Final Fantasy 16 introduced us to the series’ nth brooding protagonist. But, while the Jon Snow-esque Clive Rosfield is, for the lack of a better phrasing, as vanilla as they come, FF16 did introduce us to one of the series’ most popular iterations of its longest-running gag, if you could call it that.
Cidolfus “Cid” Telamon, with his witty banter with the game’s cast of characters, was easily one of the highlights of FF16 – a high praise for what’s considered one of the best entries in the series in a long time if not ever. Unfortunately, the moments of brevity provided by Cid’s one-liners were far and few in between, leaving audiences asking for more, and it appears that fans aren’t the only ones who’d like to see Cid again.
Naoki Yoshida, the game’s producer, previously mentioned that Creative Business Unit III, the primary division that handled the development of FF16, didn’t envision post-launch content for FF16. But, it appears that he has since changed his mind. Not only that, he’s got Cid penciled in as a potential lead if Square Enix does release DLC for FF16.
Yoshida, in an interview with Kakuchopurei, hinted that if there were to be a DLC, he would personally want to make Cid the lead character. Cid has an intriguing narrative, a rich tapestry of a complex life and a mysterious backstory. In his past life, a soldier who later turned into a revolutionary leader and the Dominant of the thunder Eikon Ramuh, the fan-favorite Cid is defiance and rebellion, personified, as he seeks to free the kingdoms of Valisthea. Not to mention, Cid is played by none other than Ralph Ineson, known for his roles in Game of Thrones and Harry Potter.
The thirst for more lore, more character development, and more time to roam the stunning landscapes of Valisthea is high. Yoshida’s statement has given many hope, a glimmer of something more coming on the horizon. This potential expansion is exciting not just because of the possibility of further exploration of the FF16 world, but because it may delve into the life of one of its most popular supporting characters: Cid.
Cid’s charisma and sarcasm, coupled with his noble objectives and Ineson’s compelling voice acting, have made him a firm fan favorite. However, the one complaint echoed by many is that there’s too little of Cid in FF16’s main narrative, as we’ve already mentioned. But, again, that’s why Cid is perfect for a DLC. This extra piece of content would give Square Enix and audiences an opportunity to delve into his largely unexplored past, focusing on his time in the Royal Waloeder Army, his complicated relationship with antagonist Benedikta Harman, and his defection from Waloed. Such an expansion would offer fans a closer look at Cid’s intriguing character and his journey.
Picture this: a prequel storyline centered on Cid, showcasing his life before the Hideaway, beginning from when he arrived at the islands, his entry into Waloed, his encounter with Benedikta, and the moment he discovered the reality of the mother crystals, which eventually sparked his rebellion. This storyline could also flesh out other characters, such as the other Dominants, the Emperor, and the Archduke, whose backstory was only lightly brushed upon in the main game.
It’s easy to envision a world where they play as Cid, mastering the art of witty one-liners, both in conversations and amidst a chaotic battlefield. Imagine giving Cid a unique ability that allows him to demoralize enemies with his sharp tongue and wit, not unlike Spider-Man but someone who’s way sharper with a sword.
While Yoshida’s comments are indeed intriguing, they should still be taken with a grain of salt. After all, Yoshida himself has stressed that these are personal preferences and not official announcements. But these hints of a Cid-centered DLC are tantalizing for fans, stoking the embers of hope for a richer exploration of FF16’s characters and lore.
Time will tell if these dreams will materialize into an actual DLC. For now, fans are content with dreaming of a story where Cid takes center stage, where they can delve deeper into the life of this charming and complex character.
