Eikon of Fire during their youth. Once this personal vendetta is resolved, Clive and Cid unite to dismantle the Mother Crystals, believing that doing so will liberate humanity from its societal constraints.
Final Fantasy 16's Cid is Its Main Protagonist
In a dramatic turn of events, the true identity of Cidolfus is finally unveiled as the Dominant of the Eikon Ramuh, possessing unparalleled mastery over lightning abilities. Despite his immense power, Cid utilizes his extraordinary capabilities primarily for the benefit of others, reserving the unleashing of Ramuh's full potential for critical moments when his comrades are in grave danger. This becomes evident during the chapter titled "The Crystal's Curse," where Cid unleashes Ramuh's overwhelming force upon Drake's Head's Crystal, annihilating it, despite sustaining critical injuries from his clash with Benedikta. At the precise moment when the Crystal dissipates into thin air, a sinister portal materializes, and the Eikon Typhon emerges, striking Cid with a devastating blow. Rather than succumbing to his wounds, Cid channels the last remnants of his fading energy to weaken Typhon, who is relentlessly pursuing Clive. In a noble act of sacrifice, Cid imparts the very essence of Ramuh onto Clive with his dying breath.
After the demise of Cidolfus, Final Fantasy 16 fast-forwards by five years. We find Clive in the act of liberating a group of Bearers from the clutches of Hugo Kupka's Private Guard. This critical moment unveils a fresh persona for Clive, who now goes by the name Cid the Outlaw. Empowered by Ramuh's abilities, Clive has not only adopted his late mentor's moniker but also dedicated himself to the fulfillment of Cidolfus' vision. Assuming the role of Cid the Outlaw, Clive endeavors to eradicate the remaining Mother Crystals while seeking to enlist Bearers into the reborn Hideaway community. As the main protagonist in Final Fantasy 16, Cid the Outlaw commands the spotlight.
Cid the Outlaw's appearance as the protagonist in Final Fantasy 16 marks a significant milestone in the series. Despite not being the first playable Cid in the franchise, this is the first time that the character takes on such a central role. Fans are introduced to a range of new characters as Clive inherits the name of Cid, providing an opportunity to delve deeper into Cidolfus' backstory. This groundbreaking move breaks away from the longstanding tradition surrounding the Cid archetype. Ultimately, Final Fantasy 16 breathes fresh life into the character, presenting the most impactful and meaningful iteration of Cid to date. Players can currently experience the game on PS5.
