Final Fantasy Party Members Who Should’ve Been The Protagonist Instead

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Final Fantasy Party Members Who Should've Been The Protagonist Instead

Key Takeaways

  • Ashe from Final Fantasy 12 should have been the protagonist due to her central role in the story.
  • Vivi from Final Fantasy 9 has a more emotional character arc that could have enhanced the player’s experience.
  • Lenna from Final Fantasy 5 has major stakes in the story and could have replaced Bartz as the protagonist for a more engaging plot.

As a veteran gamer with decades of gaming experience under my belt, I can confidently say that there’s always room for improvement, even in the hallowed halls of Final Fantasy. While I appreciate the epic tales and iconic characters these games have given us, I often find myself pondering what could have been if certain decisions were made differently.

In every Final Fantasy game, the characters play a significant role in what makes these games so enjoyable to experience. Most games introduce a clear main character with motivations that align with the overall storyline, creating conflict against the primary antagonist. This tension gradually escalates towards an exciting climax.

As a gamer, I can’t help but notice that some titles in this beloved series haven’t always given us the most captivating main character. Instead, it’s often the supporting cast who steal the show and leave a lasting impression. Some even propose that these games might have been more engaging if a different party member had taken center stage. Reasons vary from their charm to their pivotal roles in shaping each game’s narrative.

5 Ashelia B’nargin Dalmasca AKA Ashe

The Bulk Of Final Fantasy 12’s Story Hinges Upon Her Actions

Regardless of personal opinions about Final Fantasy 12, there’s a consensus among fans that Vaan can be quite irritating as a protagonist due to his overly cheerful and optimistic nature, which seems unfounded. His objective to become a Sky Pirate doesn’t resonate with many players, leading them to wish they could swap him out for another character. Balthier’s charm is appealing, but it’s Ashe who truly deserves the lead role in this story.

In the game “Final Fantasy 12,” the princess of Dalmasca is believed to have perished following an invasion on her land. However, she secretly orchestrates a rebellion against the new rulers to bring justice back to her kingdom. It’s quite intriguing why she wasn’t made the main character, as most of the story takes place in her realm, instead of Vaan being chosen.

4 Vivi Ornitier

Boasts A Character Arc That’s Way More Interesting Than Zidane’s

The love tale between Zidane and Garnet might be an epic conclusion for one of the most remarkable Final Fantasy games, but it’s not the best character development within this title. Instead, that recognition belongs to Vivi, a classic Black Mage with enigmatic background, who yearns to understand why he appears so distinct from Gaia’s other inhabitants. These mysteries are resolved when the group visits the Black Mage Village, where Vivi encounters more people who resemble him.

In contrast to what he was initially led to believe, Vivi’s origins are imperfect and tragic. He was designed to be a mindless magical tool with limited sentience and a lifespan of just one year. This revelation is cruel, and it’s heart-wrenching to see Vivi grapple with the shortness of his life. Despite this, he chooses to accept his situation and helps the group to thwart Kuja. This leads to a bittersweet ending for Vivi, who died on his own terms and left behind a heroic legacy by saving Gaia from destruction. If Vivi had been the main character in Final Fantasy 9, the game could have been even more emotionally impactful for players, although Zidane remains a capable protagonist.

3 Locke Cole

A Happy-Go-Lucky Thief With A Surprisingly Deep And Sad Backstory

In the worlds of Balance and Ruin, Terra and Celes are central figures, each playing significant roles. While it’s clear why these magical characters are often seen as main characters, there’s another member of this diverse group that deserves his moment in the limelight. This charming thief may seem simple at first glance, but he’s more complex than people might think. Locke shares many traits with Zidane, which could have made him an engaging protagonist, full of energy and charisma.

Although Locke generally appears cheerful, his inner struggles are revealed over the course of the game, particularly when secrets about his past love surface. This sheds light on his chivalrous behavior and gives his character more complexity. While Terra and Celes have connections to the Gestahlian Empire that justify their intense dislike of Kefka, this doesn’t diminish Locke’s potential as a main character who could have had a larger impact in the World of Ruin as well.

2 Lenna Charlotte Tycoon

The Princess Of Tycoon Has Major Stakes In The Story

Bartz might come across as an easy-going lead character who acts as something of a tabula rasa for the main character, but his significance in the main storyline is significantly less compared to the other party members. Galuf emerges as a Warrior of Light from another realm, with his granddaughter stepping up after a selfless act of heroism. In contrast, Galuf’s narrative arc is more captivating than Bartz’s. However, among the other party members, it is Lenna who could have plausibly taken on the role of protagonist if Bartz were to be replaced.

In the series, the princess from Tycoon experiences numerous hardships, ultimately transforming into a Warrior of Light determined to oppose Exdeath and halt his use of the Void to obliterate the world. The discovery that Faris is her sister adds an intriguing twist, leading one to ponder how impactful her role in the main story would have been if she had taken Bartz’s place as the protagonist in “Final Fantasy 5”.

1 Machina Kunagiri And Rem Tokimiya

The Story Would’ve Been More Emotional From Their Perspective

Final Fantasy Type-0 offers an exceptional spin-off experience by blending the timeless charm of the series with an engaging real-time battle system. Players assume command over a group of fourteen students, among them being twelve members of Class Zero, each given names inspired by a deck of cards. Ace is positioned as the story’s protagonist, but the two newcomers to this class carry significant weight in terms of the plot.

In this story, Machina Kunagiri and Rem Tokimiya not only provide the narration but also could have served as the player character. They gradually learn about the world’s lore and meet the members of Class Zero. However, the plot can sometimes feel complex, and this might have been prevented if the protagonist, Ace, had been replaced by these new characters instead.

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2024-10-01 15:34