Holy shit, I don't? I never realized this, thank you. This also suddenly makes their terrible design decision completely okay now. The world is amazing.
Because every part of every game must be custom designed for your tastes.
People who enjoy grinding didn't really get to for about 75% of this game. Just because their wants and enjoyments are incomprehensible to you doesn't make them not people.
I wish they just hadn't made the completionist trophies so that people who feel entitled to platinum trophies would move along, happy with their banana stickers.
I have moved on. I'm done with the game and enjoyed it. I'm not claiming to be "entitled" to anything other than my right complain about stuff that I find to be bullshit, and their expectations on how they intend for you to get money in this game is just that. If it was a conscious design decision, it was a poor one. The only enjoyment people are going to get out of killing 100 adamantoises is if they get their achievement and feel like they completed something. They're not really going to enjoy the actual process. In which case they should have made it something else. Maybe just having one of every Tier 3 weapon (still a fair amount of work, mind you).
Mass Effect wanted you to play the game through like 6 times in order to get all the achievements. There's a reason why Mass Effect 2 only requires like 1.2 playthroughs. People thought the way they did it the first time was dumb.
Yeah, I don't see myself getting the completion trophy for this game for quite some time, probably not for several months. Sometimes, though, people like me, people who got transcendent characters in Ragnarok Online, just need to grind our faces off.
And anyway the only reason I bitch about it so much is because it comes up a lot. People keep asking what the best way to make money is and it's hard not to say "well you can do this but be aware that it sucks." If anything I'm just giving them a heads up. Not like they can't do it if they don't want.
Maybe my past experiences with MMOs have jaded me a lot, too (I played EQ for like 7 years and WoW for 4). The worst part is I'll probably get it eventually, too. I dunno when, but maybe after I've had a break from the game for a while.
Man, my attempts to justify my bitching just made me sound bitchier, didn't it?
Welp. I thought I grinded enough platinum Ingots for the Treasure Hunter trophy. I checked the faqs and as far as I could tell I had all the accessories and their upgrades. I spent hours upgrading every single weapon. I upgraded 6 weapons to ultimate weapons. I went and talked to the robot glad to be done with this damned trophy.
"There are still long lost treasures waiting to be discovered."
NO THERE AREN'T YOU STUPID ROBOT!
I'm pretty much done with this trophy. So many hours wasted.
Welp. I thought I grinded enough platinum Ingots for the Treasure Hunter trophy. I checked the faqs and as far as I could tell I had all the accessories and their upgrades. I spent hours upgrading every single weapon. I upgraded 6 weapons to ultimate weapons. I went and talked to the robot glad to be done with this damned trophy.
"There are still long lost treasures waiting to be discovered."
NO THERE AREN'T YOU STUPID ROBOT!
I'm pretty much done with this trophy. So many hours wasted.
Did you try buying the items from the shop like the ones that cure status ailments etc.? I know I went through the entire game without ever even buying one. Also, you might be missing the dolls. In chapter 12 where the 2 chests are and the adamantoise that breaks through, did you get the exp items or the chocobo plush? I know myself I picked the xp items, but now I wish I just picked the plush doll.
Welp. I thought I grinded enough platinum Ingots for the Treasure Hunter trophy. I checked the faqs and as far as I could tell I had all the accessories and their upgrades. I spent hours upgrading every single weapon. I upgraded 6 weapons to ultimate weapons. I went and talked to the robot glad to be done with this damned trophy.
"There are still long lost treasures waiting to be discovered."
NO THERE AREN'T YOU STUPID ROBOT!
I'm pretty much done with this trophy. So many hours wasted.
Did you try buying the items from the shop like the ones that cure status ailments etc.? I know I went through the entire game without ever even buying one. Also, you might be missing the dolls. In chapter 12 where the 2 chests are and the adamantoise that breaks through, did you get the exp items or the chocobo plush? I know myself I picked the xp items, but now I wish I just picked the plush doll.
You can kill the adamantoise if you have vanille's death ability and someone to cast curse. That way you can get both, I did it.
GrimReaper on
PSN | Steam
---
I've got a spare copy of Portal, if anyone wants it message me.
Welp. I thought I grinded enough platinum Ingots for the Treasure Hunter trophy. I checked the faqs and as far as I could tell I had all the accessories and their upgrades. I spent hours upgrading every single weapon. I upgraded 6 weapons to ultimate weapons. I went and talked to the robot glad to be done with this damned trophy.
"There are still long lost treasures waiting to be discovered."
NO THERE AREN'T YOU STUPID ROBOT!
I'm pretty much done with this trophy. So many hours wasted.
Did you try buying the items from the shop like the ones that cure status ailments etc.? I know I went through the entire game without ever even buying one. Also, you might be missing the dolls. In chapter 12 where the 2 chests are and the adamantoise that breaks through, did you get the exp items or the chocobo plush? I know myself I picked the xp items, but now I wish I just picked the plush doll.
The achievement says Weapons and Accessories, nothing about dolls, I've got like 15 of the Chocobo Plush Dolls and I've sold each and every one of them, because its a money item, nothing more, and you can get them no matter where you are in the game
(low % to get from Treasure Hunter) but I dont see how they relate to any achievements at all, I killed the Adamantoise and got both chests, but at that point I already had 7 of them. (and they sell for 35.000 gil each)
These are the list for whats neccessary for that achievement/trophy
You don't have a legal obligation to do the ultra-endgame. It was made ridiculously grindy to appease people who actually enjoy that sort of thing. If you're not enjoying it, stop playing.
Sincerely,
People who want to read something other than the same bitching every third post in this thread
I've actually enjoyed it all aside from the money grind. The money grind that I am finally done with.
Welp. I thought I grinded enough platinum Ingots for the Treasure Hunter trophy. I checked the faqs and as far as I could tell I had all the accessories and their upgrades. I spent hours upgrading every single weapon. I upgraded 6 weapons to ultimate weapons. I went and talked to the robot glad to be done with this damned trophy.
"There are still long lost treasures waiting to be discovered."
NO THERE AREN'T YOU STUPID ROBOT!
I'm pretty much done with this trophy. So many hours wasted.
Did you try buying the items from the shop like the ones that cure status ailments etc.? I know I went through the entire game without ever even buying one. Also, you might be missing the dolls. In chapter 12 where the 2 chests are and the adamantoise that breaks through, did you get the exp items or the chocobo plush? I know myself I picked the xp items, but now I wish I just picked the plush doll.
The achievement says Weapons and Accessories, nothing about dolls, I've got like 15 of the Chocobo Plush Dolls and I've sold each and every one of them, because its a money item, nothing more, and you can get them no matter where you are in the game
(low % to get from Treasure Hunter) but I dont see how they relate to any achievements at all, I killed the Adamantoise and got both chests, but at that point I already had 7 of them. (and they sell for 35.000 gil each)
These are the list for whats neccessary for that achievement/trophy
Do you have all six elemental charms? The ones that sometimes absorb the damage or whatever. They're all in chests in chapter 11. Other than that, do you have the champions belt? I didn't notice I was missing this at first, because it has a similar name to other stuff. It gives you TP after a fight even if you have low stars. It's in a chest back in chapter 12.
When sidequests present themselves, I tend to get distracted.
Managed to complete Catcher Chocobo and aquire the Sun Sigil after offering a goat sacrifice to Spira's cruel avian Gods. After failing over and over, I started to discover that the birds actually do have a pattern to them and aren't completely random, which made things a bit easier. Hopped over to Remiem Temple and won the Chocobo Race with 5 chests / 0 poles, netting 30 Pendulums(Master Thief!), 30 Wings of Discovery, and 60 Three Stars. Nice!
Hopped over to the Arena and picked up some Capture Weapons for my fighters, and collected 10 of each monster in the Calm Lands. Crazy old man was nice enough to reward me with a box I can't open. Since I defeated the Chocobo Trainer, I was also able to get the gorge guard to leave. With the Calm Lands all but wrapped up, it was time to press on to Mt. Gagazet.
But wait...!
Seymour's goons try to convince me to meet with him. And in Spira, the traditional way to extend an invitation is with a giant, murderous robot. However, Defender X proved no match for my stock of Phoenix Downs! With that out of the way, it's finally time to climb Mt. Gagaz...ooooh, sidequest!
Welp. I thought I grinded enough platinum Ingots for the Treasure Hunter trophy. I checked the faqs and as far as I could tell I had all the accessories and their upgrades. I spent hours upgrading every single weapon. I upgraded 6 weapons to ultimate weapons. I went and talked to the robot glad to be done with this damned trophy.
"There are still long lost treasures waiting to be discovered."
NO THERE AREN'T YOU STUPID ROBOT!
I'm pretty much done with this trophy. So many hours wasted.
Did you try buying the items from the shop like the ones that cure status ailments etc.? I know I went through the entire game without ever even buying one. Also, you might be missing the dolls. In chapter 12 where the 2 chests are and the adamantoise that breaks through, did you get the exp items or the chocobo plush? I know myself I picked the xp items, but now I wish I just picked the plush doll.
The achievement says Weapons and Accessories, nothing about dolls, I've got like 15 of the Chocobo Plush Dolls and I've sold each and every one of them, because its a money item, nothing more, and you can get them no matter where you are in the game
(low % to get from Treasure Hunter) but I dont see how they relate to any achievements at all, I killed the Adamantoise and got both chests, but at that point I already had 7 of them. (and they sell for 35.000 gil each)
These are the list for whats neccessary for that achievement/trophy
I assume items as well were included because the piggyback guidebook says "This includes all weapons and accessory upgrades. These do not need to be in your inventory at the same time - you simply need to have owned each object type once. Refer to Inventory chapter for a complete list of all weapons, accessories, components and items.
Where we last left off, Tidus and co just denied Seymour's summons, and were about to begin their trek up Mt. Gagazet. Tidus has a fit of ADD and spies a path under the bridge leading into the nearby valley, and Wakka infers that Lulu is a prostitute.
Down in the valley they come across a spooky cave, where it is revealed that not only is she a prostitute, but she's also a bad guardian and that her first summoner died here. GREAT!
After fighting their through an odd assortment of enemies, including mushrooms, tentacle plants, scary ghosts, dark elements, creepy chefs and some weird alien-urn thing, we come across the Unsent embodiment of Lulu's failure in the form of her first summoner. She sicks Yojimbo on us, who looks cool, but proceeds to only attack using his carpet dog. After his hilarious defeat, he then expects to be PAID for his services?! And what is a soul trapped in a statue going to do with all that Gil anyway?!
After being rendered poor, the party leaves the cave and Auron finds a Rusty Sword as they leave the valley. Next stop - Mt. Gagazet! For real this time!
_ _ _ _ _
On that note I've always found Yojimbo to be completely useless. You get Bahamut beforehand, who you can reliably control and starts with the ability to break the damage limit. Yojimbo's only appeal is in his Zanmato, but triggering it is a crapshoot. He has an incredibly complex "favor" system, plus you have to pay him for everything, with Zanmato being the rarest and most expensive action. I guess Yojimbo would be good to use against some of the tougher Arena creations, Omega Weapon and Braska's Final Aeon, which at that point money has no value. Other than that, I can't see the point of using him.
Just finished the game last night. It was fun, though I ended up with a love hate relationship with it. At times, I was like fuck yeah this combat is so fun, then at times like some of the fights leading up to the last boss, and the 2nd phase of the last boss when he kept getting his ass beat only to insta death Lightning randomly when I would get quite frustrated.
I am a huge fan of Final Fantasy, and this is probably the first one where I thought all the characters were interesting by the end, though it took a long ass time to start developing them. The story was entirely forgettable compared to some of the other games in my opinion.
I think the biggest surprise for me is that I'm used to Final Fantasy being the pinnacle of whatever gaming year it comes out in, whereas I've played several games this year that blow this one away in terms of quality. I do have high hopes for the future of the series after hearing them talk about wanting to do more interactive cutscenes and take inspiration from Uncharted 2. Every developer could take some cues from Uncharted 2.
Uncharted 2 was so awesome. Really validated my PS3 purchase more than MGS4 and FF13 ever did. Not that FF13 is bad, it's just that Uncharted 2 was so awesome.
Finally got through to some majr plot points of the game, after having climbed Mt. Gagazet and finally arriving at the ruins of Zanarkand. I confronted and spoke to Yunalesca, but reset the game and decided I wasn't ready to fight her just yet. More on that later - now some observations I'd like to bring up..
* Since the Yevon dome is essentially a "gigantic sphere" and contains the trapped memories of people, we can then conclude that Seymour and his mother had been to Zanarkand when he was a child. Judging by the conversation between the two of them, she went to Zanarkand in order to become a fayth so that Seymour would be accepted amoungst the people. Seymour was obviously against this.
* It can also be assumed that Seymour actually met Yunalesca. The two of them share very similiar philosophies, with Yunalesca commenting on how death is the ultimate release from suffering. Seymour just takes it one step further by actively wanting to end all life, whereas Yunalesca is content to keep the cycle going and keep Spira's "hope" alive.
* Now for plot holes! Alright so, Seymour mentioned in Guadosalam that Yunalesca and Lord Zaon lived in Zanarkand 1000 years ago. But Zanarkand was destroyed 1000 years ago. Yu Yevon helped lead the ritual of converting the populace of Zanarkand to fayth in order to summon Dream Zanarkand and continuously create Sin. Now - why he created Sin hasn't been explained yet, but it could be assumed it was for the purpose of revenge against Bevelle, or maybe just ot protect Dream Zanarkand, or who knows. But then...
* ...If Yu Yevon used all of the remaining citizens of Zanarkand to create Sin, how were Yunalesca and Lord Zaon not included in this ritual? Moreover, if Sin was created 1000 years in the past, and Yunalesca defeated Sin 1000 years in the past, did she just defeat it right after it was created? Also, Yu Yevon was her father, so why would she destroy something he created right after he created it? Argh! My head! I hope it goes in to explaining this later. But I guess none of it really matters because...
* ...Yunalesca has HUGE knockers and struts around in what is basically less than a string bikini, and NO ONE says anything about it. Seriously, juggs.
_ _ _ _ _
Anyway like I said, I reset the game and decided to play around a bit more before proceeding with the story. I managed to create a No Encounters bracer by collecting Purifying Salts off the Fallen Monks, then ran back to Macalania Forest and got the Celestial Mirror. Unfortunately the butterfly catching game won't allow you to get the Saturn Sigil for Kimahri's weapon until after you get the airship. I then ran back to the Thunder Plans and picked up the Spirit Lance, then dodged 200 lightning bolts in about 20 minutes and was pleasantly surprised that the game coughs up all the rewards instead of forcing you to gather each tier one at a time. I tried to go back to Guadosalam because I thought it'd be funny, but the game won't let you. I then passed back through the Calm Lands and picked up Caldabolg and Nirvana.
, but I'm leaving tomorrow at midnight and I won't be able to play for 6 months. I want to finish so I don't forget everything, but I don't want to waste my time if it's not possible. If it is possible, will I be missing out on a lot of cool stuff with the side quests, or is it mostly just item collectathon?
About halfway through Chapter 10. Right now my party is Snow, Sazh and Vanille. It's hard not to have Snow because even without a bangle he has over 500 more hp to the next highest person and about 50 more strength.
Cid did a pretty good job of getting me to use my potions and phoenix downs. Disappointed I didn't get him to stagger but still 5 starred it. I'd still have him on the "good guys" side of the list of characters.
, but I'm leaving tomorrow at midnight and I won't be able to play for 6 months. I want to finish so I don't forget everything, but I don't want to waste my time if it's not possible. If it is possible, will I be missing out on a lot of cool stuff with the side quests, or is it mostly just item collectathon?
I'd say you don't have enough time, unless you want to play it like it's your job.
Those last bosses were... interesting. On Barthandalus, I took him down with five stars, and was like, "Well, that was easy." Then the weird Orphan/Barthadalus guy came and was like "Try this on for size!" and was a much better boss. He killed me once with his huge sword move, then the next try I took him down. The final Orphan was interesting, but I'm not a fan of enemies with the "Immune until stagger" property.
I understand a lot of the complaints about the ending, but I wasn't really expecting anything spectacular. All Final Fantasy's have had a pretty predictable "Everything is good again" type ending. Though I wasn't expecting the Fang/Vanille thing to happen.
Overall I had an excellent time with this game. After completing it, I would probably rank it in my top 3, along with FF6 and FF8. Now its time to start the grind for money and CP.
, but I'm leaving tomorrow at midnight and I won't be able to play for 6 months. I want to finish so I don't forget everything, but I don't want to waste my time if it's not possible. If it is possible, will I be missing out on a lot of cool stuff with the side quests, or is it mostly just item collectathon?
It took me ~50-55 hours total, if I recall correctly. I think it's barely doable if you stay up late and wake up early to play through it. You'll miss out on most of the missions, but the postgame is super-grindy and monotonous, so you're not missing much.
Cid Raines? I've tried using Light/Snow/Hope and Light/Vanille/Fang but I always end up getting Light killed by his 5 or 6 hit combo he uses when he has wings. Should I even bother casting debuffs on him? How do you deal with him guarding all the time when you stagger him? I've died plenty of times to other bosses but it was usually because I made some mistake. This guy just seems cheap considering he can kill Lightning in one combo when she's at near max health.
I assume items as well were included because the piggyback guidebook says "This includes all weapons and accessory upgrades. These do not need to be in your inventory at the same time - you simply need to have owned each object type once. Refer to Inventory chapter for a complete list of all weapons, accessories, components and items.
They're not included. It's only worded like that because the Inventory chapter just has a list of components and items in it, not because you need them for the achievement.
Cid Raines? I've tried using Light/Snow/Hope and Light/Vanille/Fang but I always end up getting Light killed by his 5 or 6 hit combo he uses when he has wings. Should I even bother casting debuffs on him? How do you deal with him guarding all the time when you stagger him? I've died plenty of times to other bosses but it was usually because I made some mistake. This guy just seems cheap considering he can kill Lightning in one combo when she's at near max health.
When he is going to do his attack, switch to a Paradigm with a Sentinel. They will provoke Cid, and even if you don't get it off in time, merely having a Sentinel in the party reduces the amount of damage you take.
Other than that, just try to keep him in the air when he is staggered.
I'd say use Protect, but I see you aren't keen on using Hope.
, but I'm leaving tomorrow at midnight and I won't be able to play for 6 months. I want to finish so I don't forget everything, but I don't want to waste my time if it's not possible. If it is possible, will I be missing out on a lot of cool stuff with the side quests, or is it mostly just item collectathon?
I'd say if you played a shitload you could make it. Like you may have to play for a good 15 hours to get there though. If you don't do any missions in Chapter 11 and just keep going to right way. This may make you underpowered and you may have to spend like 30 minutes grinding robots in the tunnel. In Chapter 12 and 13 I really decided to use up the rest of my sols so I could just get it over with. Screw you suit of armor with a sword, deceptisol for me, run away from you.
Cid Raines? I've tried using Light/Snow/Hope and Light/Vanille/Fang but I always end up getting Light killed by his 5 or 6 hit combo he uses when he has wings. Should I even bother casting debuffs on him? How do you deal with him guarding all the time when you stagger him? I've died plenty of times to other bosses but it was usually because I made some mistake. This guy just seems cheap considering he can kill Lightning in one combo when she's at near max health.
When he is going to do his attack, switch to a Paradigm with a Sentinel. They will provoke Cid, and even if you don't get it off in time, merely having a Sentinel in the party reduces the amount of damage you take.
Other than that, just try to keep him in the air when he is staggered.
I'd say use Protect, but I see you aren't keen on using Hope.
Would Sazh be a good idea? At that point in the game Sazh is a much better Synergist, and I found that pretty useful in that fight.
I'm in Gran Pulse, but I went a bit out of the way and now I'm in the freaking boondocks or something and I just want to get back to finish the main quest. Is it even possible for me to finish the game in time?
I'm down to the freaking "Collect everything" trophy. Five-starred every mission mark and killed me a Big Turtle From Hell.
On the last mark (mish 64):
Equipping low level weapons turned out to be the key to five-star victory. Each low level weapon equipped got me like and extra two minutes on the clock with the Gold Watch active (obviously this was my second go 'round since you get the watch for beating him the first time).
Concerning the Turtle From Hell:
The strat that proved the key for me was making sure I had an Elixir so I could summon twice. That lets you take out the legs with ease, avoid Ultima, and claim the fight. As long as you can take out half of the sucker's HP before it gets back up. I has able to do that by the hair of my chinny chin chin.
So the layout of Cocoon does really make much damn sense to me. Specifically
Okay you fly to Eden which is a a floating island inside a floating sphere. Your controlled space craft phases into a skyscraper and now you're inside an absolutely fucking gigantic subterranean vessel which is still under Eden. I guess the Pulse gate is some kind of portal. IDK
I'm in Gran Pulse, but I went a bit out of the way and now I'm in the freaking boondocks or something and I just want to get back to finish the main quest. Is it even possible for me to finish the game in time?
If you plow through it with determination, and aren't busy tomorrow, you should. Just follow the yellow? quest marker and (not really a spoiler)
it will take you to some mines and you'll have linear paths up to the final battle.
I'm down to the freaking "Collect everything" trophy. Five-starred every mission mark and killed me a Big Turtle From Hell.
On the last mark (mish 64):
Equipping low level weapons turned out to be the key to five-star victory. Each low level weapon equipped got me like and extra two minutes on the clock with the Gold Watch active (obviously this was my second go 'round since you get the watch for beating him the first time).
Concerning the Turtle From Hell:
The strat that proved the key for me was making sure I had an Elixir so I could summon twice. That lets you take out the legs with ease, avoid Ultima, and claim the fight. As long as you can take out half of the sucker's HP before it gets back up. I has able to do that by the hair of my chinny chin chin.
How long did 64 take you anyway? I didn't bother downgrading my weapons and I got 8 minutes out of the recommended 15. Which was the first try (well, first win. I did lose twice) so no watch.
I ended up using the same strategy on the Long Gui too, but mostly because I was lazy and just wanted to get the achievement and consider myself done. If you slow it, it seems to attack like once every 30 seconds, so every time it did I'd just switch to med/med/med, then go back to offense or buffing or whatever.
Posts
Because every part of every game must be custom designed for your tastes.
People who enjoy grinding didn't really get to for about 75% of this game. Just because their wants and enjoyments are incomprehensible to you doesn't make them not people.
I wish they just hadn't made the completionist trophies so that people who feel entitled to platinum trophies would move along, happy with their banana stickers.
Mass Effect wanted you to play the game through like 6 times in order to get all the achievements. There's a reason why Mass Effect 2 only requires like 1.2 playthroughs. People thought the way they did it the first time was dumb.
Maybe my past experiences with MMOs have jaded me a lot, too (I played EQ for like 7 years and WoW for 4). The worst part is I'll probably get it eventually, too. I dunno when, but maybe after I've had a break from the game for a while.
Man, my attempts to justify my bitching just made me sound bitchier, didn't it?
"This one time, at Summoner Camp..."
"There are still long lost treasures waiting to be discovered."
NO THERE AREN'T YOU STUPID ROBOT!
I'm pretty much done with this trophy. So many hours wasted.
Did you try buying the items from the shop like the ones that cure status ailments etc.? I know I went through the entire game without ever even buying one. Also, you might be missing the dolls. In chapter 12 where the 2 chests are and the adamantoise that breaks through, did you get the exp items or the chocobo plush? I know myself I picked the xp items, but now I wish I just picked the plush doll.
You can kill the adamantoise if you have vanille's death ability and someone to cast curse. That way you can get both, I did it.
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I've got a spare copy of Portal, if anyone wants it message me.
The achievement says Weapons and Accessories, nothing about dolls, I've got like 15 of the Chocobo Plush Dolls and I've sold each and every one of them, because its a money item, nothing more, and you can get them no matter where you are in the game
(low % to get from Treasure Hunter) but I dont see how they relate to any achievements at all, I killed the Adamantoise and got both chests, but at that point I already had 7 of them. (and they sell for 35.000 gil each)
These are the list for whats neccessary for that achievement/trophy
http://www.ps3trophies.org/forum/final-fantasy-xiii/35682-final-fantasy-xiii-weapon-list.html
http://www.ps3trophies.org/forum/final-fantasy-xiii/36502-final-fantasy-xiii-accessory-list.html
I've actually enjoyed it all aside from the money grind. The money grind that I am finally done with.
My Let's Play Channel: https://youtube.com/channel/UC2go70QLfwGq-hW4nvUqmog
Do you have all six elemental charms? The ones that sometimes absorb the damage or whatever. They're all in chests in chapter 11. Other than that, do you have the champions belt? I didn't notice I was missing this at first, because it has a similar name to other stuff. It gives you TP after a fight even if you have low stars. It's in a chest back in chapter 12.
My Let's Play Channel: https://youtube.com/channel/UC2go70QLfwGq-hW4nvUqmog
When sidequests present themselves, I tend to get distracted.
Managed to complete Catcher Chocobo and aquire the Sun Sigil after offering a goat sacrifice to Spira's cruel avian Gods. After failing over and over, I started to discover that the birds actually do have a pattern to them and aren't completely random, which made things a bit easier. Hopped over to Remiem Temple and won the Chocobo Race with 5 chests / 0 poles, netting 30 Pendulums(Master Thief!), 30 Wings of Discovery, and 60 Three Stars. Nice!
Hopped over to the Arena and picked up some Capture Weapons for my fighters, and collected 10 of each monster in the Calm Lands. Crazy old man was nice enough to reward me with a box I can't open. Since I defeated the Chocobo Trainer, I was also able to get the gorge guard to leave. With the Calm Lands all but wrapped up, it was time to press on to Mt. Gagazet.
But wait...!
Seymour's goons try to convince me to meet with him. And in Spira, the traditional way to extend an invitation is with a giant, murderous robot. However, Defender X proved no match for my stock of Phoenix Downs! With that out of the way, it's finally time to climb Mt. Gagaz...ooooh, sidequest!
More to come later!
I assume items as well were included because the piggyback guidebook says "This includes all weapons and accessory upgrades. These do not need to be in your inventory at the same time - you simply need to have owned each object type once. Refer to Inventory chapter for a complete list of all weapons, accessories, components and items.
Down in the valley they come across a spooky cave, where it is revealed that not only is she a prostitute, but she's also a bad guardian and that her first summoner died here. GREAT!
After fighting their through an odd assortment of enemies, including mushrooms, tentacle plants, scary ghosts, dark elements, creepy chefs and some weird alien-urn thing, we come across the Unsent embodiment of Lulu's failure in the form of her first summoner. She sicks Yojimbo on us, who looks cool, but proceeds to only attack using his carpet dog. After his hilarious defeat, he then expects to be PAID for his services?! And what is a soul trapped in a statue going to do with all that Gil anyway?!
After being rendered poor, the party leaves the cave and Auron finds a Rusty Sword as they leave the valley. Next stop - Mt. Gagazet! For real this time!
_ _ _ _ _
On that note I've always found Yojimbo to be completely useless. You get Bahamut beforehand, who you can reliably control and starts with the ability to break the damage limit. Yojimbo's only appeal is in his Zanmato, but triggering it is a crapshoot. He has an incredibly complex "favor" system, plus you have to pay him for everything, with Zanmato being the rarest and most expensive action. I guess Yojimbo would be good to use against some of the tougher Arena creations, Omega Weapon and Braska's Final Aeon, which at that point money has no value. Other than that, I can't see the point of using him.
otherwise he's just another heavy hitter who happens to cost money
I am a huge fan of Final Fantasy, and this is probably the first one where I thought all the characters were interesting by the end, though it took a long ass time to start developing them. The story was entirely forgettable compared to some of the other games in my opinion.
I think the biggest surprise for me is that I'm used to Final Fantasy being the pinnacle of whatever gaming year it comes out in, whereas I've played several games this year that blow this one away in terms of quality. I do have high hopes for the future of the series after hearing them talk about wanting to do more interactive cutscenes and take inspiration from Uncharted 2. Every developer could take some cues from Uncharted 2.
Finally got through to some majr plot points of the game, after having climbed Mt. Gagazet and finally arriving at the ruins of Zanarkand. I confronted and spoke to Yunalesca, but reset the game and decided I wasn't ready to fight her just yet. More on that later - now some observations I'd like to bring up..
* Since the Yevon dome is essentially a "gigantic sphere" and contains the trapped memories of people, we can then conclude that Seymour and his mother had been to Zanarkand when he was a child. Judging by the conversation between the two of them, she went to Zanarkand in order to become a fayth so that Seymour would be accepted amoungst the people. Seymour was obviously against this.
* It can also be assumed that Seymour actually met Yunalesca. The two of them share very similiar philosophies, with Yunalesca commenting on how death is the ultimate release from suffering. Seymour just takes it one step further by actively wanting to end all life, whereas Yunalesca is content to keep the cycle going and keep Spira's "hope" alive.
* Now for plot holes! Alright so, Seymour mentioned in Guadosalam that Yunalesca and Lord Zaon lived in Zanarkand 1000 years ago. But Zanarkand was destroyed 1000 years ago. Yu Yevon helped lead the ritual of converting the populace of Zanarkand to fayth in order to summon Dream Zanarkand and continuously create Sin. Now - why he created Sin hasn't been explained yet, but it could be assumed it was for the purpose of revenge against Bevelle, or maybe just ot protect Dream Zanarkand, or who knows. But then...
* ...If Yu Yevon used all of the remaining citizens of Zanarkand to create Sin, how were Yunalesca and Lord Zaon not included in this ritual? Moreover, if Sin was created 1000 years in the past, and Yunalesca defeated Sin 1000 years in the past, did she just defeat it right after it was created? Also, Yu Yevon was her father, so why would she destroy something he created right after he created it? Argh! My head! I hope it goes in to explaining this later. But I guess none of it really matters because...
* ...Yunalesca has HUGE knockers and struts around in what is basically less than a string bikini, and NO ONE says anything about it. Seriously, juggs.
_ _ _ _ _
Anyway like I said, I reset the game and decided to play around a bit more before proceeding with the story. I managed to create a No Encounters bracer by collecting Purifying Salts off the Fallen Monks, then ran back to Macalania Forest and got the Celestial Mirror. Unfortunately the butterfly catching game won't allow you to get the Saturn Sigil for Kimahri's weapon until after you get the airship. I then ran back to the Thunder Plans and picked up the Spirit Lance, then dodged 200 lightning bolts in about 20 minutes and was pleasantly surprised that the game coughs up all the rewards instead of forcing you to gather each tier one at a time. I tried to go back to Guadosalam because I thought it'd be funny, but the game won't let you.
I'm at
I'd say you don't have enough time, unless you want to play it like it's your job.
I understand a lot of the complaints about the ending, but I wasn't really expecting anything spectacular. All Final Fantasy's have had a pretty predictable "Everything is good again" type ending. Though I wasn't expecting the Fang/Vanille thing to happen.
Overall I had an excellent time with this game. After completing it, I would probably rank it in my top 3, along with FF6 and FF8. Now its time to start the grind for money and CP.
They're not included. It's only worded like that because the Inventory chapter just has a list of components and items in it, not because you need them for the achievement.
Other than that, just try to keep him in the air when he is staggered.
I'd say use Protect, but I see you aren't keen on using Hope.
I'd say if you played a shitload you could make it. Like you may have to play for a good 15 hours to get there though. If you don't do any missions in Chapter 11 and just keep going to right way. This may make you underpowered and you may have to spend like 30 minutes grinding robots in the tunnel. In Chapter 12 and 13 I really decided to use up the rest of my sols so I could just get it over with. Screw you suit of armor with a sword, deceptisol for me, run away from you.
Would Sazh be a good idea? At that point in the game Sazh is a much better Synergist, and I found that pretty useful in that fight.
Also yes, what he said.
3DS: 1607-3034-6970
On the last mark (mish 64):
Concerning the Turtle From Hell:
Oo\ Ironsizide
How long did 64 take you anyway? I didn't bother downgrading my weapons and I got 8 minutes out of the recommended 15. Which was the first try (well, first win. I did lose twice) so no watch.
I ended up using the same strategy on the Long Gui too, but mostly because I was lazy and just wanted to get the achievement and consider myself done. If you slow it, it seems to attack like once every 30 seconds, so every time it did I'd just switch to med/med/med, then go back to offense or buffing or whatever.