Yuna (Final Fantasy)

{{Short description|Fictional character from Final Fantasy series}}

{{Infobox character

| name = Yuna

| image = Yuna.png

| caption = Yuna in Final Fantasy X, as illustrated by Tetsuya Nomura.

| series = Final Fantasy

| first = Final Fantasy X (2001)

| creator = Yoshinori Kitase

| designer = Tetsuya Nomura
Tetsu Tsukamoto (X-2)

| lbl1 = Voiced by

| data1 = {{Vgrelease|EN|Hedy Burress{{cite web |title=Yuna Voices (Final Fantasy) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Final-Fantasy/Yuna/ |website=Behind The Voice Actors |access-date=January 12, 2023 |postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information. |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112061109/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Final-Fantasy/Yuna/ |url-status=live }}|JA|Mayuko Aoki{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2001/10/22/103,1003739823,1999,0,0.html|title=ティーダとユウナがCD発売記念イベントを開催!!|language=ja|publisher=Famitsu|date=October 22, 2001|access-date=August 1, 2012|archive-date=January 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106010848/http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2001/10/22/103,1003739823,1999,0,0.html|url-status=live}}}}

| lbl2 = Motion capture

| data2 = Mayuko Aoki

| lbl3 = Portrayed by

| data3 = Nakamura Yonekichi

| weapon = Staff (FFX)
Guns (FFX-2)

| race = Half Al Bhed

| home = Besaid

}}

{{nihongo|Yuna|ユウナ|Yūna}} is a character from Square Enix's Final Fantasy series. She was introduced as the female protagonist, and one of the main playable characters of the 2001 role-playing video game Final Fantasy X. She appears as a summoner embarking on a journey to defeat the world-threatening monster, Sin, alongside her companions, including the male protagonist, Tidus. Yuna reappears in Final Fantasy X-2, where she becomes the protagonist, searching for a way to find Tidus two years after his disappearance. Other Square Enix games have featured Yuna, notably Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy.

Tetsuya Nomura based Yuna's overall design on hakama, but also wanted to give her outfit something that would flow and so gave her a furisode. Nomura said that her name means "night" in the Okinawan language, which contrasts with Tidus's name, which is Okinawan for "sun". For X-2, the game's staff wanted Tetsu Tsukamoto to redesign her costume to reflect her personality and the game's atmosphere.

Many media critics and fans received Yuna's character well, particularly praised Yuna for her story in the first game and her relationship with Tidus, and her characterization. Despite the critical reception, there was a mixed reception for her role in X-2 due to her redesign and asthethics involving her changed personality.

Appearances

In Final Fantasy X, Yuna is introduced as a summoner from the world of Spira who can control creatures known as aeons with help from spirits known as Fayths.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy X |developer=Square |publisher=Square EA |date=December 20, 2001 |platform=PlayStation 2|level=Besaid|quote=Lulu: The fayth are people who gave their lives to battle Sin. Yevon took their souls, willingly given from their still-living bodies. / Tidus: Huh? / Lulu: Now they live forever trapped in statues. But when a summoner beckons, the souls of the fayth emerge once again. That's what we call an aeon. / Tidus: All that in this room? S-So what's Yuna doing in there? / Wakka: She prays with all her heart for a way to defeat Sin.}} Daughter of the late High Summoner Braska, who destroyed Sin ten years earlier, Yuna embarks on a quest to defeat Sin with her Guardians, Lulu and Wakka.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy X |developer=Square |publisher=Square EA |date=December 20, 2001 |platform=PlayStation 2|level=Besaid|quote=Tidus: We're taking the same boat as Yuna, right? Why do we gotta wait here? / Wakka: Yuna came to this village ten years ago, when the last Calm started. [...] Since then, she's been like a little sister to me and Lulu. But she had the talent...she became an apprentice. Now, today, she leaves as a summoner. / Lulu: This is our journey. We should leave together.}} Yuna must journey to temples across the world, acquire the aeon from each and summon the Final Aeon in a battle that will kill them both.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy X |developer=Square |publisher=Square EA |date=December 20, 2001 |platform=PlayStation 2|level=Bikanel Island – Home|quote=Rikku: The pilgrimages have to stop! If they don't, and they get to Zanarkand...they might defeat Sin. Yunie could...but then she... Yunie will die, you know?! You know, don't you? Summoners journey to get the Final Aeon. Yuna told you, didn't she? With the Final Aeon, she can beat Sin. But then...but then... If she calls it, the Final Aeon's going to kill her! Even if she defeats Sin, it will kill Yunie too, you know! / Tidus: Was I the only one who didn't know...?}} In the meantime, she gradually becomes more open and falls in love with her guardian Tidus as both often talk about their pasts and aspire to see their home, Zanarkand.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy X |developer=Square |publisher=Square EA |date=December 20, 2001 |platform=PlayStation 2|Macalania Woods – Spring|quote=Yuna: I'll continue. I must. If I give up now...I could do anything I wanted to, and yet... Even if I was with you, I could never forget. / Tidus: I'll go with you. I'm your guardian. Unless I'm...fired? / Yuna: Stay with me until the end. Please. / Tidus: Not until the end... Always. / Yuna: Always, then.}} Upon arriving at the place where Yuna can summon the final aeon, Tidus persuades the group to look for another way to defeat Sin without using any sacrifices.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy X |developer=Square |publisher=Square EA |date=December 20, 2001 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote=Tidus: I give up. So what would an adult do, then? They know they can just throw away a summoner, then they can do whatever they like. You're right. I might not even have a chance. But no way am I gonna just stand here and let Yuna go. And what Auron said about there being a way... I think it's true. / Rikku: You'll think of something? / Tidus: I'll go ask Yunalesca. She's got to know something. / Rikku: You really think she'll help you? / Tidus: I don't know, but I have to try. This is my story. It'll go the way I want it...or I'll end it here. / Yuna: Wait. You say it's your story, but it's my story, too, you know? It would be so easy...to let my fate just carry me away...following this same path my whole life through. But I know...I can't. What I do, I do...with no regrets.}} After entering Sin's body, Tidus is forced to kill Braska's Aeon, his father Jecht, and Sin is later destroyed by the destruction of the disembodied spirit of Yu Yevon, who is responsible for reviving Sin after each defeat, allowing an eternal Calm to start in Spira.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy X |developer=Square |publisher=Square EA |date=December 20, 2001 |platform=PlayStation 2|level=Bevelle Temple|quote=Tidus: We'll beat Yu Yevon. / Fayth: If you defeat Yu Yevon, it will end. Tell me, what do you know about Yu Yevon? / Tidus: He's what makes Sin come back! / Yuna: Sin is his armor. It protects him. / Fayth: Yu Yevon was once a summoner, long ago. He was peerless. Yet now he lives for one purpose: only to summon. [...] Even if you defeat[ed] Sin with the Final Summoning, Yu Yevon will live. Yu Yevon will join with the Final Aeon. He will transform it into a new Sin.}} However, Tidus disappears as he is the product of the Fayth, who could not depart until Sin's defeat and has a sad separation from her. In the international version of the game, Yuna finds a blurry video of a man she believes to be Tidus and decides to go on a quest to find him.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy X |developer=Square |publisher=Square EA |date=December 20, 2001 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote=Tidus: Yuna, I have to go. I'm sorry I couldn't show you Zanarkand. Goodbye! / Wakka: Hey! / Rikku: We're gonna see you again...? / ... / Yuna: I love you.}}

In Final Fantasy X-2, set two years after FFX, Yuna is a member of the sphere hunting group, the {{nihongo|Gullwings|カモメ団|Kamome Dan|lit. "Seagulls"}}, along with her cousin Rikku and the silent Paine formed by the Al-bhed members Brother and Buddy, Rikku's relatives. In the game's international version, the Gullwings go their separate ways before the game's opening, with Yuna returning to Besaid Island. The trio then reunites to explore a newfound tower.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy X-2: International + Last Mission |developer=Square |publisher=Square Enix |date=March 13, 2003|platform=PlayStation 2|level=Yadonoki Tower}} In X-2, Yuna journeys to Spira in search of the truth behind a sphere containing a video featuring a man resembling Tidus in prison.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy X-2 |developer=Square|publisher=Square Enix |date=March 13, 2003|platform=PlayStation 2 |quote=Yuna [voiceover]: It all began when I saw this sphere of you. At least, it looked like you. I couldn't say for sure. I thought I might find more spheres like it if I joined the Gullwings. So I did. Oh, in case you're wondering, the Gullwings are sphere hunters, and sphere hunters are, well...this! We fly all over Spira. I'm really enjoying myself.}} During her journey, Yuna discovers the man from the sphere was actually Shuyin, a spirit who wishes to destroy Spira in revenge for the death of his lover, Lenne. Yuna possesses a sphere from Lenne that allows her to replicate her singing and wishes to stop Shuyin's revenge.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy X-2 |developer=Square |publisher=Square Enix |date=November 18, 2003 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote=Shuyin: Lenne. We disappeared together, but when I awoke, I was alone. I looked for you for so long. While I wandered, I realized something: Spira hasn't really changed at all. Everyone's still fighting over nothing. Still dying like they used to. A thousand years have passed, and they can't leave the hatred behind. I'm through waiting. I'll fix it. This world continues to fail us, and what's worse, I failed to protect you. Vegnagun will make that all go away. And we'll fade together again, together. Help me do it, Lenne.}} With the help of Paine's former comrades, the Gullwings defeat Shuyin, who departs to the afterlife with Lenne's spirit sealed in the sphere Yuna kept.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy X-2|developer=Square |quote=Shuyin: A thousand years, and this moment is all we get? / Lenne: This moment's enough. I don't need anything else. Just knowing how you feel is enough. Shuyin, let's end this. Let's go home. /Shuyin: Can we? / Lenne: That was all a thousand years ago. We've come too far to look back now. Rest, Shuyin. Rest with me. Let's go. I have a new song for you.}} Depending on the player's progress throughout the game, the Fayth may revive Tidus so that she can reunite with him.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy X-2 |developer=Square |publisher=Square Enix |date=March 13, 2003|platform=PlayStation 2|quote=Fayth: You heard it, didn't you? You want to see him? / Yuna: Him? / Fayth: Yes. You want to walk together again? / Yuna: Yes! / Fayth: I can't promise anything, but we'll do what we can.}}{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy X-2 |developer=Square |publisher=Square Enix |date=March 13, 2003|platform=PlayStation 2|quote=Yuna: Are you real? / Tidus: I think so. Do I pass? / Yuna: You're back. / Tidus: I am back. I'm home. / Yuna: Welcome home.}} The game's HD Remastered version adds a new audio drama where Yuna becomes a part of the group called Yevoners, whose main temple is on Besaid. In the story, she breaks up with Tidus after telling him she loves somebody else before declaring she will fight the revived Sin once again.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy X – X-2 HD Remaster |developer=Square |publisher=Square Enix |date=March 18, 2014 |platform=PlayStation 3}}

She also appears in Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy, an action game that features several Final Fantasy characters, as one of the characters to be summoned by the goddess Cosmos to participate in a war against her rival, Chaos. For this game, Yuna appears in her Final Fantasy X form, but slightly arranged to fit with the game's cast. Yuna retains her memories from X and tries to make Tidus join her cast only for him to be wounded by The Emperor on his attempt to kill Yuna. Yuna is later killed by the mannekins alongside other Cosmos' soldiers in the end of the 012 narrative.{{cite web|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|url=http://andriasang.com/comtqv/nomura_other_games/|title=Hey Mr. Tetsuya Nomura, Whatchu Up To?|date=February 1, 2011|publisher=Andriasang|access-date=June 14, 2012|archive-date=February 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204122949/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/02/01/nomura_other_games/|url-status=dead}} Additionally, she has an alternative design based on Yoshitaka Amano's illustration, and a wedding dress from FFX.{{cite web|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|url=http://andriasang.com/comtid/yuna_and_third_forms_dissidia_site/|title=Yuna and Many Third Forms at the Dissidia Duodecim Final Fantasy Official Site|date=January 21, 2011|publisher=Andriasang|access-date=June 14, 2012|archive-date=October 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024161609/http://andriasang.com/comtid/yuna_and_third_forms_dissidia_site/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|url=http://andriasang.com/comu4v/dissidia_gilgamesh_update/|title=Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy: Gilgamesh and More Another Forms|date=February 25, 2011|publisher=Andriasang|access-date=June 14, 2012|archive-date=December 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225041129/http://andriasang.com/comu4v/dissidia_gilgamesh_update/|url-status=dead}} Her X-2 regular form was made available as downloadable content.{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/comuzm/dissidia_vaan_yuna/|title=Pirate Vaan and Gunner Yuna Hit Dissidia Duodecim Final Fantasy Next Week|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=April 14, 2011|publisher=Andriasang|access-date=June 14, 2012|archive-date=December 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225043921/http://andriasang.com/comuzm/dissidia_vaan_yuna/|url-status=dead}} She also appears in Dissidia NT as a warrior summoned by Cosmos's heir apparent, Materia, to take part in a war with her rival, Spiritus. However, Yuna is one of many characters summoned far away from the war and arrives well after its completion.

Outside the Final Fantasy series, Yuna appears in Kingdom Hearts II as a pixie along with Paine and Rikku. Bribed by Maleficent into spying on Leon's resistance group from Radiant Garden, the pixies eventually switch sides after being abandoned by the witch and told of Sora's cause.{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts II|developer=Square Enix|quote=Yuna: Where's Maleficent? / Sora: Looks like she ran away. / ... / Sora: Umm, hey...if you're looking to pick sides, why don't you pick Leon's? They can always use help. / Yuna: Does this Leon have any treasure? / Donald: Yeah, lots of stuff! / Rikku: Perfect! /Paine: Come on. / Sora: Who ARE you? / Yuna: Oh, we're nothing worth mentioning. / Paine: Just three treasure fanatics.}} Yuna is also featured in the board game style video game Itadaki Street Special, appearing alongside Auron and Tidus,{{cite web | url = http://www.square-enix.co.jp/games/ps2/itastsp/ | language = ja | title = ドラゴンクエスト＆ファイナルファンタジー in いただきストリート Special | publisher = Square Enix | access-date = March 13, 2008 | archive-date = February 2, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170202223053/http://www.jp.square-enix.com/archive/itastsp/ | url-status = live }} and represents Final Fantasy X in the rhythm game Theatrhythm Final Fantasy.{{cite web|last=Yip|first=Spencer|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/11/12/aerith-snow-vivi-and-faris-are-in-theatrhythm-final-fantasy-too/|title=Aerith, Snow, Vivi, And Faris Are in Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy Too|publisher=Siliconera|date=November 12, 2011|access-date=June 30, 2012|archive-date=September 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929044442/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/11/12/aerith-snow-vivi-and-faris-are-in-theatrhythm-final-fantasy-too/|url-status=live}}

Multiple figures and figurines of Yuna were produced by various manufacturers,{{cite web|url=http://myfigurecollection.net/search.php?character_strict=1&character_id=1742|title=Yuna|publisher=MyFigureCollection.net|access-date=August 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818092424/http://myfigurecollection.net/search.php?character_strict=1&character_id=1742|archive-date=August 18, 2012|url-status=dead}} including a 2001 figure by Square.{{cite web |title=Square Unveils Final Fantasy X Figures |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/095/095828p1.html |work=IGN |publisher=News Corporation |access-date=December 24, 2009 |date=June 14, 2001 |archive-date=March 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311050331/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/095/095828p1.html |url-status=live }} A 2003 audio CD Final Fantasy X-2 Vocal Collections features performances by Mayuko Aoki, Marika Matsumoto and Megumi Toyoguchi, the voice actresses for Yuna, Rikku and Paine, respectively.{{cite web |title=Yuna, Pine and Rikku Make Music Debuts |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/425/425217p1.html |publisher=IGN |access-date=December 24, 2009 |date=June 20, 2003 |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629135629/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/425/425217p1.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web | author=Gann, Patrick | title=Final Fantasy X-2 Vocal Collection – Paine | url=http://rpgfan.com/soundtracks/ffx-2-paine/index.html | publisher=RPGFan | access-date=August 2, 2012 | archive-date=January 16, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116215859/http://rpgfan.com/soundtracks/ffx-2-paine/index.html | url-status=dead}}{{cite web | author=Gann, Patrick | title=Final Fantasy X-2 Vocal Collection – Rikku | url=http://rpgfan.com/soundtracks/ffx-2-rikku/index.html | publisher=RPGFan | access-date=August 2, 2012 | archive-date=January 16, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116213725/http://rpgfan.com/soundtracks/ffx-2-rikku/index.html | url-status=dead}}{{cite web | author=Gann, Patrick | title=Final Fantasy X-2 Vocal Collection – Yuna | url=http://rpgfan.com/soundtracks/ffx-2-yuna/index.html | publisher=RPGFan | access-date=August 2, 2012 | archive-date=January 16, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116215124/http://rpgfan.com/soundtracks/ffx-2-yuna/index.html | url-status=dead}} Yonekichi Nakamura portrays Yuna in the 2023 kabuki play adaptation of Final Fantasy X.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-02-03/final-fantasy-x-kabuki-stage-play-unveils-video-visual/.194505|title=Final Fantasy X Kabuki Stage Play Unveils Video, Visual|website=Anime News Network|accessdate=February 3, 2023|archive-date=February 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203225416/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-02-03/final-fantasy-x-kabuki-stage-play-unveils-video-visual/.194505|url-status=live}}

Creation and development

File:Yuna FFX-2.png.]]

The concept for Yuna was created by producer Yoshinori Kitase, based on an early draft concept for Final Fantasy X of a world where people die when they reach seventeen years of age.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/2013/11/08/final-fantasy-xs-original-idea-reflections-yoshinori-kitase/|title=Final Fantasy X's Original Idea And Other Reflections From Yoshinori Kitase|author=Yip, Spencer|website=Siliconera|date=2013-11-08|access-date=2023-06-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110110139/https://www.siliconera.com/2013/11/08/final-fantasy-xs-original-idea-reflections-yoshinori-kitase/|archive-date=2013-11-10|url-status=dead}} The goal was for a character who was strong-willed and determined without being physically strong.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamestm.co.uk/features/final-fantasy-10-kitase-reveals-the-secrets-of-its-success/ |title=Final Fantasy 10: Kitase reveals the secrets of its success |publisher=Gamestm |date=February 27, 2014 |access-date=March 3, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131034322/https://www.gamestm.co.uk/features/final-fantasy-10-kitase-reveals-the-secrets-of-its-success/ |archive-date=January 31, 2017}} Her name was meant to contrast against protagonist Tidas; while his name meant "sun" in Okinawan, Yuna's name meant "night". The relationship between Tidus and Yuna was always a central part of the plot, though other subplots such as Jecht's arc were later seen by Kitase as more moving.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/yoshinori-kitase-cried-while-playing-final-fantasy-x-for-the-first-time/|title=Yoshinori Kitase Cried While Playing Final Fantasy X for the First Time|website=Siliconera|date=August 2, 2021|access-date=October 12, 2021|archive-date=August 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802123410/https://www.siliconera.com/yoshinori-kitase-cried-while-playing-final-fantasy-x-for-the-first-time/|url-status=live}}

Yuna was designed by recurring artist Tetsuya Nomura. Art director Yusuke Naora created a "tropical" draft design to go with the game's exotic Asian setting that was scrapped by Nomura in favour of a traditional Japanese look.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202108/02228928.html|script-title=ja:『FF10』開発スタッフに訊く20年越しの想い「ゲームを知らない人にも伝わるものを作りたかった」【インタビュー】|language=ja|magazine=Famitsu|date=2021-08-02|access-date=2023-06-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802114018/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202108/02228928.html|archive-date=2021-08-02|url-status=live}} Nomura based Yuna's design on hakama, a type of traditional Japanese clothing. Nomura said that after learning Yuna was to perform a dance called the "sending", he wanted to give her outfit something that would flow. For this reason, the specific type of kimono he chose for her was a furisode, a long-sleeved kimono. She was also given a flower motif using a hibiscus, which referenced her name. The motif of sun and night present in their names also extended to her accessories.{{cite web | author=Knight, Sheila | date=December 13, 2003 | title=Tetsuya Nomura 20s | url=http://flaregamer.com/b2article.php?p=81&more=1 | publisher=FLAREgamer | access-date=April 13, 2006 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709232759/http://flaregamer.com/b2article.php?p=81&more=1 | archive-date=July 9, 2012 | url-status=dead}} The open back of her outfit was left over from a scrapped concept of visible tattoos representing a character's skills and abilities.{{cite book|script-title=ja:ファイナルファンタジーX アルティマニアΩ|title=Final Fantasy X Ultimania Omega|publisher=DigiCube|isbn=978-4-88787-021-5|language=ja|date=October 1, 2002|page=192}}

The positive fan reaction of FFX convinced the developers to continue Yuna's story and those of other characters with Final Fantasy X-2. Costume designer Tetsu Tsukamoto said that Yuna's radical design changes from one game to the other reflected a huge cultural change. Producer Yoshinori Kitase added that they did not want to make X-2 feel like an extension of its predecessor, so they changed the clothing of Yuna, Rikku, and others' to make them seem more active. They accomplished this before creating the story and setting. Because Yuna, Rikku, and Paine live in a more carefree world, the designers wanted them to dress up, a feature that became key to the gameplay. Scenario writer Kazushige Nojima described her new outfit as a "natural reaction to the heavy stuff she wore in FFX". Yuna's singing performance was used to demonstrate the pop feel that the game incorporates.{{cite web |title=Final Fantasy X-2 Developer Interview |url=http://uk.ps2.ign.com/articles/442/442025p1.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718164600/http://uk.ps2.ign.com/articles/442/442025p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 18, 2012 |work=IGN|publisher=News Corporation |access-date=August 2, 2012|date=November 25, 2003}}{{cite web |title=More Final Fantasy X-2 Details |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/26766/more-final-fantasy-x-2-details/ |publisher=GamePro |access-date=December 24, 2009 |date=October 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607145223/http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/26766/more-final-fantasy-x-2-details/|archive-date=June 7, 2011}} Final Fantasy X director Motomu Toriyama said her personality was the result of not having her bear the responsibility of being a summoner anymore. He added that while "she could be seen as a completely different person, ... deep in her heart, she is the same old Yuna".{{cite web|author=Dunham, Jeremy |title=Exclusive interview: Final Fantasy X-2 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/exclusive-interview-final-fantasy-x-2/ |publisher=GamesRadar |date=March 9, 2004 |access-date=June 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114122727/http://www.gamesradar.com/exclusive-interview-final-fantasy-x-2/ |archive-date=November 14, 2013}}

In the games' Japanese versions, Yuna has been voiced by Mayuko Aoki. Hedy Burress provides the character's voice in the English adaptations. Voicing Yuna, Burress remembers trying to translate Yuna's duty, respect, and honor and wanting to retain the gentleness and femininity of her character. When commenting on how the audiences would react to Final Fantasy X, Burress said that she wanted them to participate in the game itself and "transport them into a completely different world" through the voices.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy X International |developer=Square |publisher=Square EA |date=January 31, 2002|platform=PlayStation 2|level=Beyond Final Fantasy: Voices}} Nakamura Yonekichi portrayed her in the 2023 kabuki performances.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/final-fantasy-x-kabuki-shows-off-cast-in-costumes/|website=Siliconera|accessdate=July 12, 2023|title=Final Fantasy X Kabuki Shows Off Cast in Costumes|date=February 3, 2023 |archive-date=July 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712214224/https://www.siliconera.com/final-fantasy-x-kabuki-shows-off-cast-in-costumes/|url-status=live}}

Reception

Yuna has seen generally positive opinions from critics. Magazines have described her as one of the favorite{{cite web |title=And Japan's Favorite Video Game Characters Are...? |url=http://kotaku.com/5035884/and-japans-favorite-video-game-characters-are |publisher=Kotaku |access-date=September 12, 2009 |author=Ashcraft, Brian |date=October 4, 2009 |archive-date=July 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120726181420/http://m.kotaku.com/5035884/and-japans-favorite-video-game-characters-are |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/japans-favorite-final-fantasy-game-according-to-nhks-grand-poll-is-final-fantasy-x/|title=Japan's Favorite Final Fantasy According to NHK's Poll is Final Fantasy X|date=March 1, 2020|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=June 9, 2021|first=Alistair|last=Wong|archive-date=March 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311005829/https://www.siliconera.com/japans-favorite-final-fantasy-game-according-to-nhks-grand-poll-is-final-fantasy-x/|url-status=live}} and best Final Fantasy character.{{cite web |last=Hooker |first=Heath |url=http://www.gamezone.com/originals/2012/01/01/top-10-final-fantasy-characters |title=Top 10 Final Fantasy Characters |publisher=GameZone |date=January 1, 2012 |access-date=July 5, 2014 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303223645/http://www.gamezone.com/originals/top-10-final-fantasy-characters |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=The 25 best new characters of the decade |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-25-best-new-characters-of-the-decade/?page=5 |publisher=GamesRadar |access-date=January 4, 2010|date=December 29, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308144404/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-25-best-new-characters-of-the-decade/?page=5| archive-date=March 8, 2014}} In official Square Enix polls, Yuna was voted the third most commonly favorite female Final Fantasy character in 2013.{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-01-17/square-enix-poll/favorite-female-final-fantasy-character |title=Square Enix Poll: Favorite Female Final Fantasy Character |publisher=Anime News Network |date=January 17, 2013 |access-date=January 21, 2013 |archive-date=January 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130121014816/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-01-17/square-enix-poll/favorite-female-final-fantasy-character |url-status=live }} and the most popular Final Fantasy heroine in 2014.{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/01/06/final-fantasy-airborne-brigade-players-vote-yuna-popular-heroine |title=Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade Players Vote Yuna As The Most Popular Heroine |publisher=Siliconera |date=January 6, 2014 |access-date=March 9, 2014 |archive-date=March 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304004330/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/01/06/final-fantasy-airborne-brigade-players-vote-yuna-popular-heroine/? |url-status=live }} Readers of Game Informer voted Yuna's relationship with Tidus as the best of 2001.{{cite magazine |publisher=GameStop Corporation |date=February 2001|title=2001 Game Awards|magazine=Game Informer |issn=1067-6392}} as well as 16th in a similar poll by Famitsu 2010.{{cite web|title=Snake Beats Mario, Is Coolest Video Game Character Ever |url=http://www.1up.com/news/snake-beats-mario-coolest-video |access-date=January 20, 2015 |publisher=1UP.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131014181754/http://www.1up.com/news/snake-beats-mario-coolest-video |archive-date=October 14, 2013}} In a 2010 ASCII Media Works poll in which Japanese fans would vote whose video game or manga character would like to name their children after, Yuna came second in the female category.{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2010-08-12/20-most-popular-anime/game-names-to-give-children|title=20 Most Popular Anime/Game Names to Give Children|date=August 12, 2010|access-date=August 31, 2010|publisher=Anime News Network|archive-date=August 31, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831105625/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2010-08-12/20-most-popular-anime/game-names-to-give-children|url-status=live}}

In his review of Final Fantasy X-2, Jeremy Dunham of IGN praised the clothing designs, combining "proven and recognizable Final Fantasy styles" with a "revealing neo-modern fashion sense", referencing her warrior costume as a stand-out, and also said that English voice actress Burress's performance sounded more comfortable as opposed to the previous game.{{cite web|last=Dunham |first=Jeremy |title=Final Fantasy X-2 – PlayStation 2 Review |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/458/458474p5.html |work=IGN |publisher=News Corporation |access-date=December 24, 2009 |date=November 7, 2003 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818033412/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/458/458474p5.html |archive-date=August 18, 2012}} Brad Shoemaker of GameSpot praised Burress' voice acting, saying that it brought her fully to life in accordance with the other changes in the character.{{cite web |title=Final Fantasy X-2 Review|last=Shoemaker|first=Brad|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasyx2/review.html?page=1 |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=December 24, 2009 |date=November 17, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107132918/http://www.gamespot.com/final-fantasy-x-2/reviews/final-fantasy-x-2-review-6083743/?page=1|archive-date=November 7, 2012}} The book Packaging Girlhood: Rescuing Our Daughters from Marketers' Schemes described Yuna's appearance as being a "sexy MTV video star", adding that it is a "lesson to girls that being brave, strong, and ready to fight can only last so long – the next adventure is fashion, boyfriends, and sex".{{cite book |last1=Lamb |first1=Sharon |first2=Lyn Mikel |last2=Brown |author-link1=Sharon Lamb |author-link2=Lyn Mikel Brown |title=Packaging Girlhood: Rescuing Our Daughters from Marketers' Schemes |date=May 2007 |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-0-312-37005-3 |page=[https://archive.org/details/packaginggirlhoo00shar/page/243 243] |chapter=Wanna Play? What Girls Do |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/packaginggirlhoo00shar/page/243}} GameSpy{{'}}s Raymond "Psylancer" Padilla called her "the video-game vixen of my dreams".{{cite web |last=Padilla|first=Raymond|title=GameSpy.com - Preview |url=http://archive.gamespy.com/previews/september03/ffx-2ps2 |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=December 24, 2009 |date=September 15, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324030901/http://archive.gamespy.com/previews/september03/ffx-2ps2/|archive-date=March 24, 2009}} Christian Nutt, also of GameSpy, described Burress' portrayal of Yuna in X-2 as superb.{{cite web |last=Nutt|first=Christian|title=Final Fantasy X-2 (PS2) |url=http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/november03/ffx2ps2/ |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=December 24, 2009 |date=November 16, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628204605/http://archive.gamespy.com/previews/september03/ffx-2ps2/|archive-date=June 28, 2011}} Various publications compared Yuna to other fictional characters, including the Charlie's Angels{{'}}s Natalie Cook as portrayed by Cameron Diaz;{{cite web |title=Final Fantasy X-2 |url=http://www.gamecritics.com/review/ffx2/main.php |last=Karney|first=Jason|publisher=Game Critics |access-date=December 24, 2009 |date=January 7, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225113036/http://www.gamecritics.com/review/ffx2/main.php|archive-date=February 25, 2012}}{{cite web |title=Final Fantasy X-2 review for the PS2 |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/ps2/final-fantasy-x-2 |last=Chimp |first=GR |publisher=Game Revolution |access-date=December 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923124444/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/final-fantasy-x-2 |archive-date=September 23, 2012 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Final Fantasy X-2 Preview |last =Hopper|first=Stephen|url=http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/p21274.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080311094802/http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/p21274.htm |archive-date=March 11, 2008|publisher=Game Zone |access-date=December 24, 2009}} and Tomb Raider star Lara Croft, due to her attire and gun-wielding skills.{{cite web |title=First Look: Final Fantasy X2 |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/374/374939p1.html |work=IGN |publisher=News Corporation |access-date=December 24, 2009 |date=October 21, 2002 |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108042059/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/21/first-look-final-fantasy-x2 |url-status=live }} She was included on IGN's list of top 25 Final Fantasy characters, with Dave Smith commenting that while her original appearance made her "fine eye-candy" and her sending scene was one of the best works by the CG studio Square Visual Works, it was the sequel that gave her more confidence and attitude, as well as "a gratuitously exploitative costume".{{cite web |title=Top 25 Final Fantasy Characters – Day IV |url=http://stars.ign.com/articles/874/874551p1.html |work=IGN |publisher=News Corporation |access-date=December 24, 2009 |date=May 15, 2008 |archive-date=May 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517015102/http://stars.ign.com/articles/874/874551p1.html |url-status=live }}

Negative response focused on the character's revealing clothes and singer areas which produced backlash enough from gamers to avoid labeling as an actual Final Fantasy game in contrast to previous more fitting heroes.{{Cite web |last=Leray |first=Joseph |date=May 5, 2007 |title=In defense of Final Fantasy X-2 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/stories/in-defense-of-final-fantasy-x-2-30995.phtml |access-date=October 28, 2020 |website=Destructoid }}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web | last=Raven | first=Red | year=2003 | title=Final Fantasy X-2 – Review | url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/ff/ffx-2/reviews/ffx-2strev3.html | publisher=RPGamer | access-date=July 31, 2006 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015171248/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/ff/ffx-2/reviews/ffx-2strev3.html | archive-date=October 15, 2012}} GameSpot felt that while her character feels rewritten, the caring parts from Yuna remain intact, but still felt the costumes were too skimpy.{{cite web | last=Shoemaker|first=Brad | year=2003 | title=Final Fantasy X-2 for PlayStation 2 Review | url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasyx2/review.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031204085535/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasyx2/review.html | archive-date=December 4, 2003 | website=GameSpot | access-date=July 30, 2006}} Having criticized Burress's acting in the original game to the point that gamers feel the need of hearing to the Japanese actress, Eurogamer thought that the actress improved her work, but felt that Yuna's characterization might come across as too cheesy not only due to the usage of her as a singer involving Jpop most notably the Spice Girls.{{cite news|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_finalfantasyx-2_ps2|title=Final Fantasy X-2|newspaper=Eurogamer.net|date=February 27, 2004|access-date=June 2, 2021|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215922/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_finalfantasyx-2_ps2|url-status=live}} Similarly, GameSpy praised the improvement of Burress despite noticing poor lip syncing. Yuna's quest to Tidus was noted to be a strong narrative to motivate players but he felt such potential was lost as Square instead focused the plot on a series of sidequests which lack appeal.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespy.com/reviews/november03/ffx2ps2/}|title=Final Fantasy X-2 (PS2)|website=GameSpy|access-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031119023335/http://www.gamespy.com/reviews/november03/ffx2ps2/|archive-date=November 19, 2003}} Gaming Age negatively compared the Gullwings with the film Charlie's Angels, panning the former for making as entire game unbearable especially when Yuna starts singing.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028103156/https://www.gaming-age.com/cgi-bin/reviews/review.pl?sys=ps2&game=ffx2|title=Final Fantasy X-2|website=Gaming Age|archive-date=October 28, 2007|access-date=June 2, 2021|first= Patrick|last= Klepek|url= https://www.gaming-age.com/cgi-bin/reviews/review.pl?sys=ps2&game=ffx2}} Despite having mixed feelings about Yuna's traits from X-2, Fanbyte panned Yuna's characterization from the audio drama Will for going back to her original persona, undoing any type of character arc the character went through.{{cite web|url=https://www.fanbyte.com/trending/i-hope-square-enix-never-revisits-my-favorite-final-fantasy-again/|title=I Hope Square-Enix Never Revisits My Favorite Final Fantasy Again|date=May 11, 2020|author=Shepard, Kenneth|access-date=October 31, 2020|archive-date=November 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104074137/https://www.fanbyte.com/trending/i-hope-square-enix-never-revisits-my-favorite-final-fantasy-again/|url-status=live}}