Character's Age

Japan has a history of favoring youthful protagonists, so FF is nothing out of the ordinary in that regard. If you look at many other popular JRPGs, you'll see the same trend, especially as its contrasted by the protagonists of WRPGs. And this is true not just for video games, but other Japanese pop culture products as well, such as anime and manga.

I'd be able to elaborate more if I had paid attention in my Postwar Japan class. Oops.
 
The games, while they can be played and enjoyed by anyone, were written for young teenage boys. When your thirteen years old, 17 sounds like a badass age. In most JRPGs of that time, the main characters are usually about 17 years old. I end up thinking that they are older. Cloud feels like he's in his mid twenties, Squall feels like a battle hardened thirty year old veteran (and when you realize that he's only 17 he comes off very douchy and annoying), Zidane feels like a 21 year old. Tidus is the only one who seems like he could be 17 or 18 years old. Yuna on the other hand, feels like a fourteen year old girl in both games.
 
Ehh, I don't mind it much. I think they only do that so that they can bring in the players of the same age. My Mom isn't a big fan of teens saving the world though. Yeah, I don't mind much.
 
Haha, totally agree! I mean, when I first played a lot of the final fantasys I was younger than 15, so at the time, seeing the main character is 17 doesn't sound young at all. But in reality, 17 is really young, and I agree that the characters are definitely depicted as adults with quite complex lives, responsibilities and relationships for teenagers. :|

The Japanese obviously prefer 'em below 20!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top