Sidekicks are a vital part of any tale, and the Final Fantasy series is no different. Sidekicks can come in many shapes and sizes, some lovable, some annoying, some who are useless in all but supporting the main character. Regardless of the flavour, sidekicks are a long enduring trope and now here we are, faced with the big question: who is most likely to be the sidekick – love ‘em or hate ‘em – in the next big Final Fantasy game? Our nominees are in, but it’s time to take a look at which sidekick they would be! Seeing as Versus XIII may never reach our shores, and in many people’s opinions XIII and XIV have already been cockups, let us look back and imagine what sidekicks they have been most like in the past, as a way to predict the future.
Let’s get down to business.
DK

DK is Mukki. A little bit out there and not always appreciated by the hero, DK is out for bub's best interests. Quick to offer some fun, stress relieving exercises and a nice back rub, DK will make sure the hero is ready for anything - if only he would say yes! A man of supreme physical conditioning himself, DK is the sidekick who could easily be a hero, if only for a lack of ambition. He is content being the extra comfy bike pants on Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong's firm buttocks.
Hypoallergenic Cactuar

Hypoallergenic Cactuar is Nida. Underappreciated and a little bit different, Hypoallergenic Cactuar has a job and he does it well. Always struggling with receiving validation, Hypoallergenic Cactuar strives to be the very best like no one ever was. He knows he won't ever become the Battlemaster at Garden, but he's a top tier cadet and somebody out there will recognise his talents and promote him to SeeD. Keep on keeping on, Mr Cactuar, and don't ever put yourself down!
Jiro

Jiro is Joe. You remember the chocobo jockey from the Gold Saucer, right? He's a nice guy with some serious style, but overall he's not that concerned with what is going on. He'll look out for the party when he comes across them, but he's not going to take up arms to try and save the world. Too busy making killer one liners and looking good in his hat. When all is said and done, Jiro will ride off into the sunset on his very own Teioh with a knowing smile that makes you think he might have been more involved than you think.
Old Manus

Old Manus is Biggs. Not any particular Biggs, but Biggs in general. Old Manus is the typical sidekick, the one who helps out, provides comic relief, isn't afraid to dirty his hands. He could pull a Samwise and become even more lovable than the hero, but only if he feels like it. Old Manus will be the sidekick the heroes need him to be, and if that means laying his life on the line, then so be it. He'll fight to the end for AVALANCHE, and he'll fight to the end for you, Eyes on Final Fantasy.
Rantz Rantz Revolution

Rantz Rantz Revolution is Mr. Dolphin. He's the lovable non-humanoid pal who will go so far even as to decided to want do more look like let you ride upon his back like a noble stallion of the sea. Rantz Rantz Revolution is far more intelligent than you think, probably more intelligent than you can comprehend, but he doesn't have an ego and he's not going to save the world for you. Rantz Rantz Revolution just provides that necessary oomph to help you reach new heights!
Iceglow

Iceglow is Cinna. He's the bumbling, cocky, good-for-nothing tea coffee drinking bastard who is absolutely smurfing useless when it comes time to fight. Only tolerated because... well, who knows why, Iceglow manages to prove himself "useful" in a handful of occasions, all of which are completely removed from the area of combat because christ alive he's useless. But he can be funny too which is why we keep him around. Good on ya Steve, ya bloody idiot. :jess:
So there we have it folks. Which of these fine folks will be the number one pick for sidekick next time you go on a world saving adventure?