I think this is a question of design preferences because when I think FF summons I think about how cool it is when the dragon shows up and breathes lasers. No shade to Shiva-fans, you all would mock my non-existant fashion choices so viciously I’d straight up die, but that’s how my cookie crumbles.

Sorry i think of titan first because i like that in 14 hes just a fat rock man 😔

I do love Shiva a lot as a summon but… My first thought is always Ifrit. ovo; In order it would Ifrit, Shiva and then Bahamut that come to mind when I think of summons.

Also, I agree that 10 has one of the best, if not outright best Shiva design.

Nah, even tho there’s almost no screen time of her in 16, imo that’s the best design

hm i only evee played Final fantasy tactics advance soo… i only know her from there… powerfull and annoying summon tho.

My favorite is the chocobo tales one

I like FFX design and the Motorcycle twins

Ryne Shiva in xiv is also quite good but x is the best imo

FFX did the best in the series for a lot of things.

I am wrong because i am biased and think of Alexander

kinda disappointed not even a 15 reference

And then there is male Super Sentai Shiva in World of Final Fantasy

FFX Shiva is also badass af during her ultimate. That definitely plays a part.

How dare you sass ifrit and bahamut like this. Also to a lesser extent yojimbo

I always appreciate the insights on the cgaracter designs, but I don’t always agree with final judgement that TB gives; fair play, that’s the whole point of art.

This time, I agree. FF10 is best Shiva, although I did have a crush on FF8 Shiva when I was little.

Dissidia NT is my fave shiva

If thinking of Alexander first is wrong, I don’t wanna be right

I think shiva in 13 is my favorite other than some of the old sprite/concept work. Shiva is frequently depicted as having many arms, and the twins together function in that role. Also in hindo religion the gods are manifested in different forms so there being “two” shivas works for that. I do think shes a bit proppy, like I wish she looked less like a motorcycle when she wasnt literally a motorcycle. But also theres a lot of hindo visual influnce there and some modesty which insnt present in the ones where she looks like a gatcha waifu

can you make ones for pikmin pls

to me shiva, ifrit and bahamut are like a legendary pokemon trio, shiva and ifrit being contrasting foils and bahamut the leader. they are definetily some of the most iconic summons.

Agreed on all points. I personally really love the Shiva design in Dissidia NT!

The FFX design doesn’t really scream “Ice” to me though, apart from the small bit of Ice on her body her wild mane of braided hair invokes more of a feral water spirit vibe.

Because final fantasy 10 was my first final fantasy and the first my mother played and raised me with I always think of anima whenever someone even mentions summoning of any type, I don’t know why, perhaps it was because of my mother, anima being a mother who gave everything even her life and afterlife for her child, I always felt attached to anima, no matter what, when I was a kid I wouldn’t even let anima die in battle unless it was dark anima because I would cry if anima died so I made it retreat before dying

FFX Shiva is by far the best one in terms of looks and her overdrive, Diamond Dust, looks awesome with the finger snap

I honestly prefer the Amano androgynous vibes, would love to see that in current games.

I’d love to see a more androgynous FFX Shiva

Ngl, a custom bike out of XIII shiva would be sick.

I guess I’m wrong, because I thought of Ifrit and Bamahut as iconic FF summons. I guess I’m just _horny._ (hehe get it?)

THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SHIVA IN 13???

Oh good, your favourite Shiva is X, the best one.

The Faith of the Hymn!!

I’m wrong, but Ramuh says it’s okay

All i can think of when i think of this character is the stink Drawfee got in over a ‘draw other gods in Hades style’ challenge and the person they got to host the episode referred to Shiva with feminine pronouns, and the artist ran with that and FF design inspirations. People went absolutely rabid over it.

Imo, Shivas design in FFXVI is just does it for me. She’s powerful and imposing with her metallic bracers and weapons while being regal with her massive cloak and immaculately detailed dress. She looks like a warrior-queen you would be in awe of

FFTA has the best Shiva for me. She’s still feminine, but she is a warrior with an iridescent set of modest ice armor, a shield and an icicle blade, it’s so well done

Yooo I INSTANTLY recognized the FFX music chanting in the background! Hells yea, who else?

If I’m wrong, I don’t wanna be right. Bahamut will always be the face of summons for me. SPECIALLY after Bahamut SIN appeared in FF7:AC

If you’re doing Final Fantasy summons now, I can’t wait for Bahamut and Ifrit

Love the music choices in the background, giving us a hint at which is your favorite design.

I was thinking Motorcycle when I saw the thumbnail art.

I mean i think of 2 when i think of ff summons, shiva and bahamut

Honestly I think FFX has some of the best summon designs in general.

Elsa is final fantasy made it. Frozen

And this, your full description of Shiva, is why she’s my favorite summon. She is a majestic ice queen.

I liked the original Shiva the most. Before the fem upgrade.

When you said her I was like “oh the pretty lady I made Yuna summon a lot”

Also Shiva in FFX has spots on her wich actually look to be frozen over

He really left out rhe Remake Shiva?!!

probably chocobo and moogles.. does that count? 💀💀 i haven’t played many ff games.. 6 7 and REMAKE and REBIRTH 9 14 and 16 is all i’ve played

Sure whatever
When you talking the most popular summon
Bahamut being referenced in other games and shows?

Her FFX version will forever be my favorite. The way she’s both hot and a badass. Hell, her summon is like: “hold this veil girl, this won’t take long”. As she literally, freezes her enemies and just Snaps her fingers to break them. uggghh, Slaaaaaay ICE queen~~

Androgynous? It’s painfully obvious

The designs in Final Fantasy X (and X2) are all so iconic, so detailed and researched, its hands down my favorite games in terms of character design in the serie

FFX designs are peak from all opuses imo
I loved the chimeras/eons in it, I loved the relationship they had with Yuna, the dichotomy between her and them like “Oh this frail looking girl is going to be easy to defeat… HOLY F* DID SHE JUST SUMMON BAHAMUT ON ME ?”
Always loved her interaction with Ifrit too, Like this GIANT INFERNAL beast arrives and gently takes her into his MASSIVE claws protectively, puts her down gently and then he’s ready to SHRED YOU.
And they tie the chimeras to the plot so deeply instead of just them being there as a wink to the other opuses
Everything good about FFX

The motorcycle twins are. Certainly interesting fr

10 had the frozen heart 2 dont forget. One of my favorite aspects a women with ice for a heart

I’m so glad you’re right about FFX being her best iteration

And 15 looked good too but isn’t here.

I don’t agree. I find 16 to be the best.

I really like ryne’s version of Shiva, but in fairness, that form kinda only 50% Shiva.

Very clever touch transitioning from the general Hymn of the Fayth to Shiva’s version once we get to X’s Shiva. Her summoning sequence, Diamond Dust and general attack/Evade animations highlight everything we love about her. We stan an Ice Queen

Yeah I’ve always liked Shiva but I’d definitely rate Bahamut & Ifrit as much more iconic to the franchise than Shiva.

Yes! Shiva for best summon!

I also love her Final Fantasy Tactics look, where she has a helm, shield and sword made of ice, a very feminine Joan of Arc style look.

If there’s anything i will defend to death from ffxiii it is my lesbian motorcycle

FFX has a lot of the best looks for summons. Ifrit, Shiva, Bahumut, as well as some of the best original summons like Anima, yojimbo, and Ixion is cool too.

Knights of the round for me

FFX SHIVA DOMINATION

ffx is the goat FOR SURE

As a woman with a mane, “women with manes” is definitely one of my favorite genders

I’m sorry but FF16 Shiva is the BEST!!!!

I feel like Gurada’s design history is much more interesting then Shiva’s but I absolute love Shiva. Such a pretty Ice Queen

FFXV was fun.

For me, my favorite Shiva is 14’s eden remix of the character, but that’s cheating on so many levels. 10 is a great pick.

I think XIII is so awesome

Common W for FFX 😎👍

No mention of FFXV, given she was a major character? odd

Hey guys… what does “Lay with dragons” mean…? And why did shiva do it in ffxiv…

Her and Titan are my two summons I think of

I’d argue against Shiva being the most iconic summon after Bahamut and Ifrit, but she’s top 3. And I also get putting FFX Shiva on top, but I’m partial to FFXIV’s take as well. They’re similar in the big hair concept, but XIV’s takes more after her summoner, Ysayle, by being elf-like with giant ice crystals forming a crown in her hair. She’s also more physical, wielding multiple ice weapons in addition to her magic. Top it off with 2 amazing songs, Footsteps in the Snow and Oblivion that play during her fight (3 if we count Return to Oblivion) and more critical story involvement, and I bend toward that version.

10 did have the best summon character designs, at least in my opinion

I think the only more iconic to me at least is bahamut.

Ok but why hasn’t Riot done the unnerving porcelain doll look in the skin line like I think Annie would look perfect and have a bit of a horror aesthetic with tibbles being the stuffed teddy bear look

Honestly I think of Shiva but I also think of Teraflare Bahamut

FFX is one of my favorite Shivas. (Tho I do like XIV’s, but thats more for story reasoning LMAO) . 10 just, hits every note perfectly to me. Plus her version of the theme is just, chef kiss!

14’s version will always stick with me. Both for being the first time I saw Shiva, but also for the character she was connected to.

Not only I agree on what you said about FFX Shiva but I also give points to he being gentle and motherly personality because of her summon animations where she gave Yuna her cloak. Like she’s bad ass but if anyone touches her daughter, she’ll make sure they’ll regret it.

Calling out the unique design of VIII and declaring X the best one. Yes, absolutely the correct opinion! ❤

Not a big fan of 16 but i really love her design there. The fact that she is attached to an actual character and not just a summon i think makes her more endearing.

Talking about Shiva, I think it’s very important to remember they picked that mythological figure (which has no real-world connection to ice, unlike Ifrit/Garuda/Titan with their respective elements) specifically for a pun on the Japanese pronunciation of the English word “Shiver”.

in type zero, she has the most humanoid appearance, with light humanlike flesh, rollerblade like wheels, and a cute miniskirt. i actually like how she’s sort of related to FF13’s version, also being an Eidolon in the Crystallis universe, having some mechanical, cog like parts to reference coming from Etro.

I preferred when shiva was more androgynous

is Shiva from FFX the best version of Final Fantasy Shiva or are you wrong /lh

FFX is my favorite iterations of almost ALL the Aeons.

Final fantasy xiii mention!!!!! :0000

XIV’s Shiva has an awesome look but loses a lot for being Worfed throughout the story; never being allowed to outright win at things, because having her fall just short is being used to pave the way for the impressiveness of your victory.

To be fair. If theres a version of someone in 10 its the best one.

Also wheres the world of final fantasy? Those are great shivas, plus the male Shiva

FFX Shiva also gets points to being mamy lesbians sexual awakening!

Okay, but I do love the weirdly sexy Motorcycle Twins? Like, it’s such a wild and out there version that I can’t *help* but adore it, even if it fails to be *properly* sexy or Intimidating.

I would love to hear your take on FFVI design someday. Your 7 analysis is already incredible and I want to hear your analysis on the crew from arguably one of the best snes jrpgs out there. But even if you do not your content is stellar as always! Ty!

I’m surprised at no mention of FFTA Shiva.

FFXIII Shiva is a Bayonetta enemy

Oh, Skyen is swinging for the hornet nests by declaring any one primals incantation as their best and I am all here for it!

Ifrit Shiva and Bahamut are probably the most iconic… with Odin taking 2nd

X’s summon designs just do not miss

FINGER. SNAP.

As shit the game is, FFXV for me, has the best depiction of Shiva. So cold, elegant, majestic and sexi. The design resembles a lot of the first design from FF but colder as far as it is only white and light blue.

I love the story told by the summons in X foreshadowing the fate of a summoner who uses the ultimate summon. The first two summons are affectionate. Then you hit Shiva who barely acknowledges the summoner (“Hold this.”).

Summons analysis let’s gooo

Shiva is nice, though I often find her outclassed by Leviathan in power.

Personally my favorite Shiva is from FF12, just a total beauty there

Shiva in X was literally : Hold my cloak

I… might think of Shiva first, but now that it’s said out loud I really don’t know… I think she left an impression from ffv

I think of ifrift and rammuh almost as much

Best she’s ever looked? Gurl she’s the best period.

LETS GO MOTORCYCLE SHIVA!!!!

It’s just unfortunate Yoshi P keep screwing her over in when she (specifically the user) tries to do something important.

Every time I hear Shiva, I get ptsd moments of E8 Savage. Goddammit Ryne!

XIV also does two interesting things, the first is that Shiva is a historical figure within the world who was just a normal woman and not any kind of divinity, so the summoned Shiva’s design is moreso how her summoner, Ysayle, imagined her. The second is in the Eden raids when Ryne takes on the burden of summoning Shiva. She goes through three different designs, the first is the classic ice goddess, inspired by the Warrior of Light’s memory of Ysayle, the second looks like the goddess Hydaelyn, but specifically the one from the murals that Ryne saw, and the third is Ryne enveloped by the dragon Hraesvelgr, representing the original Shiva and her romantic bond with him.

SPITTING FACTS FFX SHIVAAA

You should do a series in shin megami tensei demon designs

I’m wrong then, I thought about Ifrit.
Then, Bahamut (he’s debuted in Final Fantasy 1, props for that)

I always think of alexander, ifrit or Odin the grand-ness of the event of summoning or the raw primal pow coming from them makes a lasting impression on me

PLEASE tell me this is going to be a series of all the summons and designs from Final Fantasy. I loved the characters but I can’t wait for you to do some of the common summons from the series!

Yes FF10’s Shiva is my favourite take on her. She looks like an embodiment of a primal elemental force. Wild, majestic, divine and just a bit otherworldly. The art direction of FF10 still stands as my favorite in the entire series.

This honestly is a good summary of summon designs over the whole series
Early games established limited and simple yet effective designs
Nomura designs in 7 established the general direction most of the modern games follow
8 did small interesting changes
13 went fuckin wild by making them all goofy ass transformers
10 has the best designs, a mix of following established ideas but detailing and remixing in ways to make it unique

Also, the real answer of the first summon you think of is bahamut…

Obsessed with X Shiva’s hair

monster hunter designs.. when?

So glad you’re finally doing this shorts series. I’ve been really looking forward to it after hearing you talk about it for a while

that finger snap she does in X is the most perfect animation.

And then there’s FFXII haha, but i guess Mateus is kind of the Pseudo-Shiva of that game.

FFXIV’s version has to be my favourite because of the ice crown in her hair, THAT’S a wonderful design if I’ve seen one.

I love x10 version of her

And then FFXII: What about an AIRSHIP

I kinda prefer the first one. This androgynous, Bowie-like design speaks to me better than the other ones

I always think of FFX Ifrit, i love that big fire doggie. But all of X’s summons are iconic

Engagement!

When it comes to Iconic FF summons the three most iconic are Shiva, Bahamut and Ifrit

I just binge through FF1-12, FF7 Remake/Rebirth and 16 all since August with the platinum trophy on each. Just started FF13 on the PS3 two nights ago.

Hard agree, FFX shiva is best Shiva

Ffx shiva lover!? Yeah you’ve won more cool points.

I personally like her Tactics Advanced Design a lot too- there she’s a paladin with a snow themed trenchcoat, ice helmet, sword and shield

I also think of FFX when I think of Shiva. Defo her most iconic design.

Aaaah hymn of the fayth. In the mid of the ff7 rebirth craze it’s nice to hear something from ffx ❤

Even FFXIV Eden Shiva follow this trend, even if her first outfit is more sensible with her armor.

The other ones are… Well.
Does having a dragon covering your private parts counts as clothes ?

I always appreciate a final fantasy x shiva stan

No no no. Ifrit is the face of summons. He not only has the most appearances, but is usually one of if not the first summon. My boy deserves more respect. Even if he isn’t my favorite. 😤

Bike

When I think summoning in FF, I think Shiva+Ifrit+Ramuh+Bahamut+Leviathan+Titan+Carbuncle+Phoenix.

Yes, I played a lot of FFTactics, what about it?

Ten has alot of the best summons.

As someone who hasn’t played any FF outside of the beginning of FFXIV ARR, the first FF summon that comes to mind is Bahamut

FFXIV shiva has to be one of my least favourite even if it’s what I know best lol. I just feel like it doesn’t capture that same… Vibe as other shivas and it’s both overly designed and generic-looking (like, WoW-style which I guess isn’t surprising for ARR) at the same time, while having nothing to do with the in-story concept

It’s also the most mechanically appropriate, most iterations of Summons have them just show up hit everyone and leave. but with FFX they basically become pokemon so her design looking more battle ready matches that

Do Cid next?

Gotta love when your favorite FF is called out as the best in something. I kept looking for the X version the whole video and was delighted to see it was a best for last situation

I guess I was wrong cause I was thinking of ifrift.

I always think of Ifrit myself, but Shiva is always the close second.

Nice, forgetting ff xv Shiva. She had cool ice fairy vibes there and was important in the story.

Wrong answers only
Anima
Bahamut
Eidolons
Ifrit
Leviathan
Odin
Ragnarok
Valefor
Thats all i remember.

The motorcycle twins is my favorite because its just so badass and so Snow Villiers

i just wanna say that when i think of ff summons my 1st thought usually goes to ifrit so i guess im wrong 😅

While I feel like FF4 is probably my favorite FF Title of all time, FF10 is definitely in my top 5 for a variety of reasons; one being the designs of the Aeons. It could be that it was my first FF title where I bothered to pay attention to the designs (because of how front and center they are in comparison to previous titles I didn’t play), but I just found them to be almost like a definitive design of how summons should appear (although I am sad Ramuh got replaced by the Thunder horse, which is still cool).

But yeah, Shiva tends to be a summon I don’t think of much in comparison to other summons. Personally, I loved Ifrit long before FF16 showed everyone else how badass it was while Bahamut is iconic in its own right too. But Shiva had that elegance that most other summons didn’t have. To present itself as god-like rather than this being of powerful destruction.

That and Diamond Dust is just… chef’s kiss. FFX did an amazing job selling the power of the attack freezing everything in a powerful blast before the silence. And then… *snap*

Shiva is a delight. That and I can’t hate who is seemingly the “partner” of Ifrit.

To be fair, Final Fantasy XIII is crazy in all of the things it presents, as if Nomura was told to draw the thing he thought was most cool. The Shiva sisters are the weirdest, but all summons turn into vehicles. The visuals still hold up and when I’m flipping through Final Fantasy music on Theathrythm, XIII’s music is some of my favorite. I recommend it

I’m biased and think of Leviathan first for FF.

Shiva’s always been interesting because she’s essentially the Ice Queen but she’s also most likely to side willingly side with the heroes

I now want to play 13

X is peak Shiva design.

What about the lastest FF designs for it?

FFX Shiva’s snap turned millions of Millenials gay. Myself included

I don’t think

I’ll always have a fondness for XIV’s take, but mostly for her vessel.

Uh…bahamut?

I always found weird that they never tried to make a multi armed Shiva design to pull more close into the mythological reference of her name.

Since each iteration of the summons are canonically the same people, I wonder how they change their appearance from world to world and think of themselves/the protagonists that summons them?

Ngl .. her summon in FF13 in the cutscene with Snow saving the group was OD. Easily one of my favorites for how much of a wild card it was.

The FFX summon designs are the best in general IMO. FFX Bahamut is easily the coolest and most interesting in terms of aesthetic to me

Oh my god, I would LOVE if you did this series for the other FF summons (Ifrit, Ramuh, Leviathan, etc.).

Something I’d like to see in a future incarnation of Shiva is one that leans more towards the Ice Queen aesthetic. Imagine a Shiva decked out in regal robes adorned with silver finery and a crown made of ice, whose very presence causes those around her to shiver and fall to their knees. A figurative and literal cold monarch.

14 appearance is also tied directly into the story and to the way they are handled the primals beeing what people imagine a god is.

10000% agree with this.
FFX shiva was time Square cooking to perfection. I remember first seeing her summon and remember thinking of her being the incarnation fo an oncoming ice age and all it brings.

Eight, fifteen and sixteen makes me assume Shiva’s female because of the relationship with Ifrit. In FF lore, it is now a little bit hard to separate one from another.

FFX Shiva is also where I feel she was at her most powerful.
Not only is her overlimit attack Visually stunning.
But she’s also given to Yuna, literally in the cutting before fighting Seymour.
Which I feel adds a little extra punch to her introduction.

i didn’t even know final fantasy HAD summons for one to be considered icon
i’ll get around to at least playing FF7 i swear

I always find it strange that Final Fantasy summons have next to nothing to do with the mythological deity/character they’re named after. Nothing particularly wrong with it. It’s just funny.

I guess I’m wrong then, because I think Bahamut.

Shiva in ten is GLORIUS

Agreed 100% on the FFX take! Plus I can’t think of Shiva without thinking of that iconic snap during her Overdrive.