Best Animal Party Members in Final Fantasy

Highlights

Animal characters in Final Fantasy series go beyond companions, showcasing unique abilities and storylines.
Mog from FF6 may not be powerful, but iconic and integral to the game’s design.
Characters like Kimahri and Torgal offer unique gameplay mechanics and add depth to the party dynamic.

As a long-time fan of the Final Fantasy series, I must say that the animal characters in these games have always been a delightful surprise, adding a unique touch to the epic tales they weave. Among these furry and feathery companions, there are some standouts who truly shine in their respective games, each with their own strengths and charm.

Characters based on animals have been a common feature in video games since their inception, with Sonic the Hedgehog being only one example among numerous platformer mascots from the 90s. Role-playing games (RPGs) also include animal characters and companions, such as the different versions of Dogmeat in the Fallout series. Even though Dogmeat is cute, it cannot communicate with players despite its ability to carry a substantial amount of weight.

The “Final Fantasy” game series has moved past portraying animals merely as pets to be patted and praised like Angelo from “Final Fantasy 8”. Since as early as “Final Fantasy 6”, anthropomorphic animal characters have been important members of the party. Here, we’ll list our top picks with a few conditions in mind.

8 Mog (Final Fantasy 6)

A Late-Game Addition To The Party

Best Animal Party Members in Final Fantasy

In the game “Final Fantasy 6”, there are multiple Moogle characters that players can control. Among them, Mog is the sole permanent party member and he, along with his Yeti-like companion Umaro, join later in the game. Despite not having exceptional natural abilities or making significant contributions to the story as secondary characters, they are essential to the game’s experience. The Moogles, especially the design of Mog in “Final Fantasy 6”, are iconic and among the most adorable in the entire series.

7 Kimahri (Final Fantasy 10)

A Loyal Blue Mage Of Few Words

In the realm of Final Fantasy X, I hail from the Ronso tribe, a group that resembles towering, azure lions with a penchant for spear-wielding combat – akin to the Dragoon Job in other games. However, unlike the fierce roars of my lion-like brethren, I am the Blue Mage among us, a unique role in the Final Fantasy series that allows me to learn magical abilities from foes and unleash them against them. With the right skills, I can prove to be an asset during battles, enhancing the party’s strength. Despite being a crucial part of the group, I often find myself overshadowed by characters like Wakka or Auron due to my reserved nature, as I tend to keep quiet more than others.

6 Torgal (Final Fantasy 16)

Man’s Best Friend With A Secret Transformation

Among all the animals featured in the “Final Fantasy 16” series, there’s one traditional creature, Torgal, who stands out as remarkable. Unlike other characters who walk upright or communicate like humans, Torgal doesn’t. Instead, he accompanies the main character, Clive, throughout their journey. When it comes to the many companion hounds in the “Final Fantasy” series, Torgal is undeniably the most exceptional.

Apart from Torgal being an adorable species, he’s quite formidable in fights. Additionally, around mid-game, Torgal gains access to a mystical power that significantly alters the dynamics of combat. It’s truly impressive, but discussing the details would ruin the surprise.

5 Fran (Final Fantasy 12)

A Sharp Mind And An Even Sharper Bow Tip

In the game “Final Fantasy 12”, Fran serves as Balthier’s trusted companion. Being a member of the Viera race, she bears a resemblance to a rabbit. The Viera are primarily female and are known for their agility and skill with the bow. True to form, Fran starts off as a sharpshooter, but like all characters in the game, she can adapt and change her roles. In many ways, she mirrors Kimahri, having been exiled from her tribe and not being overly talkative. However, unlike Kimahri, Fran is more open with her thoughts, making her a significant figure in the story’s progression.

4 Cait Sith (Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth)

Devious To A Fault But Still A Powerful Ally

In my gaming experience, I’d admit that Cait Sith wasn’t exactly a top-tier party member in the original Final Fantasy 7. But let me tell you, things have changed for this little fellow in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Now, I can directly control Cait Sith in both its cat form and the Moogle combo. As a cat, this guy can swiftly dart in and out of tricky situations like a breeze. When combined with the Moogle, Cait Sith gains a significant boost in strength, and that high Luck stat really shines, especially in tough battles. Plus, who can resist Cait Sith’s jokester antics? It’s always a treat to listen to him crack jokes!

3 Red 13 (Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth)

A Wise Soul With A Fast Body

In the game “Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth”, there were enhancements made to the character known as Red 13. Although he may not be as lively as Cait Sith, his personality leans towards being more serious, yet he was more enjoyable to control. His agility matches, if not surpasses, that of Torgal, and what’s unique about him is that he can be directly controlled by the player.

Red Thirteen’s genuine prowess lies in his abilities to enhance the team with statistical upgrades, and he excels particularly well with Materia due to his substantial Magic stat. This resemblance to a ‘Red Mage’, fittingly so because of the name bestowed upon him within Shinra, is quite evident.

2 Montblanc (Final Fantasy Tactics Advance)

A Smart, Trusted Advisor Who Can Do Battle With The Best Of Them

In the game called “Final Fantasy Tactics Advance,” the story unfolds around a boy named Marche, who finds himself transported to the world of Ivalice. Upon arrival, he encounters Montblanc, a Moogle who manages a guild. Guilds in this world compete for missions across the land, and Montblanc acts as both a trusted guide to Marche and a playable character. Though small and adorable, Montblanc’s true strength lies within – he is incredibly powerful among his kind, and he possesses the ability to take on various jobs as a Moogle throughout the game.

1 Freya (Final Fantasy 9)

The Fate Of Burmecian Rests On Her Shoulders

Freya, an anthropomorphic rat from the Kingdom of Burmecia in Final Fantasy 9, is an unyielding heroine who has faced more adversity than any other animal character in the series, or perhaps even the entire franchise. Her kingdom was targeted not just once, but twice by an invading army, resulting in the loss of most of her people. Yet, Freya remains resilient and noble as a Dragoon, both tactically astute and steadfast in battle and outside of it. Her presence significantly contributed to Zidane and Garnet’s progress in their main adventure.

2024-08-22 05:05