Square Enix has kept itself busy the past few years, from releasing parts and spinoffs to theFF7remake project and its MMORPGFFXIVto new, originalFinal Fantasyinstallments, likeFF15andFF16. However, Part 3 of theFF7remake will likely come out within the next few years, since Part 2 was released earlier this year in February. This means that a potentialFinal Fantasy 17might be closer than expected, especially since Final Fantasy 16 released in 2023.
Though Square Enix has not said anything regardingFF17, it’s possible to make certain guesses about what to expect from the franchise. Some things to consider are combat, time period, party system, and, most importantly, the protagonist.Protagonists are typically a huge part of the identity of anyFinal Fantasygame, and making the right choice for the protagonist in the next game could be the first step to success.
Why Final Fantasy 17 Needs A Female Protagonist LikeFF13
Female Protagonists Are So Few In Final Fantasy
For the previous two installments,Final Fantasy 15and16, both protagonists were male, with Noctis being the protagonist ofFF15and Clive being the protagonist ofFF16.The last timeFinal Fantasyhad a female protagonist was during theFF13saga,which featured Lightning as the lead in two gamesand Serah as a co-lead (along with Noel) inFF13-2. In typicalFinal Fantasyfashion, there’s still a diverse cast of primary characters, but the most significant figure not being a male character stands out.
AssumingFF17is the nextFinal Fantasygame to be released, it desperately needs a female lead to fight off enemies and scope out danger. The best part of the controversialFF13was the female protagonists, asthey proved to be adequate combatants with beautifully vocal opinions and beliefs. Women in bothFF15and16have felt more like love interests than anything else, as they’ve been barely given the necessary spotlight.
Final Fantasy 15 Voice Actor Teases Role In Future Final Fantasy Game
Popular voice actor Ray Chase, who previously played a part in Final Fantasy 15, has teased fans about a role in a future entry in the series.
Of course, Lunafreya, Cindy, and Aranea played important roles inFF15, but their screentime was too limited. The cancelation of DLC that was supposed to feature sequences involving Aranea and Lunafreyawas quite disappointing, as it could have expanded and developed the characters more. InFF16,the women also take a step back in favor of the male protagonistsand characters, though Jill’s role was more prominent than any woman in its predecessor.
Yuffie DLC Proves Female-Driven FF Games Can Succeed
Yuffie Gameplay Has Some Of The Best Gameplay Seen In Recent Years
The most recent female-driven lead in aFinal Fantasygame was Yuffie fromFinal Fantasy 7: Episode INTERmission. In thisshort but impressive DLC, players took control of Yuffie, an optional but memorable party member in the originalFF7. However, unlike previous protagonists,Yuffie’s gameplay was centered on range attacks thanks to her far-flying shuriken. While this was the case, she was also able to fight at close range, making her a versatile fighter.
Final Fantasy 7: What Yuffie’s Best Build Is
FF7’s Yuffie is often unappreciated, but with the right build, she can be a huge boon for item farming, and devastating against late-game enemies.
Yuffie has been one of the most fun characters to playthanks to her distinct fighting ability and confident, yet sloppy, demeanor. In the past, most female protagonists of the Final Fantasy series have always been unique in fighting style. While most male protagonists use swords — Warrior of Light, Noctis, Clive, Cloud, Squall, to name a few — the female protagonists have always been different. Yuna was a summoner who used a staff for magic and range, Lightning used a gunblade that allowed her to fight both up close and from afar, and Serah used a shapeshifting bow.
Final Fantasy Has Some Truly Iconic Women Protagonists
Some of the Most Memorable Protagonists Are Women
Though women protagonists inFinal Fantasyare few,they are almost always iconic in the franchise. Some examples of iconic women protagonists are Terra fromFF6, Yuna fromFF10, and especially Lightning fromFF13.FF10’s female characters and the newly-introduced Paine got a special chance to shine inFF10-2, which is more or less the all-female road trip predecessor toFF15’s all-male road trip. ThoughFinal Fantasy 6might not benext in line for a remake, Terra is often marketed in Square Enix’s merchandise.
When it comes to female protagonists, Square Enix knows how to make them iconic in theirFinal Fantasygames. While the male protagonists in the previous two installments have been fun to play,it’s time for Square Enix to switch things up a bitand add female leads back into the series.
