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Start listening more closely, 'cause it's getting embarrassing... ...is what Ward would say. Can't you see it in his eyes?
Kiros Seagill
Ward Zabac is a temporary playable character in Final Fantasy VIII. He uses a large spear-like weapon called a harpoon, which he throws at his enemies and fights alongside his friends Laguna and Kiros in the Galbadian Army.
Profile
Appearance
Standing at seven feet, Ward is a tall and intimidating-looking person. However, underneath his rough exterior lies a wise, observant mind. He is first seen wearing the standard Galbadian soldier's uniform, but his casual attire consists of a blue bandana on his head, white tank-top, green overalls and army boots. He sports a scar going across the left side of his face from an undisclosed injury, and has light facial stubble.
Personality
Despite his intimidating persona, Ward is a caring person who would help a friend whenever they need it, although this usually results in him being dragged along on one of Laguna's poorly thought-out schemes.
Story
Ward's plans for the evening.
Ward serves in the Galbadian Army with his friends Laguna and Kiros. They get lost in the forests of Timber and escape to Deling City where Ward and Kiros coax Laguna to get acquainted with Julia Heartilly. When they see Julia approaching their table Ward and Kiros make a swift exit, but need to soon fetch him from Julia's hotel room because they have been sent on a mission in Centra.
In his last mission with the Galbadian Army, Ward gets lost with Laguna and Kiros and the trio accidentally end up in the Centra Excavation Site where the Esthar Army is excavating the Lunatic Pandora. During their escape he receives a wound that results in the loss of his ability to speak. After leaving the Galbadian Army he becomes a janitor in the D-District Prison, which Zell later has a flashback about.
Ward hints at Squall's father's identity.
Eleven months later, when Ellone is kidnapped by Estharian Soldiers, Ward accompanies Laguna and Kiros to Esthar to rescue her. They get in to some trouble along the way, participating in a movie to earn some money where they encounter a Ruby Dragon. During their adventures Laguna gets separated from Kiros and Ward; however, the three later reunite and continue on their journey to Esthar, where they rescue Ellone and defeat Sorceress Adel. Laguna becomes President of Esthar, and Kiros and Ward become Laguna's advisers.
Ward is seen for the first time in the game's present timeline when Squall enters the Sorceress Memorial to rescue Rinoa. Squall does not appear to recognize Ward and he is not named during the scene, but appears as a large man wearing Estharian clothes who does not say a word, but is the one who lets Squall enter the building. Later, Ward is seen in the Presidential palace when the SeeDs meet with Laguna, and lastly within the Ragnarok before entering the Lunatic Pandora, where Ward and Kiros make remarks on Squall's parents.
Gameplay
Ward is playable during dream sequences. He wields a harpoon which he throws at enemies before running after it to pick it up and use it again. His Limit Break is Massive Anchor, which allows him to throw the anchor in the air and jump after it, then ride it back down to the ground as it creates a shockwave which damages all enemies.
As with other characters in the game, a Triple Triad card based on Ward can be obtained.
Other appearances
Ward has appeared in the following media throughout the Final Fantasy series:
- PocketStation as a memory card file manager.
- Pictlogica Final Fantasy as a playable character.
- Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade as a playable character.
- Final Fantasy Record Keeper as a playable character.
- Final Fantasy Trading Card Game as a series of cards.
- Triple Triad as a card.
Gallery
Trivia
- If the player finds Timber Maniacs #9 (in Shumi Village Artisan's house) before the Vienne Mountains flashback, Ward will not appear alongside Laguna and Kiros in the movie making scene.
- In the French localization, rather than not being able to speak due to an injury, Ward voluntarily refuses to speak "until the game is finished" after Laguna tells him that "thinking negatively draws bad luck", breaking the fourth wall.
References
- ↑ Final Fantasy VIII Ultimania, p. 27