Summary
- Final Fantasy 17 development is uncertain, but a dual-protagonist couple like FF10's Tidus and Yuna could enhance the narrative
- Tidus and Yuna in FF10 showcased innovative relationship dynamics, connecting players to the story
- Final Fantasy 17 could benefit from featuring a female protagonist with a male love interest to innovate the series.
At this point, very little is known about Final Fantasy 17, including whether Square Enix is even currently developing it. More than likely, all hands are on deck for the third and final part of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, but Final Fantasy 17 could still be somewhere in the works. At the very least, it's comforting to know that Square Enix will likely run Final Fantasy into the ground, so there's more than enough reason to believe Final Fantasy 17 is on the docket. Following the tradition-shattering Final Fantasy 16, the next game in the series has the potential to do more of the same, but there is one element of a classic game in the franchise, Final Fantasy 10, that it should consider replicating.
The protagonists of each Final Fantasy game are often the stars of the show, as almost every game in the series goes the route of telling a character's story, as most JRPGs do, rather than blurring the line between protagonist and player, as traditional RPGs have been known to do. In light of that, Final Fantasy 17's currently unnamed and unknown protagonist remains one of its most intriguing elements, since they will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the next mainline installment's narrative. However, perhaps it's once again time for a Final Fantasy game to feature a dual-protagonist couple, just as Final Fantasy 10 did with Tidus and Yuna.
Final Fantasy Has a High Ceiling for FF17's Protagonist to Shatter
Now that the Final Fantasy series has seen some great protagonists over the last few games, Final Fantasy 17's protagonist has a high bar to clear.
Why Final Fantasy 17 Should Feature a Dual-Protagonist Couple Like FF10's Tidus and Yuna
The Impact That Tidus and Yuna Had on Final Fantasy 10 Has Yet to Be Replicated
When looking at them merely on the surface, Tidus and Yuna's relationship and roles in Final Fantasy 10 might seem to be little more than a romantic subplot, but they are far more than they seem. Yes, their budding relationship is one of the highlights of the game's story, especially as it comes to a close, but it is all a strategic move on Final Fantasy 10's part to not only connect the player to its story, but to also drive the narrative forward. Specifically, Tidus serves as the viewpoint of the player in the story, as he is effectively an outsider in the world of Spira, whereas Yuna is central to the progression of Final Fantasy 10's narrative, as her mission is to defeat Sin using the Final Aeon at the cost of her own life.
Tidus' confusion about Spira's customs, such as the faith's teachings and the acceptance of sacrificial traditions, mirrors the player's unfamiliarity with the world. Therefore, as he learns more about Spira's history, the religion of Yevon, and the ongoing cycle of destruction caused by Sin, the player learns alongside him. This is all accomplished through his relationship with Yuna, as her predetermined journey essentially drags him alongside her. Furthermore, despite Tidus being the player character and therefore a protagonist in Final Fantasy 10, Yuna's role being so central to the story makes her a protagonist as well.
Tidus serves as the viewpoint of the player in the story, as he is effectively an outsider in the world of Spira, whereas Yuna is central to the progression of Final Fantasy 10's narrative, as her mission is to defeat Sin using the Final Aeon at the cost of her own life.
Since the release of Final Fantasy 10, no game in the series has come close to replicating what it was able to accomplish with Tidus and Yuna's relationship and their role as the game's protagonists. Prior to Final Fantasy 10, both Final Fantasy 8 and Final Fantasy 9 featured dual protagonists in Squall and Rinoa and Zidane and Garnet, respectively. However, the relationships and roles of these couples were not written into their stories in the same way that Tidus and Yuna were in Final Fantasy 10. In light of the impact that Tidus and Yuna's relationship and their individual roles had on Final Fantasy 10's story, it might be time for Final Fantasy 17 to revisit the idea.
A Dual-Protagonist Couple in Final Fantasy 17 Would Be a Sight for Sore Eyes
There's enough of an argument for Final Fantasy 17 to make a bold leap and feature a dual-protagonist couple, just as Final Fantasy 10 did. It would be a great way to revisit one of Final Fantasy 10's best concepts, and it could even do so in a fresh and meaningful way. For example, perhaps Final Fantasy 17 could feature a female protagonist as the main playable character, and her love interest could be a male character. It would be the first time the Final Fantasy series has reversed roles in that department, making it a sight for sore eyes in more than one way. After all, the blueprint is there; Square Enix just needs to build it.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 83 /100 Critics Rec: 87%
- Released
- December 17, 2001
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Mild Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- PhyreEngine
- Franchise
- Final Fantasy
- Platform(s)
- PS2
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
- How Long To Beat
- 45 Hours
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
