A fan of Final Fantasy VIII recently shared a real-life reproduction of protagonist Squall Leonhart’s weapon of choice: the gun blade. Final Fantasy VIII was launched in 1999 for the original PlayStation, but it has since been resurrected with the March release of Final Fantasy VIII Remastered, a mobile adaptation of the Square-developed RPG.
Final Fantasy games are easily converted to iOS and Android smartphones because of their turn-based combat and tale narrative, and Square Enix has done so successfully. The Japanese gaming maker is presently releasing pixel remastered versions of Final Fantasy on mobile devices, with the final installment of Final Fantasy VI due soon. The restored Final Fantasy VIII mobile port is not included in Square Enix’s pixel remaster bundle, but it does include updated visuals and graphics, something many fans were hoping for considering that the game’s 3D graphics at the time did not meet modern standards.
A fan of Final Fantasy VIII’s Squall Leonhart revealed a homemade – and essential – aspect of their costume for the character: the gunblade weapon. Reddit user reiku 85 displayed an outstanding and highly realistic-looking version of the one-of-a-kind weapon, captioning it, “Reminiscences of restless hours spent in the workshop crafting a gunblade for my Squall cosplay… I’m pleased with the finished outcome!” Their gunblade appears to be substantially comparable to its source material, with matching etchings, coloring, and characteristics, indicating that the model was a success.
Other Reddit users largely praised the post, with much-expressing enthusiasm in seeing the whole cosplay. According to one user, “Well done. Great work, and I’m looking forward to seeing the finished cosplay!” while another stated that the post exceeded their expectations for cosplay, “I usually scoff at cosplay (since I’ve seen a LOT of awful cosplay), but that’s some very great work! Congratulations!” Cosplay is commonly inspired by Final Fantasy games, with iconic characters such as Final Fantasy VII’s Cloud Strife and Sephiroth frequently acting as the focus of such fan homages.
It is critical to include their weapon of choice when cosplaying as a Final Fantasy series character. In reiku 85’s instance, the remainder of their costume certainly doesn’t need to be as similar to Squall’s appearance as possible if they’re promoting his legendary gunblade. However, Final Fantasy cosplayers are renowned for dazzling, so a meticulously crafted Final Fantasy VIII Squall Leonhart cosplay is undoubtedly in reiku 85’s best interests.
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