The "Love Triangle"

[Wolf Kanno]

So when Nomura originally created Squall, Seifer and Rinoa, he mentioned that he wanted them to have a love triangle element to the story revolving around them. As most fans know, though it's kind of there, it's not nearly as pronounced as the Love Triangles from IV and VII.

Considering the three personalities, how do you think it would have worked out had they put more effort into it, or do you feel the chemestry was never there and VIII's original script is the better choice?

[Jiro]

I think the Love Triangle of FFVIII is actually not. Squall, Seifer, Rinoa and Quistis. It's weird though, because it's almost a linear path. Quistis wants Squall wants Rinoa wants Seifer wants Seifer. I know Rinoa reciprocates eventually but that's technically before Squall even cares so it's weird.

[Zombie]

I think this triangle was less pronounced for being a remnant of the original intentions of the developers. It was overshadowed by more interesting things, such as flying schools, mercenary students and giant drag queen witches.

[Christmas]

PuPu overshadowed everything.

On a side note, if there is a love triangle, then Rinoa will be portrayed as a two timing bitch?

[Night Fury]

I think the love triangle in FFVIII was a bit of let down.

Rinoa had a previous fling with Seifer, and I think because of Squall and Seifer's rivalry it could have been a more prominent element to FFVIII but it's barely touched upon.

off topic
Quistis x Seifer would be the kinkiest relationship ever.

[Shorty]

I think the Love Triangle of FFVIII is actually not. Squall, Seifer, Rinoa and Quistis. It's weird though, because it's almost a linear path. Quistis wants Squall wants Rinoa wants Seifer wants Seifer. I know Rinoa reciprocates eventually but that's technically before Squall even cares so it's weird.

This is actually more along my thinking. Squall is like nope! to quistis then meets Rinoa who's got stars in her eyes for Seifer who probably couldn't care less and only wants to further his rivalry with Squall.

[Mercen-X]

Quistis wants Squall wants Rinoa wants Seifer wants Squall.

Fixed.

[pederloo]

I felt so bad for Quistis. She deserved at least a one night stand.

[Cloudane]

I forgot about Quistis (story of her life)

It's really odd. It just came out of nowhere that she was involved with Seifer and you just think "why?" - and then they don't particularly interact. It could have been great but just ended up feeling superfluous.

[espritduo]

I would have given Seifer more relevance to the plot, at least. I mean, looking back over every scene he's in...does he ever do ANYTHING important to the story? Yeah, he's cool, but if you would have removed him completely from the game, there isn't one part or character that would have changed for it. Squall wouldn't have a scar, but beyond that, Seifer is just a dog for the Sorceresses that we have to make heel before we fight the real battle. He's nothing but a glorified mid-boss, and never get's any higher than that. A love triangle would have been an improvement to him. In fact, I think Seifer's presence in the game is just a remnant of that idea, and they liked him so much the didn't want to get rid of him altogether.

[Nightsintodreams]

Honestly, I just found it always a little creepy how into Seifter Rinoa was...until Cloud takes it through the chest and then she's all like OMG SQUALL HEARTS AND RAINBOWS!!!

It wasn't really well done, in my opinion. The Squall and Rinoa romance, while sweet...feels a little bit...rough and unfinished to begin with.

[Lone Wolf Leonhart]

if you would have removed Seifer completely from the game, there isn't one part or character that would have changed for it.

I thought he was much more than a glorified mid-boss.

One of the more memorable scenes in the game for me was when Squall had a mental breakdown over thinking Seifer had been executed. The time spent in Timber wouldn't have been the same without his holding a gunblade to the president on live tv. Not to mention how Fujin and Raijin are connected to him in the story, as well as the whole orphanage background. The interrogation scene in the prison. His role as the leader for the Dollet training mission, the rise he gets from all of the main characters through dialogue, not to mention all of his personal dreams as a Knight and his role with the Disciplinary Committee (lol). Besides the scar he gave Squall, he's a perfect rival. They have opposite personalities and both wield gunblades. Even though the connection they have with Rinoa isn't as big as it could have been or as people would have liked it to be, there is still something there for story. I'm sure those are just a few of several examples.

This man is awesome.

[Jiro]

Seifer should have had a larger role but I don't think we should undervalue the role he did play! I found him to be quite a good character really.

[Formalhaut]

I actually liked the understated aspect of the love triangle. I felt with VII's love triangle that it was completely obvious and shoved in your face:

Aerith: "Oh.. is Tifa your girlfriend?"
Cloud: "Yeah, she is"
Aerith: "Oh.. I see" *Seethes with rage*

Seriously, offscreen, these two must have had a catfight.

[espritduo]

Oh no, I love Seifer, and I love every scene he's in. The problem is he's cool but pointless to the story. You could have taken him out of the game altogether and it wouldn't have had much of an impact on the way the events played out. Like you say, he's a perfect rival....but there is never any actual rivalry related plot-threads in the story using him. Squall gets his scar, and then Seifer spends the rest of the game being cool and not really contributing much to the story. Seifer should have been like Rufus from FFVII. He wasn't the main antagonist, but he still had a major role to play throughout the story.