Unplayable Final Fantasy Races That Deserve a Spot in the Party!

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Summary

  • Playable dwarves in Final Fantasy are technologically advanced and bring charm to the party.
  • A Tonberry character would add a unique and edgy element to the party lineup.
  • The inclusion of a Sahagin would provide an opportunity to explore aquatic themes in the game.

In the world of Final Fantasy, the stories generally revolve around human matters, whether they be great or trivial. However, a common feature across many games within this collection is that they incorporate at least one non-human playable character, frequently referred to in fantasy terms as belonging to a different “species” or “race.

In the role-playing games “Final Fantasy 11” and “Final Fantasy 14”, players have had the freedom to select from a growing list of characters. Despite its extensive past, there are still several races in the “Final Fantasy” universe that players haven’t been able to control directly, not even as companions during gameplay.

The Dwarf

Lali-Ho! Digging Deep Into The Past

Dwarves frequently struggle with their image in fantasy settings due to the common perception that their small size doesn’t align well with the idealized power fantasies, especially since beauty is often considered crucial. This misconception is particularly evident in games like Final Fantasy, where many dwarf characters are portrayed as unattractive, green, and robust.

Yet, the dwarf characters in Final Fantasy are bursting with character and appeal. These beings, who excel in technology and can construct tanks, airships, and underground dwellings, demonstrate immense power. However, their power is often accompanied by a warm and communal spirit. In essence, introducing playable dwarves could infuse a touch of “bronzepunk” into fantasy games, while avoiding the fusion with magic-based technology.

The Tonberry

The Adorable Murder Muppet

In numerous games, members of this renowned, fiercely passionate species have been summoned, and notably, Payne from Final Fantasy 10-2 donned a Tonberry costume within her mascot dressphere. Despite indications of a structured society, complete with guards, rulers, and clergy, this fish-tailed race is often portrayed as adversaries instead.

Indeed, typically, a Tonberry’s actions revolve around attacking and swearing at their enemies, but envisioning a more subdued, quiet Tonberry contributing to the team in a chaotic, darkly humorous fashion sounds intriguing. For those concerned about Tonberries not being perceived as serious enough, they should take a look at the haunting portrayal of these creatures in Final Fantasy 16.

The Sahagin

The Trident And True Sea People

For quite some time now, the “Final Fantasy” series has steered clear of underwater themes, like it did in “Final Fantasy 10”. If a future game were to delve into these oceanic realms (with playable characters), introducing a Sahagin character could create quite a stir. Given its previous Lovecraftian designs, a makeover might be necessary. However, the transformation of aquatic species, such as the Zora from “Zelda”, shows that styles can indeed evolve over time for amphibious species.

The “nervous” demeanor exhibited by the Sahagin characters in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake suggests that they could excel as dragoon-type characters rather than just appearing out of place. Throughout different adaptations, it’s been established that Sahagin can thrive not only in deep oceans and shallow waters but also in desert landscapes, implying that they wouldn’t struggle to survive even when away from their watery habitats.

The PuPu

The Cute Star Sailor Of Gravity Waves And Solar Tides

Transforming the PuPu into a playable race within a “Final Fantasy” game might seem unusual, but this series has never been about conformity or resistance to change; instead, it thrives on the bizarre. First introduced as an ultra-rare encounter in “Final Fantasy 8”, they have since made appearances in various games as weapons, cameos, and AI-controlled party members.

In the game Final Fantasy 13-2, a character named PuPu, who is AI-controlled and offers healing aid to the party, is notable for its features such as pom-pom like yellow heads and a UFO. This space-themed, adorable star sailor has abilities including “meteor,” which are related to space. PuPu would be a perfect addition to the party in a hypothetical sci-fi/fantasy RPG that involves space travel.

The Werewolf

Part Hume, Part Wolf, All Hero

In most traditional stories, werewolves are humans who have been cursed to transform into wolves under the full moon. However, in the world of Final Fantasy, werewolves are considered a distinct species. For instance, in Final Fantasy 5, there’s a town inhabited by sophisticated yet timid and kind-hearted werewolf inhabitants. Among them was once a hero, but he has since hung up his sword and retired from active duty.

Many RPGs, particularly MMOs, feature races that are entirely animal-like. So far, the most werewolf-like character players have encountered was Kimari from the Ronso in Final Fantasy 10, who was more of a blue werelion. It’s about time for Final Fantasy to introduce at least one playable character representing their unique take on mythical werewolf-like creatures.

The Goblin (Imp)

A Mischievous And Diverse Group

In the world of “Final Fantasy,” goblins have been a consistent presence since its inception. They were the initial random battle foe encountered by players in the original game. Although they are often depicted as generic creatures in folklore and popular culture, goblins (or occasionally called Imps) have undergone changes, particularly in “Final Fantasy 14,” where they assume the role of techno-cultists.

Instead of just featuring strong, noble characters with royal lineages in the series, it might add an exciting twist to introduce a species that starts off as underdogs. These newcomers could possess unique magical or technical abilities which would prove beneficial to the team if they were ever to reunite (post-FF16).

The Sylph (Faerie)

A Natureborn Magical Race

In simpler terms, Sylphs, which are a type of faerie that are not always small and have summoning abilities, can make great additions to a game party or as characters you control. These creatures resemble a mix between humans and plants would suitably fit roles like druids or geomancers in the game. They could also be assigned other unusual jobs within the world of Final Fantasy.

In the game “Final Fantasy 14,” these beings are depicted as tiny, winged creatures, exhibiting both a trickster and kind demeanor. Yet, a playable Sylph could be reinvented as a taller, more humanoid entity, seamlessly combining raw magic with an exclusive, nature-inspired design.

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2025-02-19 06:07