Final Fantasy: Most Underused Jobs

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Summary

  • Less used job classes in Final Fantasy, like the Dark Knight or Geomancer, offer unique abilities with thematic potential.
  • Chemist, Ranger, and Necromancer jobs, rarely seen in the series, could add interesting gameplay dynamics if reintroduced.
  • Scholars and Gun Mages, while underrepresented, bring unique skills and combinations that could add depth to future Final Fantasy games.

A significant charm of a traditional “Final Fantasy” game lies in its character roster. These characters often exhibit unique personalities, appearances, and, naturally, professions. Professions assign each character a specific skill set and battle role. Notable professions include the fighter, the black magician, and the summoner. Over time, “Final Fantasy” has introduced jobs that might seem peculiar or misfit even in a fantasy setting.

Despite the fact that some job roles depicted throughout the series have been both fascinating thematically and mechanically, it’s unfortunate that they are seldom utilized. Interestingly, the latest mainline Final Fantasy game, Final Fantasy 16, abandoned the traditional party system, opting instead for something unique (or no set party at all). Nevertheless, a new Final Fantasy game is always on the horizon, and with it, the possibility of revisiting a classic, party-based design. If that doesn’t happen, these job roles could potentially find a place in the diverse mosaic of Final Fantasy 14, assuming they haven’t been incorporated already.

The Brooding Dark Knight

First Seen In: Final Fantasy 2

While the brooding, dark fantasy knight figure is greatly appreciated by fans of the genre, it hasn’t been frequently featured in the Final Fantasy series despite its popularity. Instead, these ominous knights typically appear as anti-heroes or optional character classes that players can choose to adopt, like Lightning in Final Fantasy XIII: Lightning Returns or the Gullwing girls in Final Fantasy X-2.

In a more benign rephrasing: Dark knights prioritize causing greater harm to adversaries over preserving their own well-being. While Final Fantasy typically paints its fantastical realms in vibrant and hopeful tones, this role might seem incongruous if it was too prevalent. However, the somber realm of Final Fantasy 16, Valisthea, could find a perfect fit for such characters.

The Nature-Communing Geomancer

First Seen In: Final Fantasy 3

As a gamer, I find the Geomancer job to be more than just an earth-based mage; it’s a versatile talent that transcends the mere manipulation of rocks and soil. Instead, this job allows me to sculpt and adapt my surroundings without using any MP (Magic Points). Essentially, the powers at my disposal are influenced by the environment I find myself in across the vast, beautiful world we explore together as a party. The possibilities are endless as I continue to uncover and hone my unique abilities with each new landscape we encounter.

For instance, the geomancer can summon sandstorms in the desert or create rocks spewing with lava when traversing a volcano’s edge. It has been characteristic of Final Fantasy to incorporate an ecological message, making the geomancer an ideal character for delving into conservation themes.

The Mix And Match Chemist

First Seen In: Final Fantasy Tactics

The alchemist, who blends various elements to produce special outcomes, appears exclusively in the main storyline of two “Final Fantasy” games: “Final Fantasy 5” and “Tactics”. Interestingly, another character with a similar name, theme, and scarcity, shares several attributes with this profession. The primary skill of the character Rikku from “Final Fantasy 10” manifests as her overdrive.

It seems quite labor-intensive to portray characters as chemists or alchemists, given their responsibilities of devising mix charts. Yet, considering the widespread appeal of crafting in contemporary RPGs, it’s astonishing that a profession focused on gathering items and concocting diverse recipes for potent artifacts hasn’t been utilized more often. Interestingly enough, it is one of the learnable jobs under Disciple of the Hand in Final Fantasy 14.

The Untamable Ranger (Or Beastmaster)

First Seen In: Final Fantasy 3

As a dedicated fan, I’ve noticed that while there are some similarities between the Ranger character and the Archer, especially in their occasional appearances outside the main storyline, it’s crucial to understand that the Ranger is much more than just an archer. What sets the Ranger apart is their unique bond with wild creatures and their exceptional skills in surviving the uncharted wilderness. These traits are not often seen in the series, and they are elements that a Beastmaster would also possess. In many ways, these characteristics give the Ranger a distinctive identity within the game’s world.

In essence, rangers or beastmasters could perform functions akin to summoners, utilizing the companions they’ve fostered during their journey as combatants. The ability to nurture and enhance the skills of a pet or wild ally in conflict could create an engaging gameplay dynamic on its own.

The Studious Scholar

First Seen In: Final Fantasy: Tactics

they could study enemy vulnerabilities and employ area-wide spells to capitalize on them. This unique ability to gauge battle situations and exploit enemy weaknesses is a job feature that, although niche, significantly enhances strategy.

In many cases, scholars are overshadowed by more dramatic magic users in the limelight, like summoners or black mages. However, Final Fantasy 14 innovatively reimagined this role as a healing job that employs fairy companions for support. Although it is a subtle tribute to its roots, it’s delightful to observe its incorporation into the game.

The Soul-Stealing Necromancer

Last Seen In: Final Fantasy 5 Advanced

In most series featuring radiant heroes combating the evil forces, this particular job rarely shows up due to its gruesome characteristics. Although Necromancers are frequently found as playable characters in various RPGs, they tend to be portrayed as enemies rather than player options. Interestingly, this role was only featured in the GameBoy Advanced version of “Final Fantasy 5”, and despite plans to introduce it as a job in “Final Fantasy 11’s Treasures of Aht Urhgan” expansion, it was deemed unsuitable and transformed into the puppetmaster instead.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but find their inherent undead nature and power to transform living beings truly captivating. If this series maintains its ominous tone, it might offer us an exciting opportunity – controlling a character who can manipulate enemy corpses on the battlefield, possibly tipping the scales with a motley crew of gruesome minions.

Gun Mage – Final Fantasy 10-2

Firearms And Fantasy, Together At Last!

It’s almost destined, some unions: like the one between science fiction and fantasy. It seems strange that characters who embody both the gritty precision of a cowboy and the mystical prowess of a sorcerer are kept separate so frequently. However, only Final Fantasy 10-2 has successfully shown the power in this dynamic duo.

Refitting a character with the Gun Mage role equips them to inflict additional harm on enemies, given they utilize appropriate ammunition. Moreover, this character may acquire abilities from vanquished foes, resembling the Blue Mage, albeit with its unique twist. The Gun Mage operates in a manner reminiscent of the Black Mage job, but under Vancian Magic (or D&D spellslot) system, allowing them to employ magical powers only as long as they possess enchanted ammunition remaining.

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2025-01-29 05:34