Former Foes to Fearless Allies: The Top JRPG Traitors You’ll Love

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Summary

  • Former enemies turned allies add depth to JRPG narratives with complex backstories and moral ambiguity.
  • Characters like Aranea Highwind and Goro Akechi switch sides, shaping social dynamics and adding emotional impact.
  • From Basilio to Beatrix, numerous JRPG characters undergo redemption arcs, becoming dependable allies in battles.

One captivating aspect of JRPGs lies in following along as characters join your party throughout the storyline. These individuals, with their distinct personalities, propel the plot forward and significantly influence social interactions. They also play crucial roles during battles against powerful antagonists. Notably, it’s quite frequent in this genre for adversaries to eventually side with you, solidifying themselves as essential team members by the mid or final stages of your adventure.

In Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), it’s quite common for previous antagonists to make a significant impact due to their intricate backstories and notable character development driven by redemption arcs or personal motivations. This transformation, though, isn’t always long-lasting. Many of them encounter obstacles or inner conflicts, grappling with the consequences of their past actions. Their moral grayness lends complexity, enhancing the emotional resonance that characterizes some of the genre’s most enduring characters.

Spoiler warning: This text reveals the fate of several characters in their respective games.

8. Aranea Highwind (Final Fantasy 15)

A Dragoon Who Switches Sides And Becomes A Powerful Ally

Initially appearing as a military commander in Niflheim, Aranea Highwind serves as an intimidating adversary who crosses paths with Noctis and his group during one of the game’s standout early battles in the JRPG genre. Her unique Dragoon fighting style, characterized by powerful aerial assaults, sets her apart as one of the most visually impressive opponents in Final Fantasy 15.

After observing the harsh realities of war and the empire’s deceitfulness, Aranea decides to break free from her loyalty, choosing instead to follow her personal ethical guidelines. She aids the main characters in various tasks, even if just for a short while, becoming a valuable temporary ally. Her transformation from a skeptical adversary to a trusted companion earns her great respect within this Japanese role-playing game.

7. Basilio (Metaphor: ReFantazio)

A Key Supporter Of Louis Who Becomes An Ally In This JRPG

In the style of Atlus JRPGs, a significant character like Basilio is typically introduced later in the game, bringing added power to the mix. In the case of Metaphor: ReFantazio, Basilio serves this role but initially appears as an adversary. He maintains a close connection with Louis from the start and harbors deep suspicion towards the main character and their companions. Throughout the game’s narrative, he often takes on an antagonistic stance.

Over time, as key tasks are accomplished, Basilio’s suspicion lessens bit by bit. A pivotal event occurs when Fidelio, his sibling, sacrifices himself to shield him. This incident leaves Basilio bewildered and compels him to confront reality. As a result, he cuts ties with Louis and teams up with the main character. From then on, he transforms into one of the most formidable allies, fueled by the fierce Berserker Character Type.

6. Riku (Kingdom Hearts)

The Childhood Friend Who Chooses A Different Path

In the initial installment of “Kingdom Hearts”, Riku, who is part of the trio from Destiny Islands, finds himself drawn towards the enigmatic darkness as the realms start to disintegrate. Initially, he harbored ambitions of adventure alongside Sora and Kairi, but he soon transforms into a significant adversary in this Japanese role-playing game (JRPG). His confrontations with the protagonist escalate significantly, especially after being taken over by Ansem, leading to multiple showdowns.

Towards the game’s conclusion, Riku embarks on a journey towards redemption, assisting Sora in sealing Kingdom Hearts in a crucial instance. Later on, he becomes part of the team in fights across the second and third installments of the series. His transformation from an antagonist to a reliable comrade makes him one of the most intriguing adversary-turned-ally characters in the genre.

5. Hendrik (Dragon Quest 11)

The Knight Of Heliodor Who Becomes The Luminary’s Shield

In Dragon Quest 11, I initially found myself as one of the primary villains, mercilessly pursuing the Luminary under King Carnelian’s orders, who, unbeknownst to me, was being manipulated by Mordegon. Convinced that the hero was a danger, I faithfully executed my mission with unyielding determination. However, when Yggdrasil fell and Mordegon’s true nature was exposed, I realized my error and chose to align myself with the Luminary, fighting alongside them against the genuine evil menacing Erdrea.

Transitioning from adversary to comrade, Hendrik undergoes a compelling journey of redemption. He reassesses his allegiances and convictions, eventually joining the party. In this role-playing game (JRPG), he demonstrates exceptional defensive skills and raw power, often being recognized as one of the top tanks. His prowess significantly increases following the completion of his personal quest during “In Search of Lost Time”.

4. Goro Akechi (Persona 5 Royal)

One Of The Most Complex Characters In This Atlus JRPG

The captivating allure of Persona 5 Royal stems significantly from the intriguing dynamic between Goro Akechi and the main character. Initially, the game sets up a rivalry based on contrasting perspectives, which develops further as the narrative progresses, marked by key moments and unexpected plot twists that keep audiences hooked, even when they’ve been foreshadowed.

At some point, Akechi becomes a member of the Phantom Thieves, but it’s later exposed that he was behind numerous deaths within the Metaverse. This revelation sets the stage for an intense boss battle, one of the most captivating in the JRPG genre. Interestingly, due to happenings during the third semester, Akechi re-joins the party, a rarity in this type of game as he alternates between foe and friend multiple times within the storyline.

3. Beatrix (Final Fantasy 9)

One Of The Most Entertaining Temporary Characters In Final Fantasy

Among the memorable elements that Final Fantasy is known for is the inclusion of temporary party members, and I must say, Beatrix stands out as one of the most iconic among them. At first appearing as an adversary, she holds the high rank of a general within Alexandria under Queen Brahne’s command. Time and again, Beatrix crosses paths with our party, proving herself to be formidable in combat without ever being completely vanquished – a testament to her immense power.

As the plot unfolds, Beatrix gradually becomes doubtful about the queen’s decisions. In a pivotal moment, she switches allegiance, assisting Zidane and Steiner in saving Garnet from execution within Alexandria. For a short while, players take control of her, adding depth to her character as a former adversary who joins their cause due to her strong affection for her homeland.

2. Bowser (Super Mario RPG)

The Iconic Villain Who Joined Mario In His First JRPG Adventure

As a dedicated fan, it’s not uncommon to witness Bowser switching sides when he’s not busy abducting Princess Peach. However, in “Super Mario RPG”, it’s the first time we see him team up with our hero, Mario. In this JRPG, the antagonist himself, Bowser, partners up with us to fight against the Smithy Gang who ousted him from his own castle. This unexpected alliance between Bowser and Mario is primarily driven by convenience.

Regardless of being part of the group, Bowser maintains a menacing demeanor, growling and proclaiming himself as the head honcho of the entire journey. Amusingly, he is ranked among the top tanks in JRPGs, absorbing substantial damage and adding charm through his witty banter and misadventures.

1. Magus (Chrono Trigger)

From Villain To One Of The Strongest Allies In Chrono Trigger

Right from the get-go in “Chrono Trigger”, Magus is painted as one of the primary antagonists, causing most of the turmoil during the Middle Ages and playing a pivotal role in Frog’s narrative. But after the happenings in the Kingdom of Zeal, players uncover more about his past, eventually leading to an unexpected proposition for him to join the party in the battle against Lavos.

In the game “Chrono Trigger,” Magus doesn’t experience a complete transformation from villainy, but instead maintains his past character traits. Despite this, his inclusion in the party is one of the most shocking moments, as it showcases a former foe humbling himself to fight alongside the heroes. This act of an enemy becoming an anti-hero serves to further solidify the classic status and memorability of the game.

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2025-04-24 13:50