Squall - It's a Confusing Emotion Forum

Topic: Squall

This is the real Squall speaking. Any questions you have about him, you can pretty much ask me. We are so alike, it's almost scary.

O_O

A bit of my history: My parent came from a military family, where she inherited ichy-feet. Almost every year of my young life I found myself in a new city, at a new school, in a new neighborhood. The first move, I cried. I had become attached to my... friends, neighbors, teachers... ect. The next move had found me in less tears and that school and neighborhood, I put in little to no effort into making friends. They all would just leave me anyways...

So I delved into my school work, and did little else. I was quiet but friendly to those who would reach out.

When I heard Squall speaking to Noa at the concert, I felt that he and I were 1. I wish I could have adheared to what Rinoa's logic was, but I realy didn't want to become close to anyone.

Squall is the same. He was tormented by his sister's absence and vowed never to cry again. He would never become so close to another soul, even if it meant being alone... for the rest of his life.

He pushed himself to thuroughly learn the gunblade and excelled within the military setting. He's strong and tough, making a fine leader, but, as a young girl would show him, he is missing out on much.

#1 Dec 28th 2005, 12:02pm

lalalululele

Squall's character I thought was a bit under developed. I think they just don't know what to do with main male characters. They just replayed Cloud's character and used it for Squall.

#2 Jan 01st 2006, 7:36am . Edited May 18th 2006, 12:22pm

Hino Akai

Agreement with Peach-san. Squall's character is Cloud's without the fun quirks. Cloud at least said hilarious things and had funny mental problems. Squall is.... Cloud without a humorous vocabulary and speech style and interesting mental complications.

#3 Jan 04th 2006, 2:33pm

xianghua4kilik

squall is cool but needs more development

#4 Jan 04th 2006, 5:33pm

RubyTuesday13

Here's my thing about Squall: you know those little inner monologues he has when Rinoa's yelling at him in Timber or in the forest before Galbadia? I liked that. I like cynical and smart and an entire lack of bull. But then they spent the entire game trying to get rid of that. Like it was something bad. When it was the only personality trait that they developed at all. Stupid. (That's probably why I don't like Rinoa much either, because I blame her for taking away my cynical Squall.)

...And the collar? Don't get me started.

#5 Jan 06th 2006, 1:19am

Getemono

you guys are all entitled to your own opinions, but i love squall just the way he is. he's serious, cold, and kick **! what they shouldn't have done was add in rinoa. she's such a **. she complained the whole time, and only liked squall cause she thought seifer was dead. stupid cid making a contract like that, to make poor squall stuck with that insufferable complainer. she just wanted to get away from her father, even though he had a good heart. she should have jsut been frozen like the rest of the sorceresses, she's no special exeption. or died in space, that would have been good.

anyways, despite what you people say about squall's lack of humor, he doesn't really have to be funny, he's just angsty, and didn't want anyone near him. why would you be funny if you wanted people to stay the hell away from you?

anyways, i love squall, and hate rinoa.

#6 Jan 08th 2006, 5:53pm

lalalululele

yeah Squall could of been a better character if they din't "redeem" him and made him lose his edge

#7 Jan 09th 2006, 12:37pm

Verdanii

I'm naming my son Squall.

#8 Feb 04th 2006, 10:37am

Phantom Typewriter

One of the biggest problems with Squall, at least in my opinion, is the same as so many other video game heroes that have a rival/opposite in the story: their opposite usually makes just as good a hero as they are. I mean, come on; if things had been a little different, Seifer could have been the hero and Squall would have simply been invisible (which is what he would have preferred). Sure, you can give plenty of reasons from the game why the characters acted the way they did, but most of them were simply thrown in to cover up poor character development.

Personally, I'm convinced that if Squaresoft had actually developed their characters a little more, Seifer would be an even better choice for the hero, not a worse one. Not just FF8, either, but there are plenty of games where the secondary character is a better hero than the main one. FFX comes to mind (Auron was much stronger and smarter than Tidus and everyone knows it), along with Kingdom Hearts, (Go Riku!) and even Golden Sun(though that's a little different, since Felix got to be the hero in the end).

So, in a nutshell, my biggest problem with Squall is the fact that the only real reason he was the hero was because he was forced to be by everyone else. Even during the Dollet training mission, Zell and Selphie followed him because... wait, why did they follow him? Aside from being the main character, was there really any reason that Squall was in charge? Actually, he was probably the worst choice of leader at the time. Cid made him the leader of the Timber mission for an equally vague and essentially meaningless reason, and he stayed that way through the assassination plan, even though they met up with Quistis who, though equal in rank with him, had far more experience as a SeeD. Then they made him commander of Balamb Garden, at which time Squall actually thought the same thing I'm ranting now. Why the hell did they choose him, of all people?

The truth of the matter is that Squall was only the leader because he had a gunblade, and the hero of the story almost always carries a sword of some type. On top of that, Seifer (villainous person) had a gunblade too which made them natural rivals. Aside from those reasons, Squall makes no sense as the hero of the story. If I had to pick, I'd say Zell would have been a better pick to center the story around.

Just as a side note to all you obsessive Squall fans out there, I don't actually have any problems with Squall as a character, but as before stated, I simply don't think he was a very good hero.

#9 Feb 07th 2006, 1:00pm

I think Square was going for the "unwilling, sulky hero" type, like they had done in years past with Cloud, Cecil, and pretty much every main character. In fact, I think that Zidane is the first main character to break that mold. (Hooray for lecherous, monkey-tailed thieves!)

Squall was thrust into his hero position. Given a choice, he certainly wouldn't have chosen it. Quistis does say during the Fire Cavern segment of the game that Squall and Seifer were in a league of their own, surpassing the majority of other Garden students in skill. I think that's why he was chosen as leader for the Timber mission. Of all the available SeeDs, it seemed like Squall was the best choice given the circumstances. Zell is overly emotional and likely to lose himself in his feelings, which could compromise the mission, and Selphie doesn't -seem- like the leader type. (Of course, she turns out to be a competent leader in the Missle Base mission) Nida lacked the assertiveness to be a decisive leader, so I think Cid was just going with who seemed the least likely to mess up. It only snowballed from there. Because Squall was appointed leader for the Timber mission, he became leader of the Sorceress assassination, and by then, everyone just looked to him naturally. He didn't like it, but he had no choice.

Seifer, I don't think would make any better of a hero. Certainly, he does dream of being one, but Seifer's fantasyland is kind of warped, and his obsession with his desire to be great led to his downfall. I personally don't consider Seifer a villian, just a victim of Ultimecia's wrath, or possibly insane. The rivalry with Squall was no help. Seifer is the type to strike out on his own. He wanted to be recognized, but just like Squall, he was considered a "problem student." Seifer's problem is his rash nature and his defiance. (Now that I think of it, they never really explain why Squall was considered a "problem student") Remember that he abandoned Squall and Zell in Dollet. Squall, too, really didn't care much about his comrades until later, but Squall couldn't leave them behind in good conscience. Seifer, I think, would promptly discard his dream to be a hero once he finds out what it really was like, and instead, would forge a path for himself of independence.

And I do so adore Zell. I think the relationship between him and Seifer is deeper and more interesting than Squall and Seifer's rivalry. It's a strange, playful bond, not just an all out "I'm going to be better than you" like how Seifer and Squall are.

While we're on the subject of other characters, Auron was certainly cooler than Tidus, but that doesn't make him a better main character. Auron didn't want greatness, just to carry out Jecht's last wishes and see Yuna through her destiny. Half of Auron's appeal and character is the mystery around him. Making him the focus would compromise his character.

I, myself, maintain that Sora surpasses Riku in greatness, but Riku is kind of like Seifer. An independant who was manipulated through his feelings and aspirations. In Chain of Memories, Riku grows up a little, realizing that he doesn't have to be a hero to be great.

#10 Feb 07th 2006, 3:45pm

lalalululele

Agress that the rivalry thing is overdone.

As for the ideal hero, I think everyone has an idea of how a perfect or unperfect hero should be but everyone's opinions are different. As for me, a main character like Squall bores the hell out of me.

#11 Feb 16th 2006, 6:02pm

Who knows what I'm going to say. Try and make sense of it, if you can, heh...

lol, Squall's boring because he thinks to himself too much, right? hehe, I used to think so too, but then I realize how funny he is, and he's such a hypocrit. During the first dream sequence when he first learns of Laguna's existence, I recall him saying something like, "This guy thinks to himself too much." He was practically b***ing about it!! lol So, Obviously, he's inherited this talent from the man...ah, what nerve! I think the main reason Squall's famous is because of his looks, and then we realize just why FF8 is so popular among teenage girls and middleaged women. It's also because he's the only protagonist of all the Final Fantasies that is a brunet, following the philosophical personality traits of Brunettes Vs. Blondes. Some reason, people believe that blondes are more out-going and carefree...which is something we see each time we get the male protagonist, 'Meg Ryan' lookalike doll, who just always wants to be where everyone needs help and is happy to save the world.. But with Squall, we have this self involved Brunet who spends more time in a daze with his mind than anything, unless of course, it's school related, a very, very brilliant mind, might I add. Personally, I liked Squall, he's different, unlike something we're used to; thus, he IS the "Reluctant" hero after all. In FH, I usually wait until Quistis practically bites Squall head off, forcing him to make a move and rescue that jerk, Mayor Dobe, from the Galbadians... My favorite quote from Squall is this, "It'd be great if arguments could be handled by discussion. Trite and dull as hell though." hehe...

He managed to get as far as he had because he kept his mind occupied on his studies...anything other than that would've driven him crazy, I believe. But I have to say, WELL SAID to the guys two or three blocks before me...I agree. Squall sometimes wasn't the leader material, and that's why I'll stress again, he was the reluctant hero... Even though he was a 'problem student' people still looked up to him Because he surpassed his class in skill. I think the only reason he was labled as problematic is because he refused to follow the dresscode, unless it was absolutely necessary, i.e. the seed field exam.

Squall has what it takes to be a leader, and I believe Cid saw that...he wanted to break Squall out of his shell, so he appointed him leader on several occasions, and after that, well...Squall just continues the leadership role, even when he didn't want to, but by pushing his own feelings away he was able to lead his comrades into battle. The whole point of the story is about Squall growing, filling the gaps of space with comfort and support which he greatly lacked. No one can survive on his own, it is an undeniable fact of life.

I think it's ironic that he became something which he never really set out to be, something that Seifer wanted but could never get because he wanted it to badly...

Geez, there was something else I wanted to say, but I'd better stop here...

#12 Feb 21st 2006, 1:33pm

Ah...technical difficulties...sorry

#13 Feb 21st 2006, 1:35pm . Edited Feb 21st 2006, 1:36pm

I suppose. Squall IS the first and only brunet main character, now that I think of it. He isn't the only non-blond though. He's certainly the most sarcastic one, though. And I agree. Squall thinks to himself a lot, but what it is he's thinking can be hilarious at times, even if he doesn't realize it. And I never noticed the parallel between both Squall and Laguna thinking to themselves that much. Good call.

Squall is, however, the first Final Fantasy hero to be rendered anatomically correct while ingame, (remember blocky Cloud?) plus he was the first to be done in the high quality CGs in FMVs that we're used to today. FFVIII has an attirbute to it that I think helps add to the number of fangirls for it: The main male cast is pretty much all attractive and likable in some way.

Squall is the passive, aloof hero.

Seifer is the handsome, bad boy.

Zell is the sensitive, yet fierce fighter.

Irvine is the smooth, playful charmer.

The other 3D FFs have a smaller range of widely-liked male characters. (Poor Zell gets picked on unfairly, though. He's not nearly as annoying as some people make him out to be. Remember, Zell is love. :D) How many Barret fans do you see around? Steiner? What about Wakka? (I like Wakka. Wakka fangirlism is a lonely, hard road though. :3) The answer is probably anywhere from one to three. FFVIII has four distinctly different guys to fangirl at. As for FFI through FFVI, the characters were all fun and had great personalities, but again, coming back to the 3D rendering thing, there's only so much you can obsess over a sprite. (This doesn't apply to Celes Chere fanboys, of course)

I do also agree on Cid realizing Squall's potential. He probably saw it early on from the Orphanage. Squall is a good leader. He's not perfect, (nobody is) but he copes and knows his duty. What would the other boys do? Seifer would just say "screw this" and walk out. Zell breaks easily, even if the poor kid makes a minor mistake, he freaks out and needs someone to tell him that everything would be okay. Irvine seems too laid back and won't take the job seriously. Squall would mumble and grumble, but he'd still do it, and to the best of his abilites as well. That's one of Squall's best leadership qualities. Of course, Squall brooded and I'm pretty sure even snapped at one point from all the stress from being Commander. I would, too.

#14 Feb 21st 2006, 5:57pm

Triple E

I like Squall but I think one of the biggest flaws that he had was that he was fragile.Not physically but emotionally because when Ellone left the orphanage, he decided to become cold and distant in a attempt to avoid getting hurt again.Can you imagine what would happen if Rinoa decided to break up with him?Squall would probaby be so depressed that he would want to kill himself.

#15 Feb 22nd 2006, 10:51am

LOL, Yeah, I agree! That's why I didn't mind when Cid made Squall the leader (The very 1st time just before the Timber Mission), yeah, it was very obvious from the choices at that time. We had Selphie, Zell, and Squall...A messenger girl, a whiny cadet, and a guy who'd stand by the captain's orders... Obviously, anyone would go with Squall first. Hmm, I don't have much to say but...

Anyway, you're right, each of the male characters has his traits, and they're very accurate as well. I believe its something Square was proud of at the time...they said it was the first of the series to give so much emotional detail to the cast of characters. Yeah, it's also cherished because it was the first of the series to use the CGs, so that would give to the physical appearances as well. (I think it's one of the only games I can go back and play through and never cringe at the sight of its appearance, it still looks beautiful enough to eat, haha.)

-----

Also, I don't think Squall would kill himself if Rinoa left him. I just think he'd further isolate himself from everyone for awhile. Besides, he might need time before he move on with his life, as would any heartbroken person. But you have to remember that Squall has other friends too, and they won't sit by and let him lose himself again. There's more to his relationships than Rinoa, he's made friends too.

#16 Feb 22nd 2006, 11:18am

What I want to see is Squall being forced to spend some quality time with Laguna on a family bonding thing. It would be hilarious. Him, Laguna, and probably Ellone, too. Not related by blood, but Laguna practically adopted her.

Laguna: FAMILY HUG. ^_^

Squall: NO.

Ellone: For me? Please? -Knows that Squall will do almost anything she asks him to-

Squall: FINE.

Laguna: HUGS! -Squeezes the air out of Squall and Ellone-

Squall may be antisocial, but he's not emo or anything. I doubt he'd kill himself over Rinoa as well. He'd be upset for a while, everyone's upset after a breakup. In fact, I never really expected the Squall and Rinoa to last, no matter how happy they looked at the end. Maybe during the Second Sorceress War and probably some time afterwards, but I don't see it as a pernament thing. Rinoa always seems to be trying to get Squall to be something he doesn't want to be. Like she fell in love in what she THINKS Squall is, not for who he actually is. Or maybe she liked him because he saved her life a couple of times.

And there was a HUGE gap in the Squall x Rinoa relationship. At first, he just tolerated her because it was his job, he was bound to do her bidding by contract. Sometimes, I think that he just went along with her ideas just so she'd stop bugging him about it. Then all of a sudden, out of the blue, he starts becoming sappy about her with the "I'll be your knight" stuff. Where did that come from? What did she do to make him fall in love with her? This I still have yet to understand. There was no secret admiration of her perkiness. He downright thought she was incompetent and childish. Did he just decide to randomly start liking it? Or did he put up with it because it was annoying how everyone was trying to set him up with her?

I kind of find it annoying how everyone gives only Rinoa the credit for helping Squall be more open. Everyone chipped in a bit to help. Rinoa herself wouldn't have been able to do it alone.

#17 Feb 22nd 2006, 3:05pm

lol, Squall sounds like Fujin in that examplemajig!

As far as the relationship between Squall and Rinoa, I said this in another forum, so I guess I can say it again here. I think their relationship is based on conveinence, if however, they really ARE in love, hehe. As the game starts out, Rinoa's this carefree girl (Careless girl, I say) who never thought twice about making a dangerous move (Unless of course, we think about the incident in Timber when she didn't want to send Squall and the others up against all those soldiers, something which I wish she would've ordered them to do, I like fighting the Galbadians, they're so easy to beat, lol) and she would continue to obtain her goal step by step to defeat Deling. She was humbled, however, later on in the game when becoming the Sorceress, and a wide threat to the world...she then realized she would have to be protected. And thats why she leans mostly on Squall towards the end.

Squall, on the other hand, has that dangerous fear of being abandoned and left alone, he keeps himself in a shell away from the real world. When everyone starts growing on him, he then realizes it's okay to trust in someone else from time to time, especially in Rinoa, he starts to let go. Yeah, you're right, Raiegki, I don't how or when, but something just snapped and suddenly Squall's jumping out to space for her. For the feeling of comfort, he feels that he must protect Rinoa with his life, for she played a key role in helping him to open up more. It's his Seed duty to protect her from any harm, but also, he chooses to do so. (Honestly, I think it's because of her looks too!! lol)

lol, Laguna is so funny! Yeah, I can definitely picture him doing something like that! lol

#18 Feb 24th 2006, 7:52am

Yeah, I noticed that.

ZOMG, Squall/Fujin shipping!

...not really, but hey, it could work. XP

Galbadian Soldiers = good for drawing magic. Good way to stock up on elemental spells. Draw while you can.

#19 Feb 24th 2006, 4:54pm

I cant, no wont, like Squall. He didnt seem like any type of leader to me. He seriously showed no signs of becoming a leader. Other charachters such as Zell and Seifer showed the strive and determination and the natural abilities to be a leader. He was cold emotionless and relativly stupid. He really pulled an Ace out of his butt to suddenly without any warning become a guy with all the skills of a military genius.

#20 Feb 25th 2006, 10:01pm

It's true, Squall had no natural leadership qualities.

He developed them, learned them, because he was forced to. At first, he was just a person who seemed least likely to mess up and follow orders to their best abilities, after all, he was, as Quistis put it, "in a league of his own." So Squall was put in charge of the Timber mission, if only on the fact that he seemed more qualified than either Zell or Selphie, (the operative word being SEEMED) and it just got worse and worse from there, but although Squall has no inherent ability to be leader any more than Laguna seemed fit to be president of Esthar, he did show promise. He's not a born hero. He's a made one. Squall is, indeed, anti-social and doesn't want to care about others, but inside, he really does, and when he makes decisions, he ALWAYS considers the good of all. Cid wanted to develop these budding potentials further, so he gave Squall control. Kind of like evolution, Squall had to change and adapt to this new life that he was given.

#21 Feb 27th 2006, 3:57pm . Edited Feb 28th 2006, 3:40pm

That's because he wasn't trying to be the leader...he was always forced to be the leader...hence the relunctancy....errgh...like Raiegki said, Zell's too whiny and Seifer's not serious enough to take on that type of role... Well, I guess when all those bad things started happening back to back, he had to push all his goofy feelings aside and take control..

I wouldn't call the guy stupid, but...a little selfish sometimes...hehe.

#22 Mar 01st 2006, 5:50pm . Edited Mar 01st 2006, 5:50pm

He was completely stupid. Also I have a feelin you dont understand what it takes to be a leader. Zell was the most ideal leader because of his need to prove himself. Anger is the most common trait a leader usually has though a weaness it can be your stongest strength. However crying over being called a chicken-wuss is a well I will state like youre supposed to is a punk move. Seifer made sense because of his little dream blah blah blah. Squall of all people showed absolutely no qualities of a leader. Being forced into a position doesnt make you any good at it. You dont just become a leader you either are or arent. Squall obviously wasnt a leader so where praytell did he get these abilities

#23 Mar 04th 2006, 9:53am

Aye, but Squall was strong enough physically and sometimes mentally...even though we, as the player, can read his thoughts, you'll notice he never expresses what he might be thinking aloud to the characters. We know WAY too much about Squall, way more than the other characters around him...and because of that, we see his weaknesses, his feelings, how he might have wanted to act, what he might've wanted to say...you know? If the game played out and we Never got one of those thinking messages for Squall's behalf, we wouldn't have a clue what would be running through his mind, and that's exactly why Squall drove all the other characters insane (He was just So quiet)...

In my opinion, a leader that doesn't show too much emotion is the best. For example, during the war between the two gardens (balamb and Galbadia)...just when Seifer has his pilot ramming Balamb's side...I swear, if Squall had screamed like little girl into the school's PA system (the microphone thingamajig) I would've Died laughing! hehe. ...Okay, so what I'm saying is, if Squall shows that he's afraid, then the others around him will start to feel nervous too. A leader that's never timid, never cocky, nor silent (yes, Squall's quiet, but he talks only when it counts, think about the Field Exam, talking subtracts 5 points from your total score) and a leader whose battle skills exceeds above the rest is well qualified to run.

Anyway, whatever you think of him is your opinion...if you think the guy is stupid, that's you...but geez...we can't change the script of Final Fantasy 8, Squall won't change, he can't change...he will never love anyone but Rinoa, and for crying out loud, stop putting his character down, HE TALKS AND OPENS UP AT THE END OF THE GAME....so what is the big deal? ...I thought he was a Bad A***....lol...but hey, that's just me.

#24 Mar 04th 2006, 6:58pm

A man with emotion leads an Army but the man who cannot identify with those for lack of emotion serve in his army. A leader can identify his troops and his common man. He lost all his bad assitude when he started angsting over that lil ** Rinoa

#25 Mar 04th 2006, 11:39pm

Phantom Typewriter

Squall does have leadership abilities, simply not those of a leader. Confusing much? In a nutshell, he has the ability to coordinate and command when necessary, but he lacks the necessary level of self-involvement to make independant command decisions in any given situation.

In case that's all too confusing, consider this: Seifer always cared about everything he was involved in. He always had an opinion, he always had a desired outcome, and he always tried to achieve it. Squall, on the other hand, never really cared what the outcome was, but he was always able to do what was necessary, which explains why he's such a good fighter. He never hesitates on anything, but he always gets stuck when he's forced to make a decision about something. If you were to tell him exactly what needs to be done and how, he can pull it off flawlessly, without hesitation. If you tell him to make a command decision, he gets confused (and often annoyed, too).

The truth is if Squall and Seifer weren't both out to prove that they're the best, they would make the perfect team. Seifer's always got an opinion about everything, but he sucks at following orders. Squall is great at following orders, but sucks at making command decisions. If Seifer was the leader and Squall was his second in command, they'd be unstoppable.

On a side note, this is another reason why Zell would make a better leader than Squall. He's calm and well-mannered enough to follow orders, but he's able to make command decisions on the fly, without help from anyone. If he just had the experience needed to temper his personality and make him tougher and less emotionally fragile, he would have been the perfect leader.

And on one final note, Irvine seems to round out the balance between the main male characters of FF8. He follows orders when he has to, or when he has someone dragging him along (Like Selphie for example, during the Missile Base mission, or Squall during the assassination) thus making him feel like he has to, but otherwise he doesn't care. He's not opinionated either, and pretty much just goes with the flow, making him the worst leader of the group.

#26 Mar 05th 2006, 2:21am

Well gee, how boring the fantasy would be if Squall didn't do the things he did for Rinoa even if those things were a little over bored are ridiculous at times...ah well, I'm tired of talking about the guy and his **. lol.

#27 Mar 06th 2006, 9:21am

The problem with Squall being a leader is quite simple. He doesnt comman respect. I remember playin the game and sittin there scratchin my head sayin the hell is up with this uppety ** @#$!$. The worst leader would be most likely Rinoa. I know she was never really an option but I cant miss a chance to blow on Rinoa.

#28 Mar 07th 2006, 5:42pm

Well said and nicely done, but I'll say it again...I actually enjoyed having Squall as the protagonist and leader, he wasn't perfect, but he pulled through. It might've been a little half done, but Cid made the right choice in the end. Maybe Cid and Edea knew more about what would happen to them in the their present-future (you know, the events before and during the game) maybe they knew that Squall needed to be in charge in order for the events to happen the way they should've...but do we know this, no...so whatever, I like Squall and his style...I don't know what the heck I just said, but please make sense of it.

----

Shadow, go fuss about Rinoa in her section, okay? If you don't like the guy that much, stop complaining and move along. Geez...

#29 Mar 07th 2006, 6:22pm

Wasnt fussin over rinoa. I liked Squall too just before he started ** me off

#30 Mar 09th 2006, 2:14pm

...Hehe, I know. That was rude of me to say that anyway....

Okay, so, here's my final thought and conclusion, and then I swear I'll stop posting in Squall's block...(I'll probably move on to Irvine since no one seems to pay the guy any attention...poor guy)

Squall's just a teenager, and as such, he's expected to make the stupidest decisions mostly because he's running on his hormones. Those hormones began to pump when he first saw Rinoa, he said her eyes had made him feel calm, tranquil, probably secure. Hey, I just thought about something. At the end when we finally get to see Ellone in an actual FMV, her eyes look similiar to Rinoa's... Maybe Squall liked Rinoa so much because she reminded him of Ellone, though he doesn't consciously remember Ellone at that moment, but sometime down the line his memory comes back to him...yeah, it's sickening, but hey...it's just a thought.

Secondly, in time, I think Squall will grow to be a fine leader, with commitment, discipline, skill, you name it, he'll have it. I don't think any of those guys could've been a good leader, they all were way immature and too beetleheaded to be in charge of so many lives. What's this about Seifer being a good leader, no...after the way he abandoned the others at the top of that communication tower should've been the hint (BIG HINT) that he was in no way eligible for leadership... And Zell, hah, Seifer said it himself, "HE wouldn't last 3 seconds!"...yeah, Zell would crack in the midst of anything serious. I don't care about great of a fighter he is, the guy's just too emotional for that position. And Irvine? I really don't think Irvine will stay as he is, I think he'd be the first to drop the gun and move on to something else...he's just a peacemaker, so he's definitely not a good candidate for a leadership position. Even Squall as he is at the beginning and ending of the game, he still won't be able to do any good unless he pictures everyone attending Garden is Rinoa, then I think Garden will be in good hands. Hah, if everyone were Rinoa...geez...Balamb would be a dangerous, yet peaceful place...

I think if he'd learn to protect everyone the way he does Rinoa, then Squall would be normal. Thinking back to when the party's about to warp through Time Compression, Rinoa's screaming and freaking out, and then Squall's like, "Stay close to me" knowing full well that Everyone else was being pulled through that mess too...what about them? Sometimes he IS selfish, but other times, well, you just can't blame the guy.

Laguna, a man full of words, whose pen is mightier than the sword; Squall, a man of little or no words, whose skill speaks louder than anything else---he also holds a lot of wisdom for someone so young. If he'd share that wisdom, everything would be dandy. Yeah, I'm just musing to myself...

Above all else, it's a fantasy...I believe it's great the way it is...if they changed something about the game, no, anything about the game, it wouldn't be the same...heck, I wouldn't be writing so much about it. Speaking of which, I should get going.

Ciao. (Ah, I lost my train of thought...so whatever you got from that, don't hesitate to let me know...)

#31 Mar 09th 2006, 2:52pm . Edited Mar 09th 2006, 2:56pm

Very astute, Phantom Typewriter. Once I got over my infatuation, I did begin to wonder why Squall was always placed as the leader. The answer is simply this:

Garden trains SeeD to defeat the sorceress. Squall shows the most talent with his gunblade. Further, he is one to follow the rules and is perfectly cold in doing so. He is one who will not sucumb to delusion or emotion. When put under pressure, he becomes capable. He thinks too much, but it's better than not at all; remember the hostile Balamb Garden scene. Headmaster sees this talent and knows it would be most unfortunate not to see him as a leader.

In too many stories, the villan is the mother of the hero. I like it when it is cleverly done (Batman), but nevertheless, it is all so... cleche. :\ Villans are so admired for their ambition and cunning, and the heroes job is to match it. This is the way it has always been, no use in scoring FFVIII for it. Actually, I kind of like it now. It reminds me of an old phrase 'neccesity is the mother of invintion.' Now it seems a natural process, though I woudln't mind seeing the birth of a new kind of hero.

About Squall being Cloud... hell no. FFVII had no character development pretty much at all. Squall may be slightly simular, but he definatly has more to him, more grit and substance.

About Squall's meaness: I too, never found it humorous. It *is* a 'leave me the hell alone' thing. But, you should remember that expressing himself aloud is not a part of his personallity. Wheather it be in meaness or showing a more vulnerable side to him. Rinoa brought this out, and I think, it is for the best.

Right on target, Raiegki Leviathan. I can even agree with your fangirl-theory. People are able to connect with these characters even more so with the addition of finer graphics. Can you imagine if the characters didn't have eyes?

O_O

However, all the FFVIII's main men are *not* anatomically correct. They have short bodies and long legs... but we still love 'em ;P

"Squall would mumble and grumble, but he'd still do it, and to the best of his abilites as well."-- Raiegki Leviathan

You've said everything I have to say even before I get to post...! -_-"

Triple E, he's not fragile... Where did you get that from? He finds ways to adapt. Tough and unrelenting ways... though that can be a bad thing.

I think that Squall and Rinoa's relationship has long term potential... but then again, perhaps I'm just a sucker for love. Oh, and, Stardust Ray, he felt something long before the trip to Lunar base. He began to get her when she began to get him, in FH when all the team was reunited. Or *at least!* when he lugged her heavy ** all the way to Esthar!!!

"think about the Field Exam, talking subtracts 5 points from your total score)"-- Startdust Ray

Dude... I never thought about that... But hell, yeah, he's a baddass!

http://ffartwork.com/contributions/images/$Spikes$-ff8-squall-20030910.jpg

"He never hesitates on anything, but he always gets stuck when he's forced to make a decision about something. If you were to tell him exactly what needs to be done and how, he can pull it off flawlessly, without hesitation. If you tell him to make a command decision, he gets confused (and often annoyed, too)."-- Phantom Typewriter

Waaait a second... You make him sound like he's stupid. The only reason he didn't act in certain situation was because he was following the rules and didn't have the authority. If you ask Squall to make a headmaster-level dicision (like just before the missle base), of course he's going to hesitate! It's not his to make, but in the end, he dismisses his rank and relies on common sence, sending the SeeDs (I sent the SeeDs only) on their way.

Then when he is ranked as headmaster, a position he had wanted nothing to do with, and Cid called it 'destiny'... well, wouldn't that just ** off about anyone?

Another reason why Zell would not make a good leader is his impatience. Think about it.

"...sittin there scratchin my head sayin the hell is up with this uppety ** @#$!$. "-- shadow the red XIII th...

It's about the same with me when I read your posts. Squall commands respect. Why else would Zell, he was so obstinant, go with Squall and Seifer?

Stardust Ray, I have a strong, strong feeling that Edea was having some communication with Ultimecia back when all of them where still in the orphanage.

#32 May 23rd 2006, 12:35pm

I am sorry Tiger, but I am afraid I am the real Squall. I am the anti social lone wolf. Proof being that I wrote in one forum (this one) just to correct your mistake. Sorry, but thats the way it is. If you dont like it, go talk to a wall.

#33 Aug 19th 2006, 4:56pm

Why are you trying to insult me or dismiss my claim? Why don't you say what makes you like Squall?

#34 Aug 24th 2006, 7:30am

I shall. Let me begin by reinstating my claim. I am Squall reincarnate. I am an anti social person, mainly because of my past dealings with friends that I've had to leave behind. After a very good friend left me, I chose to, rather than make and lose friends as others do, detach myself from both emotion and people. I have difficulty expressing my emotions, instead choosing to respond with one word phrases, such as Squall's famous "Whatever" (you may not believe it, but its true). Furthermore, after I finished FF8(age 8) and realized how freakishly alike Squall and I are, I bought(or rather, discovered) a gunblade and began training with it, as well as training with martial arts. I have now become a proficient 'gunblader' and a martial arts black belt. Finally, the greatest similarity between Squall and I is that I HATE the concept of there being a set 'destiny' for me as much as I hate being forced into a leadership position. I have read your reasons Tiger, and realize that there may be some truth to your claim, but I doubt that there can be two Squalls. I have given you my answer...

#35 Aug 24th 2006, 1:20pm

...But if you're like Squall, then there you are. That's pretty tight that you've become a martial artist... and training with a gunblade too. Neat. I will be joining the military soon. Not to one-up you or anything. ;P

#36 Oct 15th 2006, 1:55pm . Edited Feb 09th, 12:38pm

I see. Good luck in your career then.

#37 Oct 15th 2006, 2:09pm

XxRonso-WarriorxX

is it just me, or does squall look lik tom cruise in FFVIII??

Sory I really wanted to say that

#38 Oct 20th 2006, 6:01pm

Eddy Leonhartslover

No! It's just you. I adore him. I think he is a strong character and he does not I repeat does not belong with Rinoa. She is an annoying twit and as someone said before the worst female in video game history. I mean come on in the game where she writes in Selphie's diary that "It's like camp."

I've been to camp. Granted it was several years ago but there weren't sorceresses trying to kill me or take over the world. I get it she went to camp with the Manson family or Michael Myers or perhaps even Freddy Kruger.

#39 May 31st 2007, 12:43am

...eh...another fangirl...

#40 May 31st 2007, 9:41am

Relyob

When she said 'It's like camp." I'm pretty sure she was referring to being in Balamb Garden with a lot of people around here of the same age. Not the outside where everything's pretty insane. But then again, at camp you aren't trained to kill Sorceresses.. I see where she and you are coming from though.

Just expressing my view. :)

Maybe I should say something about Squall, afterall this is a 'Squall' forum.. He's pretty awsome. I really enjoyed the whole SquallxRinoa y'know? She opened him up, made him see that life can't be lived without friends, people to care for you. They both rock in my eyes. ^^

#41 Aug 29th 2007, 5:51am

Soviet Korey

I liked Squall's Character. then and now. I lived in foster care so I semi know what he went through and why he didn't let anyone into his life. Meh it's an issue people do not find out till half-way through the game but some do not look at close enough.

#42 Nov 07th 2007, 2:10pm

memorysong

I was browsing through the FFVIII forums and ended up here...not that its a bad thing, of course. Now let my think, Squall...I thought he was a character with a lot of depth and layers. Throughout the game you could tell there were many things he would never tell anyone else and that left a sense of mystery about him. I just recently wrote a one-shot SquallxRinoa (by accident) and I found it terribly hard to portray his character in a realistic way. I liked that about him. But, like everything, it got annoying at times when I just wish he would tell us what's wrong, so he wouldn't keep repeating "Whatever...". I have no doubt Rinoa opened him up more, but I think he needs to accept himself more.

I think that was what I was aiming for basically in my fic.

#43 Mar 22nd, 8:51pm

The Age of Consent

I'm 99% sure he was the first character in Square history (maybe even RPG history??) to have even a hint of character development. It was a really bold move for Square to take the spotlight off the central plot line (some crazy ho is gonna blow some stuff up) and stick it on Squall and his character's progression throughout the game. People compare him with Cloud but the big difference is that Cloud just sort of, well, sits there. Squall thought, questioned himself, wondered what was going on, analyzed situations and more importantly changed. Even if you don't like Squall, he was an important mile stone in RPG history. He proved that you could have characters that were multi-layered, fascinating, flawed and still likable.

#44 May 27th, 3:53pm