The Final Fantasy series is usually generous when it comes to gifting the player transport. The original alone offered three different modes – four if you count walking – including your own pirate ship, a canoe and an airship. The airship has been a mainstay of the Final Fantasy series, becoming an icon in its own right and one of the few linking points of commonality between all games in the series.
The origins of these airships are often plot points of their own, but often relate to another of the series’ icons – Cid. The various Cids throughout the series are (generally) mechanically savvy, having built the airship himself, or at the very least helping to upgrade or fix it for the party. Despite the frequent medieval settings, the airships are often far more advanced than general society would seem capable of producing. Even in the games with a more science fiction oriented setting, the airships still manage to retain some level of awe.
On occasion, the party’s own airship doesn’t dominate the airways. The Red Wings, from Final Fantasy IV, are a fully equipped fleet of airships – Baron’s very own air force. The skies of Final Fantasy IX are populated by all manner of airships, both civilian and military alike.
If it’s aeronautical adventure you seek, then the Final Fantasy series is sure to have a vehicle for you. Let’s take a look at ten innovative, impressive or just plain insane airships (and other flying machines!) in the Final Fantasy series. Keep in mind that there will be spoilers aplenty here, so watch out!
The Lindblum (XIII)
Beginning with the most recent entry, this airship belongs to the Guardian Corps and serves as their HQ and home, as well as a dock for other, smaller craft. The outer “wings” can extend, which is – although unnecessary and gaudy – rather awesome. The Lindblum helps Lightning and co. several times during the game, including a diversionary attack against PSICOM at the end of the 7th Chapter, helping the party escape from the Estheim residence in Palumpolum. While the Lindblum is not directly pilotable by the party, the Guardian Corps are an allied group. It's nice to have it on your side; those giant turtles were tough enough!
The Falcon (IV)
Final Fantasy IV likes airships. In addition to the Red Wings mentioned previously, the party pilots three ships of their own, including one that appears to be a whale. Impressive, I know, but sadly it doesn’t make the list. Instead we have the Falcon, an old abandoned Red Wings ship which is used to fly around beneath the Earth’s surface. The lava beneath the surface is too hot for the Falcon to fly over, so the Falcon receives mythril plating, courtesy of Cid. Once the party has finished their business below ground, a drill is grafted onto the bow so they can tunnel back to the surface. That’s seriously crazy.
B1-Beta Helicopter (VII)
The first of our enemy controlled airships, the B1-Beta Helicopter is an homage to oldschool cool. You remember those old motorbikes with the side carriages for a passenger? This helicopter has one of those. If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, then it’s imperative that you google it. The B1-Beta Helicopter was most (in)famously by the Turks when they kidnapped Aeris before the destruction of the Sector 7 plate. They might be jerks, but at least they have style.
The Blackjack (VI)
The Blackjack is a flying casino. Setzer might be utterly useless when it comes to the socially acceptable way to court women, but when it comes to knowing how to create a gambler’s paradise, Setzer has that in spades. He takes high roller to a whole new level with the Blackjack, the only airship in the entire world. Spacious and luxurious, it's definitely one airship I would love to take a ride on. Though the Blackjack is destroyed at the end of the World of Balance, it remains one of my personal favourite airships. Just don’t bet your parachute, because it’s a long way down.
Garden (VIII)
Balamb Garden, like Galbadia and Trabia Gardens, is a military school constructed out of the ruins of an old Centra shelter. Part way through the second disk, the functionality of these Centra shelters is revealed; it can fly. This comes in handy, as the Garden is able to dodge an incoming missile attack and then become the mobile base of operations for the party as they hunt down the Sorceress Edea. One of the best sequences of FMVs ever made involves a battle between Balamb and Galbadia Gardens. I can hardly contain my fanboy squeals.
The Air Cab (IX)
The Air Cab shares many similarities with monorail systems, which makes it lean more towards a train than a plane. However, it isn’t called an Air Cab for no reason, and due to its flying nature, it makes the list! The Air Cabs are the primary form of transport between the different districts of Lindblum, which happens to be one gigantic city. The Air Cabs operate around the clock and are always there when you need them, yet another difference between trains and this reliable form of transport. The only time they don’t operate is during the Alexandria invasion – understandable really!
Sky Fortress Bahamut (XII)
Sky Fortress Bahamut, like the Linblum from earlier, has a Russian Doll complex. These ships are so large that they function primarily as transport for other ships. Looking at the size of Sky Fortress Bahamut, it wouldn’t surprise me if they could fit smaller versions inside to take the analogy one step further. The flagship and superweapon of the Archadian Fleet, it also functions as the game’s final dungeon, which would probably make a typical day on board for an Archadian soldier rather depressing. I'd hate to get lost on that thing.
The Celsius (X-2)
If the B1-Beta Helicopter drew influences from motorbikes with side cars, the Celsius drew every last ounce of influence from chopper motorcycles. Apart from the fact that it has two front wheels – two more than an airship actually requires – the Celsius looks like some kind of strange flying mutated motorcycle. Brother, the pilot, could easily pass as some kind of maniacal biker as well. The Celsius was uncovered and restored by Buddy and Brother, and serves as the headquarters and transport for the Gullwings throughout the game. It has to be one of the most ridiculous yet equally awesome ways to travel.
The Ragnarok (VIII)
The Ragnarok is the second entry from Final Fantasy VIII. Though primarily used to cruise around the world at high speeds, the Ragnarok was actually a lost spaceship used to carry Adel’s Tomb into space. When Squall attempts to rescue Rinoa who is lost in space, the pair end up floating into the Ragnarok, rescue it from the alien Propagators and fly it back to safety. The Ragnarok has an impressive array of firepower, all of which is used by Selphie to blow a hole in the Lunatic Pandora’s shields. Who let the bright, bubbly psychopath drive the killer spaceship?
The Prima Vista (IX)
The last entry comes from Final Fantasy IX, otherwise known as Final Fantasy: Airship Edition. While the party only pilots two ships – the Hilda Garde III and the Invincible – they use numerous others for transport throughout the game, including the cargo ship, the Red Rose and, of course, the Prima Vista. The game opens onboard the ship, which serves as a floating theatre stage, used by the Tantalus Theatre Troupe. After the performance of I Want To Be Your Canary, which served as a diversion in order to kidnap Princess Garnet, the Prima Vista is shot down into Evil Forest and, presumably, petrified along with the rest of the forest. A sad end to a magnificent vessel!
There you have it folks. Ten of the top air-faring vehicles in the Final Fantasy series. There are, of course, many more that could be mentioned, and they all have a quirk or two. I think it is safe to say that the airship is here to stay, just like Cid and the cactuars, chocobos and other icons of the series. What form will they take? Well, we’ll just have to wait and see. Did any of your favourite airships miss the cut? Leave a comment and maybe we'll see it in version 2.0!
