Square Enix has been one of the best studios to release games that feature amazing female protagonists who can go toe-to-toe against their male counterparts and give enemies a run for their money. They possess a myriad of skills, from being adept at various weapons, and fisticuffs, to various levels of magical prowess.
8 Forgotten Square Enix Franchises
There hasn't been any updates, remakes or sequels involving these classic franchises from Square Enix.
But among the numerous titles developed by Square Enix, which characters stand out and are considered to be the best heroines of their respective games? From battle-hardened and steadfast knights and feisty spellcasters to capable fighters who let their fists do the talking when the going gets rough, here are the best female heroes featured in Square Enix games.
10 Claudia – Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song
The Nature-Attuned Ranger
Orphaned at an early age, Claudia was raised by the forest witch, Eule, deep in Mazewood. Claudia was taught how to commune with nature and gained an affinity with the different woodland creatures. When trying to recruit Claudia, she’ll be accompanied by her animal companions, Brau the bear and Sylvan the wolf.
Claudia is excellent with her bow and arrow and is deadly when emptying her quiver from the backline. She also uses Terrology which allows her to use the ground for punishing elemental attacks.
9 Ravness Loxaerion – Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
The Spear-Wielding White Knight
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
- Platform(s)
- PSP
- Released
- February 15, 2011
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- JRPG , Strategy
As one of the characters that fit the Valkyrie class extremely well, Ravness Loxaerion possesses exceptional skill with the spear and Lightning magic. She can soak and deal damage with the best of them, especially once players recruit her to their team. She also has access to the White Knight class, which allows her to use curative magic on her team on top of strong attack stats.
Ravness once swore fealty to Duke Rowney, but later renounced her devotion to him after refusing to obey his order of slaughtering civilians at Balmamusa. She did this because she opposes the oppression of the innocent since she values justice.
8 Agrias – Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
The Loyal, Duty-Bound Bodyguard
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
- Released
- May 10, 2007
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix , Tose
- Genre(s)
- Tactical
As one of Princess Ovelia’s trusted knights, Agrias Oaks serves as her personal bodyguard in the Final Fantasy Tactics game. Agrias is reserved and puts honor and duty above all else. She is an exceptional vanguard, with her training granting her the abilities and combat prowess of the Holy Knight which allows her to cast powerful Holy Magic and infuse it with her sword strikes to smite enemies up close or from a good distance.
Games To Play If You Miss Final Fantasy Tactics
Final Fantasy Tactics fans who want to scratch that same itch should try out these other great games.
Agrias has an unwavering sense of justice and would strike down anyone or anything that dared to take advantage of her charge, Princess Ovelia, especially those who rule over Ivalice and would use their influence for nefarious deeds.
7 Aqua – Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep
The Headstrong Keyblade Master
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
- Released
- January 9, 2010
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG , Fighting , Action-Adventure
Introduced in Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, Aqua is one of the playable Keyblade wielders under the tutelage of Master Eraqus. Her skills with the Keyblade are so apparent that she became the only Keyblade Master between herself and her close friends, Terra and Ventus. She displays her quick thinking with her strikes and especially with her magic-based attacks to take out her targets and is highly evasive thanks to her small frame
Much like her Master Eraqus, Aqua tends to show her strict and overprotective side, especially when training Ventus. But outside of combat, she is very sociable and great with kids, which was evident in her quickly becoming friends with Sora, Riku, and Kairi.
6 Yuna – Final Fantasy 10
The Naive, GIfted Summoner
Yuna is one of the main protagonists in Final Fantasy 10 who specializes in summoning Aeons during battle to aid her allies and decimate opponents. She is strong-willed and would often put the needs of others before her own. Yuna always has a positive outlook and always endeavors to see the good in everything and everyone.
In battle, she can cast numerous White Magic spells to buff and heal her team. Offensively, she can summon a variety of Aeons that deal tremendous damage against enemies. Yuna is the focal point in Final Fantasy 10, where Tidus and the team are tasked to ensure Yuna accomplishes her mission.
5 Jessica – Dragon Quest 8
The Feisty Magical Prodigy
While most magic users tend to be demure and reserved, Jessica Albert from Dragon Quest 8 bucks this trend. Jessica comes from a wealthy family who is also known for their magic. But while her mother expects Jessica to act in a dignified manner, her sharp tongue and her knack for seeing through people often lead to conflict that can only be solved by fighting out of it.
Every Mainline Dragon Quest Game, Ranked
There have been many mainline titles in the Dragon Quest series throughout the years though some stand out above the rest.
In combat, Jessica exhibits her mastery of magic to easily take out enemies. But make no mistake: she is also a capable fighter who is just as comfortable using whips, knives, staves, and swords as she is with casting spells.
4 Garnet – Final Fantasy 9
The Heir to the Alexandria Throne
Garnet was poised to be the ruler of Alexandria in Final Fantasy 9, but she needed to escape because of her mother, Queen Branhe, and her nefarious scheming of conquering neighboring nations. Amid all this, Garnet uncovers the secret of her identity and gains the confidence to accept who she really is alongside her friends.
During battles, Garnet wields a rod or magical racket to smack enemies. Her strength lies with her ability to use White Magic to support her allies, while her Summon ability lets her call forth tremendously powerful Eidolons like Bahamut and Ark to lay waste on opponents.
3 Terra Branford – Final Fantasy 6
The Magic-Laden Jill-of-All-Trades
Story-wise, Final Fantasy 6 was supposed to have a team of heroes, but no clear-cut main character. But Terra Branford was the game’s poster girl and the first character players can control. Her story starts with her having amnesia, but as the game progresses, she regains all her memories and gains better control of her latent powers which are predominantly fire-based spells of varying potency.
Terra is not just confined to magic spells. She is capable of wielding various weapons when the need arises, making her a versatile damage dealer, whether she’s using conventional weapons or magic.
2 Tifa Lockhart – Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Composed yet Hard-Hitting Brawler
Tifa is the composed member of Avalanche who opposes the Shinra Electric Company for decimating her hometown when she was young. Instead of weapons, she relies on pummeling opponents with her powerful fists and fierce kick combinations, which contrasts with her reserved and shy personality. Sporting her iconic black-and-red gloves, suspenders, and tactical mini skirt, she can take out slews of enemies who take her lightly, thanks to her Unbridled Strength chi technique.
Final Fantasy 7: Cloud's Best Friends, Ranked
Cloud may not come across as the most social guy in Final Fantasy 7, but there are a few characters that he has formed a strong bond with.
She was first introduced in Final Fantasy 7 and has since been featured in numerous spin-offs and the recent Final Fantasy 7 Remake title. Tifa is the reliable ally that Cloud and company can rely on when they need that extra damage to get the job done.
1 Lightning – Final Fantasy 13
Cold and Distant Badass and Savior
Lightning is a complex female hero who has an extensive character arc that was drawn across three mainline Final Fantasy games. She was initially portrayed in Final Fantasy 13 as a no-nonsense and detached commando who initially sees allies as liabilities that would only slow her down.
She is driven by her failure to save Serah, her younger sister, and during the course of the Final Fantasy 13 trilogy, Lightning goes through a lot of strife and challenges which ultimately transforms her from a withdrawn, self-serving fighter to a compassionate savior of humanity.
13 Square Enix Games That Desperately Need A Remaster
Square Enix has always put out some quality games. With remasters becoming more commonplace in recent years, these forgotten titles are in need of one
