Although the representation hasn't always been the best, JRPGs have been one of the few major video game genres that actually feature many prominent female characters. Even in famous franchises likeFinal Fantasy,which still often have more male protagonists, there will also be a large selection of excellent female protagonists.
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With how large theFinal Fantasyfranchise is, including the recent edition of Strangers of Paradise,it can be difficult to only choose a handful of memorable leading ladies. But, there are a couple of individuals who manage to especially shine among the rest.
Rem - Final Fantasy Type-0
Directed by Hajime Tabata, who also directedFinal Fantasy XV,Final Fantasy Type-0is an action RPG that originally released only in Japan in 2011 for the PSP, but was later released internationally in 2015. Set within the Fabula Nova Crystallis mythos, which was also used forFinal Fantasy XIIIandFinal Fantasy XV,the game follows a group of magical students known as Class Zero who must protect Rubrum from the Militesi Empire.
Although all of the students are protagonists, Ace, Machina Kunagiri, and Rem Tokimiya have the strongest impact on the narrative. Even though Rem is terminally ill, she remains cheerful and resilient, and she has exceptional magical capabilities. As an empathetic, mature, and strong-willed person, Rem is one of the many reasons whyFinal Fantasy Type-0is one of the best spin-offs.
Ritz - Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
Released in 2003 for the Game Boy Advance,Final Fantasy Tactics Advanceis a tactical RPG and an in-direct sequel tothe 1997 PS1 gameFinal Fantasy Tactics. The game follows four children who are fans of theFinal Fantasyseries and wish they could live in that universe instead. After finding an ancient book, their wish is fulfilled and the world is transformed, and now the main character, one of the children named Marche Radiuju, must try to restore their home.
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Though this is simply a fantasy world, Ritz Malheur and the other two children don't want to return the world back to the way it was. In the real world, Ritz was bullied for having white hair, which led her to dyeing her hair red and developing a brash personality. Despite her hardships, she's outspoken, loyal, and kind, which is shown by her helping Marche several times even though their goals were different. By the end, Ritz learns to love herself for who she is.
Adelle - Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift
Although it's not as well-known asFinal Fantasy Tactics Advance,the in-direct sequel,Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift, is still one of the best spin-offs in the franchise. Released in 2007 for the Nintendo DS, the game follows a young boy named Luso Clemens who discovers a magical book in the library. After writing his name in the book, he is transported to another world and becomes involved in clan wars while he tries to find a way home.
Besides Luso, one of the other main characters is the infamous thief Adelle, who joins the same clan Luso is in. Adelle is mischievous, cunning, and impulsive, which is shown by how she tricks Luso's clan multiple times and splurges on fancy items. Because of her past, Adelle prefers to keep her distance from others, but she eventually learns to open up more.
Ashe - Final Fantasy XII/ XII: Revenant Wings
Together with theFinal Fantasy Tactics trilogyandVagrant Story,the 2006 PS2 RPGFinal Fantasy XIIis also set within theIvalice Allianceseries. Though this game is one of the best in the series, it is often forgotten compared to other installments. Directed by Hiroyuki Ito, who also directedFinal Fantasy VIandFinal Fantasy IX,the game follows six main characters who are all trying to stop the Archadian Empire.
Although the orphan Vaan is technically the protagonist, all of the events in the game actually center around Ashelia "Ashe" B'nargin Dalmasca, who is the Princess of Dalmasca. Ashe teams up with the other characters to obtain the power necessary to avenge her fallen kingdom. With a proud and determined nature, she has strong morals and won't be tempted by power.
Faris - Final Fantasy V
Directed by Hironobu Sakaguchi, who is the creator of the franchise, the 1992 RPGFinal Fantasy Vwas originally only released in Japan on the Super Famicom, but it later got international releases. The game follows the four Warriors of Light as they try to stop Exdeath, a sealed evil sorcerer, from destroying the elemental crystals and plunging the world into darkness.
One of the Light Warriors is the pirate captain Faris Scherwiz, who is actually the long-lost Princess Sarisa Scherwil Tycoon. Because she was lost at sea at a young age, she decided to disguise herself as a man so that she would be respected. Although she is a ruthless and bold pirate, she also cares deeply about her family.
Rinoa - Final Fantasy VIII
Similarly toChrono Cross, Final Fantasy VIIIis a critically acclaimed installment that was also divisive among fans even though it was directed by Yoshinori Kitase, who had previously directedFinal Fantasy VII.Released in 1999 for the PS1, this RPG follows stoic Squall Leonhart, passionate Rinoa Heartilly, and Squall's "SeeD" team as they try to stop the sorceress Ultimecia from compressing time.
Since Rinoa is both the co-protagonist and Squall's love interest, she has an outspoken and emotive personality that acts as the perfect foil to Squall's emotionally unavailable demeanor. Though she is friendly, stubborn, and cheerful, both her and Squall struggle with truly connecting with others, but they help each other overcome this.
Garnet/ Sarah - Final Fantasy IX
Released in 2000 for the PS1, the RPGFinal Fantasy IXfollows a thief named Zidane Tribal who kidnaps Princess Garnet Til Alexandros XVII, whose birth name is Sarah like mostFinal Fantasyprincesses. Garnet reveals that she wanted to be kidnapped so that she could warn Cid about the change in her mother, and the duo joins forces with a large cast of characters to figure out what's happening with both the queen and the world.
Garnet is an intelligent and strong individual who loves theatre and learning new things. At first, she doubts herself and fully relies on others, but she slowly learns to stand on her own.
Aerith - Final Fantasy VII
It's impossible to talk aboutFinal Fantasyheroines without mentioning the woman fromFinal Fantasy VIIthat shook the gaming world: Aerith Gainsborough. The 1997 Ps1 RPGFinal Fantasy VIIfollows stoic mercenary Cloud Strife and his party members as they try to stop Sephiroth andthe mega-corporation Shinra from draining the planet's Lifestream.
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One of the party members, Aerith, is both an important and complex character. Along with being kind, hopeful, and a nature lover, she is also resilient, spunky, and street smart. Her lovable and fun character makes her eventual death a devastating event.
Yuna - Final Fantasy X/ X-2
Released in 2001 for the PS2,Final Fantasy Xis considered one of the best entries in the series and was the first one to have a direct sequel. After the monstrous creature Sin destroyed his home, the main character, Tidus, finds himself in the world of Spira and becomes a guardian to Yuna, who is on a pilgrimage to defeat Sin.
While just the co-protagonist in the first title, Yuna becomes the main character in the sequelFinal Fantasy X-2.She is a polite, kind, and resilient individual who initially sacrifices her own happiness for others. But, Tidus teaches her to open up and value herself more, which leads to her being more outspoken.
Terra - Final Fantasy VI
BesidesFinal Fantasy VII,the other title many fans often consider the peak of the franchise is the 1994 SNES RPGFinal Fantasy VI.The game follows 14 playable characters as they rebel against a military dictatorship that's trying to rediscover magic and destroy the world.
Terra Branford, who is often considered the true protagonist of the game, was enslaved by the evil Empire for years until she is freed by the rebel group called the "Returners." Though she is initially frightened of her powers and the world around her, she slowly grows into a strong person who uses her powers to protect others.
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