Even though the Final Fantasy franchise adopts a numerical naming system, Square Enix’s iconic JRPGs can be viewed as members of an anthology series for several creative reasons. Elements like monsters, weapons, gameplay mechanics, and summons for example, all often reappear in some shape or form across clear universal divides. While the instances are limited compared to the above topics, the same is also true of some important named characters. The most famous of these is arguably the Cid archetype, with individuals who have carried that moniker having appeared in various guises in every mainline game from Final Fantasy 2 to Final Fantasy 15.
Out of all of the character’s indirectly connected appearances, which extend into the realms of spin-off games and expanded franchise media too, Cid’s role within Final Fantasy 15 is especially important. Instead of a single traditional depiction of a gruff mustached male mechanic, players primarily interact with a female take on the character named Cindy Aurum, for the first time in the series’ history. Not only does this version of the character incorporate traditional elements from Cid’s past, she also simultaneously breathes modernizing fresh air into the archetype’s characterization for good measure.
Cindy’s Characterization in Final Fantasy 15
Throughout the decades long history of Final Fantasy, Cid has often appeared in front of the player as an older man, with an abrasive personality and history with the military. After spending only a short amount of time in the presence of Final Fantasy 15‘s Cindy, or Cidney in Japanese, it’s obvious that the latest interpretation of Square Enix’s franchise trope is a radical departure when it comes to personality.
Not only is Cindy younger than all of her predecessors, and lacking a military upbringing, she’s also warmer to the player more readily and naturally. While plenty of Cids have had similarly quirky personality traits, Cindy is perhaps closest in this department to Final Fantasy 8’s interpretation of the character. Final Fantasy 8's Cid had an instant friendliness that was unique when the game debuted on the original PlayStation back in 2000.
The reason why Cindy’s personality is more exuberant than most, can be partly attributed to the fact that she isn’t the only Cid within the JRPG. Like Final Fantasy 9 and 12’s incarnations of the character, Cindy actually appears alongside another individual who holds that name. In this instance, the second Cid is actually her grandfather, an older bearded mechanic who exhibits almost all of the stereotypes of the character’s personality more rigidly.
Across each of the franchise’s mainline entries, either directly or indirectly, family has featured as a key aspect and theme of Cid’s character arc, which ensures that the appearance of the two together isn’t something that’s truly unique. Most famously in Final Fantasy 10, Cid’s son and daughter both played prominent on-screen roles, for example. In comparison to previous family dynamics, like Final Fantasy 9's Cid Fabool IX who routinely cheated on his wife, Cindy and Cid live together far more harmoniously.
Within the universe of Final Fantasy 15, Cindy is raised by her grandfather to be a mechanic after her father, a man named Mid, is killed in an accident. While significant narratively, this can be viewed primarily as a call-back to Final Fantasy 5’s Cid, who had a grandson by that exact same name. When it comes to other subtle design comparisons, the female mechanic’s yellow jacket can potentially be viewed as another reference to the past, as it bears a striking resemblance to the banana-like attire from Final Fantasy 6’s tragic interpretation of Cid confidently struts around in.
Cindy’s Role in Final Fantasy 15
Even though some incarnations of Cid have deviated from their chosen profession slightly, almost every version that’s popped up throughout Final Fantasy’s history has had some form of affinity with science or research. On most occasions, Cid’s have subsequently served as mechanics, engineers and scientists, ever since the moniker made its debut.
While Cindy lacks the specific affinity and passion for airships like her counterparts from Final Fantasy 2, 3, 4, 7, 9 and 10, she does still serve primarily as a mechanic within Final Fantasy 15’s universe. Having succeeded her grandfather to become the head of the Hammerhead garage, throughout the game Cindy upgrades Noctis’ iconic Regalia, in a manner that’s comparative to the role that several Cids have occupied since Final Fantasy 3.
Perhaps most notably though, and in tribute to the moniker’s flying legacy, during Chapter 15 Cindy is eventually the one who enables the Type-F version of the vehicle to take flight. Numerous past incarnations of Cid have given the player's party access to all manner of vehicles, such as airships and boats, which makes this occurrence one of the more unique takes on the trope.
While the character is never playable, and stops short of joining the player’s party like the Cid’s of Final Fantasy 4, 7 and 9 did, she also manages to serve an important gameplay role beyond these upgrades. In addition to occasionally offering intriguing missions and side quests, Cindy will not only repair the aforementioned vehicle if it ever gets damaged or runs out of fuel, but she will also tow it to safety when it inevitably gets stranded.
On the whole, Final Fantasy 15’s most prominent incarnation of Cid manages to walk the line between offering familiar services and roles, whilst still being a breath of fresh air that expands the character’s portrayal into new areas. Having successfully stepped out from her grandfather’s shadow, there’s a sense of fulfillment to this Cid’s story and role that’s unlike most that have come before her.
Historically revolutionary interpretations of Cid have been succeeded by more traditional ones, with Final Fantasy 13’s young beardless anti-hero and 14’s older airship piloting follow-up, being just one example of the trend in action. While it’s all but guaranteed that the name will pop up again in the Final Fantasy 16, that means players could be in for a more familiar version in the PS5 game.
Final Fantasy 15 is available now on PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One.