Alright, let's talk real talk for a second. When I'm diving into a sprawling RPG, I'm all about that perfect party synergy, you feel me? It's like putting together a dream team where everyone has my back and the vibes are just right. But here's the thing: sometimes, the story throws a curveball with a character who's, let's just say, not winning any popularity contests. Maybe their personality grates on you, or their recruitment is a total slog. So what do we do? We bench 'em. We send them to the digital shadow realm faster than you can say "random encounter." But hold up! What if I told you some of these so-called "benchwarmers" are actually low-key the secret sauce to dominating the late game? I'm talking about characters who, with a little TLC (and maybe a grinding session or two that'll test your sanity), can become absolute units. These are the unsung heroes, the MVPs hiding in plain sight, just waiting for a player with the patience to unlock their true potential. So grab your controller, because we're about to dive into the roster of gaming's most criminally underrated party members.

9. Gau from Final Fantasy VI: The Wild Card Grind

Man, *