Seifer Almasy Explained | Final Fantasy VIII Analysis
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- Опубликовано: 6 июл 2024
- In this Seifer Almasy character analysis I take a look at this controversial anti-villain / anti-hero and his role as a flawed grey character - articulated by his rivalry with Squall - and his dream to be a Sorceress’s Knight. His strengths are defined by actions such as when Seifer kills Odin - but at the same time his comparative weaknesses are laid bare as the hapless leader of the disciplinary committee and Squad B Captain during the Dollet mission. Initiaily disliked by fans, the contention of this episode is that Seifer is a troubled but ultimately redemptive character - who much like those around him, is equally influenced by the past actions of Laguna.
If you like this character analysis (and Final Fantasy 8) my original Final Fantasy VIII review is available here: • Final Fantasy VIII Rev...
This Seifer Almasy analysis includes:
- Seifer Almasy origins
- Seifer’s dream
- Relationship between Seifer and Squall
- Relationship between Headmaster Cid Kramer and Seifer
- The Disciplinary Committee
- The Sorceress’s Knight Zefer
- Laguna dream and the Zefer movie
- Squall vs Seifer throughout the game
- The Seifer limit break
- General, opinion of the Seifer Almasy story
#finalfantasy8 #seifer #gamediscourses 
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Something that always struck me is that - unless I'm misremembering or missed something - Squall never once says a bad word about Seifer throughout the entire game. Their rivalry really seemed to be based on being equals and peers; there's sortof a respect and common recognition between them. They've been through a lot together - rather than the two hating each other. From Squall's perspective, at least. You do see Seifer acting out more once he's under Ultimecia's control. Yet even after being tortured, Squall still never says anything negative about Seifer, other than accusing him of being 'the sorceress' lapdog'. And that comment almost seems more disappointed than anything. He really never seems terribly angry or indignant about Seifer, which is so interesting. It's such a unique relationship between the two of them.
Yeah I picked up disappointment in that lapdog line too. And I agree that there’s not an overtly bad word said between the two. Seifer even claps when Squall graduates into SeeD which shows a mutual respect too.
hmmmmm awesome comment. but this seems more out of frustration to being forced to be a leader and giving his first rallying speech to get his friend to take the shot and Ultimecia, only for it to be blocked and Squall having to rush to fight.
This game had an amazingly written story
Rinoa outright mentions dating Seifer and that he was very different privately
Seifer is a tragic character. Treated unfairly. Remember how he was the first to clap for squall and zell when they made SeeD?
That was a great scene, one of the few displays of sentiment and connection he shares with Squall... I'm sure he had to swallow his pride to congratulate others while he himself had failed to graduate.
Huh. Because it was a slow clap, I totally took him as being sarcastic/jealous about it - I found that hilarious. But clearly there's room for interpretation there. That's an interesting take!
I'd like to add that he doesn't admonish Fujin and Raijin at all for defecting to our side when we encounter them in Galbadia Garden, nor does he go "YOU TRAITORS, YOU'LL PAY!"
He just salutes them with his weapon and gives them a fairly joyous "Fujin, Raijin, it's been fun!" and lets them go. He genuinely cares for his friends even while under Ultimecia's control.
@@StevenMKelly it was definitely sarcastic
@@doubleclick4132 See, I thought so - but a friend recently played the game, and if you check Selphie's blog on the Balamb Garden terminal (which it turns out is incidentally where you see pretty much all her character development!), one of her posts mentions how she had first thought Seifer was really callous, but then she was surprised that he applauded their promotion. So, she at least took it as genuine - and I don't think the writers would have included that if it wasn't a relevant character facet. It's an interesting one, at any rate.
even Squall and Seifer's Triple Triad cards are weighted so that they'll stalemate each other from all 4 sides, which I've always thought was a fun bit of attention to detail
Still a big believer of your channel. You're a hidden gem just waiting to bust out aren't you!? I don't like a lot of the Final Fantasy content creators on YT, but your analysis and break-downs are exactly what I enjoy.
Appreciative of the comment. I'm glad you're still enjoying the content :)
You r a serious gem my man
Seifer has always been my favorite grey character in FF Universe. I agree with what you said about him as an antagonist who is humanized throughout the game.
What i also love about this character is i believe this is the only character who was able to kill Odin with no magic. (I do not recall seeing another character from different FF series who was able to kill a god with no junction!) I think he underestimates himself quite a lot cause it also shows that he is more powerful than Squall if only he harnessed himself for the better.
Also the way Ultimecia just threw away Seifer at the end...
It was pretty brutal
Not sure if anyone picked up on this but when Seifer salutes with his gun blade, it's a call back to Leguna saluting with his rifle in the movie he stared when he is protecting a sorceress. Would explain Some of Seifers actions quite a bit.
He was inspired to be a sorceress knight as a result of that movie Laguna starred in, great callout here!
I always found it fascinating that Squall is living Seifer's dream:
Seifer wants to be a sorceress knight and is cast aside by Ultimecia. Squall becomes Rinoa's knight and isn't just her pawn.
Seifer wants loyalty from his friends. Fujin and Raijin have reservations in the garden battle and ditch him in disc 3.
Seifer saw a video that made him want to become a gunblade specialist. Squall is the only recognized specialist in the Garden.
Seifer wants to live an exciting life and become a hero. Squall ends up being the hero.
Heck, Squall even takes Seifer's girlfriend.
Wow I really appreciate your analysis of Squall's reaction upon learning of Seifer's upcoming execution and how the rest of the party is talking about it. I think that is very true, the greatest rivalries of our lives are very much tied within how we see ourselves in the person to which we have conflict. Squall connects his own fate to the way people are responding the upcoming fate of Seifer. They truly kinda hate one another but that form of rivalistic disdain is always tied up in ones own hatred of self.
Exactly! A hatred of someone becomes an aspect of ones being in the same way loving someone does. It’s rarely considered in those terms but I think that scene emphasises it quite well; and in many respects Squall and Seifer struggle to exist without one another in their current state of rivalry.
I could listen to you talk about Final Fantasy VIII for days.
I clicked so fast, and was not disappointed. Personally, having worked in my adult life with children and teens that have come through the foster system or otherwise unsettled early childhood, I think both Seifer and Squall have Reactive Attachment Disorders. They display very different traits, symptoms, patterns of behaviour and coping mechanisms, (and that overlap), but it is also a tragedy for Seifer, whose desire to be wanted allowed him to be manipulated more easily.
Same here! First queue, too! :D
Thanks for your input - I'm sure you have a pretty unique perspective owing to your profession! I'm not overly familiar with RAD, but I know they can vary quite radically (symptomatically) depending on individual and specific circumstances - as you pointed out. Regarding Seifer it all combines to create a tragic episode - it's why I enjoy the ending so much, because he's misunderstood and I think quite deserving of redemption.
You have no idea how long I wandered around looking for you ...
I wouldn't change anything significant about this game or the story, besides one thing, just an addition really, have Seifer join you in the final battle with Ultimecia. A way for him to get a small bit of redemption and have him rise above Ultimecia's manipulation, indoctrination, and control. It wouldn't even need dialogue, just have our 6 party members looking up at Ultimecia in their epic meeting and face off, and once the battle starts just have Seifer join the battle in place of a party member, no dialoge needed, we'd know what's going on. Though some small dialoge would be nice.
That would be cool
I actually feel sorry for Seifer:( he just wanted to be accepted.
Another great video! I look forward to your future analyses videos
Thanks Marc :)
Seifer is one of the more complex characters in the FF universe. He reminds me a little bit of Kain in FF4 to some extent. A lot of stuff about him is open for interpretation which is pretty great. To be honest a lot of FF8 is open to interpretation in many ways.
Yes I love it because I do find it's so interpretable, and people are still discussing the story to this day because it leaves several interesting questions to answer.
You're moving up!!!!! keep up the great work man!
Cheers Mike, thanks for consistently checking in on the posts:)
"Another interesting aspect of Seifer,
Is that he holds onto elements of the past...That others don't "
Dude....That alone. You and I really seem to look at Seifer very similarly!! I started my FanFic before finding your channel, and it's giving me confidence that maybe I really am doing him justice even if an alternative route based on the aftermath of the Game Events in his past *nods*
I'm both nervous and excited...
I don't know how I could share my FanFic with you, but even though I'm nervous.. I wonder if you'd actually appreciate it and as a Seifer fan.
Either way, I just REEEALLY appreciate your videos of analysis of the Game and Characters. You're awesome and the way you break down your point of view is just... Really appreciated!
I know these videos are older, but thank you! Getting me excited for 8 all over again!!
I'm happy you enjoy the videos. If you ever wanted to share your fanfic, just for a discussion my email address should be listed in the About section of the page, I'd be glad to give it a read
@@AlleywayJack Really do!!
And cool, I just gotta figure out a title for it I suppose..Lol. And I gotta figure out how I want to send it. I may put it on one of the FanFic sites or something.
(I used to have a FanFiction . n e t, account.. But that was a long time ago. So I'm quite outdated..Lol)
I'll definitely email ya the means to read it when I figure it out/set it up!
That'd be cool, I appreciate the interest to read and discuss it for sure!
@@AlleywayJack Heeey…. I am so sorry I disappeared on ya and for so damn long too!!
In all honestly, bunch of crud been going on IRL, still sorting it too. But wanted you to know I haven't forgotten ya!
Far as the Seifer Fic, I've had a lot of hangups for how to let ya read it. (Also couldn't find your EMail) I had a source but it fell through due to confusing layout etc.. :/ And unfortunately I don't remember enough of FF8 to currently dig myself out of some major plot holes I fell in...
Hope life is treating you well, man.
it isn't forgotten...Just running into some issues :( Apologies.
@@Convoluted-and-Exiled no worries man. IRL stuff happens! Hope you're all good.
Interesting observation with Cid being Seifers father, him and Edea liked children. It's not so wild of an idea for them to have one with them at the orphanage. That, along with him knowing stuff he wouldn't otherwise.
Yeah wonder what other information there is to prove he is their son
I thought it was interesting too. However, I didn't pursue the point because I don't think there's enough to back it up that I can recall. And factors like Edea and Cid going by the name Kramer while Seifer is an Almasy contradict the theory - however, I'll definitely be keeping an eye out on my next playthrough! Personally, I think Seifer was just a kid that never got adopted because of his attitude - so Cid and Edea kept him and perhaps pitied him somewhat resulting in his repeated chances at Garden.
Good point@@AlleywayJack. If they ever do a remake of this game, I'd like them add in Seifer's perspective similarly like the Lugana flashbacks. It would be cool to see him talking with Edea and possibly president Deling.
I wonder if Seifer had any moments with ellone aswell.
Cid also has Seifer's card which could also be a nod.
i never noticed most of these things about Seifer. thx so much for making these vids!
Thanks for listening, glad you enjoyed them.
I played this game countless times as a kid and missed so many of these traits
Great pick for an analysis man, I feel like there is so much to be expanded on with him and the rest of the game for that matter. I’m gonna go out on a limb and say they could definitely add more to this story and make a remake as well. There’s just so much to work with.
Absolutely, I've always felt that the FF8 story is one most deserving of a sequel (or a prequel!) Because the setting and characters are established so well, with enough left unsaid to offer more.
My favorite character in the entire FF series. He's not your common villain-he has shown (and we have also heard) sides of him that definitely suggests that he is more than some class bully or a man hungry for power.
Your channel is awesome. Hope you get bigger soon.
Agree. It's refreshing with all the different character analysis from the final fantasy series.
Thanks man, I'm glad you're enjoying it.
Thank you...be became my favorite channel in one second....thank you for this...
Really impressed! Good job on this review.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it :)
@@AlleywayJack Sure thing first video I see from you. You got a new subscriber.
One of my fave characters. Can you tell? I wonder if Seifer acted the way he did because he remembered the orphanage gang, yet they started to forget Seifer? I don't remember seeing Seifer using GFs, so that's why I think he remembers their childhood together. It might also be why he went with Sorceress Edea, since she was his Matron.
Edit - I just got to the point in the video where you mentioned these possibilities. I originally commented at around the 4 minute mark.
Also one of my favourites :)
To me they are like the role of Kyo & Iori ~
FFVIII Remake pls have them both more collaborate~
I found your videos a few years back and I'd forgotten how absolutely astute, perceptive and intelligent as well as interesting your videos are. I am a huge FF fan. 7 was my first game back in 1999 (I was late to the party!) And bought 8 and 9 by the time I was 18 in 2002 just couldn't get enough. I love your insight and thoughtful approach to the characters I love so much. Thank you! Emma
Thanks for that, really glad you enjoy the videos :)
@@AlleywayJack can only imagine how much work goes into these videos. Do you have a patreon?
@@emmam-rr8qe Ha, yeah it is a little time consuming! And indeed I do have a patreon: www.patreon.com/gamediscourses
Thanks-you are the first person I ever felt compelled to sponsor on patron. I can't believe you don't have more followers and subscribers. One of my fav channels. I hope you make more FF videos in the future. 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are my favourites in no particular order. Still got my PS1 and original games in the loft but got them all on android now (except 10) and PS4. Can't wait for the next remake installment to come out and see where they take the story next. Keep up the good work sir. 👏
@@emmam-rr8qe thanks for the support, I really appreciate that and your comments :) Those are also my favourite FF games, and yeah I'm continuing with FF discussion for both upcoming and older titles :)
high key seifer is my second favorite in final fantasy 8
Seifer's gunblade design is also the same as Laguna's from the movie. I guess it makes sense, not just from modeling himself off of that scene but also in how weapon designs work. The larger part at the back makes blocking melee counters easier since the part near the handle is bigger and it also protects the hand. It's important when having the kind of stance he uses, which is less defensive than holding closer to the body. I guess that's another opposite/foil. An offensive stance versus a defensive one, though it seems like Seifer's blade is more designed for shooting at enemies and then stabbing when they get close. That probably explains the awkward melee attack animation he has. Of course, Laguna attacked in the same awkward way but that was because he wasn't really a melee weapon specialist. I guess the devs didn't want him to just shoot or stab because that would reduce his similarities with Squall or something.
Good video. I’ve noticed this stuff too.
Very mysterious, this game literally tries to hide the fact that Laguna is Squalls father, what other secrets has this game contained for decades???, I really wonder about that Ultimecia Rinoa connection...
I think it would make an exciting prequel or sequel to explore how the future conflict with Ultimecia and how she knew SeeD would try to stop her so she traveled into the past to prevent the Garden program.
It's interesting to consider. I've always enjoyed how everything in the present events of the game is somehow touched or affected by past events regarding Laguna - He loved Rinoa's mother Julia, he fathered Squall, he influenced Seifer through the movie... each time I play it I notice something new.
@@BarryIrwinBrophy I think it's the many generations of sorceresses being hunted that makes Ultimecia do what she did. She was likely trying to stop SeeD from killing them all. I think she fulfilled her own prophecy.
In her dialogue at the parade, she states that SeeD spends generations spreading throughout the world, spreading fear over sorceresses. She also states something along the lines of, 'you spread fear of sorceresses, saying we're evil. You want Ultimecia, I'll become her and give you Ultimecia.'
At this point, she begins the events that eventually lead to her death. Because of her, she fulfills the prophecy the people of her timeline knows.
Absolutely love it. Well said.
Thanks glad you liked it
Did not expect that FFX spoiler between Tidus and the antagonist 😭
😢 sorry man
@@AlleywayJack it's cool tho since you're heavy FF fan and its normal to assume that your viewers are familiar with the games. But it got me intertested to play FFX so don't worry 😁
Personality of a jock. That's how I've always thought of him. Taking Squall's lunch money. And grabbing cheerleader a%"%. But still decent enough to be part of the team, usually in leader type position.
I'm playing through the remake. Pretty much my first time playing it seriously in about 15 years... I realized I actually like Seifer.
And I mean not just as a villain... but as a character in general.
He's a great character. One of my favourites!
To alleviate the confusion of anyone reading this maybe 20 years from now when they actually do produce a full FF8 remake, I meant the Remaster.
I usually hate characters like him but i can't hate Seifer, the guy's a legit badass, a great rival and even while brainwashed he still hold ups his ideals and doesn't forget about his friends, completely understanding why Fuujin and Raijin decide to oppose him.
People didn’t like Seifer? That surprises me. He’s always been one of my favorite characters in the whole series. A fascinating example of how, despite good intentions, it can be so easy to find yourself on the wrong path and in over your head. I always felt the game did him a disservice in the second half as his role tapered off dramatically. But then again maybe that was the point. He never became the hero he so desperately wanted to be.
I always loved tgis dude.
I never realized that they actually made that a movie 🤓. Astounding video
Thanks man :)
The sadest thing about final fantasy is how they created a great character like Nyx Ulric and no one talks about him can you please do a review about him please
I agree Nyx was a cool dude :)
i'm glad to see other people actually like nyx. He was so great in kingsglaiv
Cifer in one word? (A typical) Bully. He sees himself as superior to everyone else and loves to put others down, but thats mostly it. Easy to manipulate, but when he reaches for a specific goal, no one will stop him.
I really like your analysis. However I disgree on Seifer being "morally grey". He betrayed us because he always wanted to be a Sorceress' Knight. He saw Laguna's movie and copied him because he thought it was cool. He wasn't hypnotized or possessed by Ultimecia. He *chose* to betray us because he thought it was cool...
When he's *torturing* Squall, he openly laughs at the prospect of Garden's destruction knowing full well that even Raijin and Fujin were there. He almost murdered his only friends and the closest thing he had to family. He doesn't even see the error of his ways at the end, he just gets defeated. I think he's a dangerous murderer and completely irredeemable...
Hello
Hi
This character always reminded me of cloud for some reason
I actually compare myself to Seifer I know how he feels I want to feel accepted by others too :(
Kingdom Hearts 2 brought me here
Seifer haven't a heart. Squall was always he's rival. He uses magic because he couldn't win against Squall and he injured him.
In the open ending video you can see that Seifer was happy to see the garden and he smiles.
Maybe he was not that a bad person like many thought. But the Problem is he always needs attention and he always wanted to be the best. And if he failed the exams he was angry and he gies to Timber alone and kidnapped president Deling. I think he wanted to do something good for Rinoa. But then he was trapped by Edea (Ultimecia) she saw that Seifer is a desperate lonely guy and she used him and Seifer became the bodygoard of her. Seifer was happy because he saw a sense of his life. After the fight in Lunatic Pandora Seifer says he can't ger back to the garden anymore and he don't see another alternative.
Me and bf call Seifer the angry ginger XD
He is not ginger?
I could like him a lot more if he didn't wear his pants like that
Wasn't expecting an analysis of this character, just a stupid teenager that threw a tantrum and became an antagonist for no reason.
Oh boy FF VIII had some shit villains.
@Kosename Seifer wasn't a deep or compelling character that needed an analysis, just an angsty teenager that decided to help a witch destroy the world for no fucking reason except " urr durrf I'm so bad and so angry" lmao
@@angelacevedogarcia1895 If you think that is true, then clearly you must think the rest of the game is shit too. There's no way they would have a crap villain and have the rest of the game be crap. I didn't understand Seifer but that doesn't mean what I saw on the surface was all there was to him. Just bc you don't understand why it's great doesn't make it true. Your dismissive arrogance makes you come off as a troll.
@@angelacevedogarcia1895Didn’t think someone could miss the point of a character that hard but here we are
Worst FF villain
Handsome Guy I like Seifer though in my opinion.