SD) Jessica Albert (Dragon Quest VIII)

Art by Chewygummo

"I can't believe they were still talking about what to do!

What were they waiting for?"

Released in 2004, Dragon Quest VIII saw a number of firsts for the series, including 3D graphics, limited voice acting, and the use of "Dragon Quest" as opposed to "Dragon Warrior" in western regions. It quickly became the best selling game in the series up until that point, particularly in the west, and has received near universal praise from critics, it is frequently brought up in discussions about the best video games of all time, often being citing as among the best in its genre.

Hailing from a wealthy family in the small small village of Alexandria, Jessica often finds herself at odds with her mother due to her tomboy nature and disregard for the social niceties expected of her position. Mistaking the silent hero's group for the people who murdered her brother, she is initially hostile towards the group. She soon realizes the truth, and resolves to join the party in their adventure, much to her mother's chagrin. In newer versions of the game, she's given an optional ending in which she confesses her feelings to the protagonist, marrying him at the end of their journey.

Though serving as the primary spell caster for the party, Jessica is by no means limited to magic. She's skilled in the use of whips, staves, daggers, and swords, giving her a bevy of options in combat. In addition, shes not above the use of her attractive looks, using her sex appeal to the party's advantage. Though often eschewing from the expected norms of her wealthy upbringing, she has a notable sense for fashion, being the only character to actually change her appearance based upon her armor and having a preference for visually appealing weaponry.

In Shattered Destinies, she'll primarily serve as a utility character for the party, capable of dishing out damage or buffing and debuffing as needed. She has a penchant for utilizing poison, giving her even more options and allowing her to serve well in almost any party. While I'd personally see her tone down the use of her sex appeal, especially given her canonical age, it can still be used in and out of combat.

Jessica has a strong sense of justice, seeking to avenge the murder of her brother, though this can be used to confuse or manipulate her. She'd likely be introduced in opposition to the player, being led to believe that the party is responsible for the dimensional catastrophe. It's possible she could even face off against the party in combat a few times before finally being informed of her mistake. Once recruited, she'd be a valuable asset, both in terms of combat prowess and in her ability to reign in the more perverted characters recruited to the cause.