7 of the most malevolent monarchs in Square Enix games
Some rulers are just plain mean! We take a look at some of the most terrible tyrants in Square Enix games!
Previously, we looked at 7 of the most marvellous monarchs in Square Enix game - the kings, queens and emperors who work tirelessly for their people (read it here).
Sadly, not all leaders are so benevolent.
There are also some rulers in games who use their power and wealth to conquer, cause chaos and generally act like utter jerks. Here are some truly awful examples.
Queen Brahne - FINAL FANTASY IX
When you think of the most monstrous monarchs in gaming, Brahne probably comes to mind quickly.
The Queen of Alexandria is insatiably greedy - as hungry for power as she is for food. She doesn’t care about preserving lives, and is fine with taking them - the destruction she levels on Burmecia, and its people is unconscionable. Even worse, she has little concern for her own daughter (and better queen), Garnet, who she’s more than willing to kill to further her goals.
The tragedy of Brahne is that she wasn’t always so awful. According to her daughter) Garnet, she was once known to be kind and benevolent. But her outlook changed - partly with the death of her husband, but also because of the sinister Kuja and his poisonous advice.
Ultimately, as is so often the case, Brahne is undone by her own greed and ambition, and she realizes how wrong she’s been. It’s a reality check that comes too late, but at least we get a glimpse at the noble queen she could have been.
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Mugen - OCTOPATH TRAVELER II
The Kingdom of Ku has two princes – Hikari, one of OCTOPATH TRAVELER II’s protagonists, and Mugen, his older brother.
Hikari is intelligent, compassionate and, while willing to raise his blade to defend his homeland, inclined to find a more peaceful path for his typically warlike nation. Mugen is a strong and cold-hearted warrior who believes that what the Kingdom of Ku needs is power rather than peace.
In short, there’s a good reason that the current King chooses Hikari as his successor. Mugen has other plans, however.
When Hikari is exiled from the Kingdom thanks to a sinister plot, Mugen becomes the new king. Before long, he overruns a neighboring country by force.
A bad ruler then, but a perfect antagonist for an RPG at least! There’s a lot of incentive for Hikari - and by extension you - to take this monster down for good.
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Zoraal Ja - FINAL FANTASY XIV: Dawntrail
From the start of FINAL FANTASY XIV’s most recent expansion, Dawntrail, it’s clear that Zoraal Ja is bad news. He’s one of the one of the candidates to take the throne of Tuliyollal, and wishes to take advantage of the destruction of the Garlean Empire to wage his own war of conquest.
The Warrior of Light and their allies are recruited to help one of the other candidates succeed instead. It’s not an easy job though - Zoraal Ja is sneaky, aggressive and, as the only trueborn son of the sitting Dawnservant, buoyed by the belief that it is his right to rule.
In short, he’s not someone you’d necessarily want on the throne. So, it sure would be problematic if he got one… right?
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Barnabas Tharmr - FINAL FANTASY XVI
The King of Waloed originally arrived on the shores of the continent of Ash as a simple wanderer. His incredible skills with the sword and keen tactical mind let unite the entire eastern continent under his own banner. It probably also helped that he’s the Dominant of Odin and can call on this powerful Eikon’s power to aid him.
For much of FINAL FANTASY XVI’s epic tale, he lurks in the shadows as a puppet master. He watches protagonist Clive Rosfield intently, and uses manipulation and persuasion to place challenges in the young hero’s path.
But when he does take direct action, he hits unbelievably hard. Clive has fought in screaming hurricanes and taken out mountain-sized monstrosities, yet this enigmatic king in black is able to leave him scrambling for survival multiple times.
As for what he wants… well, you’ll have to play the game to find out. Let’s just say, he doesn’t necessarily have Clive’s best interests at heart.
Read more:
- Hail to the King: David Menkin talks FINAL FANTASY XVI
- Start with XVI: why FINAL FANTASY XVI is the perfect introduction to the series
Pimiko - DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake
Jipang is a beautiful island nation full of eye-catching architecture, blooming cherry blossoms and bustling bamboo groves. Sadly, its current ruler, Queen Pimiko, doesn’t have quite the same appeal.
The townspeople are living in fear as more and more of them are sacrificed to appease the monstrous Orochi. It seems like the monarch is hurting her charges as much as protecting them.
Of course, there’s more going on than meets the eye, and Pimiko may not be entirely what she seems. One thing is clear though - it’s going to take a Hero to sort all this out.
Read more:
- DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake: Everything you need to know
- 9 things we learned from Inside DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake
Emperor Gestahl- FINAL FANTASY VI Pixel Remaster
Kefka may be famed as one of the most monstrous antagonists in gaming, but Gestahl’s almost as bad. Like his clownish henchman, Gestahl is cunning, ruthless and willing to do the most awful things to get what he wants. It’s easy to see how he’s
While Kefka is wild and impulsive, Gestahl is more considered. He’ll get what he wants through violence and conquest, but he can also resort to subterfuge and manipulation. He even tricks the heroes to help him carry out his evil plans under the guise of seeking peace.
Spoilers: he doesn’t want peace.
He’s one of the most capable and competent villains in gaming - in fact, he almost beats the hero. If not for a spot of last-minute backstabbery from Kefka, he’d have got exactly what he wanted.
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Tonberry King - FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH
Oh god no.
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?