Rikku - Definition

Rikku is a playable character in the PlayStation 2 games Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy X-2. She is a young, perky Al Bhed girl with blonde hair and a penchant for mechanics and thievery.

Originally named "Ryukku" (リュック) in the Japanese version, her name was changed to Rikku for the North American version.

Rikku has a variety of clawlike weapons, her ultimate equipment being the "Godhand." Her shields are called targes. Rikku's class is most similar to that of a thief from earlier Final Fantasy games, combined with the Alchemist job of Final Fantasy V. Initially Rikku is the only character with the ability to steal and use a subset of items, some offensive like "smoke grenades" or "water gems", some healing or defensive like Al Bhed potions and "light curtains". This, together with her overdrive ability to mix any two items for greater effect, makes her one of the most versatile characters in the party. Along with Tidus, Rikku is one of the two characters who can order the Airship to move in or pull back, when fighting takes place atop it.

Rikku became something of a sex symbol among Final Fantasy fans. She was voiced in English by voice actor Tara Strong, in Japanese by Marika Matsumoto. She was originally to be in Kingdom Hearts, but due to being a main character in Final Fantasy X-2, she was replaced by Yuffie.

Character details

Rikku helps Tidus when he first arrives in Spira, although her Al Bhed comrades are somewhat suspicious of him. She then disappears from the plot for a while, becoming the last character to join Yuna's team of guardians.

Her personality is perky and optimistic, but as an Al Bhed she has suffered some discrimination from the Yevonite majority. The irises of her eyes are swirling green, because she is an Al Bhed.

15-years-old in FFX, Rikku is the daughter of Cid, sister of Brother, and cousin of Yuna. She grows especially close to Yuna as the plot progresses. She does not like lightning and becomes afraid when the characters are traveling through the Thunder Plains.

In Final Fantasy X-2, Rikku is 17 years old and a member of "YRP"—Yuna, Rikku, and Paine. (This trio is part of a group of sphere hunters called the "Gullwings," who are "led" by Brother.) The only playable character from FFX other than Yuna, Rikku is steadfastly loyal to Yuna. It is with Rikku that Yuna discusses her hopes and feelings about the loss of Tidus.