Games of the Year

RPGFan Games of the Year 2023: Best Supporting Character

GOTY 2023 Best Supporting Character Cidolfus Telamon Final Fantasy XVI

Winner: Cidolfus Telamon (Final Fantasy XVI)

The Final Fantasy series has its fair share of lovable characters named Cid, so it’s no trivial statement to say that Final Fantasy XVI‘s Cidolfus Telamon might be the best yet. Powered by a snarky, gravelly-voiced performance from Ralph Ineson, Cid steals the show in just about every scene he’s in. Thanks to Ineson and Clive voice actor Ben Starr, the two characters are authentically portrayed as developing a natural and often funny master/apprentice relationship during their screen time together. For a game that relies so heavily on cutscenes to tell its story, it was essential to get this character (and voice actor) dynamic right — and Final Fantasy XVI nails it.

This Cid is effectively a combination of two previous fan favorites. He’s got some of the sarcastic gruffness of Final Fantasy VII‘s Cid and the noble, thunder-wielding powerhouse-ness of Final Fantasy Tactics‘ Cidolfus Orlandeau. As if that wasn’t enough, the developers threw in some dashing good looks and a rebellious heart of gold for good measure. 

by Aleks Franiczek


Runner-Up: Astarion (Baldur’s Gate III)

Astarion is both a lover and a… biter. Being a vampire, your alluring companion in Baldur’s Gate III walks that sexy/terrifying line. While each companion is wonderfully complex — lovable, yet morally worrisome — Astarion could elicit a wide range of emotional responses in a single breath. How could you not feel compassion toward this day-walking vampire held enslaved by his master’s thrall, who merely desires his freedom? But think of all he could do if he could kill his master and take that power for himself. Oh darling, of course you’re welcome to join him! Astarion is only made more captivating by actor Neil Newbon’s sensual tones. Like him or hate him, you’re likely to fall in love with him. 

by Abraham Kobylanski


Readers’ Choice: Best Supporting Character of 2023

Winner: Cidolfus Telamon (Final Fantasy XVI) (24.9% of votes)

Runner-Up: Astarion (Baldur’s Gate III) (14.7% of votes)

Aleks Franiczek

Aleks Franiczek

Aleks is a Features writer and apparently likes videogames enough to be pursuing a PhD focused on narrative design and the philosophy of player experience. When not overthinking games he also enjoys playing them, and his favorite genre is “it’s got some issues, but it’s interesting!”