JRPGs have a knack for having a unique and/or non-humanoid creature as part of the main party. JRPGs likeXenoblade ChroniclesandDragon Questall have unique creatures that mingle with their typically human counterparts.Pokemoneven made an entire franchise out of this idea, if that even counts. Of course,Final Fantasyis no different, with characters ranging from animatronic moogles with talking cats to an actual moogle, butFinal Fantasy 7’s Red XIII andFinal Fantasy 10’s Kimahri are some of the best party members from that criteria.
Both characters fulfill a similar role in combat as an all-rounder companion, though in very different capacities. They also have vastly different personalities and connections to theirFinal Fantasygame’s respective plots. Red XIII’s backstory is an integral part of telling the history of the planet inFinal Fantasy 7,while Kimahri is one of Yuna’s original guardians inFinal Fantasy 10, taking on a more “strong, silent type” persona. Both have very tribal or clan-like origins, but in two very opposite manners that shape the differences between them.
Red XIII, the Warrior-Sage of Final Fantasy 7
WhileFinal Fantasy 7players are introduced to Red XIIIthrough a Shinra laboratory, the truth is that the red lion was not born from Hojo’s experiments. Red XIII’s true name is Nanaki, born among a clan of his own kind in Cosmo Canyon. While it’s unclear what his species is, they are a long-lived and intelligent species indoctrinated in the spiritual beliefs of the Lifestream and the planet. He’s a very courageous and outspoken warrior, whose seemingly spiritual knowledge of the planet is surprisingly genuine. Red XIII is obsessed with honor because his father (Seto) allegedly abandoned Red XIII’s tribe as a coward during a battle with a rival clan. Red XIII wishes to never repeat the mistakes of his father, and vows to be an honorable warrior on behalf of his kind and the planet.
Red XIII’s role inFinal Fantasy 7’s combat is pretty versatile, as his character build as an all-rounder leans well into most playstyles. Red XIII attacks either with standard wolf-like lunges or utilizes his fire tail for additional melee attacks. His defining stat differences from the other party members are that he has a slightly higher than average magic stat and a higher speed stat. His various Headdress weapons don’t particularly constrain him to a certain playstyle, though he typically does well as a versatile mage.Whether that’s offensive or defensive materia, he excels well enough in magic without sacrificing too much standard attack power and defense.
Kimahri, the Strong-Silent Type
As for Kimahri, he’s a much more reserved warrior andguardian of Yuna inFinal Fantasy 10. Hailing from the mountainous Ronso tribe, Kimahri is one of many blue beasts of his kind. Partly due to the shame of breaking his species' identifying horn in battle, Kimahri is far more reserved and rarely speaks at all. Kimahri is a particularly tall and intimidating beast, something that Tidus finds out very early on inFinal Fantasy 10,as opposed to Red XIII. He is a sworn protector of his summoner Yuna, but over time, he is shown to have a kind heart muddled only by his bad temper. While he doesn’t speak to any strangers that he meets often, he does warm up to his fellow guardians.
In terms of battle, Kimahri is practically the definition of an all-rounder with his battle design. His sphere grid progression is specifically geared towards total freedom, meaning the linear upgrade paths that other characters have don’t apply to Kimahri. His progression starts in the middle of the sphere grid, and while he does have some unique abilities, eventually his progression opens up to whatever direction players want to take him. Kimahri can become a strong magic user, a dexterous thief, or a high power attacker with strong buff/debuff abilities. This freedomdoesn’t necessarily make Kimahri exceptional, but his character is highly customizable.
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Two Different Honor-Bound Warriors
Red XIII and Kimahri are both tribe-born warriors sworn to protect their planet and their loved ones, but their similarities are few and far between. While both are designed for battle as all-rounders, Red XIII’s a far more viable character in late game encounters compared to Kimahri. Kimahri’s sphere grid freedom is unique to each playthrough, but doesn’t make his base stats or combat role any better than other characters inFinal Fantasy 10. Red XIII, on the other hand, has solid stat progression alongside a higher magic and speed statthan other party members inFinal Fantasy 7. Red XIII essentially just becomes a better all-rounder compared to Kimahri, who’s ultimate freedom of choice only makes his battle capabilities sub-par.
As for personality and story, these two are only similar in their initial distaste for others around them. Beyond that, Red XIII and Kimahri are far different in their pertinence to the story.Red XIII is far more outspoken and intelligentcompared to Kimahri, who represents a more primordial tribal warrior. Both are bound by honor, but Red XIII is far more calm and collected in and out of battle, compared to Kimahri’s territorial instincts and short-fused anger. This plays into his presence throughout the game as well, with Red XIII being far more vocal and participatory throughoutFinal Fantasy 7’s narrative compared to Kimahri’s relative silence inFinal Fantasy 10.
Both are honorable warriors defending their pride and homes, but the two beasts couldn’t be any further apart in personality and playstyle.
Final Fantasy 7 Remakeis out now for PS4.
MORE:Red XIII Should Have a Much Bigger Role in Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2
