10 Greatest Video Game Ninjas Of All Time

A true enigma in every sense of the word, Shadow has become massively popular amongst the Final Fantasy fandom despite the fact that he is one of the least-developed characters in the series.

It is likely the mystery surrounding the character has made him such a fan-favourite as he comes and goes as he pleases, rather than being a permanent fixture of the player's party. Of course, when he does make an appearance most players bring him straight back into the fold to take advantage of his many skills.

Accompanied only by a dog named Interceptor, Shadow is that rare beast in a Final Fantasy game who at first seems to have little concern for the overarching events of his particular story. He is a man of few words and is repeatedly remarked upon as a cold character.

Beneath it all is a fierce honourable streak that becomes more pronounced as the story continues. At one point he even leaves the party as he is ashamed at having ever served the empire that causes many of the problems facing the world.

Assuming the player gets him to survive for long enough, Shadow ends up sacrificing himself as part of the final battle - though many still speculate that he survived and want to see the mysterious ninja make his return somewhere down the line.