Rikku was designed by Tetsuya Nomura, who also designed other characters from Final Fantasy X and X-2.[1] She is voiced by Tara Strong and Marika Matsumoto in the English and Japanese versions respectively. Rikku's outfit changed from a casual outfit to a skimpier outfit (most notably a visible bra and thong) from Final Fantasy X to X-2. Tetsu Tsukamoto, the alternate costume designer, explains that the change could come from the changes in Spira from the two titles from a "darker, religious feel".[2] The decision to pick Rikku as one of the three female leads came early on in the design process of X-2, due to the developers challenging themselves to create an all-female character party. Yuna and Rikku were the original choices, while a third original character was created to complete the trio. It was rumoured that Square Enix planned to have two sequels to Final Fantasy X - one starring Yuna and one starring Rikku. However, the developers later elaborated that there would be no such "Rikku Version", and it was just a rumour that arose during development.[2] Tara Strong was cast for the role of Rikku by voice director Jack Fletcher after she had worked with him in other roles before. To prepare for the role, she was given the original recordings of Rikku's Japanese voice actor, as well as a description of her from Fletcher and the writers. Strong found it easy to fit Rikku's personality, due to it being fairly straightforward. She found the most challenging part of voicing Rikku to be dubbing the lines to make the characters' voices sound more real. The Al Bhed language was created beforehand, having to be told on a word-by-word basis of what each word means.[3]
[edit] Appearances
Rikku is a 15 year-old Al Bhed who helps Tidus when he first arrives in Spira, but then disappears from the story for a while, becoming the last character to join Yuna's entourage of guardians. She is bilingual, able to speak both English and Al Bhed fluently. Rikku's character class is most similar to that of the Thief from earlier Final Fantasy titles, combined with the Chemist class. She can steal a large variety of items from fiends and bosses alike, many of which can only be acquired through theft. She also is able to dismantle Machina with her theft command. The ability to customize becomes unlocked only after Rikku permanently joins the party. Her attitude is somewhat childish, but is also quite cheerful and positive. An Al Bhed, she is also Yuna's cousin and loves her dearly,[4] and, as such, wishes to prevent her from going through with her pilgrimage, becoming particularly insistent as the party climbs Mount Gagazet toward Zanarkand. She is also the one who informs Tidus that Yuna would die if she summoned her Final Aeon. In battle, Rikku uses a variety of claw-like weapons. After the Calm, Rikku visited Yuna at Besaid often before the events of X-2. Rikku returns in Final Fantasy X-2 as a main protagonist, now seventeen years old and prominently featured as a Thief. She was also the one who convinced Yuna to leave Besaid on a journey after showing her a mysterious sphere featuring a familiar person.
Rikku also appears in Kingdom Hearts II as a miniature fairy version of herself wearing modified versions of her Final Fantasy X-2 attire. Much like her Final Fantasy X-2 self, Rikku is a bit ditzy and good-natured as well as a treasure fanatic like her teammates. Itadaki Street Special features a miniature Rikku in her Final Fantasy X-2 outfit, along with Yuna and Paine.
[edit] Reception
Rikku, as depicted in a more revealing outfit in Final Fantasy X-2. This design has several similarities to the above design, though her clothing is more revealing and her hair is significantly longer. Instead of an orange shirt, she has a small top, as well as a thong.
Rikku has received mixed reception for her appearances in Final Fantasy X and X-2. She won the award for "Hottest Character" in G4's 2004 G-Phoria awards show and the "Viewers' Choice: Baddest Good Girl" on G4's Video Game Vixens in 2005.[5][6] In their review of Final Fantasy X, Just Adventure editors Dawn Johnson and Scott Jelinek praised Rikku, the former describing her as "feisty" and the latter calling her a "female hottie", adding that her spirit "keeps the game lively."[7] GameCritics editor Jason Karney stated that she had improved from her role in Final Fantasy X.[8] Kikizo editor Ben S. Dutka called the trio of Yuna, Rikku, and Paine likable, though specifying that Rikku's "teen brat routine" was grating.[9]
Game Industry editor Todd Hargosh compared her to Christina Aguilera "without the sluttish makeup".[10] Armchair Empire editor Mr. Nash called her the second most annoying character in Final Fantasy X right behind fellow Final Fantasy X character Yuna, commenting that she serves no purpose in the game.[11] She has been compared to other characters in fiction, including the Drew Barrymore character in the Charlie's Angels.[8][12][13] Before the release of Final Fantasy X, RPGamer editor Andrew Long compared Rikku to Final Fantasy VII character Yuffie Kisaragi, citing their similar ages, when they appear in the game, and their thief classes.[14] GameDaily included her in a list of "Ten Babes Who Should and 10 Babes Who Shouldn't Meet Your Mom", citing her sense of humour.[15] They also listed her on their 50 hottest video game women list, describing her as spirited, having an excellent figure, and having a knack for mechanics.[16] UGO editor Locke Webster listed her as the 34th hottest video game girl, stating that in spite of her being only 16, she was still hot.[17] Her voice actor, Tara Strong, has received mostly positive reception for her portrayal of Rikku in both Final Fantasy X and X-2, winning an award for "Outstanding Character Performance" at the Interactive Achievement Awards.[18]
