Wakka: The Blitzball Star with a Quiff and a Questionable Moral Compass
Wakka is a name familiar to many who explore Final Fantasy X. He is the guardian for Yuna. He plays blitzball and sports a prominent quiff. Wakka is not just a side character. He brings a unique touch to the game, even if we find that flavor sometimes salty.
Who is Wakka exactly? He hails from Besaid Island. Wakka shines as a blitzball star. The sport combines soccer-like plays with dramatic water and spheres. For many, Wakka embodies the greatest athletes. He is like Michael Jordan or Tom Brady, though perhaps less controversial than them initially.
At 23 in Final Fantasy X and 25 in Final Fantasy X-2, Wakka appears in his prime. He is fit and strong, although some debate his emotional maturity. His appearance? Picture reddish-orange hair styled high, combined with a tall, powerful frame. He certainly looks ready for a blitzball match or an arm wrestling contest.
Voicing Wakka is John DiMaggio. Think of Bender from Futurama; that’s the one. DiMaggio brings life to many characters, including Marcus Fenix from Gears of War and Jake from Adventure Time. He also voices Kimahri Ronso in Final Fantasy X, showcasing his immense range. From robots to blitzball players, he does it all.
Wakka isn’t just any player. He leads the Besaid Aurochs as captain. This team represents Besaid Island, renowned more for losing than winning. Their ongoing defeat provides humor or charm. Despite the team’s lack of trophies, Wakka remains fiercely loyal to them.
Wakka’s views on the Al Bhed are complex and troubling. He holds a strong disdain for machina, linking it to the Al Bhed, known for using machines. This animosity stems from the death of his brother Chappu. Chappu was a Crusader who died using a machina weapon. Wakka’s grief morphed into prejudice against Al Bhed.
Yet, love enters his life amidst this turmoil. Lulu, the skilled black mage, captures Wakka’s heart. In Final Fantasy X, she is 22, and by X-2, she becomes 24. Time passes, and Wakka marries Lulu. They start a family in Besaid, showing that hearts can change, although Wakka’s growth might still be in progress.
The origins of names matter in Final Fantasy. Wakka’s name comes from the Ainu language. It means “water,” reflecting his blitzball talent and sport’s aquatic nature. It holds a lyrical meaning, despite his racist views complicating the picture.
Wakka appears beyond Spira. He joins Tidus and Selphie in Kingdom Hearts. In the Dive to the Heart segment, they gather at Destiny Islands. This crossover offers a fun moment for fans who enjoy familiar faces in new settings. It’s like spotting beloved actors in unexpected cameos.
Now, let’s discuss Wakka’s bigotry. His prejudice towards the Al Bhed becomes evident throughout the story. Many players recognize this troubling aspect of him. Gaming forums discuss it with humor, coining nicknames like “Racist Wakka.” It serves as a reminder that flawed traits exist in even the most fantastical characters.
Completionists have a goal with Wakka’s ultimate weapon. Unlocking this weapon requires diving into the blitzball mini-game. While not essential for finishing the game, it offers a thrilling challenge. For those eager to maximize their characters, his ultimate weapon awaits. Just remember, it takes time and energy in the blitzball arena.
