[PS2] Final Fantasy XII

OK, so, gonna begin the game again, this time keeping in mind the Genji Armor/Zodiac Spear among others, but I have a quick question: is there anyway to know how to get all the ultimate weapons without a guide? I don't have a clue how to get the Tornesol, for example, without looking it up in a guide. If there is a way, I am willing to play through the game again without a guide just to see if I can do it myself, but if there is no way...

And, one other thing. I know that in the end you want to complete the board with every character, but what weapon types would you have down for each character?

In the game coming up, I have:

• Vaan
  • Daggers
  • Ninja Swords
  • Crossbows
  • Light Armor
  Penelo
  • Staves
  • Measures
  • Rods
  • Mystic Armor
  Balthier
  • Guns
  • Hand Bombs
  • Poles
  • Light Armor
  Fran
  • Bows
  • Katanas
  • Maces
  • Mystic Armor
  Basch
  • Greatswords
  • Axes and Hammers
  • Heavy Armor
  Ashe
  • Swords
  • Spears
  • Heavy Armor

Does that look about right to anyone? The one I'm wondering about is Basch, who might not have any of said weapon type available right away.

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

Some good news and some more good news. I've gotten up to the Phon Coast. I can already tell, as with quite a few other tracks, that the BGM is dumbed down somewhat and compressed, making it sound more synthesized than the OST that I'm accustomed to. I've basically got most of my active party (Balthier, Ashe, Fran (finally) ) with some half decent weapons and armor. I'm really digging the katanas and ninja swords. Even though you can't equip shields, I find their attack power much fun to behold. A good alternative to this is the Platinum Sword which so far is dishing out decent damage. And the other good news? I'm actually motivated to get back into this game again. I have a new liking for Fran, after seeing her in Metal Sphere's CC thread.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Well after a 14 hour day at work I think its time to go ahead and get the Excalibur and maybe go take down Fanfir and Wild Malboro.

Double Post:
HAHA so on my first try at the Excalibur I got Sage ring. Then ended up getting it on my second try ( I've heard having a Diamond armlet equipped on your party leader increases the chanches of getting the Excalibur), even though I did not have a Diamond Armlet. So maybe not on the first time like you piccolo, but I'll take it!!!

Double Post:

Originally Posted by Hachifusa

Does that look about right to anyone? The one I'm wondering about is Basch, who might not have any of said weapon type available right away.

I may be mistaken, but I belive the first available greatsword is the sword of kings which you get a ways into the game.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Just beat Gilgamesh after an extraordinarily long and challenging battle. I stole the complete Genji set, but most of my regular equipment was already better at that point. I also completed the license board for everyone and decided to do at least the Henne Mine hunts before finally finishing the game.

I read you can still procure the Zodiac Spear from the mines even if you missed the chance to get it from the Necrohol of Nabudis. Unfortunately, the Bradygames guide doesn't have detailed maps and is missing treasure chest tables for the Henne Mines (which is pissing me off), so does anyone know where to find the chest with the Zodiac Spear?

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Rock

so does anyone know where to find the chest with the Zodiac Spear?

Here is a map detailing the secret areas of the Henne Mines and all of the items that are to be had from the various chests.

Just make sure you've saved your game right before going to open it as it seems there isn't a 100% certainty of you getting it. Furthermore it seems you actually have to have a Diamond Armlet equipped for it to contain it at all =o

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

Note: Gamefaqs doesn't support hotlinking.

I found the map, after all. But here's a stupid question: Where's the damn entrance? I went in from the Feywood, but all the tunnels are blocked off. I guess there's some key that unlocks a gate or something when you enter from the Ozmone plains, but I don't know where to get that. I kinda expected it was linked to one or two hunts, but this doesn't seem to be the case.

Also, what's a good average level for your party to start exploring the secret areas of the Henne mines?

Jam it back in, in the dark.

You need to control 10 espers, then talk to the Garif Geomancer. The gate in the big room (where you fought tiamat) will be unlocked. Be careful, the enemies there are super tough and will mob you like crazy. I made it all the way in, coming close to losing everyone several times, got Zodiark about 3/4 of the way down, and somehow he suddenly increased in power and killed everyone in one hit.

How do I defend against Darkja?

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by PiccoloNamek

You need to control 10 espers, then talk to the Garif Geomancer. The gate in the big room (where you fought tiamat) will be unlocked. Be careful, the enemies there are super tough and will mob you like crazy. I made it all the way in, coming close to losing everyone several times, got Zodiark about 3/4 of the way down, and somehow he suddenly increased in power and killed everyone in one hit.

How do I defend against Darkja?

When he does Darkja, throw on Black Masks. They absorb dark damage, but there's no way to avoid the random Death effect.

When he does Shining Ray, throw on White Masks.

Both can be bought in Balfonheim.

And there really isn't any average level, just what you think is best to take on level 62-65 enemies.

Originally Posted by seanne

Just make sure you've saved your game right before going to open it as it seems there isn't a 100% certainty of you getting it. Furthermore it seems you actually have to have a Diamond Armlet equipped for it to contain it at all =o

Actually, you can try over and over again, it's just that there are horrible odds working against you:

90% of the time the chest isn't there, 5% of the time it's just gil and the other 5% it's either than elixer or the spear. You can keep trying over and over again by going 3 maps a way. It make the treasures respawn/refresh. I've only had it appear for me once or twice.

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

Well I just took down gilgamesh! My level was kind low I think for it so it made the fight pretty fun! I'm not sure weather I should go on with the story line now or try to get the Tournsol before i go on???

Double Post:
Oh and would it detrimental to my party if i had all of them using greatswords and Katana's? i have the Excalibur, Ultima Blade, and the Masamune? I'm just not sure if I should have everyone in my party not using a shield?

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

Originally Posted by SOLDIER_2825

Well I just took down gilgamesh! My level was kind low I think for it so it made the fight pretty fun! I'm not sure weather I should go on with the story line now or try to get the Tournsol before i go on???

That, my friend, is entirely up to you. Do you want to rape every enemy from the moment you get the Tournesol onward (yes, this includes Hell Wyrm/Yiazmat/Omega) or go with something else?

Double Post:
Oh and would it detrimental to my party if i had all of them using greatswords and Katana's? i have the Excalibur, Ultima Blade, and the Masamune? I'm just not sure if I should have everyone in my party not using a shield?[/QUOTE]

Well, it would put you at a disadvantage against flying foes, of which there aren't very many. Like you said, you won't be blocking/evading very often, but your team's average attack power will be high.

Me, I smoothed it out like this:

1H Sword, Attack+Defense (Blocks enemy attacks)
2H Sword, Attack (No blocking, pure offense)
Bow, Attack (No blocking, defense = range, priority white mage)

The other team is the same, except Franamune uses the Masamune and Ashe uses the Gastrophetes instead of a Bow.

I've tried other teams like Gun, Bow, Crossbow and have fun that it really works. They end up attacking like a firing squad. One downside is that they don't get multiple hits in and their overall attack is lower than other teams.

Another is the "stick" team, that mixes up the staves/rods/staffs so that the damage inflicted is based on different aspects of the enemy's stats. Whale Whisker was pure sex as Penelo's secondary weapon against Yiazmat because she often got 7-hit combos in on him.

I was speaking idiomatically.

I just defeated Fafnir, and I was reminded of MS's post about the Viera on Omisace, so...

Spoiler:

I heard the Viera's words. I can see what she is saying, but I still agree with the Occuria about humanity's stupidity. I found this quote in the Pharos. I like it a lot:

Quote:

Ignorant child, blind whither you go and whence you come. It is the undying who straighten the weave you tangle so, who choose the path you must walk. So has it been, and so shall it be, as befits those of our wisdom, ever-living.

As for the Entites, well, listen to this quote from the Sylphi Entite's entry:

Quote:

The winds loft the seed of flower and teee, tell of the approach of beasts, and carry the voice of an ally. But Man cut down the trees, slew the beasts, and screamed in the waste that he had created.

There are others, too; it is said that the gods gave man fire, but he used the fire for the taking of life. All sorts of stuff like that. It certainly doesn't cast Man in a very positive light. The Occuria were right to punish them utterly. Perhaps I am just a pessimist. Mark my words, without the Occuria to keep things in check, the Humes will turn their wold into a facsimile of the world portrayed in Soylent Green. ;(

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by PiccoloNamek

I just defeated Fafnir, and I was reminded of MS's post about the Viera on Omisace, so...

Spoiler:

I heard the Viera's words. I can see what she is saying, but I still agree with the Occuria about humanity's stupidity. I found this quote in the Pharos. I like it a lot:



As for the Entites, well, listen to this quote from the Sylphi Entite's entry:



There are others, too; it is said that the gods gave man fire, but he used the fire for the taking of life. All sorts of stuff like that. It certainly doesn't cast Man in a very positive light. The Occuria were right to punish them utterly. Perhaps I am just a pessimist. Mark my words, without the Occuria to keep things in check, the Humes will turn their wold into a facsimile of the world portrayed in Soylent Green. ;(

Spoilers abound below, including some endgame stuff, so beware.

Spoiler:

Yeah, methinks you're being a tad bit pessimistic. The problem with the Occuria is that they don't want autonomous beings that do as they see fit according the conditions around them, to their benefit in order to survive and thrive. What they want are drone-like beings with no agency or self-determination, who mindlessly obey the will of The Undying. Whose wisdom are detached from the reality of the world, whose "fixes" are destructive and insensitive. If indeed they created Man, in FFXII, than it's fitting that their creation reflects the best and worst parts of their creators.

Ironic that you take proof of man's stupidity/ignorance/etc from creatures of violence, created from heavyhanded and irrational displays of anger from the gods.

Notice how infuriated Gerun got when Venat, someone giving humans even more power than they already had. Power to take their fates into their own hands, and out of those least fit to decide such a thing. I can imagine the greek gods likely had a similar reaction to Prometheus giving fire to man.

IMO, the Occuria are nameless/faceless manipulators who operate under might makes right. Reading the bestiary entries, you see they only respond either when they're threatened, begin to lose control, or decide that the world needs to be changed to their benefit.

Even while I doubt Venat's intentions were wholly good, she definitely comes out better than her brethren in the end. Hopped off the ivory tower and actually tried to help, although not in the best way.

Either way, for a game with such a thin story, it definitely left quite an impact.

FELIPE NO

Spoiler:

Quote:

Even while I doubt Venat's intentions were wholly good, she definitely comes out better than her brethren in the end. Hopped off the ivory tower and actually tried to help, although not in the best way.

You should read some of the story translations at Gamefaqs. It really portrays Venat in a much better light. I can't agree with her methods, but I think that her intentions were good and that she truly wanted to help the humans.

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

Originally Posted by PiccoloNamek

Spoiler:

You should read some of the story translations at Gamefaqs. It really portrays Venat in a much better light. I can't agree with her methods, but I think that her intentions were good and that she truly wanted to help the humans.

Spoiler:

Neither can I, nor can I agree with whom she chose. Someone mentioned it earlier, but I think she chose Vayne as the one to be the next Raithwall. The one to bring an long era of piece.

Heck, she even acknowledged that even all that they'd done was enough to keep the Occuria from meddling and let herself become mortal/vulnerable by making Vayne stronger in that last battle.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Now from time to time I'm getting a 9,999 hit from some of my characters and i don't have say the Tournsol or Zodiac spear. Is there something in this game like the break damage limit that you could get for FFX?

Double Post:
WTF? I thought you needed to not sell the serpentskin from the nidhog hunt in order to acquire the Barheim key?? Well I sold that item and just got the key?

There's nowhere I can't reach.

I'm still sticking around Phon Coast for the time being. Honestly, not only have I started including Fran in my party more often, I love seeing her with a Katana. I even have her as party leader now. Before she was my 2nd least favorite playable character and now she's up there with Balther. 4 hit combos for the win. How do I increase combos, please enlighten me.

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Spatula

I'm still sticking around Phon Coast for the time being. Honestly, not only have I started including Fran in my party more often, I love seeing her with a Katana. I even have her as party leader now. Before she was my 2nd least favorite playable character and now she's up there with Balther. 4 hit combos for the win. How do I increase combos, please enlighten me.

Genji Gloves increase the combo limit as well as increase combo frequency. I'm glad you're seeing the benefits of the Fran. The katana's length doesn't look alien when he has it unequipped, or even when she's attacking (she has the coolest stance during said moments). Heck, it even has a matching red trim like her sleeves.

Balthier + Fran = Coolest characters in FFXII, and IMO, up there as some of the best in the series. You'll see by the end of your journey.

Quote:

Now from time to time I'm getting a 9,999 hit from some of my characters and i don't have say the Tournsol or Zodiac spear. Is there something in this game like the break damage limit that you could get for FFX?

No, there's not break damage limit items in this game, but Quickenings and Espers can exceed 9,9999. IIRC, Zodiarc's Final Eclipse can do 64k+ and the most I've done with a Quickening chain was 45,800 on Exodus.

Quote:

Double Post:
WTF? I thought you needed to not sell the serpentskin from the nidhog hunt in order to acquire the Barheim key?? Well I sold that item and just got the key?

Nah, that just changes the reward that you get from him slighty, but you still get the reward.

Anyone do the Bloodwing hunt? Shit, I still remember how sad the situation was with those two Bangaa.

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

Wow, anything that has had to do with Barheim passage I have stayed away from but now I think I'll go ahead and get all of the shit there, including the Bloodwing hunt! Let ya know how that one goes!

Double Post:
Well that was annoying. The Dead Bones and Sceptors or whatever just kept respawning every few steps you took once you reaced the Bloodwings area. After that I also unexpectadley stubled upon Zalera. But that fight didn't last too long either!

I was speaking idiomatically.

I am currently fighting Hell Wyrm. This faggot seems to have like ten million HP, this is so boring, I can even post on GFF

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Musharraf

I am currently fighting Hell Wyrm. This faggot seems to have like ten million HP, this is so boring, I can even post on GFF

IIRC, he does have 10 million, or something like 8.3 million. Omega has about 1 million, even though he had 10 in the Japanese release. If you think Hell Wyrm is boring, try Yiazmat. 75% of that fight is chopping away at his health, and the last bit is brutal if you want to do it in one sitting.

My advice: Get the hell out. He de-aggros, loses his Growing Threat buff, his Rakes lose their 90%+ OHKO, uses Death Strike less often, and is just turns into a pussy cat. If you don't heed this, you're going to see what happens when a monster AI programmer is told to make a monster as cheap as possible.

Oh, and Hell Wyrm? Watch out for Invert towards the end. These guys would be harder if they used crap like Fearga and Putrid Breath.

Most amazing jew boots

I love invert. Saves me ethers

But thanks for the advice`!

Edit: Do you mean that Yiazmat has even MORE hitpoints than Hell Wyrm??? O_O

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

Originally Posted by Musharraf

I love invert. Saves me ethers

But thanks for the advice`!

Heh, just had to mention it since it was the bane of some folks who had their gambits setup without it in mind.

Quote:

Edit: Do you mean that Yiazmat has even MORE hitpoints than Hell Wyrm??? O_O

50 Million, my friend. Absolute boredom for 75-80% of that, though the last 10-20% takes you almost as long as the rest of his HP. At 50%, his defense jumps and makes your 9999 attacks hit for 6999. Yes, this was after I used Expose until I could drop his defense no further. And with Bravery on my characters AND with a dark attack weapon (Koga Blade). You cant hit for more than that after that point.

Just know, when you get to the lower reaches of his HP and he starts KOing you characters with ease, leave. Take it from someone who had him within the last 1/3 of his final life bar and he was KO'ing level 99 characters with:

Rake (I swear, this had a 90% Death effect on it at that point)
Rake (12 hit Rake combo on Penelo @ 3k each)
Death Strike (spams to interrupt spells, off caster)

He almost always targets the character who revived another, so you get stuck in a revival chain. That's why I said leave, I did and came back and he was a pussy cat and bled HP until he finally croaked. Satisfied as all get out.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

So now, what do you think is the best main party. Till now, i've heard of "Vaan, ashe and fran", and "Balthier, ashe and fran", what do you say?

There's nowhere I can't reach.

There is no such thing as a "best main party". It all depends on the way you equip and customize your characters as well as the need to adapt to different enemies and battle situations.

To me, the concept of a main party itself is questionable, since it neglects other characters and ultimately mounts to your disadvantage if you need to switch out party members in mid-battle.

Whatever advice you may have been given is useless.

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

Originally Posted by Metal Sphere

50 Million, my friend. Absolute boredom for 75-80% of that, though the last 10-20% takes you almost as long as the rest of his HP. At 50%, his defense jumps and makes your 9999 attacks hit for 6999.

IT'S OVER NINE THOUSAND!.

Yes, Fran has a certain elegance to her now I've missed before or didn't see before hand. Why are all Viera hot and are all women. How do they reproduce (insert 4chan /h/ material here, NOT). I'd like to get educated on this.

I already find fighting anything over 100,000 HP of life already taxiing, like the Mark III Hunt Ring Wyrm.

50 million, OH SHI~

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