Final Fantasy: 25 Greatest Heroes

Antiheroes were a big thing in the 1990s, as audiences began to reject cookie cutter ‘good guys’ who were solely motivated by doing the right thing without being imperfect in any way. Across film, television, games and even more niche mediums such as comics and wrestling, characters with flaws came to the forefront and Final Fantasy VII capitalised on the trend through the inclusion of characters such as Cid Highwind.

The second (and to date last) of the franchise’s many Cids to be playable, VII’s iteration becomes instantly lovable for the cynical gruffness that he brings to the table as middle-aged man with unrealised dreams. His foul-mouthed tirades are always a delight to behold, particularly when over something as trivial as the drinking of tea, and the fact that his limit breaks involve airships and dragons further endear him in the ‘awesomeness’ stakes.

Cid deservedly takes the role of party leader during Cloud’s adventures in the Lifestream, whilst his own subplot, which sees him realise his goal of finally going to space after sacrificing his original opportunity to save eventual wife Shera’s life, is joyous, particularly due to the triumphant aura that his eponymous theme gives off.

Uncouth but ultimately well-meaning, Cid was sidelined somewhat from the various sequels and spinoffs. Here’s hoping he’s still treated well by Remake, particular given that his trademarked and #!@%${/ swear-laden rants will probably be removed with voice acting.