In 2001, "The Beaumont Enterprise" cited Tifa as an example of a strong female character in video games in the wake of Lara Croft's introduction. In 2008, Joystiq named her their top pick out of 20 characters from the "Final Fantasy" franchise they wished to see in Square Enix's crossover fighting game "Dissidia Final Fantasy", describing her as one of the series' "greatest heroines." IGN listed Tifa as the 13th-best "Final Fantasy" character of all time in 2008, describing her as an attempt by Square to "give "Final Fantasy" characters real sex appeal," and someone who "could take care of herself in a pinch"; in a follow-up Reader's Choice edition of the list, Tifa placed first, with the staff repeating their previous comments while attributing her placement on the list to her breasts. In a 2009 IGN article focusing solely on "Final Fantasy VII" characters, Tifa placed fourth, with a comment that while her sex appeal contributes to her popularity, "Tifa helped drive a tradition of tough, independent RPG heroines." Other sources too praised Tifa for that aspect of her character. Mania Entertainment placed her tenth in the 2010 list of "video game women that kick ass," stating that while subsequent games in the "Final Fantasy" series introduced other memorable female characters, "Tifa is our first Final Fantasy girl and holds a special place in our hearts." In 2013, Gus Turner of "Complex" ranked Tifa as the 12th-greatest "Final Fantasy" character of all time, stating that "next to Lara Croft and Samus, Tifa Lockhart stands out as one of gaming's most independent and empowered females ever."