6 times we got to play as the antagonist in Square Enix games
It’s good to be bad. Let’s celebrate those rare occasions where we get to play as the villain.
RPG fans are no strangers to moral complexity.
For example, while they may be trying to save the planet, the heroes of FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH are still perceived as terrorists, while Zidane and his Tantalus comrades in FINAL FANTASY IX are technically professional thieves.
But for the most part, our heroes are firmly on the side of the angels, which is why it’s such a treat when we get to step into the shoes of the antagonist instead.
They can be someone with less than altruistic tendencies, or a hero whose attempts to do the right thing place them in the category of villain. Either way, it’s awesome to experience their journeys.
Let’s celebrate a few of our favorites:
Ardyn Izunia - FINAL FANTASY XV: EPISODE ARDYN
The antagonist of FINAL FANTASY XV is one of the most memorable in the series: shrewd, funny, charming, and utterly deadly.
He’s also a tragic figure. He was once a healer, doing his best to contain the deadly Starscourge plague that threatens his home. But instead of receiving respect and adulation, he’s betrayed by his own brother and the gods themselves, leaving him quite literally demonized.
In short, he has a legitimate grievance, and we get to experience some of his rage first-hand in the Episode Ardyn DLC. We control the villain as he assaults the city of Lucis, seeking revenge on those who wronged him - and he’s a true powerhouse.
Ardyn plays like Noctis but turned up to 11. He warps around the battlefield, taking out swathes of soldiers in single strikes and brutally infecting his opponents with the Starscourge. It’s pure power fantasy and it feels great.
What can we say? Sometimes it’s good to be bad.
Elise - Little Goody Two Shoes
The wide-eyed protagonist of Little Goody Two Shoes may look like butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth, but… well, if anything, it would curdle.
Elise’s ambition to become filthy rich is stymied by her home in the rural village Kieferberg - and the social but superstitious villagers. But when she finds a pair of magical red shoes, and learns of a enigmatic entity in the woods who can grant wishes, she embarks on a path that will take her to some dark places - both literally and figuratively.
Playing as Elise, you’ll explore dangerous woods full of horrifying threats, and make some horrifying decisions in your quest for power. At the same time, you have to keep your excursions, decreasing sanity, and increasing moral corruption a secret from the villagers - if they catch onto what you’re up to… well, let’s just say justice is swift in Kieferberg.
If you’ve ever wanted to walk on the dark side, you won’t find much darker than this.
Psaro - DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Prince
The name Psaro will be familiar to fans of the DRAGON QUEST series as the main antagonist of DRAGON QUEST IV. So, it’s exciting that we get to play as the ‘Dark Prince’ in the latest DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS game.
Set primarily before the events of DRAGON QUEST IV, we control Psaro as he builds a menacing menagerie of monsters in a bid to usurp his father as the Master of Monsterkind. He may be younger and far less powerful, but many of the characteristics that make him such a memorable antagonist are apparent: his determination, loyalty to his friends and, sadly, a growing hatred for humanity.
Of course, it’s not just Psaro - the game also gives us command over a horde of DRAGON QUEST enemies, from the humble slime to brand new creations. It’s a real walk on the dark side for DRAGON QUEST fans and new players alike!
Jack Garland - STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN
What can we say about Jack Garland? He’s an expert swordsman , black mage extraordinaire , nimble-fingered thief and a dab hand with a gun too. He’s a delightful dragoon , a hearty healer and much more besides. He is, in short, a true Jack of all trades.
And one of those trades is antagonist. As his surname implies, Jack will ultimately become the villain that faces off against the Warriors of Light in the original FINAL FANTASY.
As for how the chaos-hating hero finds himself in that role… well, that would be spoiling things. But suffice to say, playing through the game casts new light on the classic antagonist and will likely change the way you think about him.
* Get STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN
Hilde - VALKYRIE ELYSIUM
Of all the threats that the Valkyrie faces on her mission to Midgard, Hilde is the most dangerous - and persistent.
This mysterious fellow Valkyrie shows up throughout the story to butt heads with the protagonist. She’s confident, cynical and hits like a hammer in battle. In short, she’s great.
It’s a true joy to be able to take control of her ourselves in Hilde’s Vengeance: a new story that was added in a free update after the original game’s release. Hilde’s a very different kind of Valkyrie to the main protagonist, with hard-hitting attacks, her signature halberd, and a unique skill tree all her own.
The world of VALKYRIE ELYSIUM is morally murky and it’s not always clear who’s on the right or wrong side of conflicts (at least not without going into spoilers).
But we do know this: being on Hilde’s sure is fun!
Sephiroth - FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH
He’s one of the most famous antagonists in gaming and for more than 25 years, players dreamed of wielding his iconic Masamune sword themselves.
That dream became a reality in FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH. The game’s first chapter takes place many years before the events of the main game - and before Sephiroth truly steps into the role of ‘villain’. You can play as the legendary SOLDIER in battles, and he’s every bit as skilled and powerful as you’d imagine.
He moves with a confidence and grace that befits a war hero and provides a stark contrast to the young and inexperienced Cloud Strife. Every second in his glossy knee-high boots is a thrill.
Those were just some of our favorite examples of when we got to play the antagonist - but what are yours? Share your examples with us on social media:
Some marvellously mean monarchs, we think you’ll agree. And if you don’t agree or have suggestions of your own… well, you can tell us on social media. Preferably politely - you don't want to come across like these guys, do you?