Irvine – Final Fantasy VIII
This one really hurts, because Irvine is a likable enough sort. He fancies himself a real ladies man and, sporting cowboy boots, ponytail and a western-style hat, who can blame him.
He brings some great moments of levity to the party, but his uselessness stems from a particular character beat right at the end of the game’s first act. Reputed to be a peerless sniper, the party recruits Irvine to assassinate the witch Edea during a military parade in Deling City… its pretty dark, even for a game about child soldiers.
When the moment comes to make the shot, Irvine cracks under pressure and shows that his carefree persona is really just an act. After this moment, he ceases to be of any real relevance, existing only to deliver one-liners and to make women uncomfortable.
