Great list. I would say, like your argument that if any NPC in FFXIV was the "main character" it would be Alphinaud, FFXI should be Prishe. I do hope you'll play FFXI some day, then you can form an opinion on Adventurer too.
Amazing tier list yet again, very well thought out and so many takes I agree with - thank you so much for putting Meteor there over Y’shtola! Really, really excited if you decide to make others in future for the antagonists, party members, maybe even battle/boss/prelude themes.
Clive is fucking amazing and I need to filter out my recency bias. I think after that, I’d say he’s amazing and honestly my favorite protagonist in a very long time in FF. Also a lot of it has to do with Ben Starr voice acting. There’s a lot to like about him
I really hope we get to see you enhance this tier-list in a future video where you add all party members (in FFXVI's case, any character that you partner up even if you can't control them).
I think so many people love Squall because a lot of people that played FF8 when it first came out were very close in age to Squall. And pretty much everyone can relate to feeling like an awkward teenager, not fitting in, not understanding your emotions and transitioning into an adult. I don't see myself as an introvert but thats why I love Squall and why he's my favorite protagonist
In regards to FFVI. While the game is definitely more of an ensemble cast and was intended for each character to be a "main" character in their own right. None of the characters encapsulate the main struggles and controversy of the game as Terra does. Her origin is at the center of where a lot of the conflict starts. That isn't to say that none of the characters other than her could represent the game one way or another. Terra kicks off the plot, is deeply connected to pivotal moments, more so than any other character in the game.
As yes the one type of squall fan, zidane over squall is blowing my mind. I think something that makes squall one of the best is his depth through his constant thoughts that really lets you read into him, one of the bets limit breaks with blasting zone, etc. good vid
Moves WoL down despite icon status. Still puts Cloud at the top for his icon status. Party. Setting that aside, interesting list. Only thing I'd change about the setup would be to consider Dissidia if only so that FF1WOL and OK could have a character to compare with the others. It's not like Dissidia conflicts with any of the other games or established backgrounds since it's a pocket dimension kind of thing unlike other games like KH where the FF characters are totally different iterations with their own KH lore. List wise I'd move FFXIV WOL up to S tier - there's immense growth for the character (both in universe and on a meta-textual level) and everything about the character generates so much ludonarrative consonance it's kind of mind-boggling how they managed to bridge the gap of single player FF with the MMO genre through the WoL.
I totally agree with this. And as you say yuna and Tidus make eachother so good together. But also Tidus has some of the most bad ass cinematics in the series. Like the blitzball, and the slide down the metal wire when he flips over to the other wire, and the camera zooms in on him smiling, oh he is such a good guy! Idk I`d put him in S.
Do you have/want any helpers for FFXI? I've played it since almost the beginning of NA release and I'd love to help make the experience a little less tedious.
And while their Japanese names are different, the names they went with for English translation even fit thematically. Heaven and Earth. Celes(te) and Terra.
Squall is in Kingdom Hearts, Leader. He's right next to Cloud on the front cover of every Dissidia. Easily S tier in terms of popularity. Also 7 and 8 have a twin pack.
Clearly the main character of XIV is Pint 😂 and the Kugane Tower WR arc it made it more evident for me. Jokes aside the Tier list is pretty much the same as I would make it, only with V (my first FF) and VI (I would consider Celes as the protagonist for the second half) a little higher, but it would be pretty much the same.
I’d put 7-9 S tier. Cloud goes without saying. Squall’s weapon is iconic and once you understand the draw system Squall can easily solo the game. Zidane as said in the video was refreshing as a more outgoing character and him being a thief as the main is very cool.
To me right here, I consider the Final Fantasy Heroes and Heroines of the FF franchise all to be Equal. I Absolutely Love them all throughout the years. 1. Warrior of Light (FF1) 2. Firion (FF2) 3. Onion Knight (FF3) 4. Cecil Harvey (FF4) 5. Bartz Klauser (FF5) 6. Terra Branford (FF6) 7. Cloud Strife (FF7 franchise) 8. Squall Leonhart (FF8) 9. Zidane Tribal (FF9) 10. Tidus (FF10) 11. Shantotto (FF11) 12. Vaan (FF12) 13. Claire/Lightning Farron (FF13 franchise) 14. Y'shtola Rhul (FF14 franchise) 15. Noctis Lucis Caelum (FF15) 16. Clive Rosfield (Brand Newest 16th FF Hero from FF16 game last year in 2023)
Really, Warrior of Light from FFXIV has to be in the S tier, Meteor is probably one of the more iconic parts of the Franchise now given how proliferated and well received the story is.
I understand why people always say that FF6 has no true protagonist, and what the devs intended. However, the story is so focused on Terra until the WoR basically that nothing happens if not for her, the past of her people, etc. I 100% believe Terra is the main protagonist. That doesn't mean the game doesn't have other protagonists. I see it the way I see FF9. Zidane is clearly the main protagonist of the game--I don't think I've ever heard anyone argue different--but obviously Garnet & Vivi are pretty big protagonists as well (Garnet for sure if you disagree about Vivi's role being as high).
Oi vey, Joe my dear. Considering the narratives of the characters, as well as their depth - are we REALLY putting Tidus, Squall and Terra, on the level of CECIL?!
I think it’s perfectly well thought out. Tidus is a whiny, selfish crybaby who thinks it’s “his story” when it’s really Yuna’s, Squall is an emo asshole without much reason, and Terra is solid, but takes a backseat like most of the characters in FF6 due to there being no defined main character, not to mention the quantity of characters diluting the whole pool of them.
I think Squall is S tier because FF8 is based solely around him! He is more important to FF8 than any other FF Protagonist is to there respective games! Even the headmaster made Squall the leader even if he didnt want to be because thats how much everyone believed in him! Not only that but his character development from start to finish is superb, from his rivalry with Seifer to his love growth with Rinoa and basically saving her life on several occasions! Squall could rival any FF protagonist! Hes also excellent in combat his Lionheart limit break is awesome!
I don't hate Cecil at A tier, but he's more than a wet noodle, combat wise. His strength lies in defense. Slap him in the back row and counter every turn and he will carry the crew for a significant part of the game. Seriously, it is shocking how powerful he can be. By end game, sure, he is not anything to write home about and he's essentially a heal bot. But he has his moments!
Unfortunately ff6 was designed to not really have a single protagonist but as the years went by square needed one do they went with Terra. Saying that I disagree with somethings you said like cloud is the face of FF. I feel like it's a certain age demo only that sees him like that. But then I could be wrong because I don't go to cons or social events. One thing I do agree on is to fully judge lightning we have to consider all three games because clearly ff13 was meant to be a trilogy. And it's unfortunate that a lot of gamers just gave up after the first one because she's a really well done character and story.
Respectfully mate, Joe is spot-on. No other protagonist is more synonymous with FF than Cloud. You don't have to like him but there's no denying his iconic status.
FF13 was for me so bad that it made me lose interest in Final Fantasy games for a few years, yet despite Lightning being too one dimensional for my taste, I would put her above Squal.
Still chuffed that I missed this stream. Ah well. Anyhoo, Cloud is hot garbage, easy D tier below WoL and Onion Knight. Hell he's worse than Vaan and Panelo combined. The identity struggle angle was kind of interesting at the time but I can't get past the compilation and also just getting older and really souring on him. As for 6 I fall into the "there is no MC" camp. Or at the very least it shifts from Terra to Celes in the 2nd half, but I think 6's strength continues to be that it is the single greatest Ensemble Cast ever. And the reason Shantotto is pushed is because of a poll for the most popular character and she just barely edged out Prishe. The Adventurer is very much the MC like in 14. It's not quite as overt about it but you do eventually become widely recognized though a lot of it is your guy just being in the right place at the right time. The expansions all have their own MC though, and I ADORE each and every one of the girls. Last point I'm gonna make is Emet Selch is the protagonist of 14. Come at me.
C and D no problems.B, Lightning has to be A. I dont have a problem with who is in A but Cecil should be higher in the order. X could be argued as S. Not plaayd 16 cause SQEX is dumb so no comment. 9...down a tier. Zidane is suppose to be the main character but Vivi and Garnet eat up story time. Also he power isn't outstanding. Why did you include VIIR? You said main line. The story is about the same character, with slight differences. I do appreciate you saying Ramza is S tier cause he is the best, always.
Ben Starr’s performance as Clive is one of the best I’ve ever heard in a video game.
Mog is the main character of FF6, he's on the box
Bro you could not be more right!
Great list. I would say, like your argument that if any NPC in FFXIV was the "main character" it would be Alphinaud, FFXI should be Prishe.
I do hope you'll play FFXI some day, then you can form an opinion on Adventurer too.
Amazing tier list yet again, very well thought out and so many takes I agree with - thank you so much for putting Meteor there over Y’shtola!
Really, really excited if you decide to make others in future for the antagonists, party members, maybe even battle/boss/prelude themes.
Clive is fucking amazing and I need to filter out my recency bias. I think after that, I’d say he’s amazing and honestly my favorite protagonist in a very long time in FF. Also a lot of it has to do with Ben Starr voice acting. There’s a lot to like about him
I really hope we get to see you enhance this tier-list in a future video where you add all party members (in FFXVI's case, any character that you partner up even if you can't control them).
I also agree while I’m not the biggest cloud fan, he deserves to be wayyy up too. He’s so iconic
I think so many people love Squall because a lot of people that played FF8 when it first came out were very close in age to Squall. And pretty much everyone can relate to feeling like an awkward teenager, not fitting in, not understanding your emotions and transitioning into an adult. I don't see myself as an introvert but thats why I love Squall and why he's my favorite protagonist
In regards to FFVI. While the game is definitely more of an ensemble cast and was intended for each character to be a "main" character in their own right. None of the characters encapsulate the main struggles and controversy of the game as Terra does. Her origin is at the center of where a lot of the conflict starts. That isn't to say that none of the characters other than her could represent the game one way or another. Terra kicks off the plot, is deeply connected to pivotal moments, more so than any other character in the game.
As yes the one type of squall fan, zidane over squall is blowing my mind. I think something that makes squall one of the best is his depth through his constant thoughts that really lets you read into him, one of the bets limit breaks with blasting zone, etc. good vid
Moves WoL down despite icon status.
Still puts Cloud at the top for his icon status. Party.
Setting that aside, interesting list. Only thing I'd change about the setup would be to consider Dissidia if only so that FF1WOL and OK could have a character to compare with the others. It's not like Dissidia conflicts with any of the other games or established backgrounds since it's a pocket dimension kind of thing unlike other games like KH where the FF characters are totally different iterations with their own KH lore. List wise I'd move FFXIV WOL up to S tier - there's immense growth for the character (both in universe and on a meta-textual level) and everything about the character generates so much ludonarrative consonance it's kind of mind-boggling how they managed to bridge the gap of single player FF with the MMO genre through the WoL.
I totally agree with this. And as you say yuna and Tidus make eachother so good together. But also Tidus has some of the most bad ass cinematics in the series. Like the blitzball, and the slide down the metal wire when he flips over to the other wire, and the camera zooms in on him smiling, oh he is such a good guy!
Idk I`d put him in S.
Ooh can't wait!
Do you have/want any helpers for FFXI? I've played it since almost the beginning of NA release and I'd love to help make the experience a little less tedious.
Imo FF6 is pushing both Terra (before world changes) and Celes (after world changes) as main protagonists 🤔
And while their Japanese names are different, the names they went with for English translation even fit thematically.
Heaven and Earth.
Celes(te) and Terra.
Squall is in Kingdom Hearts, Leader. He's right next to Cloud on the front cover of every Dissidia. Easily S tier in terms of popularity.
Also 7 and 8 have a twin pack.
Clearly the main character of XIV is Pint 😂 and the Kugane Tower WR arc it made it more evident for me.
Jokes aside the Tier list is pretty much the same as I would make it, only with V (my first FF) and VI (I would consider Celes as the protagonist for the second half) a little higher, but it would be pretty much the same.
I’d put 7-9 S tier. Cloud goes without saying. Squall’s weapon is iconic and once you understand the draw system Squall can easily solo the game. Zidane as said in the video was refreshing as a more outgoing character and him being a thief as the main is very cool.
Justice for WoL from Mobius
To me right here, I consider the Final Fantasy Heroes and Heroines of the FF franchise all to be Equal. I Absolutely Love them all throughout the years.
1. Warrior of Light (FF1)
2. Firion (FF2)
3. Onion Knight (FF3)
4. Cecil Harvey (FF4)
5. Bartz Klauser (FF5)
6. Terra Branford (FF6)
7. Cloud Strife (FF7 franchise)
8. Squall Leonhart (FF8)
9. Zidane Tribal (FF9)
10. Tidus (FF10)
11. Shantotto (FF11)
12. Vaan (FF12)
13. Claire/Lightning Farron (FF13 franchise)
14. Y'shtola Rhul (FF14 franchise)
15. Noctis Lucis Caelum (FF15)
16. Clive Rosfield (Brand Newest 16th FF Hero from FF16 game last year in 2023)
Really, Warrior of Light from FFXIV has to be in the S tier, Meteor is probably one of the more iconic parts of the Franchise now given how proliferated and well received the story is.
MMO is still a niche.
Also given the threats they fight are greater than some of the other threats in other games.
You should do dragon quest protagonists next and then do a dragon quest protagonists vs final fantasy protagonists
I understand why people always say that FF6 has no true protagonist, and what the devs intended. However, the story is so focused on Terra until the WoR basically that nothing happens if not for her, the past of her people, etc. I 100% believe Terra is the main protagonist. That doesn't mean the game doesn't have other protagonists. I see it the way I see FF9. Zidane is clearly the main protagonist of the game--I don't think I've ever heard anyone argue different--but obviously Garnet & Vivi are pretty big protagonists as well (Garnet for sure if you disagree about Vivi's role being as high).
Oi vey, Joe my dear. Considering the narratives of the characters, as well as their depth - are we REALLY putting Tidus, Squall and Terra, on the level of CECIL?!
Why not?
I think it’s perfectly well thought out. Tidus is a whiny, selfish crybaby who thinks it’s “his story” when it’s really Yuna’s, Squall is an emo asshole without much reason, and Terra is solid, but takes a backseat like most of the characters in FF6 due to there being no defined main character, not to mention the quantity of characters diluting the whole pool of them.
You're right, Cecil should go up to S
I think Squall is S tier because FF8 is based solely around him! He is more important to FF8 than any other FF Protagonist is to there respective games! Even the headmaster made Squall the leader even if he didnt want to be because thats how much everyone believed in him! Not only that but his character development from start to finish is superb, from his rivalry with Seifer to his love growth with Rinoa and basically saving her life on several occasions! Squall could rival any FF protagonist! Hes also excellent in combat his Lionheart limit break is awesome!
when i think of ff9 i think of vivi, freya, and garnet then zidane. nothing against zidane but the cast is so great
freya before zidane? 😭 what
I think it's uncharitable to say Cecil doesn't do much damage. He's just surrounded by cannons is all.
I don't hate Cecil at A tier, but he's more than a wet noodle, combat wise. His strength lies in defense. Slap him in the back row and counter every turn and he will carry the crew for a significant part of the game. Seriously, it is shocking how powerful he can be. By end game, sure, he is not anything to write home about and he's essentially a heal bot. But he has his moments!
Onion Knight is best protag and will always be my Dissidia main.
Unfortunately ff6 was designed to not really have a single protagonist but as the years went by square needed one do they went with Terra. Saying that I disagree with somethings you said like cloud is the face of FF. I feel like it's a certain age demo only that sees him like that. But then I could be wrong because I don't go to cons or social events. One thing I do agree on is to fully judge lightning we have to consider all three games because clearly ff13 was meant to be a trilogy. And it's unfortunate that a lot of gamers just gave up after the first one because she's a really well done character and story.
Respectfully mate, Joe is spot-on. No other protagonist is more synonymous with FF than Cloud. You don't have to like him but there's no denying his iconic status.
FF13 was for me so bad that it made me lose interest in Final Fantasy games for a few years, yet despite Lightning being too one dimensional for my taste, I would put her above Squal.
Clive is basically a real life more relatable human WOL, more emotions like anger, sadness, doubt, etc.
Rip onion knight
Its ok I love you still ;-;
How dare you not include the best protag ever… Chelinka of course :P /j
I would put 16 in bottom A
Clive all day. 16 was not the greatest game, but Clive is the greatest protagonist of all ff history.
Still chuffed that I missed this stream. Ah well.
Anyhoo, Cloud is hot garbage, easy D tier below WoL and Onion Knight. Hell he's worse than Vaan and Panelo combined. The identity struggle angle was kind of interesting at the time but I can't get past the compilation and also just getting older and really souring on him.
As for 6 I fall into the "there is no MC" camp. Or at the very least it shifts from Terra to Celes in the 2nd half, but I think 6's strength continues to be that it is the single greatest Ensemble Cast ever.
And the reason Shantotto is pushed is because of a poll for the most popular character and she just barely edged out Prishe. The Adventurer is very much the MC like in 14. It's not quite as overt about it but you do eventually become widely recognized though a lot of it is your guy just being in the right place at the right time.
The expansions all have their own MC though, and I ADORE each and every one of the girls.
Last point I'm gonna make is Emet Selch is the protagonist of 14. Come at me.
C and D no problems.B, Lightning has to be A. I dont have a problem with who is in A but Cecil should be higher in the order. X could be argued as S. Not plaayd 16 cause SQEX is dumb so no comment. 9...down a tier. Zidane is suppose to be the main character but Vivi and Garnet eat up story time. Also he power isn't outstanding. Why did you include VIIR? You said main line. The story is about the same character, with slight differences. I do appreciate you saying Ramza is S tier cause he is the best, always.
Terra is really not that great of a protagonist, she is a rather dull character compared to the rest of ff6 cast. C tier
Respect your opinion however I like Terra, her backstory is central to the plot