Final Fantasy 17’s Protagonist Has a High Bar to Clear

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Summary

  • Final Fantasy 17’s protagonist faces high expectations set by recent iconic characters like Noctis and Cloud.
  • Clive from Final Fantasy 16 is considered one of the series’ best protagonists due to his unique character development.
  • Square Enix’s recent successful character arcs indicate Final Fantasy 17’s lead will likely impress fans.

Information about Final Fantasy 17 from Square Enix is yet to surface, but it seems unlikely they will retire their cherished franchise any time soon, given the success of titles like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, which are contenders for Game of the Year. However, the silence regarding Final Fantasy 17 also means its main character remains a mystery, leaving a lot of potential to break free from the high expectations set by the series’ latest protagonists.

Across its lengthy history, the series known as Final Fantasy has introduced a host of unforgettable heroes, such as Squall Leonhart from Final Fantasy 8, Zidane Tribal from Final Fantasy 9, and Cecil Harvey from Final Fantasy 4. Yet, the characters who have spearheaded recent Final Fantasy games have captivated players with their gripping storylines and unique personalities, setting a high bar that the protagonist of Final Fantasy 17 must now meet or surpass. This challenge makes them a formidable act to follow, as they set the stage for an exceptional test for the new character’s development.

Final Fantasy 17’s Protagonist Has a High Bar to Clear

Final Fantasy 15’s Noctis Is a Relatable and Grounded Protagonist

Among the recent “Final Fantasy” games, Noctis Lucis Caelum from “Final Fantasy 15” isn’t universally loved as a protagonist, but he definitely isn’t a poorly crafted character. One of Noctis’ standout traits is his relatable journey and down-to-earth demeanor. Compared to other stoic heroes that “Final Fantasy” has had in the past, Noctis presents an additional layer as he demonstrates vulnerability, frustration, and personal development throughout the story of “Final Fantasy 15”. This makes him feel more authentic and human. The evolution of his character, from a hesitant prince to a self-sacrificing king, is one of his most compelling aspects as a protagonist.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake/Rebirth’s Cloud Shows Emotional Range and Vulnerability

Initially introduced in the 1997 version of “Final Fantasy 7”, Cloud Strife has seen a more detailed development in the recent “Final Fantasy 7 Remake” series due to technological advancements. The original game couldn’t fully convey Cloud’s emotions as effectively as modern animation, voice acting, and storytelling can, making his portrayal in the “Final Fantasy 7 Remake” trilogy a significant upgrade for his character. In both “Final Fantasy 7 Remake” and “Rebirth”, we see Cloud grappling with his insecurities, guilt, and identity issues, all of which contribute to one of the most compelling “Final Fantasy” protagonists in recent times.

Characters from recent Final Fantasy games have left a significant impact on the gaming world with their captivating storylines and well-developed personas, setting a high bar for the main character of Final Fantasy 17. This places immense pressure on the protagonist to measure up.

Final Fantasy 16’s Clive Has Become One of the Series’ Best Protagonists

To wrap things up, we have Clive Rosfield from Final Fantasy 16, who might just be one of the most outstanding protagonists in the entire Final Fantasy franchise. What makes Clive truly remarkable is his character development, which takes him from a tormented and vengeful warrior to a gentle, caring, and selfless hero prepared to risk everything for others. His kindness, in particular, sets him apart among Final Fantasy protagonists. Although previous heroes have shown kindness, Clive’s eventual warmth surpasses that of almost any other character in the series. This depth is further accentuated by an exceptional portrayal from voice actor Ben Starr.

It goes without saying that the main character of Final Fantasy 17 faces a significant challenge, given the impressive acts of Noctis from Final Fantasy 15, Cloud from Final Fantasy 7 Remake, and Clive from Final Fantasy 16. However, if Square Enix persists with its current direction, the upcoming protagonist is expected to leave an impact, much like their predecessors have done in unique ways.

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2025-01-15 00:24