Wednesday 19 November, 2003

Ooh the performance anxiety. The game's reasonably addictive, and having it in handheld form has helped me actually log a few hours of time on it. I think I've got the basic hang of combat, but I can see things getting tough in the near future, especially with rival clans showing up to cause trouble.


From what I hear, this FFT game is less complex than the original PSX game, but I still feel like I'm lost at sea here. So many classes, and I have no idea what most of them do. So many abilities, so little knowledge. So a perfectionist like myself either spends a bunch of time reading FAQs on the net or shelling out $15+ for a hint book (assuming it's not already out of print). I really need to do something about that perfectionism. I'd enjoy a lot more games if I were more willing to just stumble my way along. Of course, maybe this tendency comes from playing too many adventure games with puzzles that make no sense. (Yes, Sam & Max, I'm talking to you and your wad of cash stuck in the mousehole in "Hit the Road"!)

I just recently beat this game :). A few tips:

In general, Viera are the best; you'll see why when you get to see some of their later classes such as assassins, snipers, and summoners.

However, keep at least one of each race in your team because lots of dispatch missions require race-exclusive jobs.

Have someone master the thief class as early as possible and check the equipment of enemies for new stuff. You can get some really good skills much earlier by stealing.

I kept all my characters at about the same level and put them in to battle depending on who was falling behind in level. You can beat the game fairly easily with a team of characters around Level 30.

Diversify.

In battles where you can have 5 characters, bring at least one who focuses on healing when necessary and one to back them up. With 4 characters, just one healer.

Check laws before you engage! (on the map screen)

Send people on dispatch missions who have the class that can use the reward item (this is in general and isn't always best, just usually best).