:Squall Leonhart

While previous games in the Final Fantasy franchise involved an ensemble cast, for Final Fantasy VIII the Square staff decided to create a story centered around a hero and the heroine according to director Yoshinori Kitase. The rest of the characters were created to support the relationship between the duo. When asked about what is one thing Kitase would change about the game, he mentioned the FH concert where Rinoa Heartily mocks Squall by mimicking his mannerisms and he raises his hand at her and she dodges. Writer Kasushige Nojima was against this action, claiming a man should not hit a girl.{{cite web|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/11/21/back-to-school-the-stories-behind-final-fantasy-viii|title=Back To School: The Stories Behind Final Fantasy VIII|website=GameInformer|date=3 September 2019 |access-date=February 3, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231130611/https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/11/21/back-to-school-the-stories-behind-final-fantasy-viii|url-status=live}} Square's Hiroki Chiba said the scene in which Squall and Rinoa embrace in space is his favorite in the Final Fantasy franchise due to the use of Faye Wong's song "Eyes On Me" in the background and because he had to adjust every frame to make the scene work.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/04/29/final-fantasy-masterminds-reminisce-about-their-favorite-moments.aspx|title=Final Fantasy Masterminds Reminisce About Their Favorite Moments|date=April 29, 2016|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=April 30, 2016|author=Wallace, Kimberley|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430105150/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/04/29/final-fantasy-masterminds-reminisce-about-their-favorite-moments.aspx|archive-date=April 30, 2016}}

The first illustration of Squall was used to create the world around him. The game's logo that depicted Squall embracing Rinoa was left open for interpretation by players. After Nojima created the scenario, Nomura created the game's introduction movie mostly on his own which left a major positive reaction on the Square staff. In Final Fantasy VIII Nojima wanted to give players insight into Squall's thoughts in contrast to VII, which encouraged players to speculate on them.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy X International |developer=Square Co. |publisher=Square EA |date=2002-01-31|platform=PlayStation 2|level=Beyond Final Fantasy: Event}} According to Nojima, the development staff made Squall "cool".{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q1-2001/012001a.html |title=Interview with Final Fantasy X Development Team |publisher=RPGamer |author=Wanlin, Matthew |access-date=28 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410150424/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q1-2001/012001a.html |archive-date=10 April 2016 |url-status=dead}} In the video game it is implied the character Laguna Loire is Squall's father but Square Enix has never confirmed this idea.{{cite web | author=Maciel, Joshua | url=http://www.rpgamer.com/editor/2000/q1/022500jmb.html | title=Rebuttal to FF8 FAQ Part 2 | publisher=RPGamer | access-date=2007-03-21 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930033401/http://www.rpgamer.com/editor/2000/q1/022500jmb.html | archive-date=2007-09-30}} Nomura designed Squall to contrast with Laguna; while Laguna is seen as a friendly man, Squall is distant and silent. The staff found this problematic and thus Squall was given a character arc of him opening up to others to make the story easier to make fitting for a lone wolf. While at first these two characters' stories run parallel, they would ultimately clashed as conceptualized by Nomura.{{cite web|url=https://shmuplations.com/ff8/|title=Final Fantasy VIII – 1998 Developer Interviews|website=Shumplations|accessdate=January 21, 2023|archive-date=January 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121040712/https://shmuplations.com/ff8/|url-status=live}}

In the original Japanese game, Squall has a tendency to respond negatively to other characters' comments by using sarcastic remarks like "well, excuse me". In the English localization this was turned into a catchphrase known as "whatever".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/gamer-culture/2019/02/12/localization-expert-examines-squalls-overuse-of-whatever|title=Localization Expert Examines Squall's Overuse Of Whatever|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=January 22, 2023|archive-date=January 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122212242/https://www.gameinformer.com/gamer-culture/2019/02/12/localization-expert-examines-squalls-overuse-of-whatever|url-status=live}}

File:River Phoenix.png

Squall Leonhart was the first character Nomura designed for Final Fantasy VIII; he was inspired by actor River Phoenix, although Nomura said "nobody understood it".{{cite web |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/085/085275p1.html |title=The Bouncer Team Talks About Its Mysterious Game |website=IGN |date=2000-09-21 |access-date=2013-08-09 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225074713/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/085/085275p1.html |archive-date=2012-02-25}} Squall is {{convert|177|cm|ftin|abbr=on}} tall,{{cite book | year = 1999 | editor=Studio BentStuff | title=Final Fantasy VIII Ultimania | publisher = DigiCube/Square Enix | language=ja | isbn = 4-925075-49-7 | page=12}} and initially had long hair and a feminine appearance. The scar on Squall's forehead was also left ambiguous although Nomura said it was important for him.{{cite web|last=Coxon |first=Sachi |year=2003 |title=Final Fantasy VIII interview |url=http://playstationjapan.tripod.com/ff8iview2.html |publisher=PlayStation Tripod |access-date=2017-01-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121208165153/http://playstationjapan.tripod.com/ff8iview2.html |archive-date=2012-12-08 |url-status=dead}} After objections from Kitase, Nomura made the character more masculine and added a scar across Squall's brow and the bridge of his nose to make him more recognizable similar to Cloud Strife's striking spiky hair from Final Fantasy VII, leaving its cause up to scenario writer Kazushige Nojima.{{cite web|last=Knight|first=Sheila|year=2003|title=Tetsuya Nomura 20s|url=http://flaregamer.com/b2article.php?p=81&more=1|publisher=FLAREgamer|access-date=2006-04-13|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709232759/http://flaregamer.com/b2article.php?p=81&more=1|archive-date=2012-07-09|url-status=live}}

Nomura's design of Squall included a fur lining along his jacket collar as a challenge for the game's full motion video designers.{{cite book | year = 1999 | editor=Studio BentStuff | title=Final Fantasy VIII Ultimania | publisher = DigiCube/Square Enix | language=ja | isbn = 4-925075-49-7 | pages=46–47}} Nomura created Squall's {{nihongo|gunblade|ガンブレード|Ganburēdo}} and its silver accessories.{{cite book | year = 1999 | editor=Studio BentStuff | title=Final Fantasy VIII Ultimania | publisher = DigiCube/Square Enix | language=ja | isbn = 4-925075-49-7 | page=13}} The weapon is a sword that has components of a revolver that send vibrations through the blade when they are triggered;{{cite book | year = 1999 | editor=Studio BentStuff | title=Final Fantasy VIII Ultimania | publisher = DigiCube/Square Enix | language=ja | isbn = 4-925075-49-7 | page=43}} this inflicts additional damage as Squall strikes an enemy if the player presses the R1 trigger on the controller. Although the weapon was intended as a novel way for players to control weapons in battle, Nomura said he feels it looks odd in retrospect and that it was very difficult to master. According to other staff members, Nomura's idea with the Gunblade was combine the two weapons and expand the sense of strength.

{{multiple image

| footer = Squall's older and more androgynous persona from Kingdom Hearts was based on rejected sketches from Final Fantasy VIII.

| image1 = SquallSketch.png

| alt1 = A sketch of Squall

| caption1 =

| image2 = SquallLeonHeartKingdomHearts.png

| alt2 = Squall's portrayal in Kingdom Hearts.

| caption2 =

| perrow = 2

| total_width = 320

}}

While Final Fantasy VIII does not use voice acting, Squall has a voice in the Square Enix series Kingdom Hearts, in which he is known as Leon. He is voiced by David Boreanaz in the English version of the game and Hideo Ishikawa in the Japanese version. He returns in Kingdom Hearts II and is voiced in the English version by Doug Erholtz, who said he had a "fun journey" voicing Leon and that it was a "really fun role to play".{{cite web|author=Kana|title=Kana's Korner - Interview with Doug Erholtz|url=http://918thefan.com/2010/kanas-korner-interview-with-doug-erholtz/|work=Kana's Korner|publisher=91.8 The Fan|access-date=2013-08-19|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913180209/http://918thefan.com/2010/kanas-korner-interview-with-doug-erholtz/|archive-date=2012-09-13}}

For the Kingdom Hearts series, Nomura decided to use Squall as a mentor character to newcomer Sora. Event planner Jun Akiyama persuaded Nomura to change Squall's name to Leon in order to make his introduction more surprising to the players as he is first mentioned in a letter from Mickey Mouse. The last name Leonhart was removed for unspecified reasons. Meanwhile, some parts of his design were changed to reference Rinoa's, most noticeably the wings in his jacket in order to signify that something happened between the two in the past. However, the real reason for the two being split was because Nomura had problems writing Rinoa out of all Final Fantasy VIII characters.{{cite book|title=Kingdom Hearts Ultimania|page=530|publisher=Square Enix|year=2002}} Leon's design was revised to be more effeminated using the original sketches from Final Fantasy VIII that only appeared in the game's logo.{{cite book|title=3000 Facts about Video Games|page=112|publisher=James Egan|year=2015|asin=B017G6109A}} Although polygons were used alongside other returning Final Fantasy characters, Leon could not return in Kingdom Hearts III which bothered many of the staff members.{{cite book|title=Kingdom Hearts Ultimania|page=737|publisher=Square Enix|year=2019}}

In the Final Fantasy fighting game, Erholtz said that Squall came across as an easy character to understand but felt he was not very emotive. This stoic personality led to Erholtz claim that Squall is fighting an inner darkness as shown by his facial expressions. Erholtz found the game to be fun to do due to all the people he worked with.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8cv3caf0Eo&t=2s|title=DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY NT: Behind the English voicecast|date=23 January 2018 |publisher=Youtube|accessdate=January 21, 2023|archive-date=January 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121042637/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8cv3caf0Eo&t=2s|url-status=live}}

At the beginning of Final Fantasy VIII, Squall is known as a "lone wolf" because he never shows his feelings{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy VIII |developer=Square Co. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation|quote=Rinoa: That's it! Just let out anything! Anything... We want you to talk to us a little more. That's all. Y'know, if there's anything you want to tell us, or anything we can do, don't hesitate to let us know. I know it's not easy, but I wish you would trust us and rely on us a little more.}} and seems unresponsive to his associates.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy VIII |developer=Square Co. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation|quote=Rinoa: Don't you ever worry about or even think about the well-being of your comrades!? / Squall: (I don't believe in relying on others.) / Rinoa: Don't you understand!? / Squall:(...Whatever.)}} His superiors including his teacher Quistis Trepe consider him challenging to deal with but respect his talents.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy VIII |developer=Square Co. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation|quote=Quistis: I guess I was right. You and Seifer are in a class of your own. You both have amazing strength and potential.}}{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy VIII |developer=Square Co. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation|quote=Quistis: Aren't there times when you want to share feelings with someone? / Squall: Everyone has to take care of themselves? I don't want to carry anyone's burden.}} Squall is stoical and his taciturn nature used for comic relief. He is forced into a heroic role midway through the game when Cid, headmaster of Balamb Garden, appoints him the leader of the academy.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy VIII |developer=Square Co. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation|quote=Headmaster Cid: Squall, we're under your command from now on. This is your fate. It is your destiny to lead the way in defeating the sorceress.}} During a late battle against Galbadia Garden, Squall has difficulty leading because of his lingering isolation.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy VIII |developer=Square Co. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation|quote=Squall: (I've had it up to here with this leader thing ... Alright, alright ... I'll choose.)}} Although other characters try to become less reserved and Rinoa Heartilly expends considerable energy pursuing him, it takes time for him to accept the others' friendship, and fall in love with Rinoa.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy VIII |developer=Square Co. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation|quote=Squall: Pandora whatever and Sorceress Adel are out of my hands. I don't know where to look for Sis. The only thing I know is Rinoa. The only thing I want to do for sure right now is for Rinoa. We're going to get Rinoa back!}} Later in the game, Squall becomes more comfortable in a leadership role, especially when he must fight Ultimecia.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy VIII |developer=Square Co. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation|quote=Squall: I don't know what's going on. But since we're still here, I think we still have some time to finish our job. / Quistis: What are we going to do, Squall? / Squall: We'll divide into two parties.}}

Throughout the game, Squall has a rivalry with Seifer Almasy. The two characters scar each other at the beginning but later they are supposed to cooperate; they still quarrel, however.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy VIII |developer=Square Co. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation|quote=Seifer: Well then, Squall. Go see what's going on outside. / Squall: ......Ok. / Seifer: Good. Because it's MY order.}} Although Seifer later allies with the Sorceress, requiring Squall to fight him several times, Squall still feels a camaraderie with Seifer.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy VIII |developer=Square Co. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation|quote=Squall: (I liked him... wasn't really a bad guy... He was one of us...) (Seifer... You've just become just a memory.) (Will they... Will they talk about me this way if I die, too?) (Squall was this and that. Using past tense, saying whatever they want?) (So this is what death is all about...) (...Not for me.) (I won't have it!!!) / ... / Squall: I'm not having anyone talk about me in the past tense!}}

According to flashbacks during the game, Squall grew up in an orphanage with the other playable characters, except Rinoa. The orphans were cared for by Edea; although Squall remembers little about his past, he becomes an emotionally detached, cynical, and introverted boy whose goal is to go through life without emotional ties or dependence.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy VIII |developer=Square Co. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation|quote=Squall: (I don't believe in relying on others.)}} He gradually warms and his detachment from his companions is later revealed to be a defensive mechanism to protect himself from the emotional pain he suffered when he and his older step sister were separated.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy VIII |developer=Square Co. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation|quote=Squall: I worry too much about what others think of me. I hate that side of me ... That's why I didn't want anyone to get to know me. I wanted to hide that side of myself. I hate it. Squall is an unfriendly, introverted guy. It made it easy for me when people perceived me that way. That's a secret between you and me. Got that?}}

After Ultimecia is defeated, the time and space she had absorbed begin to return to normal, pulling Squall's comrades back into their places in the timeline while Squall returns to the orphanage and meets a younger Edea.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy VIII |developer=Square Co. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation|quote=Edea: It's ok. There's no need to fight. That sorceress is just looking for someone to pass her power on to. In order to die in peace, a sorceress must free of all her powers. I know ... for I am one, too. I shall take over that sorceress' powers. I do not want one of the children to become one.}} Squall plants the ideas for Garden and SeeD in her mind, creating an origin paradox; Squall must become the leader of Balamb Garden so he can pass its version of SeeD tradition to Edea, who teaches them to her husband Cid, who co-founds Balamb Garden, which admits Edea's orphans—including Squall.{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy VIII |developer=Square Co. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation|quote=Edea: SeeD? Garden? / Squall: Both Garden and SeeD were your ideas. Garden trains SeeDs. SeeDs are trained to defeat the sorceress. / Edea: What are you saying? You're ... that boy from the future?}}

Squall appears as a non-playable character in Kingdom Hearts, in which he wears a short leather jacket with red wings on the back and a Griever necklace. Squall takes the name Leon as an alias because he is ashamed of not protecting those he loved from the Heartless when his home world the Radiant Garden was consumed by darkness.{{cite video game | title = Kingdom Hearts | developer = Square | publisher = Square Electronic Arts | date= 2002-11-15 | platform= PlayStation 2 | quote=A swordsman who wields the gunblade. His real name: Squall Leonheart. He escaped to Traverse Town when the Heartless raided his home world. To part with his old self, a man who had been helpless to stop them, he changed his name.}} His role in Kingdom Hearts is to help guide the protagonist Sora in his battle against the Heartless. Although Squall's appearance and age differ—he is 25 in Kingdom Hearts—{{cite web | year=2002 | title=Kingdom Hearts | url=http://na.square-enix.com/games/kingdomhearts/index1.html | publisher=Square Enix | access-date=2013-08-09 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116203714/http://archive.na.square-enix.com//games/kingdomhearts/index1.html | archive-date=2014-01-16}} and 17 in Final Fantasy VIII),{{cite book | year=1999 | editor=Square Electronic Arts | title=Final Fantasy VIII North American instruction manual | pages=28, 33–35 | publisher=Square Electronic Arts | id=SLUS-00892GH}} his personality remains the same. A memory-based version of Squall (as Leon) appears in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories teaching gameplay in a tutorial.{{cite video game | title=Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories | developer = Jupiter | publisher = Square Enix U.S.A., Disney Interactive | date=2004-12-07 | platform=Game Boy Advance | quote=Leon: Well, let's get on with it. Come on, follow me. Be careful, though. There are still Heartless wandering around town. I'd better teach you how to protect yourself in battle.}} In the sequel Kingdom Hearts II game, he works with his friends to restore their world alongside Sora while facing the army of Heartless creatures used by the villains, Organization XIII.{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts II|developer=Square Enix|publisher=Square Enix U.S.A., Buena Vista Games |date=2006-08-28 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote=Leon: We want to restore Hollow Bastion to what it used to be. Who knows---maybe even something better. There's still a lot to do, but I'm sure we can handle everything--- Except...for that...}} Squall also appears as an opponent in Olympus Coliseum tournaments, where he is often paired with other Final Fantasy characters. His virtual replica appears in Kingdom Hearts coded, in which it meets Sora's virtual replica.{{cite video game|title=Kingdom Hearts Re:coded|developer=Square Enix, h.a.n.d.|publisher=Square Enix|date=2011-01-11|platform=Nintendo DS|quote=Leon: The name's...Leon. I wanted to help with the blocks, but something else needed my attention first.}} Leon's latest appearance is in the Remind DLC of Kingdom Hearts III as a cameo.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/kingdom-hearts-3-dlc-final-fantasy-screenshots-show-off-returning-characters/|title=Kingdom Hearts III DLC Screenshots Show Off Final Fantasy Characters and Other Familiar Faces|website=Siliconera|date=11 December 2019|accessdate=March 1, 2022|archive-date=1 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301142256/https://www.siliconera.com/kingdom-hearts-3-dlc-final-fantasy-screenshots-show-off-returning-characters/|url-status=live}} He is also featured in the Kingdom Hearts manga where his portrayal is more comical.{{cite book|author=Amano, Shiro|title=Kingdom Hearts II Volume 1|year=2007|publisher=Tokyo Pop|isbn=978-1-4278-0058-9|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781427807816}}{{cite book |author=Kanemaki, Tomoko|title=Kingdom Hearts, Volume 1|year=2008 |publisher=Disney Press|isbn=978-1-4231-0395-0}}

Squall is a secret character in Chocobo Racing{{cite web|title=Chocobo Racing Cheats For PlayStation|url=http://www.gamespot.com/chocobo-racing/cheats/|website=GameSpot|access-date=2014-07-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105162323/http://www.gamespot.com/chocobo-racing/cheats/|archive-date=2016-01-05}} and Itadaki Street Special, and a sprite version of him occasionally appears on the loading screen of the PlayStation version of Final Fantasy VI. He appears as a playable character in every Dissidia: Final Fantasy title. He is one of Cosmos' chosen warriors to determined to fight Chaos' Ultimecia. He returns with his Kingdom Hearts as downloadable content (DLC) in Dissidia 012 where Squall is defeated by Kain Highwind from Final Fantasy IV who wants him to stop from fighting Chaos' mannekins army.{{cite web | author=Yoon, Andrew | year=2007 | title=Squall joins Final Fantasy Dissidia line-up | url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/20/tgs07-squall-joins-final-fantasy-dissidia-line-up/ | publisher=Joystiq | access-date=2007-10-14 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015035614/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/20/tgs07-squall-joins-final-fantasy-dissidia-line-up/ | archive-date=2007-10-15}}{{cite book | year=2009 | title=Dissidia Final Fantasy Ultimania | language=ja | publisher=Square-Enix | isbn= 978-4-7575-2488-0 | page=580}}{{cite web | title=Dissidia 012 [duodecim] Final Fantasy Available on: PSP Summary Review Articles Walkthroughs & Guides Cheats Screenshots Videos Discussion Dissidia 012: Duodecim Final Fantasy Character Basics Guide | date=14 April 2011 | url=http://www.gamesradar.com/dissidia-012-duodecim-final-fantasy-character-basics-guide/?page=4 | publisher=GamesRadar | access-date=2014-07-04 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714164731/http://www.gamesradar.com/dissidia-012-duodecim-final-fantasy-character-basics-guide/?page=4 | archive-date=2014-07-14}}{{cite web |url=http://andriasang.com/comtwx/dissidia_gilgamesh_details/ |title=Dissidia Duodecim Final Fantasy: First Gilgamesh Details |publisher=Andriasang |author=Gantayat, Anoop |date=2011-02-16 |access-date=2012-06-23 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225040348/http://andriasang.com/comtwx/dissidia_gilgamesh_details/ |archive-date=2012-12-25}} In the latest installment, Dissidia NT, Squall teams up with several other Materia soldiers, mostly Bartz from Final Fantasy V, and faces Jecht from Final Fantasy X.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/see-the-cloud-and-squall-dissidia-final-fantasy-nt-kingdom-hearts-costumes-in-action/|title=See The Cloud And Squall Dissidia Final Fantasy NT Kingdom Hearts Costumes In Action|website=Siliconera|date=20 May 2019|accessdate=March 1, 2022|archive-date=1 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301141439/https://www.siliconera.com/see-the-cloud-and-squall-dissidia-final-fantasy-nt-kingdom-hearts-costumes-in-action/|url-status=live}}

He is a playable character in Itadaki Street Portable and is the main character representing Final Fantasy VIII in the rhythm games Theatrhythm Final Fantasy,{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/09/21/ifrit-moogles-and-chocobos-in-new-theatrhythm-final-fantasy-screenshots/|title=Ifrit, Moogles, And Chocobos In New Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy Screenshots|publisher=Siliconera|author=Ishaan|date=2011-12-26|access-date=2012-06-30|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618113351/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/09/21/ifrit-moogles-and-chocobos-in-new-theatrhythm-final-fantasy-screenshots/|archive-date=2012-06-18}} its follow-up Curtain Call,{{cite web|last1=Wade|first1=Kieran|title=Western Release Date Set For Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call|url=http://www.gamerheadlines.com/2014/06/western-release-date-set-for-theatrhythm-final-fantasy-curtain-call/|publisher=Gamer Headlines|access-date=2014-08-18|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084858/http://www.gamerheadlines.com/2014/06/western-release-date-set-for-theatrhythm-final-fantasy-curtain-call/|archive-date=2014-08-19}} and the arcade-only game TFF: All Star Carnival.{{cite web |url=http://www.jp.square-enix.com/t_ffac/#character |title=Theatrhythm Final Fantasy All-Star Carnival Characters |website=シアトリズム ファイナルファンタジー オールスターカーニバル |publisher=Square Enix |access-date=17 May 2020 |language=ja |archive-date=4 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504034259/http://www.jp.square-enix.com/t_ffac/#character |url-status=live }} Squall also appears as a premium character in Pictlogica Final Fantasy and All The Bravest, both of which are designed for Android and iOS. He is also present in Mobius Final Fantasy where Squall finds himself in an alternate version of Balamb Garden.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/final-fantasy-viiis-squall-and-ultimecia-appear-in-hd-for-a-mobius-final-fantasy-collab-on-march-1/|title=Final Fantasy VIII's Squall And Ultimecia Appear In HD For A Mobius Final Fantasy Collab Finale On March 1|website=Siliconera|date=26 February 2019|accessdate=March 1, 2022|archive-date=1 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301222032/https://www.siliconera.com/final-fantasy-viiis-squall-and-ultimecia-appear-in-hd-for-a-mobius-final-fantasy-collab-on-march-1/|url-status=live}}

==Reception==

{{multiple image

| align = right

| direction =

| width =

| total_width = 350

| image1 = FanimeCon 2017 126 Hideo Ishikawa.jpg

| width1 = 2325

| height1 = 3488

| alt1 =

| caption1 =

| image2 = David Boreanaz Comic-Con 2012.jpg

| width2 = 218

| height2 = 276

| alt2 =

| caption2 =

| image3 = Doug Erholtz by Gage Skidmore.jpg

| width3 = 174

| height3 = 220

| alt3 = Doug Erholtz

| footer = Hideo Ishikawa (left), David Boreanaz (middle) and Doug Erholtz (right) voiced Squall.

}}

Squall became a popular character within the Final Fantasy series, appearing in lists from GamesRadar about heroes,{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/f/the-five-best-final-fantasy-heroes/a-2010030211523859031 |title=The five best Final Fantasy heroes |access-date=2013-08-09 |author=Christian Nutt |work=GamesRadar |date=3 March 2010 |publisher=Future US. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615190434/http://www.gamesradar.com/f/the-five-best-final-fantasy-heroes/a-2010030211523859031 |archive-date=2011-06-15}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/10/greatest-final-fantasy-characters-all-time/cloud-strife |title=The 20 Greatest Final Fantasy Characters of All Time |date=8 October 2013 |magazine=Complex |access-date=4 April 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141212191354/http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/10/greatest-final-fantasy-characters-all-time/ |archive-date=12 December 2014 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/nhks-massive-all-final-fantasy-grand-poll-shows-intermediate-results-for-best-characters-bosses-summons-music/|title=NHK's Massive "All-Final Fantasy Grand Poll" Shows Intermediate Results for Best Characters, Bosses & Summons, Music|date=27 January 2020|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=January 28, 2020|archive-date=28 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128004053/https://www.siliconera.com/nhks-massive-all-final-fantasy-grand-poll-shows-intermediate-results-for-best-characters-bosses-summons-music/|url-status=live}} or characters in general by GameZone.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamezone.com/editorials/top-10-final-fantasy-characters |title=Top 10 Final Fantasy Characters |author=Hooker, Heath |date=2012-01-01 |publisher=GameZone |access-date=2013-08-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509194555/http://www.gamezone.com/editorials/top-10-final-fantasy-characters |archive-date=2012-05-09}} He was also described as the most popular video game character.{{cite web|title=And Japan's Favorite Video Game Characters Are...?|url=http://kotaku.com/5035884/and-japans-favorite-video-game-characters-are|website=Kotaku|access-date=2009-09-12|author=Ashcraft, Brian|date=2009-10-04|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120726181420/http://m.kotaku.com/5035884/and-japans-favorite-video-game-characters-are|archive-date=2012-07-26}}{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/news/snake-beats-mario-coolest-video |title=Snake Beats Mario, Is Coolest Video Game Character Ever |access-date=2014-08-13 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110622072101/http://www.1up.com/news/snake-beats-mario-coolest-video |archive-date=2011-06-22 |url-status=dead}} Despite negative commentary, GameDaily and Den of Geek found him visually appealing.{{cite web | url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/top-25-gaming-hunks/?page=20 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412110048/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/top-25-gaming-hunks/?page=20 | archive-date=April 12, 2009 | title=Top 25 Gaming Hunks | work=GameDaily | publisher=AOL | access-date=2009-06-24 | author=Buffa, Chris}}{{cite web|url=http://www.denofgeek.com/games/11632/top-10-sexiest-computer-game-characters|title=Top 10 sexiest computer game characters|publisher=Den of Geek|date=July 31, 2008|access-date=August 22, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616015341/http://www.denofgeek.com/games/11632/top-10-sexiest-computer-game-characters|archive-date=June 16, 2012}} In designing Trevor Belmont, the protagonist from the Castlevania Netflix series, Squall was a major influence in order to give Trevor a "cool" look.{{cite web|url=https://www.clickthecity.com/tv/article/8371/exclusive-interview-enter-the-castlevania-universe-with-adi-shankar-series-showrunner/|title=Exclusive Interview: Enter The 'Castlevania' Universe with Adi Shankar, Series Showrunner|website=ClickTheCity|date=14 September 2018 |access-date=November 10, 2023|archive-date=November 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111002054/https://www.clickthecity.com/tv/article/8371/exclusive-interview-enter-the-castlevania-universe-with-adi-shankar-series-showrunner/|url-status=live}}

Critical reaction to Squall was mixed. Jack Patrick Rodgers of PopMatters said Squall's cynicism and frustration with those around him made him a strong character but "coldly inhuman".{{cite magazine |url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/feature/70336-remembering-the-orphan-final-fantasy-viii/ |title=Remembering the Orphan: Final Fantasy VIII |magazine=PopMatters |date=2009-05-27 |author=Rodgers, Jack Patrick |access-date=2009-06-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704102711/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/feature/70336-remembering-the-orphan-final-fantasy-viii/ |archive-date=2009-07-04}} Despite sharing a similar view, GameSpot said the "standoffish because of some repressed Wagnerian broodiness, in which case he was kind of interesting".{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6118460/p-2.html |title=The Most Romantic Moments in Gaming |access-date=2009-06-24 |website=GameSpot |author=Rorie, Matthew |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050216005103/http://www.gamespot.com/features/6118460/p-2.html |archive-date=February 16, 2005}} According to IGN, the problem with the game was that is too centered around Squall's who comes across as a "jerk" most of the time, making him impossible to relate.{{cite web|author=Lundigran, Jeff |year=1999 |title=IGN: Final Fantasy VIII Review |url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/153/153847p1.html |website=IGN |access-date=2007-03-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211123532/http://psx.ign.com/articles/153/153847p1.html |archive-date=2009-02-11}} 1UP.com still found him irrating, comparing him with similar archetypes explored in the franchise,{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3172038 |title=Top 5 Most Irritating RPG Protagonists |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326015117/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3172038 |archive-date=2009-03-26}}{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/features/top-5-final-fantasy-character |title=Top 5 Final Fantasy Character Types |website=1UP.com |access-date=2014-08-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012213546/http://www.1up.com/features/top-5-final-fantasy-character |archive-date=2012-10-12 |author=Sharkey, Scott |url-status=dead}} but Edge compared Squall unfavorably with Final Fantasy VII protagonist Cloud Strife, as the former's angst is not given a proper source unlike the latter's{{cite magazine|url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/week-japan-final-fantasy-special/ |title=This Week in Japan: Final Fantasy Special |magazine=Edge |date=2006-03-10 |access-date=2009-06-29 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531012446/http://www.edge-online.com/features/week-japan-final-fantasy-special/ |archive-date=May 31, 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://xbox360.gamespy.com/articles/106/1060627p2.html |title=Videogame Characters Who Would Suck in Real Life |date=2010-01-12 |access-date=2010-01-12 |author=Drucker, Michael |publisher=GameSpy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413042633/http://xbox360.gamespy.com/articles/106/1060627p2.html |archive-date=2010-04-13}} The Gamer said Squall's antisocial personality might divide gamers.{{cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/final-fantasy-characters-useless-op/|title=The 15 Most Useless Final Fantasy Characters Ever (And 15 Who Are OP)|date=25 January 2019|publisher=The Gamer|access-date=June 10, 2019|archive-date=16 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116101139/https://www.thegamer.com/final-fantasy-characters-useless-op/|url-status=live}} Eurogamer commented that while Squall remains an unlikable character even after his character arcs that contrast the more social and expressive Final Fantasy leads like Tidus or Noctis Lucis Caelum, he still remained as a realistic take on a soldier.{{cite news|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-02-23-final-fantasy-8-redefined-the-series-relationship-with-fantasy|title=Final Fantasy 8 redefined the series' relationship with fantasy|newspaper=Eurogamer.net|date=23 February 2019|accessdate=January 23, 2022|archive-date=2022-01-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123221848/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-02-23-final-fantasy-8-redefined-the-series-relationship-with-fantasy|url-status=live}} While noting that Squall manages to become a better person, the changes are minimum and the idea of him being able to save the world comes across as "cringe comedy" due to its characterization.{{cite web|url=https://killscreen.com/previously/articles/final-fantasy-viii-and-awkwardness/|title=Final Fantasy VIII and awkwardness|author=Chris Breault|date=February 27, 2015|website=KillScreen|access-date=August 24, 2021|archive-date=August 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825015349/https://killscreen.com/previously/articles/final-fantasy-viii-and-awkwardness/|url-status=live}}

There was also commentary about Squall and Rinoa's relationship. GamesRadar{{'s}} Brett Elston criticized it, comparing it with the romance from Attack of the Clones,{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-top-7-you-love-em-we-hate-em/ |author=Elston, Brett |title=The Top 7... You love 'em, we hate 'em |publisher=GamesRadar |date=2014-07-01 |access-date=2014-07-05 |archive-date=2014-07-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714152349/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-top-7-you-love-em-we-hate-em/ |url-status=live }} but in a different article, he commented that "Squall and Rinoa are at the heart of it all" even if they do not properly develop.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/all-14-final-fantasy-logos-explained/? |page=2 |author1=Reed, Ashley |author2=Elston, Brett |title=Page 2 - All 14 Final Fantasy logos explained |publisher=GamesRadar |date=2014-07-01 |access-date=2014-07-05 |archive-date=2014-07-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728004901/http://www.gamesradar.com/all-14-final-fantasy-logos-explained/ |url-status=live }} According to Ryan Woo of Complex, the problem with the romance was it because it was mostly one-sided from Rinoa's side until the latter parts of the game where Squall's development makes it come across as forced.{{cite web |url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2011/09/counting-down-the-best-squar-soft-games-of-all-time/final-fantasy-viii-psx-1999 |title=Final Fantasy VIII (PSX, 1999) — Counting Down The Best Squaresoft Games Of All Time |publisher=Complex |date=2011-10-05 |access-date=2014-07-05 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Mike Gorby, writing for Goomba Stomp, said the character lacks realism in comparison to Rinoa.{{cite web|url=https://goombastomp.com/rinoa-heartilly-cheerfully-subverts-gender-roles-final-fantasy-viii/|title=Rinoa Heartilly Cheerfully Subverts Gender Roles in 'Final Fantasy VIII'|author=Mike Worby|publisher=Goomba Stomp|date=September 8, 2019|access-date=March 8, 2020|archive-date=December 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217201936/https://goombastomp.com/rinoa-heartilly-cheerfully-subverts-gender-roles-final-fantasy-viii/|url-status=live}} On a more positive view, the website called Squall and Rinoa the best couple created by Square Enix, noting the differences between them and that their relationship is the first in the series to drive the plot of a game.{{cite web | url = http://www.gamesradar.com/top-10-square-enix-couples/?page=10 | title = Top 10 Square Enix Couples | publisher = GamesRadar | date = 2008-02-14 | author = Glasser, AJ | access-date = 2010-06-24 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131106055228/http://www.gamesradar.com/top-10-square-enix-couples/?page=10 | archive-date = 2013-11-06}} Christopher Michael Baker of Allgame said that his romance changes the main character for the better as he originally hated him.{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=19202&tab=review |title=Final fantasy VIII Review |work=Allgame |publisher=All Media Group |author=Baker, Christopher Michael |access-date=2009-06-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901022331/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=19202&tab=review |archive-date=2009-09-01}} RPGFan found their relationship complicated to like as despite Rinoa's being easygoing with Squall on their first meetings with the protagonist, the fact that she previously dated the antagonistic Seifer made it complicated to take Rinoa properly and instead cannot find himself able to flirt with Rinoa back.{{cite web|url=https://www.rpgfan.com/feature/its-complicated-how-final-fantasy-viii-xiii-explore-the-complexities-of-relationships/|title=It's Complicated: How Final Fantasy VIII & XIII Explore the Complexities of Relationships|website=RPGFan|access-date=June 18, 2024|date=November 23, 2022}}

There was commentary over Squall's Leon persona from Kingdom Hearts. RPGInformer was shocked by his introduction not only due to the crossover element provided in the first game but also because Squall was voiced for the first time.{{cite web|url=https://rpginformer.com/reviews/kingdom-hearts-overview/|website=RPGInformer|accessdate=January 20, 2023|title=Kingdom Hearts Overview|date=16 February 2022 |archive-date=January 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120203720/https://rpginformer.com/reviews/kingdom-hearts-overview/|url-status=live}} Erutid said that Leon is far more mature than his younger Squall persona as he is no longer filled with constant angst when compared with his Final Fantasy VIII persona.{{cite journal|url=https://www.erudit.org/en/journals/loading/2022-v15-n25-loading07305/1092427ar/|title= The Kingdom's Shōnen Heart|journal=Loading |date= 2022|doi=10.7202/1092427ar |accessdate=June 19, 2023|archive-date=June 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619232532/https://www.erudit.org/en/journals/loading/2022-v15-n25-loading07305/1092427ar/|url-status=live|doi-access=free|last1= Hutchinson|first1= Rachael|volume= 15|issue= 25|pages= 76–93}} Despite being initially confused with Leon's appearance and weaponry in the first Kingdom Hearts boss fight, Polygon enjoyed his character.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/23025924/kingdom-hearts-4-disney-square-enix-multiverse-crossover|accessdate=January 20, 2023|title=Kingdom Hearts made crossovers cool — cursing us all, and itself too|website=Polygon|date=15 April 2022 |archive-date=January 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120192347/https://www.polygon.com/23025924/kingdom-hearts-4-disney-square-enix-multiverse-crossover|url-status=live}} In a retrospect, the writer found the idea of the crossover ridiculous.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/22587540/kingdom-hearts-final-fantasy-remake-intergrade-cloud-yuffie-donald-goofie|accessdate=January 20, 2023|title=OK, Kingdom Hearts, you win: I love Final Fantasy now|website=Polygon|date=22 July 2021 |archive-date=January 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120192347/https://www.polygon.com/22587540/kingdom-hearts-final-fantasy-remake-intergrade-cloud-yuffie-donald-goofie|url-status=live}} Arnold Katayev of PSXextreme praised Squall's redesign in Kingdom Hearts as the game's best character design.{{cite web|title=Kingdom Hearts Review|url=http://www.psxextreme.com/scripts/reviews2/review.asp?revID=178|publisher=PSX extreme|date=2002-03-20|author=Katayev, Arnold|access-date=2009-12-29|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208225859/http://www.psxextreme.com/scripts/reviews2/review.asp?revID=178|archive-date=2015-12-08}} Comic Book Resources lamented how Squall and the rest of the Final Fantasy characters became cameos in Kingdom Hearts III and the player never gets the chance to fight against them.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/kingdom-hearts-iii-remind-review/|title=Kingdom Hearts III Re:Mind Is More of a Retread Than Expansion|website=Comic Book Resources|date=28 January 2020 |accessdate=January 21, 2023|archive-date=January 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121154249/https://www.cbr.com/kingdom-hearts-iii-remind-review/|url-status=live}} VentureBeat said that while Kingdom Hearts offered Squall a more passable backstory, he still lacked development to the point he is often overshadowed by Laguna not only in his original appearance but also Dissdia.{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/gbunfiltered/all-about-squall/|title=All About Squall|website=VentureBeat|date=30 October 2011 |accessdate=January 20, 2023|archive-date=January 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120192346/https://venturebeat.com/gbunfiltered/all-about-squall/|url-status=live}} In retrospect, while Fanbyte found Leon more sexually appealing than Squall, the writer felt that his new backstory made the character unlikable as he broods even more than in his original game.{{cite web|url=https://www.fanbyte.com/podcasts/99-potions-101-transcript/|title=Is Squall Hotter in Kingdom Hearts Than in Final Fantasy VIII?|website=FanByte|date=6 July 2022 |accessdate=July 15, 2023|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716012546/https://www.fanbyte.com/podcasts/99-potions-101-transcript/|url-status=live}}

Kotaku commented that voice actor David Boreanaz made "stilted and odd" and, among other Kingdom Hearts actors, he was overshadowed by Billy Zane's portrayal of Xehanort, also referred as Ansem.{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/i-miss-cheesy-video-game-voice-acting-1840245782|title=I Miss Cheesy Video Game Voice Acting|date=5 December 2019|publisher=Kotaku|access-date=March 7, 2022|archive-date=7 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307155038/https://kotaku.com/i-miss-cheesy-video-game-voice-acting-1840245782|url-status=live}} In contrast, GamesRadar praised Boreanaz.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-making-of-kingdom-hearts/|title=Kingdom Hearts at 20: How a Mickey Mouse RPG pitch spiraled wildly out of control|date=28 March 2022 |publisher=GamesRadar|access-date=January 21, 2023|archive-date=January 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121144233/https://www.gamesradar.com/the-making-of-kingdom-hearts/|url-status=live}} GameRant believes David Boreanaz was chosen for Squall's role due to voicing a similar brooding anti-hero, Angel, in Buffy the Vampire Slayer with Doug Erholtz providing a nearly identical performance in following games.{{cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/kingdom-hearts-celebrities/#david-boreanaz-as-squall-leonhart-leon|title=10 Celebrities You Didn't Know Were In Kingdom Hearts|date=30 June 2021 |publisher=GamesRadar|access-date=January 21, 2023|archive-date=January 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121153621/https://gamerant.com/kingdom-hearts-celebrities/#david-boreanaz-as-squall-leonhart-leon|url-status=live}} Hideo Ishikawa's performance as Squall was highlighted as popular within even if he never got the chance to properly voice him in his original game as said by fans in Animate Times.{{cite web|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1606201395|title=声優・石川英郎さん、『WILD ADAPTER』『金色のコルダ』『BLEACH』『ファイナルファンタジーX』『戦国無双』など代表作に選ばれたのは？− アニメキャラクター代表作まとめ（2020年版）|publisher=Animate Times|access-date=February 3, 2023|archive-date=February 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204015744/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1606201395|url-status=live}}

• Characters of Final Fantasy VIII

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516112607/http://na.square-enix.com/games/ff8/squall.html|date=May 16, 2011|title=Squall's Profile on the official Square Enix Website}}

{{Final Fantasy series|FF=FFVIII}}

{{Good article}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Leonhart, Squall}}

Category:Characters designed by Tetsuya Nomura

Category:Fictional bodyguards in video games

Category:Fictional child soldiers

Category:Fictional knights in video games

Category:Fictional mercenaries in video games

Category:Fictional private military members

Category:Fictional students

Category:Fictional swordfighters in video games

Category:Final Fantasy VIII characters

Category:Male characters in video games

Category:Orphan characters in video games

Category:Science fantasy video game characters

Category:Video game characters based on real people

Category:Video game characters introduced in 1999