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DEFENDING

Vaan

FFXII’s little scamp may be naïve and annoying, but he shows the most growth argues Daniella Lucas
You’ve got to admire the chutzpah of shouting at complete strangers in public without feeling any embarrassment whatsoever.

Often considered the weakest character in Final Fantasy XII, there was a point in the game’s development when Vaan wasn’t going to exist. Instead the main hero was going to be someone much older – but then their traits were given to Basch and Balthier out of fear players would only want to play as a younger lead. Vaan is just a street urchin in a party full of knights, sky pirates, and fallen princesses – a simple boy somehow becoming the principal actor in a story of revenge and toppling empires.

Some might argue that he’s out of place among his fellows, but that’s also exactly why he’s so perfect for the team – he gives everyone the pushback and reality check they need to make the right decisions. While Ashe will do anything to get the power she needs to reclaim her kingdom, it’s Vaan who reminds her to look past her need for revenge. Without him she would continue the cycle of war and death in Ivalice.

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PLAY Magazine
February 2024
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