Playing Differently
 

So more recently I started up Chrono Trigger again, but this time I changed my party drastically.

I usually put Frog in the second I get him. X-Strike is fantastic at early levels and Masamue + Hero's Metal = 300+ damage right as soon as you get him at Magus' Castle. I also usually use Robo and then switch him out for Ayla. Frog takes care of the healing if need be but I usually rely on items.

This time I'm going with Marle because she gets Haste and that's awesome, and Lucca sucks really badly so I stick with Robo. Turns out Heal Beam is actually really handy as a dual tech with Marle. Once I get Magus I use him instead of Robo. Also, seriously, Robo and Ayla with Beserkers? Holy shit. Their techs aren't that great at the beginning anyway and it makes the game just after you get them cakewalk!

I've been thinking of switching out Crono but every time I do I just draw a blank and hesitate. I mean, it's Crono.

Anything to discuss on Chrono Trigger preferences? Any other games you played totally differently the second time around? Details, people!

My usual team is Crono, Marle, and Ayla.

Late in the game I have Crono spam Luminaire while Marle and Ayla use Cube Toss (the more powerful version) which deals massive damage against bosses. If my team gets hurt pretty badly (such as at the Black Omen's boss where he can put everyone immediately at 1 HP) I have Crono and Marle team up and use their dual-tech that heals the entire team for a few hundred HPs. I also have Ayla in my team so in case I need to Charm some of the monsters for Magic Tabs/Power Tabs/etc... I can do that just fine. Best team for me all around.

The only time I switch them out is if it's story-related or if I have to fight Spekkio. When I'm fighting the more powerful versions of Spekkio I'll use any combination of Crono, Robo, Magus, or Lucca and spam their most powerful magics on him for the win.

What's really cool about Magus is the DoomScythe.

On the current CT Tool Assisted Speedrun they pretty much go through the game until they get Magus, then level up so you can survive the first hit of Doors of Light from Lavos or whatever it's called, then Marle hastes Magus and lets herself get killed so he can attack for 2000+ with his normal attack.

Apparently DoomScythe gets more powerful when Magus is a loner. Which is pretty hardcore and appropriate.

Oh, you know what was funny? Playing as a Jedi Sentinel in KOTOR II. I couldn't do that much but I'll be damned if I wasn't the best utility member in my party.

Chrono, Magus and Marle all the way.
Chrono for the damage, Marle for sweet buffs and healing, and Magus for the sweet magics. Besides to get the proper ending you'll need to come back with just Marle and Chrono so it helps to have them suited out.

I just to use Robo for sweets.

My favourite party related antics was in the old BG campaigns where I always played solo, mostly because all the NPCs you can pick up looked dodgey. Maybe they weren't but I was too afraid to try out.

Natural Magic Final Fantasy VI is among the hardest and most satisfying playthroughs I've ever done. Since you don't assign any Espers to anyone you can see the characters' inherent strengths. Although it essentially renders useless people like Locke while making Terra and Celes absolutely necessary, it also brings up Gau with his true potential.

Celes is necessary anyway. At least for me.


In Chrono Trigger, I almost always have Crono and Marle together, and then the third spot is switched in and out between Lucca and Ayla. Although I think I usually do the Crono, Marle, Ayla combo most often.


I think the dumbest party I have ever done in my life was a part in FF9. There's a part where you basically have to split your team up in two, one half will go somewhere where you can't use magic at all.

Well, apparently I missed that little memo, because I sent Zidane, Garnet, Eiko, and Vivi on THAT team. Meanwhile the other team had to face a boss that, if I remember right, was MUCH easier with magic, and they were all my physical fighter character.

This reminds me of when I played through FF5 with the only class being the elementalist cause they have funny hats.
That was fairly difficult.

FFX; No Sphere Grid.

Now there's a challenge for ya! Not that I ever got around to trying it out myself, though I wish I had now. All of the combat pretty much comes down to your weapons and armour, and Rikku becomes the most important member of your party.

Just for kicks, I once went though FF7 with no magic. Though it was quite fun taking on Diamond with lev.1 spells....and Ultima.

Man, I feel awesome for having always gone Magus/Lucca/Robo as quickly as I could. Omega Flare eff tee doubleyou.