History EnsembleDarkhorse / FinalFantasy

** ''A Realm Reborn'' also introduced Hildibrand's father, Godbert Manderville, a master goldsmith and powerful businessman, who likes to spend his time [[WalkingShirtlessScene running around in his skivvies]], performing acts of [[MemeticBadass Memetic Badassery]] on level with Sabin's train suplexing.

** And even he pales in comparison to his wife, Julyan Mandeville, and her FryingPanOfDoom.

* Vivi of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIX'' has proven one of the most popular characters in the entire series. To wit: the Final Fantasy Wikia has held two "Best Character" tournaments; Vivi has won ''both''. Despite not being the main character, his [[TheWoobie woobie moments]] about his soon-to-be death despite being only nine years old are offset by [[AngstWhatAngst not choosing to whine or complain]], but [[TheAntiNihilist choosing to forge forward instead]]. That and blasting Black Waltz No. 3 out of the sky [[BewareTheNiceOnes all by himself]] has contributed to him being a {{Badass}}.

''Franchise/FinalFantasy'', being the {{Long Runner|s}} it is with a new cast in every main game, naturally has a lot of this. Here's some of them:

* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyV'' has Gilgamesh, who is a full-on BreakoutCharacter. Originally just TheDragon to Exdeath and a [[IneffectualSympatheticVillain bumbling, cowardly]] [[BraggartBoss hammy]] one at that, he's made cameo appearances in almost ''every'' main game in the series, being worked into remakes of previous games and popping up from nowhere in the ones made after. He's so popular that ''Type-0'' announced him to be in the game before it even came out, or before the playable cast was even fully revealed. Adding to his popularity is that where Gilgamesh goes, [[SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic "Battle on the Big Bridge"]] is almost certain to follow.

* Vivi of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIX'' has proven one of the most popular characters in the entire series. To wit: the Final Fantasy Wikia has held two "Best Character" tournaments; Vivi has won ''both''. Despite not being the main character, his [[TheWoobie woobie moments]] about his soon-to-be death despite being only nine years old are offset by [[AngstWhatAngst not choosing to whine or complain]], but [[TheAntiNihilist choosing to forge forward instead]]. That and blasting [[CompleteMonster Black Waltz No. 3]] out of the sky [[BewareTheNiceOnes all by himself]] has contributed to him being a {{Badass}}.

* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII'' has the trio of Minwu, Josef, and Ricard Highwind, three of the {{Guest Star Party Member}}s. [[spoiler:All three of them make epic {{Heroic Sacrifice}}s, and all three of them return in the remakes' Soul of Rebirth bonus mode.]]

* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII'' wasn't released in the States until 2003, but that didn't stop darkhorses emerging in [[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff Japanese fandom]], namely Minwu the White Wizard, for bucking the WhiteMagicianGirl trend, [[{{Bishonen}} handsome and attractive]] and [[BareYourMidriff baring his midriff]]; and [[BigBad The Emperor]], due to his good looks, scheming ways, and that famous death cry. With the game's stateside release, the two characters are also enjoying more fannish squee, though apparently more Emperor-focused there.
** There's also Josef, the PapaWolf BareFistedMonk, and Ricard Highwind, who set the bar for Dragoon badassitude [[OlderThanTheyThink long before Kain was on the scene]]. They're both known for [[spoiler:epic {{Heroic Sacrifice}}s]], and along with Minwu [[spoiler:and Prince Scott]] compose the party of the remakes' "Soul of Rebirth" bonus mode.
* In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIV'' we have two members of Golbez's [[QuirkyMinibossSquad Elemental Archfiends]], [[PlayingWithFire Rubicante]] and [[BlowYouAway Barbariccia]]. The former is noted as being a NobleDemon[=/=]WorthyOpponent [[LetsFightLikeGentlemen who arranges a fair duel with the heroes]] and one of the first GenreSavvy villains in the series who notes if the heroes can combine powers and fight like a team, why can't the villains? The latter? [[EvilIsSexy Appearance]] [[CuteMonsterGirl and]] [[{{Stripperiffic}} attire]] (to the point that she rivals/equals Rydia as MsFanservice), as well as [[ShipTease being]] [[FoeYay one half]] [[ThemePairing of the]] FanPreferredCouple with Kain.
** Also from ''IV'' is the aforementioned Kain Highwind, the conflicted pretty boy rival to TheHero Cecil who's an absolute badass and has an unrequited crush on the heroine.
** There's also Rydia, who's TheBigGuy in terms of magic and gets a BigDamnHeroes moment after a lengthy absence from the story in which she TookALevelInBadass. Going from [[TokenMiniMoe an adorable girl]] to MsFanservice might help, too. Both she and Kain got a ''lot'' of focus in the sequel, too.
** Golbez, despite ultimately being revealed to be TheDragon for Zemus, maintains a sizable following due to being a cool DarthVaderClone. His voice actor in the DS remake also helps.

** Gilgamesh's boss, [[BigBad Exdeath]], was nowhere near as popular, being a generic TinTyrant who wanted to destroy the world, mocked the heroes and threw out an EvilLaugh now and then. Then, ''VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasy'' was released. Exdeath's popularity skyrocketed due to his hilariously hammy lines, his obsession with the '''[[MemeticMutation VOID]]''', and the sheer fun of beating opponents up with [[WhenTreesAttack a tree]]. He's also become a FountainOfMemes, with almost everything he says being quotable. This began before the game even had its English release when people noticed that one of his lines in Japanese [[{{Mondegreen}} sounded like]] "tasty arrow!", and could be chained to another certain attack for "tasty arrow...''is yummy!''" And then we got the English release..."Get the fruit!"
** Faris is also very popular. She's a [[SweetPollyOliver crossdressing]] pirate captain who is also a total {{Badass}}, capturing the other heroes early on and only letting them go to get some answers about her past. She's also VitriolicBestBuds with CoolOldGuy Galuf and has some [[FloweryInsults delightfully archaic insults]] as well as a rather sweet character arc between her and Lenna.
* Sabin of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI'', mostly because of the [[MemeticBadass MOTHERFUCKER SUPLEXED A TRAIN!]] meme. His having the best physical stats in the game and a couple of great lines don't hurt either.
** Also Setzer, mostly because of his most famous line.
** After ''FFVI'' was released stateside as III with a {{Woolseyism}}-filled localization, Kefka, who was a borderline [[TheScrappy Scrappy]] to [[AmericansHateTingle Japanese fans]], became a [[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff huge Darkhorse in the Western world]]. The localization turned him from an evil [[TheFool fool]] to a monstrous yet [[FauxAffablyEvil strangely]] [[LaughablyEvil likeable]] villain. Fitting, considering he's an {{Expy}} of SelfDemonstrating/TheJoker.
** [[AntiVillain General Leo]], so much so that there were rumors about ways to revive him.
* In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII'' Zack was very popular, so much so that despite having about a total of ten minutes of screentime in the original game, much of which was optional scenes, he got his own spin off ''VideoGame/CrisisCore''. There are actually those who proudly declare "I loved Zack ''before'' ''Crisis Core!"''
** And [[GoldfishPoopGang the Turks]]? Especially ThoseTwoBadGuys, and ''especially'' that DeadpanSnarker EvilRedhead, [[VerbalTic yo]]. Their [[BlondGuysAreEvil boss]] also counts. And yes, the Turks eventually got their own game ''VideoGame/BeforeCrisis''.
** From the original game, Vincent Valentine, a secret character who's a WoobieDestroyerOfWorlds bishie with an angsty past and a cool gun. Even though recruiting him is optional, he's probably the most popular and well-known of the protagonists behind Cloud and Tifa. He got his own damn game ''VideoGame/DirgeOfCerberus'', even though it wasn't any good.
** Rufus, despite being reduced to a BigBadWannabe by Sephiroth's presence, manages to prove popular enough to return in Advent Children despite his apparent death.
** Kadaj, Yazoo, and Loz from ''Anime/FinalFantasyVIIAdventChildren'', while their main role in the plot was trying revive Sephiroth, they still maintain a wide following.

* In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIX'', LadyOfWar Beatrix and Black Waltz 3 are held in pretty high regard as well. While Beatrix serves as TheDragon to the Queen of Alexandria (thus remaining a prominent character throughout the game) and is a MagicKnight that absolutely puts Steiner to shame fifty times over, Black Waltz 3 was a bit player ''at best''. [[EvilIsCool His appearance most likely helped]] along with getting the most characterization of the Black Waltzes.
** While Vivi is one of the main characters of the game, he also became one of the most popular characters ''in the series''.
** Freya was very clearly never meant to be popular or even widely liked, mostly being shoved to the sidelines after [[spoiler:Cleyra's destruction]] on disc 2 and her whole species basically being a plot device. Despite this, she became one of the more popular characters.
* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyX'' '''AURON''', even by people who aren't fans of the game like him due to his [[TheStoic stoicism]] and showing himself to outright {{Badass}} every scene he appears in. It makes it pretty easy to forget that he's mostly around as TheMentor for Tidus and doesn't play too large a role in the story. Within the game's otherwise decent voicework performances, the efforts of Auron's actor were so well-received as to be a large boon to the popularity of the character. He was so popular that ''Game Informer'' even put him in their list of the top thirty video game characters who defined the 2000s.
** Jecht, [[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff especially in America]] where his testosterone oozing attitude is more popular, to [[DracoInLeatherPants an almost disturbing degree where they overlook or even praise his]] {{Jerkass}} [[AbusiveParent tendencies]]. Also, among the English voice cast he gives not only good performance but an outstanding one.

* Stepping off the main series, ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyTactics'' deserves a few mentions. [[BadassGrandpa "Thunder God" Cid Orlandeau]] is regarded as one of the best warriors in all of Ivalice, everyone speaks of him in-story as a total badass. What happens when you finally recruit him? He surprisingly lives up to the hype. He's a total GameBreaker having access to all of the special sword skills of the other story characters use as well as being armed with one of the most powerful swords in the game. In the fanbase he's become the Creator/ChuckNorris of Ivalice.

* When Balthier of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXII'' proclaimed himself as the "leading man", no one in the fanbase was quick to correct him. Also, there's Al-Cid Margrace, Larsa Solidor, and Judge Magister Gabranth. The former became a hidden playable character in Tactics A2, the latter was popular enough to make it into the aforementioned ''Dissidia''. On the other hand, Montblanc (originally from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyTactics Advance'') cements himself as a BreakoutCharacter in this game, as he's probably the second most iconic element of the Ivalice games behind the Judges.
* Even when ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII'' wasn't out yet, Sazh Katroy found himself having a Darkhorse status from get-go. Not only his design is ''really'' different than other Nomura characters (FunnyAfro non-bishonen, anyone?), he's got BadassLongcoat, dual-wields gun, has a chocobo on his afro and is a good guy extraordinary, so much that ''he'' is one of the fandom celebration triggers of the game. Certainly, Jihl Nabaat picked the ''wrong'' person to interrogate and boast on, so much that the moment she did that ''only in trailers'' (we don't know if she did that to Sazh because it's just duty or it's completely ForTheEvulz), she's immediately pegged as someone who crossed the MoralEventHorizon (you don't mess/fuck up with the EnsembleDarkhorse, [[ThisIsForEmphasisBitch bitch]]). Nomura likes him so much that said he would see Sazh in a ''Dissidia'' sequel over Lightning. When Lightning got announced for the sequel, fan speculation ran rampant over Sazh getting in as a secret character. He didn't, though.
** Hope provides an interesting example of a character going from TheScrappy to an EnsembleDarkhorse. He was considered irritating and useless through the first half of ''XIII'', up until the last few chapters of the game where he [[TookALevelInBadass took several levels in badass]]. His CharacterDevelopment continued into the sequel, where he ''invents time travel'' and is heavily implied to be ''the leader of humanity.'' The positive reaction has lead Square Enix to announce his presence in ''VideoGame/LightningReturnsFinalFantasyXIII.''
* In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV'', Hildibrand Helidor Maximillian Manderville was originally conceived as a minor comic relief character, being a SmallNameBigEgo GentlemanDetective character that completely contrasts against the rather grim main background story. However, he was ''so'' popular in the game's first incarnation that he was "resurrected" for the ''A Realm Reborn'' version of the game and given his own dedicated quest series.
** ''ARR'' also introduced Hildibrand's father, Godbert Manderville, a master goldsmith and powerful businessman, who likes to spend his time [[WalkingShirtlessScene running around in his skivvies]], performing acts of [[MemeticBadass Memetic Badassery]] on level with Sabin's train suplexing.
* When it comes to the villains of the ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' series, even previously-mentioned favorites like Exdeath and the Emperor have nowhere near the popularity of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI''s Kefka Palazzo and ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII''s Sephiroth. They are the most iconic baddies in the entire franchise. Kefka for being a creepy MonsterClown with hilarious lines and Sephiroth for being an intimidating {{Bishonen}}. Like Gilgamesh, both characters owe some of their popularity to the music accompanying them: "Dancing Mad" from ''VI'' and "OneWingedAngel" from ''VII'' routinely appear on lists of the greatest FinalBoss music ever, so popular they inspired tropes here on this very wiki - the former being the inspiration behind the name of the LaughingMad trope, the latter as the {{Trope Namer|s}} for a narrative device that ''predates the game it was first named in''.

** Cactuars

* In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVIII'', Laguna, Ward, and Kiros, all proved extremely popular thanks to the interesting story in their segments, interactions that were both funny and played out more like real people, so much so that a portion of the fanbase like their segments better than the main story.

** ''ARR'' also introduced Hildibrand's father, Godbert Manderville, a master goldsmith and powerful businessman, who likes to spend his time [[WalkingShirtlessScene|running around in his skivvies]], performing acts of [[MemeticBadass|Memetic Badassery]] on level with Sabin's train suplexing.

** ''ARR'' also introduced Hildibrand's father, Godbert Manderville, a master goldsmith and powerful businessman, who likes to spend his time [[WalkingShirtlessScene|running around in his skivvies]], performing acts of [[Memetic Badass|Memetic Badassery]] on level with Sabin's train suplexing.

** Gilgamesh's boss, [[BigBad Exdeath]], was nowhere near as popular, being a generic TinTyrant who wanted to destroy the world, mocked the heroes and threw out an EvilLaugh now and then. Then, ''VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasy'' was released. Exdeath's popularity skyrocketed due to his hilariously hammy lines, his obsession with the '''[[MemeticMutation VOID]]''', and the sheer fun of being opponents up with [[WhenTreesAttack a tree]]. He's also become a FountainOfMemes, with almost everything he says being quotable. This began before the game even had its English release when people noticed that one of his lines in Japanese [[{{Mondegreen}} sounded like]] "tasty arrow!", and could be chained to another certain attack for "tasty arrow...''is yummy!''" And then we got the English release..."Get the fruit!"

* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyX'' '''AURON''', even by people how aren't fans of the game like him due to his [[TheStoic stoicism]] and showing himself to outright {{Badass}} every seen he appears in. It makes it pretty easy to forget that he's mostly around as TheMentor for Tidus and doesn't play too large a role in the story. It helps that in the game's largely poor English voice cast, his VA gives on the few good performances. He was so popular that ''Game Informer'' even put him in their list of the top thirty video game characters who defined the 2000s.

* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII'' wasn't released in the States until 2003, but that didn't stop darkhorses emerging in [[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff Japanese fandom]], namely Minwu the White Wizard, for bucking the WhiteMagicianGirl trend, being [[{{Bishonen}} and attractive]] and [[BareYourMidriff baring his midriff]]; and [[BigBad The Emperor]], due to his good looks, scheming ways, and that famous death cry. With the game's stateside release, the two characters are also enjoying more fannish squee, though apparently more Emperor-focused there.

* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII'' wasn't released in the States until 2003, but that didn't stop darkhorses emerging in [[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff Japanese fandom]], namely Minwu the White Wizard, for bucking the WhiteMagicianGirl trend, having HoYay with Firion, and [[{{Bishonen}} being attractive]] and [[BareYourMidriff baring his midriff]]; and [[BigBad The Emperor]], due to his good looks, scheming ways, and that famous death cry. With the game's stateside release, the two characters are also enjoying more fannish squee, though apparently more Emperor-focused there.

** Rufus, despite being reduced to a BigBadWanabe by Sephiroth's presence, manages to prove popular enough to return in Advent Children despite his apparent death.

** Rufus, despite being reduced to a BigBadWanabee by Sephiroth's presence, manages to prove popular enough to return in Advent Children despite his apparent death.

* When it comes to the villains of the ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' series, even previously-mentioned favorites like Exdeath and the Emperor have nowhere near the popularity of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI''s Kefka Palazzo and ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII''s Sephiroth. They are the most iconic baddies in the entire franchise. Kefka for being a creepy MonsterClown with hilarious lines and Sephiroth for being an intimidating {{Bishonen}}. Like Gilgamesh, both characters owe some of their popularity to the music accompanying them: "Dancing Mad" from ''VI'' and "OneWingedAngel" from ''VII'' routinely appear on lists of the greatest FinalBoss music ever, so popular they inspired tropes here on this very wiki - the former being the inspiration behind the name of the LaughingMad trope, the latter as the {{Trope Namer|s}} for a narrative device that ''predates the game it was first named in''.

* In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV'', Hildibrand Helidor Maximillian Manderville was tailor-made for this purpose, being a SmallNameBigEgo GentlemanDetective character that completely contrasts against the rather grim main background story. He was so popular in the game's first incarnation that he was "resurrected" for the ''A Realm Reborn'' version of the game and given his own dedicated quest series.

* ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'', being the {{Long Runner|s}} it is with a new cast in every main game, naturally has a lot of this. Here's some of them:
** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII'' wasn't released in the States until 2003, but that didn't stop darkhorses emerging in [[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff Japanese fandom]], namely Minwu the White Wizard, for bucking the WhiteMagicianGirl trend, having HoYay with Firion, and [[{{Bishonen}} being attractive]] and [[BareYourMidriff baring his midriff]]; and [[BigBad The Emperor]], due to his good looks, scheming ways, and that famous death cry. With the game's stateside release, the two characters are also enjoying more fannish squee, though apparently more Emperor-focused there.
** In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIV'' we have two members of Golbez's [[QuirkyMinibossSquad Elemental Archfiends]], [[PlayingWithFire Rubicante]] and [[BlowYouAway Barbariccia]]. The former is noted as being a NobleDemon[=/=]WorthyOpponent [[LetsFightLikeGentlemen who arranges a fair duel with the heroes]] and one of the first GenreSavvy villains in the series who notes if the heroes can combine powers and fight like a team, why can't the villains? The latter? [[EvilIsSexy Appearance]] [[CuteMonsterGirl and]] [[{{Stripperiffic}} attire]] (to the point that she rivals/equals Rydia as MsFanservice), as well as [[ShipTease being]] [[FoeYay one half]] [[ThemePairing of the]] FanPreferredCouple with Kain.
*** Also from ''IV'' is the aforementioned Kain Highwind, the conflicted pretty boy rival to TheHero Cecil who's an absolute badass and has an unrequited crush on the heroine.
*** There's also Rydia, who's TheBigGuy in terms of magic and gets a BigDamnHeroes moment after a lengthy absence from the story in which she TookALevelInBadass. Going from [[TokenMiniMoe an adorable girl]] to MsFanservice might help, too. Both she and Kain got a ''lot'' of focus in the sequel, too.
*** Golbez, despite ultimately being revealed to be TheDragon for Zemus, maintains a sizable following due to being a cool DarthVaderClone. His voice actor in the DS remake also helps.
** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyV'' has Gilgamesh, who is a full-on BreakoutCharacter. Originally just TheDragon to Exdeath and a [[IneffectualSympatheticVillain bumbling, cowardly]] [[BraggartBoss hammy]] one at that, he's made cameo appearances in almost ''every'' main game in the series, being worked into remakes of previous games and popping up from nowhere in the ones made after. He's so popular that ''Type-0'' announced him to be in the game before it even came out, or before the playable cast was even fully revealed. Adding to his popularity is that where Gilgamesh goes, [[SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic "Battle on the Big Bridge"]] is almost certain to follow.
*** Gilgamesh's boss, [[BigBad Exdeath]], was nowhere near as popular, being a generic TinTyrant who wanted to destroy the world, mocked the heroes and threw out an EvilLaugh now and then. Then, ''VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasy'' was released. Exdeath's popularity skyrocketed due to his hilariously hammy lines, his obsession with the '''[[MemeticMutation VOID]]''', and the sheer fun of being opponents up with [[WhenTreesAttack a tree]]. He's also become a FountainOfMemes, with almost everything he says being quotable. This began before the game even had its English release when people noticed that one of his lines in Japanese [[{{Mondegreen}} sounded like]] "tasty arrow!", and could be chained to another certain attack for "tasty arrow...''is yummy!''" And then we got the English release..."Get the fruit!"
*** Faris is also very popular. She's a [[SweetPollyOliver crossdressing]] pirate captain who is also a total {{Badass}}, capturing the other heroes early on and only letting them go to get some answers about her past. She's also VitriolicBestBuds with CoolOldGuy Galuf and has some [[FloweryInsults delightfully archaic insults]] as well as a rather sweet character arc between her and Lenna.
** Sabin of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI'', mostly because of the [[MemeticBadass MOTHERFUCKER SUPLEXED A TRAIN!]] meme. His having the best physical stats in the game and a couple of great lines don't hurt either.
*** Also Setzer, mostly because of his most famous line.
*** After FFVI was released stateside as III with a {{Woolseyism}}-filled localization, Kefka, who was a borderline [[TheScrappy Scrappy]] to [[AmericansHateTingle Japanese fans]], became a [[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff huge Darkhorse in the Western world]]. The localization turned him from an evil [[TheFool fool]] to a monstrous yet [[FauxAffablyEvil strangely]] [[LaughablyEvil likeable]] villain. Fitting, considering he's an {{Expy}} of SelfDemonstrating/TheJoker.
*** [[AntiVillain General Leo]], so much so that there were rumors about ways to revive him.
** Zack of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII'' was also popular, so much so that despite having about a total of ten minutes of screentime in the original game, much of which was optional scenes, he got his own spin off ''VideoGame/CrisisCore''. There are actually those who proudly declare "I loved Zack ''before'' ''Crisis Core!"''
*** And [[GoldfishPoopGang the Turks]]? Especially ThoseTwoBadGuys, and ''especially'' that DeadpanSnarker EvilRedhead, [[VerbalTic yo]]. Their [[BlondGuysAreEvil boss]] also counts. And yes, the Turks eventually got their own game ''VideoGame/BeforeCrisis''.
*** From the original game, Vincent Valentine, a secret character who's a WoobieDestroyerOfWorlds bishie with an angsty past and a cool gun. Even though recruiting him is optional, he's probably the most popular and well-known of the protagonists behind Cloud and Tifa. He got his own damn game ''VideoGame/DirgeOfCerberus'', even though it wasn't any good.
*** Rufus, despite being reduced to a BigBadWanabee by Sephiroth's presence, manages to prove popular enough to return in Advent Children despite his apparent death.
*** Kadaj, Yazoo & Loz from Advent Children, while there main role in the plot was trying revive Sephiroth, still maintain a wide following.
** ''FinalFantasyVIII'', Laguna, Ward and Krios, all proved extremely popular thanks to the interesting story in their segments, interactions that were both funny and played out more like real people, so much so that a portion of the fanbase like their segments better than the main story.
** In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIX'', LadyOfWar Beatrix and Black Waltz 3 are held in pretty high regard as well. While Beatrix serves as TheDragon to the Queen of Alexandria (thus remaining a prominent character throughout the game) and is a MagicKnight that absolutely puts Steiner to shame fifty times over, Black Waltz 3 was a bit player ''at best''. [[EvilIsCool His appearance most likely helped]] along with getting the most characterization of the Black Waltzes.
*** While Vivi is one of the main characters of the game, he also became one of the most popular characters ''in the series''.
*** Freya was very clearly never meant to be popular or even widely liked, mostly being shoved to the sidelines after [[spoiler:Cleyra's destruction]] on disc 2 and her whole species basically being a plot device. Despite this, she became one of the more popular characters.
** ''FinalFantasyX'' '''AURON''', even by people how aren't fans of the game like him due to his [[TheStoic stoicism]] and showing himself to outright {{Badass}} every seen he appears in. It makes it pretty easy to forget that he's mostly around as TheMentor for Tidus and doesn't play too large a role in the story. It helps that in the game's largely poor English voice cast, his VA gives on the few good performances. He was so popular that ''Game Informer'' even put him in their list of the top thirty video game characters who defined the 2000s.
*** Jetch, [[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff especially in America]] where his testosterone oozing attitude is more popular, to [[DracoInLeatherPants an almost disturbing degree where they overlook or even praise his]] {{Jerkass}} [[AbusiveParent tendencies]]. Also, among the English voice cast he gives not only good performance but an outstanding one.
** A very odd example: Shantotto of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXI'' is an absurdly popular Tarutaru who is known for being quirky, [[NoblewomansLaugh haughty]], CrazyAwesome and possibly a megalomaniac (which is explored in the mini-ExpansionPack "A Shantotto Ascension"). It's amazing when you consider that her initial role in the game was as a quest starter for one insignificant quest chain and another quest chain that was restricted to Black Mages. She's actually also popular with the developers of ''VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasy'' and, [[SecretCharacter well...]]
** Stepping off the main series, ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyTactics'' deserves a few mentions. [[BadassGrandpa "Thunder God" Cid Orlandeau]] is regarded as one of the best warriors in all of Ivalice, everyone speaks of him in-story as a total badass. What happens when you finally recruit him? He surprisingly lives up to the hype. He's a total GameBreaker having access to all of the special sword skills of the other story characters use as well as being armed with one of the most powerful swords in the game. In the fanbase he's become the Creator/ChuckNorris of Ivalice.
*** [[ThoseTwoGuys Alica and Lavian]], two generic Knight units that can join you at the beginning of Chapter 2 under the command Holy Knight Agrias Oaks. Aside from their set names they have nothing unique to them compared to and other female knight units and no lines of dialog. Despite this they are accepted as Canon members of the story by fans, often showing up prominently in fanfiction and fanart. Even the developer's seemed to think so as come time for the PSP remake the two were required for a late game romantic subplot as [[GadgeteerGenius Mustadio]] tried to find out their former commanding officer's birthday.
** When Balthier of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXII'' proclaimed himself as the "leading man", no one in the fanbase was quick to correct him. Also, there's Al-Cid Margrace, Larsa Solidor, and Judge Magister Gabranth. The former became a hidden playable character in Tactics A2, the latter was popular enough to make it into the aforementioned ''Dissidia''. On the other hand, Montblanc (originally from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyTactics Advance'') cements himself as a BreakoutCharacter in this game, as he's probably the second most iconic element of the Ivalice games behind the Judges.
** Even when ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII'' wasn't out yet, Sazh Katroy found himself having a Darkhorse status from get-go. I mean, not only his design is ''really'' different than other Nomura characters (FunnyAfro non-bishonen, anyone?), he's got BadassLongcoat, dual-wields gun, has a chocobo on his afro and is a good guy extraordinary, so much that ''he'' is one of the fandom celebration triggers of the game. Certainly, Jihl Nabaat picked the ''wrong'' person to interrogate and boast on, so much that the moment she did that ''only in trailers'' (we don't know if she did that to Sazh because it's just duty or it's completely ForTheEvulz), she's immediately pegged as someone who crossed the MoralEventHorizon (you don't mess/fuck up with the EnsembleDarkhorse, [[ThisIsForEmphasisBitch bitch]]). Nomura likes him so much that said he would see Sazh in a ''Dissidia'' sequel over Lightning. When Lightning got announced for the sequel, fan speculation ran rampant over Sazh getting in as a secret character. He didn't, though.
*** Hope provides an interesting example of a character going from TheScrappy to an EnsembleDarkhorse. He was considered irritating and useless through the first half of ''XIII'', up until the last few chapters of the game where he [[TookALevelInBadass took several levels in badass]]. His CharacterDevelopment continued into the sequel, where he ''invents time travel'' and is heavily implied to be ''the leader of humanity.'' The positive reaction has lead Square Enix to announce his presence in ''VideoGame/LightningReturnsFinalFantasyXIII.''
** When it comes to the villains of the ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' series, even previously-mentioned favorites like Exdeath and the Emperor have nowhere near the popularity of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI''s Kefka Palazzo and ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII''s Sephiroth. They are the most iconic baddies in the entire franchise. Kefka for being a creepy MonsterClown with hilarious lines and Sephiroth for being an intimidating {{Bishonen}}. Like Gilgamesh, both characters owe some of their popularity to the music accompanying them: "Dancing Mad" from ''VI'' and "OneWingedAngel" from ''VII'' routinely appear on lists of the greatest FinalBoss music ever, so popular they inspired tropes here on this very wiki - the former being the inspiration behind the name of the LaughingMad trope, the latter as the {{Trope Namer|s}} for a narrative device that ''predates the game it was first named in''.

*** Hope provides an interesting example of a character going from TheScrappy to an EnsembleDarkhorse. He was considered irritating and useless through the first half of ''XIII'', up until the last few chapters of the game where he [[TookALevelInBadass took several levels in badass.]] His CharacterDevelopment continued into the sequel, where he ''invents time travel'' and is heavily implied to be ''the leader of humanity.'' The positive reaction has lead Square Enix to announce his presence in ''VideoGame/LightningReturnsFinalFantasyXIII.''
** When it comes to the villains of the ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' series, even previously-mentioned favorites like Exdeath and the Emperor have nowhere near the popularity of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI''s Kefka Palazzo and ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII''s Sephiroth. They are the most iconic baddies in the entire franchise. Kefka for being a creepy MonsterClown with hilarious lines and Sephiroth for being an intimidating {{bishonen}}. Like Gilgamesh, both characters owe some of their popularity to the music accompanying them. ''VI'''s "Dancing Mad" and ''VII'''s "OneWingedAngel" routinely appear on lists of the greatest FinalBoss music ever, the latter being so popular that it's a {{Trope Namer|s}} here on this very wiki.
** "Dancing Mad" is a {{Trope Namer|s}} too - it's the inspiration behind the name of the LaughingMad trope.

** Sabin of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI'', mostly because of the [[MetemeticBadassMOTHERFUCKER SUPLEXED A TRAIN!]] meme. His having the best physical stats in the game and a couple of great lines don't hurt either.

** Faris is also very popular. She's a [[SweetPollyOliver crossdressing]] pirate captain who is also a total {{Badass}}, capturing the other heroes early on and only letting them go to get some answers about her past. She's also VitriolicBestBuds with CoolOldGuy Galuf and has some [[FloweryInsults delightfully archaic insults]] as well as a rather sweet character arc between her and Lenna.
** Sabin of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI'', mostly because of the MOTHERFUCKER SUPLEXED A TRAIN! meme. His having the best physical stats in the game and a couple of great lines don't hurt either.

*** From the original game, Vincent Valentine, a secret character who's a WoobieDestroyerOfWorlds bishie with an angsty past and a cool gun. He got his own damn game ''VideoGame/DirgeOfCerberus'', even though it wasn't any good.
** In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIX'', LadyOfWar Beatrix and Black Waltz 3 are held in pretty high regard as well. While Beatrix serves as TheDragon to the Queen of Alexandria (thus remaining a prominent character throughout the game) and is a MagicKnight that absolutely puts Steiner to shame fifty times over, Black Waltz 3 was a bit player ''at best''. [[EvilIsCool His appearance most likely helped]].
** While Vivi is one of the main characters of the game, he also became one of the most popular characters ''in the series''.

** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyX'' gives us Auron. He was so popular that ''Game Informer'' even put him in their list of the top thirty video game characters who defined the 2000s.