The 50 Greatest Video Game Villains Of All Time
By Matt Becker
Greatest Video Game Villains – #4 Kefka
Game(s): Final Fantasy VI
Background: The Final Fantasy series is filled to the brim with lore and extensive stories, each entry having numerous standout characters both good and evil. One of, if not the, most notable antagonist of that universe is Kefka Palazzo. Unlike many of the other distant, cold killers in the Final Fantasy Series, the court mage Kefka is loud, short-tempered, and maniacal to the nth degree. While first coming across as just a really strange troublemaker, the game quickly reveals his true, horrific self. Kefka hates literally everything in existence and, to quote Alfred from Batman, just “wants to watch the world burn.” He holds nothing back in his thirst for power as he laughs his way to killing hundreds, ascending to godhood and the end of the world.
Why He’s One Of The Greatest Video Game Villains: Something about weird clowns and jesters always makes for a maniacal villain, and Kefka is no exception. Known for his high-pitched cackle, his one-liners, and clown-like appearance, Kefka is a truely merciless psychopath. He wasn’t born a huge monster or with insane magical powers but is fueled purely by his own rage and psychosis. This arguably makes him even more terrifying than many other villains.
In the Final Fantasy VI story line, he unnecessarily poisons the water supply of the besieged Doma Castle, killing hundreds. He then goes on a rampage, torturing and wiping out espers to harvest their power and eventually gain godlike powers. And what makes Kefka such a great villain is that he actually succeeded in pure world domination. He tore the world apart, and annihilated anyone who defied him. And he ruled like this for over a YEAR before finally meeting his demise. His long-lasting reign and genocidal tendencies are arguably the most maniacal in all of gaming.
Next: 3- Bowser