Zidane Tribal - Reception and Promotion

Reception and Promotion

Zidane was featured amongst three other protagonists of the video game Dissidia Final Fantasy as figurines, including Cloud Strife, Squall Leonhart, and Tidus to celebrate the Final Fantasy series' 20th anniversary.

Michel S. Beaulieu, co-author of the book "Final Fantasy and Philosophy: The Ultimate Walkthrough" described Zidane as a revolutionary, fighting against the upper class, represented by Queen Brahne. The book The Video Game Theory Teader, described his appearance as feminized, referencing his small stature, long hair, clothing with laces, and lack of obvious muscles. She questioned whether heterosexual players may identify less with a character like this, and whether homosexual players may. She added that his relationship with female protagonist Garnet saves him from being considered "abnormal", and that the ultimate goal is for the players to relate to Zidane as best as possible. She added that no matter how the players proceed, Zidane always hooks up with Garnet, and players are encouraged to insert themselves into the character. Because of this, she questions how females and homosexuals would feel about their relationship, which she states would destroy the immersion. GamesRadar listed the relationship between Zidane and Garnet as one of the worst, citing the fact that they were creeped out by their appearance, as well as the lack of chemistry between them. They also listed him as one of the best Final Fantasy heroes, describing him as a breath of fresh air compared to the "uptight anti-heroes" Squall Leonhart and Cloud Strife. GameZone listed him as the seventh best character from the franchise for his enthusiastic personality which distanced him from previous moody Final Fantasy heroes.

IGN editor Ryan Clements described Zidane as a "laid back, flirtatious character and one full of energy and enthusiasm", unlike other protagonists found in Dissidia Final Fantasy. He adds that seeing his "short blades spin in a dizzying frenzy is definitely a sight to behold." GameSpot editor Andrew Vestal called Zidane's "instinctive womanizing" as an amusing trait of his. IGN editor David Smith called him charming, adding that he breaks the streak of "reluctant Final Fantasy heroes", by "injecting a touch of redder blood back into the series". GameCritics editor Erin Bell called Zidane the "strangest looking Final Fantasy hero to date", citing his "nondescript features and monkey tail". However, she did describe him as a hero that is easy for one to understand and sympathize with.