Zidane Tribal

Lore & Background

Zidane's existence is rooted in the planet Terra, where he was created as a Genome—an artificially cloned humanoid intended by the wizard Garland to replace his failed creation Kuja. His purpose was to serve as an "Angel of Death" to wipe out life on Gaia and facilitate the assimilation of Terran souls into Pandemonium. However, a jealous Kuja exiled the newly created Zidane to Gaia, where he was found by Baku, who adopted him despite his artificial origins. This revelation drives Zidane to despair when he learns he is a soulless vessel designed for death, leading him to briefly abandon his party. Yet, after being mollified and witnessing the collapse of the Iifa Tree, he chooses to return inside to save Kuja. His journey illustrates a struggle against social confines, particularly regarding his relationship with Princess Garnet, as noted by Kazuhiko Aoki who regretted not developing the tension between Zidane's status and Garnet's royalty more fully.

In Their Own Story

At age sixteen, Zidane leaves his adoptive father Baku to search for his real home, guided only by a memory of a blue light. He returns to rejoin Tantalus, a troupe of performers and criminals, participating in Regent Cid Fabool VIII's scheme to kidnap Princess Garnet Til Alexandros XVII from Alexandria. Posing as actors performing "I Want to be Your Canary," Zidane sneaks into the palace and kidnaps Garnet at her own request. Escaping on the airship Prima Vista, they crash-land in a magical forest with Steiner and Vivi, beginning a world-spanning adventure against Queen Brahne's forces. Later, the truth of his Genome nature is revealed during the confrontation with Kuja and the Iifa Tree. After nearly a year believed dead following the tree's collapse, Zidane makes a dramatic reappearance on stage in Alexandria, reuniting with Garnet and confirming his survival despite the odds.

Reader's Guide

Zidane serves as the party leader, using his charisma to draw in characters like Eiko, who joins due to infatuation, and Amarant, who joins out of curiosity after being defeated. In combat, he wields two daggers or a single swallow-blade, utilizing his unique ability to steal items from enemies more frequently than in previous games. His Trance form is distinct: his hair becomes longer, and his clothing is replaced with pink fur. For voice acting, Romi Park voices him in the Japanese version of Dissidia Final Fantasy, while Bryce Papenbrook handles the English role, describing Zidane as "really really fun" and "snarky." In Dissidia NT, Papenbrook aims to bring a feeling of sassiness to his lines. Players can utilize his speed and agility to acquire valuable items earlier than normal, leveraging his thief class mechanics throughout the game.

Did You Know?

• Zidane was one of the original three characters revealed for Final Fantasy IX, alongside Vivi and Steiner.
• In 2020, an NHK poll of over 468,000 Japanese players ranked Zidane as the fifth greatest Final Fantasy character, just behind Vivi.
• Zidane's womanizing aspects were specifically designed by Hiroyuki Ito, while Hironobu Sakaguchi described him as a person who "likes girls and doesn't care for much."
• In his Trance form, Zidane's hair becomes longer and his clothing is replaced with pink fur.
• Bryce Papenbrook, Zidane's English voice actor in Dissidia NT, expressed satisfaction after meeting a cosplayer of the character at a convention.