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SQUARE-ENIX's GRANDIA III
Special Moves and Combo FAQ
(US version)
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version 0.80
+ Majority of information is included on Special Moves
and with special combos/skill configuration tips. I
will later complete missing Special Moves'
descriptions and character phrases that go along.
Please feel free to e-mail me of any errors I may have
made, but do not e-mail me contributions of missing
information -- I'll have it recorded soon enough!
Cheers.
version 0.90
+ Did a spell check and added some descriptions, not
many changes, thus far.
version 0.95
+ Added more Special Move descriptions, fixed Power
damages on some of them, corrected errors and phrases
for each character. Did another spell check and
reformatted the Special Moves section, for an easier,
cleaner look. Cheers.
version 0.98
+ Updated, corrected, checked, and clarified somethings.
The phrases are now corrected, descriptions to specials,
and edited a little bit on the Aerial Combo section --
now labeled "Advanced Aerial Combos." Will later update
the Special Levels at which each character learns a
new Special Move, and re-adding "Combo" back to the
Characters' Special Moves section. Inserted character
information/bios, and did minor changes to order listing.
version 1.00 (Completed)
+ Fixed and updated skill settings, added on skill levels.
Added a Personal Thanks section to those who e-mailed
me concerning the Faq.
version 1.00 (error correction)
+ Corrected errors on the information with the concern of
the Master Book and Force Attack. Thanks to all who
e-mailed me on not only errors present in my faq, but
also to those who e-mailed me questions about the game.
Cheers!
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I) Special Moves
1. Explanation of Special Moves
2. Learning New Special Moves
3. Learning Secret Methods
II) Characters' Special Moves
1. Yuuki
1a. Aerial Slash
1b. Whirlwind
1c. Flash
1d. Blade Storm
1e. Invincible Aura
1f. Dragon Slash
2. Miranda
2a. Dagger Dash
2b. Earth Force
3. Alfina
3a. Comet Spike
3b. Stun Force
3c. Ripple Shot
3d. Holy Circle
3e. Energy Surge
3f. Armageddon
4. Alonso
4a. Thrust Crash
4b. Lancer Smash
5. Ulf
5a. Rockbreaker
5b. Force Wave
5c. Shadow Warrior
5d. Flame Spike
5e. Big Wheel
5f. Inferno Spike
5g. Red Lotus
5h. Dynamite Rush
6. Dahna
6a. Homing Shot
6b. Mana Capture
6c. Dancing Cards
6d. Mana Spring
7. Hect
7a. Crimson Shock
7b. Freeze
7c. Armageddon
III) Special Skill Set-Ups
1. Yuuki
2. Alfina/Hect
3. Ulf
4. Dahna
IV) Advanced Aerial Combos
1. Combo I
2. Combo II
3. Combo III
V) Legal Information
1. Contact Information
2. Special and Personal Thanks
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I) Special Moves
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1. Explanation of Special Moves
What are Special Moves? Powerful attacks. Executing
them will have the screen tint slightly dark, and
play out an undisrupted, animation scene.
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2. Learning New Special Moves
Acquiring a new Special Move can only be done by
raising a character's Special Level. One skill can be
learned per Special Level. However, there is no
guarantee that with each Special Level UP, a new
Special Move will be learned. Also, after raising
Special Level, a character must execute an IP Combo
command to initiate the final step of learning a
new Special Move. If a character does learn a
new Special Move, then it will be executed
automatically, without using any SP Gauge and added
into the character's Special Moves listing. As a
final note, Special Moves are learned at certain
Special Levels for each character. Raising a
character's Special Level also increases the SP
Gauge by 10 SP. I'll have a list of the levels in
a later update (hopefully).
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3. Learning Secret Methods
Secret Methods can be learned for each Special Move
-- up to 5 levels. Each level upgrades a specific
attribute to the Special Move, from Power, Range,
and Speed. Learning a new Secret Method is done,
theoretically, in 2-ways. Either a random use of
a Special Move or by using a Special Move to the
its fullest potential (depending on situation).
The second method seems far-fetched, but I assure
you, it is not.
I once learned the Ultimate Method for Ulf's
Dynamite Rush (Ulf's final Special) from its
initial state (no Secret Methods learned)
in a single boss battle -- I guess it was the
right time and place to use it. Other proof of
the second method was of the usage of area-
effective Special Moves on an enemy party of 1,
compared to an enemy party of 5 and higher.
However, one odd experience I had while playing
was using Yuuki's Flash 19 times before learning
a Secret Method. So either it was truly randomized
or I did not use it in the right time and place...
Enough with the theories. Choose to believe
it or not, regardless, you'll need to use Special
Moves repeatedly to learn Secret Methods. As for
the Secret Method levels, a brief description
is provided below.
Special Move levels:
Initial - No Secret Methods learned
Level 1 - (P) Power upgrade
Level 2 - (S) Speed upgrade
Level 3 - (P) Power upgrade
Level 4 - (R) Rate upgrade
Ultimate Method - (P) Power upgrade
Upgrade description:
(P) Power upgrade
Increases effectiveness of a Special Move.
(S) Speed upgrade
Reduces execution time of a Special Move.
(R) Rate upgrade
Reduces delay time after executing Special Move.
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II) Characters' Special Moves
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1. Yuuki - "Got it!"
"All right! We won!"
"Come on... Were they even trying?
"I'm a pilot, I don't have time for this!"
1a. Aerial Slash - "Here I go! Hyah!"
SpLv: 1 (initial)
Combo: 1-hit
SP: 25
Type: Attack
Range: Single
Target: Enemy
Element: Non-Elemental
Description: Hack into an enemy from above.
Power: **
Effect: Cancels enemy attack.
1b. Whirlwind - "Feel the bite of my blade!
Whirlwind!"
SpLv: 2
Combo: 1-hit
SP: 40
Type: Attack
Range: Circle
Target: Enemy
Element: Wind
Description: Conjure up a devastating whirlwind.
Power: ***
Effect: n/a
1c. Flash - "Hyah! I feel the power!"
SpLv: 4
Combo: n/a
SP: 25
Type: Strengthen
Range: Self
Target: Self
Element: n/a
Description: Consume the wind's power to move twice
as fast.
Power: n/a
Effect: Combo attack hits are doubled.
1d. Blade Storm - "Hyah! Take this!"
SpLv: 6
Combo: 10-hit
SP: 40
Type: Attack
Range: Single
Target: Enemy
Element: Wind
Description: Unleash a flurry of sword strikes.
Power: ****
Effect: Also damages nearby enemies.
1e. Invincible Aura - "Hyah!"
SpLv: 7
Combo: n/a
SP: 75
Type: Strengthen
Range: Self
Target: Self
Element: n/a
Description: Call upon the spirits for divine
protection.
Power: n/a
Effect: Negates a certain amount of damage.
1f. Dragon Slash - "Dragon of Light, lend me
your power. Dragon... Slash!"
SpLv: 9
Combo: 1-hit
SP: 99
Type: Attack
Range: All
Target: Enemy
Element: Non-Elemental
Description: Unleash the Dragon King's power.
Power: ******
Effect: n/a
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2. Miranda - "Right, I'll give it a try!"
"That's pathetic. Come back when you
learn how to fight."
"Why don't you make it easier for everyone
and just stay out of the way."
2a. Dagger Dash - "Get ready... for a little 'Slice and
Dice!' Stings a little, doesn't it?"
SpLv: 1 (initial)
Combo: 9-hit
SP: 25
Type: Attack
Range: Single
Target: Enemy
Element: Non-Elemental
Description: Unleash a series of dagger strikes.
Power: **
Effect: Cancels enemy attack.
2b. Force Slash - "You're not even enough for a meal...
but I'll fry you up anyways!"
SpLv: 3 (initial)
Combo: varies
SP: 40
Type: Attack
Range: Fan
Target: Enemy
Element: Earth
Description: Send a wave of blade strikes barreling
through the ground.
Power: ***
Effect: n/a
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3. Alfina - "Stop right there!"
"Heehee. We won! Thank goodness."
"I feel a little guilty."
"See? Told you I could do it if I tried."
3a. Comet Spike - "Oh Divine Comet, bringer of light...
illuminate the darkness!" (disc 1)
"Oh Divine Comet, slice through
the pitch black night!" (disc 2)
SpLv: 1 (initial)
Combo: 1-hit
SP: 25
Type: Attack
Range: Single
Target: Enemy
Element: Non-Elemental
Description: Send forth a burst of comet light.
Power: **
Effect: Cancels enemy attack.
3b. Stun Force - "Sorry... this might hurt!" (disc 1)
"I won't hold back!" (disc 2)
SpLv: 2
Combo: 1-hit
SP: 30
Type: Attack
Range: Single
Target: Enemy
Element: Non-Elemental
Description: Unleash a shocking flash of light.
Power: *
Effect: Paralysis.
3c. Ripple Shot - "Oh Blade of Light, go and strike
our enemy!"
SpLv: 4
Combo: 1-hit
SP: 40
Type: Attack
Range: Line
Target: Enemy
Element: Non-Elemental
Description: Create a ring of light to slice
through enemies.
Power: ***
Effect: n/a
3d. Holy Circle - "Oh Divine Light, protect me."
SpLv: 6
Combo: n/a
SP: 60
Type: Strengthen
Range: Self
Target: Self
Element: Non-Elemental
Description: Draw forth protection from the spirit
of light.
Power: n/a
Effect: Knocks back nearby enemies.
3e. Energy Surge - "Oh nurturing Sun, bring courage and
love to us all. Now, let's fight!"
SpLv: 8
Combo: +40SP/+55SP/+70SP
SP: 50
Type: Support
Range: All
Target: Ally
Element: n/a
Description: Offer a prayer to bolster the courage
of your allies.
Power: n/a
Effect: Recovers SP.
3f. Armageddon - "Let your anger and your hate,
be absorbed by the divine light.
Your suffering is over."
SpLv: Received after Hect leaves party.
Combo: 1-hit
SP: 99
Type: Attack
Range: All
Target: Enemy
Element: Non-Elemental
Description: Unleash Hect's flames of judgment.
Power: ******
Effect: Lowers all enemy attributes.
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4. Alonso - "All right, I'll give it a shot."
"If this keeps up, I'll be mobbed
to death by fans."
"Another flawless victory! Want my
autograph? Get in line!"
4a. Thrust Crash - "Hyah! Heard something
snap there."
SpLv: 1 (initial)
Combo: 2-hit
SP: 25
Type: Attack
Range: Single
Target: Enemy
Element: Non-Elemental
Description: Rush, jab, and gut the enemy.
Power: **
Effect: Cancels enemy attack.
4b. Lancer Smash - "Hyah! Time to get down
and dirty! Rawh!"
SpLv: 3 (initial)
Combo: 3-hit
SP: 40
Type: Attack
Range: Single
Target: Enemy
Element: Non-Elemental
Description: Skewer an enemy in mid-air, then throw
it to the ground.
Power: ***
Effect: n/a
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5. Ulf - "I've got it!"
"Ha! I didn't even break a sweat."
5a. Rockbreaker - "This might... sting a little!"
SpLv: 1 (initial)
Combo: 1-hit
SP: 25
Type: Attack
Range: Single
Target: Enemy
Element: Non-Elemental
Description: Pound an enemy with raw force.
Power: **
Effect: Cancels enemy attack.
5b. Force Wave - "Hyah! Force Wave!"
SpLv: 3 (initial)
Combo: 1-hit
SP: 30
Type: Attack
Range: Rim
Target: Enemy
Element: Non-Elemental
Description: Belt out an explosive yell.
Power: **
Effect: n/a
5c. Shadow Warrior - "Bet ya can't tell which one is me!
Haha! Keep an eye on my shadow."
SpLv: 7
Combo: n/a
SP: 25
Type: Strengthen
Range: Self
Target: Self
Element: n/a
Description: Give your shadow physical form.
Power: n/a
Effect: It mimics your every move, doubling
critical and combo attacks
5d. Flame Spike - "Hyah! Flame Spike!"
SpLv: 5 (initial)
Combo: 1-hit
SP: 40
Type: Attack
Range: Single
Target: Enemy
Element: Fire
Description: Leap up and spike a fireball.
Power: ****
Effect: n/a
5e. Big Wheel - "No one can stop me now!
Ha! What a rush!"
SpLv: 6
Combo: 1-hit
SP: 50
Type: Attack
Range: Line
Target: Enemy
Element: Non-Elemental
Description: Swiftly roll over enemies.
Power: **
Effect: Cancels enemy attack.
5f. Inferno Spike - "Hyah! Get ready to fry maggots!
Inferno Spike!"
SpLv: 8
Combo: 1-hit
SP: 60
Type: Attack
Range: Circle
Target: Enemy
Element: Fire
Description: Leap up and hurl an enormous fireball
at an enemy.
Power: ***
Effect: n/a
5g. Red Lotus - "Hyah! These flames are scorching hot!
Ten-thousand degrees of death!"
SpLv: 9
Combo: 1-hit
SP: 75
Type: Attack
Range: Line
Target: Enemy
Element: Fire
Description: Catapult a ring of crimson flames
at an enemy.
Power: *****
Effect: n/a
5h. Dynamite Rush - "Hyah! I'm loaded with... Dynamite!
Hyah! ...Ugh. I don't feel so good."
SpLv: 10
Combo: 10-hit
SP: 99
Type: Attack
Range: Single
Target: Enemy
Element: Non-Elemental
Description: Rip into an enemy with an explosion
of energy.
Power: ******
Effect: n/a
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6. Dahna - "Oh, I see."
6a. Homing Shot - "Pick a card. Any card."
SpLv: 1 (initial)
Combo: ?
SP: 25
Type: Attack
Range: Single
Target: Enemy
Element: Non-Elemental
Description: Fire a barrage of curse cards.
Power: **
Effect: Cancels enemy attack.
6b. Mana Capture - "Pardon me, but, would you
mind sharing? Heehee. Thanks."
SpLv: 3 (initial)
Combo: 1-hit
SP: 40
Type: Support
Range: Circle
Target: Enemy
Element: Non-Elemental
Description: Convert life force to mana.
Power: *
Effect: Absorbs MP.
6c. Dancing Cards - "Oh Card of Light, here my call.
Protect me!"
SpLv: 7
Combo: 4 cards/6 cards/8 cards/10 cards
SP: 25
Type: Support
Range: Self
Target: Self
Element: Non-Elemental
Description: Summon cards of light for protection.
Power: n/a
Effect: They will execute counter-attacks.
6d. Mana Spring - "Oh endless spring,
I call upon thee!"
SpLv: 8
Combo: n/a
SP: 75
Type: Support
Range: Self
Target: Self
Element: n/a
Description: Summon an eternal mana spring.
Power: n/a
Effect: Reduces mana consumption to 0.
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7. Hect
7a. Crimson Shock - "Here I go. Hyah! Was that OK?"
SpLv: n/a (initial)
Combo: 1
SP: 40
Type: Attack
Range: All
Target: Enemy
Element: Non-Elemental
Description: Overwhelm surrounding enemies.
Power: *
Effect: Cancels enemy attack.
7b. Freeze - "Hear me evil-doers, stop! Freeze!"
SpLv: n/a (initial)
Combo: n/a
SP: 75
Type: Attack
Range: Single
Target: Enemy
Element: Non-Elemental
Description: Create a powerful barrier.
Power: n/a
Effect: Continues to damage the enemy overtime
and prevents movement.
7c. Armageddon - "Let your anger and your hate,
be soothed by this divine melody.
Your suffering is over."
SpLv: n/a (initial)
Combo: 1
SP: 99
Type: Attack
Range: All
Target: Enemy
Element: Non-Elemental
Description: Purify with flames of judgement.
Power: ******
Effect: Lowers all enemy attributes.
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III) Special Skill Set-Ups
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This section is only a personal recommendation of how
to set up a character's skills, in order to maximize
offense, whether it be physical or spiritual. I myself
use all my characters offensively, with the exception
of Alfina, whom I also use for healing purposes.
Now, the most common thing to do with setting up magic
for characters is to have every one of them have the
most powerful spells you could get and equally
distributing healing spells, right? Well, I tossed
that logic out the window. Another alternative is
assigning a specific element for a character to
master. This saves time, money, and effort, and will
allow you to focus on the skills (what you should be
focusing on to begin with).
However, the only problem with this method is that
you'll need that saved time, money, and effort, to
put that into playing at the casino for a Master Book
(just 1)-- which means playing 'til you earn
999,999 Medals (good luck with keeping your sanity).
But, there's good news! You can find an Expert Book
near the end of the game, use that in place of the
Master Book. However, if you don't acquire the Master
Book, you can't extract Force Attack to power up either
Dahna or Ulf (you'll see why).
Assuming you have leveled your characters to their
maximum Skill Level (15) and all are level 60 or
higher, you'll have no problem eliminating bosses,
even Xorn. As a little note, all the set-ups listed
contain Perception and Counter. I find that Perception
is far more useful then Super Reflexes, and saves
1 skill slot. Dodging physical attacks for 0 damage
and having a chance to damage, cancel, or set-up an
Aerial Combo, is highly effective compared to taking
damage -- reduced 50% or not; also, it beats the heck
out of Endurance.
Now, just as a reminder, there is only 1 Master Book
obtainable in the game; and that's by winning it via
the Casino. Later on in the Skill Set-Up and Advanced
Aerial Combo sections, you'll notice it's an "either-or"
situation when choosing who to give the extracted
Force Attack skill to (Ulf or Dahna). In those sections,
I've laid out the ground work, sort of speak, to help
you decide. Either way, doing the damage is fun,
so there's no actual wrong or right choice. Come to think
of it -- you don't even have to burn the Master Book
if you obtained it. Oh, well.
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1. Yuuki - Physical/Offensive/Wind Mastery
Skills:
* Mighty Blow (body)
* Warrior's Way (body)
**** Berserker (tech)
** Fighter's Spirit (body)
* Life Up (body)
* Perception (tech)
* Counter (tech)
* Jolt Counter (tech)
*** Unshakable Will (body)
Equipment:
- Spirit Sword
- Spirit Armor
- Warp Shoes
- Spirit Ring
- Tempest Egg
- Slayer Book
Magic:
- Every/any Wind spell in your inventory.
Key Special Moves:
- Aerial Slash Cancel enemy specials.
- Flash Increases combo attack hits, pair
with Berserker, and use Aerial
Combos as much possible.
- Whirlwind Use in battles against a large
quantity of enemies.
- Invincible Aura Pair with Flash.
- Dragon Slash Use to greatly reduce HP and or
to finish 1 or more enemies.
Now, in order to fully maximize this, you will need
Yuuki's Flash and another member set up an enemy for
an Aerial Combo. First off, all you need is a Slayer
Book for Yuuki. When in battle, use Flash immediately;
because Flash not only doubles Combo Attacks its for
normal and Aerial Combos (I think you know where I'm
going with this), but Berserker (fully supported) will
double the amount, again. For a normal ground combo,
Yuuki will be doing 12-hits, while for Aerial Combos,
he'll be executing 16-hits in all critical damage!
You can also combo Flash with Invincible Aura for
an unstoppable, no-holds-barred, rampage.
Now, some bosses are hard to knock up in the air, so
who can you count on to do this for you? Why, Yuuki's
sweetheart, Alfina. Activate Alfina's Holy Circle
and let her combo an enemy. Either that, or have her
cast Crackle on some of the lesser-than-heavy bosses.
Before, during, or immediately after, execute a Combo
command for Yuuki on the same target. Holy Circle
knocks down any enemy it touches, attack while the
enemy is falling to the floor, and it'll be juggled,
attack even further (Yuuki's part) and it'll turn
into an Aerial Combo. It's possible you can have Yuuki
rack up 1~11 hits on the ground before executing
another 16-hits when an enemy is projected into the
air for an Aerial Combo. Max potential combo of 27,
just from Yuuki, in one turn -- need I say more?
Unshakable Will is self-explanatory, Yuuki will be
undisrupted from executing any action -- trust me,
you'll need it. Perception, Counter, and Jolt work
hand-in-hand, dodge 'n hit. Another way to further
damage an enemy without it being your turn; and it'll
sometimes set-up the unlucky enemy that Yuuki counters,
into an Aerial Combo for other party members.
Mighty Blow and Warrior's Way work as enhancers for
Yuuki. Yuuki's physical damage and defense will be
increased, and every counter and Special Move cancel
you do, will leave an enemy in the dust. Fighter's
Spirit is there just to aid your Spirit Sword in
recovering SP for more Dragon Slash or Flash &
Invincible Auras.
If your still wondering what Yuuki's purposes are
in battle, there's only 1.
* Attack.
What's left to say about Yuuki is that USE ALL SEEDS
ON YUUKI. Not to mention, use them only when he's low
on SP. If you're facing bosses with a massive amount
of HP, then start off using Dragon Slash (if you can)
until your SP Gauge runs low/empty, only then, should
you use the strategy provided above. Lastly, if you
picked up the 'Bond of Trust', please us this for
Yuuki whenever possible. It never goes away when used,
so take advantage of it! The best scenario is Yuuki
is just a hair behind a boss' IP Symbol, and the boss
is about to unleash a devastating Special Move, and
Yuuki is about to unleash Dragon Slash. You know that
Dragon Slash can finish the fight, and you also know
that one more attack from the boss can K.O. 1 or more
party members, including Yuuki. That's when you use it!
Though that scenario rarely happens, unless you get
careless.
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2. Alfina/Hect - Spiritual/Support/Water Mastery
Skills:
***** Magica Exsorcista (mind)
*** Meditation (mind)
** Water Mastery (mind)
* Guru's Way (mind)
* Perception (tech)
* Counter (tech)
Hect add-ons
* Absorb Magic (mind)
* Magic Up (mind)
or
***** Magica Exsorcista (mind)
**** Berserker (tech)
* Perception (tech)
* Counter (tech)
** Water Mastery (mind)
Hect add-ons
* Guru's Way (mind)
* Absorb Magic (mind)
Equipment:
- Spirit Staff or Staff of Isis (Baton of Light)
- Maiden's Dress (Hect's Dress)
- Mysterious Clogs (Hect's Shoes)
- Divine Charm
- Lake Egg
- Divine Book
Magic:
- Every/any Water spell in your inventory.
Key Special Moves:
- Comet Spike Cancel enemy specials.
- Holy Circle Use to set-up Aerial Combos and to
buy time for healing or executing
other actions. Also used to disrupt
enemies and inflict minor damage.
- Ripple Shot Use in battles against a large
quantity of enemies.
- Energy Surge Use to restore the entire party's
SP Gauge.
* Armageddon Use to greatly reduce HP and lower
attributes of all enemies or to
finish 1 or more enemies.
+ Crimson Shock Cancel enemy specials. Also use in
battles against a large quantity
of enemies.
+ Freeze Disable an enemy and inflict
additional damage.
[ * Indicates Special Moves shared with Hect]
[ + Indicates Special Moves only Hect can execute]
[( ) Indicates Items equipped onto Hect]
As mentioned above with Yuuki's strategy, Alfina's main
purposes fall under 3 areas.
* Casting either Diamond Dust, Crackle Fang, or
Absolute Zero to cancel and damage enemies.
* Setting-up and chaining Aerial Combos. Use either
Crackle to cancel/damage/juggle an enemy or Holy
Barrier to chain/damage/combo an enemy.
* Heal.
You'll be using Alfina to heal the party the most, but
only if you either didn't level your characters past
level 60 or avoided every single optional encounter in
the game. With Hect, however, you'll find yourself
canceling attacks the most.
To cover the basics of Alfina's/Hect's layout, Magica
Exsorcista, Meditation, and Guru's Way will always be in
either set-up. Magica Exsorcista will be to cancel enemy
attacks, Meditation will be synergetic. Every time Alfina
Guards against an offensive magic spell, she regains MP
from guarding and absorbing MP from the damage inflicted
Guru's Way is self-explanatory -- increase magic
damage and resistance.
As for the offensive skill set, cast Holy Circle and
combo everything that moves to set-up Aerial Combos.
Easy, huh?
------------------------------------------------------------
3. Ulf - Physical/Offensive/Fire Mastery
Skills:
(w/ Force Attack)
***** Force Attack (body)
* Warrior's Way (body)
**** Berserker (tech)
* Life Up (body)
* Perception (tech)
* Counter (tech)
* Jolt Counter (tech)
(w/out Force Attack)
* Mighty Blow (body)
* Warrior's Way (body)
**** Berserker (tech)
** Fighter's Spirit (body)
* Life Up (body)
* Perception (tech)
* Counter (tech)
*** Unshakable Will (body)
Equipment:
- Rashik's Hammer
- Phalanx
- Ninja Slippers
- Golden Ring
- Volcano Egg
- Slayer Book
Magic:
- Every/any Fire spell in your inventory.
Key Special Moves:
- Rockbreaker Cancel enemy specials.
- Shadow Warrior Increases combo attack hits, pair
with Berserker, and use Aerial
Combos as much possible.
- Big Wheel Use in battles against a large
quantity of enemies. Also use to
cancel multiple enemies.
- Inferno Spike Use in battles against a large
quantity of enemies.
- Red Lotus Use in battles against a large
quantity of enemies.
- Dynamite Rush Use to greatly reduce HP or finish
an enemy.
Yep, you guessed it. Ulf's purpose in battle is the
same as Yuuki's. The only difference, Ulf can play
either an offensive support, or an entire entity of
offensive by himself. The secret lies within Ulf's
Shadow Warrior -- where Yuuki's Flash falls behind,
Ulf's Shadow Warrior picks up. Since Ulf's Shadow
Warrior doubles, not only combo attack hits, but
criticals as well, and Ulf has the highest innate
attack power of all the characters in the game (you
can see where I am going with this) -- you guessed
it again. With the Slayer Book maxing out Body Type
skills, Force Attack will increase the amount of times
criticals hit, from 1 to 4. Activate Ulf's Shadow
Warrior and now you have 8 criticals for the price of
1 turn. Not to mention Ulf can keep up with Yuuki when
it comes to combo damage, Shadow Warrior and Berserker
will max out Ulf's normal combo up to 12-hits in 1
turn.
Not to mention that Ulf's Aerial Finish (since it
cannot be chained) contains of 2-hits. The first,
which roughly multiplies Ulf's attack x5, and the second
hit which roughly multiplies it by x10. Have Shadow
Warrior activated and you'll be dishing out 2-hits for
the first and the second will be the amount of 1-hit x10,
doubled!
However, don't worry. For those who don't acquire the
Master Book (999,999 Medals), then you can use Ulf, as
you would Yuuki. The advantage for Ulf, though, lies
with Rashik's Hammer (if you picked it up, of course).
With SP Cost reduced by 25%, and Fighter's Spirit
packing in SP regeneration, bosses will have a tough
time dealing with numerous casts of Dynamite Rush
(especially if you have Alfina using an Energy Surge
with the Ultimate Secret Method learned). Sucks to be
the bad guy.
For a final touch on Ulf, it is quite possible and
highly difficult, to execute an 8-hit critical and
Aerial Combo in one turn. (Later referred under the
"Advanced Aerial Combo" section.)
Now, to recap, Ulf's main purposes are as followed.
* Heavy offense. Includes using Dynamite Rush and
when stocked on SP or Heaven's Gate or Galactic
Bang if low on SP.
* Offensive support. Includes canceling enemy attacks,
stalling an enemy with Shadow Warrior, or attacking
multiple targets with Red Lotus or Big Wheel (if
canceling attacks are needed).
------------------------------------------------------------
4. Dahna - Physical/Support/Earth Mastery
Skills:
(w/ Force Attack)
***** Force Attack (body)
**** Berserker (tech)
* Warrior's Way (body)
* Perception (tech)
* Counter (tech)
or
(w/out Force Attack)
*** Prayer (mind)
*** Meditation (mind)
** Earth Mastery (mind)
** Water Mastery (mind)
* Perception (tech)
* Counter (tech)
Equipment:
- Power Cards (Sublime Cards w/out Force Attack)
- Sage's Robe
- Mysterious Clogs
- Anne's Necklace
- Gravity Egg (Holy Egg w/out Force Attack)
- Expert Book or Master Book
Magic:
- Every/any Earth spell in your inventory.
Key Special Moves:
- Homing Shot Cancel enemy specials.
- Mana Capture Use in battles against a large
quantity of enemies. Also regains
MP.
- Dancing Cards Where the fun truly begins.
- Mana Spring Use to deal endless amounts of
spells. Simple as that.
Assuming that you got a Master Book and burned it down
to extract a Force Attack, you're in for a treat. If
you didn't get a Force Attack, you're missing out on
most of the fun of clobbering a boss with a 1-chain
Aerial Combo to a victorious K.O. (if not 1, then 2).
As you can see, Dahna is a support character, no
matter how and which way you slice it. However, like
Alfina, this doesn't mean Dahna can't dish it out
either. Analyze the skill set-up, she has Force Attack,
Berserker, Perception, Counter, and Warrior's Way.
Warrior's Way will optimize potential of her
to deal damage by physical attacks -- the physical
and resistance comes as a plus to aid Dahna's
already low innate defenses.
Force Attack comes into play with the use of a Critical
command. You see, the Dancing Cards will not strike
unless Dahna is either attacked, or she attacks with a
critical, but not with a combo. If you've learned the
Ultimate Secret Method for Dancing Cards (9 Dancing
Cards), stacked with the Power Cards (+180 ATK), have
Force Attack in your skill set-up, and the Expert Book
to max out Body Type skills, casted with Crystal Wall
and... Well, you get the idea.
A tank with a multi-rocket launcher with an endless
supply of rockets. Remember, Dancing Cards consumes
only 25SP, have Earth Mastery to lower Crystal Wall's
MP cost to 50, max out Dahna's Special Level,
and use Alfina's Energy Surge on the party when SP is
low and... Well, you also get the idea here, too.
Now, if you don't have Force Attack (the last time I'll
mention it), then you'll have to play Dahna as you
would Alfina/Hect -- only this time, less offensive
spells and more Gravity to optimize area-effective
Special Moves and spells (such as Ulf's Red Lotus or
the Absolute Zero spell). You'll also be using
Resurrection every once and awhile when you feel like
reserving Revival Potions/Elixirs or just don't have
any.
Anyhow, Dahna's purposes are listed below.
* Offensive support. Set-up Aerial Combos with Critical
command and Dancing Cards. Use Gravity to raise
potential of other party members' Special Moves and
attack spells.
* Support. Resurrect fallen members and use healing
items or spells while Crystal Wall is active.
============================================================
IV) Advanced Aerial Combos
============================================================
The whole point of this section is to (as vividly as I
can) recreate the steps to achieving high-damaging
Aerial Combos, using every character. I have executed
each one previously during my first and second time
through the game. All examples are done with
the assumption that you have learned the Ultimate
Secret Methods for all Special Moves, have learned all
the Special Moves, and have equipped your characters
with the specified books, skills, and footware that
allows warp movement (very important). Keep in mind that
pulling off these combos will not only take precise
timing, but also much luck. All three can be done at
the beginning of a battle, as long as the random
arrangement of your characters' IP Symbols fall in
order and are distanced accurately apart. To note ahead,
hits from Dahna's Dancing Cards will NOT count, towards
the Combo Counter; so do not be aggravated if you cannot
breach pass a 60-hit Aerial Combo -- I have only listed
the total amount of hits landed.
------------------------------------------------------------
1. Advanced Aerial Combo I
Key Items:
- Platinum Feather
- Gold Feather
(usage varies depending on IP Arrangement)
Key Characters/Skills:
Yuuki
+ Berserker
Alfina
+ Berserker
Ulf
+ Berserker
Dahna
+ Berserker
+ Force Attack
* Must have Yuuki's Flash activated
* Must have Alfina's Holy Circle activated
* Must have Dahna's Dancing Card activated
* Must have Ulf's Shadow Warrior activated
IP Arrangement:
- Yuuki, at (COM)
- Ulf, between Yuuki and Alfina
- Dahna, slightly before Alfina
- Alfina, moderate distance after Yuuki
- ENEMY A, anywhere
Combo Steps:
1) Have Yuuki combo ENEMY A
2) Have Ulf combo ENEMY A
3) Have Alfina combo ENEMY A
4) Have Dahna critical ENEMY A
Scenario:
* Yuuki at 4-hit combo, Ulf begins combo
* Yuuki at 6-hit combo, Ulf at 4-hit combo,
Alfina begins combo, Dahna begins critical
* Yuuki at 8-hit combo, Ulf at 8-hit combo
Alfina at 2-hit combo, Dahna launches critical
* 9 Dancing Cards hit, followed by Dahna's critical,
Yuuki at 10-hit combo, Ulf at 10-hit combo,
Alfina at 4-hit combo, Dahna's critical hits
* ENEMY A is knocked into the air, Yuuki performs
Swallow Slash 16-hit combo, followed by Alfina's
Mana Stinger 8-hit combo, followed by Ulf's
"You're Finished!" 3-hit combo
Normal Combo: 33
Critical Combo: 4
Aerial Combo: 27
Total Combo: 64
------------------------------------------------------------
2. Advanced Aerial Combo II
Key Items:
- Platinum Feather
- Gold Feather
Key Characters/Skills:
Yuuki
+ Berserker
Alfina
+ Berserker
Ulf
+ Berserker
Dahna
+ Berserker
+ Force Attack
+ Perception
+ Counter
* Must have Yuuki's Flash activated
* Must have Dahna's Dancing Card activated
* Must have Ulf's Shadow Warrior activated
* Must have at least 2 enemies on screen
* Must have 1 enemy with moderate HP (ENEMY B)
* Must have the other enemy target Dahna (ENEMY A)
* Must have ENEMY A execute a Normal Attack
IP Arrangement:
- Yuuki, at (ACT) or (COM)
- Alfina, at (ACT)
- Dahna, moderate distance from (COM)
- Ulf, slightly behind Dahna
- ENEMY B, anywhere
- ENEMY A, slight distance from (COM)
Combo Steps:
1) Have Yuuki and Alfina combo ENEMY B
2) Have ENEMY A attack Dahna
3) Hope Dahna dodges and counterattacks
4) Hope ENEMY B is killed by this time
Scenario:
* Yuuki and Alfina combo ENEMY B
* ENEMY A prepares to attack Dahna
* ENEMY A attacks Dahna
* Dahna dodges and counterattacks with Dancing Cards,
at the same time, ENEMY B is killed, Yuuki and
Alfina have not executed their entire combo
* ENEMY A is knocked into the air, Yuuki performs
Swallow Slash 16-hit combo, followed by Alfina's
Mana Stinger 8-hit combo
* While ENEMY A is still in the air, Dahna reaches
(COM), choose the Combo command, and Dahna performs,
Gatling Shot
* While ENEMY A is still in the air, Ulf reaches
(COM), choose the Combo command, and Ulf performs,
"You're Finished!"
Normal Combo: 9
Critical Combo: 4
Aerial Combo: 35
Total Combo: 48
------------------------------------------------------------
3. Advanced Aerial Combo III
Key Items:
- Platinum Feather
- Gold Feather
Key Characters/Skills:
Yuuki
+ Berserker
Alfina
+ Berserker
Ulf
+ Berserker
+ Force Attack
+ Perception
+ Counter
Dahna
+ Berserker
* Must have Yuuki's Flash activated
* Must have Ulf's Shadow Warrior activated
* Must have at least 2 enemies on screen
* Must have 1 enemy with moderate HP (ENEMY B)
* Must have the other enemy target Ulf (ENEMY A)
* Must have ENEMY A execute a Normal Attack
IP Arrangement:
- Yuuki, at (ACT) or (COM)
- Alfina, at (ACT)
- Dahna, at (ACT)
- Ulf, moderate distance from (COM)
- ENEMY B, anywhere
- ENEMY A, slight distance from (COM)
Combo Steps:
1) Have Yuuki, Alfina, and Dahna combo ENEMY B
2) Have ENEMY A attack Ulf
3) Hope Ulf dodges and counterattacks
4) Hope ENEMY B is killed by this time
Scenario:
* Yuuki, Alfina, and Dahna combo ENEMY B
* ENEMY A prepares to attack Ulf
* ENEMY A attacks Ulf
* Ulf dodges and counterattacks, at the same time,
ENEMY B is killed, and Yuuki, Alfina, and Dahna,
have not executed their entire combo
* ENEMY A is knocked into the air, Yuuki performs
Swallow Slash 16-hit combo, followed by Alfina's
Mana Stinger 8-hit combo, followed by Dahna's
Gatling Shot
* While ENEMY A is still in the air, Ulf reaches
(COM), choose the Combo command, and Ulf performs,
"You're Finished!"
Normal Combo: 0
Critical Combo: 8
Aerial Combo: 35
Total Combo: 43
============================================================
V) Legal Information
============================================================
SQUARE-ENIX, GRANDIA III and other names of products
contained in this document are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Square Enix Co, Ltd. in Japan and/or
other countries. All rights reserved.
This may be not be reproduced under any circumstances
except for personal, private use. It may not be placed
on any web site or otherwise distributed publicly
without advance written permission. Use of this guide
on any other web site or as a part of any public display
is strictly prohibited, and a violation of copyright.
Copyright 2006 D.Cung
------------------------------------------------------------
Contact Information
E-mail:
[email protected] (be polite).
------------------------------------------------------------
Special Thanks to:
GameFAQs
CodeBreakers
Square-Enix
Game Arts
Sony Computer Entertainment
1UP
Personal Thanks to:
Adam Richmond
Dartz Vu
Luis Velazquez
John Simich
and You, the readers
============================================================
