Who is the first Final Fantasy protagonist?
The Final Fantasy series is a beloved franchise that has captivated gamers for decades, with its rich narrative, memorable characters, and thrilling gameplay. One aspect of the series that intrigues fans is the multiple protagonists that have appeared across its many games. Each game has its own protagonist, and understanding who each of them is can give valuable insights into the franchise. In this article, we’ll explore the origin story of the first Final Fantasy protagonist.
Origin Story
The first game in the Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy (1987), follows a group of four unrelated warriors: Warriors of Light. However, it’s important to note that these warriors weren’t initially given canon names in the original release of the game. It wasn’t until Final Fantasy XI was released in Japan nearly three decades later (1999) that Square Enix eventually named the Warriors of Light Setro, Zauver, Flora, and Teol. Despite this, some fans argue that the correct name of the first main character should be Crystal Warriors.
Development History
The original development of Final Fantasy was supervised by Hironobu Sakaguchi and Nobuo Uematsu, pioneers of the series. Uematsu, a prominent musician, composed the famous "Prelude" song for the game, a nod to the franchise’s epic and memorable music theme.
Gameplay Analysis
In the first Final Fantasy, players experience an action-packed journey filled with turn-based battles against dark forces. The storyline focuses on the four Warriors of Light as they attempt to prevent the destruction of four Orbs created to seal away evil deities. Each warrior bears their own unique abilities, magic, and weapon specialization.
Impact
The original Final Fantasy received immense popularity, setting a solid foundation for the next chapters in the series. Although it was not specifically intended to have a single "protagonist", the game’s shared protagonist approach allowed for cohesiveness and camaraderie among the Warriors of Light. This approach echoed across future games, which eventually solidified the traditional choice of having a single prominent character as the main Final Fantasy protagonist. The original game’s formula helped shape the franchise as it evolved, leading the series to become the revered household name it is today.
Conclusion
From this exploration, we come to the conclusion that although it is difficult to name a single "first protagonist," the original Warriors of Light comprise the foundation of the character that defines the First Final Fantasy. The importance of their shared journey created an emotional connection between characters and the player, forging an unbreakable link that remains a core feature in the series. Square Enix’s commitment to continuing this legacy ensures we have much to look forward to as the franchise heads toward the future.
* **Sources**
+ **Naver**, “Final Fantasy, Square Enix game info” (in **Korean**)
+ **IGN**, “How Did the Final Fantasy Name Change Over Time?” (
* **Interviews**
+ **Hironobu Sakaguchi**: Interviews from **IGN Japan**, “Final Fantasy V to VI: An Introduction to the Series” ([archive.today](https://archive.today/20120420151447/http:/warp.nda.itmedia.co.jp/ces09/finalfantasy30/interview/ index_20090129_Sakaguchi.html/ “Interview with Hironobu Sakaguchi at the 30th Anniversary of Final Fantasy”))), *Japanese*
+ **Nobuo Uematsu**: Interviews from **Square Enix Wiki**, “Nobuo Uematsu” ((wiki.finalfantasyx.com/index.php/Nobuo_Uematsu”)))
Table: Warriors of Light and their Abilities:
| **Warrior Name** | **Magic Spell** | **Primary Equipment** | **Secondary Skill** |
| — | — | — | — | | |