The Final Fantasy video game series is so interesting to discuss. It’s been around since the very beginning of gaming, and obviously, since it’s still a growing franchise, the Final part of the Fantasy doesn’t necessarily hold true. There’s a total of 15 main games, and that doesn’t include the huge number of prequels, sequels, and other spin-off series. But with everything in this world, the series is troubled by its imperfections.
There are some plot holes left open that to this day, many people sit and ponder about. How does Geostigma exist? Is Laguna really Squall’s father? Who is the Cloud of Darkness, really? So many mysteries remain with Final Fantasy, and even with DLC and remakes, some of these questions still remain unanswered.
Today, we’re going to focus on these mysteries and plot holes, while also briefly discussing some fan theories that try to resolve these issues. The Final Fantasy franchise tends to make some of its plots very detailed and somewhat convoluted, so it really comes as no surprise that there’s issues remaining here. After all, not everything is perfect. Even if a video game comes out that everyone really enjoys, there will always be that select group of people hiding behind their computer screen and throwing out their negative comments in forums.
So as someone who has a lot of respect for the Final Fantasy franchise, let’s discuss all of these issues in a peaceful and respectful manner. If you don’t, then I guess I’ll have to use a summon to smite you.
25 Aerith’s End
Aerith’s passing in Final Fantasy VII is not only a powerful moment for the Final Fantasy franchise; it was also a huge moment in gaming history. It was always the villains who ended up perishing in-game. After all, you can’t harm anybody’s kindhearted, beautiful waifus, right? Some people question when Aerith was actually supposed to perish in the game since hacks show she actually has dialogue available after her last scene. So was Aerith meant to perish where she did; or was she meant to perish at all?
24 Minerva’s Existence
I absolutely adore Crisis Core because I’m a hardcore fangirl for Zack. The overall story is fantastic, and as a writer, I loved how Genesis’s character was written. However, the one aspect of the game that I don’t understand is Minerva’s existence. Minerva is a character that shows up to bring Genesis back from the underworld. But, why is this character a thing? After all, why couldn’t she have brought Zack or Aerith back to life? What exactly makes Genesis so special that he’s worth saving?
23 He’s A Robot
I’ll be real. Cait Sith is one of my least favorite characters in Final Fantasy VII. He’s a robotic cat that Reeve controls. Okay, cool, but why? Sure, it makes some sense when Cait Sith joins Cloud and company. But what about before then? Was Reeve just having Cait Sith hang out in the Gold Saucer area until somebody mysterious or interesting showed up? And why couldn’t Reeve just show up instead? Wouldn’t it be more interesting to play as this character who’s on the other side of a dark situation?
22 Tidus’ Existence
Here’s your spoiler alert. At the end of Final Fantasy X, Tidus disappears from Spira. However, in its sequel game, Final Fantasy X-2, players have the ability to save Tidus from his fate and “bring him back to life,” so to speak. Square Enix, you really do need to make up your mind. Do you want to keep one of your most beloved protagonists alive? Or do you want him to just remain a figment of every gamer’s imagination?
21 The Destruction Of Nibelheim
You know, after thinking it over, I don’t really think gamers have a clear idea of what happened in Nibelheim in Final Fantasy VII. We’re aware that Sephiroth destroyed the place; but in the game itself, including Crisis Core, there’s several interpretations of what actually happened. Did Sephiroth end everyone there? And how was the Shinra Company able to keep all of that damage so hush-hush? Are you really telling me that Cloud and Tifa were the only ones who ever left Nibelheim?
20 Banon’s Location
In Final Fantasy VI, there’s a mysterious character named Banon. He joins the main party for a short while. The last time players see Banon is in Vector after an Esper attack. However, after that, gamers don’t know anything about his whereabouts. Even the game developers have told players to use their imagination and say what they will about where Banon is at. Excuse me, what? I really don’t think that’s a great answer to hear. Don’t the developers want at least some finality for his story?
19 The Mystery Of Kuja
Thankfully, Necron doesn’t take Kuja’s place in Final Fantasy IX as favorite villain. After all, Kuja is just so cynical but charming at the same time. However, after Zidane saves Kuja from the Iifa Tree, we don’t exactly know what happened to him after that. Is Kuja okay? Sure, he did some bad things, but he’s a beloved character. As players, we should have the right to know what exactly happened to such a cool antagonist. It’s one thing to give a proper ending to a protagonist, but that cycle works both ways.
18 Garland And Chaos
This is a heavily debated question, but some fans believe that Garland from Final Fantasy I and Chaos from the Dissidia Final Fantasy games are the same person? Is that really true, though? After all, Garland is obviously a playable character in all of the Dissidia games. I don’t think a person can exist twice. That is, unless time and/or reincarnation is involved. If that’s the case, that makes this whole debate a lot more confusing for all of us gamers.
17 Geostigma’s Blight
Tell me if I’m missing something, but when Aerith’s Holy Materia activated and saved the planet from ultimate destruction, wouldn’t that have stopped geostigma? I get that the planet was “angry,” but shouldn’t its emotions have at least somewhat subsided after Aerith helped it? How does blighting the humans solve anything? Doesn’t that make the situation worse for the planet? Don’t make the people who are trying to help you out mad at you. That’s not the way to go about solving your problems.
16 The Cloud Of Darkness
I have yet to play Final Fantasy III, but from what I do understand of it, the Cloud of Darkness’ appearance is very abrupt. The main quest of the party members is to fight and defeat Xande, a villainous sorcerer who wishes to disrupt the balance of light and darkness. But upon his defeat, the Cloud of Darkness suddenly appears and claims herself as the ultimate villain that we see in every Dissidia game. What are her true intentions? What classifies her as villainous?
15 The True Villain Of IX
Personally, I think the true villain of Final Fantasy IX is Kuja. You know, the one aspect of Final Fantasy games that I don’t understand is the need for multiple villains per game. Sure, I get having enemies to fight, but why does Square Enix feel the need to have several main antagonists for the party to fight? Can’t they just focus on one main antagonist to develop so that we have more of a reason to continue our battle?
14 The Personality Of A Turk
The Turks in Final Fantasy VII are such an interesting category of characters. Advent Children made Reno and Rude the comedic relief for a reason, but in the actual game, all of the Turks take their jobs pretty seriously. However, I don’t think you can just have the characters be one way or the other. Which is it, Square Enix? Are they serious characters or are they just ridiculously bad at their jobs? It’s not that difficult to just have one main character trait and keep with it. After all, having them be completely different characters in two different forms of media is really confusing.
13 You Are The Father!
In Final Fantasy VIII, it’s very heavily implied that Laguna Loire is the father to Squall Leonhart. However, this isn’t actually confirmed in-game. Players are led to assume that Laguna is Squall’s dad since Raine and Laguna were married before Laguna took off to save Ellone. But this isn’t fully addressed, and because of this some players throw around different fan theories related to Squall’s potential father. Personally, to me, Laguna is Squall’s dad; there’s no really dancing around that strong possibility.
12 Auron’s Backstory
With almost every entry in the Final Fantasy franchise, there’s always that one mysterious character that players don’t get a lot of backstory on until the very end of the game. And even then there’s the strong possibility that players won’t have all their questions answered. I don’t really understand why Auron wanted to be so secretive, but hey, that makes him an appealing character to some who play and enjoy Final Fantasy X. Also, I think it would be amazing to have a spin-off game all based on Auron and his journey with Braska and Jecht.
11 Sir Fratley Appears
Going off of mysterious characters, I’d definitely say that Sir Fratley from Final Fantasy IX is one of the characters in the franchise that players know next to nothing about. When Zidane and crew first encounter him, Freya is devastated to learn that Fratley has lost his memory, dealing with amnesia. It’s never really explained as to why that is, either. There’s so much about him that the game developers just chose not to show players, and I want to know why that is.
10 Genesis’ Location
After the events of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, not much is known on the whereabouts of Genesis, former ally to Angeal and Sephiroth. From what players know based on little information in Dirge of Cerberus, Genesis was brought to Deepground in order to see if he would join a rebellion against the Restrictors. However, Genesis declined this offer and secluded himself until the day came where he could become the hero and save the world. Apparently, saving the world from geostigma was not his forte.
9 Lunafreya’s Rebelliousness
As a Lunafreya cosplayer, it’s interesting to see how different the character is between Kingsglaive and the actual game, Final Fantasy XV. In Kingsglaive, Lunafreya is very headstrong and rebellious, going so far as to jump off of an airship to do what she thinks is right. In XV, she still has her goals in mind, but she’s not nearly as stubborn. I know a lot of people wanted more development on her, and I really hope Episode Luna provides players with that.
8 Kuja’s Allegiance
Sure, Kuja might be categorized as the main antagonist of Final Fantasy IX, but is he necessarily purely villainous? Some fans categorize Kuja as more of an anti-hero because of his actions throughout the game; others call him the best villain in the Final Fantasy franchise all based on him being a relatable and human antagonist. Well, which is it? Is he purely villainous? Or is there a hint of goodness within Kuja’s heart? This is one of many topics I’ve seen discussed by the fanbase.
7 Ardyn’s Villainous Ways
I would definitely argue that Ardyn is one of the most beautifully written villains in the Final Fantasy franchise. He has all the right reasons to be angry, and yet, there’s so many actions Ardyn decided to take that leave me with so many questions. Once upon a time, Ardyn was set on being the virtuous ruler who protected his people. Well, I guess the salt from everyone turning against him really does lead to him unleashing daemons onto the world for 10 years.
6 What About Leon?
In Final Fantasy II, Leon is a character that starts out in the player’s party. However, he ends up getting immediately separated from the crew, with no explanation whatsoever until it’s revealed later on that he went to work for the Emperor. Why did Leon just suddenly betray his loved ones? It just seems very out of place and random. In the end, he joins back up with the good guys, but it just feels as if there’s zero context on why he left in the first place.