In a refreshing twist from most traditional entries in the Final Fantasy saga, Final Fantasy 6 distinguishes itself with its broad "ensemble cast" of characters. Rather than focusing on a singular protagonist with supporting allies, this game invites players into the dynamic world of fourteen permanent playable characters. This unique divergence is unparalleled within the main series, ensuring that the narrative spotlight is constantly shifting among the characters. While one might argue that Terra Branford, featured prominently in promos and as the introductory character, could be considered the central figure, there’s no denying that the likes of Celes, Locke, and the Figaro brothers receive ample focus and rich character development to stand as main heroes alongside her.
This narrative style meshes seamlessly with the game’s mechanics, specifically through the Espers/Magicite system, which empowers nearly every party member with the ability to harness magic. Characters like Relm, initially seen as weaker, can become formidable assets if players dedicate time to nurturing their combat skills. This flexibility contributes to one of the most rewarding power progressions seen in the series. Complementing their mechanical prowess, each character brings unique abilities to the combat arena, and these skills, alongside their story arcs, will be instrumental in determining an ultimate tier list for Final Fantasy 6’s heroes.
S-Tier: The ‘Stars’ of Final Fantasy 6
When discussing the standout characters of Final Fantasy 6, we’re looking at those who not only shine in battle but also resonate deeply within the overarching story. Before players can dive into the game’s magic system via Magicite, the key characters already prove their worth in battle. The S-tier champions, including Terra, Locke, Edgar, Sabin, and the unforgettable Celes from the Opera House scene, are all capable of leading a party and enhancing their allies’ formidable capacities. They each embody the core themes of Final Fantasy 6, such as the search for identity and purpose. Terra questions her humanity and grapples with understanding love, while Celes and Locke navigate the complexities of their pasts and developing trust. The Figaro brothers’ narrative centers on balancing personal desires against societal duty. These arcs resonate powerfully with the game’s main storyline, effectively elevating these characters to principal roles.
A-Tier: Final Fantasy 6’s Supporting Players
Falling into the A-tier, we have characters who are either strong in combat or boast significant narrative arcs, though sometimes not both. Cyan illustrates this tier well; his story holds profound moments within Final Fantasy 6, yet he struggles to compete with the heavy-hitters in battle, even with strategic effort. Bushido, his special skill, often doesn’t match up to the combat prowess offered by others. Contrarily, Gau and Shadow shine more in gameplay. Gau possesses unique abilities that can tease out game-breaking moments by exploiting enemy weaknesses, and Shadow’s remarkable stats can elevate him to unexpected heights, ensuring he isn’t lost forever in the narrative shift to the World of Ruin.
B-Tier: Understudies of Final Fantasy 6’s Principal Cast
The B-tier comprises characters whose influence on the battlefield and story isn’t as pronounced or impactful. These characters often serve as substitutes in dungeons requiring multiple parties. Setzer, for instance, is interesting but has a story that dwindles after one significant event, showcasing one downside to an ensemble approach. Similarly, while Relm and Strago hint at unused potential, they too feel underutilized. Nevertheless, both can be surprisingly effective in specific scenarios using their distinct skills.
At the bottom tier are Gogo and Umaro, the game’s optional and secret characters. In terms of story and combat capabilities, both come up short, notably since neither can enhance their abilities through Magicite or learn magic. Despite their lack of narrative weight, Gogo’s appearance serves as a delightful nod to long-time series fans, harking back to Final Fantasy 5 traditions.
