Final Fantasy VIII might be one of the most polarizing games in the genre for a whole host of reasons, but there’s no denying the fact that the game is definitely a great JRPG title when looked at from an objective standpoint. A new Junction system that amplifies gameplay possibilities, a graphical overhaul that was truly breathtaking in every sense of the word, and a story that — while confusing — was enthralling when told alongside a great cast are just a few of the many reasons why many people consider Final Fantasy VIII to be an underrated gem.
One such person from Final Fantasy VIII that shows the complexities and nuances of every character’s personality in the game is certainly Seifer. While he initially starts out as Squall’s rival and a bad guy in general, it’s only through subsequent interactions with him that players realize how deep his character’s motivations really are. That being said, there are still some people who consider Seifer to be poorly written and a bad-for-the-sake-of-being-bad type of character, regardless. Keeping this in mind, here are five reasons why Seifer is actually a sympathetic character, coupled with five ways in which this isn’t even remotely the case.
10 SYMPATHETIC: A Mirror Image Of Squall
One thing that instantly strikes out when it comes to Seifer is that he seems like the total opposite of Squall, even though they wield the same weapon.
From color palettes to personalities — nothing about Squall and Seifer match per se… which is perhaps what makes Seifer such an interesting character in the first place. His motivations seem superficial, but one might argue that being driven for something is better than being like Squall, who doesn’t really seem interested in anything!
9 NOT REALLY: Slashes Squall’s Face In The Opening Moments Of The Game
That being said, one can’t deny that Squall is a great protagonist that comes into his own as the series progresses. So, to see him receive such a major scar in the first few moments of the game can feel quite jarring. This is compounded by the fact that Seifer put a permanent scar on Squall’s face… during a sparring session.
Talk about taking things too far.
8 SYMPATHETIC: His Failures In The SeeD Exam Are Quite Crushing
Being a failure is something that no one wants to feel, and yet so many people endure this experience in their lives at some point or the other.
So, one can’t help but feel bad for Seifer when he continuously fails his SeeD exams — something that can definitely be quite a pain indeed. Although perhaps this isn’t really all that much of a sympathetic cause since…
7 NOT REALLY: His Failures Are A Result Of His Own Hubris
Seifer is one of the most arrogant and overconfident characters in the entire game, and most of his actions are fueled by his own selfish and inexcusable reasons.
So, one can’t really feel all that bad about Seifer failing his exams, since — more often than not — it’s quite apparent that these failures are a result of Seifer’s inability to adjust to anything aside from what he believes to be right.
6 SYMPATHETIC: His Friendship With Raijin And Fujin Is Genuine
Seifer might seem like a completely unlikable character at first glance, but that’s just the side of him that Squall and Co. get to see throughout the game.
The fact that Seifer managed to make two loyal friends in the form of Raijin and Fujin who stayed with him at all times, were prepared to put their life on the line for him, and also begged Squall to bring him back to his senses shows that maybe there’s more to Seifer’s character than most people give him credit for.
5 NOT REALLY: He’s Used His Friends To Further His Own Nefarious Purposes
However, Seifer is not completely safe from criticism here either. It’s great to have friends that are loyal to you and your cause, but it’s not acceptable to twist your friend’s emotions so that they could work with you for your own selfish goals.
This is exactly what Seifer did with Raijin And Fujin. Knowing that they would be by his side no matter what, Seifer used his friends throughout Final Fantasy VIII in the worst ways possible — an action that simply cannot be defended.
4 SYMPATHETIC: Most Of His Antagonistic Actions Were Under A Sorceress’ Influence
For the most part of Final Fantasy VIII, Seifer served as a thorn in the side of Squall and Co. as he tries to steep the world deeper and deeper into chaos.
However, these actions mainly happen when Seifer falls under the influence of Sorceress Edea, so it can still be justified to a certain extent. Or can it? After all…
3 NOT REALLY: The Degree Of This Influence Might Not Have Been All That Strong
As a child, Seifer was enthralled by stories of a sorceress who saved her country from ruin and the knight who protected her. So, one might argue that Seifer willingly let himself fall under Edea’s influence in a bid to make his childhood dream a reality.
The major difference here is that Seifer chose to be the knight of a sorceress who wanted to conquer the entire world, as opposed to what he was amazed by as a child.
2 SYMPATHETIC: Has An Unspoken Respect And Admiration For Squall
Regardless of how Squall and Seifer might treat each other, there’s no denying the fact that both individuals share a begrudging admiration for each other.
Whether it be the subtle respect they show in battle or the fact that Seifer decides to listen to Squall’s advice as a way to move over from the dark side, there’s no denying that the bond between both these individuals is deeper than one might assume.
1 NOT REALLY: Constantly Bullied And Disrespected People From An Early Age
Seifer was a brat from an early age, bullying everyone in the orphanage he resided in before promptly forgetting everything he did because of his overuse of Guardian Forces.
Along with this, he also wasn’t the biggest fan of Quistis and constantly berated her… even though she was his teacher at the end of the day, regardless of age. All of these behavioral patterns indicate that maybe Seifer isn’t really a stand-up dude at all, and deserves no sympathy from the player whatsoever.
NEXT: The 5 Best Things About Final Fantasy 8 Remastered (& The 5 Worst)
