Forgotten Villains in Classic JRPGs

Highlights

Villains like Holy Grail in Persona 5 may not be the most memorable, but they play a crucial role in the game’s deep storytelling.
Smithy from Super Mario RPG introduced iconic villains, yet didn’t receive the same attention as Bowser or Wario in the franchise.
Albedo from Xenosaga is a masterful villain, showcasing power and unpredictability that could even rival characters like the Joker.

As a long-time gamer who has dabbled in all sorts of gaming genres, I must admit that I’ve come across some truly eccentric villains in my time. However, none quite compare to the array of hilarious bosses you’ve curated here! Each one of them brings something unique to the table, and it’s a delight to see such an eclectic mix of characters from various gaming franchises.

A role-playing game (RPG) can only be great if it has compelling main characters or antagonists. For instance, the relationship between Cloud and Sephiroth in “Final Fantasy 7” captivated many in 1997. The video game world was evolving rapidly at that time, with games starting to feel more like movies. Magus from “Chrono Trigger” is another example of an impressive villain, even though the main character Crono might not have been as engaging because he was a silent protagonist.

As a gaming enthusiast, let me tell you, neither Final Fantasy 7 nor Chrono Trigger are just another RPG. While other examples have their merits, the antagonists in these two games stand out. Some villains from other titles fail to make a lasting impact after their first appearance, but not these guys. Here’s what gives these villains depth and keeps them intriguing—with some spoilers ahead.

6 Holy Grail (Persona 5)

We’re Still Saying What Eight Years Later

In the game ‘Persona 5’, Masayoshi Shido emerged as a significant power broker, advancing the storyline. He manipulated circumstances to make the protagonist move into his newly-scandalized residence. Defeating Shido was expected to be a victorious moment for Joker and The Phantom Thieves. Yet, even after Shido’s downfall, society as a whole remained unchanged.

In their journey, players advanced to Mementos, an expansive labyrinth that ultimately led them to an unimaginable revelation. The enigmatic architect behind the entire game was known as Holy Grail, resembling a large chalice. This enigma represents society’s collective subconscious and remains shrouded in mystery even today. Despite its significance, Holy Grail isn’t the primary antagonist players recall from the game, nor is it the final boss. However, it does have a substantial impact on the narrative.

5 Smithy (Super Mario RPG)

Powerful Enough To Destroy Dreams

The initial game that incorporated Mario into a Role-Playing Game (RPG) was “Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars.” Following this, two separate series were spawned: “Paper Mario” and “Mario & Luigi.” Despite Square Enix’s earlier involvement in creating a Mario RPG game beyond merely assisting with the remake for Nintendo Switch, they haven’t produced another standalone Mario RPG since then.

It’s unfortunate that the memorable villains from Square Enix’s version didn’t receive more recognition, as they were quite iconic. The main antagonist, Smithy, amassed an entertaining group of bosses to carry out his orders. His ability to transform his head was a creative touch, and his intention to shatter the chain of wishes was villainous. Regrettably, Smithy doesn’t get as much attention compared to characters like Bowser or Wario in the larger Mario series.

4 Yoshiya “Joshua” Kiryu (The World Ends With You)

God Is Hiding In Street Clothes

Individuals who haven’t revisited “The World Ends With You” since its initial release on the DS in 2008 or experienced the Switch remaster in 2018 might find it hard to recall the intricacies of the plot. The narrative revolves around a character named Neku, who perishes and finds himself in an alternate Shibuya. In this strange realm, he is compelled to participate in multiple rounds of a Death Game, reminiscent of an anime scenario, with the ultimate goal of earning a wish that would bring him back to life. Throughout his journey, Neku acquires companions such as Joshua.

It appears that Joshua is hiding something, giving the impression of just another deceased teenager like Neku. However, unexpectedly, Joshua turned out to be the one who orchestrated the game’s creation in its entirety – a god-like being. This revelation might have caused some players to forget that Joshua was essentially the antagonist throughout the game. Despite having valid motives, Joshua was eventually defeated by Neku.

3 Airy (Bravely Default)

What If Navi Was Evil?

In Bravely Default, Airy shared a comparable trait with her character, resembling the role of fairies such as Navi from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Like those fairies, Airy accompanied the party and offered useful tips periodically. However, she stood out due to her significantly more frequent dialogue compared to other similar characters.

1. Airy often interrupted conversations, yet appeared trustworthy. This continued until everyone at the party eventually realized they were trapped in a time loop, with Airy orchestrating it all. In her final form, she transformed into something less adorable, resembling a huge slug. Interestingly, Airy was showcased on the cover of the 3DS game despite being the antagonist throughout. That move by Square Enix seems daring now, but they never delved deeper into Airy’s story afterwards.

2 Vayne Carudas Solidor (Final Fantasy 12)

Vanity Turns This Ruler Into The Hulk

Not all “Final Fantasy” games have a legendary villain like Sephiroth from “Final Fantasy 7” or Kefka from “Final Fantasy 6”. Although Vayne was the primary antagonist responsible for most of the evil acts in “Final Fantasy 12”, neither the game nor subsequent releases made much fuss about him. For instance, “Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy” introduced Vaan and Judge Gabranth as playable characters to honor “Final Fantasy 12”, but did not highlight Vayne in a similar manner.

Choosing Basch over Vaan as the protagonist could have been more logical given that Basch is Judge Gabranth’s noble brother. However, one might wonder why Vayne was not selected instead, considering he plays a less significant role for much of the game and transforms into a powerful figure only before the final battle. As a ruler, Vayne exhibits cunningness, but his impact as a memorable antagonist in the Final Fantasy series is relatively minor compared to other villains.

1 Albedo Piazzolla (Xenosaga)

The Joker Could Learn A Thing Or Two

In a dedicated article, Albedo stands out as the central antagonist, although technically there are others who hold higher positions in the Xenosaga trilogy. What sets Albedo apart is his portrayal as an omniscient deity, always hinting at greater revelations for players to uncover. One of his most impactful scenes occurs between him and Momo, a member of the game’s party, showcasing Albedo’s manipulative nature and grandeur.

In the process of draining life energy from other robots, Albedo eloquently ponders the meaning of existence. To impress Momo, he removes his own hand only to reveal his ability to regenerate limbs. Subsequently, he detaches his head but continues laughing madly, still functional. Crispin Freeman delivers a remarkable performance as his voice actor. The Joker from Batman comics envies such power and insanity.

2024-08-08 01:34