[PS2] Final Fantasy XII

Originally Posted by PiccoloNamek

As long as you can stay alive, I recommend that route. I had to use the same setup to defeat Gilgamesh.

I wish this was like fighting Gilgamesh. Yiazmat is actually ridiculously easy, but the monster AI programmer or whatever got fucking lazy and simply made him into a death spamming machine. He's only done Growing Threat once and I doubt he'll do it again in the short time he has left.

My idea is basically to buff just outside and have it at and then just constant revive until he's finished. It sucks that I have to do that, because everywhere I've read, folks just Arise+Attack endlessly in that last bit.

Most amazing jew boots

I'm repeating the same thing I said in my journal:

Quote:

After spending the better part of the day in the Pharos Lighthouse (ye gads, and I thought Giruvegan was long!), I decided to win the game after dinner. My little sister was watching me fight the final boss, and I...won. Yay. Hearing the characters say 'Bahamoot' makes my skin crawl. It just sounds so sucky.

The credits is pretty cool, showing various concept art, lots of which aren't in the art book that came with the strat guide. I was disappointed to see that there was no additional scene after the credits. The last few FF games had it, so I was expecting one. I noticed that Steve Blum is the voice actor for that Bangaa Hunter, Ba'gamman or whatever he's called. Cool.

I haven't done all the cool hunts and stuff, so I'll still be playing it.

All in all, it's an awesome game and definitely one of my favourites in the FF series. I hope FFXIII continues this trend, although I won't be getting a PS3 in the near future.

P.S. I never used any Gambits and never bothered linking Espers to my characters besides Belias and Mateus.

P.P.S. My playtime is over 80 hours. FFXII is one of the few RPGs where I actually bothered to do sidequests. Hunting dangeous monsters is so much fun.

Oh, and I'm adding more stuff to say. I still have that Bestiary project to do, but now tha I've won, I can concentrate more on that from now on.

It's cool that the final boss has some of Bahamut's signature attacks.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Freelance Wolf

I'm repeating the same thing I said in my journal:

Heh, I just beat the game a few minutes ago too. Also, I curb stomped that son of a bitch Yiazmat. I really didn't want to go above 3 stages, but this bastard forced me to bail out of #3. Amazingly, when you leave the arena and save or whatever, he de-aggros. I don't know the proper term for it, but he acted as if he was still at 100% health.

- His rakes didn't get a single OHKO
- I could buff/heal to my heart's content between his attacks
- No Death Strike whatsoever

Another thing I noticed was that in addition to buffing himself as you enter the arena, when he's that low he goes ahead and throws on Growing Threat. So, my advice to someone who's suddenly facing berserko Yiazmat would be to leave the arena, heal/restock and come back and you'll have a much more reasonable/boring battle.

Take it from someone who had to bail out at 1/3 of his final bar (may I add that he bled damage, even with his critical defense + growing threat buffs).

ENDING SPOILERS

Spoiler:

As for the ending... Just fantastic, I don't understand why some folks didn't like it, because it was definitely impressive IMO. Some thoughts:

[quote]
- Ashe.... and Basch? Where the hell did that come from? Unless I'm misunderstanding this. Where did the ring come from? Rasler? Did Basch have it all along?

- Balthier was absolutely hilarious, the scene in the collapsing Bahamut was real nice. Amazingly, for a stoic and tough gal, Fran doesn't seem afraid to accept help/be helpless.

- Basch's ending was, how shall I say, bittersweet. His brother dies on top of everything else he's lost. Larsa probably realized the instant Basch took off the helmet that it was him, and not Gabranth.

- Vaan and Penelo's ending was actually great, though simple. Vaan essentially became a sky pirate, after freaking out over the Strahl's theft, and Penelo seems happy to tag along with him. I wouldn't be surprised if meet up with Fran and Balthier or at least keep in touch (pupil and mentor, etc..). The scene on the Strahl hints at this at least.

Even with the above questions, that whole endgame was very well done. I would've liked a little extra after the credits to show a bit more (or maybe give us a sneak peek at things in Revenant Wings).

One last thing:
Penelo's new look. I can already hear thousands of fanboys adding her to their favorite FF heroine lists. IMO, it looks fine and fits with the ornate/revealing clothes that many Dalmascans wear.

Edit: The Bestiary? I have to find these regular monsters:

- 1 Wild Snake
- 2 Ose
- 4 Gazer (I'm in Lhusu now and I don't even remember fighting one of these)

Then I need about 40 rare game, and I'll have finished this game 100%. My Hunt menu in the Clan Primer is complete (start on the end) and my Den is almost done. Got Hell Wyrm (Radiant Savior) and Yiazmat (Hunter Extraordinaire) stuffed in there, along with Old Dalan (Cartographer) when I entered Hell Wyrm's room.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

I found the end boss pathetically easy and I didn't bother with most of the hunts and sidequests. I'm curious to see what it was like for you two.

(Why WERE the bounty hunters in the game anyway? It's not like they contributed to the plot in any way except to provide artificial jeopardy near the beginning)

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

I only did up to FFVI hunts, so I haven't seen anything past that yet. Dunno what Yiazmat is. I only found 1 rare trophy so far too.

ENDING SPOILERS

Spoiler:

Yes, I like how the ending basically wraps everything up and that everyone basically goes back with their own lives. I was disappointed that Balthier never shows up, but yes, his scene in the 'Bahamoot' (XD) definitely made up for his absence. I love his lines there, especially "You know what they say about the leading man. He never dies." He and Fran are so cool together.

FFVIII still has the best ending for me though, but I bet you already knew I was going to say that :D

P.S. I'd rather have the final boss to be easy, as opposed to so hard that I can't see the ending.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

ENDING SPOILERS

Spoiler:

My favorite exchange in the ending was when Fran suggested that Balthier was more of a supporting role type. His response was priceless. I loved the music in that movie as well, how it was building up to the final statement of the main theme just as the Bahamut was sinking. Very appropriate how the game began and ended with that melody.

And good point on the final bosses. I've had the worst experiences with the Suikoden series in that I was unable to beat the final bosses in both II and III. I did eventually see both endings but it required some effort.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by jb1234

I found the end boss pathetically easy and I didn't bother with most of the hunts and sidequests. I'm curious to see what it was like for you two.

Well, the two notable ones are Carrot and Yiazmat. Everything else was pretty boring. I did love the Garif-issued hunts however, since your killing their marks actually earns you interesting commentary from the, as well as more background (at least for Former War-chief Kadalu and War chief-Supinelu). Another memorable one is Fafnir's hunt, as that literally changes an entire area's NPC dialogue and weather (Mt. Bur-Omisace, for those curious).

The game definitely would've suffered had these not been in there.

Quote:

(Why WERE the bounty hunters in the game anyway? It's not like they contributed to the plot in any way except to provide artificial jeopardy near the beginning)

Spoiler:

They should've established them a bit more, but the gist was that they had been persuing Balthier (Fframan Bunansa) for 6 years, since that's when his pops went kind of wacko.

Also, holy crap. I thought I was the only one who had trouble finishing Suikoden III. I agree that the final boss/bosses shouldn't be too difficult, especially when there's a long slog through a dungeon involved.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Is there a recomended level to go to the Nabreus Deadlands? I'm at 58 and last time I barely made it out alive.

FELIPE NO

I went in there at level 55 and had no problems. Just make sure you have shell, protect and haste cast at all times (with the best armor and weapons) and you should be fine.

Quote:

Also, holy crap. I thought I was the only one who had trouble finishing Suikoden III. I agree that the final boss/bosses shouldn't be too difficult, especially when there's a long slog through a dungeon involved.

Yup... I'd say Suikoden V is even worse (with NO save point in the final dungeon and three nasty bosses before the final one) but I vanquished that area in one try (thankfully).

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Thanks JB, yea for some reason i dont think i used positive spells, last time i went, or didnt have them, we'll see how this one goes.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by jb1234

I went in there at level 55 and had no problems. Just make sure you have shell, protect and haste cast at all times (with the best armor and weapons) and you should be fine.

To add to this: If you don't have the best armor for where you are, exit the Deadlands and make your way to the upper left of the first map of the Necrohol. Follow the rooms until you reach a dead end and examine the lefthand corner (the one with the beam). An exclamation point should pop up and you can buy Maximillian Armor, Magepower Shishaks and the Telekinesis technick from him. Along with items, like ethers, of course.

Be sure to have the licenses for these of course.

Quote:

Yup... I'd say Suikoden V is even worse (with NO save point in the final dungeon and three nasty bosses before the final one) but I vanquished that area in one try (thankfully).

Damn, that's just plain bad level design. At least throw a save point in your last dungeon if it's it long and/or difficult. It'd get people to finish your damn game.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

I just beat the game. You guys made me do it. The last boss was pathetically easy. Protectga, Shellga, Curaja, Bubble Belt 3x = No problem. I didn't even have to revive, not even once.

Spoiler:

Interesting how Venat merged with Vayne. Perhaps she wasn't all bad. She moved to protect Cid even as he lay dying, his purpose fufilled, and when he thanked her for the past six years, I was expecting her to say something like "You fool" or "Now my plans will come to fruition" or something like that. But instead she said "The pleasure was all mine." And honestly, I think she meant it. And then she gave her power to Vayne, even though she knew that she could die. Perhaps she truly did want to put the reins of history back in the hands of man. After all, even after Vayne's second form was defeated, and he felt that he had failed her, she said that it was okay, because their plans had already been fufilled. (That is, taking control away from the other Occuria by destroying the Sun-Cryst). I still don't think that other Occuria are bad, either. At least, not evil per se. They just have an extreme arrogance and superiority complex. But then again, when you've been accumulating wisdom for eons, you tend to become that way. Manipulative, yes, and merciless, but not truly evil, at least, not to me. After all, they were the ones responsible for the golden age of the Galtean Alliance. That was good, right?

So, what happened to the rest of the Occuria? I guess they're still out there, watching. They are gods, after all. It's not like they'd just disappear. Although watching is all they can do now, because they can't directly manipulate the events of the world. And now that the Sun-Cryst is destroyed, there is no more nethicite for them to tempt people with. Good riddance to bad rubbish, I say, nethicite is bad news plain and simple, and nothing good can come of it in the end. Like Reddas said, the only thing you should do with it, is pick it up, and throw it away.

Quote:

- Ashe.... and Basch? Where the hell did that come from? Unless I'm misunderstanding this. Where did the ring come from? Rasler? Did Basch have it all along?

Balthier took her ring toward the beginning of the game.

Vann and Penelo are definitely an item. Also, Penelo is incredibly cute in her new outfit. She really is quite pretty. Bathier's lines aboard the Bahamut were truly awesome.

All in all, I would say this has definitely been my best Final Fantasy experience, after FFVI. Perhaps even equal.

How ya doing, buddy?

Thanks Metal sphere, the first time i went into the necrohol(thats where i nearly died, not in the deadlands) i found one of the guys in the corner but he was only selling remedies, so is it just the one guy selling stuff or is the one your talking about in a different location?

Was able to go through the deadlands easily this time, I'm also milking the fact that i have a guest, and i just beat the shit out of Roblon. Gonna go try and find the little Bahkamy or whatever the hell they are and buy that armor though.

Ohh and what weapons were you using before the Pharos, i have Basch with the defender, Balthier with the runeblade, and Vann with the morning star or some hammer with high 90's atk.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by SOLDIER_2825

Thanks Metal sphere, the first time i went into the necrohol(thats where i nearly died, not in the deadlands) i found one of the guys in the corner but he was only selling remedies, so is it just the one guy selling stuff or is the one your talking about in a different location?

No, no. It's the same guy, the only non-aggro Baknamy in the game as well. Gil seems to be a universal language in Ivalice, heh.

Quote:

Was able to go through the deadlands easily this time, I'm also milking the fact that i have Reddas, and i just beath the shit out of Roblon. Gonna go try and find the little Bahkamy or whatever the hell they are and buy that armor though.

SOLDIER, you may want to spoiler tag this bit due to a certain character. But yeah, if you already have him, he'll likely have the newest armor for sale. Seems like before it was story restricted.

Quote:

Ohh and what weapons were you using before the Pharos, i have Basch with the defender, Balthier with the runeblade, and Vann with the morning star or some hammer with high 90's atk.

Penelo - Perseus Bow + Assassin's Arrows
Vaan - Runeblade + Demon Shield
Balthier - Ultima Blade
Fran - Masamune
Basch - Runeblade + Demon Shield
Ashe - Penetrator Crossbow

Piccolo, I'll post a long response to your thoughts on the ending tommorow. Definitely good discussion material.

I was speaking idiomatically.

So, any advices you can give me before i start the game?

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Lionking-Cyan

So, any advices you can give me before i start the game?

Don't mess with the dino in the desert =D

Most amazing jew boots

Originally Posted by Musharraf

Don't mess with the dino in the desert =D

That's some damn good advice.

Also, be an asshole to Viera in town that ask you for advice concerning their life choices. They'll give you a nice sword.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by Musharraf

Don't mess with the dino in the desert =D

And what does it mean?

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Lionking-Cyan

And what does it mean?

You'll see when you get there. Try playing the game.

How ya doing, buddy?

K, hope i will succed in not opening it before christmas *look*.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Lionking-Cyan

K, hope i will succed in not opening it before christmas *look*.

I hear patience is a really overrated virtue.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

I just beat the game, as well.

I have to say, I loved it quite a bit. It was the first time in a long time I actually felt bad having to end it, though.

I was speaking idiomatically.

My main party is level 72 now and yesterday, I was like "uhh let's mess with those faggots in the Necrohol of Nabudis", well, what can I say, the first two were quite easy, but the esper, lol, I dunno, but maybe I should come later again ...

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Hachifusa

I just beat the game, as well.

I have to say, I loved it quite a bit. It was the first time in a long time I actually felt bad having to end it, though.

Bingo. This about wraps up the endgame for me. The game was genuinely fun to play, with an ungodly amount of things to do, to boot.

Though I was still cruising on one of the biggest fucking highs I've ever had after beating Yiazmat. Who knew leaving the coliseum and going back in would make him as dangerous as a pussy cat?

Beating Yiazmat, getting that sweet scene in the clan HQ and then going off and topping the cake off by finishing the game? Satisfaction guaranteed.

50 million HP... the last 3-4 bars were absolutely brutal, but the rest were just boring (even at max damage).

Anyone notice that the Eastgate chocobo stall is one of the dumbest things in the game? You don't even travel one screen before you have to dismount. I also just finished the Bangaa bestiary entry (I found out I need like a dozen more monsters). The main storyline doesn't really describe what happened in Nabudis, but damn if this entry wasn't tragic.

Edit: Musharraf, he's more than beatable at 72. You just have to keep the defensive suite up at all times and throw on wind absorbing equipment + confuse immune gear. This is assuming you cast the opposite element on each chaosjet around him.

FELIPE NO

Quote:

The main storyline doesn't really describe what happened in Nabudis.

Yeah it does:

Spoiler:

Judge Magister Zecht a.k.a. Reddas, was ordered by Cid to use Nabradia's' Nethicite shard (The Midlight Shard), and, not knowing what he was doing, the Nabreus deadlands were the result.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?