Zidane Tribal
Encyclopedia
is a fictional thief in the Final Fantasy
series, and the protagonist of Final Fantasy IX
.
s plot, unlike its predecessors, Final Fantasy VII
and Final Fantasy VIII
, which had its protagonists created before the story. Both Zidane and Vivi's size and age were less than that of the characters from the above-mentioned other titles. He was one of the original three characters revealed, along with Vivi
and Steiner. His appearance was designed by Hideo Minaba. His womanizing personality was designed by Hiroyuki Ito
. Series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi
described him as a person who "likes girls and doesn't care for much", lacking any objective and being carefree, but a key character nonetheless. Zidane has shoulder-length blonde hair, blue eyes, and a prehensile monkey-like tail, as witnessed in game when Zidane hangs from his tail to evade Steiner. He can either use two daggers or a single swallow-blade as weapons. In trance form Zidane's hair becomes longer, and his clothing is replaced with pink fur. Zidane is identified as a thief and has the unique ability to steal items from enemies. He was redesigned by Tetsuya Nomura
in the video game Dissidia Final Fantasy. He is voiced by Romi Park and Bryce Papenbrook
in the Japanese and English versions of Dissidia respectively.
, created by Garland on the planet Terra to replace Kuja as a more powerful "Angel of Death." Jealous of his successor, Kuja cast Zidane down to Gaia, where he is found and adopted by Baku and his group of thieves, Tantalus. Before the events of the game, he leaves Baku to search for his real home, his only memory being a blue light. Unsuccessful, he returns to Baku and rejoins Tantalus.
At the age of sixteen, he becomes involved in a scheme to kidnap Princess Garnet XVII of Alexandria, organized by Regent Cid in order to distance the princess from her increasingly war-like adoptive mother, Queen Brahne. Zidane first encounters Garnet when she tries to sneak out of the palace, and, at her request, promises to do his best to kidnap her. He takes an instant liking to the princess and does not hesitate to flirt with her throughout the game, much to her bodyguard Adelbert Steiner's dismay. His dagger is the inspiration for Garnet's alias.
Zidane naturally adopts his role as party leader, and his personality draws many characters in the game. Eiko joins the party after becoming infatuated with him, and Amarant follows him out of curiosity. He provides much emotional support for Garnet, Vivi, and Freya. He is only seen uncharacteristically somber at two points in the game: before Garnet is to be crowned Queen of Alexandria, and when the true reason for his existence is revealed. The latter event drives him to briefly abandon the party; however, the group manages to mollify him and he returns.
After the party is rescued from the Iifa Tree by Kuja, Zidane chooses to go back inside the collapsing structure to save his arch rival. For nearly a year it is believed that he did not survive; however, he makes a dramatic reappearance on stage in Alexandria at the end of the game.
Zidane is the hero representing Final Fantasy IX in Dissidia: Final Fantasy
. Along with the entire cast, Zidane has been confirmed to appear in the sequel Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy
. He also appears in Itadaki Street Portable as a playable character.
, Squall Leonhart
, and Tidus
to celebrate the Final Fantasy
series' 20th anniversary.
Michel S. Beaulieu, co-author of the book "Final Fantasy and Philosophy: The Ultimate Walkthrough" described Zidane as a revolutionary, fighting against the upper class, represented by Queen Brahne. Mia Consalvo, an author for the book "The video game theory reader", described his appearance as feminized, referencing his small stature, long hair, clothing with laces, and lack of obvious muscles. She questioned whether heterosexual players may identify less with a character like this, and whether homosexual players may. She added that his relationship with female protagonist Garnet
saves him from being considered "abnormal", and that the ultimate goal is for the players to relate to Zidane as best as possible. She added that no matter how the players proceed, Zidane always hooks up with Garnet, and players are encouraged to insert themselves into the character. Because of this, she questions how females and homosexuals would feel about their relationship, which she states would destroy the immersion. GamesRadar
listed the relationship between Zidane and Garnet as one of the worst, citing the fact that they were creeped out by their appearance, as well as the lack of chemistry between them. They also listed him as one of the best Final Fantasy heroes, describing him as a breath of fresh air compared to the "uptight anti-heroes" Squall Leonhart
and Cloud Strife
.
IGN editor Ryan Clements described Zidane as a "laid back, flirtatious character and one full of energy and enthusiasm", unlike other protagonists found in Dissidia Final Fantasy. He adds that seeing his "short blades spin in a dizzying frenzy is definitely a sight to behold." GameSpot
editor Andrew Vestal called Zidane's "instinctive womanizing" as an amusing trait of his. IGN
editor David Smith called him charming, adding that he breaks the streak of "reluctant Final Fantasy heroes", by "injecting a touch of redder blood back into the series". GameCritics editor Erin Bell called Zidane the "strangest looking Final Fantasy hero to date", citing his "nondescript features and monkey tail". However, she did describe him as a hero that is easy for one to understand and sympathize with.
Final Fantasy
is a media franchise created by Hironobu Sakaguchi, and is developed and owned by Square Enix . The franchise centers on a series of fantasy and science-fantasy role-playing video games , but includes motion pictures, anime, printed media, and other merchandise...
series, and the protagonist of Final Fantasy IX
Final Fantasy IX
is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square for the PlayStation video game console. It is the ninth title in the Final Fantasy series. The game introduced new features to the series like the 'Active Time Event', 'Mognet' and a unique equipment and skill system.Final Fantasy IXs...
.
Concept and creation
Zidane, along with other characters, was designed after the creation of Final Fantasy IXFinal Fantasy IX
is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square for the PlayStation video game console. It is the ninth title in the Final Fantasy series. The game introduced new features to the series like the 'Active Time Event', 'Mognet' and a unique equipment and skill system.Final Fantasy IXs...
s plot, unlike its predecessors, Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII
is a role-playing video game developed by Square and published by Sony Computer Entertainment as the seventh installment in the Final Fantasy series. It was originally released in 1997 for the Sony PlayStation and was re-released in 1998 for Microsoft Windows-based personal computers and in 2009...
and Final Fantasy VIII
Final Fantasy VIII
is a role-playing video game released for the PlayStation in 1999 and for Windows-based personal computers in 2000. It was developed and published by Square as the Final Fantasy series' eighth title, removing magic point-based spell-casting and the first title to consistently use realistically...
, which had its protagonists created before the story. Both Zidane and Vivi's size and age were less than that of the characters from the above-mentioned other titles. He was one of the original three characters revealed, along with Vivi
Vivi Orunitia
, is a fictional user of black magic in the Final Fantasy series, and a main protagonist of Final Fantasy IX. His appearance is directly based on the black mage characters from various other Final Fantasy games. As a result, he is garbed in blue, wears a tall yellow hat, and has no facial features...
and Steiner. His appearance was designed by Hideo Minaba. His womanizing personality was designed by Hiroyuki Ito
Hiroyuki Ito
, also credited with the spelling Hiroyuki Itou, is a Japanese game producer, game director and game designer who has been working for Square Enix since 1987. He is famous for being the creator of Active Time Battle and Active Dimension Battle...
. Series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi
Hironobu Sakaguchi
is a Japanese game designer, game director and game producer. He is world famous as the creator of the Final Fantasy series, and has had a long career in gaming with over 100 million units of video games sold worldwide...
described him as a person who "likes girls and doesn't care for much", lacking any objective and being carefree, but a key character nonetheless. Zidane has shoulder-length blonde hair, blue eyes, and a prehensile monkey-like tail, as witnessed in game when Zidane hangs from his tail to evade Steiner. He can either use two daggers or a single swallow-blade as weapons. In trance form Zidane's hair becomes longer, and his clothing is replaced with pink fur. Zidane is identified as a thief and has the unique ability to steal items from enemies. He was redesigned by Tetsuya Nomura
Tetsuya Nomura
is a Japanese video game director and character designer working for Square Enix , best known for his work on both the Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts series.-Time before Square:Nomura was born in Kōchi, Japan...
in the video game Dissidia Final Fantasy. He is voiced by Romi Park and Bryce Papenbrook
Bryce Papenbrook
Bryce Austin Papenbrook is an American voice actor, former kickboxer, and martial arts instructor.- Biography :Papenbrook was born in Los Angeles county, California on February 24, 1986. He is the son of Debbie Rothstein and the late Bob Papenbrook, both of whom are also voice actors...
in the Japanese and English versions of Dissidia respectively.
Appearances
Zidane is a GenomeGenome
In modern molecular biology and genetics, the genome is the entirety of an organism's hereditary information. It is encoded either in DNA or, for many types of virus, in RNA. The genome includes both the genes and the non-coding sequences of the DNA/RNA....
, created by Garland on the planet Terra to replace Kuja as a more powerful "Angel of Death." Jealous of his successor, Kuja cast Zidane down to Gaia, where he is found and adopted by Baku and his group of thieves, Tantalus. Before the events of the game, he leaves Baku to search for his real home, his only memory being a blue light. Unsuccessful, he returns to Baku and rejoins Tantalus.
At the age of sixteen, he becomes involved in a scheme to kidnap Princess Garnet XVII of Alexandria, organized by Regent Cid in order to distance the princess from her increasingly war-like adoptive mother, Queen Brahne. Zidane first encounters Garnet when she tries to sneak out of the palace, and, at her request, promises to do his best to kidnap her. He takes an instant liking to the princess and does not hesitate to flirt with her throughout the game, much to her bodyguard Adelbert Steiner's dismay. His dagger is the inspiration for Garnet's alias.
Zidane naturally adopts his role as party leader, and his personality draws many characters in the game. Eiko joins the party after becoming infatuated with him, and Amarant follows him out of curiosity. He provides much emotional support for Garnet, Vivi, and Freya. He is only seen uncharacteristically somber at two points in the game: before Garnet is to be crowned Queen of Alexandria, and when the true reason for his existence is revealed. The latter event drives him to briefly abandon the party; however, the group manages to mollify him and he returns.
After the party is rescued from the Iifa Tree by Kuja, Zidane chooses to go back inside the collapsing structure to save his arch rival. For nearly a year it is believed that he did not survive; however, he makes a dramatic reappearance on stage in Alexandria at the end of the game.
Zidane is the hero representing Final Fantasy IX in Dissidia: Final Fantasy
Dissidia: Final Fantasy
is an action RPG/fighting game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation Portable as part of the campaign of the Final Fantasy series 20th anniversary. Information on the game was first released during the "Square Enix Party" event of May 2008...
. Along with the entire cast, Zidane has been confirmed to appear in the sequel Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy
Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy
is a 2011 fighting game published by Square Enix for the PlayStation Portable as part of the Final Fantasy series. It was developed by the company's 1st Production Department...
. He also appears in Itadaki Street Portable as a playable character.
Reception and promotion
Zidane was featured amongst three other protagonists of the video game Dissidia Final Fantasy as figurines, including Cloud StrifeCloud Strife
is a fictional character and the main protagonist in Square's role-playing game Final Fantasy VII and several of its sequels and spin-offs. His original design was created by Final Fantasy VII character designer Tetsuya Nomura...
, Squall Leonhart
Squall Leonhart
is the main protagonist of Final Fantasy VIII, a role-playing game by Square . He was designed by Tetsuya Nomura, with heavy influences coming from game director Yoshinori Kitase. Squall has appeared in several other games, such as the Kingdom Hearts series, where he appears under the name ;...
, and Tidus
Tidus
is a fictional character from the Final Fantasy series by Square Enix. He was first introduced as the protagonist from the console role-playing game Final Fantasy X in 2001. As the lead character, the player controls Tidus through the game, manipulating his actions through the unfolding storyline...
to celebrate the Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy
is a media franchise created by Hironobu Sakaguchi, and is developed and owned by Square Enix . The franchise centers on a series of fantasy and science-fantasy role-playing video games , but includes motion pictures, anime, printed media, and other merchandise...
series' 20th anniversary.
Michel S. Beaulieu, co-author of the book "Final Fantasy and Philosophy: The Ultimate Walkthrough" described Zidane as a revolutionary, fighting against the upper class, represented by Queen Brahne. Mia Consalvo, an author for the book "The video game theory reader", described his appearance as feminized, referencing his small stature, long hair, clothing with laces, and lack of obvious muscles. She questioned whether heterosexual players may identify less with a character like this, and whether homosexual players may. She added that his relationship with female protagonist Garnet
Garnet
The garnet group includes a group of minerals that have been used since the Bronze Age as gemstones and abrasives. The name "garnet" may come from either the Middle English word gernet meaning 'dark red', or the Latin granatus , possibly a reference to the Punica granatum , a plant with red seeds...
saves him from being considered "abnormal", and that the ultimate goal is for the players to relate to Zidane as best as possible. She added that no matter how the players proceed, Zidane always hooks up with Garnet, and players are encouraged to insert themselves into the character. Because of this, she questions how females and homosexuals would feel about their relationship, which she states would destroy the immersion. GamesRadar
GamesRadar
GamesRadar is a multi-format video game website featuring regular news, previews, reviews, videos, and guides. It is owned and operated simultaneously in the UK and US by worldwide publisher Future Publishing...
listed the relationship between Zidane and Garnet as one of the worst, citing the fact that they were creeped out by their appearance, as well as the lack of chemistry between them. They also listed him as one of the best Final Fantasy heroes, describing him as a breath of fresh air compared to the "uptight anti-heroes" Squall Leonhart
Squall Leonhart
is the main protagonist of Final Fantasy VIII, a role-playing game by Square . He was designed by Tetsuya Nomura, with heavy influences coming from game director Yoshinori Kitase. Squall has appeared in several other games, such as the Kingdom Hearts series, where he appears under the name ;...
and Cloud Strife
Cloud Strife
is a fictional character and the main protagonist in Square's role-playing game Final Fantasy VII and several of its sequels and spin-offs. His original design was created by Final Fantasy VII character designer Tetsuya Nomura...
.
IGN editor Ryan Clements described Zidane as a "laid back, flirtatious character and one full of energy and enthusiasm", unlike other protagonists found in Dissidia Final Fantasy. He adds that seeing his "short blades spin in a dizzying frenzy is definitely a sight to behold." GameSpot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
editor Andrew Vestal called Zidane's "instinctive womanizing" as an amusing trait of his. IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
editor David Smith called him charming, adding that he breaks the streak of "reluctant Final Fantasy heroes", by "injecting a touch of redder blood back into the series". GameCritics editor Erin Bell called Zidane the "strangest looking Final Fantasy hero to date", citing his "nondescript features and monkey tail". However, she did describe him as a hero that is easy for one to understand and sympathize with.