Ventus (Kingdom Hearts)

Ventus (Kingdom Hearts)

Ventus (Japanese: ヴェントゥス, Hepburn: Ventusu?), commonly nicknamed Ven (ヴェン?), is a fictional character from Square Enix's video game franchise Kingdom Hearts. Having first made cameos in Kingdom Hearts II and other related titles, Ventus was introduced in the 2010 prequel Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep as one of the three protagonists. In its story, Ventus is introduced as the youngest apprentice of Master Eraqus who trains him alongside his best friends, Terra and Aqua, to become experienced warriors with the Keyblade. When Terra goes on a mission to find Master Xehanort, Ventus follows him as he starts getting concerned about his fate. As he journeys through various worlds, Ventus learns about his origins and his relation with Xehanort and his apprentice Vanitas.

Ventus was designed by director Tetsuya Nomura who wanted him to have an important connection with the series' main character Sora. Ventus bears a striking resemblance to the character of Roxas, both of whom are voiced by Kōki Uchiyama in Japanese and Jesse McCartney in English. After Ventus' first cameo, Nomura had to state that both of them are different characters, and the reason for such connection would be revealed in Birth by Sleep. Video game websites also commented on Ventus's first appearance, first confusing him for Roxas during development of Birth by Sleep, but nevertheless, his role within the game has been well received.