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In 1997, Square released what some consider to be the best game in the Final Fantasy series. It would forever change the nature of Final Fantasy, with mechanics and a setting that were completely new to the seires. The game inspired countless fanboys who continue to play and dissect the game to this day.
I'm not 100% sure where I'm going with this but the punchline is Final Fantasy Tactics.
Let's Play Final Fantasy Tactics
An RPGCodex Adventure
Often considered something of a black sheep in the Final Fantasy series, Tactics is completely unlike a normal Final Fantasy game in terms of gameplay. The story is one you might find in any other Final Fantasy game, although it is a bit more complex, as it involves political machinations, religion, and...demon possession?
Oh god what am I setting myself up for.
I haven't played this game in...8 years? Something like that. But because I'm a glutton for punishment, and for your amusement, I will be playing with the FFT Insane Difficulty mod, which will probably ensure I end up abandoning this LP in frustration. Let's see how far I can get before I go insane.
At the request of a few people I'm going to start a roster for current and eventual party members. Odds are this won't change very much, though, because of the way FFT works (new recruits start at level 1 and are almost impossible to level). Although I'll probably recruit a few more party members at the start of chapter 2.
Current Roster
Andhaira
Volourn
Cleve
Garfunkel
Cmdr Shepard
Ripley
Oh christ, it's one of those self-trailers with random text that Square puts at the beginning of all of their games now.
You know what, I'm going to spare you the rest of this cutscene. It doesn't tell you anything.
Alright, so let's get started.
God fucking dammit, won't this game just shut up?
So we get to name our protagonist, eh? Ramza won't do. We need a name that speaks to the nature of the character. He's constantly several steps behind everyone else, seems to live in his own world, and everyone hates him. Hey, I've got it.
Perfect.
To be completely honest I don't even remember what this does. So I just picked today's date as of the time I was recording these screenshots.
Next we're treated to another fucking cutscene.
I'll spare you the rest of the cutscene, it's really just credits.
Just one moment, Agrias.
The guards have already arrived.
By the way, you can probably guess who's important in this cutscene because I bothered to make an avatar for them.
Don't be rude to the Princess, Gafgarion.
This is an urgant issue for us.
So there are rude knaves even among the Hokuten?
This is as good a place as any to mention that the translation for this game is horrible.
I'm being more than kind to the guard captains here. Besides, we're mercenaries hired by the Hokuten. I'm not obliged to show respect to you.
What? How dare you!
You too, Simon.
Simon: Prince Goltana's men!?
What, Prosper? You have a problem, too?
Prosper: ...I'm no longer a Knight. Just a mercenary like you.
...That's right. Well then. Let's go!
As a side note, I may have forgotten to screencap Prosper talking. Either that or he isn't important. Take from that what you will.
What's wrong with Prince Goltana!? He's such an idiot! Does he want to start a war!?
Yes, yes he does.
Goltana Knight: Just give us the Princess, or that beautiful face of yours will be scarred forever!
Which is why Gafgarion is going to attack them head on. He's a great mercenary.
Leave this to us!
We can't make money that way!
Time for the tutorial battle. This is your standard "impossible to fail" mission, although the game doesn't really give you any advice. Also, I believe you can technically die on this mission, but it's difficult because Gafgarion and Agrias are both around level 30 and the enemy are all level 10, and the two of them can basically win this battle by themselves. Unfortunately you can only control Prosper in this battle, which makes it pretty tedious.
Nonsense! There's no need to kill them! That's just what Goltana wants us to do! Just let them go!
Don't even bother fighting them! Let them take the Princess! We can go get a beer!
That's impossible!
Gafgarion starts off the combat with his rigged-as-fuck Night Sword, which does melee damage at medium range and gives him the damage as health.
OK, it's our turn. Time to take decisive action.
Like moving forward.
When a character uses a special attack, there's a chance that they'll say some line like this one.
Check out those masterful PSX graphics.
On our next action we get to murder the fuck out of an archer.
Unfortunately one of ours gets brought down by another archer.
PROSPER SMASH
And now they're down to just a single knight, who is also by far their strongest unit.
"Hey guys, let's all use support abilities on this wounded knight and ignore the last remaining enemy while he beats the fuck out of Prosper"
Well, I can't say I blame them; I'd probably do the same thing.
Then the knight moves over and kills our wounded ally...
And gets a free cure spell from Gafgarion because it's cast in a + grid pattern and he was standing in the area.
The last enemy is FINALLY brought down by the most useless ability in the game: Dash.
All is not well in the church, however.
: Why should I listen to you!?
: What an annoying Princess.
FALCON PUNCH
: Tough...Don't blame us. Blame yourself or God.
Prosper: ...Delita?? You're alive, Delita? But, why are you in Goltana's troops?
What was all this about? Who are these characters? Will Agrias ever stop being useless? Will the next update be more humorous? Some of those questions and more will be answered next time on LP:FFT
r00fles!
FFT has nothing to do with FF series. It's Tactics Ogre Remake.
PROTIPS:
- switch to PeopsSoft Plugin, turn filtering on,
- use external program for screenshots in fullscreen - no epsxe window,
- disable plugin info,
- switch to 800x600,
- switch to .jpgs
Pics are way too big. Batch resize to 640x480 (or something) with appropriate program (acdsee, photosphop, whatever)
Also what's with the pics ? Are you by any chance using print screen to take them If so, you're killing yourself with a spoon. Use fraps to take screenshots.
You're being a bit harsh to Ramza though, it's not his fault that he's innocent and naive, while everyone else and their mother is a heartless backstabber that scheme constantly. Oh, and I recommend you to use the translation patch if you want to keep your sanity.
- switch to PeopsSoft Plugin, turn filtering on,
- use external program for screenshots in fullscreen - no epsxe window,
- disable plugin info,
- switch to 800x600,
- switch to .jpgs
Pics are way too big. Batch resize to 640x480 (or something) with appropriate program (acdsee, photosphop, whatever)
Also what's with the pics ? Are you by any chance using print screen to take them If so, you're killing yourself with a spoon. Use fraps to take screenshots.
I'm using zscreen to capture images; I didn't realize it was grabbing the window frame until after I had already taken several screenshots. I've never seen a screencapture program do that. If I can't figure out how to disable that I'll probably go back to the program I was using before zscreen because I know it won't grab the window.
Also, yeah, I realized the images were a bit large when I checked this thread on my laptop; I tend to forget that not everyone runs their desktop at 1980x1024 resolution. I'll find a way to batch resize the images when I get home.
I talked to a friend of mine who's borderline obsessed with FFT and he said the insane difficulty mod was too much for him and he gave up on it. SO THIS IS GOING TO BE GREAT.
Off to a great start here. I overrode my savestate because I didn't remember which key was which in ePSXe.
Also, I know the image quality jumps around through this update. I had to change the video settings a few times before I found something I liked.
Last time on LP:FFT, we watched some cutscenes and played at tutorial battle. And then some jerk named Delita showed up and kidnapped Princess Ovelia.
Who is Delita? Well, the game explains that with more text.
Punctuation errors abound in this game.
I love how it says "heroes and wizards", like wizards can't be heroes or something.
And to the person who suggested I use the retranslation patch, I'm aware it exists, but it's far easier to make fun of the game this way.
Cadet: Must have been the Death Corps...
Something's starting...Know anything, Delita?
No...but I can guess.
What do you mean?
Prince Larg's coming to town.
Prince Larg? Why?
Who the fuck is Prince Larg? We'll find out later. This game sure is taking its time introducing itself.
Not only Larg, but Marquis Elmdor of Limberry, too.
That's news! It's not an official visit, is it?
There are danger zones everywhere in Ivalice. The Hokuten Knights are in full operation, but suffering from a shortage of men.
That didn't really answer the question, but prosper is unperturbed.
So, they need us cadets.
Knight: As you know, barbarians are rapidly increasing here in Gallionne. The traitorous Death Corps detest the royal family. We cannot overlook them. We will begin exterminating these traitors. By order of our Master.
That doesn't sound ominous at all.
Knight: Larg's Knights stationed at Igros Castle and many other groups will participate. Your duty is to support the flank. Specifically, you'll go to Igros and help guard it.
Suddenly...
Knight: A gang of tortured theives is trying to sneak into this town. We'll begin preparations now to keep them out of town! Come with me!
As we'll see in a few moments, they get into town anyway. Unless the knight is talking about something else. I don't know.
This is the first battle where we can control more than one person! In fact, we can control a whole 5 people which, if memory serves, is the most we can ever bring to a battle anyway. Unfortunately all these characters suck.
Let's go ahead and distinguish this battle with a counter:
Battle 1
Thief: OK, all we have to do is kill these kids! Then, we can escape! Don't you worry! We'll kill every one of you!
This guy's a bit of a psychopath.
OK, let's get this party started. Our entire group consists of three squires (melee damage/support job), two chemists (they throw potions and doesn't afraid of anything), and Delita, who is AI-controlled for most of chapter 1.
Don't patronize me, Delita! I'm also a Beoulve!!
Thief: So, you must be cadets from the military academy! Snot-nosed little nobles!!
Silence! Surrender or die in obscurity!!
Thief: What can a bunch of kids like you do? Buncha spoiled punks like you'll never beat us!!
So one of our squires is already down. We brought two chemists, though, so we'll be fine.
Oh, it's on now.
Oh shit. Whelp, there goes Prosper.
This is why we brought two chemists.
Throw Stone is the best ability we have at the moment. And I'm not even kidding.
The first squire we lost turned into a crystal. That'll happen someone stays dead for more than 4 turns. That person is lost forever, but at least we can use their spirit for some combat bonuses.
It's worth noting that Delita can't permanently die in this battle, which is fortunate because he probably would have by now. If a plot character can die and they do, it's usually a game over.
This is the 5th time this guy has used a potion
FINALLY the last squire ran out of potions.
Why do you continue committing acts like robbery? You wouldn't have died this way if you'd led an honest life.
We've made it past the first battle, and been given access to the world map. And now we can do some shopping around.
The soldiers we start with are all mediocre. The only difference between stats in Tactics really come down to the Brave and Faith ratings. Brave determines the success of some random melee abilities like Counter Attack among other things, and Faith determines the character's ability to use and be affected by magic.
We can hire new soldiers here, but it takes a while to find someone with a decent brave or faith. Also, male soldiers cost 1500 but female soldiers only cost 1400. For no reason.
A few minutes later we have three new hires:
Preacher of the Bioware religion Volourn...
Brave soldier of Islam Andhaira...
And invulnerable übermench Cleveland Mark Blakemore.
That's all for now. The next update will probably be longer. We'll be fighting several more battles as the intro to Tactics unfolds.
It determines your Zodiac symbol, which has a minor effect on your "rolls". Each symbol is good against some symbols and bad against others. I don't think this is ever actually explained in the game. It doesn't matter, though, and will almost certainly never factor into your strategies even if you actually bothered to memorize what's good against what (although some players who know about this purposely pick a symbol that's good against the toughest enemies in the game).
:D Guess we know who she picked. Gotta love that line, though. "Don't blame us, the people who are kidnapping the princess, for the princess's kidnapping." If only that worked in real life.
We can hire new soldiers here, but it takes a while to find someone with a decent brave or faith. Also, male soldiers cost 1500 but female soldiers only cost 1400. For no reason.
What's funny about this is that females have access to better items (like ribbons) and a better class (dancer, as opposed to bard) than males, so they're actually more powerful in the end. (Of course, with unbalanced things like the mathematician class, any character can end up being overpowered. And nobody can match Cid in terms of abilities.)
BTW, high faith isn't always a good thing (unlike high brave). It means your character does more damage with magic, but is also more damaged by magic. If your healer uses items rather than magic (which is a viable strategy, especially with the long casting time of high-level spells), it can be better to have low faith on your warriors. There are spells you can use to raise/lower brave and faith, too, which permanently affect your soldiers' stats if they're raised/lowered enough in a single battle.
Yeah, I'm aware a higher faith makes you take more magic damage. For my non-casters I usually try to find brave >70 and faith <50. I'll probably make a mediator at some point and use him to max out people's brave and adjust faith as needed. That's what I did when I played this game years ago.
Solo that shit nigga, if you can solo the first fight (with only Ramza and Delita's dumb ass AI) then you get to claim to have big balls.
The birth date determines your Zodiac Sign and starting Faith value. (edit: already answered above, doh). If you want to see which Sign is good/bad against which then go to the character's status screen and move the cursor up to the zodiac sign and click the info button (select, I believe) and it will tell you which its (in)compatible with.
I like everyone to be at high faith myself. Enemy casters can be mitigated by magic evasion and the right equipment, but there's no way to 'fix' the fact that a low faith dead guy will have a shit chance of being raised, or being affected by things like haste, or making healing weaker.
Re: Zodiac signs never being explained in game, the game actually has an incredibly extensive tutorial, and aside from that, you can use the in game help on a person's zodiac sign and it'll tell you what their matches are. Ultimately it doesn't matter a whole lot, unless you want to go all Aspie and make your healers have the best possible compatibility with the rest of your troops. It's not like you're going to swap characters out for a battle because you know the boss is a virgo.
Last time we fought our first real battle. For some reason a group of half-trained kids were asked to fight against real harded criminals. We lost two party members, but replaced them with better people after the battle. Let's move on.
OK. That's good to know. So, where are we?
Ah. So what does this have to do with anything?
I love this game's habit of throwing names and dates at the player like we should know what they mean.
Also, Zalbag is probably the most amusing name ever. So yeah, I love this guy.
It's only a matter of time before the Ordalia army leaves Zeltennia. Don't worry.
Although Dycedarg is a pretty funny name too.
Count Lenario has agreed to your plan.
Good...then, at last...this long war...will finally come to an end...
Where is Prosper? Just when we need him most!
If you hadn't figured it out by now, this is a flashback. It serves no real purpose other than to provide exposition.
Dycedarg, Zalbag...my beloved sons...Take care of Prosper. He may be your half brother, but he is my own flesh.
Yes, I'm sure Dycedarg and Zalbag are going to be the world's best brothers.
Lower your voice.
I'm glad you came....Let me...look at you...
Father...
It has been a long time...You've become a fine man...You start at the Academy...in spring, don't you?
......
A man of many words.
Listen, Prosper....A Beoulve has served the royal family for generations. The warrior spirit is in us. Never shame your name...never tolerate injustice...Living true to your heart is the warrior's way...the Beoulve way.
I understand, father....
Delita's a good boy. He should serve you well...I've asked the dean to accept him into the Academy. It shocked the dean a bit. He will serve you well...Treat him well...
This option allows us to select our objective for this battle. We can either choose to destroy the death corps, or we can choose to save that innocent bystander and destroy the death corps. Choices and concequences!
This is going to be tough. Due to poor planning I didn't bring more than 3 potions.
A bit of good luck with the RNG, though, and this won't be so hard after all.
Andhaira is MVP for this battle. He's dodged 3 attacks that should have killed him and now he's saved Volourn from a charged shot.
...And then he gets brought down by a panther. Alas, poor Andhaira. You will be missed.
All in all this went better than I would have thought it would.
r00fles!
Marquis? You mean the Marquis Elmdor?
Yeah. Who're you?
We're military cadets. I think we can help. Tell us more.
One fade out later...
A knight...?
...I mean, a cadet...like you all.
I'm Prosper Beolve. This is Delita, a good friend.
Beoulve...? ...of the Hokuten? Excellent! How lucky I am!
???
I'm not sure how you pronouce three question marks.
The Marquis is still alive! They've kidnapped him! He will be killed, if we don't act fast! I don't know what I would do if.....
So please! Help, please....
Relax. We don't even know for sure if he'll be killed. There must be some reason for the Death Corps to take him. They might have made some demands.
It should be becoming obvious that Delita is the brains of this group.
Besides, there is nothing we can do. The Marquis was kidnapped, and I'm sure by now everyone at Igros Castle is up in arms.
Igros was where we were headed anyway.
First, we should go to Igros and report.
Later, at Igros Castle...
The senior statesmen spoke highly of you. You are truly descended from Beoulves.
...Thank you.
Aren't you happy?
Oh, yes, I am. Thank you for the kind words. ...You might have heard about the enemy attacking Elmdor's carriage and kidnapping him. What would you have us do?
I've already had Zalbag send out a search party. They'll probably demand ransom...if he's still alive.
I beg you. Let me avenge my comrades murder!
I said it's taken care of. Didn't you hear me?
Shot down.
Gallione isn't any place for you. Let us handle it.
B..ut!
Think of your rank, Algus! Have you forgotten you're just a soldier without the rank of Knighthood?
Urrrgh...
It shouldn't be so difficult. "Danger" probably won't get this far.
My grandfather was captured during the Fifty Year War...He sold his friends out to the enemy to save himself. But, as he left the castle, he got stabbed in the back by a cadet just like myself. One of my grandfather's friends managed to escape and spread the story around. Of course my father didn't believe it, but everyone else did, they deserted him...
Algus, what did we say to make you think we wanted to know your backstory?
Rank...Dycedarg would never meet with someone like me...
Technically he just did.
Teta!
Alma, Zalbag!
Long time no see, brother.
I heard how you beat the thieves in Gariland. That's worthy of a Beoulve. I'm sure father would've been pleased with you.
....Thank you.
Heh...haven't changed a bit. You don't like that much, eh?
Yeah, Prosper's still stuck in his own little world. I'm not even sure he remembers the battle with the thieves.
Delita, you look good. I heard about your role also. Just look how happy Teta is.
Teta is Delita's sister, by the way.
And you also. How is your schooling?
Fine. Everyone is so nice to me...
I'd like to talk more with you, but I must hunt down some thieves. Pardon me.
I pray for your victory.
What!?
....I can't understand it. The Death Corps claim to be anarchists, but they only rob and hurt the nobility.
That actually makes sense. I mean, my understanding of anarchists is that they want a lack of established government, and nobles are the main established government of this setting, so who else would they go after to enforce their agenda?
It's hard to believe they would kidnap the Marquis just for money.
No it's not. If you want to run a rebellion, you need funds.
Absurd! Why they're nothing more than knaves, I say!
The fuck are you talking about, Algus.
The spy we sent still hasn't returned. He's probably in trouble, but the nobles say there's no need to search for his whereabouts.
Where was he when you last heard from him?
A trade city called Dorter, east of Gallione...Guarding a castle is boring work. Don't you think?
Don't worry about me. Just take care of yourself.
Don't worry. I'll come back safely...so be a good girl.
Well then, let's go, Algus.
Something wrong with Teta?
She has been picked on at school because of her rank.
........
Sorry...I shouldn't have worried you like that.
Don't worry, Alma; I don't think prosper even heard you.
You're the one going too far to meet their expectations. Just be yourself and don't be restricted by your name.
You sound like our mother. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.
He was always ignoring her, too.
We have a new goal - we're headed to Dorter Trade city to rescue the spy sent to infiltrate the Death Corps.
After spending our newly earned gil on some new digs and some class changes, we head for Dorter. But before we get there, it's time for another battle.
Battle 3
This is a matter of life and death. How can you say that?
Enough! Here they come!!
This is our first battle against non-humans, and it's going to be annoying.
Goblins are basically thieves, and bombs can self-destruct, denying us precious XP. We now have two AI-controlled party members; Delita and Algus.
I had to play this battle twice because I forgot to buy phoenix downs.
Volourn goes down early.
Fortunately we have phoenix downs this time.
Prosper is confused. So really, what's new?
Actually Prosper being confused is probably the worst thing that could have happened.
Ok, shit got a bit hairy there.
Battle 4
Don't lie to me! I know what you did! Where is Gustav? Where!?
Fencer: I...don't know.....
Where is the Marquis? Where are you hiding him? Speak!!
Fencer: D....desert.....
I see...in "Rat Cellar"...
Damn, the Hokuten.
I've seen him somewhere...
Do you know him, Delita?
I saw him at the end of the Fifty Years War in Igros...
This is actually kind of a tough fight. We have to go up against black mages this time. They're easy to kill, but I forsee our party being cooked to a crisp by spells.
Leader of a volunteer army, a corps of Death Knights.
What? ...You mean he's the...?
Yes...The leader of the Death Corps.
Andhaira continues to be MVP.
Cleve gets murdered by fire.
Volourn takes a fucker down.
And with that, the battle is over.
Where is the Marquis? Where is he being held? Tell us!!!
Your boss, Wiegraf was just here. Where did he go!?
Y, you bastard! Say something!!
Not getting anything from the prisoner, Algus just starts punching him.
...Listen carefully. In a moment, the Hokuten will begin to slaughter you. That's right, each of you're going straight to hell. Being a thief sure pays, huh?
Fencer: We're...not thieves.
What did you say!?
Fencer: ...Nobles never change. You think we aren't human. We risk our lives in the war for this country.....But you dumped us afterward. How are we different? Birth? Status? What the hell's rank?
That's a good question, actually; it hasn't really been explained.
You kidnap people for ransom! So don't act so great!!
Fencer: ...Kidnapping the Marquis was not Mr. Wiegraf's plan.
!?
Fencer: We'd never kidnap a VIP....for money....
Yeah, they'd only kidnap a VIP to kill him.
Then, who? Who kidnapped Elmdor?
Fencer: ......
Talk! If it wasn't you, then who else would do it?
Gustav Margueriff...Captain of the "Death Corps".
Delita is pretty well informed.
So it WAS you all!
Fencer: No. We're fighting to beat you! We're proud that we fight for equality...We're different from Gustav!
Enough, Algus!
So, where is this Gustav?
Algus may not know what they are since he's not from here. 'Sand Rats' only inhabit the Zeklaus Desert north of Dorter.
!?
Was there a village between Dorter and Zeklaus Desert?
Not anymore. But there is a place where desert people used to gather...
.....Gustav and the Marquis may be there.
Yes, probably.
Some class changing and item-buying later, we run into a random encounter. It gives us a chance to deploy our new squad, though.
Volourn is now a black mage, and Andhaira is now a knight.
Battle 5
OK. From here on out the fights start to get considerably harder.
Volourn shows off his new awesome button.
And we mop up pretty quickly.
That's all for now. Next time we'll learn more about the Death Corps and what the deal with them is, and I'll probably die more often. The battles start getting harder from now on; I doubt I'll finish the next update by tomorrow.
See, there they go again. Apparently they're not very big on personal responsibility in this part of Ivalice.
DamnedRegistrations said:
I like everyone to be at high faith myself. Enemy casters can be mitigated by magic evasion and the right equipment, but there's no way to 'fix' the fact that a low faith dead guy will have a shit chance of being raised, or being affected by things like haste, or making healing weaker.
Re: Zodiac signs never being explained in game, the game actually has an incredibly extensive tutorial, and aside from that, you can use the in game help on a person's zodiac sign and it'll tell you what their matches are. Ultimately it doesn't matter a whole lot, unless you want to go all Aspie and make your healers have the best possible compatibility with the rest of your troops. It's not like you're going to swap characters out for a battle because you know the boss is a virgo.
Oops, that's right, I remember now. It's been a while since I played the game. I also forgot about chantage, since I stopped using it when I realized it made you immortal.
As for going aspie, that's nothing. I've heard of people who would delevel all of their characters using a trap found on one of the maps and relevel them as mimes/ninjas/summoners (because they have the best rate of stat increases per level out of all the classes in the game), all for what amounts to a pretty minor gain in the end.
Regarding high/low faith, I tried out a low-faith party once, and it's very much a viable playstyle (at least for an unmodded game), just very different. Though, I always had trouble timing my magic in this game - I found summons to be almost completely useless for this reason - so someone who's better at using it effectively might experience more of a loss by switching to a low-faith party. I recommend you try it out sometime if you haven't; if you've never played the game that way, it completely changes how you have to build your party and approach battles. You generally need multiple healers since alchemists can only heal one person at a time and phoenix downs don't restore your HP very much; you can focus more of your equipment and reaction abilities on physical defense and positive statuses since you don't need to worry about raising magic defense/evasion as much; it becomes less important to target enemy mages (which is nice, because they tend to start out far away and move away when you approach, whereas melee combatants start near and approach you); certain classes (such as geomancers) and abilities (such as draw out, jump, and especially blade grasp*) become more useful; etc. Incidentally, alchemists can be surprisingly strong combatants if you equip them with guns, and since they don't need to spend time casting, you can change tactics on the fly a bit more as needed.
If I had to choose one or the other, I'd probably go for the high-faith party because (a) it relies less on items, which means less time spent tediously trying to find stuff with the move-find ability,** stealing, etc., (b) it relies less on prior knowledge and metagaming for similar reasons, and (c) half the skills in the game use faith, so you're making yourself much less versatile by going with low-faith party, as well as missing out on fun things to mess around with like yin-yang magic and mathematicians. But still, a low-faith party can be much more capable than you might think.
(Also, even for a high-faith party, you don't need a very high faith on warriors to consistently gain the benefits of positive status effects, which leaves only healing. I couldn't give a specific number, but if I had to guess I'd say the increased vulnerability to magic outweighs the benefits of raising it above 50-60, at least until later in the game when you've got more access to magic-resistant equipment.)
* A low-faith, high-brave party where all the members have blade grasp is practically invincible in many of the game's fights. Doesn't matter if you can't heal when nobody can do any real damage to you. But then, blade grasp is pretty overpowered in general; it's just slightly more useful for the low-faith party since their main source of damage will be physical attacks and they don't have the benefit of protection spells.
** Which reminds me, there is one minor drawback to having high brave: it makes you less likely to find rare items while usiing move-find. So it can be handy to keep around one low-brave unit around for item-finding, although it's such a tedious part of the game that I wouldn't bother.
If I let people stay dead it would be a huge pain in the ass. As far as I remember new recruits from the soldier office are always level 1, so I'd have to go through a bunch of random encounters to level them up to par, and random encounters are based off your party level (or apparently about twice your party level in the insane difficulty mod), so it would be really hard to do.
The only way I could see letting people stay dead would be to use a gameshark code to set their level and job levels to something half decent, and I'm not even sure that kind of gameshark code exists.
I wasn't planning on taking signups for that reason, but I'll add you as the next party member if I get the opportunity.
As for the people talking about high vs low faith, I'll take your advice under consideration. It certainly sounds like a high-faith party will be more advantageous than I had originally thought.
I did some research while working on the last update and decided to use Cleve as the party healer instead of Volourn because he has better zodiac compatibility with the current characters. I wouldn't normally bother, but I think I'll need every advantage I can get with the insane difficulty mod.
Summoner is kind of a weird class. You'd think all the high power stuff is where it's at, but what they're really awesome for is spamming the early summons. Ifrit, Shiva, Ramuh and Moogle are very efficient damage/mp/time wise and cover a huge area.
My first time through the game I ended up without much spellcasting actually. A lot of the reaction abilities are extremely powerful. Dragon Spirit, Hamedo, Blade Grasp, Abandon (Holy fuck Abandon is broken late game) and even HP Restore can make a character nearly impossible to kill. Throw in dragoons that aren't even on the map half the time and you pretty much don't even need healing.
Summoner is kind of a weird class. You'd think all the high power stuff is where it's at, but what they're really awesome for is spamming the early summons. Ifrit, Shiva, Ramuh and Moogle are very efficient damage/mp/time wise and cover a huge area.
My first time through the game I ended up without much spellcasting actually. A lot of the reaction abilities are extremely powerful. Dragon Spirit, Hamedo, Blade Grasp, Abandon (Holy fuck Abandon is broken late game) and even HP Restore can make a character nearly impossible to kill. Throw in dragoons that aren't even on the map half the time and you pretty much don't even need healing.
From what I've seen, several of the reaction abilities are nerfed in the insane difficulty mod. I haven't done an extensive check, but Hamedo is gone and I don't remember seeing auto-potion either. Several active abilities seem to be altered as well.
Major_Blackhart said:
Why is there no Blackhart? And why is there no Tactics PSP? It's much better, I pwomise!
I'm mostly not changing because I'm already familiar with this version, I don't have a PSP emulator (does one even exist?), and I'm already a few hours into the game so I don't want to replay all that. I'll add you to the group if I get the opportunity, though.
Last time we met Algus, a knight in training from a disgraced family, and then we headed out in search of the Marquis Elmdor, who was kidnapped by the Death Corps. We learned that the Death Corps was hiding out in Zeklaus Desert, so let's head there now.
In this battle, we have to split our team up a bit. It doesn't really have a huge effect here, but in future battles it can mean the difference between success and failure.
Battle 6
And where would we be without some pre-battle dialog?
Archer: So I heard. What's going to happen to us?
Knight: Forget the Death Corps and run before we get killed.
Soldier: We'll die anyway if we follow Wiegraf.
Knight: Exactly. If we get a ransom for the Marquis like Gustav planned, we can get outta this misery.
Such loyalty in the Death Corps.
Let's get the guard first, before the others find us!!
What?
I seriously hate the AI in this game sometimes. Algus, you're an archer FFS. Move onto the hill and shoot shit.
Squires get an ability called "wish" that revives a fallen ally. It's extremely useful this early in the game.
Extremely useful. (I know it's not clear from the screenshot, but Cleve went down again so I had to wish him back up a 2nd time.)
Andhaira has a racial affinity for stoning his enemies.
The knight's main ability involves breaking items. It's annoying as fuck. Andhaira just lost his helmet, which provided him with +30 HP. Characters gain a small amount of HP from leveling, but a large amount of their HP actually comes from gear.
And Delita finishes off the last knight.
I seriously have no idea what Prosper is talking about half the time.
Later...
What we need is food and a place to sleep, not ideas! And we need it now!!
You only see the present. You have to fix the basics!
And you think you'll do that? I don't think so, Wiegraf. Never!
These two are arguing over the direction the Death Corps should take. Wiegraf wants to force the nobles to implement widespread social reform, where Gustav just wants to improve the quality of life for himself and his followers.
Is that all you want to say? Gustav, good-bye.
Looks like these two are going to fight it out. I'm sure it will be an epic battle.
Or maybe not.
Oh, good. Prosper and co found their way into this basement.
Marquis!!
You bastard!!!
Stop it, Algus.
The Marquis is all right. Take him back to Igros.
What?
Kidnapping wasn't our goal. We never stoop to such acts. You can have the Marquis, if you just let me go...well?
Don't trifle with us! You can't beat us!
Algus, he just killed Gustav without taking a scratch. I don't think you'd fare much better.
Stop it, Algus. He's serious!
The Death Corps will destroy itself! Don't risk it!
...Ughh!!
One return trip to Igros later...
Because Zalbag told us to.
..........
Seriously. He doesn't even know what's going on.
Explain to me....
I forced Prosper to go with me.
Is that true, Prosper? Delita forced you to go?
....No, it was my decision. Not Delita's.
Prosper's lying. I was the one to....
No need to protect me. I decided to ignore an order!
If everyone acted lawlessly, how could "law" exist? We Beoulves must show the importance of observing the "law" as the Knights rule. Are you trying to ruin the Beoulve name?
Dycedarg is pretty bent out of shape over this. I mean, come on, we saved the Marquis.
......I'm sorry, brother.
Our heroes seem to know who this is. I do not.
I know young soldiers are eagar to succeed. So were we.
Don't spoil him. There's a line between right and wrong.
So, you are Dycedarg's younger brother....relax. You look exactly like the late General Balbanes...A fine-looking young man. I'm sure that youthful energy didn't come from just guarding the castle...
OK, so the game doesn't really explain this very well, but this is Prince Larg. He's a big shot in the kingdom we're part of, apparently.
The mission is nearly done. I'll allow you to join. We'll attack some of the thieves' hideouts at once. You choose one of them.
...Yes.
That wasn't a question, Prosper.
And with that, our heroes take their leave.
After all, Gustav wasn't much of a soldier. The plan couldn't be changed after the Marquis was kidnapped in Gallione....Besides, he did save the Marquis's life. They must accept our demands. Your brother's actions turned the tide for us...
The King doesn't have much time to live..... We must hurry.....
Yes, I'm counting on you, my friend....
Dun dun dun! It appears there is more going on here than we were lead to believe.
Random encounter time!
Battle 6
Our opponents are level 10. We're level 3-5. So yeah.
Surprisingly, everything went better than expected.
Battle 7
Death Corps Priest: No way! It's not over yet!
Priest: I agree. It continues until the nobles apologize to us.
My brother....His views are too optimistic.
Thief: Enemy attack!
I'll stay on till the end!
Or
until the end of this battle.
This is the first battle where we have to kill a single target.
Things are going pretty well, actually.
...Or at least they were.
We're human, just like you! There's no difference among us other than our families! You ever been hungry? With only soup to eat for months? Why do we have to suffer? Because you nobles deprive us our right to live!
Human? Hmph, ridiculous! From the minute you were born you had to obey us! From the second you were born you were our animals!!
For all he was upset by his low rank earlier, Algus is pretty quick to turn on those lower than him.
Says who!? That's nonsense! Who decided all this?!
It's the Will of Heaven!
Heaven? God would never say such things! In his eyes, all are equal! He'd never let this happen! Never!
Animals have no God!!
Jeez, Algus. That's pretty harsh.
The most annoying thing about this battle is that all our opponents have the Item secondary ability. The game doesn't give your enemies an inventory, instead they are assumed to have an infinite supply of any item they can use. That means most of them can use phoenix down. Also, Miluda is a holy knight and has the Revive ability, which is like a phoenix down but better.
I ended up starting this battle over, with the intent that next time our group will focus on burning down Miluda as quickly as possible.
One of the handy features of FFT is that it allows you to see when an ability will execute. This allows us to target a spell with the guarentee that the targets won't move before it goes off.
Things are going much better this time. Delita was alive to say his line when Miluda said hers.
We got lucky this time and they positioned themselves poorly. Pretty soon only Miluda is left.
And it takes several rounds to bring her down because she has a ridiculous evade.
There are several factors that contribute to overall evade. Characters can parry attacks from the front, block attacks from the front and side, and dodge attacks from all directions. I'm not 100% sure but I believe the evade values stack, they aren't rolled separately.
You hate us that much...?
Prosper, kill her, now! She's your enemy! An enemy of the Beoulves! Understand? Your enemy!
Which one of us was the protagonist again, Algus?
She's a loser. Who's lost sight of life! Losers cannot remain alive! If we don't kill her, she'll kill us! We can't coexist! Kill her, Prosper! With your own hands!!
Prosper, I don't see why she's our enemy...
What did you say? Are you mad, Delita?
She's not an anima......She's human just like us...
Are you betraying us!? You, too.....!?
God dammit Miluda do you want to live or not?
You're my enemy as long as you belong to the Beoulves. Don't forget it......
Delita...., we are.......?
Well, that was fun. I wonder how things are going back at Igros?
Oh god dammit. Seriously? We were gone for like 10 minutes.
Ouch! Let go of my hand! Brother!!
Zalbag to the rescue!
I'm OK, but Teta isn't.
Yes, I know.
For fuck's sake, game. This is, what, the 3rd kidnapping? And we're barely a few hours into the game. This calls for another counter. Kidnapping Count: 3
I, I'm all right......What about ...Alma.....?
Dycedarg says this as Alma stands right next to him.
Yes. I'm fine. What an awful wound....
I never thought they'd come here. They're after me.
Five people were killed, and Teta was kidnapped.
After them.....Leave no stone unturned until you find them.
Please don't talk anymore!
One return to Igros later...
Leave the rest to Zalbag and relax for a while...
No need to worry....It's not that bad of a wound.
Teta....What about Teta....?
As soon as we find their base, Zalbag will attack in force.
W, What...!?
Death Corps is falling apart. Deserters are down to a few. Wiegraf will be caught....it's just a matter of time.
Don't worry. Everything's all planned. We won't attack until Teta's returned. For certain. I'd never abandon Teta. She's like a sister to me.
Well, that's nice. I wonder how Delita's taking this.
Just calm down!
Calm down? Are you kidding? I can't calm down!
You don't know where she is! Don't waste your time!
Waste my time!? She is my only sister!!
Not well, apparently.
Remember, Dycedarg said...He'd never abandon Teta...So.....don't......Ugh...I...can't breathe.
You mean my brother's lying?
If I were him, I'd never save a common girl.
Yeah, you wouldn't. Asshole.
What did you say.....?
I said I wouldn't send troops to save you, commoners!!
How dare you!!
Seriously. Algus, we've done nothing but help you. What the fuck.
Let go of me! Damn you! Let go!!
Heh! Commoners are all alike. You'll never be nobles! Delita, You don't belong here! Understand, rascal!?
Damn you!!
Enough! Delita! And you, too, Algus!!
You see, Prosper, we nobles can't live with them.
Lies! He's my good friend. We're like brothers!
That's exactly the point. Don't act like friends. You are the son of a distinguished family. You cannot be with him. I'm sure your brothers would agree with me!
Not all nobles are like you! I trust Prosper!
God, this guy is an asshole.
There are several cordons, so you can't attack them from the front, of course. The only way is to attack from the rear. Well...do your best, you spoiled-rotton boy.
And there goes Algus. With all his equipment, because I forgot to unequip him. Actually it turns out I was wrong; apparently the game removes all his equipment before he leaves for us
There are a few battles on the way to Fort Zeakden. Should be fun. But before that, we need another scene between Prosper and Delita.
You know, I decided early on not to make gay jokes about Prosper and Delita, but I just want you to know that I could have.
....Don't worry, Delita. I'm sure she is OK.
....I've felt out of place for a long time.
Are you thinking about what Algus said?
I guess there are things you can't change, no matter what.
I wouldn't even need to alter these quotes.
Don't say that. If you put effort into it...
I want to rescue Teta on my own, but I can't do a thing. I'm 'useless'....
.....................
And then they play with their reed flutes...
OK, no gay jokes.
I had planned to finish the rest of chapter 1 in this update (there isn't much more to go), but I'm going to go ahead and stop here. I already have a bit more done, so hopefully the next update shouldn't take me too long to finish. Next time we'll finish up chapter 1 and see how exactly Prosper got to that monestary at the beginning of the game.
