@ReaptheMusic He is pretty much just terrible.
Riona is nice for trying to get him lighten up and do things so he'd cheer up.
And people defend this game because "Perfect game for introverts." ? No, I call BS.
I'm an Introvert, FF9 is much better because everyone is fully realized, not just plot tools. They are actual people.
Like, never in FF8 did I feel anyone was important, and that was my biggest issue.
In FF8. Even Laguna was a better character. He was just a sub character 90% of it, and his sections were far more interesting.
Squall is just like "Fuck responsibility. I just want to mope away from everyone. But... I HAVE TO DO SOMETHING!" and that is all he boils down to unfortunately.
I love FF9's protagonist because he is just about doing what is right. Yeah, he has self doubt at the end of act 3, but after what you discover. (Not saying what. I'll just say we are people, not products.) You feel even closer than ever.