I'm amazed at how detailed these ranking lists are, here's hoping mine is any good!

1) Rikku, and this is for several reasons. Firstly, in terms of the story line, while she does miss a relatively large part of the game, just her mere presence seems to lift the story for me. The game would have been a gloomier place without Rikku running around. I like the whole race acceptance thread that runs through Rikku and Wakka's interactions also. game-play wise, Rikku is a joy to play as well, her quirky battle comments helps through the monotony sometimes, and she is very useful, boasting surprising high HP and even strength values, especially after progressing through Wakka's section.

2) Wakka involvement with Rikku is what really appeals to me, and is why he earns a Number Two spot. At first, Wakka is portrayed as a fun loving, middle aged sportsman with a heart however this slowly begins to erode as bad interactions with the Al Bhed start decaying his "niceness", far enough for him to even be branded xenophobic by some. However, with the arrival of Rikku, this is eventually resolved. At first, I assumed Wakka to be one - dimensional, but in actual fact, he had lots to give. His strong religious convictions are shaken, and the game portrays this quite well, as well as his eventual realization about Yu Yevon. Wakka is really a character we care about, mainly because despite his few misgivings, can we really stay mad a Wakka? Hell,. Wakka as a playable character is also excellent, his role as a physical striker is boosted by his status effects, and can also cure in a pinch too.

3) Auron is the epitome of the Ronin, and his purpose throughout the game is "tour guide" and giver of complex information. It's no wonder he is the daddy of the party, Auron just knows all. While his story is simple enough to understand, the fact that he would stick to Jecht's promise illustrates his sense of loyalty, something which is highlighted several times. However, Auron's main point is his power in battle. he hardly ever left my party during boss battles. When you need power, he is there to deliver. Warning though; a confused Auron can be disastrous.

4) Like Rodney, the last four are more difficult. Lulu is a surprising fourth, and it's understandable to be slightly perplexed. Throughout the game, Lulu is something of a dark horse, often being forgotten. In actual fact, Lulu functions similar to Auron, as a giver of information, and perhaps being better at it, Auron can be slightly cold when giving information. Lulu may appear like any other Yevonite, but is also rather liberal in her practices; she readily accepts Rikku into the group, appears to be questioning Yevon practices more so than other characters, and is quicker to accept the death of Yunalesca than Wakka or Yuna. In this capacity, Lulu is the healthy skeptic, still having faith in Yevon, but more willing to let certain teachings slide, or eventually disregard her religion altogether. I actually like Lulu, especially in battle. For much of the game, Lulu and Auron will be your heavy hitters, her tier three magic can hurt if gotten early.

5) Probably Yuna, though it is a tough call. At first glance, Yuna appears to be this shy, respectful girl, perhaps too much so. The amount of times I have heard Yuna exclaim "oh, I am so sorry" or a simple "oh...." in awe of something can be grating. But look past this and you see quite a developed character. Her love story, I completely agree, was handled well, and captured a fine balance, though that lake scene was slightly creepy, if you assume Kimahri stood and watched it all. Yuna has a hidden amount of stoicism, which when it first visibly appears does surprise, firstly during the proposal, and then with her dramatic leaping off the temple. All of it is quite admirable, as well as her devotion to defeating sin, first through the Final Aeon, then to dismantling the religion she believed and trained in her entire life. In terms of the battle, she was O.K. I hardly used her, because it weren't often I need a powerful injection of health.

6) Kimahri and he beats Tidus because he does not allow his emotions to get the better of him. If you thought Yuna was stoic, Kimahri is something else. Biran and Yenke beating you up? Stiff upper lip! Yuna needs to escape Bevelle? Single handedly take on Seymour (For hours, if you use the very good training area on the highbridge)! Entire race wiped out by hated enemy? Move on with hardly a whimper or emotional outburst. This is why I like him, he never exaggerates any events too much so that they seem faked, he adds a level of seriousness and maturity not seen in other characters (hint hint). His initial approach to Tidus may be quite severe, unless he had an irritability detector, in which case his annoyance was quite understandable, but he does warm to him, and Rikku, and everyone. He may not show his affection, but Kimahri loves you. Unless you kill his people. I forgot about battle! Kimahri is a jack of all trades, and your sole good source of steal before Rikku, in this regard, he takes on her role quite well, in fact he is a decent all rounder.

7) Oh Tidus. If you wern't so damn whiny all the time I might have liked you. But if Tidus behaved like this in the real world people would have just gave up on him. It's fine to be slightly nervous when entering a new temple, but if the priest says not to go to the cloister of trials, don't damn well disobey him! Similarly, don't ask annoying and embarrassing questions. No wonder Lulu felt so annoyed around him. Don't get me wrong, if you look past the aggro his love story with Yuna is compelling, and the father-son relationship dynamic is intriguing, but most of the game is the building up to these climaxes, and trust me, Luca is one hard slog. Thankfully, he has haste, which is reason alone to like him again, right?

This was actually quite enjoyable!