Griever

Griever is a fictional character from the popular Japanese role-playing game Final Fantasy VIII. The character is a manifestation of the protagonist Squall Leonhart's inner fears and is depicted as a powerful Guardian Force (GF) in the game. Griever plays a significant role in the storyline, particularly in the latter parts of the game.

Appearance[edit | edit source]

Griever is depicted as a large, lion-like creature with a muscular build and a menacing appearance. It has a distinctive design that includes a lion's head with a mane, large wings, and a tail. The character's design is symbolic of strength and courage, traits that are central to Squall's character development throughout the game.

Role in Final Fantasy VIII[edit | edit source]

Griever is introduced during the final battle against the game's antagonist, Ultimecia. Ultimecia summons Griever as a manifestation of Squall's fears and doubts, making it a formidable opponent for the player. The battle against Griever is one of the most challenging encounters in the game, requiring players to utilize their strategic skills and the abilities of their party members.

Symbolism[edit | edit source]

Griever's design and role in the game are heavily symbolic. The character represents Squall's inner turmoil and the challenges he must overcome to grow as a leader and a person. The lion motif is a recurring theme in Squall's character, as seen in his Gunblade weapon, which features a lion's head emblem, and his ring, which bears the same symbol.

Gameplay[edit | edit source]

In terms of gameplay, Griever is a powerful GF that players can summon during battles. It has a range of abilities that can deal significant damage to enemies and provide various buffs to the player's party. However, Griever is only available during the final battle and cannot be obtained as a regular GF throughout the game.