In Final Fantasy Tactics, Ramza’s Back(side) is Against the Wall

The arrival of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles has critics widely agreeing that it represents an excellent upgrade for a legendary strategy RPG. However, this new version fails in one crucial way to preserve the original game’s artistic vision. Sadly, players have seen this story of what they deem to be unnecessary censorship many times before. That said, why must modern video game publishers consistently struggle with the majestic presence of a prominent male backside?

From Thong to Thong Gone

Thanks to the developers, protagonist Ramza’s iconic posterior was censored in the remake’s introductory sequence. The Ivalice Chronicles has now hidden the character’s once clearly defined butt under a literal dark shadow during the opening story. This new shadow operates as the direct opposite of those beams of light that sometimes appear in anime on mainstream streaming services. Joelle, a Bluesky user, first highlighted this specific change to a wider audience with a simple yet powerful rallying cry for the fandom. THAT’S IVALICE’S ASS, she declared.

The Final Fantasy community tends to agree that Ramza’s butt holds a special, slightly memetic status. So, where did this love for the character’s rear end originate exactly? This reputation stems largely from a specific late-game outfit he acquires, which features an exterior thong. Although game designers typically reserve that kind of daring armor for female characters, Ramza undeniably rocks the look well for many players in The Ivalice Chronicles. Specifically, the thong detail itself is hard to see on his small in-game sprite. However, that tiny character model still showcases a notably prominent backside.

No Buns for Final Fantasy Tactics

Despite the censorship in The Ivalice Chronicles, the broader video game landscape remains as openly expressive as it has ever been. While this general permissiveness remains a trend for developers, Final Fantasy players have been disappointed by the unfortunate nerfing of the male posterior.

For instance, the shrinkage of Wario’s formidable posterior in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe didn’t go over well for many. Even the tragic flattening of Solid Snake’s cake in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate left fans expressing their displeasure. If this pattern of censorship continues, developers may need to respond or be overwhelmed by the gaming community’s demand for justice for all unfairly altered butts.