8. Balthier (Final Fantasy XII)
Previously described as a combination of Han Solo, James Bond and Jack Sparrow, Balthier is Final Fantasy XII's coolest character. A suave, cocky sky pirate with his own airship, he's got all the ingredients for a potentially awesome spin-off title. I had considered the likes of FFV's Faris and VI's Setzer, but Balthier, I think, is a better all-round package than those two. Assassin's Creed IV and the HD remake of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker are excellent recent examples of quality piratical adventuring. Taking place prior to the events of FFXII, Balthier's game co-starring Playboy bunny Fran would have players travelling around the world, taking on a miscellany of quests from its denizens and hunting down treasure. Gameplay-wise, combat would be something similar to the winning formula of ACIV, but with extra emphasis on long-range attacks (after all, Balthier's weapon of choice is a gun). The mission hub would be a totally sweet airship, though players would be able to fly to locations themselves (to a glorious Uematsu score) rather than pick from a menu. Genuinely epic potential here.