10 Final Fantasy Characters Who Almost Ruined Their Own Games

9. Edward (Final Fantasy IV)

Is it possible to have a playable character who was placed in a game just for one line? Edward's first appearance in Final Fantasy IV sees him being insultingly referred to as a "spoony bard" by Tellah. It's an example of the silliness of the series as well as some terrifically poor translation throughout the years, but it's somehow incredibly apt; there is something rather spoony about Edward, after all. At least part of Tellah's exclamation is right anyway; Edward is a bard. He's also a prince but his love for music far outweighs his love for politics. His story features an early tragedy when the love of his life, Anna, is killed by Golbez (who also steals Edward's airship for good measure) and it doesn't get much better from that point. He spends a lot of time moping about his lost love and the rest of the time acting cowardly and very un-princely. He also ends up bedridden for most of the game (although he does help the party out greatly from the comfort of his bed), further making him look weak and useless. In battle, his stats are pretty poor (they skyrocket after Level 70 but in the original SNES version, you simply aren't going to get him that high) and his abilities, mainly Sing, are fairly useless. He also uses Hide when his health is low, saving him from death while simultaneously making him unusuable. Edward might not be much of a fighter (or a character in general) but we'll forever remember him as the Spoony one.

8. Squall (Final Fantasy VIII)

Squall offers something of a dilemma; as the central character, he's imperative to Final Fantasy VIII's narrative yet his irritating personality and unsociable habits mean that it's hard to root for him. He's a character that divides opinion on an incredible scale; some view his personality traits as inhuman (and therefore, highly problematic) while there's also an argument that his cynical and cold ways make him an intriguing character - one that we want to see more of. Squall's stoic personality derives from an intense feeling of loneliness; a combination of his life as an orphan and a feeling of abandonment from the girl he looks up to as his older sister. When this storyline actually develops, it's an interesting look at our hero, giving us the chance to peel back his rigid exterior and see what lies beneath. Sadly, it comes very late in the game and for some, the damage may have permanently been done. You see, Squall doesn't seem to get on very well with people. His talents allow him a leadership role within the SeeD organisation (specifically leading Zell and Selphie on their first assignment to Timber) but his dismissive attitude makes you wonder why he's entrusted with this role. Even those who follow him mock him for his pouty ways; Quistis and Rinoa both preemptively copy him with his catchphrase "Whatever". He's really not the world's biggest bad-ass. Yes, Squall's development is central to Final Fantasy VIII and seeing him finally open up is a genuinely awesome moment. Still, you can see why so many felt that the journey to get there simply wasn't worth it. Not that Squall really cares what we think anyway.