The Final Fantasy XIII trilogy were the only games released for the Final Fantasy series during the PlayStation 3 era. It introduced some of the most memorable characters in the series even though the games were met with mixed reviews. Final Fantasy XIII had six characters in its party and all six of them are well-known for very different reasons.
Their designs have received some positive attention and many fans have loved recreating their looks for cosplay. With a mix of originality and some elements used from past Final Fantasy characters, some of the Final Fantasy XIII characters appeared in car commercials or were used as a model for famous designers. Here is a list of how the group rank based on their designs.
6 Hope Estheim
The youngest of the group that's seeking revenge on Snow. His outfit doesn't look suited for fighting, but he is able to move around easily. Hope's overall look doesn't make him stand out, especially when he's with the whole group. Plus, it's obvious at the beginning of the game that he's a little naïve to the outside world and inexperienced in battle. His design looks plain compared to the rest of the group. He also gets a lot of heat for being one of the most disliked characters in the Final Fantasy series.
5 Snow Villiers
His long coat makes him stand out amongst the others, but his overall design doesn't really scream that he's a leader of a rebel group. If he's standing with NORA, Gadot stands out more than him. The one thing that makes Snow stand out and let others know he's the leader is his loud and brash personality. His overall design is a little reminiscent of Seifer Almasy from Final Fantasy VIII.
Even some traits of his personality might remind some fans of Seifer. Both characters are loud and rebellious. They're impulsive, fearless, and not afraid to push themselves. Snow's design and personality are almost parallel to Seifer. Some details make them different, but they are overall are the same. Outside of Final Fantasy XIII, Snow appeared in a Nissan commercial in China along with Lightning.
4 Sazh Katzroy
The father of the group that just wants to bring his son back. Though Sazh isn't loud like Snow, he is an easygoing and cheerful man that is the most level-headed and mature one in the group. His design is simple, but he still looks like he's ready for combat anytime and anywhere. He keeps his twin pistols strapped to his legs at all times and is able to pull them out easily when needed.
One thing that makes Sazh's design stand out is the baby Chocobo that lives in his afro. The baby Chocobo, AKA Chocolina, usually pops up to provide a source of comfort for the group. Unlike some of the others in the group, Sazh's design doesn't change throughout the trilogy.
3 Lightning AKA Claire Farron
The main hero of the Final Fantasy XIII trilogy. Her design is a variation of the Guardian Corps uniform, for whom she works for. While it doesn't look like it offers much protection, Lightning's quick reflexes and acrobatic abilities keep her safe. She keeps her weapon strapped behind her, but she is able to pull it out just as quickly as the other characters. Overall, she is able to move around very easily and quickly that a few of the characters have a hard time keeping up with her.
She goes through a lot of design changes throughout the trilogy, but her original attire appears in all three games. Lightning has also appeared outside of her game and was used as a model for popular designer, Louis Vuitton. She also appeared in a Nissan commercial along with Snow.
2 Oerba Dia Vanille
The most cheerful of the group that's carrying a heavy secret. Vanille's design matches her upbeat, cheerful, and child-like personality. Her design doesn't make it look like she's ready for combat, but her fur pelt is actually made from a bear that she defeated herself. The rest of her outfit is light and allows her to easily enough to climb up on some high areas, but she struggles to keep up with others like Fang and Lightning. Overall, her design separates her and Fang from the others that live on Cocoon, making the two of them stand out.
1 Oerba Yun Fang
Perhaps the most badass character in the group. She may not look like a typical warrior, but Fang is physically the strongest party member. Her blue sari doesn't hinder any of her movements and she is able to move quickly like Lightning. Unlike the rest of the group, Fang wears sandals and it doesn't affect her during her travel,s no matter the weather. While not as colorful as Vanille's design, the blue sari is all Fang needs to stand out. She looks as Lightning described her in Final Fantasy XIII Episode Zero -Promise-, having a "wild fearlessness to her."
She keeps her weapon strapped to her back similar to Lightning and can pull it out quickly to fight and defend herself. If this doesn't make her look badass, Fang's Eidolon is the iconic Final Fantasy summon, Bahamut. Like Sazh, Fang's design doesn't change at all throughout the trilogy and she continues to help her friends when needed.