Final Fantasy: 25 Greatest Heroes

Final Fantasy V is a perfectly serviceable game, but one that often gets forgotten about in the grand scheme of things, remembered more for its development of the iconic Job system rather than its story of four warriors coming together to save their respective worlds from a tree made sentient and evil (there is no simple way to describe Exdeath that doesn’t sound ridiculous!).

Whilst not a silent protagonist, Bartz is as featureless as one, whilst Faris and Lenna could certainly have been better served given their relationship as long-lost sisters who became a pirate and a princess respectively. Galuf stands out from their number for his unintentional humour, stemming from his status as an amnestic and impulsive old man, and his heroism as he uncovers his identity as a King and formidable warrior that previously helped to rid the world of Exdeath’s villainy.

Long before Sephiroth put Aeris to the sword, Galuf fell at Exdeath’s hands. The emotionally charged battle between the two, initiated when only he amongst the party has the strength to stand, is a series highlight, cementing Galuf’s might as he fights long beyond falling to 0 HP.

It’s somewhat depressing when death is someone’s defining moment, but few have ever come across as heroically as Galuf in that moment, immortalising his brilliance.