Author Topic: Final Fantasy Tactics Advance  (Read 11108 times)

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Offline rpglover

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Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« on: August 26, 2003, 05:43:07 PM »
well who's ready for this game??? i cant wait- FFT on the ps1 was my favorite strategy rpg of all time and one of my favorite rpgs of all time- the gameplay was great, and the job system was just a stroke of genius
well i have seen only one review for the game thus far- egm magazine gave the game a gold score with scores of 3 9's out of 10!!! i think famitsu also gave the game a good review- 34/40
i cant wait for this game- i hope the gameplay is there because i really want to have some fun with this title
i call the big one bitey.

Offline GoldShadow1

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RE:Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #1 on: August 26, 2003, 09:16:53 PM »
I've been wanting this game for a while now, but the story distresses me... I don't want to play as a kid going into a fantasy world and becoming a knight, I just wanna play as a knight.  FFT was so dramatic and detailed, I'm afraid that the GBA game might be a much more simple and light-hearted adventure.  I'm sure the game will be great, though.

Offline nitsu niflheim

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RE: Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #2 on: August 27, 2003, 09:11:38 AM »
Quote

I'm afraid that the GBA game might be a much more simple


I don't think this game is going to be simple.  Each battle has their own rules, and if you break them you get penalized.  The different classes are not available to everyone like in FFT for PS, but some are exclusive to specific races.
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Offline rpglover

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RE:Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #3 on: August 27, 2003, 02:14:33 PM »
although the story is not going to be as deep as the first one, it will at least be coherent to read
and the gameplay is just as complex as the first one is- it is based on that game you know- and the new judges watching over the battles makes them more complex and tough to beat- i cant wait for this game- september seems so far away
i call the big one bitey.

Offline Gup

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RE:Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #4 on: August 28, 2003, 03:51:07 AM »
I'll be picking this up, but not before Disgaea.  I liked how the first ended and the hero got nothing but his sister while the other guy took all the glory, "now there's an ending you don't see everyday!"
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Offline GoldShadow1

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RE: Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #5 on: August 29, 2003, 04:55:18 PM »
..judges watching over the battles..?  That sounds interesting from a gameplay standpoint, but wouldn't that mean the game's storyline takes place in some kind of gladatorial collisseum or something?  That would be annoying, I loved the storyline of FFT (at least what I played of it)

I recently got a letter from Nintendo advertising an FFT bundle pack (Really now, do I need  NP, a strategy guide and headphones for an extra $30?) and I *loved* the artwork from this game.  It's so great.  Is it from the same artist who did FFT and Vagrant Story?  I simply love that style.

Offline rpglover

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RE:Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #6 on: August 30, 2003, 04:28:22 AM »
"but wouldn't that mean the game's storyline takes place in some kind of gladatorial collisseum or something?"

i dont think so- i think the judges are a new gameplay element- instead of just putting rules in the battles, square has a "judge" stand in for them- and he watches over the battles making sure you follow the rules- the judge gives you a yellow card if you break the rule a first time, and a red card a second time- if you get a red card, you are off to jail and you have to pay to get your character out or you could leave him there
i call the big one bitey.

Offline GoldShadow1

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RE: Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #7 on: August 30, 2003, 06:09:51 AM »
Hmmm, kind of strange.  Usually games don't need to have 'rules', really, because everything is automatically enforced - it's not just illegal to move your pawn and take your enemy's king as the first move of the game, you literally CAN'T do it in video-game form.  Still, it might be interesting.

Offline rpglover

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RE:Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #8 on: August 30, 2003, 06:54:17 AM »
"Hmmm, kind of strange. Usually games don't need to have 'rules', really, because everything is automatically enforced - it's not just illegal to move your pawn and take your enemy's king as the first move of the game, you literally CAN'T do it in video-game form. Still, it might be interesting."

i think the rules that are enforced are changed every match- for example- you cant use magic in one match, in another you wont be able to use items, and in another you wont be able to use your regular attack (restricting you only to use magic and techs)- i think square put it in to spice up the gameplay a little and get you to use everything at your disposal
i call the big one bitey.

Offline KDR_11k

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RE: Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #9 on: August 31, 2003, 08:24:41 AM »
Maybe they allow some kind of cheating where the judge can't see everything on the field?

Offline Gup

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RE:Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #10 on: September 01, 2003, 10:22:06 AM »
Here's the theofficial site.  It's pretty crappy, but it has a cool intro.
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Offline rpglover

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RE:Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #11 on: September 01, 2003, 12:20:21 PM »
that is a very nice intro- it has some good music, but yeah the web site is pretty bad- it gives no information, except some screen shots and wallpapers
i call the big one bitey.

Offline GoldShadow1

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RE: Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #12 on: September 02, 2003, 09:34:24 PM »
Oh, BTW, Nitsuj:  I didn't even realize this until now, but my statement "I'm afraid that the GBA game might be a much more simple..." was actually referring to the plot, not the gameplay.  But anyway..

I'm wanting to get this game more and more.  The rules do actually sound quite interesting, it's a very innovative idea that forces you to changes  your strategy.  I might just try and get this one with my birthday money.

Offline rpglover

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RE:Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #13 on: September 03, 2003, 04:58:37 AM »
"I might just try and get this one with my birthday money."

i would suggest it- i have yet to see a bad review about this game- i cant wait until this game releases!
i call the big one bitey.

Offline GoldShadow1

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RE: Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #14 on: September 03, 2003, 04:23:58 PM »
rpglover - You must understand, though, that I'm VERY careful with my money.  I rarely buy ANY games new.  There are so many great games that I can buy for $10-20 that I haven't even played yet, I usually don't see any reason to buy a brand new game.  FFT would be a rare choice.  I mean, I recently bought Grim Fandango, which entertained me for some time and is widely considered one of the best adventure games ever made, for $5.  I got Metroid Fusion, which I'm still playing, for $18.  I bought Baldur's Gate II, one of my favorite games, for $5 as well.  So for the same price as that one $30-$35 game, I can get two or three other games.  Yet for FFT, I just might be willing.  That tells you how much I want this game

Offline RickPowers

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RE:Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #15 on: September 03, 2003, 06:34:48 PM »
We've got a couple copies down here, one for Jonny, who's played the original, and one for me, who's coming in as a newb.  I'm having a pretty hard time following it, but I'm going to do my best.  Jonny will probably be able to give impressions soon ...
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Offline rpglover

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RE:Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #16 on: September 03, 2003, 07:59:09 PM »
Gold- yeah i am usually careful when it comes to buying videogames- usually i trade my old ones in that i dont play anymore- but that grim fandango pickup- very nice job
i love that game- i found it at my eb about a year ago and it was only 5 bucks- and i loved every minute of it- i think the voice work and sound track in the game were amazing- i only wish lucasarts made games like that more often

"So for the same price as that one $30-$35 game, I can get two or three other games. Yet for FFT, I just might be willing. That tells you how much I want this game"

if you have any other games that you do not play i would suggest trading them in- sometimes it can help when you dont want to spend the full load- for ffta i am trading in advance wars 2 (got it for cheep off of my friend) and castlevania (the first one)- i dont know how much i will get but it will take off a little- but i would highly suggest getting the game- if you like rpg games then this will satisfy- i have been waiting for so long for a new ff tactics game-the first one was great- hopefully you decide to get this game- it should be worth it
i call the big one bitey.

Offline GoldShadow1

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RE: Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #17 on: September 04, 2003, 03:03:07 PM »
Ah - I try to only trade in games that I know I'm not going to play again ever.  This is because in the past I've traded in games and regretted it, only to buy them again later.  Still, there are a few I can sell - perhaps Grim Fandango (sure, it was a good game, but I really doubt I'd ever re-play it) or THPS3.

BTW, on Grim Fandango - The game was good.  I think it was a bit overrated (the ending was lame, the puzzles could've been more interesting) but the game was definitely quite good.  As you say, the voice work and the music are both great.  The characters are very funny, too.  There's too many great characters to even name, although I found Meche and the main villain uninteresting.  I'm not sure, though, if it can beat the Curse of Monkey Island - that game had better puzzles and was very funny as well.

Um, okay, this is getting off-topic so...

FFTA is going to be great! Yay! =D

Offline rpglover

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RE:Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #18 on: September 11, 2003, 06:29:14 AM »
well i just got final fantasy tactics advance a few days ago so i guess i will give some impressions for those who may want to check it out or buy it-

first of all this game feels a whole lot like tactics ogre (for those who have played it) and fft in terms of gameplay and visual style so if you have played those games you can jump right in- but for those who haven't i will give a brief explanation of how the game is played- first of all there is no town wandering- you are shown cut scenes when you get to parts of the story which show you in towns and other areas- basically you have a world map and you go to a town and select pub from the menu there- you will go to the pub and choose a mission to take- from that you go to the area where the mission is and commence battle- you can only have 6 players on the battle grounds of your team (which can go up to 23 i think) and you start the battle after you put the players you want down- when your turn comes up you go to the character highlighted for the turn, and you can choose to move, action (which has attacks, magic), wait, or item- basically it is a combination of a strategy game and an rpg- it is a lot of fun, but even the simplest battles can take up to 15-30 minutes to complete- so you must really like both genras to get into this game- this game is very long- there are 300 missions to complete in the game (i only have about 30 done so far) if anyone has any other questions just ask
i call the big one bitey.

Offline vudu

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RE: Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #19 on: September 11, 2003, 09:55:07 AM »
i've only had the game since late last night, so i haven't been able to play it very much (only beat ~3 missions) but here are some questions i have.  (most are really basic, i've never played the original fft.  i haven't even played a final fantasy game since vii, so i'm completely new to the job system, ap points, etc.  i have played numerous older rpg's and most recently advance wars, so i am familiar with rpg's and strategy games in general.)

does everybody in your party gain experience from battles, or only the ones who participated in (and are alive at the end of)the mission?

i understand that you earn magic abilities through your weapons/armor.  and after you get enough experience points you gain the magic abilities even after you equip other weapons/armor.  but what happens if you're halfway through mastering one ability and then you switch to a new weapon/armor, and then you later switch back so you can master the ability?  do you have to start over at mastering it, or do you continue where you left off?

is there any way i'm supposed to know where you place things on the over-world map?  i'm told that if you place things in a certain order you get to go on treasure hunts and earn rare items.  is there any way i'm supposed to know where to place things, or is it all blind luck?  is there any way i can move things once i place them?

what's up with the days on the over-world map?  it takes one day to travel from one spot to the next.  is there a time limit or something?  do i have to complete goals in a certain time frame or face the consequences?

lastly, are there any missions/events that i can only complete at certain times and if i miss them i don't get to witness them unless i start over?

i lied, one more; does anyone know if there are multiple endings to the game?
Why must all things be so bright? Why can things not appear only in hues of brown! I am so serious about this! Dull colors are the future! The next generation! I will never accept a world with such bright colors! It is far too childish! I will rage against your cheery palette with my last breath!

Offline rpglover

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RE:Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #20 on: September 11, 2003, 09:18:19 PM »
"does everybody in your party gain experience from battles, or only the ones who participated in (and are alive at the end of)the mission?"

no- only the ones who participate in the mission- here is how the system works- after each turn for each character (if they did some action such as fight or tech or magic or item use) that character gains a certain amount of experience points which are then shown on the screen- such as "gained 12 exp."- not all characters get those points, only the one who did the action- once you reach 100 experience points, that character levels up, and thus takes another 100 to level up agian- so you must do actions to gain experience- if you just move but do not take any actions except for wait, then you do not gain any experience points

" understand that you earn magic abilities through your weapons/armor. and after you get enough experience points you gain the magic abilities even after you equip other weapons/armor. but what happens if you're halfway through mastering one ability and then you switch to a new weapon/armor, and then you later switch back so you can master the ability? do you have to start over at mastering it, or do you continue where you left off?"

as far as i know the ability points stay with you so if you take the equipment off half way through, you can put it on later and retain the ap from that original equipment- when i had my magic rod on my one character i had 3 magics, but i didnt let it gain enough ap, and i switched to another weapon- i got the magic from that one, then switched back and i think it kept my ap in the other one since it only took 1 battle for me to master the 3 magics

"is there any way i'm supposed to know where you place things on the over-world map? i'm told that if you place things in a certain order you get to go on treasure hunts and earn rare items. is there any way i'm supposed to know where to place things, or is it all blind luck? is there any way i can move things once i place them?"

i think you put the places on the world map by yourself where ever you please- and to get into the treasure hunts is random i think- it will randomly appear on the menu selection for that town or place- you then choose it and violla instant item!

"what's up with the days on the over-world map? it takes one day to travel from one spot to the next. is there a time limit or something? do i have to complete goals in a certain time frame or face the consequences?"

no- it is there for some dispatch missions- in those you send out a member of your clan and sometimes must wait a certain number of days until the mission is finished- some take 5 days, others 10- some dispatch missions also require other things such as you must fight 2 battles until it is completed

"lastly, are there any missions/events that i can only complete at certain times and if i miss them i don't get to witness them unless i start over?"

i dont know- i havent gotten too far in the game just yet, but for right now i have yet to see any

" lied, one more; does anyone know if there are multiple endings to the game?"

i dont know the definate answer to that, but i would say yes- and it is probably determined on the number of missions you complete- there are 300 in the game- completing all probably would get you something

well i hope this helps  if you have any other questions just ask


i call the big one bitey.

Offline vudu

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RE: Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #21 on: September 12, 2003, 05:08:02 AM »
thanks for the info.

another questions, when i get attacked by an enemy, it says something like "gained 10 exp points".  i'm assuming the game means the enemy gained exp points, not me.  but i can't figure out why i would care that the enemy is gaining exp points.  will i keep running into the same enemies throughout the game?  i'm assuming yes for some of the clans, but why would i care that the big red dog thing is gaining exp.  i've never seen one level up in a battle i was fighting.

on a side note, i restarted one of the levels once (i didn't know if you got a yellow card during the battle you lost the rewards you should have won for completing the mission) and i noticed that the enemies' names all changed.  this is also leading me to believe that i won't be running into (most) enemies more than once in the game.  so, again, why do i care that they gain exp?
Why must all things be so bright? Why can things not appear only in hues of brown! I am so serious about this! Dull colors are the future! The next generation! I will never accept a world with such bright colors! It is far too childish! I will rage against your cheery palette with my last breath!

Offline rpglover

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RE:Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #22 on: September 12, 2003, 08:07:24 AM »
"another questions, when i get attacked by an enemy, it says something like "gained 10 exp points". i'm assuming the game means the enemy gained exp points, not me. but i can't figure out why i would care that the enemy is gaining exp points. will i keep running into the same enemies throughout the game? i'm assuming yes for some of the clans, but why would i care that the big red dog thing is gaining exp. i've never seen one level up in a battle i was fighting."

yeah it shows the experience points the enemy gains too- it really doesnt matter all too much so dont worry about it-and you probably wont run into the same enemy's in the game too much except for clans i would figure- i guess the experience point showing is part of the game- it shows it for everybody
i call the big one bitey.

Offline vudu

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RE: Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #23 on: September 12, 2003, 09:38:48 AM »
we should change the title of this thread to "ask rpglover".

how do i learn reaction/support/combo abilities?  is it just by equiping the right armor/weapon, same as the regular abilities?

is there a possibility that there will be a time when i can't progress any farther in the game because i have insufficient gil and/or don't have the right type of clan member in my group?  (e.g. if a mission requires a blue mage and i don't have anyone in my party who is a blue mage or capable of becoming a blue mage and there are no missions to gain the necessary abilities to become one.)

**actually, i just thought of a solution to that problem; i'm guessing that enemy clans will continue to roam the over-world map so i can probalby fight them to get the required gil/abilities to qualify for the next mission.

any chance you'd be able to clarify the difference between the main skill set and the secondary skill set under the attack menu during missions?  sometimes the secondary skill set seems to be replaced by the option to use an item.    also, what's the difference between a battle tech?  i think it's that they don't use mp, but i'm not sure.  can they be learned by anyone, or only certain races?  if they can be learned, how?
Why must all things be so bright? Why can things not appear only in hues of brown! I am so serious about this! Dull colors are the future! The next generation! I will never accept a world with such bright colors! It is far too childish! I will rage against your cheery palette with my last breath!

Offline rpglover

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RE:Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
« Reply #24 on: September 12, 2003, 02:34:27 PM »
"how do i learn reaction/support/combo abilities? is it just by equiping the right armor/weapon, same as the regular abilities?"

i dont quite know for sure but i think they may just happen- you gain ap in the battles and those abilities are gained- for most others it is just from equipment- i dont remember it ever saying that i mastered the combo ability with marche but he still has it (in my game)- so it may be random but it probably has to do with equipment in some way

"is there a possibility that there will be a time when i can't progress any farther in the game because i have insufficient gil and/or don't have the right type of clan member in my group? (e.g. if a mission requires a blue mage and i don't have anyone in my party who is a blue mage or capable of becoming a blue mage and there are no missions to gain the necessary abilities to become one.)"

doubt it- and most of the time the only missions in the game that require things are the dispatch missions

"any chance you'd be able to clarify the difference between the main skill set and the secondary skill set under the attack menu during missions? sometimes the secondary skill set seems to be replaced by the option to use an item. also, what's the difference between a battle tech? i think it's that they don't use mp, but i'm not sure. can they be learned by anyone, or only certain races? if they can be learned, how?"

i dont think you can clarify- most of my group in my clan dont have any significant secondary skills so i just have item for that- you can replace them by yourself by going to the party screen, choosing the character, and go to the change ability screen- most of the time to gain more abilities you should try out new jobs for your characters- and i think battle techs use mp just like magic does- just not that much of it- most battle techs probably use about 1 mp- and the techs are specific to the job you have- if you are a soldier you can gain battle techs through your swords, and if you are a monk you can gain monk techs through your equipment as well- the best way to know what you are getting is when you are buying equipment, i think you can press r and the information on that equipment will come up- and it shows what techs or magic can be learned by which jobs

"we should change the title of this thread to "ask rpglover"."

well i am just trying to help
i call the big one bitey.