Final Fantasy and Star Wars are two epic series that span decades of adventures. However, did you know that Final Fantasy has referenced Star Wars many times over the years? Some of the references are obvious, while others are sneaky little easter eggs that only die-hard Star Wars fans will get. Let’s look at the different times Final Fantasy has referenced the galaxy far, far away.
Star Wars References in Final Fantasy Games
The Gamer recently published a list that ranked the references based on their obviousness. This list, however, will rank them based on cleverness.
1. Biggs and Wedge
Image of Biggs and Wedge courtesy of Star Wars, Final Fantasy and Game RantThis one is ongoing. Beginning in Final Fantasy 6 (Final Fantasy 3 in the USA), characters named Biggs and Wedge have appeared in several Final Fantasy games. For those not in the know, Biggs and Wedge are two Rebel pilots first introduced in A New Hope. Biggs dies in the first Death Star Battle, but Wedge lives long enough to gun for Lando in The Rise of Skywalker. Interestingly enough, in the initial American version of Final Fantasy 6, Biggs’ name was changed to “Vicks,” as if the translators didn’t want to include a Star Wars reference. However, subsequent rereleases changed the name back to Biggs.
Final Fantasy 12 even disguises the reference by including two characters named Gibbs and Deweg. While the reference may not be obvious, a little letter scrambling and substituting reveals that yes, we have Biggs and Wedge yet again.
2. Nida, Piet, and Martine
Keeping up with names that reference minor Star Wars characters, Final Fantasy 8 includes a character named Nida, which is similar to Captain Needa, who meets a grim fate at the hand of Darth Vader’s Force-choke. Another character is named Piet, which is of course referencing Admiral Piett, Vader’s loyal officer in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Meanwhile, the character Martine was named “Dodonna” in the Japanese version of the game, which references the Rebel general Jan Dodonna. However, even in the American version, Martine is similar to “Madine,” which could reference the Rebel captain Crix Madene from Return of the Jedi.
3. Various Star Wars Quotes
Throughout the series, Final Fantasy has directly quoted Star Wars on several occasions. The final battle in Final Fantasy 9 uses Yoda’s line, “Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.” Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimore of the Rift includes a mission titled “It’s a Trap!” Anyone familiar with Star Wars and meme culture knows Admiral Ackbar’s famous line. In Final Fantasy 6, Celes quips, “Aren’t you a little short to be an imperial trooper?” when a disguised Loke rescues her, which is almost exactly like the line Leia gives Luke when he first enters her cell on the Death Star.
4. The Falcon
Screenshot of a Falcon ship in Final Fantasy, courtesy of Square EnixFinal Fantasy 4 and Final Fantasy 6 both sport airships called the Falcon. As any Star Wars fan can tell, this is referencing Han Solo’s beloved ship, the Millennium Falcon. In Final Fantasy 6, the Falcon‘s owner, Setzer, even bears some similarities to Han. Both enjoy drinking and gambling, and both bury a heart of gold beneath their tough exteriors.
5. The Light Saber
In addition to quoting Admiral Ackbar, Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimore of the Rift includes a weapon called the Light Saber. Even if you’ve never seen Star Wars, you know what a lightsaber is. This reference is about as obvious as you can get, but it can still get a grin from Star Wars fans.
Conclusion
As the Final Fantasy series continues to expand, there will undoubtedly be more treats for fans of the galaxy far, far away to discover and share online. These two epic series will forever be ingrained in the world’s consciousness. There will probably be more Final Fantasy characters named Biggs and Wedge as well.
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