{{Infobox character | name = Laguna Loire | image =FF8 Laguna.png | caption =Laguna Loire as drawn by Tetsuya Nomura | series = [[Final Fantasy]] | firstgame = ''[[Final Fantasy VIII]]'' (1999) | designer = [[Tetsuya Nomura]] | creator = [[Kazushige Nojima]] | voice = '''[[English language|EN]]: '''Armando Valdes-Kennedy<br>'''[[Japanese language|JA]]:''' [[Hiroaki Hirata]] | weapon = Machine gun | home = Galbadia }} {{Nihongo|'''Laguna Loire'''|ラグナ・レウァ���ル|Raguna Rewāru|lead=yes}} is a fictional character from Square's [[role-playing game]] ''[[Final Fantasy VIII]]''. He is a man whose past and relation to the main characters are revealed throughout the game. Most sequences involving Laguna appear in the form of "[[dream]]s" experienced by the primary protagonists. [[Squall Leonhart]] experiences these dreams from Laguna's point of view, which shows his life as a Galbadian soldier teaming up with his two best friends, [[Kiros Seagill]] and [[Ward Zabac]]. He also appears in the crossover [[fighting game]] ''[[Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy]]'' as playable character as a soldier chosen by Cosmos alongside other ''Final Fantasy'' characters.
[[Kazushige Nojima]] created his character based on negative feedback from ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'' involving several dark flashbacks. The concept of two main characters, Squall and Laguna, was planned since the beginning of the game's development. Artist [[Tetsuya Nomura]] tried to create a contrast between Laguna's and Squall's occupations; thus, Laguna became a soldier with light-hearted charisma, and Squall became a reserved mercenary student. The designers intended Laguna to be more similar to the previous protagonists in the series to complement Squall, who is different from the previous main characters.
Critical response to Laguna's character has been positive, with several writers praising his upbeat and cheerful personality which contrasts the moody Squall. The connection these two characters have has also been the subject of discussion in regards to theories involving how the two appear to be father and son, but the narrative never confirms it, leading to discussion about the lack of potential in developing Squall while seeing his father's days.
==Appearances== In ''[[Final Fantasy VIII]]'', the player controls Laguna during dream sequences experienced by [[Squall Leonhart]], alongside his companions Kiros Seagill and Ward Zabac. During the first two dream segments, Laguna and his team are shown getting lost and visiting the hotel where [[Julia Heartilly]], Laguna's romantic interest, performs. Julia appears to respond to Laguna's feelings but war makes the two split.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]]|developer=Square Co., Ltd.|publisher=Square EA|date=1999-09-09|platform=PlayStation|quote='''Kiros:''' Don't tell me we're lost again. / '''Laguna:''' Anyway...we're goin' home. Deling City, here we come!}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]]|developer=Square Co., Ltd.|publisher=Square EA|date=1999-09-09|platform=PlayStation|quote='''Ward:''' So, Laguna... Julia should be making her appearance soon. You goin' for it tonight?}}</ref> Laguna is a twenty-seven-year-old soldier in the Galbadian army who wields a [[machine gun]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://na.square-enix.com/games/ff8/laguna.html |title=Final Fantasy VIII Characters – Laguna |publisher=SquareEnix.com |access-date=2007-03-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310223326/http://na.square-enix.com/games/ff8/zell.html |archive-date=March 10, 2007}}</ref> using it to perform attacks alongside a swinging rope and a grenade.
After a scouting mission at Centra, Laguna and his friends are separated and Laguna is injured. A young woman named [[Characters of Final Fantasy VIII#Raine|Raine]] nurses him back to health after he is brought to Winhill.<ref name="Ellonenursing">{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]] |developer=Square Co., Ltd. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation |quote='''Laguna:''' I was bedridden for over 6 months. It seemed like every bone in my body was in pieces. / '''Raine:''' I nursed him back to health.}}</ref> During his time in Winhill, Laguna starts working as a monster hunter while taking after the young girl Ellone. It is eventually revealed Julia got married with another man but Laguna is interested into Raine. He falls in love with and marries her, but is drawn away from his new home when Ellone is kidnapped. Laguna tracks her down in Esthar, where he helps liberate the nation from the despotic rule of [[Characters of Final Fantasy VIII#Adel|Sorceress Adel]]. The people of Esthar elect Laguna as their president and Ellone is sent back to Winhill without him.<ref name="Lagunastory2">{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]] |developer=Square Co., Ltd. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation]|quote='''Laguna:''' A fierce debate ensued about who should govern this country after Adel was gone. I wasn't paying close attention while they made me up to be this hero of the revolution, and I ended up being president.}}</ref> After Raine dies, her child, whom Ward and Kiros imply to be Squall in a conversation aboard the ''Ragnarok'' ship, and Ellone are sent to an orphanage.<ref name="Lagunastory1">{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]] |developer=Square Co., Ltd. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation |quote='''Laguna''': ...Ellone was raised by Raine who lived next door. And I came to know her. Then there was another massive hunt for a successor in Esthar again. Elle was taken away[...]so I rescued her and sent her off to Winhill. Shortly after that, Raine died. And Ellone was sent straight to an orphanage...}}</ref> Laguna is unable to leave his post to visit her and remains president of Esthar to the present day.<ref name="Lagunastory3">{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]] |developer=Square Co., Ltd. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation |quote='''Laguna:''' My job kept me busy. I was left here thinking about this and that and before I knew it, all this time had passed.}}</ref> Ellone and Laguna are later reunited in space,<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]] |developer=Square Co., Ltd. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation |quote='''Laguna:''' Ellone followed me out to space. Little Elle was all grown up... Then she told me everything.}}</ref> and Laguna helps Squall which Ellone took part in after preparation for their fight against [[Characters of Final Fantasy VIII#Ultimecia|Ultimecia]]. Following Ultimecia's defeat, Laguna visits his wife's grave, and reunites with his friends and Ellone again.
Outside ''Final Fantasy VIII'', Laguna appears in the [[fighting game]] ''[[Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy]]''. In the story, Laguna is involved in the twelfth cycle of the eternal conflict between the gods Cosmos and [[Character design of Final Fantasy#Chaos|Chaos]], who have both summoned several warriors from different worlds <ref>{{cite video game|title=Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=March 22, 2011|platform=PlayStation Portable |quote='''Lightning:''' Kain. Cosmos called us again. Why do you suppose that is? / '''Kain:''' Who knows? / '''Lightning:''' I want...I intend to win this fight. I win, and I get my memory back. I get to go back home. I keep telling myself that, just like everyone else. But you know...now that I've been here awhile... Sometimes I have to wonder if winning really means we'll get to go back home at all. If it might be that winning...won't change a thing. I just...I can't help but wonder.}}</ref> Laguna and other ''Final Fantasy'' characters fight creatures known as Manikins.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=March 22, 2011 |platform=PlayStation Portable |quote='''Lightning:''' Say your 'next battle' were to start now. There wouldn't be any fewer enemies out there. And starting over fresh doesn't guarantee we'd get our crystals any faster either. At the very least, we might as well cut their numbers down first. It sure can't hurt, can it? And it might just give us a shot. / '''Laguna:''' Guess now's as good a time as any. Just happens I've got some intel that might change the whole game. You wanna even our odds? Try this on: I know where the manikins are coming from.}}</ref> Though they succeed, Cosmos is reduced to a weakened state after using much of her power to diminish the Manikin army when they attempt to kill her and the Warrior of Light,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy|developer=[[Square Enix]]|publisher=Square Enix|date=22 March 2011|platform=[[PlayStation Portable]]|quote=<!--'''Garland:''' The manikins march on Cosmos' throne. / '''Lightning''': What?!-->'''Vaan''': What about Cosmos? / '''Kain''': It's too late. / '''Vaan''': "Too late"?! / '''Laguna''': Even if we did go back, we'd never make it in time. Only thing we can do is trust our last line of defence to hold.}}</ref> They are successful, but the group disappears from Cosmos' side in the process.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=March 22, 2011 |platform=PlayStation Portable |quote='''Lightning''': I'm sure you all understand our...situation. We came here to destroy the portal that connects this world to the Rift. It's the last thing left for us to do. But once we charge into the middle of those manikins, there's no coming back.}}</ref>
==Creation and concept== Laguna was created to be a playable character from ''[[Final Fantasy VIII]]'' but with different standards from previous supporting characters in the ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' franchise; initially, the Square staff decided to create a story centered around a hero who would become Squall and the heroine Rinoa according to director [[Yoshinori Kitase]].<ref name="concept">{{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}}</ref> [[Kazushige Nojima]] created Laguna and his scenario in response to negative feedback about their previous installment, ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'', being too sad and having too many flashbacks. Laguna's scenes first appear to the audience as taking place in the same time frame as protagonist [[Squall Leonhart]]'s story, before revealing that Laguna's stories happened in the past when the pair meet. Kitase later regretted this setup, as it meant that Laguna's scenes could not be set in a different setting than Squall's. In contrast to the characters in Squall's group who have problems understanding his personality, the characters of Kairos and Wald were written to understand Laguna and be friendly throughout all their interactions, even before Laguna could speak. This was based on the "love" theme [[Square Enix|Square]] wanted ''Final Fantasy VIII'' to explore.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dualshockers.com/final-fantasy-viii-kazushige-nojima-famitsu-interview/|title=Final Fantasy Scenarist Kazushige Nojima Explains How FFVIII Was Influenced by FFVII's Success|website=Dual Shockers|access-date=October 4, 2024}}</ref> Several scenes of Laguna's story were cut by Square.<ref>{{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=November 21, 2019|access-date=October 4, 2024}}</ref> As a result, Nojima expressed desire to make a new ''Final Fantasy VIII'' that would explore Laguna's life more.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/2019/10/09/kazushige-nojima-talks-about-early-internet-criticism-on-ff7-that-influenced-final-fantasy-viii/|title=Kazushige Nojima Talks About Early Internet Criticism On FF7 That Influenced Final Fantasy VIII|website=DualShockers|access-date=October 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009190502/https://www.siliconera.com/2019/10/09/kazushige-nojima-talks-about-early-internet-criticism-on-ff7-that-influenced-final-fantasy-viii/|archive-date=October 9, 2019}}</ref>
Laguna's characterization was designed for him to do things that Squall could not, resulting in their opposite personalities with Laguna being friendly and Squall unsociable, though the developers made Squall's personality change over course the game as they feared player reactions if he remained cold.<ref name="concept"/> It is implied in the game that Laguna is Squall's father, but this has never been confirmed.<ref name="LagunaFather">{{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}}</ref> After designing serious, moody main characters for ''Final Fantasy VII'' and ''VIII'', Nomura wanted friendlier characters like Laguna and [[Zell Dincht]], inspiring the creation of ''[[Final Fantasy X]]'' lead [[Tidus]].<ref name="sun">{{cite book |year=2001 |editor1=Sam Kennedy |editor2=Gary Steinman |title=Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine August, 2001 |page=96 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis Media]]}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>
Laguna appears in the fighting game ''[[Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy]]'', where he is voiced by [[Hiroaki Hirata]] in Japanese and Armando Valdes-Kennedy in English. He is featured in his youthful ''Final Fantasy VIII'' appearance, as well as his older and Galbadian soldier forms. His knight costume is also available as [[downloadable content]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/comup2/dissidia_fourth_form_costumes/|title=Sephiroth and Laguna Costumes Hit Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy Next Week|publisher=Andriasang|access-date=June 23, 2012|archive-date=December 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225043218/http://andriasang.com/comup2/dissidia_fourth_form_costumes/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Director Mitsunori Takahashi asked the developers to make the strongest weapon in "EX mode" a weapon that fires a wave motion gun. Hirata was chosen by Nomura to give him a "light" feel as he is older than Squall's even in his regular persona after working with him in ''[[The 3rd Birthday]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201012/25037336.html|title=『ディシディア デュオデシム ファイナルファンタジー』のストーリーモードの内容に迫る独占インタビュー完全版！|publisher=Famitsu|access-date=October 5, 2024}}</ref> He was also planned to appear in ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]'' as the head of Mirage Arena.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/comssv/nomura_takahashi_dissidia/|title=Nomura and Takahashi on Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy|publisher=Andriasang|access-date=June 23, 2012|archive-date=December 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225034014/http://andriasang.com/comssv/nomura_takahashi_dissidia/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Reception== Laguna has been well-received by gamers and journalists from video game publications. He is ranked seventh in ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]''{{'}}s list of the top ten video game politicians.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Sharkey |first=Scott |date=November 2008 |title=EGM's Top Ten Videogame Politicians: Election time puts us in a voting mood |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=234 |page=97}}</ref> Ryan Clements and Colin Moriarty of ''[[IGN]]'' regarded Laguna as one of the best ''Final Fantasy'' characters as well as a standout character in ''Final Fantasy VIII'' due to his parallels to Squall's group,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/12/30/the-best-characters-of-final-fantasy|title=The Best Characters of Final Fantasy|website=IGN|access-date=October 4, 2024|date=December 30, 2011|author=Clements, Ryan; Moriarty, Colin}}</ref> while in another article, writer Phil Pirello praised how his personality contrasts with that of the more stoic Squall.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/21/final-fantasy-readers-choice|title=Final Fantasy Reader's Choice |website=IGN|access-date=October 4, 2024|date=May 21, 2008|author=Pirello, Phil}}</ref> The same site also noticed that while Squall has more screentime than other characters for being protagonist, Laguna stands out thanks to "lovable goofball" persona as well as his career in politics.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/13/top-25-final-fantasy-characters-day-ii|title=Top 25 Final Fantasy Characters - Day II|website=IGN|access-date=October 4, 2024|date=May 15, 2008|author=Smith, Dave}}</ref> GameRant found him as a "charming" character who does not get the recognition he gets by players as across ''Final Fantasy VIII'', he accomplishes several things and obtains peace thanks to becoming Esthar's president and noting how Julia's romance with him was never fully explored.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/final-fantasy-overlooked-undervalued-playable-characters/|title=Final Fantasy: 10 Most Underrated Playable Characters |website=GameRant|access-date=October 4, 2024|date=August 14, 2020|author=Shoaib, Saad}}</ref> ''[[Dengeki Online]]'' noted that Julia's romance scene can be improved by making Laguna more tolerant to alcohol which makes the original scene more enjoyable to watch.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/530/1530781/|title=【FFRK名場面】ティンバー・マニアックスを読む場所でラグナの酒の強さが変化!?|website=Dengeki Online|access-date=October 4, 2024|date=June 4, 2017}}</ref> In another article, the website enjoyed Laguna's flashback for how he contrasts his nervousness over Julia with the cooler Squall and praised his own theme song that plays during his fight scenes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/435/1435373/|title=【FFRK名場面】好きな人の前で緊張して足がつっちゃうラグナに萌え|website=Dengeki Online|access-date=October 4, 2024|date=December 18, 2017}}</ref>
There was also analysis about Laguna's role in the story and his hidden connection with Squall. In retrospect, ''Polygon'' said "Everything about Laguna is wildly endearing" citing one of his scenes where he attempts to flirt with his crush only to suffer from leg cramp and return to his friends ashamed. They came to regard him as Squall's opposite which comes across as hilarious since the protagonist thinks poorly of him before ever learning they are related. The fact that the game never reveals Laguna and Squall's connection confused the writer even though Laguna's adoptive daughter aims to connect these two. The game's ending reveals that Laguna marries another woman whom appears to further connects lineage but the game does not confirm it.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/2/13/18222524/final-fantasy-8-20th-anniversary-squaresoft|title=Why I’m still thinking about Final Fantasy 8, 20 years later|website=Polygon|access-date=October 4, 2024|date=February 13, 2019|author=Pirello, Phil}}</ref> [[Kotaku]] had a deep appreciation for Laguna's flashback as he wanted a deeper connection that expands the narrative. However, as he realized the Square staff wanted a subtle emotional impact, Laguna's healing days give a sense of nostalgia when is recovering from the war and reunites with Kiros. The writer went on to how it juxtaposes with Squall's side, showing how fates change. The fact that Laguna could be Squall's father give meaning for the protagonist to experience his father's days throughout his flashback and learn more about him. However, he lamented lamented how Laguna's flashbacks could have had a bigger emotional impact had the relationship between him and Squall. It was revealed in the story as the former appreciates his friends far more than Squall and was the original user of the Gunblade weapon for a play which Squall and his rival Seifer wield.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/final-fantasy-viii-s-surprise-twist-nearly-ruined-it-fo-1840071727|title=Final Fantasy VIII’s Surprise Twist Nearly Ruined It For Me|website=Kotaku|access-date=October 4, 2024|date=November 29, 2019|author=Tieryas, Peter}}</ref> Laguna's time as an actor was praised by ''Dengeki Online'' for how hilarious it was that he ends up accidentally facing a dragon while wielding a Gunblade in the same fashion as Seifer would be inspired by him.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/139/1139807/|title=【FFRK名場面】大人の魅力（みりき）あふれる『VIII』のラグナが映画俳優に!?|website=Dengeki Online|access-date=October 4, 2024|date=October 18, 2015}}</ref> ''[[VentureBeat]]'' said that Laguna overeshadowed Squall due to coming across as a more likable character despite the tragedy he faces in ''Final Fantasy VIII'' such as the death of his wife but keeps his original cheerful persona.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
In "The Monomyth Of A Seed: A Literary Analysis Of A Jrpg Character’s Hero Journey", Laguna Loire comes across of the protagonist's opposite based on their personalities and his flashbacks help to further help Squall's growth.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Monomyth Of A Seed: A Literary Analysis Of A Jrpg Character’s Hero Journey |year=2023 |publisher=International Journal of Art and Higher Education|url=https://acspublisher.com/journals/index.php/cijahe/article/view/13163}}</ref> Novelist Ben Hourigan mentioned in "You Need Love and Friendship For This Mission!" that while the ''Final Fantasy'' series struggles to deal with romantic plots to the audience appeal to concerned teenagers and especially ''[[hikikomori]]'', Laguna's speech he gives to Squall's group about how to survive to Ultimecia's power that is directly addressed towards the consumers too which is further referenced by director [[Yoshinori Kitase]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=75fc82dd6bae08f5a5e6dde139120a132066bc7b|title="You Need Love and Friendship For This Mission!": Final Fantasy VI, VII and VIII in generic and social context|author=Hourigan, Ben|access-date=October 4, 2024|year=2004|publisher=Department of English with Cultural Studies The University of Melbourne}}</ref> In "25 Years Later People Are Still Overthinking ''Final Fantasy VIII''", Austin Jones from ''Endless Mode'' said love was a major theme from the video game as "Eyes on Me" centers on both Laguna and Julia's relationship and Squall and Rinoa's. Additionally, the themes of war and connection resulted in the former separating Laguna from Julia due to the conflict, he ended up meeting Ellone and Raine afterwards and thus form a newfound love in the family he creates.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.endlessmode.com/video-games/final-fantasy-viii/25-years-later-people-are-still-overthinking-final-fantasy-viii|title=25 Years Later People Are Still Overthinking ''Final Fantasy VIII''|website=Endless Mode|author=Jones, Austin|access-date=July 1, 2025}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}} {{Final Fantasy series|FF=FFVIII}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Loire, Laguna}} [[Category:Characters designed by Tetsuya Nomura]] [[Category:Fictional gunfighters]] [[Category:Fictional private military members]] [[Category:Final Fantasy VIII characters]] [[Category:Male characters in video games]] [[Category:Video game characters introduced in 1999]]