No. 4 – Vivi (Black Mage)

Outside of perhaps a Chocobo, the Black Mage is arguably the most recognizable design from the Final Fantasy series. There's just something so timeless about it, from diminutive size of the character, all the way up to the tip of that Gandalf-like wizard hat. As such, the Black Mage is beloved and Vivi, the best character in Final Fantasy IX, ended up being the perfect personality to inhabit that iconic design. After the backlash following Final Fantasy VIII, fans made it clear they did not want to follow the exploits of any more sleek, temperamental teenagers. The next installment was a welcome return to the roots of the series, with Vivi being the clear stand out, embodying the best of the old and the new.