-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
To find things faster just use the Find Function (Ctrl + F) and type in
the key. mmk?
I. Why make an faq? [FAQ1]
II. The Angel of Death, Kuja [AODK]
III. Tools of the Trade
a. Brave Attacks [TOTB]
b. Hit Point Attacks [TOTH]
IV. Fighting Styles
a. Point Blank Kuja [FSPB]
b. Distanced Kuja [FSDK]
c. Other Techniques [OTHR]
V. Vs. Other Characters
a. Warrior of Light [VWOL]
b. Garland [VGAR]
c. Firion [VFIR]
d. Emperor [VEMP]
e. Onion Knight [VONK]
f. Cloud of Darkness [VCOD]
g. Cecil [VCEC]
h. Golbez [VGOL]
i. Bartz [VBAR]
j. Exdeath [VEXD]
k. Terra [VTER]
l. Kefka [VKEF]
m. Cloud [VCLD]
n. Sephiroth [VSEP]
o. Squall [VSQL]
p. Ultimecia [VULT]
q. Zidane [VZID]
r. Kuja [VKJA]
s. Tidus [VTID]
t. Jecht [VJCT]
u. Shantotto [VSAN]
v. Gabranth [VGAB]
VI. Misc Info. [MISC]
VII. Version History [VRHS]
-----------------------------------------------------------
I. Why make an FAQ? [FAQ1]
-----------------------------------------------------------
Why indeed. Well for starters Kuja is a very popular character of
choice in Dissidia and is very versatile with many different play
styles and a very big move set (Compared to other characters in
Dissidia), and yet, no one has bothered creating an faq for him yet.
Kuja is by far my favorite character to play as and is also my favorite
villain in the Final Fantasy series (And he doesnt dress half bad
either!), so I decided, what the heck, Ill make the Kuja faq!
Fun fact, this is will also be my first FAQ ever on GameFAQs so I hope
it comes in handy to any Kuja players out there. So please, do enjoy!
-----------------------------------------------------------
II. The Angel of Death, Kuja [AODK]
-----------------------------------------------------------
WARNING: The following section has major spoilers for FFIX and will
explain Kujas history in detail, so, if you ever plan on playing the
game, or you already are, dont read this part. But if you have no plans
on playing FFIX and would like to know some more about Kuja, do
continue.
Kuja in FFIX is a being known as a Genome. A vessel of flesh with out a
spirit created by Garland on the planet Terra, but unlike the other
Genomes, Kuja, was granted a soul and free will. Only two other Genomes
have such gifts, those two would be Zidane and Mikoto. Normally all
Genomes look the same. They all look like Zidane. Blonde hair, monkey
tails, and even body structure, except the females of course. Kuja
though hates Genomes and everything about them. So he wears lavish and
strange robes and changed his hair dramatically and wears make up to
distance himself from the other Genomes.
Kujas purpose for existing is to travel to the planet Gaia and cause
death and destruction to cycle out all of Gaias souls so Gaia can be
replaced by Terra, for Terra is a dieing planet. Later on Garland
created Zidane, who would replace Kuja who was an inferior model. Kuja
didnt like this at all and the idea of being replaced didnt sit well
with him, so while Zidane was still a child Kuja kidnapped him and hid
him on Gaia where Garland would never be able to find him.
While on Gaia Kuja created the Black Mages from the mist that was
produced by the Iifa Tree. He also corrupted the once kind Queen
Brahne, and through her, destroyed several major cities across the
world. On the forgotten continent though, he finally turned on her and
took back control of the Edolon Bahamut and used it against her.
While on Gaia Kuja had a secret agenda of his own though. His plan was
to kill Garland. Kuja wanted to over through Garland but at his current
power such a thing would not be possible, so Kuja searched for powerful
Edolons for him to use against Garland, for Garland feared the power of
the Summon Creatures. Ultimately this plan failed but Kuja hadnt given
up. Later on the Planet Terra Kuja uses Zidane and his friends to
weaken Garland so that he could deal the killing blow. After this he
fought Zidane head on. After sustaining some damage putting him to his
limit, and using the thousands of souls sealed in the airship
Invincible, Kuja was able to produce a Trance, making him infinitely
more powerful.
With his new power, Kuja destroyed the planet Terra, completely
glassing its surface using the spell Ultima. How ever, Garland after
death reveals to Kuja that his time is almost up, and that Kuja will
die as soon as Zidanes true power awakens. Angered by this sudden turn
of events Kuja decides that if he cant live, no one else can. Traveling
millions of years back in time using a portal above the Iifa Tree, Kuja
plans to destroy the Crystal, The source of all life. Here Zidane would
fight Kuja for the final time.
The battle ends in a tie. As Zidane and his friends push Kuja to the
brink of death, Kuja retaliates by using Ultima one last time with his
remaining strength, killing every one. While in death, Zidane and his
friends fought the being known as Necron, who, seeing Kujas anger and
lust for death, decided to grant Kuja his wish, and return all to the
Zero World. After a harsh battle Zidane and his friends are victorious.
Realizing the error of his ways, Kuja revives the party, and returns
them to the outside of the Iifa Tree as a way of saying sorry. Feeling
a need to help Kuja, Zidane, alone, travels back in the raging Iifa
Tree in an attempt to save Kuja. There on his death bed, Kuja and
Zidane share one last scene before a branch comes down supposedly
crushing them both.
Although Kuja is remembered by many as an evil being who caused nothing
by chaos, the Genomes remember Kuja as a beacon of hope. Kuja went
against the role that was handed to him, and defied fate and took his
destiny into his own hands.
--------------------------------------------------
(WARNING!!!!) Because I didnt feel like remaking a WHOLE FAQ and just
updated the Japanese one, I still might accidentally call names by
their Japanese names. Such as Energy Burst instead of Burst Energy and
Holy Star instead of Seraphic Star.
--------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------
III. Tools of the Trade [TOTB]
-----------------------------------------------------------
a. Brave Attacks
Unlike most characters, Kuja is unique in that he can equip every
attack he has to both his ground and air attack slots. Same for his HP
attacks. That means if you see a move you really like, you can use it
both in the air or the ground when ever you like. Kujas brave attacks
are unique in the sense that Kuja can still move at full speed while
attacking, also, all but 2 of Kujas attacks chain into 2 of 4 different
follow up attacks depending on his distance from the enemy after the
initial attack lands. When Kuja is close to the enemy during the follow
up attack he will either create a big flare ball in front of him that
drills into the enemy before launching them away (Sort of like Squalls
Revolver Dive) or he creates a hula-hoop of spheres around him that
juggle the enemy for a second before launching them up into the air
creating a chase. If Kuja is far away from the enemy on activation
however, Kuja will either surround them with several spheres that cress
cross through the enemy dealing damage and sending them in the air for
a chase, or he blasts the enemy up and down several times with flare
spells. With the right follow up attack he can effectively deal damage
to the enemy with out worrying about them EX Guarding.
Now for the actual brave attacks
Name CP AP
======================================
Strike Energy 30 180
======================================
Personal favorite of mine, Strike Energy is one of Kujas close range
melee attacks. Kuja quickly shoots out 4 spheres in front of himself
that quickly strike the enemy to set them up for its follow up attacks.
Yup, thats it, just a nice quick 4 hit poke attack. The attack itself
is so fast that its hard for human players in no lag to block it on
reaction. As long as you dont make it obvious when you are going to use
it you should always be able to hit with out worrying about being
guarded. The attack is best paired with Burst Energy.
Name CP AP
======================================
Snatch Shots 30 180
======================================
Snatch Shots is the attack where Kuja fires 2 flare orbs that home in
on the enemy and draws them closer to Kuja setting them up for his
follow up attacks. Snatch Shots can also be comboed into Strike Energy
or Energy Burst for extra damage. If you are really good and you are
close to a wall you can combo all 3 attacks. Do Snatch Shots > Dodge
Cancel, Strike Energy (Far away fallow up into wall) > Dodge Cancel
above the enemies head > Energy Burst. Snatch Shots homing is a little
limited to just about directly in front of Kuja. Its range is similar
to Seraphic Stars but it can bend up or down farther, and faster. The
farther away from the opponent Kuja is, the lower or higher you can be
from their current vertical plain to allow Snatch Shots to hit.
Name CP AP
======================================
Holy Rings 20 120
======================================
Holy Ring is the worst out of Kujas 3 long range attacks. They are
really slow and have a distinct loud buzzing sound that gives them
away, not only that but it is easily guarded or dashed. It is possible
to chain them with Ultima and Seraphic Star if the three rings hit.
But, because moving Kuja will also influence how the rings move, you
can make it so all 3 hit at once, which will prevent you from being
able to combo in Seraphic Star and Ultima.
Name CP AP
======================================
Snatch Blow 30 180
======================================
Snatch blow is rather slow compared to Kujas other 2 melee attacks, but
it has a much greater range so it doesnt require you to be so close to
the enemy, and if it is blocked at its peek, there is a chance you can
recover before you get attacked. The attack itself has Kuja launching a
ring of orbs at the enemy. If the attack lands the orbs drag the enemy
all the way back to Kuja for his follow up attacks. Also the attack can
go through walls so you can hide behind different objects so you may
attack the enemy safely. This is really fun to use in Pandemonium :D.
Snatch Blow also wacks away all projectiles in its path, making it easy
to grab Kefka, or Ultimecia. It also goes through Emperors Flare.
Name CP AP
======================================
Energy Burst 30 180
======================================
Energy Burst is a very fun attack indeed. Although you have to be
stupid close for it to hit, guarding does not cause Kuja to stagger at
all. In fact, if it is guarded by attacks like Sephiroths Scintella
(Spelling? Im just gonna call it Flash >.>) or Firions Shield Bash, you
can easily dodge over their heads and use it again while they are
defenseless. You can also move freely during the attack so you can back
away safely from normal guards. Energy Burst also has some very
delicious vertical tracking. It makes it very easy to mind attack
people by dropping slowly than popping back up to blast them in the
face or travel above them into their blind zone to snipe them
Name CP AP
======================================
Remote Flare 30 180
======================================
Remote Flare, A.K.A, The Mages Bane, is a very nice attack to have when
fighting other mages like Emperor and Shantotto. By keeping a steady
stream of Remote Flare pressure you can prevent people from casting
spells. It can also be used to knock Ultimecia and Kefka out of a lot
of their HP attacks safely. Coupled with Snatch Blow and Pandemonium,
you can practically when the fight whilst hiding behind a brick wall
the entire time. The attack itself is not very good on Melee
characters, but if the enemy tries to dodge it right away, the Flare
will dramatically change their spawning point to catch them on the cool
down.
-----------------------------------------------------------
III. Tools of the Trade [TOTH]
-----------------------------------------------------------
b. Hit Point Attacks
Kuja only has 3 HP attacks and no Brave to HP combos, but the HP
attacks he does have are very useful, and cover all range areas. Lets
go check them out.
Name CP AP
========================================
Seraphic Star 40 180
========================================
At first glance Seraphic Star looks pretty pathetic, but it is actually
very useful and versatile if you know its range. The attack itself is
very fast and very quick, able to hit people off wiffs from Brave
Attacks. It also has a nice suction effect, so even if it does miss,
youll have plenty of time to escape and recover way before the enemy
can get to you. Seraphic Stars Range is just a little bit further than
Firions Master of Arms, to give you a bit of an idea what its range is
like, and it also has some small vertical homing and will either bend
up or down a little bit to get the enemy. Some times it will hit the
ground and stop short its full length. It also stops when it hits walls
and the such.
Name CP AP
======================================
Flare Star 40 180
======================================
Flare Star is probably Kujas second best HP attack and is best used
after guarding the enemy or after crashing the enemy into the ground.
If the enemies Dodge range is short, you can also hit them as they try
to get away. Much like FFIXs Flare Star, Kuja summons a ring of 5 orbs
that twirl up in the air and come crashing down on one another making a
huge explosion. The 5 orbs can hit the enemy any time they are moving,
this includes when they are first summoned. The initial BRV damage from
the attack is enough to break if the enemy has BRV around 200 or so.
There is also a Glitch where if you are hit during the starting
animations of Flare Star and you EX Guard the attack, the ending
Explosion of Flare Star can randomly activate and hit the enemy, even
if you have already started another attack.
Name CP AP
======================================
Ultima 40 300
======================================
Although Ultima doesnt have its planet killing powers that it has in
Final Fantasy IX, the attack itself is actually pretty damn nasty. Kuja
charges up the attack which causes a big orb to appear above the enemy.
If they dont dodge in time the big orb drops dozens of small orbs on
the enemy before exploding in a catastrophic sphere of death. The
attack can also hit if the enemy times their dodge too early as well
too. The spell can be used to catch enemies on wiffs or in the middle
of attacks, and it teaches the likes of Sephiroth and Kefka to not use
their charging attacks such as Meteor and Missing Zero. Also a nice
thing to note is that Kuja can move freely during the whole spell. That
means even if it wiffs, by the time the enemy dodges around it and dash
at you, you would have recovered way before they could actually hit
you. Kujas speed during the spell is also just fast enough for him to
move out of the way of Squalls Rough Divide too, so no worries there
either. Also, Exdeath can not guard Ultima at all, so this gives you a
very safe option to finish the match off.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Fighting Styles [FSPB]
-----------------------------------------------------------
a. Point Blank Kuja
In this section, and the following, we will go in-depth on the
different play styles of Kuja. Because Kuja can cover all ranges
effectively you can create Kujas of varying styles to fit almost all
situations and any character with a little planning and elbow grease.
It is a very good idea to go and master every ability on Kuja, Brave,
HP, Action Abilities, everything. You dont have to do silly things like
Auto-Chase and such, but its a good idea to have everything mastered so
you can effectively cram in everything to maximize Kujas potential.
Now, lets start with the Point Blank Kuja, or CQC Kuja as I like to
call him (Yes, Kuja was a student of The Boss).
Most people read Kujas think Kuja is meant to be fought as a long range
magic user. This however is not true. He can cover all ranges, and he
covers close range very effectively too. The ideal move set would be
Snatch Shots, Energy Burst, and Strike Energy. Even with a close range
fighting style, having a long range attack gives you an option against
people that run away and offers you another option to attack with when
the enemy has full EX. Not only that but all 3 attacks can be comboed,
and all great melee characters need combos. Your main attack strategy
is going to be rushing the enemy down with Energy Burst or Strike
Energy. Because of Energy Bursts properties it effectively removes the
threat of Warrior of Lights Shield of Light, Firions Shield Bash, and
Sephiroths Flash. Just make sure you use the attack before you dash too
far and run into their shields with your face, and also make sure to
dodge away after the back to evade the upcoming counter attack. When
the enemy has full EX you should interchange Strike Energy and Energy
Burst. Because both Energy Bursts follow up attacks can be EXd, that
removes a big chuck of brave income, so youll want to sneak in Strike
Energy for its long range follow ups dont cause Kuja to stagger if the
enemy EX guards. Strike Energy also allows you to quickly catch enemies
on wiffs. For example, if Squall uses Ariel Circle Strike Energy allows
you to quickly poke Squall while staying out of that exploding circle.
To keep the enemy guessing make sure to get really good at Chase Games.
It is an easy way for Kuja to get in a HP attack. And remember, the
chase ends when the enemy gets their third turn, after you dodge the
final attack, smack them with Strike Energy for a free shot or Energy
Burst to start the cycle all over again after the chase finishes. If
the enemy starts catching on, skip the whole chase and dash right up to
them and get them from under with Energy Burst. It also possible to hit
the enemy with Flare Star if you knock them to the ground with a Brave
attack in chase.
Now, we shall discuss what action abilities and such you should have
equipped on Kuja. I myself, have all ground slots unequipped so I can
maximize maneuverability and critical power increase. Most fights take
place in the air any way so its all good. Now, because Air Slide is
very fast and can get you that much needed EX Core, you will want to
keep Air Slide up, but keep Jump Times down. So equip 2 or 3 Air Slides
but only 1 Jump Times +, or even none at all is OK too. Youll want to
be in the enemies face so there is no reason to be higher in the air
than them also any way. Speed ++ is a must too, so is Parry Movement
and Evasion Efficiency. Rather or not you want to equip Evasion
Movement Up is up to you, but if you do equip it, it makes comboing
Snatch Shots and Energy Burst/Strike harder. It also makes punishing
wiffs harder because Kuja is going to be farther away from the enemy
and his attacks have short range. On the other hand though, if you are
fighting Garland, you can use it to dodge right through his Tornado and
attack him before he uses Blaze. Counter Attack and Sneak Attack are
very useful, because of Kujas quick attacks the chances of you hitting
the enemy while they are in the middle of an attack are very high, and
because some of Kujas follow up attacks hit from behind, they have a
chance to activate Sneak Attack. If you are good at guarding use
Ripostle, and if you have enough CP for another, equip Cat Nip. Cat Nip
is very useful against the likes of Squall and Sephiroth and will help
keep you from getting hit by that last devastating attack. Equip your
Anti Critical Ability depending on who you are fighting. Like if you
are Fighting Squall, use Ineffective Sneak attack as Beat Fang ALWAYS
activates Sneak Attack. Also, you probably dont want to use Ineffective
Ripostle as the chances of your opponent guarding an attack that are
stupid fast is stupid low >.>. Pick your favorite EXP to ____ and stick
with it. If you have extra CP equip something useful, such as
Concentration or something. I like to use Physical Shield myself,
Snooze and Lose is also nice.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Fighting Styles [FSDK]
-----------------------------------------------------------
b. Distanced Kuja
Long Range is pretty much the opposite of CQC Kuja, instead of 2 melee
and 1 long range attack; he has 2 long range and 1 melee attack. The
main focus of Long Range Kuja is to always pressure the enemy with
Remote Flare and Snatch Shots and than getting them with Snatch Blow as
they squirm around trying to reach you. If the enemy just dashes right
at you, you can just dodge over and away and continue to back up as you
use your projectile attacks. If they get too close while they dash you
can guard and get them with Snatch Blow. If you are fighting Squall or
Cloud, you might want to take out Snatch Blow for Strike Energy as
these two need to get close in order to do damage, if it is Sephiroth
though you are better off with Snatch Blow as Sephiroth has a very long
reach. When fighting other mages you will want to do the same and keep
Snatch Blow, as Snatch Blow drills right past projectile attacks like
Ultimecias Arrows and Emperors Flare. Long Range Kuja is a nightmare
for mage users. Fight Ultimecia and watch how she desperately tries to
cast spells while Remote Flare is exploding all over her every 3
seconds.
You always need to be doing something as long range Kuja too, and you
should try playing on levels like Kefkas Tower and Pandemonium if you
choose this play style as the small stages make it easy for you to hide
and snipe them with Remote Flare and Snatch Blow (Snatch Blow goes
through walls xD). Stages like the Void Castle and Cosmoss Throne are
perfectly fine too however, for they are very large in size and offer
plenty of escape routes.
As far as abilities go, maneuverability is key. Have Jump Boost and
Jump Times to help get in the air faster, and Speed ++ is always nice
to have too. Omni Air Dash is very nice on Long Range Kuja. Because it
has the speed of Air Slide you can take Air Slide off and boost up your
Jumps and such, unlike with Short Range Kuja who NEEDS Air Dash. Dodge
Movement Up will come in handy this time around. Also make sure to have
Glide Up equipped to increase Glide time. Your critical set up should
be similar to Short Range Kujas but you might want to have Anti
Ripostle this time because of Snatch Blow.
Again, you shouldnt have any of your ground slots equipped to help pool
CP to your abilities.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Fighting Styles [OTHR]
-----------------------------------------------------------
c. Other Techniques
These are some interesting combos and such that you can use in battle
to help give you an edge.
Ultima Shielding.
When you are below the enemy use Ultima and glide yourself under them
as they move, If they dodge out of Ultima the Ultima spell itself will
fall down on top of Kuja. If the enemy doesnt have a projectile attack
or good enough reach, they can not hit you with out getting blasted
themselves until the spell ends. You can also float around Ultima in a
circle as they try to get around it to get at you, making an effective
wall.
Snatch Shots > Strike Energy > Burst Energy.
When close to a wall you can combo all 3 attacks. You should practice
this on a low level AI to get the idea down, and than boost it up or
fight friends to get the timing. While the enemy is close to the wall,
use Snatch Shots, as the enemy is dragged to Kuja dodge cancel back
than forth and use Strike Energy. Next use Strike Energys long range
Follow Up, the one that blasts the enemy up and down. The final blast
should send them crashing into the wall. If the enemy hit the wall,
Dodge Cancel forward above them and activate Burst Energy. Kuja will
adjust himself vertically to match where the enemy is on the wall. If
done correctly and fast enough by the time they get off the wall the
blast from Burst Energy will hit them before the target regains control
of the character.
Endless Chasing
As long as you are good at Chases and you are fast on the draw, you can
keep you and the enemy stuck in the Chase mini game infinitely if you
use Strike Energy or Energy Burst right away as the chase ends.
Remember, the chase ends after the enemy does their third attack. If
the other guy is faster however, he can dodge out of the way. If you
are not good at chases, dont bother with this.
EX Mode Super Glide Shield.
In EX mode Kujas Glide is heavily modified. Now when he glides the orbs
he twirls around are huge and darker in color. As he twirls them around
he is protected by a very powerful shield that also deals damage to any
one that comes close him. The shield cancels out most attacks, it even
causes Chaos to stagger when he trys to do his FALCON KICK in the air,
which normally goes right past guards like a hot knife in butter.
EX Mode Dribble
In EX mode when Kuja jumps the spheres around him spin around dealing
damage as he falls. When he hits the ground they explode dealing more
damage. It is possible to dribble your opponent up and down using this
method. As you fall next to them and the orbs explode, jump up above
them and fall. They will get caught by Kujas spinning orbs as he falls
back down, and when they explode the enemy goes back up. Just keep
repeating this as much as you like or until EX wears off. The Ex Mode
Dribble is very hard to pull off and requires exact timing however, so
you shouldnt try doing it unless you got practice.
EX Mode Flare Stream to Flare Star
Again, while in Ex Mode, as Kuja jumps, a stream of Flare orbs appear
behind him and explode. If the enemy gets stuck in one, the Flares can
explode and stun the enemy. While they are stuck in this explosion you
can Flare Star them for the kill. You can also ram into them with your
Glide for a little extra damage than use Flare Star if you want to. In
fact I like gliding into them first to give me extra time to Flare
Star.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VWOL]
-----------------------------------------------------------
a. Warrior of Light
This next section will give you tips on how to approach and fight other
characters. Lets start with Warrior of Light
Warrior of Lights attacks are pretty linear which means Kuja is
probably his worst match. Being able to move while attacking is a huge
advantage. Close Range Kuja using Energy Burst is impossible for
Warrior of Light to punish with his slow attacks. Long Range Kuja
should be able keep WoL busy for a long time too, as it makes using his
Fangs dangerous as it will make him an easy target for Remote Flare.
When close to the ground, if WoL uses his Lighting Spell, use Seraphic
Star and by the time WoL gets out of his cool down the spell should
already have activated on top of him. Watch out though, if he uses
Blizzard instead the snow balls will hit you before Seraphic Star deals
damage. Make sure to watch out for his Shield Attacks in the air, they
are pretty fast and make it dangerous to use Energy Burst. But if you
are above him you can Glide around and see if the enemy tries to get
you, in which case you can Guard it for a free counter attack. His
Radiant Swords in the air are also pretty nasty. Dont ignore them as
they can get pretty fast and it is best to dodge forward above them.
Dont do this close to WoL however, as he can grab you while you are in
your dodging animation.
Warrior of Light is probably a 4 out of 10 on difficulty.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VGAR]
-----------------------------------------------------------
b. Garland
Garland is far less dangerous than his hero counter part. Tornado and
Blaze combo is hard to approach and using Ultima while he is casting
Blaze is dangerous. What ever you do, dont drop to far below or above
him when he uses this spell as it becomes hard to dodge. Best strategy
is to dash at him while he is casting Tornado and dodge through it.
From there you can get him with Energy Burst or Strike Energy. Garlands
air game is pretty solid but sadly yours is better. If he gets close he
will most likely be trying to get you with the Ban Hammer, but Burst
Energy is faster and can get him from above. Garlands Hammer attack
only corrects him vertically if he is above you. If you get above him
he will most likely try to get you with the drill instead. As long as
you see it coming you can block it easily and punish him. If you are
using Long Range Kuja, use Snatch Shots and Snatch Blow to punish wiffs
and blocks and use Remote Flare when he trys to Tornado + Blaze you.
Also watch out for his Fish Hook. He normally yells really loud when he
uses it so you can see it coming a mile away.
Short Range Kuja will have a harder time with Garland and his Tornado +
Blaze combo being harder to approach unless you take Snatch Shots out
for Remote Flare or Snatch Blow, but Long Range Kuja already comes with
all the tools needed to take care of Garland. Just dont get close to
the ground. All in all, Garland is around 3.5 out of 10
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VFIR]
-----------------------------------------------------------
c. Firion
Firion is stupid easy to beat as Kuja, Short Range or Long Range. No
matter what attack Firion does it forces him to stop moving and he
stands still for the whole animation, this leaves him a sitting duck
for Remote Flare or Ultima. For Close Range Kuja all you need is Energy
Burst and there is pretty much nothing Firion can do. Just make sure to
dodge away if he Shield Bashes it. He will always do the short range
version so you dont need to worry about the homing spells. Energy Burst
renders Firions greatest attack completely useless. There is really no
reason why you should ever take damage. Your Seraphic Star also has
longer range than his Master of Arms, so just dodge away out of its
range and send a star down the whirlwind right back at him.
Over all, Firion is a 0.5 out of 10 on the difficulty scale.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VEMP]
-----------------------------------------------------------
d. Emperor Palamecia
Emperor, another match up that Long Range Kuja is better suited for
than Short Range. Although Kuja lacks an attack that can reflect Flare
effectively you can still maneuver around it easily as you attack.
Because youll be spending your time in the air, pressuring with Remote
Flare and Snatch Shots, you dont have to worry about his pesky
Lightning Crest, effectively taking away Emperors most dangerous tool.
If Emperor tries hiding in his Air Flare while casting Star Fall use
Remote Flare or Ultima to teach him the error of his ways. Short Range
Kuja will have a harder time avoiding Lightning Crest and Flare but
Snatch Shots gives you an effective way of picking him off between
spell casts.
Although Emperor is just as vulnerable as Firion is against Long Range
Kuja, because he can put up some what of a fight against Short Range
Kuja, I give him 2 out of 10. Also make sure to avoid small levels like
Chaoss Throne because of Flare.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VONK]
-----------------------------------------------------------
e. Onion Knight
Maybe its just me, but the old school FFs have a hard time against
Kuja... Any way, most (See: All) of Onion Knights attacks are very
linear, thus, easily dodged by Kuja. How ever, if they do land, they
can hurt a lot, doesnt help that they all link to HP attacks too. But
sadly that wont matter as Onion Knight wont hit you if you are careful
enough. 3 out of 4 of Onion Knights attacks go in a straight and are
thus easily dodged by simply moving backwards and to the side. The 3
attacks in question are Onion Knights 2 melee attacks, and his Blizzard
spell. His 4th attack, Thunder (his air magic attack) can be easily
dodged by moving Kuja backwards, allowing Kuja to freely fall to the
ground, or, you can dash right through it. In fact, if you dash towards
OK as he starts the spell, the Thunder Orb will get reflected back in
OKs face. OKs HP attacks are also very linear. His ground Melee HP
attack is just like his BRV attack, and can be dodged easily or can be
avoided by moving back and to the side. His Spell HP attack, Firaga, is
also easily avoided by moving away from the expected impact zone of the
blast. His air HP attacks are easier to punish. As he starts up an HP
attack, just Air Slide away and start up Ultima.
Overall I give the little devil 2 out of 10. Best to avoid small levels
when fighting OK, also.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VCOD]
-----------------------------------------------------------
f. Cloud of Darkness
Cloud of Darkness is another relatively easy kill for Kuja. Before she
can use her brave attacks Cloud of Darknesss tentacles move back and
forth a few times. This is your sign to get ready to dodge or guard
what ever attack is heading your way. If you can get CoD to use the
brave attack where she creates a giant orb around her you can easily
punish it with Seraphic Star. All her HP attacks have a relatively long
start up time so you can get her easy with any of your attacks. Long
Range Kuja will probably want to use Remote Flare to punish safely
while Short Range Kuja will want to use Strike Energy if they are close
or Snatch Shots if you dont think you can reach her in time. This is
for her air HP attacks by the way, like her KAMEHAMEHA (0 Form) and
Fullslide attack. None of her Ground HP attacks will reach you if you
stay a safe distance away. Expect for maybe Anti Air and Long Range
Particle Beam. In EX Mode her cool down and start up are greatly
reduced so its best to move away and wait for EX to go away. Fullslide
though in EX Mode can still be punished if you can reach her before the
balls close back in. And chances are a desperate CoD user will spam
Fullslide in one position.
I give CoD about 3 out of 10.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VCEC]
-----------------------------------------------------------
g. Cecil
Cecil is tough cookie. Dark Knight Cecil himself isnt that big of a
threat, as he has little to no air game, and his ground attacks
themselves are just as linear as Warrior of Lights. The real threat is
Paladin Cecil. Search Light isnt a threat to Long Range Kuja as you can
get him in the casting animation with Remote Flare, so you dont have to
worry about his HP link. For Long Range Kuja youll probably want to
rush forward or dash through them. Paladin Cecils brave attacks are
very fast so you have little time to react to them. He can attack
straight up and down like you so if you can get Energy Burst before he
can use his attacks youll be able to get in damage before he does. You
can also use Strike Energy to safely cancel out both your attacks and
prevent being hit. Some Cecils can get cocky and make their attacks too
obvious by being overly aggressive. If this happens just wait for them
to get above or below you and guard appropriately. Cecils HP attacks
leave him open for more than enough time to punish with your quick
attacks so look for openings in wiffed HP attacks. Watch out for small
stages as it makes it tricky to avoid his HP attacks.
I give Cecil about 5 out of 10 because of Paladin Cecils high speed.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VGOL]
-----------------------------------------------------------
h. Golbez
Possibly your hardest match up yet, Golbez will give you a hard time
approaching. Golbez can effectively set up a barrier around himself
that makes it really hard to get any sort of attack in. His Night Glow
HP attack on the ground can prevent you from using Energy Burst, and
his ground brave attacks can make it impossible to approach safely and
can constantly keep you pressured. Short Range Kuja will have a really
hard time facing a good Goblez. Your only hope is to be extremely
aggressive. If you can get him in the air, dont let him get down.
Goblez is trash in the air and cant do a thing to you. His 3 air brave
attacks are easy to dodge/block and punish. Even his air HP attack is
easily punished by Kuja. If Golbez tries to use Genesis Rock, move back
a few feet and use Ultima to punish him while the rocks are still
spinning around him. Long Range Kuja will have an easier time, make
sure to keep Golbez under constant pressure and dont get in range of
his harsher ground attacks. Play it safe when around Goblez, fly away
and use Ultima if you have to, just what ever you do, do not allow the
battle to take place close to the ground.
Over all, I give Golbez 8.5 out of 10
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VBAR]
-----------------------------------------------------------
I. Bartz
Bartz is relatively easy to beat. Seeing as youll be in the air most
the battle, his combos which can only be done on the ground are useless
against you, and his only Brave to HP attack is laughable at best.
Bartz is just a basic melee character and thus easily punished by
either Long Range or Short Range Kuja. His Slide Hazzard in the air can
be side stepped effortlessly by Long Range Kuja and a well timed Energy
Burst can catch Bartz while he is sliding above you on the upward ark.
His other brave attack in the air is Zidanes spinning attack, which
actually has some good tracking, but it is easily guarded. Also
something to take note of is that Bartz flashes brightly before
attacking, so look for this as a sign to guard. In EX Mode Bartz has
Goblin Punch. Normally Bartz players will keeping dashing right through
your dodge and punch you, so skip the whole dodging thing and just out
right guard him and punish him. Using rails and such to get away from
him will be your best and safest bet though. This is one of those times
where you will be thankful you equipped Omni Air Dash on Kuja.
Over all I give Bartz a 6 out of 10, but only because of his stupidly
broken Goblin Punch and Holy Spam can get annoying and dangerous.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VEXD]
-----------------------------------------------------------
j. Exdeath
Exdeath is LAWLZ worthy when fighting Kuja. Exdeath cant touch Kuja no
matter what where as Kuja can fight back with out the worry of
guarding. Remote Flare, Energy Burst, and your 3 HP attacks will be the
only attacks you will need. Feel free to remove any other attacks to
buff up your abilities. Remote Flare spawns all around Exdeath, thus
removing the threat of High Guard, and requires stupid precise timing
to guard, thus removing the threat of Omni Guard. Energy Burst has
beautiful vertical tracking, so you can float above Exdeath into his
Blind Spot and effectively mind game him or snipe him. Exdeath just can
not guard Ultima at all, so to finish the match all you have to do is
some how trick him into falling in to it. You can also try getting his
back with Seraphic Star as he High Guards. Flare Star may not be very
effective. Your best bet would be to go into EX Mode and Glide Poke
him, or fall on top of him.
Over all I give Exdeath a 1 out of 10.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VTER]
-----------------------------------------------------------
k. Terra
Terra is again one of those tricky characters. Youll want to try and
bait her into coming into air, as Meteor + Holy + Flare + Ultima
hurts... a LOT. Her most useful move in the air is her Blizzard melee
attack, but thankfully Short Range Kujas Strike Energy and Energy Burst
are much quicker and easier to get off. Also be weary of Holy. If
possible dash through the orbs and get her while she is still twirling
around in the air. Watch out for her to cast Meltdown, a very dangerous
HP attack. If you are quite a ways away from her you can attempt to use
Ultima on her. If you are close dont take any chances and get away from
her, the attack is very fast. Long Range Kuja will have an easier time
as Remote Flare will get her in any of her casting animations,
Meltdown, Holy, Flood, ect, non are safe if you are quick on the draw
with Remote Flare.
Overall I give Terra a 5.5 out of 10.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VKEF]
-----------------------------------------------------------
l. Kefka
Canonly, Kefka is a beast, gameplay wise, not so much... All of Kefkas
attacks can be dashed through except a select few. Watch out for his
Ultima spell, as the small ball at the start of the spell can not be
dashed or guarded. The other attack you can not dash would be his Back
and Forth Firaga spell. When the ball is big, it can not be blocked or
dashed, so try to reflect it back when Kefka is casting it, or when the
ball is small. Overall though, Short Range Kuja will have a fun time
with him. Long Range Kuja... will still have fun with this clown as
Remote Flare pressure can easily prevent him from casting many of his
spells while at a safe distance. If Kefka sees you dashing at him he
might use Wings of Destruction, if so, stop and use Holy Star to deal
HP damage while at a safe distance. Trine is easily dodged by simply
letting Kuja fall down to the ground or jumping over it. Missing Zero
is just plain unsafe for Kefka to cast as your Ultima will reach him
before his reaches you.
Kefka gets 5 out of 10.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VCLD]
-----------------------------------------------------------
m. Cloud
Clouds air game is relatively useless against Kuja. The only move you
really have to look out for is the Slash Blow attack. You know, the one
that links to Omnislash V.5, but only because if he gets you with it
early, and if it breaks you, you are pretty much starting the fight off
with 1 HP thanks to the crash damage. Dont get too close to Cloud while
he is on the ground. If you do there is chance he can hit you with
Cutting Edge and combo it to Cross Slash. Also watch out for his Meteor
attack, the best way to avoid this move is to Air Slide to the side or
get high up in the air. If Cloud has a full EX gauge, dont attempt to
guard any of his attacks, ESPECIALLY Slash Blow. There is a chance the
Cloud Player will activate EX right as you guard, so its safer to just
dodge out of the way. If Cloud trys to get you with Braver, the best
thing to do is Dodge towards, and over him, and than using Flare Star
to punish. Besides that, no matter what Kuja you use, just do your
thing. Close Range Kuja does the melee game better than Cloud does at
close range, and Long Range Kuja will have no trouble keeping the
pressure while easily punishing wiffs.
I give Cloud 3 out of 10. This is one silver haired villain he will not
be beating any time soon.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VSEP]
-----------------------------------------------------------
n. Sephiroth
Cloud is cake, but Sephiroth is a giant chilly cheese corn dog
smothered in fatty condiments just waiting to clog your arteries and
give you a stroke, or a heart attack, or something. Sephiroth melee
range is much larger than Kujas, which means Sephiroth has a big
advantage over Close Range Kuja. If you do manage to evade one of his
attacks, play it safe and use Snatch Shots to draw him in and combo
with Energy Burst. Sephiroths move set is similar for both the air and
ground, so its ok to fight Sephiroth close to the ground, but I still
recommend you try to force the fight higher into the air. If you see
Sephiroth trying to power up the Black Materia pop him a Ultima. Long
Range Kuja can safely punish Sephiroths wiffed Octaslashs, which is
best dealt with by dodging above, and behind Sephiroth. Octaslash has
great horizontal tracking but he cant turn on a dime, so his back is
his blind spot and open to Snatch Shots, Snatch Blow, Remote Flare,
Flare Star, ect. Just make sure to get him on the ending slash. If you
are close to the ground and Sephiroth gets you stuck in one of his huge
combos, just stay calm and let Sephiroth punish you. Chances are, at
the end of the deadly barrage, he will try and get you with Octaslash.
At this point youll want to dodge above and behind. You should have
more than enough time to get away and recover. In the US version
Sephiroth has some pretty nasty tricks and a few new attacks that he
can get you with. Watch out for Heavens Light, the attack is very fast
but he has to do a swan dive to the ground first, so look for the dive
and dodge to the side. Hells Gate can not be stopped in mid air, so
dont get close to Sephiroth when he is using this attack. Be careful
with your Strike Energy and dashes too, as Sephiroth has an air version
of Firions Shield Bash attack, which can be devastating if you fall for
it. When Sephiroth is in Ex Mode there is a chance he will bait you
with Heartless Angel. Dash at him to scare him out of it but dont
attack, Sephiroth can cancel out of Heartless Angel immediately and
fallow up with Heavens Light which can get you while are in the middle
of attacks.
Sephiroth is a worthy foe, I give him a 7 out of 10.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VSQL]
-----------------------------------------------------------
o. Squall
Squall is like Sephiroth, but faster, and much more deadly. To start
things off, watch out for Squalls Mystic Furry, this attack can be your
ultimate down fall if it some how manages to hit you. Squall can keep
use this to safely lower you to the ground, than use Revolver Dive as
you are stuck in the landing animation. This is probably the only way
Squall can kill you out side of EXGing and such. Close Range Kuja and
Squall are pretty much equals in accuracy, distance, and tracking. Your
biggest advantage is that you have longer range projectile in the air
than he does. If you hear Squall using Heal Crash, move into range and
Strike Energy. Strike Energy is nice and fast so if Squall cancels out
of it, you will have time to evade the incoming Beat Fang. If you dont
feel safe using Snatch Shots against Squall because of his Heel Crash
and Circle attacks, its OK to switch it out for Snatch Blow. Because it
is not a projectile and has better range, you can grab him out of Heel
Crash and Air Circle. One opening you should abuse is the long cool
down Fated Circle has. You can easily punish this by popping a Holy
Star his way. Squall will probably be getting most his brave from
Surprise Attack, so equip Ineffective Surprise Attack to combat it. It
really does save you a ton of brave and can prevent you from being
broken in one hit. Be sure to watch out for his Rough Divide in the air
too. The best way to dodge this is to wait for him to come flying and
to dodge above and over him. You can also dodge Rough Divide while
casting Ultima. Just keep moving to the side and he will fly right past
you.
I give Squall 8 out of 10 because of his massive brave gain thus making
him dangerous most the match.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VULT]
-----------------------------------------------------------
p. Ultimecia
Next up, Rin-, I mean Ultimecia. Ultimecia is like Golbez, but is based
around air control instead of ground control and lacks the Brave to HP
attacks and combos that make Goblez deadly. At the start of the match
Ulty will probably try to get away and into the air as fast as
possible. Its best to get on Ultys ass right from the get go. Ulty will
probably try to fend you off with one of her axe brave attacks, you can
either get past this by just dashing right through them (if they are
the small 3 axes) or dodging forward through it (if its the large 1
axe) and continue to chase after her. As Short Range Kuja youll want to
keep her pressured at all times with your melee attacks. Watch out for
her red arrow attack. Its like a freaking machine gun and can deal a
good chunk of damage to you, so stay a good distance above her and away
from her front. As Long Range Kuja you should attempt to get higher in
the air than her. This way you can see what she is doing below you but
she cant see what you are doing above her. This also gives you a clear
view of where all her attacks are going. From the air constantly
pressure her with Remote Flare. This pretty much prevents her from
using Apocalypse, her only anti air HP attack. Her other 2 pose no
threat to you. If you see her charging any of the two other attacks and
you are for some reason on the same plane as her, pop a Holy Star her
way. By the time she releases the attack the Holy Star should have
activated and hit her. In EX Mode Ultimecia can cast a new spell that
freezes time, opening you up for a free HP attack. The second you see
her charging this spell, immediately cast Remote Flare or rush her down
to prevent her from getting this spell off. If she has a full EX, do
not move away from her. Even if a EX Core pops up, you WILL NOT have
enough time to reach the core, and back to her in time to prevent the
Time Crunch. Just ignore it and keep attacking her.
I give Ultimecia a 6.5 out of 10. By the way R=/=U :P
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VZID]
-----------------------------------------------------------
q. Zidane
Now finally, Kujas rival and successor, Zidane. Zidane is like the
polar opposite of Kuja. Where Kujas EX Mode is full of offensive
properties, Zidanes EX Mode has defensive properties. Where Kujas Brave
Attacks all have Brave follow ups, Zidanes come with HP follow ups.
Zidane is fast but nothing you should be worried about, as you are
equally as fast in the air. In the air Zidanes 3 melee attacks either
have him tracking you horizontally, vertically upwards, or vertically
downwards at an angle. They can all be comboed to each other in various
ways and Zidane will always end this barrage with an HP attack. The
best thing to do is just not get hit. Most Zidane players play a chip
away game, where they slowly drain your entire HP instead of building
up big Brave to take big chunks out of your HP. Besides his 3 Brave
Attacks Zidane has 5 HP attacks. In the air, his 3 HP attacks are Shift
Break, Grand Lethal, and Free Energy. Shift Break can be easily
countered by using Remote Flare to interrupt Zidanes casting if you are
Long Range Kuja, or move to the side and jump a few times to get away.
Again, if you are long range Kuja the jump boost will put you well
beyond reach of the attack. Grand Lethal during its charge up has
zomghax tracking. If you jump over him he will do a complete 180 and go
at you. The best thing to do is glide back a few feet and use Flare
Star as Zidane slides into the attack. Free Energy is pretty damn fast
too, and if your reflexes havent got use to the game yet it will be
hard to dodge this attack. Watch out when you use Snatch Shots against
Zidane, because a smart Zidane will use Free Energy instead of a BRV
attack. If you know he is going to do Free Energy after dashing your
Snatch Shots, move closer to him instead of farther away. Energy Burst
does not deal damage if you are touching Zidane. On the ground Zidanes
Tidal Flame shouldnt be a threat unless you are on the ground for some
awkward reason and Stellar Circle 5 can reflect back your Snatch Shots
and pull you into the attack. So be careful of that. It also has a
really big sucking effect which can draw you in. Close Range Kuja can
pretty much eat Zidane alive if you are aggressive enough and know what
you are doing. Just keep an ear out for audio cues when Zidane does his
attacks and you should be able to block them easily. If Zidane does his
horizontal spinning attack, just block. The tracking on the thing will
most likely chase you for the whole dodge animation and hit you. While
in EX Mode Zidane has 15 jumps and each one acts as a dodge, so its not
really worth going after him.
I give Zidane about 6.5 out of 10.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VKJA]
-----------------------------------------------------------
r. Kuja
Kuja has no greater challenge than himself. There is nothing I can
really tell you other than the Kuja with the most skill is going to
win. Long Range Kuja has equal chance of winning as Short Range Kuja,
and like wise, 2 Kujas of the same style have just as equal a chance of
beating each other. In order to win you will need to know your
opponents Kuja just as well as you know his. Take note of how he moves,
his thinking, his strategy. Adjust yourself accordingly to how he
fights you. To fight another Kuja you must be fully flexible with your
thoughts. And above all else, never give up.
Over all, I give Kuja a wtfhax out of zomgbbq.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VTID]
-----------------------------------------------------------
s. Tidus
Tidus is like Exdeath, accept he dodges instead, and Kuja doesnt have
attacks that ignore dodging so this is going to be a little tricky :/.
Most Tiduss will probably, actually, not use many of his dodge attacks
and actually go with Full Slide and Hop Stop and maybe 1 dodge attack.
The dodge attacks themselves are relatively useless as Kuja can move
while attacking, or the attack animations of your attacks are so fast
dodging out of the way of Tiduss attacks is simple. You can tell when
Tidus is going to do a dodge attack because his Dodge Attacks have a
much longer looking, slower dodging animation to it. Like a normal
dodge but in a very fast slow mo mode. So if you notice something
strange in his movements while dodging guard or get out of the way. Or,
if you get out of the attack range fast enough you can retaliate with
Seraphic Star or Flare Star depending on which dodge attack he used.
Some Tidus users are overly aggressive with Hop Step to the point its
not funny how predictable such a fast attack can be. Its pretty much to
the point you just need to dodge or block if you see Tidus inch himself
closer to you. Full Slide can be blocked if you see it coming, and its
relatively useless on Long Range Kuja because you can just move to the
side while casting your spells. In EX Mode, if your opponent is not
aware of the shielding properties of your glide, just float around near
Tidus and see if he tries to Hop Step you thinking its safe. You can
actually do this to bait Tidus when not in EX Mode but you need to
guard manually as you dont have the giants orbs to do it for you.
Besides that, all of Tiduss dodge attacks link to HP attacks, so thats
something else for you to look out for. Besides that, Tidus has 2 other
HP attacks in the air, Jecht Shot and Energy Rain. Both are relatively
easy to dodge out of the way and have huge start up times. Energy Rain
can also link to Full Slide for some major critical damage. If you
decide to go Short Range Kuja the fight is mostly going to be about
rather or not you are fast enough to get in Strike Energy or Energy
burst over his Hop Step. Through in a few guards as you dash at him to
see if you can get a few hit in if he tries to Hop Step.
Over all, I give Tidus a 7.5 out of 10. Mostly because Hop Step can
break you in one hit if you have not yet become use to it, and Tidus
can safely land HP attacks through his Brave Attacks.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VJCT]
-----------------------------------------------------------
t. Jecht
Lets travel down the family tree for a second shall we. Despite his
manly display Jecht is actually quite timid when facing Kuja. Although
Jechts 1 Brave Attack can chain into 2 others, AND a HP attack, the
attack itself requires Jecht to be relatively close. This makes him
easily picked off by Long Range Kuja. Close Range Kuja though has to
venture into Jecht kills zone. This is ok though, as Strike Energy is
faster than Jechts kicks. Besides that, Jecht has 2 HP attacks in the
air. One is like Sephiroths Octaslash, but with shorter range and
greater tracking if he charges it, and the other forces Jecht to slide
downward in front of him, so the safest place would be above him and
the best action to take would be to attack him with a projectile
attack, such as Snatch Shots or Remote Flare. In EX mode Jecht can
continue doing his combos even if he wiffs, so it would be safe to just
get the hell away from him altogether, or at least stay way above him.
If he gets you caught in a combo while he has a full EX Gauge, he can,
and probably will, hit you with Jecht super EX Combo from hell, which
might kill you in one hit. As Long Range Kuja you will want to focus on
using Remote Flare more than Snatch Shots because Snatch Shots can be
reflected back at you with Jecht Shield and it can draw you close to
Jecht for one of his combos.
Jecht gets a 4.5 out of 10, and thats only if you are fighting a Jecht
that can actually do his combos and.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VSAN]
-----------------------------------------------------------
u. Shantotto
Now for the secret characters! First up, Shantotto. Shantotto is one
beast of a mage character. Her EX Mode is probably the most deadly of
them all too, with the ability to keep ALL her Brave Points after doing
HP Damage. That means if the EX Burst Doesnt kill you by some snow
balls chance in hell, than the next attack will. Lucky for you though,
getting in an HP attack on you will be very hard indeed. Long Range
Kuja will have the easiest time fighting Shantotto, mostly because of
Remote Flare getting her while she tries to cast Bind. Which reminds
me, dont let her get you with Bind, EVAR. If she does manage to get you
with bind, keep spamming Remote Flare or Snatch Blow till you get out.
You dont want her getting you with an HP attack while you are stuck.
Because you can move while applying the pressure, getting hit by Bind
should be hard for her. Bind can also be blocked, dont forget this.
This means while you are in EX Mode you can prevent yourself from being
bound by gliding. Close Range Kuja will have a harder time getting an
elusive Shantotto. She has a punishing Brave Attack that can, and WILL,
break you if it criticals. It is also a boomerang attack, so you need
to watch out her staff doesnt hit you from behind after you dodge. Not
only that but she also has a Stun spell which will immediately put you
in a stagger animation if it hits you, this prevents you from getting
close enough for your melee Brave Attacks to work, so you really need
to be careful when fighting her as Close Range Kuja. If you do get
stuck in Bind, and you dont have an options to retaliate, than the most
you can do is dodge/guard. If the correct timing and reflexes, and the
right abilities, it is possible to dodge out of all 3 of her attacks
depending on which one she uses. Tornado and Flood being the hardest to
evade and Fire and Ice being the easiest to evade. One last thing to
look out for, Shantotto also has a Bio spell, which causes a dark green
gas to slowly chase after you. If it hits you it will cause you to
slowly lose Brave over a period of time. The best thing to do is dash
through it or block it right before it hits you.
Shantotto gets 7 out of 10.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IV. Vs. Other Characters [VGAB]
-----------------------------------------------------------
v. Gabranth
The final character in this amazing cast of brawlers and spells casters
is also a real toughie. Gabranth is a ticking time bomb of whoop ass
ready to explode all over your face in a matter of seconds. In normal
mode, Gabranth is the worst character ever. In fact, he has no HP
attacks and all his Brave Attacks are easy to guard and dodge, but you
see, thats the least of your worries. What Gabranth has is a move that
allows him to build up EX with out EX force or an EX Bell. So at the
start of the match, what ever you do, do not let up. You need to stay
on this mofo and do as much damage as possible. If Gabranth sees you
coming, the chances are he will dodge away, or towards and above you.
Keep this in mind, just keep on dashing through his dodge and attack
him as he is cooling down from the animation. If you are a Close Range
Kuja, try to keep him stuck in an Infinite Chase. This will help
prevent him from getting EX, or at least slow him down. Now, you cant
prevent him from going in EX. Eventually, Gabranth will get his EX bar
full and he WILL go EX. Most Gabranths will immediately go at you with
his fast brave attacks. Which by the way, to prevent yourself from
taking a crap load of damage, take off what ever Ineffective Critical
you have and put on Ineffective EX Mode. Trust me, this will help a
lot. Now, back to his fast brave Attacks, most Gabranths will be overly
aggressive towards you to get the most out of their EX Mode. If you are
sure they are going to use a Brave Attack, guard. Although its a
gamble, Gabranth might just start off by using a Brave Attack, so just
guard when he gets with in Range. Gabranth has 2 HP attacks in the air,
both are extremely deadly. One causes a force field to surround him,
and he can keep it up as long as he wants. When he is close enough he
can release it and it will explode, instantly doing HP damage if you
are in the way. The best thing you can do is throw projectiles at him.
His second HP attack involves him putting his two swords together and
shooting off a barrage of energy beams that arc downward. The best
thing you can do is get as high into the air as possible. And punish
him with Ultima. Close Range Kuja is going to have a hell of a time
getting damage on Gabranth. Gabranth has stupid deadly range, and is
stupid fast. You are only stupid fast, which puts you at a great
disadvantage. Long Rage Kuja is just as bad off facing Gabranth because
the beast will just dash past your projectiles and rip you apart. If
anything, just run, run really fast, and really far away. Try to
survive until his EX Mode wears off. You must not get hit by an HP
attack. Gabranth has the second most damaging EX Burst in the game and
chances are, it will kill you.
That said, I give Gabranth a 9 out of 10.
-----------------------------------------------------------
VI. Misc Info. [MISC]
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ummm... Now that the game is in English a translation guide on his
script isnt really necessary >.> <.<
-----------------------------------------------------------
VII. Version history [VRHS]
-----------------------------------------------------------
1.00 Finally finished writing the first draft. Expect changes to be
made after the English release. And possibly help videos for character
match up section.
1.01 Made some changes so the spacing in Tools of the Trade section
wasnt all messed up. Also changed Squalls Upper Blues to Heel Crash to
avoid confusion and added a bit about Sephiroths Shadow Flare. If it
still doesnt display correctly, I am very sorry and Ill try and fix it
for the US release.
1.02 Took the Japanese out because it kept making the FAQ look goofy
1.03 Finally updated everything to match the English version. Expect
some fine tuning in the future, along with help videos once I have
recorded them all. There is also going to be a Chaos guide, Time Attack
Guide, and Equipment Guide sections to be added in the future, so keep
in eye out.
