As a seasoned gamer and observer of character arcs, I must say these reluctant heroes truly embody the complexities and struggles that many teenagers face in real life.
In terms of characters portrayed in media, Amuro Ray could be an excellent example of a hero who resists his destiny. The characteristics of a reluctant hero can vary greatly from one story to another; they might be fearful, dislike combat, feel indifferent towards the world, be clumsy, too young, and so forth. In the original Gundam series, Amuro was a college student.
Despite having a passion for constructing items, such as working on mechanical devices, Amuro strongly disliked participating in war. The war and the Gundam project were unwillingly imposed upon him. Amuro serves as an illustrative example of reluctant heroes often found in anime and role-playing games (RPGs). In some RPGs, like Dynasty Warriors: Gundam, he even makes an appearance. For now, let’s shift focus from Amuro and discuss other characters from these games. Here is a ranking of their reluctance levels based on how they engage with others and the environment they inhabit, starting with those who are least reluctant.
6 Luigi (Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga)
Scared To Fight, But Never Leaves Mario’s Side
In the early years, Luigi didn’t stand out much from Mario in terms of personality, but that changed in the 2000s. A pivotal moment was the release of “Luigi’s Mansion,” where despite being terrified, he braved a haunted mansion to rescue his brother. This fearful yet brave side of Luigi was further explored by Nintendo and other developers in games like “Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga,” which was the first RPG spinoff focusing on the brothers.
Initially, Luigi joins Mario on his journey reluctantly, intending to stay out of it. However, circumstances lead him into the storyline too. Throughout the game, Luigi encourages Mario to move forward while keeping a safe distance himself. Their interactions, filled with their comical Italian accents, make for an entertaining duo. Despite being fearful, Luigi proves to be supportive of Mario, not entirely backing out. By the end, Luigi embraces his role as a hero, albeit with ongoing apprehension.
5 Roxas (Kingdom Hearts 2)
Doesn’t Care About Saving The World, Just Wants To Be With Friends
Roxas started playing “Kingdom Hearts 2” as the main character, leaving everyone puzzled, much like the confusion between Solid Snake and Raiden in “Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty.” However, unlike Raiden who had a longer playtime, Roxas was just a teenager enjoying his summer break in Twilight Town.
In his teenage years, Roxas preferred to spend time with his companions, avoiding grand schemes and complex plots. However, persistent Nobodies and mysterious figures constantly disturbed him, compelling him to engage in battles. This was also reflected in the prequel game, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, where his character was further developed. Essentially, Roxas, given the choice, would rather socialize than get embroiled in conflict.
4 Laharl (Disgaea: Hour of Darkness)
Annoyed By Having To Step Up As Ruler
In the initial installment of this series, titled “Disgaea: Hour of Darkness“, Laharl assumes the lead role. He is the offspring of an Overlord, the sovereign of the Underworld, who was compelled to relinquish control, making Laharl step into his shoes. Despite his technically advanced age, in the realm of demons, Laharl was essentially a juvenile, acting accordingly.
Laharl disliked the idea of governing the Underworld and handling minor issues such as zoning regulations. Regrettably, there were persistent usurpers attempting to overthrow him, forcing him into defensive conflicts. What truly challenged Laharl wasn’t the strategic battles; it was likely showing genuine kindness towards others, including his allies, like an angel named Flonne who was particularly virtuous. Despite his aversion to most things, Laharl found pleasure in a good battle as well, which makes for an amusing contrast.
3 Oliver (Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch)
Too Young To Understand The Weight Of The World
In the enchanting world of “Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch,” Oliver might deceive you with his appearance, but he is actually a teenager. Despite this, he exhibits characteristics more typical of an eight-year-old. Disregarding age, Oliver resided in a picturesque town reminiscent of America at the onset of the game. When his mother became unwell, Oliver made a heartfelt wish to save her, which led him to another realm.
In experiences unlike any he’d faced before, Oliver encountered challenges such as the notorious White Witch causing chaos and numerous monsters known as Familiars. Reminiscent of Pokémon, Oliver had the ability to command these creatures. Despite his willingness to aid others, Oliver was fearful and primarily concerned with the welfare of his mother rather than the kingdom’s needs. In combat situations, he tends to rely more on his Familiars rather than relying on his own fighting abilities, making him quite hesitant.
2 Cloud (Final Fantasy 7 Remake)
Hates Almost Everyone From Start To Finish
In the Final Fantasy series, there are several characters who initially resist taking on heroic roles. Terra from Final Fantasy 6 and Hope from Final Fantasy 13 are among these reluctant heroes. However, when it comes to the embodiment of this archetype within the franchise, Cloud from Final Fantasy 7 stands out. He first appears in Midgar seeking financial gain as a mercenary, lacking a strong moral compass to guide his actions.
In the original version of Final Fantasy 7, Cloud’s range was less pronounced due to the lack of voice acting in the dialogue. However, in the remake, his extended reach became more evident. Initially, Cloud showed little interest towards his longtime friend Tifa, spending minimal time with her. As the game progressed, he softened and chose to help his new allies defeat Shinra Corporation and Sephiroth. In an unusual turn of events, he even donned a dress to demonstrate his commitment to going above and beyond. It’s worth noting that Cloud took quite some time to open up to others, making his character development more challenging for players to appreciate.
1 Neku (The World Ends With You)
Shutting Out The World Through Music
It appears that Square Enix, in its role as both developer and publisher, has a noticeable fondness for characters who are unwilling heroes or individuals grappling with emotional turmoil. Case in point is Neku from “The World Ends With You“. Similar to numerous adolescents, Neku often shut out the world by blasting music through his overly large headphones.
One day, this event led to his demise and he found himself in a realm reminiscent of Tokyo’s Shibuya district, where he was compelled to participate in a lethal game posthumously. To reincarnate, Neku needed to emerge victorious, and each round brought him a new ally. Initially resenting these companions, he perceived them as an inconvenience. It took Neku a while to grasp lessons like Cloud, but unlike Cloud, he seemed more prone to rapid emotional shifts, ranging from contentment to irritation even towards the game’s end. This unpredictability places him above Cloud in the rankings, as adolescents can be notoriously fickle.
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2024-08-08 07:33