Games can get a lot of criticism for their representations of female characters. Sometimes they are needlessly sexualized, and sometimes they represent the most reductive kinds of sexist stereotypes, like Lost Ark's Sorceress class. However, that doesn't mean there aren't amazing female characters to be found as well. The Final Fantasy series doesn't always get its representation right, but it has more than its fair share of nuanced and interesting women as well. Some of the best games in the series are even fronted by female protagonists, and some fans think it's high time for another, particularly after Final Fantasy 16's male main character.
Despite sixteen mainline games and more characters than players can count, the Final Fantasy series has an overabundance of male protagonists. This isn't just a Final Fantasy problem; it's an industry-wide one. Female representation in video games is woeful compared to their male counterparts, and while it may slowly be improving, there's still a long way to go. Representation is only one of many reasons why Final Fantasy needs a new female-led entry, and with yet another male-fronted title like Final Fantasy 16 set to release soon, it's a good time to talk about a change in the formula.
Final Fantasy's Best Female Characters
Final Fantasy is probably among the most well-known franchises in gaming. It's one of the longest-running, popular, and most successful series to date, and it's safe to say that Final Fantasy has had an impact not just on JRPGs, but on games as a whole. There are sixteen mainline entries (including the upcoming Final Fantasy 16), and a whole host of spin-offs, sequels, remakes, and remasters for players to enjoy. Among its many titles, Final Fantasy has had some truly incredible female characters, with interesting backstories, compelling character arcs, and diverse personalities.
Not all the great women in the Final Fantasy games are protagonists, but they add layers to their entries nonetheless, helping to create the franchise's famously emotive and immersive worlds and stories. Party members like Tifa and Aerith in Final Fantasy 7 have transcended their own game to become incredibly popular characters in their own right, and demonstrate the various guises that strength can take with their differing personalities. Yuna is an interesting figure in Final Fantasy 10, but she really comes into her own in Final Fantasy 10-2, and shows off her character growth as well as her ass-kicking skills alongside Rikku and Paine.
The Case For Another Female Final Fantasy Protagonist
However, even though Final Fantasy knows how to bring amazing female characters to life, not many of them make it to protagonist status. As the franchise evolved from its early inception into the modern era, more female characters began to make their way to the forefront of the narratives, and their depictions became more mature and nuanced. The series has come a long way from the variety of princesses and unimportant side characters in earlier entries, and Final Fantasy needs to continue to move the spotlight onto its great female characters.
Female characters can provide different points of view to the stereotypical stoic male lead. With characters like Squall in Final Fantasy 8 and Cloud in Final Fantasy 7 definitely falling into the strong but silent type category, players don't necessarily get to know them that well over the course of the game. Squall's co-protagonist Rinoa in Final Fantasy 8 was a sharp contrast to his personality, as she was someone who was passionate, outspoken, and unashamedly emotive. They worked well together as a pair, but Rinoa could have arguably carried the game on her own, while Squall may have had a harder time doing the same.
Final Fantasy 6 remains a favorite entry for many fans of the franchise, and while there are fourteen playable characters, Terra Branford clearly stands out. Considered by many to be the game's true protagonist, her touching story arc and powerful abilities make her a fascinating character that players can't help but root for.
Final Fantasy 13 was a breath of fresh air for the franchise as well, mostly because it centered around the formidable Lightning Farron. Lightning's journey from seemingly cold and distant to more emotionally open is a satisfying and well-earned one, and her popularity secured her two sequels. If fans needed a litmus test to see if a true mainline female-led Final Fantasy could work, Lightning was the proof.
The Next Final Fantasy Installment
Final Fantasy 15 was incredibly male-centric, and Final Fantasy 16 doesn't look like it will be much different. While not a lot is known about the next upcoming entry, Final Fantasy 16 will be set in Valisthea, and revolve around Clive Rosfield and his younger brother Joshua. While the brothers do have an adoptive sister named Jill Warrick, trailers and promotional material for the game so far definitely focus on Clive.
Fans are undoubtedly excited about the next entry in the Final Fantasy franchise and will be eagerly awaiting news on the upcoming title or confirmation of a release date. However, it is a little disappointing that after games like Final Fantasy 13, the series seems to be retreading old ground somewhat when it comes to its protagonists.
Moving the franchise in a new direction is necessary to keep it fresh and relevant, especially after decades of releases. With an overwhelming majority of male protagonists, having a female front the next Final Fantasy entry instead is an easy way to separate it from its predecessors, as well as offer new storytelling opportunities. There are more than a few franchises that have found success with female protagonists like the Tomb Raider series, and FemShep was always a popular option in the original Mass Effect trilogy. More and more in recent years, female-fronted franchises are proving their worth, like the undeniably excellent Horizon games and Aloy.
Quite often, when a franchise that is typically characterized by its leading men suddenly brings a female character into the spotlight, she becomes just as (if not more) popular and iconic than her male counterparts. The Resident Evil series saw this with Jill Valentine and Claire Redfield, and it's a trend that continues to this day. Unfortunately, female-led action games remain a rarity, but Final Fantasy could be a part of overturning that.
Final Fantasy 16 is in development for PS5.