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Final Fantasy Articles
Final Fantasy Tactics (Not FFT!) [ Author: Norco
]
Part One: General Tips
One suggestion that Tim offered for an article was gameplay, tactics,
etc. And,
so, this time, that’s what I’ll write about!
This article, like my previous, will cover all three PSX releases
of Final
Fantasy. It will consist of four parts, and each will contain
battle tactics,
tips, and hints.
Obviously, most of this doesn’t really apply, if you have
ridiculously high
levels. This is more of a guide for those who didn’t bother
levelling up, and
are having troubles with later monsters (The Northern Crater from
FF7 comes to
mind as a good example)
I know I’m not the best gamer of all time (Hell, the first
time I played FF7 I
missed Ramuh and Ifrit; two very obvious materia!!). But, I think
that, after
playing each Final Fantasy through a couple of times, I’ve
learnt a few tricks
that can kill opponents easily.
General Tips:
Get a battle flow.
Get used to the flow of battle. Know what your characters can
do, and be
decisive when choosing commands. Waiting for just a few moments
may cause
you to lose your rhythm, an opportunity to inflict mortal damage,
any
advantage you may have had, or your life.
Develop a strategy that is powerful, quick and effective, yet
is flexible
enough to deal with powerful opponents or opponents with certain
properties.
Simple magic is your friend!
Using powerful, MP-Draining magic (or using powerful junctioned
magic,
always a no-no!) such as Ultima, is not the best way to win. Use
simple
magic’s to supplement your physical attacks. I can’t
stress this enough. Do
not rely solely on magic, use physical attacks with magic thrown
in; a good
combo will bring down any foe.
Use benign status changes!!! Again, this also cannot be stressed
enough!!!
Since all your opponents are unable to revive fallen comrades
(or
themselves), and very few of them can heal themselves regularly
enough to be
a serious threat, the only advantage they have is a massive speed
advantage.
Use Haste and Slow to nullify this speed advantage. Magic that
allows you to
have multiple attacks (Double Cut, All: FF7 / Double, Triple:
FF8 / Double
White, Double Black: FF9) are also a massive advantage, especially
against
multiple opponents.
Use Summon Spells to deliver Clout, not as a rule
FF7 and FF9 summon spells consume MP. This is a real pain in the
rear if you
suddenly need to cure your party members, and have no megalixirs
on hand.
While they will do damage, and can give you time to consider a
move, don’t
use them as a general rule of thumb.
Although in FF8, using GF’s frequently is a good way to
build a bond with
them, use them only for clout, because, if you’re not using
them all that
much, what does it matter about the compatibility? GF’s are
for junctioning
with, and for giving a little clout every now and again.
Use them for some clout, the only time you’d use them repeatedly
in a battle
is for certain elemental properties.
I’d recommend using a reasonably powerful, non-elemental
Summon, such as
Bahamut, or Doomtrain. (Obviously, Doomtrain is in FF8 only :)
Don’t rely solely on magic or physical attacks, separately.
Use a combo of the
two. These tactics will fail!!! Using one form of attack can and
WILL fail,
wether it be via high spirit or vitality, elemental affinity,
or ailments
against you, such as darkness, blindness, etc.
This way, if one type of attack fails, then you’ll have
another form to fall
back on.
Your attacks will be more effective
You get more satisfaction from not being a one hit wonder (Okay,
some people
don’t really care, but I do, therefore, it’s applicable
:)
Learn the magic system
(FF7) Use good materia combos. <Magic> + <All> is
not the only combo, you
know!!
(FF8) Use smart junctioning. Max your stats as much as possible,
using as
little space and magic as possible, saving room for other useful
commands
and abilities.
(FF9) The same applies for FF9. Use your magic stones wisely,
maxing stats
as much as possible, but still getting a good range of abilities,
commands,
and status protection.
Let the system do the work for you.
Do not underestimate the power of a status attack. Added effect
/ ST-ATK /
Add ST are all useful. Being able to kill in one hit (Death junctioned
to
Added effect / ST-ATK / Add ST) is a life saver, especially against
some
monsters.
Similarly, silencing, petrifying, slowing/stopping an opponent
is a great
asset. Even If you can’t kill an opponent in one hit, they
may be slowed
down, or even crippled.
Play with the options
ATB is a clever system. Set it to active, for a more “real”
battle. That and
you’ll have a reason to get more decisive when choosing commands
:)
While you’re at it, set the game speed and camera movement
to maximum (Dunno
if camera movement is in FF7 or FF9). These also give a more “real”
experience.
Next Article:
Strangely enough, I’m not going over FF7, I’m going
to do FF8, since that is
what I am playing at the moment. Effective junctioning, battle
techniques, etc.
Questions? Comments? norco@fantasysquare.com
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