Final Fantasy Characters Who Deserved Better

Summary

General Leo deserved a better fate, but Kefka’s betrayal led to his cold-blooded demise in FF6.
Benedikta in FF16 had potential but was taken out too early by Clive, wasting her character arc.
Lunafreya from FF15 lacked screen time, so her emotional death by Ardyn felt underwhelming to many fans.

The “Final Fantasy” series boasts an array of captivating characters with compelling backstories and abilities, ranging from admirable heroes to despicable antagonists. Such exceptional character development ensures that the vibrant personas encountered in the “Final Fantasy” games will linger fondly in players’ memories.

In the world of Final Fantasy, certain characters receive outcomes that leave fans feeling disappointed and frustrated. These characters’ accomplishments seem to demand more, yet fortune seems to favor a select few, leaving others in the shadows. Here are some of the most deserving Final Fantasy characters who didn’t quite get the ending they deserved.

8. General Leo Cristophe

Betrayed And Killed By Kefka In Cold Blood

Even though General Leo remained loyal to the Empire, it didn’t take him much time to comprehend that things were starting to take on a frightening nature. The Emperor Gestahl was ruthless in his pursuit of power, and Kefka, with his sinister humor, was someone who couldn’t be relied upon.

Leo’s judgment about the jester proved accurate when the jester unexpectedly revealed he wasn’t needed and then attacked Leo ruthlessly. With his kind nature, Leo might have significantly contributed to strengthening the resistance movement, but fate had other plans.

7. Benedikta Harman

A Promising Antagonist Taken Out Way Too Early

In the realm of Final Fantasy 16, I find myself utterly captivated by Benedikta, one of the most charismatic villains to grace this epic tale. As Garuda’s Dominant, she carries an undeniable aura of power that leaves me in awe. However, as her boss fight unfolds, it becomes increasingly unsettling for players, as the balance between challenge and satisfaction seems slightly skewed.

Even though Benedikta had more mastery over her powers, she was defeated by Clive, who was still learning to manage Ifrit in combat. This encounter resulted in Benedikta’s untimely death, which seemed regrettable given that Clive could absorb the abilities of other Dominants without causing their demise.

6. Lunafreya Nox Fleuret

Instead Of Valuable Screen Time, She’s Unceremoniously Taken Out By Ardyn

As a gamer, I found myself yearning for more emotional depth between Lunafreya and Noctis, my in-game companion. Unfortunately, apart from brief glimpses through flashbacks and letters, their romance wasn’t fully explored, leaving me feeling detached when she was fatally wounded by Ardyn. The moment she fell before a powerless Noctis, the intended emotional impact seemed to falter, falling short of what I expected from such a poignant scene.

In a more impactful way, the game might have developed Lunafreya’s character more deeply, making her moments more emotionally resonant. However, as it currently stands, Lunafreya appears to be a rather unmemorable character, showcasing an untapped potential that could have made her more memorable and significant.

5. Jecht

Turned Into A Mindless Aeon Before He Could Make Amends For His Absence As A Father

Jecht’s tale is a sorrowful one, where the father misses out on reconnecting with his son due to being sent to Spira. He joins Braska on his pilgrimage, later understanding that the summoner will perish and must selflessly give up his life to transform into the Aeon, thus preventing Sin from advancing.

Consequently, Tidus encounters his father for the first time only when his father has transformed into a mindless Aeon. This sad twist of events denies a chance at redemption for Tidus’ father, who could have won over Tidus had he been given the opportunity.

4. Jill Warrick

A Powerful Dominant Who Was Made To Appear Weak Numerous Times

Final Fantasy 16

Jill ought to have possessed formidable dominance, capable of destroying potent adversaries instantly with the might of Shiva. However, her power seemed insufficient, and she was overpowered by antagonists who appeared stronger as a result.

A particularly disappointing instance occurs when her dominant character is eliminated by Barnabas, without him needing to undergo a transformation. This weakens her dominance and often relegates her to a supporting role compared to Clive in nearly every encounter.

3. Noctis Lucis Caelum

The Game’s Tragic Ending Prevents The Prince From Witnessing His Kingdom’s Comeback

Final Fantasy 15

Prince Noctis undergoes a personal transformation and embarks on a challenging odyssey following an attack on his city that claims his father’s life. Additionally, he finds himself needing to enlist the aid of celestial beings, known as Astrals, and harness the power of the Crystal to prevent the impending doom of the world caused by the Starscourge.

In this scenario, Noctis accomplishes this by willingly giving up his life to confront Ardyn in an alternative form of the afterlife and eradicate his darkness from its source. This selfless act greatly enhances Noctis’s reputation among those who were previously unaware of the world’s transformation due to his actions. Despite the grim conclusion, the fact that Noctis can rejoin Lunafreya in the afterlife helps alleviate some of the pain.

2. Aerith Gainsborough

A Sudden And Brutal Stabbing Robs Her Of A Happy Life With Her Friends And Family

Aerith is undeniably one of the most memorable characters in the entire series of Final Fantasy. Born a cheerful resident of a slum, she is unveiled as the sole survivor of an ancient race known as the Cetra. Despite the heavy burden upon her, she consistently refuses to pass this responsibility onto others.

Her decision to visit the Temple of the Ancients alone ultimately ends tragically when Sephiroth unexpectedly attacks her and fatally wounds her before Cloud’s eyes. The swiftness of Aeris’s death felt unfair, given her charm and significance in the storyline of Final Fantasy 7.

1. Vivi Ornitier

His Short Lifespan Prevents Him From Enjoying The Fruits Of His Heroism

Even today, the tale of Vivi from “Final Fantasy 9” often stirs emotions in many fans. He was a perplexed Black Mage who discovered meaning with his recently formed companions as they battled to preserve the world. Unfortunately, it was later disclosed that his lifespan was limited, ensuring he wouldn’t experience the happy ending he truly deserved.

Despite this setback, Vivi remained undeterred and persisted in assisting the heroes on their mission to vanquish Kuja. In the end, they succeeded and the world was rescued, yet Vivi departed before he could witness how his brave deeds ushered in an era of tranquility for Gaia.

2025-05-24 05:55