Final Fantasy is a long-running JRPG series full of memorable characters that fans can’t get enough of. The heroes of this tale are almost always compelling and make it easy for players to root for them as they overcome immense odds to secure victory.
However, as much as fans would want to cheer on certain characters, they also love to hate the people who stand in the heroes’ way time and time again in each Final Fantasy game. Some of the good characters end up catching flak, although players will eventually grow to respect their presence in the story, too.
Sephiroth
A Beloved Villain Who Has Committed Some Truly Heinous Acts
One of the most iconic video game villains of all time, Sephiroth is a character players hate and love in equal measure. His menacing presence made Final Fantasy 7 riveting, with players salivating at the chance to control this character in a flashback.
However, they also can’t help but curse his name when he ends up impaling Aerith with his Masamune in one of the most shocking video game deaths of all time. This makes Sephiroth an easy villain to hate in the latter half of Final Fantasy 7 as the heroes do everything possible to give him the final death he deserves.
Kefka Palazzo
The Mad Jester Is An Easy Villain To Love And Hate In Equal Measure
Kefka is the mad jester of Final Fantasy 6, whose infectious charm makes him yet another iconic villain from the franchise. He loyally serves Emperor Gestahl… or, at least, that’s what players assume, until he backstabs his liege on the Floating Continent and assumes the power of the Warring Triad for himself.
As silly and entertaining as he may be, fans can’t forgive him for killing General Leo and throwing the world into a state of ruin. Bringing the gang back together for one final assault on Kefka’s castle is a cathartic moment, where players finally make this villain pay for being a tyrant in every sense of the word.
Seymour Guado
A Compelling Villain Who Stands In The Heroes’ Way Time And Time Again
Seymour seems like yet another maester blinded by his faith, but that doesn’t excuse his actions in the slightest. His presence as a villain makes for some of the most engaging moments and memorable boss fights in the entire series.
As much as his presence may elevate the game, that doesn’t stop players from hating him when his evil intentions become clear as day. Trying to forcefully marry Yuna and the infamous Seymour Flux encounter are moments when even his biggest fans will curse Seymour’s name.
Noctis Lucis Caelum
His Standoffish Attitude Is Unappealing, But Fans Slowly Warm Up To Him Over Time
The boy band aesthetic of Final Fantasy 15‘s main cast is something that fans had mixed opinions about. However, after seeing the camaraderie of the heroes, it was hard not to fall in love with the charms of this group as they tried to save their empire and the world from Ardyn’s villainous actions.
Out of the main cast, fans have mixed opinions about Noctis because of how standoffish and needlessly edgy he can be. Discarding Ignis’ sacrifice was a huge no-no that many people didn’t love, although he eventually redeemed himself by making a valiant sacrifice to rid the world of the Starscourge at the end of Final Fantasy 15.
Lightning
Final Fantasy 13’s Poor Reception Meant That Its Protagonist Was Bound To Get Some Flak
Since Final Fantasy 13 is considered by many to be the black sheep of the series, it’s understandable why the characters get so much flak. Lightning is no exception, with many fans writing her off as a bootleg Cloud.
While she may be needlessly aggressive at times, her frustrations are understandable since her sister is the one in harm’s way. After a poor first impression, Lightning becomes easier to love for some, while other players who give up on Final Fantasy 13 fail to understand her appeal.
Squall Leonhart
Arguably, The Most Misunderstood Final Fantasy Protagonist Of All Time
Final Fantasy 8 is another divisive entry in the series, coming hot on the heels of one of the greatest video games ever made. The game had its issues, but fans love the title once they give it a chance.
Unfortunately, people who drop Final Fantasy 8 don’t get to see Squall’s incredible character development and have forever pegged him as the most emo Final Fantasy protagonist of all time. It’s a shame, since he may be a bit rude and antisocial at times, but this comes from his own feelings of inadequacy that are explored later on, eventually leading to him accepting his true self and embracing Rinoa in a heartwarming reunion.
Tidus
His Chirpy Attitude Can Be Very Overbearing, At Times
Tidus’ dopey attitude and overbearingly cheerful personality make him a hard character to like at first. He can seem a bit too airheaded at times and embodies the classic shonen protagonist archetype that many people may find a bit clichéd.
However, as he becomes romantically involved with Yuna and slowly realizes why he was brought to Spira in the first place, Tidus becomes a hero everyone can rely on. Even his biggest haters have to agree that the emotional ending of Final Fantasy 10 works because of his dynamic with Yuna, making it clear that he had a major impact on the story and how it unfolded.
Prompto Argentum
His Overly Upbeat Personality Makes Him Slightly Annoying
Prompto is another cheerful Final Fantasy character who can be annoying at times. Unlike the other three characters, Prompto is far from the cool one, and some fans find his goofy attitude to be completely out of place at times.
However, over time, he comes into his own as a good friend and stellar photographer who captures the memories of the gang in an epic adventure. Episode Prompto does a great job of elaborating on his origin and causing even his biggest critics to gain a newfound respect for this character.
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