Final Fantasy: 25 Greatest Heroes

Those who were inducted into the franchise by the realistic visuals and sci-fi storylines of Final Fantasies VII and VIII were heavily taken aback by the emergence of IX, which went back to the series roots with a medieval high fantasy storyline full of weird and wonderful non-human inhabitants.

Zidane proved to be a palate cleanser in the wake of his dark and moody predecessors and though his personal conflict with Kuja takes centre stage, his leading lady pips him in the endearment stakes.

Princesses are a dime a dozen throughout the franchise, but few undergo a transformation comparable to Garnet Til Alexandros XVII. Her concern for her adoptive mother and subsequent ‘kidnap’ at the hands of Zidane’s band of thieves sets the story into motion, and though his repeated advances towards her are difficult to stomach in 2021, the relationship that eventually develops between them is a powerful one, hammered home by their hugely emotional reunion in the ending.

In addition to this, she and Steiner make a great double act, whilst her big sister relationship with fellow summoner Eiko also throws up a few adorable moments.

The devastating double whammy that she endures at Kuja’s hands, which sees her lose her mother and kingdom in quick succession, breaks her, emphasising her humanity. The cutting of her hair is a strange way to demonstrate the conquest of her trauma, but it showcases how resolute and hardened she has become as a leader.

Just don’t call her Dagger. Please.