Final Fantasy is a long-running RPG series with spin-off games in a variety of genres. The core titles center around colorful casts of likable characters, inviting the player to get to know them and accompany them on their various journeys.
Final Fantasy IV on the SNES (or Final Fantasy II as its US release was then called) was the first RPG I ever finished. I've drifted away from the series in recent years but will always have a soft spot for its worlds and characters.
Rikku is a party member in Final Fantasy X, filling a few different roles. As a cute spunky redhead strawberry blonde, it's not surprising that she's the party's fastest member and provides the Steal ability. And as a technologist, she's adept at dealing with mechanical enemies and can combine items to impressive effect.
But most of what I like about Rikku happens outside of battle. She's energetic, enthusiastic, optimistic, and resourceful. She devotes her full energy to helping (and cheering up) her cousin Yuna and her fellow guardians. She's a good ally and a good friend, and definitely someone I'd want by my side on such an arduous journey.
The viera are my favorite race in Tactics Advance and Tactics A2. I do try to keep my party well-rounded, but I favor my viera clan members over all others.
I love their elegance and grace - other races may have Soldiers or Warriors, but viera have Fencers. They are agile and skillful, with versatile support abilities - they are the only race that can be Green Mages, Red Mages, Elementalists, Spellblades, or Summoners. They wield finesse over brute force, with their deadliest job classes being Assassins and Snipers.
It also doesn't hurt that they are all statuesque bunny girls.