Why do final fantasy characters have blood types?

[orangeapples]

So I was reading through the Final Fantasy Wiki and noticed that there are a number of characters with blood types. I have no idea what function blood type would have in Final Fantasy or even video games in general.

Anyone know why the characters have blood types or know why knowing their blood type would be relevant?

 

[Radoh]

No idea, my guess would be an attempt at fleshing out their characters more, since I can't see any real purpose for them in game.

Unless of course it is a feature of the game they are in, are they all from one game?

 

[Silenttalker22]

As I understand, there's a philosophy in Japanese culture where they believe certain blood types have a degree of relationship compatibility. Like the Chinese calendar animals being compatible with others.

So I think it appeals to that thing where they can look at their favorite character and say "They're cute and fun, and they have X blood type"

 

[GrimSheeper]

It's a superstition in Japanese culture (apologies for the generalization) that blood types influence the behaviour and psyche of the individual so including them seems like an obvious choice for a Japanese role playing game. It's not just Final Fantasy that includes blood types as part of the character creation, but I'm hard pressed to name any.
As far as I'm concerned, blood types are just minor mutations with no effect other than people with a rare blood type being screwed when they need medical donations.

 

[Princess Rose]

So I was reading through the Final Fantasy Wiki and noticed that there are a number of characters with blood types. I have no idea what function blood type would have in Final Fantasy or even video games in general.

Anyone know why the characters have blood types or know why knowing their blood type would be relevant?

Because the Japanese believe that blood type determines personality.

You know how people say someone has a "type A personality" meaning that a person is controlling (aka, they Alpha (A) dog)? Well, in Japan, if you have Blood Type A, then everyone assumes that you have an A type personality. Are you a follower? Then you must be Blood Type B.

I don't remember what blood type O indicates, but that's why JRPG characters have blood types.

 

[Yuri 'Arara']

Exactly like people posted above. It's not any sillier than saying that your birthday defines your personality.

 

[the spud]

Either that whole "Japanese believe in superstitious stuff" thing or some of the hardcore FF nerds (such as myself) demanded to know every last detail about Celes or whatever.

 

[orangeapples]

As I understand, there's a philosophy in Japanese culture where they believe certain blood types have a degree of relationship compatibility. Like the Chinese calendar animals being compatible with others.

So I think it appeals to that thing where they can look at their favorite character and say "They're cute and fun, and they have X blood type"

lol, well I looked up some character's blood types to see if there is a connection.

Squall: AB
Rinoa: N/A

I guess it makes sense though...

 

[JochemDude]

Oke, you learn something every day I guess. I guess it's there because people want to be those walking encyclopedias about their game, I hate talking to those people especially because you know everything is going to be about that game.

 

[Kapol]

What others have said, basically. They actually believe it so strongly that there's a type of discrimination when people are being hired based on their blood types. It's called Bura-Hara I believe. At least, that's what I learned from a Cracked article (so it's level of truthfulness can be questioned). Here's the article in question: http://www.cracked.com/article_18737_6-bizarre-forms-discrimination-that-can-lose-you-job_p2.html

 

[Cheery Lunatic]

So I was reading through the Final Fantasy Wiki and noticed that there are a number of characters with blood types. I have no idea what function blood type would have in Final Fantasy or even video games in general.

Anyone know why the characters have blood types or know why knowing their blood type would be relevant?

Because the Japanese believe that blood type determines personality.

You know how people say someone has a "type A personality" meaning that a person is controlling (aka, they Alpha (A) dog)? Well, in Japan, if you have Blood Type A, then everyone assumes that you have an A type personality. Are you a follower? Then you must be Blood Type B.

I don't remember what blood type O indicates, but that's why JRPG characters have blood types.

Japan follows a different blood type personality culture than that of the classic Jacob Goldsmith theory.
From what I remember:
A = responsible, serious, reserved, patient

B = crazy, angry, impulsive, etcetc

AB = manipulative, cold, calculating

O = friendly, cheerful, sociable

Yeah, Japan's pretty obsessed with it. In almost every medium, all those involved have their blood types released (hell, even actors and actresses).

 

[Lilani]

So I was reading through the Final Fantasy Wiki and noticed that there are a number of characters with blood types. I have no idea what function blood type would have in Final Fantasy or even video games in general.

Anyone know why the characters have blood types or know why knowing their blood type would be relevant?

It's because Square Enix hopes that if they put as much information out about their characters as possible, someone will one day be able to create real, human copies of them.

That, and what everyone else above said about there being a Japanese superstition that blood type indicates demeanor.

 

[jumjalalabash]

I don't too help encourage the fanfic writers or something to make characters have things in common.

 

[Ordinaryundone]

There is a Japanese belief that your bloodtype can be a window into your personality, kinda like astrological signs in the West. A is serious and mature, B is hot-blooded and aggressive, AB is cold and thick-skinned, while O is friendly and well-meaning. It even goes beyond this, where certain bloodtypes are more compatible than others when deciding friends or romantic relationships.

Its basically just shorthand for a character's personality.

 

[cryogeist]

unless they decide to add "blood loss" as a status effect where they need a transfusion there's no point to it other "because we can " unless it's a Japanese thing

 

[FalloutJack]

They're trying to see if we're paying attention.

 

[funguy2121]

My guess? Stat addiction. It's like a centerfold listing her favorite food. 'Cos that's really what we're thinking of when we're (12 years old and we're) looking at Miss February (and we stole the magazine from the Walden Books at the mall. What's a Walden books? Ask your mother).

 

[SckizoBoy]

Perhaps they wish to take special care in the vampires they cater to... maybe some of them are sensitive about what they consume... or whatever...

 

[Guilherme Zoldan]

Blood types in Japan are kinda like Zodiac signs here in the west. Theres a wide-spread belief that it has something to do with your personality and stuff, even though its about as scientific as spoon-bending and crystal healing.