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Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the dads who raised us, protected us, and maybe even saved the world once or twice. In the world of JRPGs (Japanese Role-Playing Games), dads often play powerful, emotional, or even mysterious roles — some leaving legacies of love, while others leave… emotional scars.
Let’s give a nod to the best of them — and call out a few who probably shouldn’t get a card this year.
1. Barret Wallace – Final Fantasy VII
Barret is rough around the edges, but his love for his adopted daughter Marlene is pure and unwavering. Whether he's blasting enemies with a gun-arm or helping save the planet, Marlene remains his heart. He’s the epitome of a dad who stepped up, not just for one child, but for the whole world.
2. Crichton Paradigm – Radiant Historia
Crichton isn’t a major character, but his love for his son, Stocke, is part of the game's deeper themes. Through subtle moments and revelations, we see the quiet, dignified sacrifices he made to protect his child. Sometimes fatherhood is in the actions we don’t see.
3. Elnard (Duke Fabre) – Tales of the Abyss
Initially, Duke Fabre seems cold and distant, but as the game unfolds, we discover the truth behind his decisions. His quiet suffering and unwavering loyalty to his son Luke (even after massive mistakes) earns him a place here — even if he was never good at expressing it.
4. Setzer’s Father – Final Fantasy VI (backstory)
Setzer’s love of airships and gambling has roots in the mysterious figure of his father, who taught him to dream big and look to the skies. It’s not always about present parenting — sometimes a legacy shapes the hero’s journey.
5. Ba'Gamnan (adoptive role) – Final Fantasy XII (if you squint)
This one’s a bit of a stretch — Ba'Gamnan is more of a “grumpy uncle” figure than a dad — but his weird, protective relationship with his crew, especially after Revenant Wings, makes him a twisted version of the reluctant protector trope. Father’s Day can be complicated.
6. Eizen – Tales of Berseria
Technically not a father, but his bond with Edna (in Zestiria) and his role in guiding others show strong paternal energy. He protects, sacrifices, and mentors — all classic dad moves.
7. Jecht – Final Fantasy X
Okay, hear us out. Jecht is complicated — emotionally distant, harsh, and seemingly a bad father. But he did turn himself into a god-monster to help save the world and teach his son to surpass him. The arc from “deadbeat” to “tragic hero” is one of the most powerful in JRPG history.
1. Ghetsis – Pokémon Black & White
Father of N, and easily one of the worst in JRPG history. Ghetsis emotionally manipulates and isolates his son, using him as a puppet for world domination. No redemption arc here — just pure villainy.
2. Colonel Jurgen Beckendorf – Xenogears
He might’ve had noble intentions at first, but his treatment of his daughter Elly and blind service to Solaris’s corrupt system make him a tragic example of duty gone wrong. Being a pawn in a dystopia doesn’t excuse emotional absence.
3. Luthier’s Father – Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
Rarely mentioned directly, but it’s clear Luthier and Delthea had a rough time growing up. A neglectful or missing parent is its own kind of damage — and in JRPGs, that often sets the stage for heroism and therapy.
This Father’s Day, here’s to the dads who raised us — in real life and in pixels.
Happy Father's Day!
Let’s give a nod to the best of them — and call out a few who probably shouldn’t get a card this year.
The Great JRPG Dads
1. Barret Wallace – Final Fantasy VIIBarret is rough around the edges, but his love for his adopted daughter Marlene is pure and unwavering. Whether he's blasting enemies with a gun-arm or helping save the planet, Marlene remains his heart. He’s the epitome of a dad who stepped up, not just for one child, but for the whole world.
2. Crichton Paradigm – Radiant Historia
Crichton isn’t a major character, but his love for his son, Stocke, is part of the game's deeper themes. Through subtle moments and revelations, we see the quiet, dignified sacrifices he made to protect his child. Sometimes fatherhood is in the actions we don’t see.
3. Elnard (Duke Fabre) – Tales of the Abyss
Initially, Duke Fabre seems cold and distant, but as the game unfolds, we discover the truth behind his decisions. His quiet suffering and unwavering loyalty to his son Luke (even after massive mistakes) earns him a place here — even if he was never good at expressing it.
4. Setzer’s Father – Final Fantasy VI (backstory)
Setzer’s love of airships and gambling has roots in the mysterious figure of his father, who taught him to dream big and look to the skies. It’s not always about present parenting — sometimes a legacy shapes the hero’s journey.
5. Ba'Gamnan (adoptive role) – Final Fantasy XII (if you squint)
This one’s a bit of a stretch — Ba'Gamnan is more of a “grumpy uncle” figure than a dad — but his weird, protective relationship with his crew, especially after Revenant Wings, makes him a twisted version of the reluctant protector trope. Father’s Day can be complicated.
6. Eizen – Tales of Berseria
Technically not a father, but his bond with Edna (in Zestiria) and his role in guiding others show strong paternal energy. He protects, sacrifices, and mentors — all classic dad moves.
7. Jecht – Final Fantasy X
Okay, hear us out. Jecht is complicated — emotionally distant, harsh, and seemingly a bad father. But he did turn himself into a god-monster to help save the world and teach his son to surpass him. The arc from “deadbeat” to “tragic hero” is one of the most powerful in JRPG history.
The Not-so-Great JRPG Dads
1. Ghetsis – Pokémon Black & WhiteFather of N, and easily one of the worst in JRPG history. Ghetsis emotionally manipulates and isolates his son, using him as a puppet for world domination. No redemption arc here — just pure villainy.
2. Colonel Jurgen Beckendorf – Xenogears
He might’ve had noble intentions at first, but his treatment of his daughter Elly and blind service to Solaris’s corrupt system make him a tragic example of duty gone wrong. Being a pawn in a dystopia doesn’t excuse emotional absence.
3. Luthier’s Father – Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
Rarely mentioned directly, but it’s clear Luthier and Delthea had a rough time growing up. A neglectful or missing parent is its own kind of damage — and in JRPGs, that often sets the stage for heroism and therapy.
Final Thoughts
JRPGs give us some of the most emotionally rich (and complex) portrayals of fatherhood in gaming. Whether they’re sword-wielding protectors, quiet strategists, or cosmic monsters trying to do right by their kids, these dads help shape unforgettable stories.This Father’s Day, here’s to the dads who raised us — in real life and in pixels.
Happy Father's Day!
