Warning: The following article contains significant spoilers for Final Fantasy 16. Continue at your own risk.
Final Fantasy 16 introduces a darker tone that reimagines key elements from the series' foundation. The game's story revolves around familiar concepts and characters that have been present since its inception, particularly the Eikons, or summons, unique to Final Fantasy 16. These Eikons undergo a complete transformation, with the thunder and lightning Eikon, Ramuh, undergoing the most notable changes. In Final Fantasy 16, Ramuh's significance is heightened in numerous ways, playing a crucial role in the narrative and serving as a pivotal figure for the game's protagonist throughout its epic 60-hour journey.
Final Fantasy 16's Ramuh Is the Series' Most Powerful and Altruistic
In Final Fantasy 16, the manifestation of Eikons occurs within exceptionally skilled individuals known as Dominants. These Dominants utilize the Eikons' power to serve a Kingdom or Realm. However, as players immerse themselves in the game, they are thrust into a turbulent world where Kingdoms engage in fierce warfare. It is during these epic battles that the Eikons are unveiled, with their true identities often shrouded in secrecy, heightening the significance of their reveals within the storyline. While most Eikons remain mysterious until their dramatic appearances on the battlefield, Ramuh defies this trend. Players are introduced to Ramuh's Dominant well in advance, setting the stage for his eventual awe-inspiring debut as one of the world's most significant and formidable Eikons in Final Fantasy 16.
Throughout the Final Fantasy series, the portrayal of the Eikon Ramuh has undergone various changes. However, unlike previous versions where Ramuh is often portrayed as a mid-tier or low-tier summon, Final Fantasy 16 presents a different picture. In this game, Ramuh and his Dominant, Cidolfus Telamon, showcase their overwhelming power on multiple occasions. Telamon effortlessly obliterates entire groups of soldiers with a simple gesture, while Ramuh's debut in the game involves a single strike that defeats Ifrit, the Dark Eikon of Fire. The sheer strength exhibited by Ramuh distinguishes him from his predecessors, but it is the manner in which this power is wielded that truly redefines the character.
Cidolfus, the powerful Ramuh user in Final Fantasy 16, emerges as a beacon of goodness. His remarkable abilities are channeled into establishing a haven for former slaves, known as Bearers, and ostracized Dominants, enabling them to lead lives of freedom. Throughout the early stages of the game's storyline, Cidolfus selflessly employs his Eikonic powers to assist Clive in his quest while also liberating Bearers scattered throughout the realm. Tragically, after Ramuh obliterated the Mother Crystal at Drake's Head, Cidolfus falls gravely wounded by Typhon. However, he displays immense bravery by utilizing his final reserves of strength to ensure Clive's survival, foregoing his own well-being. In his dying moments, Cidolfus imparts the remaining essence of his Eikonic abilities to Clive, urging him to continue their mission of forging a brighter world.
Final Fantasy 16's Ramuh Is A Symbol of Hope
In Final Fantasy 16, Clive embodies hope in Valisthea through his extraordinary powers granted by Ramuh. Taking on the moniker Cid the Outlaw, Clive dedicates himself to carrying out Cidolfus' mission. Throughout the game's captivating storyline, both allies and adversaries acknowledge Cid's lightning abilities as a symbol of righteousness. The Cid name and Ramuh's extraordinary powers play a pivotal role in Final Fantasy 16, guiding Clive through diverse landscapes and challenges. Under Cid the Outlaw's leadership, a vast network of individuals is able to liberate Bearers and facilitate their journey to The Hideaway, Cid's sanctuary.
Final Fantasy 16 revolutionizes one of the most underwhelming summons in the Final Fantasy series, transforming it into a formidable force. With Cidolfus as its wielder, Ramuh's power surpasses that of all other Eikons. If it weren't for Cidolfus' injuries and his selflessness in putting others before himself, Ramuh could have proved its true might against formidable adversaries like Bahamut and Odin. However, the means by which Cidolfus survives contradicts the core essence of Ramuh in Final Fantasy 16, a symbol of selflessness and hope for the most vulnerable and destitute inhabitants of Valisthea. Experience Final Fantasy 16 now exclusively on PS5.