Recent comments from Final Fantasy XII director, Hiroshi Minagawa, have dispelled a long-standing rumor about the game’s true protagonist. For years, fans have debated whether Vaan or Ashe was the main character of the game, but Minagawa has now declared the idea of Vaan being a “tacked-on” character to be a “fake story.” Igniting a fresh debate within the gaming community, this revelation sheds new light on the inner workings of one of the most beloved game series in history.
The development of Final Fantasy XII was notoriously difficult for its key developers, including game director Yasumi Matsuno, despite the game being a marvel upon its original release on the PS2 in 2006. However, one long-standing rumor about the game was that protagonist Vaan was not the initially planned hero of FFXII. Matsuno took to Twitter to respond to a fan’s comment about Bacsh fon Ronsenburg, who was believed by some to be the original protagonist, confirming that the rumor was false.
According to the rumor, Final Fantasy XII’s original pitch was a dark fantasy story in the vein of Vagrant Story or Final Fantasy Tactics, which Matsuno also directed. The rumor that made the rounds for nearly 20 years alleged that Final Fantasy XII’s original vision changed to be more accessible for all players, with Vaan introduced as the core protagonist. Although Vaan wasn’t well-received upon release, he eventually came into his own throughout the game, and even starred in an FFXII spin-off game on the Nintendo DS called Final Fatansy XII: Revenant Wings.
Fans have taken more of a liking to Vaan over the years, thanks to memes about the quest where Vaan had to shout in the streets. IGN’s original review for FFXII gave the game a 9.5, calling it a fantastic RPG, among the all-time elite role-players ever made for the system.
Square-Enix has re-released FFXII as Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, which updated the visuals, introduced revised combat and character growth mechanics, and added new encounters that were only in the Japan only enhanced edition. The game is currently available on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and the Nintendo Switch.
In conclusion, Final Fantasy XII fans can finally put the rumor about the game’s real protagonist to rest. Director Yasumi Matsuno has confirmed that the so-called “alternate ending” with Balthier as the true hero is nothing more than a fake story. As we eagerly await the upcoming Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, it’s reassuring to know that the official narrative of the game still stands strong. It’s always fascinating to learn new details about our favorite games, but let’s not forget that sometimes the rumors can be just that – rumors. Now, let’s sit back, relax, and prepare to enter the world of Ivalice once again in all its official glory.
