Final Fantasy 16 has garnered acclaim for various reasons, but perhaps its principal asset is the remarkable protagonist, Clive Rosfield. This character is defined by his stoicism, bravery, and depth, embodying a narrative filled with intricate politics and secrets that unfold as the game progresses. Clive not only delivers memorable lines but also provides an engaging experience during combat, making him a standout hero. A significant contributor to Clive’s charm is the talent behind his voice, the skilled actor Ben Starr.
Ben Starr’s reputation in the voice acting industry is growing, bolstered by impactful roles in Final Fantasy 16, the recent game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and even as Jimbo the Clown in Balatro. While many fans may hail Clive as the pinnacle of Final Fantasy protagonists—largely due to Starr’s performance—there is another aspect of Starr that has recently captured attention: his unique crush on a gaming character that deviates from the norm.
A Unique Gaming Crush: Ben Starr’s Protagonist Preference
Ichiban Kasuga: The Heartthrob of Ben Starr
In a recent red carpet interview with GamesRadar, Ben Starr was asked about his video game character crushes. Known for his passion for gaming, he humorously noted that he has “crushes on most video game characters,”before highlighting a few standouts from the JRPG genre. While one might anticipate classics like Tifa and Aerith to make his list, it was a delightful surprise when he dropped the name of Ichiban Kasuga, the charismatic hero from the Like a Dragon series.
Ben Starr, the voice of Clive in FF16, reveals his game crush 👀 pic.twitter.com/9UUclaVZ9S — GamesRadar+ (@GamesRadar) April 16, 2024
For those unfamiliar, Ichiban Kasuga is the charming lead of the Like a Dragon series, an evolution from the Yakuza franchise. With his distinct frizzy hair and passion for JRPGs, he stands out as a lovable, quirky character, providing a fresh contrast to the more stoic Kiryu. Given Ichiban’s unique personality and good looks, it is easy to see why Ben Starr is enamored.
Starr affectionately describes Ichiban as a “tender lover”and “the perfect partner,”which speaks volumes about the character’s endearing qualities. While many fans might gravitate towards Kiryu—an iconic figure in the series—it’s refreshing to see Ichiban recognized. His compelling narrative and engaging personality provide a seamless transition into the game’s new turn-based combat mechanics, endearing him to players.
Ben Starr’s Passion for Gaming
Diverse Interests: From JRPGs to Other Genres
Ben Starr’s admiration for Ichiban goes beyond surface appeal; it demonstrates his extensive knowledge of the gaming landscape. He frequently lauds various titles, especially in the JRPG genre, indicating a refined taste among his picks. His humorous promotional video for Square Enix, suggesting titles for players to explore next, is a testament to his familiarity with the medium. While Like a Dragon is well-known, it still represents a deeper dive for those less versed in Yakuza’s intricate lore.
It is invigorating to see contemporary protagonists like Ichiban gaining the spotlight, rather than being overshadowed by nostalgia for classic characters. Ben Starr’s outstanding voice performance brings life to memorable characters and shows the potential for newer titles to shine in their own right. Here’s hoping that Starr eventually shares more gaming crushes, allowing fans to discover even more remarkable JRPGs like Final Fantasy 16, which continue to enrich our gaming experiences.
Source: GamesRadar/Twitter, Square Enix/YouTube