Brontoforumus Archive
Activity Boards => LP Hell => Topic started by: R^2 on June 21, 2013, 12:07:34 PM
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The game was groundbreaking in Japan, back when all there was to compare it to was Dragon Quest. It came to the USA a bit late in the NES's life, but you'd be surprised what a full-issue spread in Nintendo Power can do for a game's notoriety. But despite all its popularity, Final Fantasy was two things: 1) a flagrant rip-off of Dungeons & Dragons, in many cases without even the serial numbers filed off, and 2) a terrible, bug-ridden mess.
But Final Fantasy seems like one of the most often-rereleased video games out there, behind Tetris and Pac-Man but not a whole lot else. The GBA port is itself more or less the same as the Wonderswan port that came out a little before it, but to its credit it at least addresses one of the two issues hindering the NES version.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0001.png)
Squeenix did a lot of combination rereleases of the Final Fantasy franchise, at one point combining Final Fantasy 4 and Chrono Trigger together. This is... one of those, and Dawn of Souls is the first time Final Fantasy 2 was released in the USA. You know Final Fantasy 2, it's the one that eventually spun off the SaGa series, for better or worse (http://brontoforum.us/index.php?topic=6721.0).
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0002.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0003.png)
But -- for now, at least -- I'm sticking with what I sort-of know. I've played the NES version through a few times, but not this one.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0004.png)
Warriors are the game's easymode. Having trouble with the game? Start over with more Warriors. (At least, this is true of the NES version.) They can take hits like a champ thanks to their heavy armor, and they can use the game's best weapons. Their damage output isn't as great as the dedicated strikers, but to their credit, swords swings aren't limited by Vancian magic spell slots. (And the Warrior gets white magic too, later in the game.) If the Warrior were a Pokemon, he would be Snorlax.
(http://www.intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0005.png)
Thieves get some of the biggest benefits from the GBA remake, because now they work as intended. See, Thieves are supposed to be good at running away, keeping your party out of trouble in hazardous dungeons. But since the NES version was hacked together, fleeing a battle didn't work right, and everyone was as good at it as everyone else. The Thief lost his specialty and basically became a Warrior without the heavy weapons and armor.
In the GBA version, Theives are indeed better at running away than anyone else, and I suspect they keep your party from getting ambushed as often. Once they promote, they can wear heavier armor and wield better weapons and some black magic. They start out weak, and eventually gain power to get... still outclassed by other options. If the Thief were a Pokemon, he would be Magikarp.
(http://www.intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0006.png)
Monks are like Warriors in that they just brawl enemies to death without the aid of magic. But while Warriors are the slow-and-solid tank, Monks are agile death-of-a-thousand-punches sorts of fighters. They can wear limited weapons and armor but are almost always better off without it, moreso in the GBA version than the original NES game (where nunchaku were somewhat useful in early levels). Later in the game, they get even better at punching things and dodging hits. That said, if the Monk can't dodge a hit, his sturdy training is only going to do so much to keep him standing. If the Monk were a Pokemon, he would be Charizard.
(http://www.intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0007.png)
The Red Mage is the first casting class, and not a dedicated one. Red Mages are better fighters than the other mages and can cast better spells than the Warrior, Thief, or Monk. There are some spells that Red Mages just can't learn, however, including some of the most useful and powerful ones. Nonetheless, they can do a little bit of everything. If the Red Mage were a Pokemon, he would be Clefable.
(http://www.intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0008.png)
The white mage is a healer and defender. They make their allies hard to hit, and restore their HP once they're hurt. In the NES version, they're a little superfluous because having another Fighter on the team instead means you take so little damage overall you never have to cast a healing spell. Not sure if that remains the case in this version. If the White Mage were a Pokemon, it'd be one of the ones with a healing move, but not Chansey because they don't have that kind of staying power. They're Final Fantasy mages, they're kind of fragile!
(http://www.intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0009.png)
The black mage sucks at fighting and can't take a hit, but commands elemental blasts and has some useful utility magic. In the NES version, they're made obsolete by spellcasting equipment thanks to, yes, more bugs. In this version, they remain useful as the casters with the highest raw damage output. If the Black Mage was a Pokemon, he would be Alakazam.
Normally this is the part where I'd open up the team composition to a vote, but ah, screw it. I roll four dice and take the classes in order. 1, 3, 4, 6 means...
(http://www.intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0010.png)
Rock on, food theme naming.
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Now that I have a party of valiant heroes, let's figure out what to do with them!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0011.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0012.png)
It's not shown in the static screenshot here, but there was a pretty nasty sandstorm blowing around this desert tower before the text showed up.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0013.png)
Ever tried to screencap a lightning flash? It ain't easy. I can't even get the glimmer of a Zodiac Stone, so I don't know what you people want from me.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0014.png)
This one's more obvious to the LP reader. Those marshes and bogs replaced some verdant green fields.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0015.png)
Ever tried to screencap a lightning flash? Sometimes you get it entirely by chance.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0016.png)
Twice.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0017.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0018.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0019.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0020.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0021.png)
That was about as detailed as introduction sequences got in the middle of the NES era. And even then it was just a text dump on a blue background.
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I had this game. I 100%'d both games.
Then some shit at the call center stole it.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0022.png)
Beef, as a Warrior, has excellent Strength and Stamina.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0023.png)
Turkey the Monk has even better Strength but less Agility than Beef. This will be reversed very shortly. Also notice that his Attack is higher than Beef's despite not having a weapon equipped. That's how Monks roll.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0024.png)
As the jack-of-all-stats, Pork sucks at everything.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0025.png)
Tofu is very smart.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0073.png)
In the NES version, monks got some benefit from wearing earlygame armor and using earlygame weapons. In this version, they still start with a Staff and some Clothes. These are best removed immediately, as the Monk's natural attack, defense, and evasion -- based on his Stamina in this version, his experience level on the NES -- are better than anything armor provides.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0026.png)
Well, you'd better take us to see him immediately.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0027.png)
Right, so take us to him.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0028.png)
Sheesh, king, you might wanna find some guards who actually listen to people.
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I had this game. I 100%'d both games.
Then some shit at the call center stole it.
"Describe Lyrai in 20 words or less."
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0029.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0030.png)
Check 'em.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0031.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0032.png)
Hey, nobody asked you! Were Chancellors always backstabbing throne-usurpers by the time this game came out? Do I need to run this guy through right now to save us a lot of headaches later?
King: Yet here they stand before us with the crystals. I cannot dismiss this as mere coincidence. Crystal bearers, there is a task I would ask of you. Will you not rescue my daughter, Sarah?
Yes! Er... wait. No? We will not will not rescue your daughter!
Chancellor: Garland, a knight once in His Majesty's service, has abducted Princess Sarah. I ask for your aid in the name of His Majesty, the king of Cornelia.
Who is sitting right there and just asked us himself, ya useless jerk.
Chancellor: Garland has taken refuge in the Chaos Shrine, which lies to our north. Of course, we did attempt to save the princess ourselves... But Garland is the finest swordsman in the kingdom. We have none who can match him.
The King: I have heard that you wish to journey to the continent to our north.
...really? We just met ninety seconds ago. Hell, at this point the player doesn't even know that's the goal.
The King: The bridge leading north was lost long ago, making passage impossible. If you can rescue Sarah, I will have the bridge rebuilt as a sign of my gratitude. Go now, Warriors of Light, and do not fail me!
Man, sounds like you were planning a civic works project for a while and now we show up and you act like it's a personal favor when we go get your daughter who ran off with a dashing knight. I'd say this whole situation reeks.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0045.png)
Chancellor: If you stray from your path, try talking to her. She may know something that can put you back on course.
Ever wondered what Arlyon the Dancer was for? Early game hints, apparently.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0047.png)
The King: Garland is no longer the man I once knew... I beg of you. Please return my daughter to me quickly!
Yeah, before she gets knocked up on her big date to the Chaos Shrine.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0050.png)
Now I'm free to wander around the castle.
Guard: The king is searching for the prophesied Warriors of Light. Th-those crystals! Could it be...?
Scholar: Garland was once the greatest knight in the kingdom. But power consumed him, and he lost sight of who he really was.
Maid: Please, save lady Sarah!
Guard: Her Majesty's overcome with grief -- she's shut herself inside her chambers. Please try not to upset her.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0058.png)
Making Princess Sarah one of the very few characters in any Final Fantasy game with both parents alive, not hostile to her, and having some screen time.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0060.png)
Once you leave the castle you can wander around Cornelia town, too.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0061.png)
Since your goal is laid out by the king, the dancer has no hints to give yet.
Guard: Restore the crystals to grace...
Woman: Please rescue Lady Sarah!
Another Guard: The king truly believes in Lukahn's prophecy... that the Warriors of Light will come to save the princess.
Pretty sure Lukahn's prophecy is that the Warriors of Light will save the entire world, not just somebody's daughter.
Youth: I once lived far to the east of here in the harbor city of Pravoka. These days I hear it's turned into a pirates' den.
How did you hear that? With the one bridge destroyed, Cornelia is totally cut off from the outside world, right? Otherwise why don't we just leave on account of having bigger fish to fry? I'm telling you, we're getting scammed here.
Man: Oh, please... You must rescue the princess.
Elderly man: Sage Lukahn said something about finding the crescent moon, then he just up and left town...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0068.png)
Cornelia has the first equipment and magic shops available, and this version of the game starts you with enough cash on hand to buy some goods. Spellcasters can learn three spells of each level -- Black Mages only black magic, as pictured; White Mages only white magic; and Red Mages three spells from either color.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0070.png)
But as the window to the right shows, Red Mages have a few spells they just can't learn, ever. Dia, which is totally not the D&D cleric's "Turn Undead" ability -- is one of those.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0074.png)
Outside of town, goblins lurk in the woods. They are easily dispatched...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0075.png)
...for trifling rewards.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0084.png)
There's the bridge. Broken, as advertised.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0076.png)
Hey, that's new.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0077.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0078.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0079.png)
Urist Earthshrine: Lang ago ye could enter, but the way's be shut syne the land began tae decay.
If you say so, dwarf-guy.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0082.png)
I'm pretty sure Monks didn't start getting multiple hits for quite a few experience levels in the NES version. Here they start out doing it. The trick is the Accuracy stat, I've read: at multiples of 32, characters get an extra attack. Monks get them even more rapidly, although I forget how rapidly. Maybe at multiples of 16?
Anyway, knowing that little tidbit makes choosing equipment easier. It's usually better to have a lighter or more graceful weapon that bumps you up to having more attacks per turn than one that gives more raw attack power. Not that that matters for Monks, but it means the Warrior will probably never hold a hammer or axe in his entire career.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0085.png)
Pretty sure the NES version didn't have different kinds of goblins for a while yet. But I haven't seen any MadPONYs, so w/e
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This is... one of those, and Dawn of Souls is the first time Final Fantasy 2 was released in the USA.
Nope, that'd be Final Fantasy Origins for the PSX. Which is... pretty much this game, but without a lot of the tweaks and resprites and the current translation, which makes this a remake of that remake. Squaresoft!
Also, I checked, and that Chancellor guy never showed up until FFO. No idea why they added him.
Also, I can't help reading the status pages for those characters as displaying their full names. So your party is led by the inexperienced but determined Beef Warrior, his best friend from childhood Turkey Monk, the elderly and renowned Pork-Red Mage and the mysterious Tofu-Black Mage.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0086.png)
Looks like a place a runaway princess would go on a date to me.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0087.png)
Yep, this is the place.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0089.png)
As the game's first dungeon there's a bit of treasure to be had. The leather cap is my first piece of headgear, so the Warrior gets it. He'll be using it most.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0090.png)
Of course, as a dungeon, it also has nastier monsters than the ones lurking outside.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0091.png)
Weak!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0092.png)
Clearly the date did not go well. Or maybe... too well?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0093.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0094.png)
...if you didn't know we were there, who were you talking to?
Garland: Hmph. The king's lapdogs. Do you have any idea who you're messing with? You really think you have what it takes to cross swords with ME? Very well...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0097.png)
From back when Nintendo censorship wouldn't let anyone say "I'll kill you!", the quote got enough memetic status that they left it in.
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Nope, that'd be Final Fantasy Origins for the PSX. Which is... pretty much this game, but without a lot of the tweaks and resprites and the current translation, which makes this a remake of that remake.
Oh. My mistake.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0098.png)
Boss fight? Boss fight.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0099.png)
Pork Redmage (emphasis on the first syllable, if you'd be so kind) sets up a few spells to dull Garland's sword strikes.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0101.png)
Tofu Blackmage V (it's a longstanding and important name in the Blackmage family, thank you) has more direct methods -- he just sets Garland's cape on fire.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0103.png)
This is all somewhat to the annoyance of Silas "Beef" Warrior, who was looking for a one-on-one duel, ideally without anyone asking where he got that nickname.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0104.png)
Garland doesn't put up much of a fight, really. Perhaps the answer to the king's dilemma was "send four guys at once" all along.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0106.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0107.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0108.png)
Don't leave your drinks unattended when you go out, ladies.
Sarah, princess of Cornelia: I am Sarah, princess of Cornelia. That's the first time anyone's ever defeated Garland. You must allow me to show my gratitude. Please, accompany me to Castle Cornelia.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0112.png)
Whoosh! Plot warp!
The King: There can be no doubt that you are the Warriors of Light from Lukahn's prophecy! You should hear the prophecy in its entirety. Ahem. If I may...
"When darkness veils the world, four Warriors of Light shall come. If they cannot gather the shards of light, the darkness will consume all. The four Crystals will never shine again..."
Now, I hear that a Crystal can be found on the continent to our north. Restoring light to the Crystals is our only hope of ridding the world of the monsters which plague it! I will have the bridge to the north rebuilt, as promised. I pray that you succeed in restoring light to the four Crystals -- and to the world.
We have a goal! Go north, and find the first of four crystals!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0122.png)
Sarah: When he abducted me, Garland took this lute as well. I want you to have it. It may aid you in your journey.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0125.png)
Well, it'll give Pork something to do on the long journey ahead of us.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0127.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0128.png)
That's clearly not a drawbridge. That's a regular bridge.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0129.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0130.png)
Is that supposed to be motivational? What does a bridge have to do with a prophecy?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0131.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0132.png)
...and they want to leave!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0133.png)
FF1 Opening On The Bridge (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqPV_vEQAPk#)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0134.png)
And so their quest began.
As the four Warriors of Light, they felt overwhelmed by the great task destiny had placed before them.
They did not even know the true significance of the four crystals they held in their hands...
The crystals that once, long ago, held a light that shone so brilliantly.
The time for their journey had come.
The time to cast off the veil of darkness and bring the world once more into light...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0141.png)
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0142.png)
Bad horse, bad horse, bad horse, bad hooorse! The monsters get more lethal across the bridge's crest. You should know this already from Dragon's Quest! They hit hard and are tougher, as I expect you guessed... Your party here has no recourse, but hit them fast, without remorse.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0143.png)
Bad horse! Bad horse! Bad horse! He's bad! Tofu took a hoof kick, right to his darkened face. And that's although he's hit the least by standing in last place! It sapped all of his hit points, and you die in that case... The rest respond with lethal force, but nonetheless, that's one bad horse.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0144.png)
The sing-along done with, the rest of the party drags Tofu's corpse back to the church in Cornelia.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0146.png)
Circumventing death in a fantasy game is treated with all the weight of super-sizing your value meal.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0147.png)
These straight up did not exist in the NES version, and didn't get added to the franchise until Final Fantasy 3, if I'm not mistaken. But it's a good idea to invest in some since they're here now.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0148.png)
The northern continent has a cave. Perhaps that's where the crystal is!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0149.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0150.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0151.png)
Backwards to frontwards, that's "B Button Select". Pushing those buttons together on the overworld brings up a map screen.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0152.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0153.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0154.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0155.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0156.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0157.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0158.png)
That's right, the Warriors of Light heroically stand idly by while a blinded old woman stumbles around her house, crashing into furniture.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0159.png)
...then heroically take her stuff, since she's not watching.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0160.png)
A bit later, there's a proper town.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0161.png)
I hardly know 'er!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0162.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0163.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0164.png)
Well, before we deal with your pirate problems, we figure there's equipment upgrades to be had, so.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0165.png)
The prices here are far more reasonable than they were on the NES, but still, that's a lot of gold for a five-point attack upgrade.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0166.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0167.png)
Bikke: Keelhaul 'em, boys!
Pirates: Aye-aye, Cap'n! We'll make their bones go crunch!
did you just
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0170.png)
Each pirate has so little HP that even Tofu can knife them to death. They attack in a swarm of nine, but Beef can take hits well enough that their zerg rush proves ineffective.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0173.png)
Bikke: I want ye to take me ship fer yer troubles. Can ye find it in yer heart to fergive an old pirate?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0175.png)
To be fair, it's not like Bikke could use it anymore. We did just kill his crew.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0176.png)
Bikke: I plan to buckle down and be the hardest worker in town. Ye believe me... don't ye?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0179.png)
Time to talk to townsfolk, of which there are...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0181.png)
...two. Two quotes, at least, a few other people wandering around say the same things.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0184.png)
With our new totally-not-a-pirate ship we can sail the sea inside the ominous ring of land that is the starting area, docking and boarding at ports like this one.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0185.png)
There are maritime encounters, too. Bigeyes only try to paralyze you with an eye beam, allowing the Sahaguin to kill you freely.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0186.png)
I'm pretty sure everything on the ocean is weak to lightning-elemental attacks.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0187.png)
Here's a port. Let's go here.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0188.png)
New monsters, but I don't have a song about ogres.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0189.png)
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0190.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0191.png)
Dammit Final Fantasy dwarves
Urist McChatty: Wi a crystal eye, e'en the blind can see. Ah hear that the dark elf Astos pilked the one belongin tae Matoya.
Urist McMook: Have ye blethered wi oor smith, Smyth? In the smithy he is.
Urist McTownsfolk: The earth has stairted tae rot. It began in the west, and nou the decay sprads...
Urist McSignpost: That soond? Aye, that's Nerrick. He's smushin rocks in the back o the cave.
Urist McBangle: When it comes tae defense, a guid armlet can be ivery bit as stoot as body armor. Ye shood try one oot sometime.
Urist McHeavy: Ah'm lookin for some levistone. It's supposed tae be an amazin material that actually floats in the air!
Urist McKnowswherenitropowderis: There micht hae been some nitro pouder in the castle treasure hoose way back when they sealed er up.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0202.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0203.png)
Nerrick: And Ah'm sae close tae openin up ma canal, too! If Ah had a wee bit o nitro pouder, Ah could knap that rock in one pluff...
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0206.png)
Let us sail as far as possible from Mt. Duergar and dock there instead.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0207.png)
...looks a bit more run-down than Cornelia castle. Is it... made of wood? What is this, some sorta elven castle?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0208.png)
...oh.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0209.png)
Well, it's all coming together now. This Astos guy stole Matoya's crystal eye and put the elf prince to sleep. He must be a pretty nasty villain.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0211.png)
Eh, don't really care.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0212.png)
That dick! I'll get my your treasures back!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0213.png)
Healer: There must be some medicine to rouse the sleeping... but where?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0216.png)
Elf: Let's see... I think her name was Matoya.
Oh. So Astos is the cause of both problems, and if I get Matoya's crystal eye back from him she might give me some medicine to wake up the prince. It's all coming together now. Uh, again.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0218.png)
Elf: They're a friendly bunch!
Yes, but their accents are really annoying.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0220.png)
As with Cornelia, the castle and the town are two different areas. Nothing is wrong with Elfland except the prince is asleep, so I'm skipping the townsfolk who just ask you to do something about that.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0222.png)
!zing
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0225.png)
Two different people say this.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0226.png)
In the NES version, this is where you get the moderately-useful "Silver" sword. The "Actually Mythril" sword is a lot more powerful in this version, so it's acquired later, elsewhere.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0228.png)
As Urist McBangle noted, armlets can be as useful as armor. And while Copper Armlets are the least useful of the type, they're still better protective gear than the silken finery Tofu was wearing before.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0229.png)
Also for sale in Elfheim: third-level spells. Thundara and Fira hit all enemies, making them extremely useful for large groups of minor foes like this one.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0232.png)
Pork gets Thundara too, but the difference in Intelligence between the two is starting to show in their damage output. In the NES version, the game just... sort of forgot to ever call Intelligence into the damage calculation for spells. It didn't matter if the caster was a Black mage, Red mage, or a Warrior using a spellcasting item -- the damage output was the same. In this version, Intelligence matters, and Black Mages invest in almost nothing else. The overall effect is that mages and wizards are more useful, while Knights and Ninja somewhat less.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0233.png)
More for curiosity's sake than anything else...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0234.png)
...I wonder if this... bug? is still here.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0236.png)
Yep. The Peninsula of Power still works. It's not really a bug, more of a map design oversight. See, the world map is divided into zones that determine what monsters you fight. Cornelia is one zone, with goblins and little else. The area north of Cornelia is another, adding goblin guards to the mix. The bridge across from Cornelia is another still, introducing Crazy Horses and Gigas Worms.
Up here, east and north of Pravoka, the very tip of the landmass pokes into one of the lategame zones. Minotaur Zombies and Trolls are enemies that normally show up much later, but thanks to the Peninsula of Power you can fight them early on. If you win, they're worth lategame numbers in EXP and gold.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0237.png)
Fira helps. Diara, should you have a White Mage who can cast it, is also helpful against the zombies.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0239.png)
That's a lot, by the way. Everyone shot from level 12 to level 13 in this one fight.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0242.png)
Exploring west of Elfheim I find another castle, this one in even worse shape than the elves'.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0243.png)
Inside, the place is all wrecked up. Even the music is a discordant, minor-key version (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avWbOvTdWvI#) of the normal castle theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bz76D6fLBp4#).
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0244.png)
...it's full of bats, too.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0246.png)
Gettin' real sick of your shit, Astos.
King: If I could only retrieve the crown from the Marsh Cave, I would be able to restore my castle. Might you bring me the crown?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0249.png)
This is a marsh, that is a cave, stands to reason it's the Marsh Cave.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0250.png)
Nailed it.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0251.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0254.png)
Inside are three levels of branching paths and mazelike tunnels, filled with undead and all sorts of creepy-crawly things that like to poison and paralyze. Back when the NES version was new, anytime you left a town was a quest that may well kill you, and that went double for dungeons. The cave itself is a challenge aside from the boss, and you're expected to enter, explore, have a few characters die, retreat to heal up and buy better equipment, and try again. A couple of times.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0255.png)
For better or worse, that's no longer the case, and no powerleveling is needed to reach this room on the bottom floor.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0256.png)
Piscodemons can also paralyze you, so this was a brutal dungeon that got a nasty boss fight anyway.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0257.png)
Was.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0258.png)
An example of the change in game design: while screwing around in this game's Marsh Cave, I found a whole branch of the dungeon I didn't realize existed. There's a whole section of the second floor that surprised me by simply being there. Apparently a young R^2 looked at a dungeon map, wrote off that entire wing of the Marsh Cave for being too dangerous for the trifling rewards (some gold and weapons available for sale elsewhere), and eventually I just forgot it was there. These days you don't leave a dungeon until you've explored every nook and grabbed every treasure box, because they're just not as dangerous anymore.
-
I see MP in your screenshots, but did Dawn of Souls have an option to stick to Vancian spellcasting? I don't like it in general but playing through the PSP remake the dungeon balance just wasn't right without it.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0259.png)
Well, at least we can fix one thing Astos did.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0260.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0261.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0262.png)
Gettin' reeeeeal sick of your shit, Astos.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0264.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0265.png)
Astos: With the combined power of the crown you now hold and the crystal eye I already posses... I will become the TRUE elf king! It is useless to resist me! I can take what is mine by sheer force!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0269.png)
He talks threatening, but looks damned goofy. Is he wearing a party hat?
Anyway, Astos always opens the fight with a Death spell, so you usually end up fighting him with a party of three. He's a major roadblock for single-character challenge runs.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0270.png)
Pork manages to avoid the effect.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0271.png)
Usually by this point in the NES version I've fought enough creatures on the Peninsula that I can cast level 4 spells. Here I... can cast level 4 spells. This is Tofu casting Haste on Turkey.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0272.png)
And this is Turkey walloping seven colors of HP damage out of Astos.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0273.png)
Astos opens with Death. He has -ra level magic at his command, and physical hits.
I saw only his opening spell.
-
I don't think Vancian magic is at all available, no. It does change the balance of the game a little, since there's no reason to conserve your high-level spells for the most part -- 15 MP for Fira is almost always more damage to more monsters than casting 5 MP Fire three times.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0275.png)
Right. Now to run some errands.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0279.png)
Matoya: Don't worry, I have something to give you in exchange. Take this potion. It's the most amazing potion in my entire collection!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0282.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0284.png)
Matoya: Hmph! You're not even as attractive as I thought you'd be...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0287.png)
Healer: I will try it at once!
Healer: Your Highness? Your Highness!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0290.png)
Elf Prince: You... you're the legendary warriors! Something tells me I'm not dreaming... I shall follow the legend as it has been told to me and my forefathers. The time for me to pass on the mystic key to its rightful owners has come at last.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0294.png)
All those doors in my quest -- seriously, name a place I've been. Was it anything but Pravoka? Then it has a door sealed by this damn key in it -- I can now revisit to reap their rewards.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0295.png)
First stop, the Elven Castle treasury.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0296.png)
Then Astos' keep.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0297.png)
(These treasures are guarded by some mean undead monsters.)
Not pictured: the doors at the bottom of the Marsh Cave. It's worth the trip, there's a Silver Armlet in there.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0300.png)
Castle Cornelia.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0303.png)
Armlets are good for Monks because they're light enough to stack with rather than nullify their natural defense bonuses.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0308.png)
Meanwhile Beef has turned into a veritable tank. The Mythril Armor is kind of a tough call, raising Evasion at the cost of Defense, but given how Beef's Defense is still almost double anyone else's, I'll use it anyway.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0309.png)
Nerrick: The explosive force in this pouder will hae mah canal open in noo time flat! Ah owe ye, kids!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0313.png)
Nerrick: Nou we can bluiter this rock tae smithereens!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0316.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0317.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0318.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0319.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0320.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0321.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0322.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0323.png)
Well, considering that we've solved every problem we have come across inside this corner of the world, I'd say it's time to sail away to new lands.
-
I'm stoked stokeless that you're rolling an LP again. F yeah to naming themes. You gotta have themes.
-
Managing to do the Marsh Cave legit on an actual NES when I was younger remains one of my most proud video game achievements.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0324.png)
Oh right. Posting this thread reminded me of the Mystic Key door I forgot in the Chaos Shrine.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0325.png)
Onward to new lands!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0326.png)
Lands like this one, just outside the new canal.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0327.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0328.png)
Wow. Melmond is kind of a shithole.
Townsfolk: If the Earth Crystal regains its glow, life will return to the earth. The hills and valleys will again be green.
Oldmans: In the cave on the southern tip of this continent lives a man named Sadda. He is a wise man who knows much.
Urist McWatts: Watts is ma name. Ah've gane aw the way here frae Duergar tae find oot the springheid of the earth's decay.
Youth: I've heard that the ancients possessed something with the power to make a ship float in the sky.
ManLong ago, a prosperous civilization thrived in the northland. Now it's fallen into ruin.
Hint-giver: The giant living in the cave eats rocks. He'll eat just about any kind of rock, but I hear he especially likes gems. He can't get enough of them!
Someone else: The earth is decaying, and it's all the doing of the vampire that lives in the Cavern of Earth. Our town is in such rotten shape because he's blocking the flow of the power of earth. Will you stop him for us?
Man I don't even know where to even start looki--
Next guy over: The Cavern of Earth is to the south of Melmond, on a peninsula called the Devil's Tail. It used to be the closer you got to that cave, the more fertile the soil. Now... Now it's a barren waste.
Boy: The vampire attacked, destroying our church and leaving our city in shambles. Is there nothing we can do to stop the ruination of the earth?
That's right, there's no church. If anyone dies before I reach the next town, I have to sail all the way back to Cornelia to revive them.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0343.png)
Dr. Unne: What!? You've never heard of me!? Inconceivable!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0350.png)
Melmond does have one item of note worth buying over all the free stuff I got from Mystic Key treasure rooms. Knight's Armor is a big investment, but well worth the boost to Beef's defense.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0351.png)
Meanwhile, Pork's lack of specialization is starting to show -- he can't learn a revival spell. I really have to sail back to Cornelia to revive anyone who dies.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0352.png)
So I hike southward for a bit.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0354.png)
Nailed it.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0355.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0356.png)
The Cavern of Earth is another dungeon slog, one that would take several trips in the NES game. The enemies here aren't particularly dangerous overall, but there are a whole lot of them. Earth Elementals tend to be the biggest and nastiest, but they generally guard treasure chests rather than being encountered randomly.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0361.png)
Piscodemons do show up in random encounters starting in the third dungeon level, though.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0362.png)
I'm glossing over maybe 30 or 40 minutes of play time, but if you've seen one dungeon hallway, you've seen 'em all. This bat doesn't move around, and is a slightly different color than the rest, and is guarding an unusual-looking room. That means...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0363.png)
Yep. He's a vampire. Although he's talking to us in bat form, so I imagine his lines here are kind of squeaky and not at all as threatening as they're supposed to sound.
Vampire: The seal cannot be broken, and so the earth shall rot.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0366.png)
Vampire: Mere mortals cannot kill the undying!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0368.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0369.png)
The Vampire opens the fight with Gaze, attempting to paralyze Beef into helplessness.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0371.png)
It doesn't take, and the first round of setting up proceeds as it should.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0373.png)
Note the differences in HP totals between this screenshot and the last one. That's how threatening the vampire actually is.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0374.png)
I know it's a rock, but it looks delicious. I just... lemme have a little lick...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0375.png)
And now for the fun part: walking back out!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0376.png)
Lucky you this is a screenshot LP, going through all of those monotonous hallways in reverse would have been terribly dull in video form.
Oh yeah! Before I leave, there's one thing that makes the Cavern of Earth unique.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0377.png)
One of the hallways on the first level is full of Gigases. Gigae? Whatever. Every step down this hallway sparks a battle with at least one Hill Gigas and usually some Lizards. They're predictable, easy to find, and moderately tough for this stage of the game, so they make decent fodder to grind levels and money. But as much as I've been steamrolling through this version, I skip it.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0378.png)
All right, everybody! Heroes incoming! Who da man?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0379.png)
Aw, bitches.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0383.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0384.png)
Hey, you. I just beat up a vampire for no good reason, and if you don't get outta my way, you're next.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0385.png)
What? Oh, whatever.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0387.png)
Giant: Mmmm! Nothing tastier than rubies!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0389.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0390.png)
I showed you that cave so I could show you this one.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0391.png)
Huh? I thought sage went in every field.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0393.png)
Sadda: But he was only a servant... The beast corrupting the Earth Crystal lurks deeper within the cavern.
Double bitches.
Sadda: Here. Take this staff with you and use it behind the vampire's chamber!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0396.png)
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0398.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0399.png)
I couldn't imagine filling all that time spent retreading in a video LP.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0400.png)
There's no cinematics or anything. The screen goes white when you touch the slab, and when the light dims, there's a stairway instead.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0402.png)
Inside: more hallways that look exactly like all the other hallways in this cavern!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0405.png)
Two more floors of them, no less.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0406.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0407.png)
Okay, that's new.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0408.png)
Beef Warrior, and his friends! Back me up here, Turkey Monk!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0410.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0412.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0413.png)
Aw, liches.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0414.png)
I know he's supposed to be directing a spell at us or something but the way he holds his hand up like that just screams faaaabulous.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0415.png)
And he stuns Turkey before he can act, making this Haste useless. I need a new strategy!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0416.png)
Um... yeah, that oughta work. Dead things burn really well in Final Fantasy games, right?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0417.png)
Boom!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0418.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0419.png)
Bad news is, Lich can cast Blizzara. Good news is, Turkey isn't paralyzed anymore. Bad news is...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0421.png)
Oh, whatever. Beef finishes off the Lich with a mighty sword slash before anyone can re-jive Turkey.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0422.png)
All told, the boss fight took only two or three rounds.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0423.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0424.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0425.png)
The Lich statue disappears from the Earthgift Shrine back in Cornelia. Why? Because.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0426.png)
The Earth Crystal is shining again, so we can take this magic circle back outside with a job well done.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0428.png)
Examination of the world map indicates that there are no ports to dock this ship on the entire northern half of the map. I think someone tells you that explicitly in the NES version, but I didn't see them this time around. On the right side of this screen: Melmond (the red square), the Cavern of Earth, both ends of the giant's tunnel, and the Sage's Cave. To the right: Just about the only place left to dock. It's east of Elfland, so I've sailed all the way around the globe.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0429.png)
In the middle of this crescent-shaped lake is a town.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0430.png)
Yep.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0433.png)
The "Silver" sword that used to be sold in Elfland is here now. Mythril gear has higher accuracy (for weapons) or much higher evasion (for armor), so moving it up was an issue of game balance.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0435.png)
Behind the magic shops is a little path leading into the woods...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0436.png)
In the woods are twelve old dudes in a circle. Did we stumble into some druid ritual or something? Well, better start chattin' 'em up.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0437.png)
Secundus: For Great Crystals exist in this world. The light that once shone within them is now lost... The four Fiends of Chaos block the power of the Crystals, claiming it as their own.
Tertius: Fire, earth, water, and wind... These are the four forces that compose our world.
Quartus: The source of the four forces are the altars scattered throughout the world. Defeat the Fiends that have taken root there and lift up the crystal you carry to the altar. The crystal should regain its brilliance.
(To be fair, you can come here before you defeat the Lich.)
Quintus: The four Fiends plot to rule the world both past and present. The Fiend of Wind appeared for hundred years ago, followed two hundred years later by the Fiend of Water. Together they laid waste to the civilization in the north.
Sextus: The Fiend of Earth rots the land...
Septimus: Where the Fiend of Fire passes, all is cast into flame...
Octavius: When all four Crystals shine once more, return here. All will be revealed...
Novus: Bring the light of the four Crystals to us! Warriors of Light, only you can do this!
Decimus: The volcano Mount Gulg rises to the west of this town. The Fiend of Fire long slept within its passages, but she has awoken two hundred years before her time. Vanquish her before the world is consumed in flame!
Eleven...tus: Well done, Warriors of Light.
Well done, Beef!
Eleventus: You have defeated the Fiend of Earth and restored the Crystal's light. Sadly, this has drawn the notice of the Fiend of Fire, who was not to have stirred for another two hundred years. Take this canoe, and go face the Fiend in Mount Gulg!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0459.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0460.png)
Good, I was ran out of theme names for you guys two sages ago.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0461.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0462.png)
I promise you that no amount of illumination of the background plot makes Lukahn any less cryptic.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0463.png)
The canoe lets the party travel up rivers the ship can't enter. Look at that adorable, tiny world map icon! There's a "little man in the canoe" joke to be made here, if I can just put my finger on it...
...
...hey-o!
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0465.png)
The mountain range north of Crescent Lake is a maze of twisty passages, mostly alike.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0464.png)
Naturally, the canoe comes with its own set of encounter monsters.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0466.png)
Good thing pre-Wizards of the Coast TSR-era Dungeons and Dragons had basically no copyright enforcement! Even so, I'm not even sure how they'd go about stopping a Japanese company from lifting a game's enemies wholesale from the Monster Manual.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0470.png)
Mt. Gulg is well-known as "the dungeon nobody ever does in sequence".
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0472.png)
Because this ain't it.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0473.png)
You know how the Marsh Cave was supposed to be really hard, and the Cavern of Earth a major project?
The Cavern of Ice is worse than both of them.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0474.png)
Um... well, just trust me. Not every floor is like this.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0476.png)
Hey, what's that thing over the--
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0477.png)
Trap floor! Screencapping it is pretty difficult on account of the screen fading to black as the hole opens up beneath your onscreen avatar.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0479.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0480.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0481.png)
Hazard floors and tough encounters conspire to whittle down your life throughout the dungeon.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0482.png)
For instance, you may find yourself with two petrified party members after a run-in with some cockatrices, with only one Gold Needle to cure it.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0484.png)
Climb back up, fall back down...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0485.png)
In front of the curious octohedron is this bad larry. The Evil Eye was explicitly a Beholder in the Japanese NES version, renamed and with its graphics changed (http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Evil_Eye_(Final_Fantasy)?file=Evil_Eye_Original_Sprite.png) because apparently it is possible to provoke early-nineties TSR into suing for intellectual property.
Anyway, the Evil Eye is a major glass cannon monster. It always opens by killing one of your party members outright, but is itself quite low on HP.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0486.png)
This, for instance?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0487.png)
Is adequate to defeat it.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0488.png)
Hooray! Now to drop back through one of these holes and retread half the dungeon! Remember that this is a dungeon with random encounters that can kill or petrify characters, that the Evil Eye always opens the fight with Death, and that there weren't any Phoenix Downs in the original release. Once someone was dead, you'd have to walk out of the cave and canoe back to Crescent to revive them. More than once I've limped out of this dungeon with two heavily-injured characters hauling their previous friends as cargo.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0489.png)
"Better take out the Beholder. We might get sued." "Boss, what about the Mind Flayers, and the Ankhegs, and all the others?" "Meh, I'm going out to lunch."
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0491.png)
Made it. Now to canoe back to the ship and sail back to Elfheim to buy a Gold Needle for Beef...
-
Oh yeah, speaking of Elfheim...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0493.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0494.png)
The seers remembered what it was they wanted to tell me.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0496.png)
"Boss, I'm pretty sure if we put otyughs in this game, somebody will notice. It'll cause trouble, to be sure" "It'll be fine. Look, just color them green and call them... call them... hold on... ugh... I gotta sneeze..."
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0497.png)
Here's a big sand pit vaguely south of Crescent Lake...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0498.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0500.png)
Originally "Pumice" in Japanese and "Floater" in the original English release, the Levistone has always been named for something implying that it can, well, float.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0502.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0504.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0505.png)
Ever wonder why a hunk of Pumice is used to learn how to summon Ark in Final Fantasy 9? Ever wonder why Ark was a giant transforming airship robot? It's yet another callback to the franchise legacy. Now you know.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0507.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0508.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0509.png)
Is it can be Mount Gulg times now plz?
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0511.png)
...nope!
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0512.png)
The airship can land in grassy fields, but not on mountains, in the water, in forests, or over desert or marshland. This opens up a few new places to explore on the northern continent, such as this peninsula full of holes.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0513.png)
Dragon Caves? Sounds like this'll be a tough dungeon full of powerful monsters!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0514.png)
But it's not, because the dragons are friendly.
Red Dragon: Once, long ago, there was an age when man and dragon lived together.
Green Dragon: It is a rare thing to have humans visit us here. If you are valiant warriors, you should speak with Bahamut, our king.
Blue Dragon: The dragons of the Cardian Islands have no love of senseless killing.
White Dragon: Once, long ago, the northland was filled with beautiful shrines and towering mechanical castles.
Black Dragon: Have you spoken with our king, Bahamut? The Dragon King confers a great honor upon the brave.
Yellow Dragon: It is customary for a dragon to venture northeast to the Citadel of Trials. There, he must test his mettle by claiming a token of courage from within.
Purple Dragon: The form of the token of courages takes changes with the times. Do not let its appearance deceive you.
Silver Dragon: The Dragon King looks within to measure a person's true courage.
No he doesn't, he looks in your pockets, because you have to have a particular item to be considered brave.
Gold Dragon: This is the chamber of Bahamut, the Dragon King. Mind your tongue.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0526.png)
Sure enough, a dragon bigger and more detailed than the rest is right there, looking all the world like the flying drakes from Final Fantasy 5.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0527.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0528.png)
As you may have gathered from the rest of the dragons!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0517.png)
Also here is the entrance to the Hellfire Chasm, but the entrance is blocked by another monster statue.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0539.png)
Signpost Man: To our south is an ancient city known as the Wing of the Hawk.
Another new place is this town, on the northernmost point of the world map.
Scholar: Have you visited the Wing of the Hawk? I can't understand a word they say there.
Dancer: I DON'T believe it! You're outsiders, aren't you!? How did you make it this high up in the mountains? What, can you fly or something? Naw, that's impossible... right?
Woman: A faerie was living at our spring, but I haven't seen her lately. I wonder what's happened to her.
Boy: My dad was always telling me how the castle to the west was a place to test your courage.
Lady: I saw a shining light flying to the west in the night sky! I KNOW I saw it!
Man: There's a tower in the Yahnikurm Desert that no one can enter. Some people think it's nothing but a mirage, so it's called the Mirage Tower. No one can say for sure, though.
Learned person: The legends say the Sky People could soar through the sky and build castles above the clouds.
Student: There was a scholar studying the Lufenian language, but I can't seem to recall his name.
Youth: They say a special water called oxyale gushes from the bottom of our spring. But only faeries can draw it out.
Buccaneer: I caught the faerie, so I figure she's mine to do with as I please. What's the big deal? So I sold her to the caravan. So what?
Gaia has some very nice equipment upgrades, such as Protect Rings that protect against death spells. There's also Cat Claws, one of the best daggers in the game, for Tofu, and lots of high-level magic for sale. It's too high-level for Pork or Tofu to learn at this level, alas.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0534.png)
Looks trying enough. But there's nowhere to land nearby.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0535.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0537.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0538.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0558.png)
Getting to the Citadel is the first trial, since you have to cross marshes, deserts, forests, and rivers to get there.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0559.png)
There's a shortcut of sorts you can take. It doesn't make the journey less long, but it makes the encounters in it easier. Go back to where you parked your ship and sail to the Citadel of Trials. You can make port at the mouth of any river by stepping off the ship directly into the canoe, and from the river to the north it's a short walk to the Citadel. Once you're done, canoe back onto your ship and sail back around the world to your airship.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0560.png)
Citadel guard?: Your fortitude cannot be questioned, indeed not... Very well, I shall grant you the right to undergo the trials. Go now. Sit upon the throne. Your courage will be put to the test. If true courage dwells within you, you will find proof of it here.
And then he vanishes.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0564.png)
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0565.png)
The throne teleports us up to the next floor of the Citadel.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0566.png)
On this level are pillars that flicker with yellow light.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0567.png)
Stepping into one of them teleports you...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0568.png)
...elsewhere on the same level.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0569.png)
Before long you're offered a choice of pillars. The correct option is always the bottommost one.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0570.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0571.png)
There are new monsters in the Citadel, of course. Golems exist in Dungeons and Dragons to give fighters something to do at high levels, on account of being immune to most magic. The Clay Golems here follow suit, resisting a lot of magic but often dying to one physical hit from Beef or Turkey.
The Rakshasas are similar, resisting magic but being somewhat more vulnerable to physical strikes, but to their credit are capable of casting Slow. Slow is the opposite of Haste, reducing the number of attacks the party gets in a round, drastically reducing their damage output. Well played, Rakshasa.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0573.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0574.png)
The next level is straightforward, and offers some treasure chests with nigh-endgame gear inside. The Healing Staff and Gauntlets aren't that useful as equips, but choosing them from the item menu lets you cast a spell through them without consuming MP. The Healing Staff casts Heal, naturally, while the Gauntlets cast Thundara.
Intelligence matters here, so Tofu is going to be the best with spellcasting implements, while Turkey is going to be the worst. Rather than mashing "Fight" to get through every battle, I usually have Pork use the Healing Staff to keep everyone fighting fit and Tofu use the Gauntlets to zap foes into submission.
Yes, the Red Mage is on nigh-exclusive healing duty now. Pork: The Other White Mage.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0577.png)
The rat's tail is the last chest in the dungeon.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0578.png)
The exit is guarded by two Dragon Zombies, but really? Come on, I just got items of infinite partywide healing and targets-all-enemies blasting that consume no resources on my part. The difficulty of this game just took a huge dip... and compared to the NES version, it didn't have that far to go.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0579.png)
Which isn't to say that, as the last battle of the dungeon, I have any reason to hold back and conserve MP. Boom!
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0581.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0582.png)
Bahamut: Your bravery would seem worthy of consideration.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0585.png)
Bahamut: So be it... I shall honor you with titles befitting your valor.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0587.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0588.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0589.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0590.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0591.png)
Hey, all he did was put extra stuff on our clothes and change our last names! Beef Warrior is now Beef Knight. He's stronger and tougher, and hey look at that: Magic Level 3. He'll start getting MP and Intelligence growth as he levels up now, making him a moderate white-magic user. He never gets more than spell level 3, though.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0592.png)
Turkey Monk is now Turkey Master. Maybe it's a misspelling, and he's really Turkey Baster? Anyway, all that happens in the promotion from Monk to Master is that Strength and Stamina start to go up even more. In the first game, there were bigger level-based boosts to attack and defense, so maybe now's he gets more attacks based on accuracy or something.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0593.png)
Pork Redwizard can learn spells that Red Mages can't, including Life and Exit. Their maximum spell level is 7 now.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0594.png)
Like the Monk->Master, Black Mage->Black Wizard doesn't get any new tricks, but they get better at the tricks they already know. A Black Wizard's maximum spell level is now 8, meaning he can get the best black magic the game has to offer, and his Intelligence growth improves as he levels up further.
If I had a Thief, they'd turn into a Ninja. Ninja have better weapons and armor than Thieves (almost as good as Warriors/Knights) and can cast the first few levels of Black Magic like the Knight picked up White Magic. If I had a White Mage, promoting to White Wizard would unlock more powerful magic, like it did for the Black Wizard.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0595.png)
Hey, a unique landscape feature! I bet it's important.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0596.png)
It's near a town, too.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0597.png)
First one, then the other.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0599.png)
New town, new hints to collect!
Daughter: My father's with the caravan. Right now they're over in the desert to the west. They usually pitch camp by the forest near the north of the desert. I hope he comes home soon.
Leggy Dame: Look at my legs! Aren't they wonderful? I love having legs! Look! Look! Did you see that move I just did!
Local Drunk: You ever hear of something called oxyale?
Lonely man: They say that the shrine sank into the sea two hundred years ago. Now there are mermaids living there -- or so the story goes.
Savvy Shopper: That Underhill fella from the caravan had something awful weird for sale.
Fisherman: Out of me way! Son of a *hic*! I haven't been able to catch me a single fish! How'm I supposed to keep food on me plate and *hic* in me belly?
Guy Who Knows Koppe: Koppe's been spreading some nonsense story about how he saw some shining thing fall out of the sky.
Guy in the Graveyard: They say this used to be a beautiful village until about two hundred years ago.
Crone: Are those legs REALLY yours?
Scholar: Long ago, an ancient race known as the Sky People used a language called Lufenian. My brother, Unne, would always talk about it, telling me how he could speak it if he only had a Rosetta Stone.
Treasure Hunter: The Sunken Shrine is said to be filled with riches. Silver, gold, diamonds... even tablets describing lost languages and civilizations, if you believe the legends.
Man dockside: Two hundred years ago, the Shrine of Onrac flourished. It brimmed with the power of water. I ask but one thing of you. Please, restore that power to its former grace.
Dragon: Amazing! Humans have been honored by the Dragon King!
(Naturally if you haven't been promoted yet he directs you to the Cardia islands.)
Koppe: Hi, my name's Koppe. Hm? You want to hear about the shining object I saw? I think it came down somewhere near the waterfall to the north. No one believes me, but I think it was some kind of mechanical creature!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0623.png)
Woman: But when I went underwater, I started running out of air, and I couldn't breathe. It's totally useless. Even worse, it's dangerous. You'd better keep away.
Well, lots of hints are starting to come together. The faerie was caught and sold to Underhill in the Caravan, and I need to go get the faerie so she can get me some Oxyale. There's also a slab -- a Rosetta Stone -- in the Sunken Shrine that Unne can use to understand Lufenian. And there's something (possibly a mechanical creature) that fell into the waterfall up north.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0628.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0629.png)
Well obviously.
As far as Final Fantasy dungeons go, this one is about the easiest. It's big, and there's only one destination, but the monsters aren't terribly hard to kill and there's only one floor. The only danger is getting lost, and if you follow a wall, there's no danger of that happening. (If you follow the south wall, you'll go straight to the treasure room.)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0630.png)
I... forget why I took this screenshot, really. I think it was to show off that Beef Knight has started gaining MP when he levels up now.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0631.png)
Door! The only one in the dungeon.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0632.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0633.png)
Treasure! The Ribbon is the best helmet in the game, as is typical of a Final Fantasy title. Unlike later games, the Ribbon doesn't prevent status ailments. Instead it cuts damage from special attacks by half. As far as I can tell, "special attacks" means anything other than a physical hit.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0639.png)
The first Knightsword in the game, so named because only promoted Knights can equip it.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0634.png)
Robit: ...take this CUBE... ...TIAmat... flying fortress... ...please...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0636.png)
So for all the people who bitch and moan about how Final Fantasy has MOAR LIKE FINAL SCI-FI AMIRITE its later iterations... did you forget about the robots and the geosynchronous space fortress in the first game?
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0643.png)
They could have named this monster better, since I've fought it in plains, forests, and now a marsh, but never ran into one in an actual desert. Perhaps it is deliciously sweet, and they just didn't have the space to call it "Dessert Baretta"?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0644.png)
Anyway, the Caravan is hidden in a desert a short walk west of Onrac. There's no indication that it's there from the world map, so you have to search for it a bit. The only hint is that it's in a patch of desert disconnected from the rest of the desert near Onrac, and as the girl said in Onrac proper, it's sort of near a forest.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0645.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0647.png)
I forget what Underhill did after you bought the Faerie from him in the NES version, but since these tinctures are remake-exclusive, that wasn't it. (I looked it up, he starts selling potions and stuff like a regular shop.)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0648.png)
In the NES version, you had to use the BOTTLE item in your inventory to release the faerie. The game would tell you that she immediately flies away, giving you no hint where she might have gone. In this version, the bottle opens automatically when you enter Gaia, and you watch the faerie fly off. (It's hard to see in the screenshot, but Beef is looking at her -- she's the little pink ball of light between him and the townsperson.)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0649.png)
Once you remember that everyone in Gaia is talking about the faerie at the spring, you can go see her there. You'd expect her to restore your life in a spinning display of hearts, but...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0650.png)
Faerie: I'm sorry about running away, but I was just so scared... I'll get you some oxyale from the bottom of the spring to make up for it, okay?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0653.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0654.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0655.png)
Uh huh. "Water". It's called oxy ale, lady, you ain't foolin' anybody but the Nintendo censors.
Faerie: It'll never run out of air, so you can use it to stay underwater as long as you like!
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0657.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0658.png)
Woman: You are the ones we've been waiting for. Please save the mermaids!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0661.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0662.png)
I am not getting into some rickety little submarine made out of a barrel unless I am extremely drunk and can breathe underwater. Thankfully I have an item that allows both at the same time! Everyone takes a big swig of oxyale and climbs in.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0663.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0664.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0665.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0666.png)
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0667.png)
The Sunken Shrine starts you off... in the middle, oddly. You can go up or down from the first floor.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0669.png)
It may not surprise you to learn that the enemies in the underwater area aren't particularly vulnerable to fire. Tofu keeps zapping them with the Gauntlets instead.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0671.png)
On the topmost floor of the Shrine, you find mermaids!
Attina: If the light of the sea is lost, we will turn into sea foam, vanishing forever...
Aquata: One of our friends went to see the world above and hasn't returned. I wonder what she's doing now? I do hope she's alright...
Well, she's really proud of her legs. She hasn't left Onrac, though.
Andrina: Save the sea. Restore light to the Water Crystal.
Arista: Are those the crystals the legends speak of? Just who are you?
Adella: This is the uppermost level of the shrine. The kraken, the Fiend of Water, nests on its lowest level.
Alana: The Mirage Tower stands in the desrt on the continent to the east, right? Well, I saw someone go INTO the tower!
I won't even ask how, given that apparently mermaids can't leave the shrine without making a deal with the sea-witch and growing legs to parade around at people.
Alana: I remember hearing the most lovely chiming sound...
Ariel: While the Fiend of Water lives, the light of the sea grows ever darker. If the light of the sea is not restored, we will vanish as foam on the waves...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0684.png)
You can see the room where the Rosetta Stone is kept from the places where you can talk to the mermaids, but there's a channel of water keeping you from it. You have to do the unintuitive thing and walk in the other direction, realizing the map wraps around. Or just explore every nook and find it by accident. Whatever works.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0689.png)
Rosetta Stone in hand and mermaids comforted, it's time to head down back to the entrance level, stop by Onrac to rest up a bit, and delve into the ocean depths to confront the Kraken.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0694.png)
There he is! Do you have any idea how many water snakes and sea trolls I had to murder to get to you, you bastard?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0695.png)
You know what, Kraken makes a typical Final Fantasy villain speech here, and I'm sick of transcribing that sort of thing. Watch this instead.
The Kraken (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lN2auTVavw#ws)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0699.png)
While Lich had powerful magic, Kraken has powerful physical attacks. Actually, not even that. Kraken has lots of hits, thanks to his many tentacles. Therefore, Slow is one of the more useful spells to cast on him, as it neuters his attack power quite effectively when it works.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0700.png)
Or you can just blast the guy. w/e man
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0702.png)
Kraken's special attack is... Ink. He sprays a cloud of the stuff over your party, occasionally inflicting Blind status. He's even less dangerous in the NES version, when the INK attack targeted a single character instead of the entire party.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0703.png)
Hooray! We're half done!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0704.png)
As happened after defeating Lich, a statue of Kraken somewhere in the world vanishes from its place in front of a dungeon entrance.
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Clash of the Titans Release The Kraken [HD] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb2zIR2rvRQ#ws)
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0707.png)
And here is a town.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0709.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0710.png)
A town where you can't understand anyone, as has been heavily hinted at previously.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0712.png)
Unne: This... this is the Rosetta Stone! This makes it possible to decipher Lufenian! Hmm... Yes, of course! THAT'S what that was! It all makes sense! Here, allow me to express my gratitude by teaching you Lufenian. There, now you can speak Lufenian, too!
That was awfully quick. Not even the Rosetta Stone software company advertises that it can teach you languages that fast.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0718.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0711.png)
Aside: being a Red Wizard means Pork can now pick up some of the more useful white magic spells that weren't available before.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0720.png)
Oohga, bunga, munga, meeple
Gonna go talk to the Sky People.
Greg the Lufenian: You use a vessel you call an airship... It was built by one of our ancestors... a man by the name of Cid.
Cid wasn't in this game originally. I expect this reference was added to tie in with the plot of Dissidia, where Cid the Lufenian features prominently in the metaplot.
Alice the Lufenian: The Light Bearers! Then the legend is true!
Phil the Lufenian: We have a legend that has been passed down through many generations. According to this legend, four hundred years after the fall of the civilization in the sky, warriors bearing light will come forth to save our people.
Your legend itself says that your civilization will be saved four hundred years too late? Raw deal.
George the Lufenian: The castle that floats high above the clouds was once the home of our ancestors. The Mirage Tower is the gateway to that castle.
Kelly the Lufenian: We came to believe there was another entity controlling the four fiends. To ascertain its location, we sent out five warriors, but much time has passed since we heard from them. I hope no harm has befallen them...
They've already shown up ingame. Go on back through the LP and guess who they are!
Tracy the Lufenian: We placed our last hope in the five warriors we sent out... It's been said they fell victim to the curse of the Fiends and were turned into bats.
Or don't, since Tracy the Lufenian spoils everything.
Brian the Lufenian: Tiamat blocks the power of wind, the source of the Sky People's strength.
Margaret the Lufenian: We fought a life-and-death struggle with Tiamat, the Fiend of Wind. But our power was not enough... To this day her lair remains in the castle in the sky -- the Flying Fortress.
So Tiamat won, and you're here... it wasn't really a life-and-death struggle then, was it?
Eddie the Lufenian: Four hundred years ago, we had built a civilization of the highest order. Even beyond the skies we reached... But that is naught but history now.
Tom the Lufenian: The Sky People would pass on their memories from one generation to the next through rituals. But four hundred years is a very long time, and those memories have begun to fade.
Anne the Lufenian: The flying castle floats on a blue sea of stars beyond the sky.
Lola the Lufenian: This world is composed of four forces: fire, earth, water, and wind. Of these, we showed the greatest prowess with the power of wind. High in the sky, we set a castle afloat amidst an azure sea of stars.
Jim the Lufenian: Could the mechanical beings our ancestors created still function?
Chadwick Alphonse Oliver Alexander the Lufenian: Before you leave, legendary warriors, take this chime with you. It will grant you passage into the Mirage Tower.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0739.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0749.png)
Back in the back of the village, there's this little gap in the wall.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0750.png)
And at the end of this semi-hidden path...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0752.png)
Are shops selling Holy and Flare, the highest orders of white and black magic respectively. Naturally, they are beyond Pork's generalist studies -- but Tofu picks up Flare.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0753.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0754.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0755.png)
I picked up a couple of Light Axes in the Sunken Shrine. Since Vampires are demoted to common enemies here, I give 'em a whirl -- they cast Diara. Fire from the Mage Staff works better, though.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0757.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0758.png)
If you don't have the Warp Cube yet, you get some hints where to find it.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0759.png)
Because in this room, there's a te--
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0760.png)
...scripted encounter. DO YOU MIND?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0763.png)
Ahem. In this room, there's a teleporter.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0764.png)
And it doesn't work without the Warp Cube. Thankfully, we got that already.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0765.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0766.png)
Somebody wanna tell me why I'm fighting Earth Medusas while in orbit?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0767.png)
Called the Bane Sword in the NES version, this one's another go-to for single character challenges. It casts Scourge, which worked a little more reliably in that version. In this game I can only get Scourge to work on enemies I could have Thundaraed or Firaed to death with the Gauntlets or Mage Staff, so :shrug:
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0768.png)
These guys still like to open with deathspells, but they're just as fragile as before, while I'm faster and stronger.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0769.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0770.png)
I get this as a random drop from an enemy on the first floor. Pretty nice!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0772.png)
For all its buildup, the Flying Fortress is an extremely short dungeon if you go from start to finish. But the second and third floors have a central hub with a bunch of treasure on each of seven or eight spokes, so it's worth exploring at length.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0774.png)
For instance, here's the only reason to go back to the starting inland sea area.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0776.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0777.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0778.png)
That's exactly what the robot said.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0779.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0780.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0781.png)
Well hot damn. Yellow energy from the Cavern of Earth, red energy from Mt. Gulg, blue energy from Onrac, and green energy from the Mirage Tower. And there in the center, yes, is the Chaos Shrine, the first dungeon in the game. Going back to where the entire game began shows up semiregularly in RPGs released since, but this was pretty mindblowing back in the day.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0782.png)
More good equipment: the only shield a Black or White Wizard can equip. With a paltry 33 defense, every little bit helps.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0784.png)
The fourth floor is a perfect grid that wraps around on itself. If you wander in any direction and don't turn, you eventually get back to this warp tile.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0786.png)
The exit is a few rows and columns over. It's another short, easy level once you know the trick, but the uninitiated might wander around for a long time before they stumble on the exit (which looks exactly like the entrance, because ha ha fuck you).
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0787.png)
Ah, the Flying Fortress sky bridge.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0789.png)
Tiamat is at the far side.
Tiamat: You have defeated two Fiends and reached my lofty perch.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0792.png)
Tiamat: More the better... May the image of Tiamat, the Fiend of Wind, be the last to burn in your eyes!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0794.png)
Tiamat's schtick seems to center around an unusually high defense. Both physical hits and magic attacks do rather less damage to Tiamat than other monsters up to this point.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0796.png)
But damned if I can remember anything else remarkable about her.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0797.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0799.png)
Crystal glows, dungeon opens. You know the drill by now.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0800.png)
I don't remember what dropped these, but damned if they aren't entirely redundant. As in other games, Red Fangs are single-use consumables that hit with a fire attack. In this case, the attack is explicitly Fira. Why these are handed out well after I have the item that casts Fira anytime I want and isn't consumed in the process... well, your guess is as good as mine.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0801.png)
Not pictured: the two or so hours I spent wandering around looking for the first Final Fantasy optional superboss. I didn't find him, because rather than hanging out where he's easily found like later enemies, this guy's just a 1/64 chance random encounter. My number didn't come up.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0803.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0806.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0808.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0809.png)
Sure will, little buddy. Excalibur is another knightsword, the second-best weapon in the game. Or at least, the second-best weapon in the NES version. But more on that later.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0810.png)
For now, there's a dungeon I skipped.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0813.png)
Mt. Gulg is full of lava. Stepping in lava reduces the entire party's HP by... one point. Lava squares have no random encounters to whittle you down. If you do Mt. Gulg second instead of fourth, it's better to walk through lava than get in fights -- you get more progress for your HP loss that way.
Now that I'm extremely overleveled, I stick to the lava anyway, just for expeditiousness's sake.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0815.png)
The second floor is a straight path from entrance to exit, with a large maze room you can go in for some treasure. But the treasure isn't even useful at the point in the game where you're supposed to go here, so why bother?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0816.png)
The rest of the dungeon is just lava-filled mazes.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0818.png)
Random encounters tend to have Beef, Pork, and Tofu use implements to cast Heal on the party while Turkey demolishes monsters. Even the dungeon-long HP sapping effect can't keep up with that.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0820.png)
Turns out bypassing random encounters and ignoring treasures makes a dungeon reeeeally short.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0821.png)
I'm not sure if the NES version had customized text for sequence-breaking.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0824.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0826.png)
She's making a :/ face. She knows what she's in for.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0827.png)
In the NES version, Marilith (called KARY at the time) was vulnerable to sleep effects. You could have one caster keep her stunlocked (since SLEEP spells were bugged to immediately wear off once the next turn started) while everyone else smacked her around.
Of course, at this point, I skip the sleep spells.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0828.png)
I ended this battle with more HP than I started.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0829.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0830.png)
Man why even bother screencapping the statue disappearance anymore. We out.
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I forget, is it robot that you're looking for in tiamat's dungeon?
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Yes. WarMECH -- or whatever he's called in this version -- can totally partywipe a group otherwise prepared to finish the game. Just spotting him used to be enough to get your name in a Zelda game.
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The developers of Dawn of Souls were surprisingly crafty - it is my understanding that since you can, as you just demonstrated, "Pick and choose" the order you do the last three fiends in, all of those fiends have a small bit of dialogue that changes based on which corpses you left behind you - it's simply stating you who killed
As for Cid in Dissidia, Dissidia came out a good four and a half years after Dawn of Souls. His inclusion in this game is to simply complete the circle, and give every game a Cid - even FF2NES had a Cid. FF1 was the only one out.
WarMECH is called Death Machine in this version, and is considered to be on the same level of the NES version. See, Warmech was sadistically designed - aside from no warning at all to his existence, having innate regen on himself (Bugged in the NES version), he would get a pre-emptive strike, usually casting Nuke/Atomize and either wiping you, or putting you close to it. In the NES version, he has 1000 HP, and nonfunctioning regeneration. In re-releases, his HP is doubled, and his regen is fixed, giving him 100 HP each turn. Nuclear/Atomize is also completely nonelemental, so you can't defend against it via normal means of spells.
This all assumes you are normally leveled, and not obscenely overleveled, something rather easy to accomplish in all remakes.
Marilith's name in the NES was a odd mistranslation of Kali, a Hindu Goddess. The name change came about due to the same reason of the Evil Eye change - fear of D&D copyright infringement.
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Expository infodump!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0831.png)
Secundus: With the forces again flowing freely, the time to go to the Chaos Shrine and strike the root of darkness has come!
Tertius: The four Crystals shine once again! The combined power of that light is the only means of breaking through the wall of time. The architect of this disaster is beyond that wall, two thousand years in the past!
Quartus: You would have no memory of this, but before you wandered into this land, time flowed properly for you. But that flow of time has become warped for you here, in this time.
Quintus: The chain of time has become looped back upon itself... You must travel back in time to the link in that chain that gave birth to this cycle of wrath -- and destroy it!
Sextus: The sequence of disasters that began four hundred years ago... It was triggered by events that happened only a scant few days in our past. But whoever set this in motion has now fled two thousand years into the past.
Septimus: I see time spiraling... Whatever went back two thousand years in the past has brought the world to the brink of destruction. And now, two thousand years later, it travels into the past again... A cycle of wrath without end...
Octavius: An ever-repeating two-thousand-year cycle... The warped destiny that gives birth and rebirth to wrath... But it's no more than an illusion... a fantasy! And only the Warriors of Light can break the cycle!
Novus: Bring the light of the four Crystals to us! Warriors of Light, only you can do this!
Decimus: Power must be turned toward its proper end.
Primus, Eleventus, and Lukahn all say the same things they did before.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0856.png)
Anyway, there's sidequests to do.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0857.png)
Remember all these caves that opened up after each Fiend was defeated? The Earthgift Shrine is the first, opened by defeating Lich.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0859.png)
Inside is... a copy of the Caverns of Earth. Whee.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0860.png)
And a... desert?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0863.png)
And a shadowy forest.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0868.png)
There's no stairway down from the fifth level, but there are...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0869.png)
Four altars, each guarded by a giant blue flame.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0870.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0871.png)
Whoa. Uh, hey, giant naked green lady.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0872.png)
Echnidna is the first of the game's added optional bosses. You may recognize her from Final Fantasy 3, if you played any version of that. As I fight them, it may be that my characters aren't shown onscreen, as in this image: I spend my first turn of each boss using the White Robe I found in the Sky Sanctuary, which has the same effect as Invisara. It increases everyone's evasion and makes their graphics flicker rapidly, so sometimes I'll just have a screenshot of everyone flickered off.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0873.png)
For these bosses, my strategy is generally to spend my first turn using the Giant's Gloves (which casts Temper), the Defender (which casts Protect), the White Robe (Invisara, as before), and Haste on Beef. The second turn has Beef and Turkey trade off the Giant's Gloves and Defender, Pork uses Protera, and Tofu casts Haste on Turkey.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0874.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0876.png)
Then the beatdowns begin.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0877.png)
I think Echidna managed to kill Beef with Quake, which is an instant-death spell in this game (as it was in early D&D -- you fall into fissures that break open and are killed when they grind shut).
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0878.png)
...flat "What."
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0879.png)
After beating one of the four bosses, you can't leave the room and must take the exit from the entire dungeon. Want to go through all that dungeon crawl again to see who the other bosses are and what they drop?
I sure don't. I think I can pass on the X-Potion and load my state from before the Echidna fight.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0883.png)
The other bosses are Cerberus, who drops a Kotetsu sword...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0892.png)
The Two-Headed Dragon, who drops the Bard's Tunic...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0899.png)
And Ahriman, who drops a Dry Ether.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0902.png)
Ahriman also blocks a chest with a Megalixir inside. Since the Kotetsu and Bard's Tunic are both well past any time they may have been useful, Ahriman is the one I defeat before leaving the dungeon entirely.
Got the theme from this set of bosses? They're the four terrible creatures that guard the Cloud of Darkness battle in Final Fantasy 3. The Earthgift Shrine somewhat reflects this: the levels that resemble the Cavern of Earth are laid out the same way as two levels of the very first dungeon of that game.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0906.png)
Each level of these optional dungeons has a number of chests in it. These are generally single-use items of varying utility -- Potions and other shop-available items aren't uncommon, Red Fangs and spellcasting items show up from time to time, and every once in a great while you get something nice like an X-Potion or Elixir.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0907.png)
Here's the thing. The game has an internal list of what treasures can show up on what dungeon levels, and most dungeon levels cannot spawn that many chests. If you want actual equipment, or the better items from the chests, you have to run these dungeons several times each. Earthgift Shrine is only five floors, but...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0908.png)
This one, the Lifespring Grotto, is twenty.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0911.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0912.png)
The decor here usually takes after the Chaos Shrine or the Sunken Shrine. It's a shriney place to be.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0913.png)
Since you're expected to run these dungeons dozens of times (each...), there are some new monsters to be found. But since they're all optional dungeons and the developers didn't want to guarantee you'd be overleveled from doing them, they give utter shit for experience. These Death Elementals, for instance, give about seven hundred EXP each. Compare this to the monsters in the Sky Fortress, which give two or three thousand each. The rewards from the optional dungeons come in chests and from fighting the bosses, not in levels or gold.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0914.png)
There are non-combat levels here, too. This one is a library where the scholars wander around and get in your way. It's time-consuming and tedious, but not more so than fighting monsters for almost no reward every few steps.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0918.png)
On the fifth level of the Grotto is a mermaid village. All the mermaids talk about is a man with a halberd running around.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0923.png)
You have to track down the correct mermaid to lead you to said man.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0927.png)
????: Now I can finally go home! Hey! Where did YOU come from? Oh, you mean you were looking for the Excalibur, too?
Uh, no. Got one right here.
????: How rude of me. I mean, the four of you came all this way... Of course I'll let you have the sword.
...
I'd say you've been hitting the oxyale a bit hard if you believed THAT!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0934.png)
Surprise, it's Gilgamesh, the recurring villain who wanders from Final Fantasy game to game trying to get back to his own world and collect rare weapons.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0935.png)
If he has any tricks, I've forgotten what they are.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0936.png)
And here's the other problem with the optional dungeons: even once you fight a boss and earn its prize... well, the game already had endgame gear without all this rigmarole. If you find a shiny new helmet, is its tiny stat boosts better than "Half damage from most attacks"? If you get a new gauntlet or ring, is it truly better than "Immune to the death effects so many monsters and bosses are fond of this late in the game"?
No. You keep your Ribbons and Protect Rings on, and the new equippable gear gets thrown in the same pile as your Blue Fangs and Lunar Curtains and Vampire Fangs and stuff.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0939.png)
Well, onward. I did say this dungeon has twenty levels.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0940.png)
This one's a breather, though. You canoe around, collect treasure, and try to find which door is the exit. There's no encounters, thankfully.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0942.png)
Level ten means a new boss.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0943.png)
As you might expect, Atomos uses a Wormhole attack that tries to kill your party members.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0944.png)
Like an idiot I gave Beef the Genji Gloves instead of letting him keep his Protect Ring. :hurr:
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0948.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0949.png)
So anyway, as I was saying, even the item drops from the bosses are damn near usele--
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0950.png)
R... really? I now have an implement that casts Flare anytime I want, with no MP cost? I stand corrected, every once in a while you get something nice.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0955.png)
A few floors later, Dark Bahamut tests your abilities by summoning a lot of dragons and telling you how many of each color you need to kill.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0961.png)
Naturally there is no indication which is which until you fight them, at which point they might be red, blue, green, yellow, black, silver, holy, or zombie.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0970.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0971.png)
Navigating dancers.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0976.png)
Then you have to walk on walkways that appear and disappear. If you misstep, you start over. Thankfully there are no encounters on those two theme levels, either.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0978.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0979.png)
There are two flames here. The boss fights are on levels 5, 10, and two on 20.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0981.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0983.png)
There's really nothing stopping Omega from doing his signature attack -- Wave Cannon? I forget what it was -- every turn. So he uses it a lot. Without a White Mage to cast Healaja...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0985.png)
I can't keep up with that kind of damage output.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0986.png)
Great.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0990.png)
Shinryu casts Flare as much as he likes, in this case chaining two together on consecutive turns. There's no Shell status in this game like there is later, you only have protection spells against fire, ice, and electric attacks. Flare, being nonelemental, is one you just have to suck up.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0993.png)
Or not, in this case.
So you know, I'll take the penalty for getting partywiped here (like in Dragon Quest, you lose half your gold). I really have no desire to fight monsters this stupidly strong.
Got the boss theme for this dungeon? It's Final Fantasy 5, of course, the first game in the series to have optional superbosses -- in Omega and Shinryu (assuming you don't count Death Machine in this game).
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0997.png)
Bored of this yet? Me too. This is Hellfire Chasm, which opens after you beat Marilith.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0999.png)
Theme levels this time include one where trying to walk around NPCs in your way will get you into more fights. Because that's really what you need -- a choice between getting held up by slow-moving NPCs, or getting held up by encounters.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1003.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1006.png)
That was easy, but please. You're not fooling anybody.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1007.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1009.png)
Not that he's any harder the second time. Coming from the bridge, look behind you! Back attack!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1011.png)
He doesn't really get any important scenes.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1015.png)
There's a world map section here. You have to wander around until you find a ship, then sail around until you find a pirate, then find the desert that has an airship.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1016.png)
This level probably took more time than any other.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1017.png)
Going back to lava pits and volcanic caves is refreshing in comparison.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1020.png)
The fifth and tenth levels of the Hellfire Chasm have two bosses each. The fifth has a choice between Scarmilogne and Cagnazzo, this one a choice between Rubicante and Barbariccia. So if you've got a hankering for revisiting the Four Lords from Final Fantasy 4 in a battle engine that can't replicate their signature tricks, there you go.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1021.png)
Did I mention before that you have an anti-fire protection spell? It's so low-level even Beef can cast it.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1022.png)
Firaga bounced a couple of times before this happened, but Rubicante is a bit of a breather after staring down certain death in Omega and Shinryu.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1023.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1024.png)
A fourth ribbon! Beef had been without one since the original game only has three, and his defenses don't really need bolstering. Now he's more or less invincible.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1025.png)
Oddly, Kikuichimonji is a Red Wizard weapon, rather than a Ninja weapon. idgi
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba0913.png)
Death Elementals
Death... Elementals?
Death Elementals?
Death Elementals?
:isweird:
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1028.png)
Got the gimmick to these levels yet? Regular dungeon levels interspersed with mostly-annoying theme levels, mostly-crap treasure, every once in a while a boss fight that calls out to some other Final Fantasy game and may or may not give you something useful for winning.
Good, because I'm going to be skipping a lot of Whisperwind Cove. It's forty levels, for god's sake.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1036.png)
Except I'm posting this line, which can't be an accident.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1041.png)
You fight Astos again! He's still wearing his party hat, and now you can oneshot him.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1047.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1048.png)
Yep. Typhon. And he uses Snort, which can't expel people from the battle, but can instant-kill you.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1050.png)
It's a great helm, but it's not better than a Ribbon.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1056.png)
Tenth floor? That can only be...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1057.png)
...yyyeah.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1058.png)
I think he uses Ink and hits with several strikes. So kind of a superpowered Kraken.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1060.png)
Casts Healara. So that's pretty nice.
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:isweird:
It's Final Fantasy, where "elemental" typically includes fire, water, electricity, ice, wind, earth, holy power, darkness, poison, gravity, radiation, vacuum, and cheesecake.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1067.png)
On this level are NPCs who duplicate every magic shop in the game, in case you missed one or can't find the hidden one to learn Holy and Flare. A few will sell you implements, in case you didn't get the Judgement Staff and Rune Staff that make all the ones they sell obsolete. There's also an Inn, which is a little unusual.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1070.png)
Ah, the undead castle. This is the one level in Whisperwind Cove guaranteed to have ten chests, allowing you to get all the items for the level you're on. I got it on level 29, so let's see what good stuff there is...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1073.png)
This. This highlights everything I hate about the optional dungeons. The one level out of seventy-five total that I get everything, and the best item I find is armor for a class I don't even have in my party.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1077.png)
Level 30 accurately reflects how I feel about the game by this point, being a rotted wasteland filled with suffering and agony.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1080.png)
The boss is the Phantom Train, presumably because Final Fantasy 6 didn't really have a lot of iconic boss fights that weren't plot-relevant in it.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1082.png)
The Phantom Train hits like a truc-- er, train, really, and can use Acid Rain as a strong partywide attack. By the time I won, Pork and Tofu were on healing/reviving/protecting duty exclusively while Beef and Turkey dealt what damage they could. Nobody in the party knows how to suplex. ::(:
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1085.png)
Late in the dungeon is a proper town, one with an Inn, a church, and a shop that sells nothing particularly useful.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1089.png)
After Phantom Train, new enemies show up, but oh my god I don't even care this has taken way too damn long
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1091.png)
FINALLY
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1092.png)
Death Gaze hits crazy hard and uses death magic. But mostly, he hits crazy hard. It takes several applications of Protera before his damage output becomes manageable, at which point I start to recover and the battle goes my way.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1098.png)
The reward for beating Deathgaze is the Lightbringer. Again, a Red Wizard sword. Did not see that coming.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1099.png)
You're expected to do the dungeons over and over, so to keep you from getting overloaded with all the cool stuff you can get, they put the best stuff in each dungeon in a guaranteed chest. I might actually consider running Whisperwind more than once if my reward was an Ultima Weapon every time, but for another Rune Staff and a second Lightbringer? Fuggeddaboudit.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1100.png)
Besides, Ultima Weapon is inarguably awesome, but... almost nobody needs it. Knights have Excalibur by now, Masters don't need weapons, and Wizards have better things to do that use the Fight command. In this party I tried giving it to Turkey because it made his attack power go up, but his damage output went down because Monks get more hits per attack when barehanded. I think Tofu ended up carrying it for those times when I get through a battle by holding down the confirm button so everyone attacks, but for serious fights he just uses the Judgement Staff.
So, grand summation of the optional content: meh.
-
On to the Chaos Shrine, the final dungeon.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1102.png)
Bat: The light of the crystals has enabled us to speak again!
Bat: We are Sky People. We came to this shrine in our attempt to locate the source of the world's ruin. That was four hundred years ago...
Wow. Bats live a long time.
Bat: The power the four Fiends were absorbing from the Crystals was being fed into the past by the Black Crystal. The one distorting the beautiful light of the Crystals it the one we've been looking for all along. The true root of all evil lies just ahead...
Bat: The light... the light of the four we've been seeking all this time! That light will open the time portal! The portal will transport you two thousand years into the past to the beginning of the time loop.
Bat: Shine the light of the four crystals on the Black Crystal in the center of the chamber! Doing so will open a time portal to this shrine as it existed two thousand years ago.
There aren't a whole lot of real-world structures that remain standing after two thousand years, given all the stuff that can happen to a building in the meantime. But hey, fantasy game. Don't think about it too hard.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1114.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1115.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1116.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1117.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1119.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1120.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1121.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1123.png)
The Chaos Shrine looks a bit less run-down once you open the warp portal. And in a mercy that didn't exist in the NES version, there's a black sigil on the floor that will take you back to the present. In the NES version, if you didn't have someone to cast Exit? You're stuck here, with the only way out being to win the game.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1124.png)
Your goal is in the sub-sub-sub-sub basement, of course, but because of the way the Shrine is laid out you have to go up two floors to find the passages that lead downward.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1125.png)
On the second floor is a slab like the one in the Cavern of Earth. But you don't use the rod to break this one: you play the Lute that Princess Sarah gave you after her rescue. In this version it's done automatically, but in the NES version you had to remember you'd been carrying the damned thing for the whole game, and somehow reach the conclusion that this is where it's used.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1128.png)
Each basement has an elemental theme, the same as the intended sequence you're supposed to take on the Fiends.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1129.png)
Since these are the Fiends at their full power, rather than having slept for 1600+ years, they're a bit tougher. Lich knows Flare now, for instance.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1130.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1133.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1134.png)
But if you can beat the bosses in any of the optional dungeons, they're a minor speedbump at worst.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1135.png)
In the wind-themed basement, you find the Masamune. It's a proto-Ultima Weapon, very powerful and equippable by everyone.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1136.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1137.png)
I give Beef the Ultima Weapon and let Tofu take the Masamune. Not bad, little wizard dude.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1140.png)
Needless to say Tiamat doesn't have a prayer.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1141.png)
This is my party setup going into the final area. Beef has hit the HP cap, and Turkey nearly so. Tofu has hit the MP cap. Everyone's equipped with powerful gear, and I have plenty of spellcasting implements so that half the time I don't even need to cast from MP.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1142.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1143.png)
Garland: Oh, you did defeat me then. But the four great forces saved me by sending me back through time! Once here, I sent the four Fiends into the future... ...where they shall once again use the four great forces to send me into the past! In two thousand years, I will remember none of this.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1149.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1150.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1151.png)
Chaos: So even as you die again and again, I shall return! Born again into this endless circle that I have created!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1154.png)
All right, so we're stuck in a time loop. The only way out is to either die to Garland when we duel over Princess Sarah, or to kill Chaos now. This has happened plenty of times before, but then several thousandth time's a charm, right?
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1155.png)
So when the Warriors of Light sort of appear out of nowhere in front of Cornelia, it's not that they journeyed far. They just literally fell out of a time rift, holding crystal shards for some reason they're not even clear on.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1158.png)
Anyway. Chaos has some full-party elemental attacks, which chip my HP down a little while I do my standard buff. Giant's Gloves for Temper, Defender for Protect, White Robe for Invisara, Haste, repeat as necessary before bringing the thunder.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1162.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1164.png)
The Final Fantasy games are based around four elements thematically, but three elements in the combat engine. And fire is the only element in common between the two. So while I have magic to protect against ice and lightning attacks, Chaos is smacking me around with water, earth, and wind.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1166.png)
In the NES version, if you take too long fighting Chaos, he'll cast Curaja on himself and restore to full HP. I don't know if he does that in this version, because, well...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1167.png)
This happened first.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1168.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1169.png)
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1171.png)
The endless struggle that raged over two thousand years had ended, and peace prevailed once more.
The light of the four Crystals restored the forces of wind, water, earth, and fire.
It was a mere trick of fate that had given rise to the chain of Garland's wrath.
But magnified by the four forces meant to guide our world, that trick of fate also gave birth to the Fiends.
Monsters ran rampant and the world sank into darkness...
But all that is now past.
With the four forces flowing as they were meant, the Warriors prepared to cross time and return to the world they knew -- a world where Princess Sarah, Queen Jayne, and even Garland himself await.
When was this fateful day that sent time spiraling into a loop?
None can say.
It seemed the cycle into which time had fallen would last forever.
But the bravery of four young travelers changed that. They took the forces that filled the world with darkness, and used them to bathe the world in light.
None will ever recall the struggle the four endured, for the breaking of the chain means that it never existed.
But within the tales of fantasy that people tell, the memory of their deeds lives on...
Tales of dwarves and elves, of dragons and shining civilizations that reached for the heavens even as they fell.
And now their return is upon us.
With the memory of their struggle buried deep in their hearts, they will quietly watch over our world.
Remember always that the forces of the world must be used as they were intended -- that the power of light must never be used for dark, and that the true Crystals reside in your heart.
For you are the warrior who crossed time.
You are the bringer of light...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1201.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1203.png)
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Now do Final Fantasy 2.
Without the swap trick.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0001.png)
F... fine! But I'm not doing this just because you said to!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0002.png)
Eh, defaults is fine.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0003.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0004.png)
Oh, good. Everything's fine, so there's no need to go on any grand adventures or anything...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0005.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0006.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0007.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0008.png)
...o... oh.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0009.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0010.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0011.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0012.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0013.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0014.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0015.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0016.png)
Okay, so this game opens with the Emperor Palamecia making a pact with the devil to unleash monsters all over the world in his bid for conquest, and the resistance faction already getting their collective heads handed to them for trying to stop him.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0018.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0019.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0020.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0021.png)
Your first battle! As in the first game, your party is on the right and your enemies are on the left. You don't have any magic or items yet, so you fight your best, and...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0022.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0023.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0025.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0026.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0027.png)
Okay, so the game opens with a demon pact, the resistance faction rooted out, and your party getting straight-up murdered in a hopeless fight. Yes, this game is significantly darker than the first one, what made you ask?
-
If this game had a "Game Over" screen, I'd post it here and leave the thread to sit for a day or two. But it doesn't, so I guess I'll go straight for the opening.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0028.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0029.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0030.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0031.png)
Minwu: He should regain consciousness soon.
Hilda: We found them like this on the escape from Fynn, fallen from terrible wounds. By the time we brought them here, I feared it was already too late.
Minwu: His life is not in danger. This sigil will strengthen his life force. We should let him rest for now.
Hilda: Of course. We'd best be off to the meeting. I imagine they're already waiting for us. If the empire is allowed to complete the Dreadnought they're building in Bafsk... their attack will begin in earnest. We cannot sit idly by and watch. We must act.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0042.png)
First, I'm pretty sure Minwu knew all that already. Second, the implication here is that letting monsters from hell run amok all over the world was only step one, and even worse things are coming.
Anyway, after a little while...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0043.png)
Firion leaves the room, calling the names of his companions.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0048.png)
They must have heard him, because they're right outside.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0049.png)
Maria and Leon are biological siblings. Firion and Guy were adopted into the same family. So when the opening says that all the youths' parents were killed, that's really only two people.
Maria has one of the most impractical outfits in a franchise known for impractical outfits (http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/011/c/2/final_fantasy_ii__maria_by_lou136-d5r57ae.jpg). How does that cup even stay on?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0050.png)
Firion: You alright too, Guy? But wait... Where's Leon?
Firion is... kind of a blank-slate character, as is typical for most RPG heroes of the time. I don't know what happened to his parents that led to him getting adopted by Maria's and Leon's.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0052.png)
Guy: But... Leon not here.
Firion: I see... Don't worry, I'm sure he's okay.
Guy talks like the Incredible Hulk because he's a foundling, a wild child somebody found in the woods and brought back to civilization, eventually adopted by Maria and Leon's parents.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0057.png)
Hilda: Your life force is strong indeed.
Firion: It was you who saved us, wasn't it. Thank you. Forgive me, Your Highness, but there is something I must ask of you. Please allow us to join the rebel army!
Hilda: I could never allow such a thing. You know nothing of battle.
Hey, that's not true! They've been in a battle already, and...
Hilda: You would only be throwing your lives away.
Oh, right.
Hilda: You should return to your homes.
Maria: But... we have no homes. Not anymore... The imperials attacked, and our parents... Our parents...
Hilda: I am truly sorry, but even so, this changes nothing. I cannot permit you to join our army. If you've nowhere else to go, you're welcome to stay here in Altair. If you know our password, you should be able to live here well enough.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0070.png)
Hey, how come that phrase is in red?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0071.png)
Dialog tree options, that's why. This game has a simple (I think there are sixteen phrases total) learn-and-ask system of getting information from NPCs.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0072.png)
Once you learn a phrase, you can ask about it to get extra information, like so:
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0073.png)
Hilda: It represents our hope for a future that flourishes in both strength and beauty. But what will become of Fynn now? I've heard that the empire's captives have been taken there and suffer even as we speak. Maria, your brother Leon is missing, is he not? It's possible that he's being held in Fynn as well. But Fynn is far too dangerous now. The emperor's beasts still stalk the streets. Gaining entrance to the city will not be easy... The man at my right is Minwu, the white wizard who tended to your wounds. Speak with him before you leave. He may be of some assistance.
Usually asking about an item doesn't get a response quite so wordy.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0084.png)
Minwu: The future it holds seems closely entwined with my own. You will begin by journeying to Fynn. That is the first step toward realizing your fate.
But Hilda just told us not to... oh, right. It's an RPG. If someone tells you to do something, you must immediately go and do that thing. If someone tells you not to do something, you must immediately go and do that thing.
-
So, let's wander around and talk to people.
Royal Guard: The port of Paloom lies not far east of here. But a lake separates us, so you won't be able to reach the town without a canoe.
The color means it's a special word, in this case a key item, but it's not one to memorize and ask people about.
Naysayer: Heading to Fynn, are we? It's not my place to tell you what to do, but I'd reconsider if I were you. It's a dangerous place to be, you see. The city is crawling with the empire's monsters. To the north lies a small village called Gatrea. Judging by the look of you, you'd be lucky to make it that far.
He then tells you about the game tutorial that's been set up in the sigil room where Firion recovered, but I'm skipping that for this LP because I'll be summarizing it later.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0095.png)
King of Fynn: My daughter, Hilda, now serves as regent. You should speak with her.
Royal Guard: You're in the rebel hideout in the town of Altair.
Boy: Gordon, the prince of Kashuan, is hiding out here in Altair. I don't know what happened, but something has made him lose faith in himself.
Girl: Princess Hilda fled here when Fynn was sacked. She's doing a remarkable job of leading the rebel army while His Majesty recovers.
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And in the town proper...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0103.png)
Paul: The imperial coffers have kept my purse fat with gil lately!
If you ask him about Wild Rose:
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0105.png)
So I guess the only reason you're going around telling everyone that you're a thief and steal from the Empire is because you're in a rebel base, and are somewhat unlikely to get arrested or executed for it? Because most thieves don't advertise.
Youth: This is the town of Altair. The imperial forces haven't been deployed this far out yet. I suppose it's only a matter of time, though...
Boy: Tobul, the fellow over in that weapon shop, is one fine blacksmith, he is. I think something's been bothering him lately, though.
NPC who uses the same "young male" sprite as all the others: Paul's a skilled thief, but don't worry, you can trust him. He only steals from the imperials.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0114.png)
Gordon: Now I'm nothing but a coward. When my brother, Scott, fell in battle, I abandoned my kingdom and fled here.
Ask him about Wild Rose:
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0117.png)
Oh no, quite the opposite! But we're headstrong youths with nothing to lose and a lot to prove, so we're doing it anyway!
Gordon: I'm so afraid Hilda will turn me away that I haven't even asked her. I've been stalling here. I'm just a spineless coward. Go ahead, laugh. I deserve it.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0123.png)
Ask him about Wild Rose...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0124.png)
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0120.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0121.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0122.png)
There are six stats in the game: Strength, Stamina, Spirit, Agility, Intelligence, and Magic. They all do about what you'd expect. Strength determines weapon damage; Stamina and Spirit factor into HP and MP growth; Agility begets evasion; and Spirit, Intelligence, and Magic are for magic spells.
Firion is well-rounded, Maria is a squishy black-mage type, and Guy is slow but strong.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0125.png)
What this game doesn't have is a level-and-class system. In battle, what you do determines which of your stats go up, and they all go up mostly independent of one another. If you read my SaGa Frontier LP, this is the game that spawned the growth system in that one.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0126.png)
At the end of a fight, if you lose some HP, your maximum HP or Stamina might go up. If you cast any spells, you might get MP and Magic -- and Spirit if it was a white magic spell, Intelligence if it was black. If you dodged any attacks, your Evasion goes up. Attacking with weapons boosts Strength.
This was a terrible system when it was on the NES, partly because it was so slow and partly because practicing physical stats made magic stats go down, and vice versa. That game was best won by having your characters smack each other around in combat to practice enough for a stat gain, and even then it paid to overspecialize: one weapon master, one white wizard, one black wizard.
In this version, stats are gained faster, and never go down. By the end of the game, everyone should be a practiced gish.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0128.png)
There are also skills with each sort of weapon and shields. The higher a character's skill level with the weapon they have equipped, the more hits they get with that weapon in a turn. Having a high level of shield means the character is more likely to evade attacks.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0130.png)
Spells level up independently of one another, too. Spells are learned by Tome items, which teach a character a spell and are consumed in the process. Rather than having e.g. Blizzard, Blizzara, Blizzaga, and sometimes Blizzaja, this game just has a power level for the Blizzard spell ranging from one to sixteen. The more you practice, the more powerful your spells become.
Every spell I've found so far costs 1 MP per spell level. Black magic spells do more damage at higher levels, Cure spells heal more HP. Status spells, from Protect and Shell to Sleep and Toad, are more likely to hit their intended targets at high levels.
:tldr:: If you get hit, your Stamina and HP go up. If you don't get hit, your Evasion goes up. If you strike with a weapon, your Strength and weapon skill (and shield skill if you're equipped with one) go up. If you use a black magic spell, skill with that spell, your MP, your Intelligence, and Magic will go up. If you use a white magic spell, skill with that spell, your MP, your Spirit, and Magic will go up.
I've had stats go up in ways that break that trend (HP and Strength go up for a character who didn't even act in a brief combat), so I think there's some inevitability factor to stat growth. That's definitely a revision for this version that wasn't on the NES, and is definitely a good thing.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0131.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0132.png)
Signpost boy: This is the village of Gatrea. Fynn is just over there across the lake, see?
Elder: The imperial forces have occupied Castle Fynn. The gates are drawn and no one can enter. And with the imperial troops and monsters roaming the streets, the city isn't any better off.
Woman: Gatrea and Altair haven't fallen into the clutches of the empire yet. But once the Dreadnought is complete, nothing will be able to stop the empire.
Man: There's a pub just on the outskirts of Fynn. When the empire invaded, the barkeep didn't make it out in time. They say he's still working there, pouring drinks for the imperials.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0140.png)
Like in Final Fantasy... Legend? I think? How much the inn costs depends on how banged up you are. There's probably an HP/MP-to-gil ratio that I never cared to work out.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0141.png)
Without a canoe, we have to walk around the lake to get to Fynn.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0142.png)
And as promised, the castle is inaccessible.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0143.png)
Firion: We have to be careful. Make sure not to get too close.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0145.png)
Hah! Nonsense! I'll take on all the imperial officers myself!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0146.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0147.png)
Ow. Oh. Oh dear.
Okay, let's try that again, not actually talking to any of the Captains wandering around the town or blocking most doorways.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0149.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0150.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0151.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0152.png)
Barkeep: You'll find a secret door in this wall. There's a wounded soldier back there. Go see if you can help him. Hrm? What am I going to do? I've had it with this place. You guys can take it from here. Don't let us down!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0156.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0157.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0158.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0159.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0160.png)
Scott, prince of Kashuan: My name is Scott. I am a prince of Kashuan.
Firion: Prince Scott? We were told you fell in the battle. Thank goodness you're still alive!
Scott: I am, but not... not for much longer. I am afraid I must ask... a favor of you. There's something you must... must tell my brother, Gordon. Tell him I know he has... great strength. He must... learn to have more faith in... in himself. I also have a message for the king. Tell him the reason Fynn... Fynn fell so quickly is that... Count Borghen betrayed us. He's been made a... a general in the imperial army. There is one more thing. Tell Hilda... Tell Hilda that I love her.
He shakes his head.
Scott: No. No, don't deliver that... last message. The confessions of a dying man... They would only bring her pain.
Maria: My... my brother, Leon. Have you heard of him?
Scott: I'm sorry... but I have not. I wish I could be of more help. Here. I want you to... to take my ring.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0178.png)
The ambiance in the room visibly darkens.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0179.png)
Then why'd you get out of bed in the first place, ya--
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0180.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0182.png)
...oh.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0184.png)
Not even the "you got a key item" fanfare is particularly cheery.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0185.png)
On the way back to Altair, I get lost on the world map and stumble into a group of monsters that, like the Black Knights, I can't possibly win against or flee from before I'm slain.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0186.png)
Save often, don't sequence break, and check your world map often.
Oh yeah. Scott's ring lets you check the world map. That would have been helpful to know before I wandered into this bomb-infested swamp.
-
There's really nothing stopping Omega from doing his signature attack -- Wave Cannon? I forget what it was -- every turn. So he uses it a lot. Without a White Mage to cast Healaja...
I can't keep up with that kind of damage output.
Shinryu casts Flare as much as he likes, in this case chaining two together on consecutive turns. There's no Shell status in this game like there is later, you only have protection spells against fire, ice, and electric attacks. Flare, being nonelemental, is one you just have to suck up.
So you know, I'll take the penalty for getting partywiped here (like in Dragon Quest, you lose half your gold). I really have no desire to fight monsters this stupidly strong.
If it makes you feel any better, Omega and Shinryu are both stronger than the extra superboss they put at the end of the PSP bonus dungeon.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0187.png)
Once you realize you're carrying a world map, it's easier to find your way back to civilization.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0190.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0191.png)
Also available on the Learn/Ask menu is the ability to show people Items you've found. So let's see how Gordon reacts to the news that his brother is well and truly dead and maybe he wouldn't be if Gordon weren't such a simpering chicken-wuss.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0192.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0193.png)
...that's it? Fine, I'll show Hilda instead.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0198.png)
Hilda: Is he... Is he alive?
Firion: He gave us this ring in Fynn... just before he lost the last of his strength.
Hilda: Did he... Did he say anything?
Firion: No... Nothing. Your Highness... Please. The ring belongs with you.
Hilda: No. Keep it. It suits men of courage. You infiltrated Fynn and returned to tell the tale. You've proven yourselves quite capable. It would seem I underestimated your strength. I would have you lend that strength to our cause.
Because this is an RPG, and nothing is ever going to get done for our side unless I do it personally.
Hilda: There is a magical metal known as Mythril, and we need strong warriors if we are to obtain it.
Learn the word, then ask about it.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0215.png)
Hilda: The empire fought with weapons and armor made of mythril. I have charged Josef, a man living in Salamand, with the task of finding a source of mythril. I do not know the cause, but we've been out of contact with him for some time now. Would you go with Minwu to Salamand and look into this?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0220.png)
...the words she just said ten seconds ago?
Minwu: To reach Salamand, we must first pass through the port town of Paloom. Take my canoe and let us be on our way.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0223.png)
Neato!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0224.png)
Double neato!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0211.png)
Gordon: My brother was very fond of that sword... It truly was a magnificent blade.
If you mention Mythril to Gordon, he just continues thinking about people who are less of a total fuckup than he is in a different context.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0214.png)
Even the blacksmith doesn't say anything helpful, other than letting you know where to drop the stuff off once you find it.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0225.png)
As an expert White Mage, Minwu has all the spells you'd need to keep a party running, and at surprisingly high levels, too.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0226.png)
Hilda: They're building the Dreadnought in Bafsk to help compensate for those losses.
A red word! You know the drill by now, right?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0229.png)
Hilda: The Dreadnought itself is a massive, heavily armed Airship.
Again!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0231.png)
Hilda: ...a ship that sails the skies. But the airship captivated him, mind and soul, and he soon left Fynn. We are poorer for his absence. I am told he now lives in Poft, granting travelers passage on his airship... for a price. He then uses this money to make further refinements to his airship. Or so the story goes.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0236.png)
Naysayer: Whelps like you could never make it on foot!
You can in fact walk all the way to Salamand, but it's a schlep.
Man: You should be able to use that canoe to cross the lake to the east and reach the port of Paloom.
Everyone else just talks about how damned important Mythril is, and how you need to go find some, and how they're counting on you, and so on. RPG stuff.
Right, so let's have a looksee...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0241.png)
Oddly, the world map loops around on itself. There's only one continent with a single small island off to the northeast. Fynn is the white dot pictured, and the two yellow dots are Paloom and Poft, where the ferry can take you for a small fee. Salamand is a red dot bit northwest of Poft.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0242.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0243.png)
As in the first game, the canoe lets you travel on rivers and lakes, but not oceans. Well, the one ocean, anyway.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0244.png)
It's a short stroll to Paloom once you're out of the canoe.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0246.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0247.png)
You can't get on the ship before you pay this guy.
Another Sailor: The empire hasn't attacked Paloom or Poft... At least not yet.
Another other Sailor: The ship headin' out of our little port will take you straight to Poft.
Old Salt: Bafsk, Salamand... Once you pass Poft, they say all the cities are under the control of the empire.
Crusty Seaman: Now there's a fine lass. How's about you and me go have a drink?
Maria: With you? Not a chance!
Strumpet: Paloom's a town of freedom. Wanna settle down here with me, handsome?
With you? Not a chance!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0255.png)
Oops, spent all my money on new weapons and spells. Gotta go do some fundraising with the local monsters.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0256.png)
There we go. It's awfully good of those hellspawn to carry a bit of the local currency for me.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0257.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0258.png)
It's a ferry, so you have no control over where the ship goes. It takes you straight to the Poft port, saving you the walk.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0259.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0260.png)
Another town, another infodump.
Barkeep: Bafsk, the city to our east, is under the control of the empire. They're building something terrible there...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0262.png)
Sure enough, you can ask the guy behind Cid to get pretty much anywhere that's been mentioned so far. The further it is from Poft, the more expensive it is -- all the way to Altair is 700 gil -- and it's a one-way trip. If you go to Paloom or Altair, the ferry stays at Poft, too, so you have to walk back.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0263.png)
Cid has some strong opinions about the Dreadnought, should you ask him.
Airship crew: Have you seen the airship? It belongs to a fellow named Cid who lives right here in Poft. He's the only one around who can fly it.
Another airship crew: You lookin' for Cid? He's probably over in the pub. I hear a few gil will get you a ride on that airship of his.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0271.png)
Salamand is a short hike from Poft, so I walk instead of paying Cid to take me.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0272.png)
The monsters have gotten a little stronger, but nothing I can't handle... or recover from, thanks to having Minwu in the party.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0274.png)
I must admit that with a name like "Salamand" I was expecting someplace a mite warmer.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0275.png)
Another town, another infodump...
Wife: The empire's enslaved the men of Salamand and forced them to work in the cave at Semitt Falls. Please, you have to help them!
Widow-to-be: Semitt Falls is beyond the mountain range to the south of Salamand. That's where the empire's been mining its mythril.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0281.png)
Well, we tell him the rebel password.
Josef: You're here for Lady Hilda? A little short in the tooth, aren't you? You kids can't fool me.
Okay. Dreadnought?
Josef: Of course I've heard of it! An abomination of an airship is what it is.
Great, we're getting somewhere. Let's talk about airships.
Josef: There's a guy who knows all about airships. But why should I tell you who he is?
Because I already know? Now you're just being a dick. Anyway, we came here with an actual job to do, so let's get down to brass tacks.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0285.png)
Josef: I don't plan on sharin' what I DO know with a bunch of perfect strangers. I'm gonna need you to do a little something to prove you are who you say you are. There's a bunch of people from Salamand who are being forced to work in the cave at Semitt Falls. Rescue them, and we'll talk.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0290.png)
Whatever, man.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0291.png)
This must be the place. There's the falls, and over there's the cave.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0292.png)
I don't know if it was ever intended to be Marsh Cave levels of player-screwery, but Semitt Falls is the first dungeon, and it's a big one.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0293.png)
There's a crystal that doesn't do anything on the first floor.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0294.png)
Rewards in here are mostly money. There are a few weapon upgrades, but I stick with the longswords I've got -- I haven't experimented much but I'm assuming better weapon skill trumps a few extra points of attack power by switching up to a new axe or mace.
As far as I can tell, for any given tier of weapons, the general progression is bow -> dagger -> staff -> spear -> sword -> mace/hammer -> axe. You can use bows from the back row to keep from getting hit (as long as anyone's in the front row, no one in the back row is targeted with physical attacks), but why would you avoid the chip damage when that's how you improve your HP? One of the first things I did in the game was take Maria out of the back row and give her a sword to fight alongside the men. It's the only way she'd survive in this hurly-burly, rough-and-tumble, Sears-Roebuck world.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0295.png)
But I digress. Semitt Falls.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0296.png)
There are, of course, new monsters to be found, including these odd-looking birds. How do they even live with beaks that big? Despite the giant heavy growths right on their faces, they're quick and prone to dodging physical attacks.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0297.png)
Semitt Falls introduces you to one of the more bothersome recurring traps in the game: a door in a dungeon probably leads to one of these rooms. It's empty. You start in the middle. There's nothing to the room at all... except the fantastically high encounter rate. You'll have to fight at least one and maybe three encounters in the four steps to the doorway to leave the room. These things are all over the place.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0298.png)
But you can't just not go in, because sometimes doors lead to the next level of the dungeon.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0299.png)
Or to holding cells full of slave labor.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0301.png)
Paul: You remember me, don't you? Paul, greatest thief in all the world? Am I ever glad to see you! This is Josef's daughter, Nelly. I think that dastard Borghen's been holding her hostage to threaten Josef.
That's not a typo. As we learned in my Ultima 4 LP, Dastard is the opposite of Honor.
Paul: Princess Hilda told you to bring her back some mythril, right? Well, that's normally where I step in. I figured out this was where the mythril was coming from easy enough. So I thought I'd get the jump on you guys and nab the mythril before you could get here. Only I messed up and got caught. ME, of all people! Well, I know when I'm in over my head... So long! But don't worry, I'll take everyone here with me. Thanks for saving us. I owe you one!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0313.png)
Sure, Paul. I'm sure we'll end up getting thrown into an imperial prison sooner or later and we'll be counting on you to bust us out before we do the hemp fandango, or whatever the Emperor does to the only rebels who actually accomplish something.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0314.png)
Once the slaves are freed, there's still more dungeon to explore.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0315.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0316.png)
Not bad. Tomes are pretty expensive, so getting one with a useful spell in it for free is not a bad deal.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0317.png)
It's a good thing Minwu is here. He's a crutch character for early game excursions to be sure, but giving the party a well-trained white mage for their first dungeon crawl is uncharacteristically nice for an early-NES Final Fantasy game.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0318.png)
Well to be fair, you are a guard. Presumably that chest has something important in it the rebels might want.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0319.png)
...not a bad taunt. 7/10
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0320.png)
Our first dungeon boss!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0321.png)
We have some kinda-leveled magic to use, but not a whole lot of MP left to use it.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0322.png)
Sergeant uses physical hits and I think he has Bow as a special attack. On the other hand, I have a white mage who can reliably throw Protect and Blink over the whole party. Sergeant is really a warmup boss, and not terribly threatening.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0323.png)
Hah! Done!
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0324.png)
Well, the goal is done. There's still more dungeon to loot. Teleport tomes are something like 1000 gil a pop, so getting this one for free is great.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0325.png)
...but comes with its own cost.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0326.png)
Oh, shit. And me without any MP left to cast Blizzard. Land Turtle has high defense but is weak to ice, you see.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0327.png)
Chipping away at his tough shell probably dulled my swords significantly, but thankfully this is not a game where weapons take noticeable damage.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0328.png)
So while I can teach someone Teleport, everyone's out of MP but Minwu. He could always have cast it, though, so I don't have to burn the tome on him just to leave Semitt Falls.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0330.png)
Getting patched up in Salamand is a significant investment after Semitt Falls.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0331.png)
The men are grateful to be free and the women are grateful that the men are free. So everyone's happy.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0334.png)
Also grateful: this little girl.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0335.png)
Josef: That cowardly Borghen had been threatening Nelly to get to me... Forgive me. If there's anything I can do to help, all you gotta do is ask.
Well, asking you about Mythril would only be helpful if we had to limp back here after freeing the slaves but before clearing the entire dungeon, since all you do is point out that there's old mythril deposits under Semitt Falls that merit investigation. I'm sure in the NES version -- this is further than I've ever gotten on that one -- would require a few return trips to Salamand in much the same way clearing the Marsh Cave or Cavern of Earth demanded a few trips of a low-level party in the first game.
And asking you about airships gets you to tell me about Cid, whom I've already met.
So anyway, tell me about this Dreadnought.
Josef: Since the Dark Knight took over, construction's been moving ahead a lot faster than before. I hear it may even be close to being done.
See, that's new information. I can't learn Dark Knight but I'm sure I'll be hearing a lot more about that guy.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0344.png)
With my winnings from Semitt Falls, I can afford some of the pricey tomes for sale in Salamand.
Skipping the lengthy trek back to Altair...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0345.png)
Walk into the throne room and be like "What up, I got a big hunk of magical metal ore."
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0346.png)
Hilda: Please take the mythril to Tobul, the town blacksmith. I'm certain he'll be able to use it to make you some magnificent weapons.
You're welcome.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0349.png)
I wanna give you this mythril right here.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0350.png)
Tobul: I've been waiting for the chance to work this metal for as long as I can remember! Alright, leave the rest to me! Swords, armor, you name it, I'll start pounding it out. It's been too long since I let my hammer ring!
This conversation makes me vaguely uncomfortable.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0355.png)
Sure enough, every shop in every resistance-controlled town now has a vendor selling mythril weapons and armor, and they are indeed superior to the steel I'd been using up to this point. So Mythril Swords and Mythril Shields for everyone!
...but no Mythril Helms, Armor, or Gloves. Yes, everyone's been running around naked so far, and here's why: Evasion. Wearing any armor, even light and magical Mythril gear, encumbers each character enough that their Evasion takes a double-digit hit. And I am told that the way to win this game is by dodging, rather than tanking. And remember, Evasion only goes up after a battle if you successfully used it, so the agile get agile... er, and the slow get... well, they get those vitality and HP bonuses, but I don't feel like I'm behind on those either.
There's no skill for the use of armor that demands practice, so if I find this strategy is failing me I can always just slap everyone into a mythril suit and call it a day, but for now it seems to work okay. Even the ponderously slow Guy has his evasion around 30% at this point, and he has more HP than anyone for when that doesn't work out.
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All right, that's over and done with. What's our next mission, boss?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0357.png)
Hilda: Fortunately for us, he's tending to other matters now. The theft of the mythril has likely knocked the empire off balance. I would like you to journey to Bafsk... If we're to stop the Dreadnought from being completed, this may be our only chance.
Tell us more about this Dreadnought. Again.
Hilda: We have a man in Bafsk. He's found a way to reach the Dreadnought. I want you to destroy it. At the very least, find a way to delay its completion. I have full confidence that with you and Minwu on this task, it will be accomplished.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0366.png)
Heading east of Poft instead of westward to Salamand... this must be the place, because that looks like a giant honkin' airship over there.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0367.png)
Sho nuff.
Let's talk to some people. Even the imperial guards don't try to outright murder us here.
Slave: You'll need a pass to board the Dreadnought.
Slave: You're with the rebels, right? You'e got to destroy the Dreadnought!
Dude. Be cool.
Slave: There's a rebel spy masquerading as an imperial soldier. If you can get to him, I'm sure he'll have some important information for you.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0372.png)
Borghen: Back to work! Work, I say! If we finish even a day sooner, my glory will be that much greater!
Slave: They're making us work like slaves. I hate that Borghen. Being used by a man like that really makes my blood boil. It's weird, though. I can't seem to remember what things were like when the Dark Knight was in command.
You know what the worst part about being a slave is? They make you work hard without paying you or letting you go.
Not that the soldiers around here feel much better about things:
Soldier: I don't feel like working at all with that buffoon Borghen in charge. The thought of doing anything for his precious "glory" makes me sick to my stomach.
Soldier: Get back to work! I swear... no one wants to work under General Borghen.
Soldier: Is the Dark Knight ever going to get back? At this rate we're going to fall behind schedule for sure.
Soldier: General Borghen doesn't seem to be willing to deal with these peasants as he should.
Soldier: General Borghen took command of things in Bafsk a short while ago. Things have gotten much easier than they were under the Dark Knight. It's hard to believe a bumbling idiot like Borghen could become a general in the imperial army! Oops! Um, you didn't hear that.
H... hey... this might seem like it's coming from nowhere, but uh... what's your favorite flower? I'm particularly fond of chrysanthemums, and gardenias, and... Wild Rose.
Soldier?: Aha! You're one of us! I had to be careful about what I did while the Dark Knight was here looking over my shoulder. But the "Great" General Borghen is anything but. He's just a domineering blowhard.
Great. Now about that Dreadnought...
Soldier?: So you're the ones they've sent to destroy the Dreadnought. Don't worry, I'm on your side. There's an entrace to the sewers up ahead. It's a back way leading to the Dreadnought. Be careful. If they see us talking, they may start to get suspicious, so I'm outta here. Good luck!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0392.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0393.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0395.png)
It's a very brief tunnel.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0396.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0397.png)
Dark Knight: I've been working behind the scenes to see the project through to completion. End your resistance. Kneel before your Emperor. It is the only alternative left to you. Consider what I've said. When the time comes, we will meet again.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0402.png)
Huh. You'd think he'd have just cut us down on the spot.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0403.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0404.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0406.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0407.png)
...assa no good.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0408.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0409.png)
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0410.png)
That'll be useful later, I'm sure.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0413.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0414.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0415.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0416.png)
Everyone is seriously freaking out over the Dreadnought being finished. Which is a little odd considering they built it, but I guess it's a big project and everyone may have been misinformed about how everyone else was proceeding.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0418.png)
Anyway, we walk to Poft.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0420.png)
...which is blasted, broken, and almost entirely deserted.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0422.png)
Paloom isn't much better.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0426.png)
The streets of Altair are completely devoid of people. Sad to report, but the Empire seems to be pretty well ahead of us in this conflict. Our main victory is that we got mythril swords and shields. Their main victory is they have a massive unstoppable flying warmachine that lays waste to entire cities.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0427.png)
Small favors: much of the citizenry of Altair seems to have taken refuge in the rebel hideout and lived through the bombardment. Most of them are naturally panicking about the Dreadnought being completed.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0437.png)
The guy I named "Naysayer" is still kind of a dick about everything.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0439.png)
Could be worse. You should see Poft. There's like three people still alive there.
Hilda: The shock has even caused my father's condition to turn for the worse. I hate that my father has to see this... He knows... He knows his death is near.
Maria: Is there nothing you can do, Minwu?
Minwu: All those who live must someday die. It is our fate.
...dude. How'd you become a white mage with that philosophy?
Minwu: Still, it is my duty as a white wizard to ease the pain of those who suffer. I shall remain here and devote myself to the care of the wounded. I take my leave of you. The fate of the world rests on you, Firion. Waste no time in destroying the Dreadnought.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0450.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0451.png)
Minwu: There is little I can do.
There must be, because from what I've heard all he's got is an arrow wound. I've been hit by arrows dozens of times, and you patched me up fine. Or is he King Tietra?
King of Fynn: So many perished in the Dreadnought's attack... Perhaps it would be best if we surrendered to the empire...
So there's your problem. The man's lost all hope, and that's fatal in a fantasy setting.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0458.png)
The pub in Poft is mostly deserted, but Cid is still here, reaching over the barkeep's corpse for a fresh bottle now and then.
So hey, about this Dreadnought thing.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0459.png)
Cid: Do that, and you can bring down the whole overgrown tub. Airships are powered by Sunfire. I'm sure the Dreadnought's no different.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/tellmemore.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0462.png)
Cid: Let the flames get too high, you got a runaway on your hands. The engine'll blow sky high.
That's... actually pretty helpful. Hey, Hilda...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0464.png)
Hilda: Its flame still burns on the ground floor of Kashuan Keep. Scott and Gordon have told me many stories concerning the flame. The finer points of the tale are not known to me. However, I seem to recall that the flame cannot be passed to just any torch.
Firion: Cid told us that we might be able to use Sunfire to destroy the Dreadnought!
Hilda: Then there's no time to waste! You must depart for Kashuan Keep at once. If you hire Cid's airship, the journey should not take long. That leaves only one question. What can you use to bring the Sunfire back?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0474.png)
If Hilda doesn't know, there's only a handful of other knowledgeable NPCs around to ask. Scott's dead and Gordon's been missing for weeks, so that narrows things down even further.
Minwu: During the festival, the Sunfire is passed to Egil's Torch while its brazier is cleansed.
King Tietra: Scott sealed the gates of Kashuan Keep to protect the Sunfire in the event they were defeated in battle.
Fat damn lot of good that did, since the Empire got enough Sunfire to run their Dreadnought anyway.
King Tietra: You will need the Goddess's Bell to break the seal. The whereabouts of the bell are known only to the Kashuan royal family.
Minwu: Gordon would know where the bell is kept, but I have not seen him lately. Someone close to Scott or Gordon may know where to find it.
Okay...
Hilda: I've heard Scott and Gordon mention the bell. The gates of Kashuan Keep open only the the voice of a Kashuan or the ringing of that bell. The bell rests deep within a cavern on the snow plains. It will not be easy to retrieve. So it is your intention to enter the snow cavern? Very well. If only Gordon were here, there would be no need for you to risk such danger...
Yeah, go figure. The one time we actually need the chicken-wuss around and he's already chicken-wussed off somewhere else.
Hilda: But he isn't, so you must. There is nothing I can do but pray for your success. Josef knows the snow plains like the back of his hand. You should seek his counsel.
One moderate hike later...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0488.png)
Josef: I keep the snowcraft hidden in the mine. There's a blue stone on the first floor that marks the spot. Look behind the stone and to the right. The secret room's there, and the snowcraft is inside. I'm sorry I couldn't help you find the mythril. So I want to make up for that by pitching in now. What are we waiting for? Let's go!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0494.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0495.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0496.png)
Josef doesn't have a character class, but if he did, he'd be a monk.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0498.png)
Okay.
1) Get snowcraft
2) Get Goddess's Bell
3) Get Egil's Torch
4) Get Sunfire
5) Find Dreadnought
6) Blow up Dreadnought
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0503.png)
How'd it fit in there?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0504.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0506.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0507.png)
Another taxing dungeon.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0508.png)
Full of monsters significantly more dangerous than before. And me without my dedicated white mage!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0509.png)
That panel in the wall looks suspicious, but doesn't appear to do anything.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0510.png)
Oh yeah, and these trap rooms? All over the damn place.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0512.png)
...I had... to walk... through freezing-cold... ice cave water... to get a chest... full of... cold air...? You... dick...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0514.png)
At the bottom of the cave is a beaver den.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0515.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0516.png)
...
what
So we have Guy ask about the Goddess's Bell...
Guy: Secret passage in wall to right. Monster guard bell. Bell in wall.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0520.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0521.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0522.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0524.png)
Despite its environment, the Adamantoise shares its species' natural weakness to ice attacks.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0526.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0528.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0529.png)
Oh. It's a one-way exit door. It's appreciated, since Teleport spells don't work in here for some reas--
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0530.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0531.png)
...how did you even know that's what I was doing?
Borghen: First you ruin my standing with the emperor, and now this!
...did we? The first time we saw you was right before the Dreadnought launched, and I'd say that was a pretty big plus for your side. What are you talking about?
Borghen: The emperor will never forgive me for messing this up!
How did he know I was here to get the Goddess Bell so I could get the Egil's Torch so I could get the Sunfire so I could blow up his Dreadnought that's such a convoluted series of fetchquests I can barely keep it straight
Borghen: If I ever go back to the empire, he'll have my head! But I'm still a soldier. If I'm going to die, you're coming with me!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0537.png)
True to his reputation...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0538.png)
...Borghen is a pushover. After a rather long dungeon and a boss fight with the Adamantoise already, it's a relief that Borghen isn't as dangerous as he thinks he is.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0539.png)
Well, that was a minor inconvenience. Pretty contrived, though, if you ask m--
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0540.png)
Borghen: I've booby-trapped this cave... Just a little parting gift from me to you! I'll be waiting for you in Hell! Urngah!!!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0544.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0545.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0546.png)
The first thing the boulder does is roll right over Borghen's corpse. So the death tally for each side's named characters at this point is Empire: Borghen; Resistance: Scott. The empire remains ahead of the curve by all measurements.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0547.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0548.png)
...holy shit dude you can stop a rolling boulder with your bare hands?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0549.png)
Seriously man that's fucking awesome we're keeping you around!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0550.png)
I'm impressed you can hold it at all!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0551.png)
...o... oh. Right.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0552.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0553.png)
After Firion, Maria, and Guy leave, the boulder starts moving again...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0554.png)
Crushing Josef underneath it.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0556.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0557.png)
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/josefstory1.jpg)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/josefstory2.jpg)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/josefstory3.jpg)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/josefstory4.jpg)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/josefstory5.jpg)
-
Pfft, you can blame Borghen or you can blame the kids, but what's really going on is that this death, like countless others, lies entirely on the shoulders of the four party member limit, and Square is trying to pawn off the guilt on its own characters. Class act all the way through.
I assume Borghen was in charge of not letting the rebels have any mythril, and maybe he was coming to get the bell himself and just ran into you by accident. Of course, why he would want more Sunfire is another matter entirely; it's not like the empire needs a second dreadnought.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0563.png)
Hilda: We cannot let his death be in vain. You must take the bell to Kashuan Keep at once. Using the Goddess's Bell, you should be able to break the seal. Right now, time is our enemy. Cid and I will meet you outside the keep when you're done.
So I go get the Sunfire and then we get on Cid's airship and have a bitchin' aerial dogfight with a ship twenty times the size of ours until we can jump onto the deck and fight our way into the engine room and blow the whole thing to smithereens? Cool!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0568.png)
Kashuan is about half a continent's hike from Altair. Since there's only the one continent, you can head a little south of Bafsk or go north of Fynn through some uncharted territory. Remember what I said about uncharted territory in the beginning, though? Yeah. I take the route via Bafsk.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0570.png)
Right there in the courtyard is our goal, taunting us with how easy it is to reach. Egil's Torch is not going to be so cooperative.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0571.png)
We sprinkle the door with Josef's blood ring the Goddess's Bell.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0573.png)
...siiiigh.
Gordon: I thought I was the only one left who could open the door. I'd meant to look for Egil's Torch, but it's a monster's den in here. I can't keep going on my own, I can't return empty-handed... I don't know what to do next...
"I was just going to sit here until I starved, honestly."
Maria: You know your way around the keep, right? Do you think you could help us find our way through?
Gordon: I'm sorry. The keep is riddled with secrets. I wouldn't know my way around any better than you. But I do want to fight! Will you let me come with you?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0584.png)
It occurs to me, Gordon, that you could have just come back to Altair and told people you wanted to get the Sunfire out of Kashuan, but needed help. We would have had you open the door for a party of... oh, say, just for example... us. We could have skipped the fetching of the Goddess's Bell, Josef would still be alive and on our side, and Borghen would still be hindering the empire with his incompetence. I just want you to know the heavy costs of you sitting here on your mopey ass while we're out trying to get things done, is all. Give you something to think about moving forward.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0585.png)
Don't let those stats fool you. Gordon is still terrible. Even if he knew any spells, only has 15 MP to take advantage of his impressively high Spirit/Intelligence/Magic. His Strength, Stamina, and Agility are par with the other party members, but they have weapon skills of six or so, while Gordon's Spear starts at... 2.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0586.png)
Hey, look who we fight as random encounters now that we picked up a guy with noodly arms and no magic to fight with us! I'm so overjoyed that Gordon could come.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0587.png)
...That ended predictably.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0588.png)
The Adamantoises are uncommon encounters. The others are usually easier.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0589.png)
But eventually I run out of MP, run out of potions, and start running out of HP too -- while Kashuan Keep just keeps going and going.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0590.png)
This is my party when I left. I'll be back, Kashuan Keep! I'll show you!
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0591.png)
First things first, to Bafsk and its church.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0592.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0593.png)
Then to the inn; reviving brings someone back with 1 HP.
Then to go find somewhere to level up. I'm working under the assumption here that you're more likely to get stat-ups when you fight dangerous enemies, so I need to go fight the most dangerous enemies I can in a reasonably controllable environment that isn't terribly far from healing in case they take me by surprise.
So I head back to Fynn. With some work, I can eventually whittle down the Captains by blasting them with Blizzaga spells. And then...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0594.png)
Oh. That's pretty nice.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0595.png)
Toad isn't a polymorph spell like in later games, where the enemy stands around trying to bite you with its toothless maw (or however toads attack). In this, the transformed monsters immediately flee -- it's an instant-kill.
I haven't yet found an enemy it doesn't work on sooner or later, so I start leveling Toad instead of Blizzard. Guy, for his credit, has been practicing Teleport for much the same reasons: banishing a foe by teleporting them away is an instant-kill too.
So I hang around long enough for both Firion and Maria to learn Toad. All three party members who aren't Gordon have instant-death magic, and by the time Firion gets his tome, Maria and Guy have had four and six levels of practice respectively.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0597.png)
All that effort gets rewarded: this is obviously the end of Kashuan Keep, what with the flame guarding a final treasure chest.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0598.png)
Gordon: I'd heard there was a monster guarding Egil's Torch... Now I've seen it with my own eyes... A red soul!
Oh, so since you're a member of the royal family, it'll listen to you, right? Why don't you introduce yourself as a rightful bearer of Egil's Torch, and it'll just step aside so you can take it?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0601.png)
Gordon, you are useless.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0602.png)
It's on fire. Ice magic should work.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0603.png)
nope.jpg
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0604.png)
It absorbed HP from Teleport how does that even work
Anyway, Red Soul absorbs all magic. You have to kill it with physical hits. My physical hits are apparently not up to par after all that magic practice, because I do chip damage at best. It's a long, long fight, but eventually Red Soul stops pelting me with level-7 magic and starts dealing out sorta-strong physical hits. Maybe it ran out of MP. Since I don't have to use any MP on attack magic, I have plenty to heal with, so it's just a war of attrition.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0605.png)
One I eventually win.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0606.png)
C'mere, you. I went through a lot of trouble and lost an awesome party member in favor of a really lousy one to get you.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0607.png)
Hell yeah it does. WE OUT.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0608.png)
...huh.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0609.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0610.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0611.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0612.png)
The claw grabs onto Cid's airship and drags it inside the Dreadnought. We can assume Hilda and Cid are imperial prisoners now.
That emperor, always one step ahead.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0613.png)
South of Kashuan is this tiny gap in the forest.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0614.png)
Inside is a series premiere!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0615.png)
Did you notice that series mainstays like chocobos and moogles (and Cid, until he was retconjured in) weren't even in the first Final Fantasy game? This is the first Chocobo, but it works as expected: random encounters don't happen while you ride one around the world map.
It also sort of explains why chocobos in later games can cross rivers as a not-entirely-intuitive feature: they debuted in a game long after that game gave you a canoe, and crossing rivers is expected of you to get places. Later chocobos keep river-crossing as a legacy feature.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0617.png)
For some strange reason, the Dreadnought docks here. If they'd landed on that island not connected to this continent, I basically wouldn't be able to proceed with the game, I'd have to give up my quest to destroy the Dreadnought, and the empire would win sooner or later.
So good thing an Emperor who's always one step ahead docked here and not anywhere else.
...unless it's a trap...
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0619.png)
Nope, it's the actual Dreadnought. You can flash the pass at the first guard to be granted access, or you can mention "Wild Rose" for him to call you a rebel cur and attack -- if you can beat the Captain in that fight, he disappears and you're free to explore.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0621.png)
Having gained entrance, you must never talk to any other guard.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0623.png)
There are magician enemies here who seem awfully generous with their item drops.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0624.png)
Near the bottom of the dungeon is a series of corridors. Talking to the guards results in a fight, of course, but winning doesn't make the guard go away. So you have to navigate the twisty hallways around them, which is totally not obnoxious and tedious at all, no sir.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0625.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0626.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0627.png)
Oh. Shit, I figured I'd find her sooner or later just exploring. Clearly that is not the case. Better go all the way back to the beginning and start over! Shame Teleport doesn't work in this dungeon either!
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0628.png)
The princess's cell is quite near the entrance, actually.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0629.png)
No, clearly they did not.
Hilda: Thank you for coming to rescue me.
Cid: Let's save the thank yous for later. I'll head for the airship with the princess. You find that engine and toss the Sunfire in, got it? I'm gonna get the airship ready for takeoff, and I don't plan on waiting around too long!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0635.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0637.png)
So having run this dungeon through frontwards, backwards, and frontwards again...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0638.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0641.png)
The screenshots don't show it, but the engine is exploding quite spectacularly, with giant pyrotechnics spraying all over the place. I wonder how I managed to take a whole bunch of screenshots that make it look like it's just... on fire.
Maria: That voice...!
Firion: There's no time, Maria! The ship'll blow up any minute! We have to get to Cid's airship!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0645.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0647.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0648.png)
They take their sweet time doing it, though.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0650.png)
Explosions erupt from the Dreadnoughts hull, until...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0651.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0653.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0654.png)
We leave the ruined remains of the Dreadnought behind and return to Altair. Finally, a major victory for the rebels that actually inconveniences the empire!
-
Just discovered: In the original NES game, the weapon you had equipped gave a penalty to the character's Intelligence and Spirit. Knives and Staves were only -5, Spears -40, Swords and Axes -50, and Bows a whopping -70. At this point in the game Gordon's 22 across the board is pretty good (even though Gordon still sucks, despite his stats), so having -50, either a flat penalty or -50%, is pretty crushing.
I don't think the penalty still applies, because I'm using magic pretty effectively in this game.
-
Damn it, R2, I had to go rummaging around my closet until I found the box with my FF9 discs.
-
Toad
Are you going to do what I think you're going to do?
...
Can you do what I think you're going to try to do?
-
Cast Toad on everything until it dies because that's been a pretty foolproof way of progress so far?
...is there more?
(If you haven't gathered yet, this isn't an expert LP. I'm way further in the game than I ever got on the NES version, and while I played through the GBA version once I hardly remember any of it except broad-strokes plot points. I had to look up what the swap trick was when Lyrai mentioned it.)
-
There's a very hilarious thing you can do with Toad that I implore you not to look up until you finish the LP. Also, it probably doesn't work in this version.
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I looked around and found the snowcraft card game thing, which I'm going to shoot for now. That doesn't strike me as hilarious though so I'm not sure it's what you mean.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0656.png)
Fair enough. Let's go see him.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0659.png)
That's... uncharacteristic of you...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0661.png)
King Tietra: I have one last request to ask of each of you... Please... listen carefully... Gordon... you've grown so strong... I want you to lead our army! Do all that you can to help Hilda...
Gordon: My Liege... I swear it on my very life.
King Tietra: Minwu... You know of the legend... The legend that speaks of an ultimate magic... It's been sealed away, and the seal may only be broken when the world stands at the brink of destruction... I believe that time has come. Do you agree?
Minwu: I do. The time to break the seal binding the Ultima tome is upon us!
King Tietra: Firion... I would hae you go to Deist, home of the dragoons. I was told that all of the dragoons were slain in an attack by the empire. Yet I refuse to believe there could be no survivors in so noble a group. If we are to stand against the might of the empire, I am convinced we will need the dragoons and their wyverns. If you combine your efforts... the day of our victory... will come. This I ask... of each of you!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0677.png)
The screen darkens.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0679.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0680.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0681.png)
...Wow. Gordon's not mopey and useless? He really has changed.
Gordon: We must carry out the king's last wishes. We each hae our duties... Let them not go unfulfilled!
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0683.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0684.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0685.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0686.png)
Gordon: A wyvern would make a potent ally. You should visit the port of Paloom and seek out a ship to take you to Deist.
k
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0689.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0690.png)
Sailor: Just so happens me ship was about to leave for Deist. Be ye wantin' a ride?
Maria: Doesn't this seem a little too convenient, Firion?
Firion: Maybe it is, but there aren't any other ships going to Deist. We're just going to have to trust her.
Sailor: Me name's Leila! We'll be waitin' outside the city for ye. We'll weigh anchor as soon as you're set to go.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0697.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0698.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0699.png)
Leila. You got me on my knees.
Leila: We'll spare ye yer lies, but yer loot be ours now.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0701.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0703.png)
There are only eight pirates, and they're about as much of a challenge as Bikke's crew.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0706.png)
Leila: What are ye up to?
Leila: Ye want to fight the empire TOGETHER!? A bunch of outcasts like us, fightin' right alongside the likes of you...
Yeah, come on. I'm beggin', darlin' please.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0710.png)
Leila: To yer posts, boys! Whether it be Deist or the bloody edge of the world, we'll get ye there!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0712.png)
Leila dual-wields a sword and a dagger, and knows Thunder at level 4. She's not hyper-useful or anything, but she's at least well-prepared for the sea voyage she joins on.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0713.png)
The ship is mine to control, and unlike in the first game I can dock at any coastline I can walk on.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0714.png)
But I have no actual idea where Deist is, so I spend a lot of time sailing around lost looking for landmarks.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0715.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0716.png)
There are random encounters on the ocean that make exploration super-tedious, of course.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0719.png)
A big island with a settlement and a dungeon. That must be it.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0720.png)
It is at this point I notice Firion's evasion without any equipment is 99%, the maximum. So I give him some armor to increase his defense and it only drops to 83%, which is a lot higher than expected.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0721.png)
Anyway, here's the castle.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0722.png)
Yep, nailed it.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0723.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0725.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0726.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0727.png)
Child: I thought the empire had sent their soldiers after us again.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0729.png)
Woman: My husband was a dragoon. The imperial soldiers killed him along with the rest. My son and I are the only two left. In the room behind us is the last surviving wyvern. It seems to be trying to tell us something, but I cannot speak its tongue. If only we had one of the pendants, we would be able to understand it... The cavern of the wyverns lies north of this castle. That cavern may hold one of the pendants that allows us to speak the Wyvern's language.
Asking about Wyverns: The dragoons fought valiantly, but the empire knows no honor. They poisoned the wyvern's water. The wyverns writhed in agony until at last their breathing stopped...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0744.png)
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0751.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0752.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0753.png)
Either I'm a lot stronger or these are mook versions of the red one I fought in Kashuan, because I can blow through groups of them with ease now.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0755.png)
I was lucky enough to choose the path that led directly to the glimmering helmet marking a dragoon's corpse.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0756.png)
Something nearby on the ground catches your eye... You find a pendant.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0760.png)
Firion: Will you help us?
Wyvern: The empire's poison already courses through my veins. I will not escape the fate that fell my brood. I have one last request to make of you. Take this egg to the cavern north of here and submerge it in the Life Spring. It is the last remaining Wyvern Egg. If it is not submerged in the Life Spring soon, it will wither and die.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0766.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0767.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0768.png)
-
The dragoons fought valiantly, but the empire knows no honor. They poisoned the wyvern's water.
FF empires, amirite
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0769.png)
All right then, let's go there.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0770.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0771.png)
I'm getting pretty fortunate with random drops. I get a Diamond Shield in one fight, and another Wing Sword after another. Considering the game hasn't offered me a new shop in quite a while, I need the upgrades.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0774.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0775.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0776.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0777.png)
I saw these guys in random encounters in a few places while I was sailing around, so they don't scare me. And the boss-ish battle with them didn't remove their vulnerability to being Toaded or Teleported.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0779.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0782.png)
...and... that's it. That's anticlimactic.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0783.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0786.png)
Woman: Someday it will hatch, and the wyvern will spread its great wings and soar through the sky for the rebels. The wyverns can't thank you for what you've done, so allow me to do so in their place. We are... grateful... *sob*
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0789.png)
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0790.png)
Hey, what's that over there?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0791.png)
It's a tiny island, with a cave.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0792.png)
Well, if it weren't for the monster-infested dungeon, it might be a nice place to take a vacation.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0793.png)
The monsters are the same as they were in Kashuan? Well, no sweat exploring it then.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0794.png)
Well, not entirely the same. Mousses and Jellies set up the way they behave in later games, being extremely resistant to physical hits but vulnerable to magic. Don't use the magic on them that matches their color, in this case red for fire and yellow for thunder.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0795.png)
The treasures here aren't worth the trip, though.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0796.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0797.png)
Somehow Guy has figured out what the treasure is!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0798.png)
This fight was originally against four Big Horns, but the first casting of Toad was the most potent.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0800.png)
Great!
...
...what's it do?
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0803.png)
We can park near Altair with our new ship.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0804.png)
Yeah, I noticed that too...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0805.png)
Guess she has a lot of trauma from being kidnapped by the empire and then her dad dies as soon as she gets back?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0808.png)
A... a... lot of trauma...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0810.png)
Gordon: Could the king's death have affected her so deeply? I just don't know what I can do to help her. Would you try speaking to her for me?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0814.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0815.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0817.png)
Instead of just not entering, the game has Firion step into the room and split out into the entire party just so they can visibly leave.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0820.png)
Firion: Y-Your Highness...
Hilda: Why are you just standing there? I don't enjoy being teased.
Firion: Um...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0824.png)
What the hell, dude. She wants the D! Not every Final Fantasy protagonists gets to break it off in royalty, ya know.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0825.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0826.png)
Bwaaa-!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0827.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0828.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0829.png)
The party returns!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0830.png)
The Lamia Queen is a semitough fight but unlike most you're going in at full strength, without having a dungeon to wear you down first. I don't remember any clever or dangerous tricks, but she does wallop Maria for over 300 HP at one point.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0834.png)
Oh, I guess she puts party members to sleep too.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0835.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0836.png)
Leila: Enough to know ye shouldn't be lettin' yer guard down around fetching young ladies, I'd say.
Guy: Where real princess?
You know, Guy? Good fucking question. Did the Emperor assume we would break into the Dreadnought to rescue Hilda, and body-swapped her for a Lamia? Where was Cid during all this? Surely he didn't know, but they shared a cell...
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0840.png)
Royal Guard: We've just heard a tournament is being held in Palamecia... and Princess Hilda is the prize!
Gordon: I'm coming with you. I... I want to help you rescue Hilda.
But Leila hasn't even died!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0844.png)
Leila: Me and me boys'll manager yer army. I run a tight ship. No need to fret over us.
That sounds like... a pretty terrible idea.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0846.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0851.png)
If I get your implication correctly, you're gonna get eaten by a Lamia someday.
-
Looking forward to the "PIRATEVILLE - LUBBERS STAY OUT - new mgmt" sign when you get back.
-
The Life Spring looks pretty Lazarus Pit-y. This is also one of the only FFs I haven't played, so thanks for taking one for the team.
-
The NES version is pretty torturous, but this version seems pretty okay so far. Granted, it's still an NES-era RPG, so you can have the plot bulletpointed for you and not really miss much.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0853.png)
If Gordon's going to be forced into my party again I'm going to use some of my extra tomes to teach him a couple of spells so he won't be complete deadweight.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0855.png)
And let's just assume the timing of this wasn't a coincidence and put on that Protect Ring before we go to see the Emperor about a contest.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0856.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0857.png)
On the way I wander into the swamp with the bombs that killed me before, and... won. I'm powerful enough to go wherever I want now? Before my hubris grows too great I'm ambushed by some imps with partywide Confuse VII, which is... less good.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0858.png)
Nonetheless, a little midgame sequence break doesn't seem all that impractical.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0859.png)
Black Mage: This is Mysidia, town of mages. You've certainly come a long way to be here.
White Mage: I believe it is as you say. The time to break the tower's seal is upon us.
Oh hey, is Minwu here then?
Red Mage: We've many ancient texts in our town. Please browse them at your leisure.
Blue Mage: Three artifacts protect the seal on the tower.
Green Mage: Some time ago, a wizard named Minwu passed through town on his way to the tower. You'd best hurry after him.
Purple Mage: A statue of a goddess is enshrined beneath the city. She watches over the crystal rods.
Yellow Mage: So you want to break the seal on the tower? Yes, I agree this is the time... We will do nothing to stop you. You must first collect the two masks, then travel to a cave you will find somewhere on this continent. Within you should find a crystal rod, an artifact you will need if you are to enter the tower.
Thanks for spelling that out for me! It also explains why I have this Black Mask.
Orange Mage: A very small island lies in the middle of the sea. There you'll find the Black Mask, the White Mask's counterpart.
I totally know! So where's the White Mask?
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0871.png)
In a clever twist on the idea that is never repeated by any game ever as far as I know, you can access the lore on the bookshelf by selecting the keywords you want to look up.
Dragoons: The island of Deist was the ancestral home of the wyverns. A knight named Haan visited the island, and over a period of thirty years, he cultivated a bond with the wyverns. Haan later became the first dragoon.
Wyvern: A close relative of the dragon, the wyvern is a beast trained to serve as the airborne mount of the dragoons. Though smaller than a dragon, a wyvern's strength allows it to carry four to five people in the air.
Goddess's Bell: Once, long ago, a king ordered the making of an indestructible lock and key. Three sets were fashioned. The first was forged from friendship, the second from love, and the third from wonder. The sets forged from friendship and love were soon broken. But the third was wrought from the wonder evoked by the ringing of a single pure note, and it held fast. That key was the Goddess's Bell. So pleased was the king, he hid the bell away in a cavern of snow, where it rests to this day.
So it's wonder that opens the door in Kashuan Keep? Did Gordon do it because everyone wonders how he did something right for once?
Sunfire: In a time before the world knew castles or kingdoms, a star fell to the land now called Kashuan. A man gathered flame from the star and built an altar to enshrine it.
Airship: Recent technological advances have produced the airship. Should these technical arts proliferate, they could one day drive magic from the world.
Man that's pretty harsh I mean the Final Fantasy series has become a lot less high-fantasy and a bit more sci-fi but there's still somebody on every street corner who can cast Firaga.
Mythril: Mythril is a strong, easily processed metal. Highly responsive to magic, it forms the basis of magical armaments.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0888.png)
The weapon and armor shops have some nice upgrades, but this is a town of mages.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0889.png)
Aw yiss
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0890.png)
Yeah gimme some of th-- wait, what?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0891.png)
What a letdown.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0892.png)
Okay, so only the guy in the middle has anything new. I pick up Holy for everyone, because why not. At Lyrai's request, I skip Swap, and here's why.
If you cast Swap, you exchange your HP and MP for your target's. It's kind of useless.
But the HP and MP maximums don't change, so if you cast it on a goblin, you drop to the goblin's 6 HP and the goblin shoots up to a couple hundred or thousand... which is then capped at 6. So you can still win the battle easily.
And at the end of the battle, the game goes "HOLY SHIT look at all the HP you lost!" and your HP, Stamina, and so on shoot up at gamebreakingly fast speeds. That's the Swap Trick, and I won't be using it unless lategame monsters get so strong I have to grind up and it becomes a timesaver more than an exploit.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0896.png)
On to Palamecia. There are, of course, new monsters to be found.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0897.png)
I could have walked around through Bafsk and Kashuan and hopped on the chocobo for the last stretch, I guess. To the game's credit, the imperial holdings make sense: the towns closest to Palamecia are Kashuan (which they destroyed), Bafsk (enslaved), Salamand (enslaved), and Deist (destroyed). After that comes Fynn, which kicks off the start of the game.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0898.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0899.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0900.png)
Here's my party setup. I've moved everyone's black magic down to the bottom of their lists, since I expect Holy to be my go-to HP damage spell for monsters I need to cast magic on but who seem particularly resistant to Toad or Teleport.
I'm not going to discard them entirely because who knows if I'll run into a beast that absorbs holy damage on top of all that.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0901.png)
I guess that's Palamecia castle up there in the mountains. For now I can only enter...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0902.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0905.png)
It's a straight walk through the battleground pit to the Emperor's throne, but as we approach, we are blocked by an iron gate.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0906.png)
Another gate slams shut over the way we came in.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0907.png)
Emperor Palamecia: To the victor goes Hilda, princess of Fynn!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0909.png)
Another gate opens, and...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0911.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0912.png)
That's... that's an iconic monster design for the series...
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0914.png)
A behemoth!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0915.png)
Thankfully, the Behemoth doesn't have their standard schtick from later games yet. Instead of countering every physical hit with a stronger physical hit and countering all magic with Meteor, this one... just seems to be a big strong monster with lots of HP.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0916.png)
I throw up a few defensive spells at the beginning but I don't think I really needed them.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0917.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0918.png)
Oh sure, I'll just walk right up and knife him. I'm sure things will be exactly that simple.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0920.png)
Because it's not like the Emperor has been one step ahead for the entire damned game or anything.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0922.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0923.png)
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0924.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0926.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0927.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0928.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0929.png)
Paul sneaks up, knocks on the wall, and when the guard comes to look, runs off to hide. When the guard turns back to return to his post, Paul sneaks up behind the guard and KOs him with CQC.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0930.png)
I had completely forgotten this scene happened when I said... that this exact thing would happen. But to be fair, I have played a video game before.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0931.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0932.png)
There are random encounters once you escape from prison. This is just downhill from the imperial palace, after all.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0933.png)
Hey, there's Princess Hilda another Queen Lamia!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0934.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0935.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0937.png)
I know, right? He's actually not a complete deadweight anymore, even in my party!
Firion: Gordon, take the princess and go. We'll draw the guards' attention while you escape.
Gordon: Thank you, Firion. Be careful.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0941.png)
That said, all you do is walk out.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0942.png)
Royal Guard: Altair is now Pirateville, so all of the citizens had to leave. Lubbers stay out! new mgmt
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0945.png)
What the guard actually tells you is to go find the war camp just south of Fynn, from which Hilda and Gordon will launch the offensive to retake the castle.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0947.png)
That's no surprise. We have the weapons and armor to fight this battle (thanks to us), the Empire is without their giant unstoppable juggernaut of an airship (thanks to us), and we have our kidnapped Princess back (thanks to us). Stands to reason we're going to be the ones to assassinate their leader.
Which, not to copy the entire game's script, is the thrust of Gordon's plan.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0952.png)
Meanwhile you can ask Hilda about Wild Roses. She assures you she is the real princess, and hey Firion, are you blushing?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0955.png)
The town of Fynn is the same as before, so if I really wanted to go grind for some more Toad tomes I could. But our princess wants us in another castle.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0957.png)
Just inside, Leila returns to fill out our forth party member slot.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0960.png)
It's almost a straight walk upstairs to get to the throne room where the commander sits.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0961.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0962.png)
Gottos can cast Berserk on himself, but he still goes down like a chump.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0965.png)
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To those playing along at home, if it's not obvious: You can access Mysidia from the start of the game. Just sneak your way over there with 5000gp, Swap, and you can have your cheese at the very start of the game.
Generally you wait for Minwu to make it easier, but it's possible to do so at the very very start.
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Seems like it'd be easier to walk to Kashuan and pick up a chocobo, grinding money as you go. The chocobo can get you most of the way to Mysidia (although I discovered they can't cross rivers like I talked about before, and there's a river blocking off the Mysidia subcontinent), reducing the number of really brutal encounters on the way. Most of the world map is something you can walk to from the moment you step out of Altair for the first time -- it's just a matter of not getting brutally killed by enemies you can't lay a finger on.
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And come to think of it, that river keeps you from getting to Mysidia just as soon as the game begins. You have to do the Fynn infiltration bit and get Minwu in the party so you have a canoe before you can get to Mysidia and the pricey shops therein.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0966.png)
Hilda: This would never have been possible had we not worked together. I thank you all. But one thing still troubles me. Minwu left for Mysidia, but we've not heard from him since. It pains me to ask this of you so soon after winning back our castle... Would you go to Mysidia?
Ah, so I didn't sequence-break all that much.
Anyway I'm going to skip some basic info you get because the game assumes you don't explore through all the nasty monsters and stuff until you have to.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0976.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0977.png)
Aha!
Hilda: You must speak an incantation to open the door that leads below. The words Ekmet Teloess have been passed down from antiquity.
Interesting phrase, and not one that ever comes up again in a franchise heavy on self-reference. What do they mean? Where are they from? The words "Ekmet Teloess" are an anagram for "Sleek Tome Set", and there we find the answer to our question.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1003.png)
Nobody knows where the door to the White Mask is, though, so you get to go ask Paul. He writes off the White Mask as not particularly valuable, so he'll tell you where it is instead of stealing it himself: behind the throne, on the right.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1011.png)
Guys! I just failed a spot check!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1012.png)
Twice!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1013.png)
Speaking the code word opens the door.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1015.png)
Where a series of passageways eventually leads into the basement.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1016.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1017.png)
The basement is full of trap rooms and monsters, of course.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1018.png)
Pipe must've sprung a leak somewhere. Better let Hilda know how bad the flooding is down here. Does anyone know a plumber who works in video games?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1019.png)
Oh fuck you, whoever designed this. Five of these are trap rooms.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1020.png)
Well, I have save states, so ha ha.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1021.png)
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1025.png)
There's a cave near Mysidia. It's called the Mysidian Cave.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1026.png)
The monsters inside a-- oh, crap.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1027.png)
Malboros show up, too. They are oddly without their signature bad breath, for a monster named after cigarette-induced halitosis.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1028.png)
Who's that handsome devil?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1029.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1030.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1033.png)
Try as he might, Firion can't pass the doppelganger. You can't just fight it, either; perfectly symmetrical violence never solved anything.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1037.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1038.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1039.png)
ohhhhhhhhh.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1044.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1045.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1046.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1050.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1051.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1052.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1054.png)
-
Why do you even need to stop him then?
-
Who, the doppelganger? Because... he's in the way? To justify the fetch-quests for the white and black masks? There's really not much reason for it.
-
But I mean, why stop him to put the Black Mask on him? It's not like he's particularly averse to getting near you.
-
Because... um... because the masks only work to destroy evil creatures when one is feeding positive energy from the goddess statue into the other? The whole sidequest doesn't make a lot of sense and is a pretty transparent example of game padding. A bit like Snowcraft -> Goddess Bell -> Egil's Torch -> Sunfire -> Dreadnought, this one is Black Mask / White Mask -> Crystal Rod -> Mysidia Tower -> Ultima Tome.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1055.png)
Deeper in the dungeon are Brains, which are pretty transparent copies of Grells from D&D because if it worked in the first game might as well keep stealin', who cast Swap. Hey guys, I said I wasn't going to do that trick!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1056.png)
There must be a water main busted somewhere. This looks just like the basement of castle Fynn.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1058.png)
yay
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1059.png)
Now to sail to that tower I found when I first got my ship, since that's one of the few places on the world map I haven't explored.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1061.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1063.png)
oh for shit's sake
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1064.png)
Firion: Leila!? Leila's missing!
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1066.png)
Whatever this place is, it's filled with some sort of toxic goop that takes HP when you step in it. But like in Mt. Gulg, the damage floors prevent random encounters.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1067.png)
Oh. We're inside Leviathan. Guess he was in the ship-swallowing business before he signed on as a summoned monster (since summoned monsters don't exist until the next game).
Also, that doorway looks a little... um...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1068.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1072.png)
There's a settlement inside. This entire scenario was copied for the Tanzer sidequest for SaGa Frontier...
(http://www.intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-sf/lpsf5276.png)
Well, not really "stolen" since apparently much of the creative team was the same.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1073.png)
Ask about Ultima Tome: Where'd you hear about that!?
Ask about Mysidia: I've been to Mysidia. A town full of mages.
Ask about Dragoons: As a matter of fact... I am a dragoon. What? The dragoons and the wyverns have all been destroyed? That's absurd!
Ask about Wyverns: Wyverns? What about 'em? What's with you people?
Show him the Crystal Rod: So you guys were after the Ultima Tome, too, when you got swallowed up. Well, since we're looking for the same thing, we might as well team up. There's a boat up ahead, but there's also one tough monster standing in our way.
Is it a slime pool?
Dragoon: Who knows? Together, we might be able to take it down.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1084.png)
Apparently his name is unambiguously "Richard" in Japan, despite being translated as Ricard, Gareth, and Edward in various English releases.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1085.png)
This was before dragoons got their signature jumpy attack style (which shows up in the next game, like summon magic). Ricard is just a strong physical attacker with a fondness for spears. I say "strong", but he's way behind the other three, like every fourth character since Minwu has been.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1087.png)
Black Mask / White Mask -> Crystal Rod -> Escape from Leviathan -> Mysidia Tower -> Ultima Tome
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1090.png)
Old man: It looks like he swallows up anyone who has a crystal rod. See? I've got a crystal rod right here!
And here I thought mine was special. Did all of you jerkholes have to go get the masks and defeat your doppelgangers, too?
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1098.png)
I rather like that the end screen of this dungeon has giant spikes all around that resemble teeth, like we just climbed up Leviathan's throat and are running around on his tongue.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1099.png)
Sitting right on his fangs is a giant worm. Could Leviathan be infected with a giant tongue-eating louse (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymothoa_exigua)?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1100.png)
Well, it's a pretty obscure biology reference.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1103.png)
The Roundworm doesn't have any magic or special attacks, so it's just a matter of hacking away at it until it dies.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1105.png)
We are, without any further explanation, back on the ship outside.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1106.png)
Detour. To Deist. A Deist-our, if you will.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1107.png)
Ricard: Elina! Where are Phillip and the others? Have they really all been killed?
Elina: They have... After you left, we lost the wyverns. Then it was only a matter of time...
Ricard: Elina, I want you to be strong. I'm here. And when the fighting is over, I'll come back. You and Kain look after Deist for me until then!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1114.png)
Ricard: I am. The last dragoon. Your father was a good friend. I plan to get revenge enough for him and everyone else. Once the emperor's dead, I'll be back. And once I am, I'll raise you... I'll raise you to be a fine dragoon.
Kain: Okay, I guess. All I know is, I want you to get that emperor!
The child here didn't have a name until this rerelease. Ricard's last name is "Highwind", he's going to adopt a child named Kain and train him to be a dragoon, ha ha self-referential franchise. I'm sure if more people played this game it'd lead to a Glenn-from-Chrono-Cross level of speculation on whether the two Kain Highwinds from Final Fantasies 2 and 4 are the same person, despite that being kind of stupid.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1121.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1122.png)
Now to do what all those other losers in Leviathan's belly couldn't do!
Wait, did we save the others from Leviathans belly, or did we just leave them there? Apparently our own ship was destroyed and we got the one Leviathan had stuck between his teeth, but if that's the case, can anyone else ever get out?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1123.png)
Well, whatever.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1124.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1125.png)
The Mysidian tower has two fire-themed floors, two ice-themed floors, and two electricity-themed floors. There are pools of lava and spikes of ice as traps on the first two sets, but oddly the last floors are just a labyrinth.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1126.png)
Like most party members filling in the fourth slot, Ricard is kind of useless. Most of these fights find me hacking away at monsters with the Firion and Maria, while Guy constantly heals Ricard of poison or HP damage. So Ricard is worse than useless, he's taking turns from a useful party member who has to babysit him.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1130.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1131.png)
At the end of the third floor is a fire gigas boss.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1136.png)
At the fifth, an ice gigas.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1141.png)
And at the seventh, a thunder gigas.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1143.png)
This is the dungeon that does not end! Yes it goes on and on my friend! Some people started exploring it not knowing what it was, and they'll continue exploring it without ever finding the Ultima Tome just because... this is the dungeon that does not end...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1145.png)
Sounds better than it is!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1146.png)
Oh hey, Gottos. Guess he was about as unique as my crystal rod.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1149.png)
Another chest holds a Black Robe and a White Dragon.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1151.png)
I'm taking the Black Robe and leaving a frog.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1153.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1154.png)
Hey! I wondered what happened to you. How'd you get past Leviathan?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1155.png)
(The world will never know.)
Minwu: Though I've managed to reach the seal, the magic binding it appears to be extremely strong. I will concentrate every bit of power I have on the door. If it is enough, the seal should shatter. Everyone, stand back.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1160.png)
SHINKUU
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1163.png)
MINWUKEN
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1164.png)
Newton's Third Law even applies to giant magic lasers, as Minwu is blasted backwards.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1166.png)
Minwu: Do not grieve... This... this was my destiny...
Firion: Minwu!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1169.png)
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1170.png)
The room is full of crystal balls.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1172.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1173.png)
In addition to the power burning flame, there's quiet solitude of earth (spirit), sparkling clarity of water (intelligence), and swiftness of gusting wind (agility).
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1184.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1185.png)
Sounds great!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1186.png)
In a small mercy, you can teleport out of the tower through a portal that appears.
Ultima... is pretty terrible, really. It's not only based on the caster's skill with Ultima and their Magic and Spirit stats -- oh yeah, it counts as white magic -- but the level of every other skill the user has is also a factor. Getting Ultima to do triple-digit damage is no small matter of grinding, and getting it to outdo other spells would demand more time than I've spent on the rest of the game combined.
I taught it to Guy, since he has better magic than almost everyone else, but almost never use it.
-
Apparently his name is unambiguously "Richard" in Japan, despite being translated as Ricard, Gareth, and Edward in various English releases.
All of which are six characters long, so at least there's a justification. I guess they didn't really like Rich Dragoon, Richie the Dragoon or Dragoon Dick.
-
Playing Dawn of Souls really drives home that the PSX Origins re-release was done by people who had never played FF games before, in both translation and programming.
Or just didn't give two fucks.
-
Dragoon Dick
Wait. No.
I'm doing this wrong.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1187.png)
Back on the world map, there are no more goblins and sasquatches and so on. The whole world map got a monster upgrade.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1188.png)
This is the village of Galtrea.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1189.png)
Or rather... was.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1191.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1190.png)
The guards in Castle Fynn have the skinny: the Emperor stepped up his game once again, and now has summoned a cyclone that is flattening cities across the world map. The game only had a half-dozen civilized areas to begin with, so we're talking genocide on an even greater scale than the Dreadnought was capable of.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1197.png)
So the Emperor got even more power from his infernal pact, and is straight-up destroying any settlement that offers any resistance to his reign.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1200.png)
Leila: I thought ye were dead for sure. It's good to be wrong now and again!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1202.png)
Hilda: Poft, Paloom, Altair, Gatrea... all were destroyed, one after the other. And now the Cyclone is headed for Fynn...
Ask about Cyclone: The Emperor himself is controlling the cyclone, no doubt.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1207.png)
Very little. I'm not grinding up to make it useful.
Gordon: Unless we can sprout wings and learn to fly, I don't see how we can get into that cyclone.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1209.png)
Yep.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1210.png)
...Yep.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1211.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1213.png)
The "failed a spot check" from before is now a passageway, leading to a room of middling treasure. The best of the lot is this Blood Sword, which takes 1/16 of an enemy's HP, no matter how much that is.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1214.png)
Explore if you want, but the other cities are simply not there anymore.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1217.png)
Seems legit. Where's this mirror?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1218.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1220.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1221.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1223.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1224.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1226.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1228.png)
How convenient we have someone in the party capable of talking to this little guy. I'm naming him Greg.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1229.png)
Despite being large enough for four people to ride on comfortably, Greg folds up for easy storage in the party's backpack.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1230.png)
Good thing we got here when we did. We're moments from the Cyclone hitting Fynn.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1231.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1232.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1233.png)
There's a floating fortress in the middle of the Cyclone for some reason.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1234.png)
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1235.png)
The Cyclone is a five-floor dungeon, but despite being quite short it's full of dead-end branches, trap rooms, and damage floors. The sort of thing you'd expect from an endgame dungeon, really.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1241.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1236.png)
There are newer, stronger monsters, the sort of thing you'd expect from an endgame dungeon, really. Golems are a bit tricky, because they're one of the two monster classes that resist Matter magic (the other being Flans, which had me pulling my hair out in the Mysidian Cave). Matter magic includes Toad, Warp, and Teleport, so my usual shortcuts to victory don't work here.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1243.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1244.png)
But other monsters who don't resist Matter magic get the usual treatment.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1237.png)
Greg is a useable item, it turns out.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1238.png)
He uses Blaze... 9? 13? Something reasonably high-level,
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1239.png)
but not particularly strong.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1240.png)
Defender does some pretty amazing things for your evasion stats.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1245.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1246.png)
Yeah! Your traps can't save you now!
Emperor: Yet still you are mere insects, unworthy even of being crushed under my foot.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1248.png)
He sics the Royal Guard on us.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1249.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1250.png)
Let's see how you fare against... THREE Royal Guards instead of four!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1251.png)
Emperor: It would appear I've sorely underestimated you. You should consider what I am about to do a great honor... I shall kill you personally!
That's right! We're going to fight mano a mano! Man to man! Just you... and me...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1255.png)
...And my guaaards!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1257.png)
The Emperor is quite fond if lightning magic. Run amok!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1260.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1263.png)
He also has a steady supply of Elixirs to quaff, restoring him fully. But drinking one takes his turn, and I'm still smacking him around, so it's a delay tactic at best.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1265.png)
All in all, the Emperor doesn't put up much of a fight. He spends too much time on casting effect spells that miss more often than not (he's fond of Slow), his recovery stalls him from attacking, and his magic is just too weak to put a serious dent in my party.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1267.png)
Metagaming: Why am I getting a treasure after the battle? Didn't I just win the game?
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1268.png)
The Emperor throws his hands up and screams (UBOOOOOOAAAA!! in Japanese), then flickers away like everyone else in the game who has died.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1270.png)
Firion: We should get back to Fynn. They'll be waiting!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1272.png)
Hilda: The world was bound in darkness, but now the light of peace shines once more. Firion, Maria, Guy, Ricard... What more could we ask of you? The tales of your bravery will be handed down for generations. Now, let us celebrate. Many have come hoping to catch a glimpse of the heroes who brought down the emperor... I wouldn't want to disappoint them.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1279.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1280.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1282.png)
There's a grand gala to be had at the game's ending, where Hilda dances with Gordon, Firion dances with Maria, and Leila stands back and watches everyone else.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1283.png)
Oh yeah, forgot about that guy. Wait, Leon? Our Leon? How could anyone have seen that coming?!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0002.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0401.png)
That wasn't foreshadowed at all!
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1284.png)
...we've slaughtered hundreds of imperial troops by ourselves, we saved the last wyvern, we personally blew up the Dreadnought, we killed the Emperor with our own hands inside his flying tornado fortress. And you're afraid of something so mundane as the Palamecian army?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1285.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1286.png)
Oh, now you're just being melodramatic.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1287.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1289.png)
Welp, ball's over.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1291.png)
Maria: I'll go to him. I'll make him understand... He must be acting under the spell of the emperor! I know it!
Hilda: If he's ascended the emperor's throne, there's only one place he can be: Palamecia.
Ask about Palamecia: Castle Palamecia is a fortress situated high in the mountains. It cannot be approached on foot.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1296.png)
Firion: This is our battle... you have to let us finish it.
Gordon: I had a feeling you'd say that... Just make sure you come back.
Ask about Palamecia: It's an impregnable fortress. Luckily, Paul doesn't know the meaning of the word. I've heard him bragging about breaking in.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1302.png)
Paul: The Dark Knight has to go and louse things up again.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1304.png)
Cid: Ooh! My body isn't taking too kindly to the idea of moving around.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1306.png)
Guy: Cid okay?
Cid: I'm a mess is... what I am. But my airship made it through without a scratch. I wanna lend it... to you... That's LEND... you hear? I'll be wantin' her... back. You take good care... of her...
Firion: Cid? Cid, no! Hold on!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1312.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1313.png)
Paul: He knew he was dying, and he was ready. He'd planned on giving you the airship when his time came. He loved that ship with all his heart... and he entrusted it to you. Think about that...
Ask about Palamecia: The time I snuck into the castle, I used a kite to land on the roof. The only way in is from the sky... The sky! If there was ever a time to use Cid's final gift to you, I'd say this was it, wouldn't you?
How incredibly convenient! There's nowhere left to explore on the world map, so really all the airship does is let you into Palamecia.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0516.png)
I bet you do, you saucy savage man.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff1gba1036.png)
-
So I got into some battles. A lot of battles. And I spent them with Maria casting Toad on Ricard until she ran out of MP every time. Eventually:
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1319.png)
Toad level 16.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1320.png)
Then, to the snowcraft. Hold down the A button and press B twenty-plus times...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1321.png)
And you're taken to an undocumented minigame, like the sliding puzzle on the ship in Final Fantasy 1 that I forgot to document.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1322.png)
It's a memory game. Sixteen cards, flip over two, if they match they stay flipped, you know the drill. If you do this without maxing out the Toad spell, the pictures are of Firion, Maria, Guy, Gordon, Josef, Minwu, Leila, and Ricard. If you max out Toad before you play, the pictures are all of toads instead.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1323.png)
I will admit this makes it rather more difficult, but nothing save states won't fix. If you don't want to outright cheat using save states, you can write down the pattern and then decline to start the next thirty-one games. There are thirty-two patterns the game cycles through each time you play, so it'll cycle around eventually.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1324.png)
If you win without any misses, you get:
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1325.png)
The Masamune, the most powerful sword in the game.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1328.png)
And it's niiice.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1329.png)
Miss once?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1330.png)
Aegis Shield.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1332.png)
Miss twice?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1333.png)
Genji Armor.
So I do that a bunch, equipping Firion, Maria, and Guy all with Masamunes, Aegis Shields, and Genji Armors. Because I've ground up enough, and I'm going to blaze through the endgame from here.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1336.png)
On to Palamecia!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1337.png)
H... how do you land?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1338.png)
In a move that probably made more sense when Palamecia was a square area on a flat world map, you have to land a square or two behind the castle instead of directly on it. In the original version, this was probably the top of the castle. Here, where the castle stands up into the air, it seems like you're landing in the mountains a short hike away.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1339.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1340.png)
Brief dungeons, new monsters, etc. etc.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1341.png)
Sup Leon.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1342.png)
Leon: Do you really think you can kill me?
Maria: Stop! Both of you! Why do you insist on fighting, Leon?
Leon: Weak words, from the weak. Do you know what rules the world? Power. Sheer power! The imperial throne is mine! The weak cannot survive without the strong to control them! How many lives did the rebels throw away when they chose to oppose the empire?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1352.png)
Strong words, but as the throne starts to leak out purple smoke, Leon hops up like something bit him on the backside and stands next to us to figure out what's going on.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1353.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1354.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1356.png)
Oh, hey Emperor Mateu-- hey! We killed you!
Emperor: Though I find the thought of you as emperor quite deliciously absurd, it ends now. This world can have but one emperor, and I am he!
Leon: You're alive? What are you!? Not that it matters. The empire is mine now, and I have no intention of handing it over.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1363.png)
Emperor: All the world shall fall by my hand and the powers I gained in Hell. And your blood will be the first to spill!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1366.png)
That's right. Emperor double-crossed the lord of hell and usurped his throne, and now his infernal pact is with himself.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1367.png)
Firion: Ricard, what are you doing?
Ricard: You may have a little trouble spilling the blood of Ricard Highwind, last of the dragoons!
Emperor: Pathetic insect! I will enjoy making you rue those words!
Ricard: May the spirits of the dragoons lend me their strength...
Maria: Ricard!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1374.png)
Greg flies past and picks up everyone but Ricard, since he's stalling for time.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1375.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1376.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1377.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1378.png)
Palamecia castle explodes, with a series of spires rising from the ruins. So Ricard didn't really accomplish much other than... yes, freeing up the fourth party slot again.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1379.png)
Hilda: You... You're the Dark Knight! You'd best start explaining.
Firion: The emperor has risen from Hell...
Maria: Ricard... Ricard died so we could escape. Josef... Minwu... Cid... Ricard... All dead... I don't know how much more I can take.
Leon: While the emperor lives, more will die.
Firion: Leon... Princess... Let Leon join us. Please...
Hilda: The Dark Knight! A rebel? ... I leave the decision to you.
Maria: Leon! Let's fight the emperor together! Please!
Leon: Maria... Firion... Alright.
...and... that's that. Leon takes the fourth slot, which is about a 80% chance of a death sentence.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1398.png)
Hilda: They entered using a path known as the Jade Passage.
Ask about that: I've heard there is a place in Mysidia known by that name.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1401.png)
Gordon: It's said that those who enter the lake are taken to Hell...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1403.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1406.png)
Boy, look at that Evasion. Leon's got some decent weapon skills, but no magic, and with those stats he's pretty well resigned to deadweight.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1407.png)
Well, that helps.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1408.png)
That helps more.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1409.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1423.png)
That must be the place.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1424.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1425.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1426.png)
Final dungeon time.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1430.png)
The Jade Passage is a cavern complex. It's got everything you'd expect from a dungeon by this point.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1431.png)
You can't take two steps without tripping over Gigas Worms, for instance.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1432.png)
And sometimes things somewhat more dangerous than Gigas Worms.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1434.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1435.png)
There's a hidden shop behind the waterfall that sells some hard-to-find spells. You know when's a great time to start the process of leveling a new spell, a task that takes literally hundreds of castings? The final dungeon! Perfect time.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1437.png)
The dungeon ends with a teleporter, whynot.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1439.png)
What... gaudy decor.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1440.png)
Still more new monsters, including the series mainstay curly-cats.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1441.png)
And Lamia Queens, same as the one that ensnared Firion with her feminine wiles. Ribbons are their rare drop, and they do the Final Fantasy 1 thing where they raise your resistance to all elemental magic (which in this game includes elements like death, time, matter, etc.) rather than the later-game status ailment resist. It actually does nothing for status ailments, since those spells are mostly non-elemental.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1442.png)
Man if I coulda taken down one of these guys in the beginning of the game I could have skipped so many fetch quests.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1447.png)
Borghen was right, he did see us in hell. He's... not appreciably stronger than he was alive.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1448.png)
There's an unmarked secret door here, leading to...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1449.png)
Well, that'd be a better prize if I didn't have three already from haxxing the snowfield game. But now Leon has a nice sword too and can stop trading off weapons every time I find a new one. (He went Poison Axe -> Holy Lance -> Rune Axe -> Masamune in this dungeon alone.)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1450.png)
Fiend of Wind, everybody. Like Zombie Borghen and many other monsters, he was stuffed into a chest to guard treasure. A piece of Genji Gear, I think.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1451.png)
A freebie I don't have to fight a Lamia Queen for.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1452.png)
...but one I have to fight Astaroth for instead. Dude loves him some Death magic, but I have Protect Rings for that kind of thing since Lamia Queens drop those twice as often as Ribbons.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1453.png)
There are occasionally hidden passages that keep you from taking the long way around some passages, so that's nice. A bit more merciful than I was expecting from hell, honestly.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1457.png)
The starfield means this is the end.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1458.png)
And that's about where my dudes are at. Leon hasn't cast a single spell, because again, why start training that now?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1462.png)
Emperor: But the hand of man, which deals in false justice and forsaken love, can never hope to defeat the lord master of Hell!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1465.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1466.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1468.png)
The Emperor has only a couple of attack spells, but he wallops pretty hard and drains HP when he does it.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1471.png)
Guy unleashes Ultima! For 158 points of damage. Totally worth Minwu dying, I tell ya.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1474.png)
The Emperor is still fond of casting Slow, despite my magic defense being pretty awesome and resisting it every time.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1475.png)
Oh yeah, I got some of these things that max out Intelligence and Spirit, so I guess this is the time to use them. Couple of these, a few zaps of Holy -- which is much higher level than Ultima -- and I'm doing over 1000 damage a pop.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1476.png)
He didn't even get to use his signature spell, Starfall XV. Which is understandable, that thing takes forever to cast in Dissidia. I just didn't give him time. HEAVUNZ!!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1477.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1480.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1481.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1483.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1485.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1486.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1487.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1488.png)
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1489.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1490.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1491.png)
Hilda: It was a long struggle... But with the emperor gone, we've nothing left to fear. Thank you. With all my heart, I thank you.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1494.png)
Gordon: Together, Princess, we will create a kingdom even fairer than the old. Though once a coward, I now stand here a new man. I have all of you to thank for that. You have my deepest gratitude. I'm sure Scott is smiling down on my from above.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1499.png)
Paul: Who am I supposed to steal from with the empire gone? You put me out of a job! I guess I'll just have to start stealing from you. Better watch your backs!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1503.png)
Leila: You're every bit the bloke I pegged ye for! If ye ever feel like tryin' yer hand at piratin'... What? That not sit well with ye, Maria? Haha! Looks like your next battle's already begun, Firion!
(Despite growing up as brother and sister, Maria has a dear-Japan-this-is-not-okay crush on Firion.)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1509.png)
Nelly: I'm going to be working here, serving the princess. I just wanna do whatever I can to help out!
There's a flicker behind Nelly, and...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1513.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1514.png)
We'll make a list. It's pretty short: "Everything."
Well, Mysidia's left. I guess there's that.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1516.png)
Firion: Yes.
Maria: We can live in peace again. Together.
Firion: ...
Maria: Right, Leon?
Leon: For us, there can be no going back.
Maria: But... why? Don't go! Firion, stop him!
Firion: Maria... Leon is right. We've been through too much. I can't stop him. Not now...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1527.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1528.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1530.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1531.png)
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1532.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1533.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1534.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1535.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1536.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1537.png)
I'm skeptical of that, since the Emperor's machinations killed about 90% of the world's population.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1538.png)
...ditto.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1539.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1540.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1542.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1543.png)
-
...from somewhere, a transmission...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1546.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1547.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1548.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1549.png)
-
I know the LP's technically still going, but it might as well be time to show you all what the deal with Toad is (http://lparchive.org/Final-Fantasy-II/Update%2017/).
-
Oh. Yeah, the Wall bug was fixed in this version. I tried it earlier and didn't document it since it didn't work.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1550.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1551.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1552.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1553.png)
Black Knight: ...
????: Not much for talk? Then let's see how you bleed. I'll not flee before a shade of the empire. This I swear on the honor of House Kashuan!
Hey guys guess who that is. Hint: he looks a bit like Gordon and is part of Kashuan.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1557.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1558.png)
As with the main game storyline, this part starts with a fight against some Black Knights.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1560.png)
Unlike previously, I'm strong enough to win.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1561.png)
(I won't lie, Minwu knowing Teleport helps.)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1567.png)
The fight isn't easy, just winnable.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1569.png)
Scott of Kashuan: It's me, Scott of Kashuan.
Minwu: Prince Scott? I heard you fell in Fynn...
Scott: So I did. I gave a ring to a young group sent by the rebels, and then...
Minwu: That means this place must be...
Scott: So... you're dead too? Then, Hilda and Gordon...! Are they...?
Minwu: No. Princess Hilda and Prince Gordon are well... Or at least they were when I died.
Scott: Then it is true. You're as dead as I am.
Minwu: Yes. Seeing you here has removed all doubt.
Scott: How did it happen? Let me guess. The imperials?
Minwu: No. The decision to yield my life was my own. It was the only way to break the seal on the ultimate magic.
Scott: Ultima!? Has the empire grown so powerful that we must resort to such a terrible magic?
Minwu: I am confident my death was not in vain.
Well, we did get Ultima. On the other hand, we didn't really need it.
Minwu: By now the young warriors to whom you gave your ring should possess Ultima.
Scott: Them!?
Minwu: Firion, Maria, Guy... They form the core of our rebel forces.
Scott: I see... But where exactly does that put us?
Minwu: The afterlife, I suppose.
Scott: And Hell at that, judging by the scenery. I did take the lives of many foes while fighting the empire...
Minwu: Hell... or perhaps Jade!
Scott: The passage to Hell?
What difference would that make, anyway?
Minwu: I don't know. Let's find out.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1597.png)
That was a lot of words!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1598.png)
Since Firion, Maria, and Guy had all the gear in the real world, your inventory is reset to a handful of Phoenix Downs and Ethers for this sidequest. All those scrolls you collected? Stockpile of consumables? Spellcasting implements? Powerful equipment? All gone.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1600.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1599.png)
Minwu is exactly as he was when he left the party. Scott is about as powerful as Ricard was when he joined, and carries a full set of Mythril crap.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0211.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba0212.png)
Nice callback, though.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1601.png)
The enemies are mostly new, but with a few from the Jade Passage thrown in. Since you're down to a party of two at early-to-midgame power, it's a hell of a fight just to keep everyone on their feet. Minwu is still a white wizard of some repute, while Scott starts with Fire, Blizzard, Thunder, Cure, and Life -- although everything but Life is at too low a level to be really helpful.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1602.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1603.png)
Borghen: Now we have all eternity together!
Josef: Borghen! Hmph, what a surprise... Alright. It's about time I settled your hash!
Borghen: Die here and you'll come right back! I can kill you until the end of time!
Josef: What!?
Borghen: Yes, the immortal body I've so longed for is mine at last!
Minwu: Careful... he's undead.
Scott: Borghen, you traitorous dog!
Josef: !?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1613.png)
Everyone teams up against Zombie Borghen. Since this is Final Fantasy and Borghen is an undead creature, the most important character in my party now is the white wizard.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1614.png)
Cure!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1616.png)
Borghen paralyzed Minwu to stop him from doing that anymore, but a Borghen retread is still just Borghen.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1617.png)
Minwu: So you're here too, Josef.
Josef: The prince of Kashuan! I heard you were mortally wounded in Fynn...
Scott: I was... and you?
Josef: After fighting Borghen, we fell into a trap he laid.
Yeah, I still have a lot of questions about that whole scenario.
Josef: It was a sorry way to go, but at least I helped those kids escape...
Scott: So you were also with them when--
Josef: And I don't regret a thing. They're young, but they've got spirit. Now, can either of you tell me where we are? Aren't we supposed to be dead?
Minwu: We think this may be the passage to Hell...
Josef: Jade!? The passage they say the beasts of Hell used to enter the world of the living? What are we doing here?
Minwu: There may still be some task for us to do. Something left unfinished...
Josef: An unfinished task, huh? Then we'd best finish it!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1636.png)
Josef, too, is exactly as he was when he left the party. While he was a fine fist-fighter against early monsters, he's even more fragile than Minwu now.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1637.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1638.png)
Since all of these party members are from before I really got anyone's Agility up to survivable levels, any little bit of armor helps. Thief's Gloves increase Agility (and thus Evasion) rather than being so encumbering that those stats drop, so that's a double-bonus.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1639.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1640.png)
Battles are still quite difficult -- probably about as difficult as the whole game would have been on the NES, haha. Josef adds a little more offensive power to the group, but he's so fragile that Minwu spends most of his time healing him.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1641.png)
On the upside, winning fights here nets you some mid- to endgame-level items. Check out the boost from that one weapon upgrade!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1642.png)
Totally worth it! ::(:
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1643.png)
My favorite part of this quest is the sheer number of monsters who can effortlessly partywipe you. Glasya Labolas is one of those.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1645.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1646.png)
Most of these screens are the same layout as places in Jade Passage, only flipped horizontally. The magic shop behind the waterfall is here, only now I don't have any money in addition to not having the effort to spend on leveling magic.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1649.png)
A worm? Great, another boss-ish fight.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1651.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1654.png)
Ricard drops from the ceiling, the only nod from this game's Dragoons to the rest of the series'.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1655.png)
Ricard: That's the grudge to end all grudges!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1657.png)
The Roundworm fight is the same as before. Perhaps a little easier? It was over quickly, anyway.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1658.png)
Minwu: So, you too have lost your life... What of Ultima? What of Firion and the others?
Ricard: Don't worry. The spell is theirs now. We confronted the Dark Knight, who'd proclaimed himself emperor. But as we faced him, his master returned, risen from Hell. I'm sure it was here that he gained such hideous power...
Minwu: Then Firion and the others...
Ricard: With any luck, they escaped on my wyvern. I bought them as much time as I could.
Which is to say, the Emperor ignored Ricard and went about redecorating.
Josef: You too, huh?
Ricard: And you are...?
Josef: I'm Josef. I was traveling with them, same as you.
Scott: I am Scott, prince of Kashuan. I, too, shared my last words with them.
Minwu: We all have one thing in common: We traveled with them and lost our lives...
Ricard: Are you saying that our meeting here is no accident?
Yeah, those kids are bad luck.
Minwu: The emperor acquires power from Hell... We find ourselves in Jade, the passageway to Hell... It seems that some fate unknown even to me is at work.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1678.png)
It's kind of funny how the Soul of Rebirth thing turns out. Minwu and Josef were awesome when they joined the party, and now they're liabilities. Ricard was deadweight almost the entire time he was with Firion, but now he's the strongest party member and a crutch character to make it through the rest of the cave.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1679.png)
In no small part because he too is the same as when he died, only he died a lot later than everyone else.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1681.png)
The cave ends in... a town, oddly enough.
Fynn Royal Guard: I'm charged with patrolling the area. The city is not safe, so we must remain vigiliant.
Fynn Royal Guard: I wonder if Princess Hilda is alright. I'm worried, but there's nothing I can really do...
Oblivious: Why are we in this hellish place?
Taverngoer: We lose so many to the monsters... I've survived so far, but what good can these old bones do?
Heavy Drinker: It gives me hope to see people like you here.
Underage: The monsters got a lot of us before we finally made it here...
Pirate: Afterlife or not, this is our home! Ain't no way we're letting even one of those beasties in!
Server: The monsters around here are unlike any I've ever seen. Keep your guard up!
Wench: What are we doing in a place like this? We're supposed to be dead!
Cid's Underling: I get to be his underling even in the afterlife! Talk about lucky!
Speaking of...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1695.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1696.png)
Cid: And to top it off, everyone here died fighting the empire. How do ya like that?
Minwu: ...
Cid: I gave up the life of a white knight for the lure of the skies, and here I am. Never thought I'd wind up in Hell for it, but... Any way you slice it, this place is different than any story I ever heard about Jade.
Minwu: You don't think this is Jade?
Cid: If this is the entrance to Hell, what are innocent little kids doing here? When I first got here, this place WAS just how you'd picture Hell. Monsters fed on anyone they could catch -- the old, children, you name it. By the time we found a place without monsters to build this makeshift town, most of the people were already done in.
That explains why "the town of people killed by the Empire" doesn't have a videogame-representative population in the hundreds. Seriously, dude genocided almost everyone.
Minwu: Terrible...
Cid: Since you all showed up, people have started to show some hope. As long as I'm defending this village, I'll help you in any way I can. So I'm asking you, find out what in blazes is going on! Where are we, and what are we doing here?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1715.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1716.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1720.png)
There are shops here, with items of various utility and equipment of dubious quality. Most of the armor here is just plain useless, being too heavy to allow good Evasion growth and too weak to block the powerful monsters' hits. And as always, the spells aren't worth grinding up.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1722.png)
(If you don't have all four party members, there's no warp gate out of Machanon.)
Guard: The other side is crawling with hideous monsters. Stay away if you know what's good for you.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1724.png)
There are two warp gates out of Machanon, actually...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1725.png)
One of them leads to Pandaemonium, or at least a flipped version of it, same as the Jade Passage-like caves we were in before and the Poftlike city that brought us here.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1727.png)
The other warp leads to...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1729.png)
The top of the Mysidian Tower? It's called the Chamber of the Seal.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1730.png)
Yes, the Chamber of the Seal.
Ricard: You mean Ultima exists here, too!?
Minwu: The seal I gave my life to break... But this time I will not fall! Everyone, stand back!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1739.png)
Same as before, the wizard MINWUKENs the seal away.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1742.png)
Well, maybe we can go get Cid in the party now... he keeps saying he's a retired White Knight, yeah? Maybe he has some useful white magic along with his sword skills to reflect that...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1745.png)
Minwu: I died once... That was my destiny. Yet this time I lived... There must be some vital reason for our presence here after all.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1749.png)
As in the actual Mysidian Tower, there are crystal balls that raise your stats.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1751.png)
Crystal Orb: Minwu, White Wizard of Fynn, art thou worthy of wielding the mightiest of spells? Prove thy strength. Defeat me.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1754.png)
Oh dear.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1759.png)
Ultima Weapon is about as powerful as you'd expect. Remember as you view this screenshot: Ricard has 4x99% agility, so he nulled four of Ultima Weapon's hits here. He also has the best armor in my group, so this is as soft a tap as Ultima Weapon can possibly do.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1761.png)
That's more like what he does to everyone else.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1762.png)
Right.
-
So, we have access to Pandaemonium, where the monsters are strong and likely to give us good stat boosts when we win fights. Let's grinding!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1763.png)
Shit.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1764.png)
Resurrection.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1765.png)
Resurrection.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1766.png)
Shit.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1768.png)
Shit.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1770.png)
Resurrection x3.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1771.png)
Resurrection x2.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1772.png)
Resurrection x2.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1778.png)
Resurrection.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1779.png)
Hey, nice.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1781.png)
Back to business, though.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1782.png)
Hey, some light armor that provides decent defense!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1783.png)
Back to business, though.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1784.png)
Shit.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1785.png)
I hope this screenshot montage properly conveys how tedious this level-up session is.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1786.png)
Because limping back to the church and the inn after every fight gets prrrrretty old.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1787.png)
5% drop off of Orukats. Sometimes I'm super lucky, but mostly I'm just fighting a lot of monsters.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1788.png)
Ho hum, dee dah...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1790.png)
Oh, these guys are new. They don't have bad breath, but they do cause pretty much every status ailment when they land a physical hit. I have two Ribbons, but remember: they don't prevent ailments in this game!
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1791.png)
Well, that's a few giant eyeball slimes I don't have to fight.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1792.png)
Oh, right. I'm in Pandaemonium.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1793.png)
The scenario gives you a white mage, a gish, and two fighters -- then most of the bosses have extra-high defense. The Steel Giant is a good example.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1794.png)
Got majorly lucky on that drop, though. I didn't even get Excalibur in the main game! (I didn't need Excalibur in the main game, but still!)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1795.png)
That's not much of an attack power increase, but I read somewhere that Excalibur does extra damage against dragons, beasts, spellcasters, giants... pretty much all monsters that have a particular class or type. I can't find that information now so I'm not sure if it's true.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1796.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1797.png)
Get used to this.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1798.png)
I missed Beelzebub in the main game somehow, but he's guarding a chest item in Pandaemonium. Perhaps it was one with Genji Armor or something inside, and I skipped it? Oh well.
In the original Japanese, this guy was unambiguously "Satan". You know, the guy the Emperor made his pact with so the world would be overrun my monsters and the Emperor would gain some mighty magic power? The guy the Emperor usurped when he took over Hell and claimed Pandaemonium for his own? Yeah, he ended up getting stuffed into a chest like Zombie Borghen did, then killed (uh, presumably) by Firion and company.
This dungeon being one where dead things show up, Beelzebub's Soul haunts a similar chest to the one he inhabited before. He's big on poison attacks and stuff, but at this point Minwu can layer Protect, Shell, Blink, Barrier, and Wall while the other three just smack bosses around. It takes a damned long time, because of their high defense, but chip damage adds up.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1799.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1800.png)
The reward is an armlet for Josef that sets his Strength and Stamina to 99. When a character gains HP, they get as many added to their maximum as they have Stamina. So now when Josef gets more HP, he gets 99. And that's a lot.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1802.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1803.png)
Surprised?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1804.png)
High defense, Protect Shell Blink Barrier Wall chip damage, etc. etc.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1807.png)
The Stardust Rod is Minwu-exclusive. It does not cast Meteor or anything like it when used in battle.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1808.png)
It does, however, cap his Intelligence, Spirit, and Magic. Since Spirit determines MP growth, Minwu's MP is going to start shooting up like Josef's HP.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1809.png)
The Dark Behemoth isn't a boss, but it is very strong. But it outlines a bit of a problem with these lategame encounters. With my Protect Rings, Ribbons, and emphasis on Evasion, I can dodge or minimize most special attacks. Physical attacks will kill between zero and one party members each turn. Everyone on my team knows a Life spell, and when MP runs out, I bought a load of Phoenix Downs back in Machanon. Fights aren't really dangerous anymore -- just tedious.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1810.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1811.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1812.png)
Oh come on, you're not even trying this time.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1813.png)
Black Dragons show up as uncommon random encounters here, so I happen to know that they are susceptible to Teleport.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1815.png)
Ricard finally gets a weapon upgrade. Minwu and Scott have been swapping out weapons every time I find a new one, but Ricard hasn't found much better than that Flame Lance until now.
The Wyvern Lance boosts Ricard's Strength and Agility to 99. Which means he doesn't really need that shield anymore...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1816.png)
I bet dual-wielding lances gets really awkward, but Ricard can handle it.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1818.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1819.png)
It's the mirror reverse of the chamber I found Masamune in.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1820.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1821.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1822.png)
He's fond of casting Fire spells at level 16, but his defense won't save him. He dies like Steel Giant and Beelzebub Soul did before him.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1825.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1826.png)
The Wild Rose casts Berserk 16 when used as an item, boosting the attack power of the entire party. Really wish I had known that before instead of finding out while looking up the stats for Excalibur a minute ago. It also boosts Scott's Strength and Intelligence to 99, cementing his intended status as a sword-mage.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1827.png)
I'm far enough along that monsters aren't popping out of every chest anymore, but on the other hand, my characters walking around with Ice Shields or Gold Shields already have an Evasion of 99% -- the only party member who needs the boost is Josef, who is shieldless on account of that interfering with bareknuckle combat. I give the Aegis Shield to Scott, letting the Shield take the duty of halving all elemental damage, so I can give Scott's Ribbon to Ricard.
At some point Ricard also picks up a Holy Lance, which is something I probably should have screencapped because it turns him into a slayer of all beasts that stand before him.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1828.png)
I've taken out all the other optional bosses, so why not?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1830.png)
chip chip chip chip chip
Blink is obviously set up here, but the yellow or green glow from Protect or Shell didn't get picked up.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1831.png)
Blink reduces the number of hits, Protect reduces their severity, and everyone's HP is drastically higher than before. Ultima Weapon has a hard time cranking out enough damage that Minwu can't keep up.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1832.png)
That goes double if he tries to spread a single attack over the entire party. I guess the Aegis Shield isn't as effective as the Ribbon at halving damage, huh Scott?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1833.png)
Chip chip chip. These battles take a long time without posing much of a challenge anymore. I guess I could try to grind Josef and Ricard into decent spellcasters since their Strength isn't going to go up any more, but man, that'd take a long time. Ricard's Magic stat right now is nine.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1836.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1837.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1838.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1839.png)
I got this screencap mostly to show that he learned Ultima, but check it: Minwu has Cure at level 13. That's how much patching up he's been doing of all the other characters, and shows how much grinding it takes to get through this bonus dungeon. In the main game, a dedicated spellcaster is going to hit about level ten with his favorite spell by casting it throughout the entire game.
-
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1840.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1841.png)
So let's look into Ultima a bit. Here's what Minwu looks like -- scattered weapon proficiency since mages don't get any special benefit from using staffs (or avoiding axes and swords) in this version of the game. He still has most of the spells he started with, although he's gotten more practice with many of them. Protect and Shell and Teleport have gone up several levels, Swap and Basuna just don't come up that often. His skills with everything else are at levels 13, 8, 8, 8, 8, 7, 7, 7, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 4, 1, 1, and 0 (for the empty sixteenth spell slot, which I'm pretty sure still counts). That's an average of 5.54, for whatever that's worth.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1842.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1843.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1844.png)
Now to be honest, getting triple-digit damage out of a level 1 spell is pretty impressive. A level 1 Fire or Blizzard might -- might -- do 15 or 20 damage. But Minwu could do more damage whacking the monsters with his staff.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1845.png)
Ultima's graphic effect turns into lasers and shockwaves as it's leveled up.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1846.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1847.png)
Level 6 is the major practice curve. I haven't counted precisely, but it seems like it takes about as many castings to get from level 1 to level 6 as it does to get from level 6 to level 7. Grinding really starts to slow down at this point, and getting a spell past level 6 generally means it's part of your main repertoire and it's used in most battles over the course of several major plot points in the game. This being the bonus dungeon, I don't have that kind of time.
So anyway, what kind of damage does Ultima do at level 6?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1848.png)
About 200 points more than Flare level 6, and about as much as Minwu can do by whacking something with that legendary staff carried in his admittedly noodly arms.
-
So...
I'm going to cheat. I'm using a Codebreaker code to speed up the leveling of Minwu's magic skills. There isn't one just to pump one spell at a time, so all of his stuff is going to increase over the course of a handful of battles.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1849.png)
I stop at Ultima level 10, because again, that's the game's practical limit. His average level for weapon and spell skills that aren't Ultima is now 8.8.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1851.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1852.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1853.png)
Nice! Four-digit damage!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1850.png)
...that's less than Gordon can do by swinging a sword...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1854.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1855.png)
...and about a third of Ricard's total damage output.
...
...Ultima sucks.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1856.png)
But if I can beat Ultima Weapon, I can probably try my hand at whatever's at the end of this dungeon.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1857.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1858.png)
ha ha ha what
Minwu: The emperor!
Emperor: But not the emperor you have come to know.
Ricard: He is somehow different from the creature I fought...
Emperor: You must permit me to apologize for his indiscretions. Firion and his companions did indeed defeat me. I died once at their hands. Then came the rift -- the split between the light half and the dark.
Minwu: A light half?
Emperor: Yes. My dark half plummeted to Hell, where he gained his fell power. There he became master of Pandaemonium.
Minwu: Then... this isn't Pandaemonium?
Emperor: Though they look alike, you now stand in Arubboth, palace of the heavens. The passage you thought was Jade is in fact Raqia, realm of fallen angels. Angels who have sinned are twisted into beasts and cast out into its depths. I found myself here and became lord of Arubboth. As for you, Minwu, who forfeited your life to lift the seal on Ultima... Scott, who fell defending the remote Kashuan Keep... Josef, crushed by a falling boulder in Borghen's Trap... And Ricard, the last dragoon, who sacrificed himself to my dark half... You who lost your lives fighting the empire -- it was I who brought you here.
Minwu: Why?
Emperor: To beg your forgiveness, of course. The good must pay penance for the deeds of the wicked. And I mean to.
Minwu: You want us to forgive you?
Scott: Hmph. Is that all?
Josef: You've got some nerve!
Ricard: You mock us!
Emperor: I expected you'd say as much. Reluctance to forgive has long been a human failing. It is man's nature to sin, yet you answer sin with violence upon violence. Is that not itself a sin?
Minwu: ...
Man, Minwu, now is not the time. God, it smells like something died... er, no offense.
Emperor: Forgive me and you shall have life eternal. You can live in this paradise for all time.
You can have life eternal now that you're dead, and live in this paradise that's a mirror image of hell and stuffed with monsters. You need to work on your sales pitch, chief.
Scott: Forgive you?
Josef: Eternal life, huh?
Ricard: In paradise, no less.
Emperor: Again I offer my apologies for the discourtesies committed by my dark half. Now you... you must forgive me.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1897.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1898.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1899.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1900.png)
What are you all even doing here none of you are dead
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1901.png)
At Hilda's prompt, the party looks from heaven into hell and sees that, yes, at this moment Firion and crew are battling the Emperor's dark half, lord of Pandaemonium.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1907.png)
He even demoes the spell I missed when I was actually fighting him before, outside the cutscene.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1908.png)
Ahahahaha!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1909.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1910.png)
HEAVENS!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1912.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1913.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1914.png)
So that's what that looks like.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1916.png)
Man this cinematic doesn't pay attention at all, I taught Ultima to Guy, not Firion, and never got it up to the level where it'd look like that.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1918.png)
Kain: I'm gonna be a dragoon!
Nelly: Don't worry about me!
Gordon: You are the pride of Kashuan, my brother!
Hilda: I will never give up. You can do no less!
Pah! You all sound like chapters from a self-help booklet! The apparitions disappear.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1923.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1924.png)
Can't argue with that.
Josef: I didn't come this far to dishonor myself now!
Ricard: My hopes live on in those who remain!
Minwu: We chose to die. But we died so that others might live.
Emperor: Foolish men... If you will not have eternal life, I will give you eternal suffering!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1931.png)
You have to fight him. I mean, it's the what-are-you-even-doing-in-heaven you're-obviously-still-evil half of the Emperor's soul, and he's sitting in a mirror-image throne of where the Lord of Hell half of him was sitting, so it's no surprise or anything.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1932.png)
Nice threads, though.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1934.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1936.png)
While the Lord of Pandaemonium knows Starfall 10, the Lord of Arubboth knows Starfall 16.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1937.png)
But he still takes several turns to cast it (seriously it takes forever (http://youtu.be/JpYR_PeF2ew)), so I had a couple of turns to get Shell spread over my party. I mean, it's easy to predict the final boss of the bonus dungeon is going to hit you with powerful magic. I'm pretty sure Shell was the first thing I cast.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1939.png)
Problem is, see, that the Lord of Arubboth's Defense stat is above and beyond that of the other bosses in the bonus dungeon. All that melee output I showed earlier is reduced to double-digits. Ricard does dick all with his Wyvern Lance and maybe 50 damage with the Holy Lance, for instance.
Which is why I said it would have been nice to know the Wild Rose can cast Berserk 16 on the party.
Gordon, with 99 Intelligence and Flare at level 6, can't break through the Emperor's magic defense any better than he could damage the guy with his sword. So in the Ultima-te contrivance, Minwu becomes my damage-dealer.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1940.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1941.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1943.png)
Just imagine how long this would have taken if I hadn't hacked Ultima up to a useable level. At least it got cast this time. It wasn't even worth Guy's time to read the tome.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1945.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1947.png)
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1948.png)
Emperor: Your bloody legacy... of war and violence will not... end here!
Well, no. But yours will.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1950.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1952.png)
Meanwhile, a few miles away...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1955.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1957.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1958.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1959.png)
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1961.png)
Hilda: It was a long struggle.. But with the emperor gone, we've nothing left to fear. Thank you. With all my heart, I thank you.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1964.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1965.png)
Gordon: Together, Princess, we will create a kingdom even fairer than the old. Though once a coward, I now stand here a new man. I have all of you to thank for that. You have my deepest gratitude. I'm sure Scott is smiling down on me from above.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1970.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1971.png)
Paul and Leila say the same things about how he's out of a job and how Firion would make a fine Dread Pirate Roberts, so I'm skipping that part.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1979.png)
Nelly: I'm going to be working here, serving the princess. I just wanna do whatever I can to help out!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1982.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1983.png)
Elina: Kain will never grow up to be a good dragoon if we're always running from our past.
Kain: I"m not running from nothin'! I've got my own wyvern, and I'm gonna be the best dragoon ever!
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1987.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1988.png)
Hilda: Farewell. Words cannot express my gratitude to you all.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1990.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1991.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1992.png)
The ghosts of the bonus-dungeon party don't interject in the next part, where Leon goes off to atone for all his war crimes.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba1998.png)
Oh, I stand corrected. Once Leon says "For us, there can be no going back", Minwu lets one rip. Way to ruin a dramatic moment, Minwu. Do ghosts even eat? Are you passing ectoplasm?
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba2007.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba2008.png)
Josef: This is their time, now.
Scott: Do you think they're up to it, Minwu?
Minwu: I believe they are. If anyone can change our legacy of violence, they can.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba2012.png)
And the ghostly party fades from view, to their eternal reward.
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(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba2013.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba2014.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba2015.png)
The other Emperor... Arubboth...
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba2016.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba2017.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba2018.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba2019.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba2020.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba2021.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba2022.png)
...and that another band of slightly older heroes died to help them do it, then said older band also saved the afterlife.
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba2023.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba2024.png)
For real this time!
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Postgame:
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba2025.png)
(http://intentionallyblank.net/images/lp-ff1gba/lp-ff2gba2026.png)
The Lord of Arubboth's Bestiary entry. One 80% chance to avoid a hit isn't anything special, but a base defense of 220? That's just nuts.
With his elemental absorbs, if you try to Toad or Teleport him, he'd get HP back. I wonder if it's possible to get Dispel up to a high enough level that it'd work to remove that immunity...
I mean it's always going to be implausible. I'm just wondering if it's possible.
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Wow. Just reading your summary made the bonus dungeon feel like an interminable, cruel slog. Good job.
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They all seem to be.
I never finished the Dragon Cave in FF6 because (1) it provided absolutely no fucking magic growth and (2) it had no save points.
In CT I got through the Reptite bonus area but considering it was a fucking awful repetetive mess of climbing up and down the same fucking mountain over and over again and fighting the same fucking unavoidable monsters every time, I never got around to the other one.
The FF6 one really kinda almost worked; if not for the two defects I mentioned it would have been a perfectly reasonable challenge map. (Maybe on this playthrough, with savestates. But that still doesn't solve the problem of no magic growth.) The CT one, on the other hand, was made by people who had no functional fucking understanding of how and why CT works as a video game. Let's take all the strengths of the repeated environments and nonrandom encounter system and strip them right the fuck out so that you're just doing the same tedious shit over and over again.
I remember the FF4A Ultimate Weapon dungeons actually being pretty freakin' sweet and making sensible use of the respective characters' battle mechanics. Never played the postgame on that one, though.