Final Fantasy: 25 Greatest Heroes

As with VII, it is criminal that Final Fantasy VI possesses so many incredible characters within its roster. The likes of Setzer, Cyan, Edgar and Sabin, all driven as they are by individual tragedies such as the loss of loved ones and fractured relationships, are surely the favourites of many players and the fact that the game doesn’t have one defined lead works heavily in its favour, giving almost equal weight to the developments of each character rather than being heavily biased in favour of one or two.

An argument could be made that Locke is the closest the game has to a traditional leading man, steering the party through much of the first half of the game. The ‘treasure hunter’ is equal parts charming, comedic and courageous, epitomising the trope of the lovable rogue.

Behind the flirtation and heroism, however, is a broken man, whose guilt and grief over the death of his love Rachel and the conflict it causes within him as he develops affection for Celes, is gut-wrenching to witness. His quest for the Phoenix magicite, which brings Rachel back to life momentarily and allows her to both reaffirm her love and convince him to live his life without regret is incredibly powerful, lightening one the game’s darkest points.

Full of heart and mischief in equal measure, Locke is always a beacon of light. Just don’t call him a thief!