5 Final Fantasy Henchmen (That Were Better Characters Than Their Employers)

4. Judge Gabranth (Final Fantasy XII)

Employer - Vayne Solidor Final Fantasy XII was ultimately considered a disappointment by many, as its one-character-at-a-time battle system (annoying replicated in every game since) and incredibly bland protagonist detracted from what was an encompassing storyline and a fairly stellar supporting cast, led by the cocky sky pirate Balthier. It didn't help proceedings that the game's main villain, Vayne, was rarely seen throughout the narrative and had little interaction with the player's characters, giving the player little reason to despise him and desire to bring about his downfall as a result. Much more effective at drawing ire is Judge Gabranth, the leader of Vayne's band of Judge Magisters - ruthless enforcers of 'law and order'. Impersonating his twin brother Basch at the start of the game, he instigates the downfall of the Dalmascan Empire by murdering his king, then keeps Basch alive and subjugates him to emotional torture. Though he becomes a more sympathetic character as the story goes on, it's hard to forgive Gabranth given that he is the personification of the Archadian Empire's evil throughout much of the game, but his eventual heel-face turn stands out as one of the series' greatest moments.