8 Video Game Side Characters We Should've Played As Instead

5. Vivi - Final Fantasy IX

mass effect garrus
Square Enix

A possibly contentious pick now, with Final Fantasy IX's Vivi.

Look - Zidane's a good protagonist and all, but he's just not Vivi, OK?

While it's fair to say that some supporting characters would lose their charm and appeal were they thrust into the main character role, it's tough to believe that would happen here, given that Vivi is already the beating heart and soaring soul of the entire game.

Zidane was certainly a refreshing riposte to the moodier, sulkier heroes of the two previous Final Fantasy title, even if he's ultimately not THAT interesting and his, er, overpowering horniness has aged him like milk left out in the scorching sun.

Vivi, however, is a more compelling character in every way, from his unique look to his fascinatingly tragic backstory as a Black Mage and outstandingly layered emotional development throughout the game.

Zidane is fine but basically unremarkable by comparison, with Vivi stealing the show at every errant opportunity, enough that the pair clearly should've swapped storytelling priority.

Vivi's journey of self-discovery, of learning what to do with the short time allotted to him in life, is arguably the best of the entire Final Fantasy series, and it's tough to imagine that magic diminishing if he switched places with Zidane.

If Square Enix ever gets around to remaking Final Fantasy IX, it'd be a bold change well worth making.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.