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NPC 1. Rufus Shinra

In Remake, we got about a chapter and a half of Rufus Shinra, and he managed to steal the show. In Rebirth, nearly from the jump, Rufus instantly establishes himself as a force to be reckoned with. If I can make a reference to the Star Wars sequel trilogy, (and apologies if I'm channeling LMS) it would've been easy to make him a "First Order" type. All vaguely neo-nazi and fascist. Instead, the devs build a character with a pinch of Elon/tech-bro, a dash of uber-capitalist/stock bro, and a whole mess of "my father sucked and I'm glad he's dead."

Throughout the game, Rufus demonstrates that he's more than just a nepo baby. He's a Succession character, eager to lead the SEPC into a new future while leaving the past behind. This is made especially clear during two excellent early scenes. First, where he calls out the Shinra board for never standing up to his father after dropping the Sector 7 plate. Secondly, during his inspiring inauguration speech at Junon. Maybe it's because it's an election year, but I thought that scene was a chilling mix of inspirational rhetoric and underlying malice.

Rufus really has his own plans and agendas, and isn't so much just a villain to the crew or Sephiroth. At first, Rufus doesn't seem to give a shit about Avalanche or Sephiroth, instead looking to expand the brand through extensive war profiteering with Wutai. Eventually, he too is drawn to the Promised Land, which leads to an interesting rematch of Remake's dual. It's once again a highlight.

Boring #1 maybe, and the Wutai/Lodbro stuff isn't perfect, but I'd feel bad if I gave it to anyone else.