Post by Bou on Jan 28, 2011 20:05:22 GMT -5
Sorry for the -huge- post. This is a copy/paste effort from elsewhere, and as such, grouping it all together in the initial post. I'll also try not to flood the Clubhouse with my video game threads to start with. 
Anyway...
"Boss Rush" is a term I use for my video series where I simply fight bosses of a game and show how I deal with them, instead of doing the entire game.
Some games I do the entirety of it while others I just do a boss rush. This game, while being one of my favorite RPGs gets the boss rush treatment simply due to the fact I've got a good deal of other projects going on.
I do add a bit of the story into the descriptions below the video, just enough to state why that particular boss fight is happening. Just keep in mind that these are my strategies and aren't surefire or foolproof.
Note: I rename characters in the game after friends.
Also, even though it explains it at the start of the boss battle, I'll repeat it here. Most bosses come with body parts. Whether it be claws, legs, etc, etc. These are not necessary to "kill" but they do offer more experience at the end of the battle if you do so before killing the main body, as killing the main body ends the battle.
Boss #01: Sealed Monster Weapon Kalivos
Kalivos Health Points: 400
Left Claw Health Points: 200
Right Claw Health Points: 200
So, at the beginning of the game we're given the choice of playing three back stories. I chose Ashley's (renamed to Brent) first because he's the main character of this little tale. A new recruit into the musketeers that's on a mission to retrieve a kidnapped boy from three bandits, who have taken refuge in the nearby Withered Ruins.
Upon reaching the boy and his captors, something happens, as is RPG logic and a monster that was sealed away is released from its imprisonment. I love the boss intro thing that Wild ARMs 2 does. Pity they didn't continue it in future titles.
Kalivos isn't too big of a threat. Well, not with the way I choose to handle him. Even at Level 2, Brent (Ashley) is still faster than the monster and can act before it, however, I prefer to be at Level 3 or 4 with him due to how much damage one of the bosses attacks can do.
He can still do a lot of damage with his 'Laser Breath' attack, which he only begins to regularly use after both his claws have been crippled. Which is why I spread the damage out among them. Other than the 'Laser Breath' it has 'Blade Claw L' and 'Blade Claw R' attacks, both of which do minimal damage in comparison. It also has the 'Cross Blade Claw' attack, which it can only perform with both claws functional.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 4
Weapon: Longhorn
Gear: N/A
Body: Jean Jacket
Head: Cowboy Hat
Guard: N/A
Boss #02: Parasite Colony Monster Gremalkin
Gremalkin Health Points: 650
Belly Health Points: 500
After playing through Brent's prologue we are taken back to the "Character Select" screen. This time I've chosen Brad (renamed to Garrett) as we go on the events of something that happened in his past during a war where he was regarded as a hero, but still sought after for arrest.
As he was about to make his escape from the current area, two new recruits were attacked by a monster, one that was preying on the nearby villages livestock. Unable to simply ignore their dilemma, Garrett (Brad) charges forward to face the monster of his pursuers, effectively saving their lives in the process.
Gremalkin can be a pain at level 2 or 3, but still manageable. However, much like in Brent's prologue, I prefer to be at level 4 for the battle, it makes it a bit easier in terms of sustaining damage and dishing it out.
At level 4, its main attack 'Chest Buster' will be shrugged off with 0 damage being dealt. I'm not sure how a critical would register as I've never been dealt a critical hit from this boss.
It also has an attack that it relies on its Belly to use called 'Parasite Battalion' where it unleashes a swarm of bugs from its hive-like belly. Crippling its belly will force it to start using its most powerful attack the 'Roaring Burst' but if you spread out the damage between Gremalkin and its belly before crippling it, 'Roaring Burst' will be a minimal threat.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Garrett (Brad)
Level 4
Weapon: Iron Fist
Gear: N/A
Body: Army Vest
Head: Bandanna
Guard: N/A
Boss #03: Boundless Glutton Monster Olivier
Olivier Health Points: 300
Leg Health Points: 225
After playing through Garrett's prologue we're taken back to the "Character Select" screen where we only have one choice left, the sorceress in training's prologue.
The young sorceress Lilka (renamed to Eve) was on her way to Valeria Chateau using a teleport gem, however, not being fully trained in the use of the thing, she instead warps into Palace Village where she learns that the village is being hounded by a monster. No one has been hurt in the nightly attacks. The wheat fields being its target but even so, that's the village's food and without it, they could starve. Even though she's just in training she offers to use her Magic to help rid the village of their monster problem.
Olivier isn't that big of a threat in all honesty. Its attacks are damaging to Eve (Lilka) due to her being a Sorceress. She lacks the physical defense to shrug them off like Brent or Garrett would. However, she does come with both its weaknesses, Flame and Freeze. She also has a Heal spell for herself. Its weakest attack is its 'Olivier Juice' where it will spit acid bubbles at you.
Beyond that it will use its 'Horse Field Kick' if its legs are intact but often times it'll opt to use the other attack. Once you cripple its legs it loses the ability for its kick attack and it seems to lose the ability for the juice as well, falling back on its most powerful attack. A stupidly named attack at that. What's it called? 'Bufoooooooooooh!' ...Yeah. Silly name but damaging.
Taking out its legs is as simple as two Freeze spells at level 3 and taking out the boss itself is as simple as two Flame spells. Yeah, its weird in the sense that the legs are weak to the Freeze spell but the boss is weak to the Flame spell. You'd think it'd share weakness. Hah. Either way the boss falls easily.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Eve (Lilka)
Level 3
Weapon: Mumbrella
Gear: N/A
Body: Breeze Cape
Head: Hairband
Guard: N/A
Boss #04: Escapee Capture Robot GAONIM
GAONIM Health Points: 2,000
Right Claw Health Points: 1,000
After being recruited into the group known as ARMS, Brent is quickly arrested for an attempt of assassination against the leader. The man asked to see Brent's weapon, fired it at the wall, and then quickly tossed it back to him. Why? So Brent could get into the prison known as Illsveil to meet up with the other member, Garrett.
He could have informed Brent he was doing this but... nope. Brent really went to prison thinking he was framed/tricked by Irving. Eve went with him on orders by Irving. After the three group up and begin to make their escape during a convenient prison break, started by another group, they are encountered by the prison's security, GAONIM at the whim of the Warden.
GAONIM and its Right Claw both boast a pretty high health count. Grouped with the fact that both can hit somewhat hard makes it somewhat of a threat. Still as threatening as it is it is still of minimal threat due to it only being able to attack single targets and being quite slow.
It has three attacks and uses them as it sees fit unlike the first three bosses. It has a weak unnamed attack with its left arm. Its 'Hammer Swing' attack can only be used if its Right Claw is functional so taking it out reduces it to two attacks. Its other attack 'Chew Up' is the other attack of the main boss, literally biting its opponent with the mock mouth it has.
It is vulnerable to lightning magic, so, Spark is a good choice to use against it when Eve isn't on healing duty. Now, what happened to Flame? I'm sure someone may ask. Spells in this game aren't gained by levels but instead by inscribing them to Crests that you collect throughout the game. You can also 'erase' a spell from a Crest, freeing it up. You can only erase and inscribe them at the appropriate 'shop' in town. I did this with Flame and replaced it with Spark for this boss.
All in all, this boss is a decent challenge for when you get the entire party together but its also nothing that should get you too worked up over. Just keep everyone's HP above the base damage of 'Hammer Swing' and 'Chew Up' and everything should be fine.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 5
Weapon: Rhino Shot
Gear: N/A
Body: Hard Jumper
Head: 10-Gal Hat
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 5
Weapon: Iron Fist
Gear: N/A
Body: Army Vest
Head: Bandanna
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 5
Weapon: Flumrella
Gear: N/A
Body: Mage Robe
Head: Cute Ribbon
Guard: Schturdark
Boss #05: Mysterious Phantom Being Vagesta
Vagesta Health Points: 2,500
Right Claw Health Points: 1,000
Left Claw Health Points: 1,000
After being given their second mission, Brent and Co. head off. Along the way, they stop in the nearby town of Danzem and learn that some suspicious people have broken into the nearby tower and could possibly be the same people who caused the cave in that they were sent to investigate. Upon reaching the top of the tower, they see Vinsfeld, leader of Odessa, give a speech from an unknown location, broadcast to the entire world, about his plans to spill the blood of the "traitors" to pave way to a new era. Soon after the party is attacked by a strange monster.
Another boss with a high health count! This time, however, the high health isn't the only concern. This boss, in my opinion, is the first real challenge that sets the mood for the rest of the game. It has a regular unnamed attack that can do a fair share of damage. Beyond that it has its 'Distortion' technique which allows it to dodge any and all damage for that turn. 'Poison Bubble' where it will spit bubbles on a single target and cause average damage and inflict them with Vile Poison which is a stronger form of Poison. 'Disease Cloud' which it sprays out a toxic gas that has a chance to inflict the entire party with Disease. It also has 'Life Returner' which restores some health to itself.
The real threat comes in it being faster than the party, meaning there's a chance it'll use 'Distortion' and null all three characters attacks. This is where Brent's "Accelerator" Force Ability comes into play. It guarantees he'll act first that round. Besides that its a luck of the draw really. As long as you don't let the boss get you too frustrated and go in prepared he'll go down with some time and effort. It has a weakness to wind magic, so Vortex is a good option if the party isn't in need of healing.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 9
Weapon: Riot Ram
Gear: Mittens
Body: Flak Jacket
Head: 10-Gal Hat
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 9
Weapon: Punch Drunk
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Travel Vest
Head: Bandanna
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 9
Weapon: Pixy Parasol
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Mist Blazer
Head: Cute Ribbon
Guard: Schturdark
Boss #06: Special Cocytus Squad Member Ptolomea
Ptolomea Health Points: 3,000
After arriving back in the town of Danzem, the group quickly learns that an aircraft was spotted flying to the east towards Mount Chug-Chug. Seeing as aircraft aren't common its a good chance it could be Odessa. As such the group heads out immediately. Upon reaching the top, they are confronted by Ptolomea, one of the members of the group. He mentions that another member, Antenora, knew they were being followed, that the "thread" told her. The talking doesn't last for long as he initiates combat with the group.
Ptolomea has less health than the previous boss, however, he makes up for it with his high damage and group attack. His regular unnamed attack does average damage to a single target and he has a named attack called 'Iron Saber' which hits for roughly 300 on a single character. He however, doesn't use 'Iron Saber' in this match up. His other attack is called 'Ptolomea Dynamite' which hits all characters for 200, give or take a few dozen depending on defense and such. He also has a percentage chance to counterattack any attacks done to him, which can be troublesome if you're hurting for healing and he counterattacks a character and then uses 'Iron Saber' or 'Ptolomea Dynamite' as a follow up.
He's not weak to any elements so its just a brawl, though, when not in need of healing, Eve can throw out an attack spell once in a while for some damage. Can't leave it all up to the boys. Hah. Increasing the power of Brent and Garrett's ARMs can come in handy in this battle. I find Garrett to be more useful in this sense since he has the Force Ability 'Lock On' which guarantees a hit, so, you don't have to upgrade the accuracy of his ARMs just the power.
Ptolomea can be quite the challenge and can give many people their first game over. But with the right precautions and careful thinking he'll go down like the rest. Well, not down, he'll retreat but you get the idea.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 10
Weapon: Riot Ram
Gear: Mittens
Body: Flak Jacket
Head: 10-Gal Hat
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 10
Weapon: Punch Drunk
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Travel Vest
Head: Head Gear
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 10
Weapon: Pixy Parasol
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Mist Blazer
Head: Cute Ribbon
Guard: Schturdark
Boss #07: Thunderbolt Battle Monster Elebart
Elebart Health Points: 2,500
Right Claw Health Points: 1,250
Left Claw Health Points: 1,250
After failing to stop Odessa at Mount Chug-Chug, the group falls back to Valeria Chateau and is given a momentarily leave. Brent returns to Meria where he gives Sarah an item he picked up in Mount Chug-Chug and before long Eve and Garrett come to retrieve him, telling him the next mission has been decided.
Irving tells them that due to the borders, they can't travel freely. That only outlaws have that privilege while other people, even those fighting for good, can't pass the borders as it'd be an act of treason. Instead he directs them to the lost technology, the Live Reflector and gives them a letter to take to Sylvaland in the process.
Of course, the generator for the machine isn't functional and upon investigating the generator a monster attacks the group, potentially being the cause of the generator failing to run.
Compared to Ptolomea this boss is a complete and utter pushover. Yes, it can strike somewhat hard but it doesn't have any group attacks, leaving it only to strike at single targets. Like most enemies, it has an unnamed regular attack that does weak to average damage. Other than that it has 'Stun Gun Blow' which is its main attack and requires both claws to use. Once one of its claws is crippled it'll begin to use 'Elebalt Corrida' a stronger attack but still laughable at this point. Also, Elebart is weak to earth magic so Break is the way to go with Eve.
Overall if you were able to beat Ptolomea, even if he gave you trouble, this guy will be a cakewalk.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 11
Weapon: Riot Ram
Gear: Mittens
Body: Flak Jacket
Head: 10-Gal Hat
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 11
Weapon: Punch Drunk
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Travel Vest
Head: Head Gear
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 11
Weapon: Pixy Parasol
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Mist Blazer
Head: Cute Ribbon
Guard: Schturdark
Boss #08: Poisonous Armored Dragonoid Trask
Trask Health Points: 3,600
Crystal Health Points: 1,800
After delivering the letter to the Queen of Sylvaland, she rejects the proposal of allowing ARMS to move freely across her lands. Why? She has no guarantee that the group wont begin acting like Odessa once given free pass. Perhaps a bit paranoid in that but it makes sense. She doesn't know ARMS whatsoever. The meeting is also interrupted by a knight, informing the queen that the town of Halmetz is under attack, potentially by Odessa. Giving the group a chance, she sends them off to investigate.
Upon arriving in the town it is completely deserted and recently too as food is still warm. It isn't long after their searching that Judecca springs his trap to capture the group, however, it fails and he sends a monster at the group in another attempt.
More of a challenge than Elebart but still a step down from Ptolomea! It has a weak regular attack, unnamed. With upgrading Brent's defenses, it does exactly 0 damage to him. It still damages the other two though. Beyond that it has 'Poison Breath' a gas-like attack that inflicts the party with Poison, unless you're wearing protective gear that prevents that. The poison doesn't always work though, sometimes coming up as though the attack missed.
It also has an attack called 'Biomissle' that relies on the Crystal to use. It shoots of spikes that seek out a single target. It is its most damaging attack so making the Crystal top priority is a must. It can also counter attack. However, seeing as its counter attack is simply its unnamed regular attack, it doesn't pose a big threat.
Its weak to ice magic, so Freeze it up. I didn't use its weakness though. Simply because I didn't want to. Trask is easily handled without its weakness. Yes, using the weakness would have sped up the process but I didn't feel like it.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 14
Weapon: Riot Ram
Gear: Mittens
Body: Flak Jacket
Head: Red Cap
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 14
Weapon: Punch Drunk
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Travel Vest
Head: Head Gear
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 14
Weapon: Pixy Parasol
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Mist Blazer
Head: Cute Ribbon
Guard: Schturdark
Boss #09: Poisonous Armored Dragonoid Trask
Trask Health Points: 3,600
Crystal Health Points: 1,800
Note: I reused the Boss Intro from the first Trask fight since the game doesn't give him another one leading into this fight.
After being knocked out according to Judecca's plans, the group awakens in Golgotha Prison. Not wanting to stay there the group plan an escape. Along the way, they also run into the captured villagers from Halmetz. They, of course, plan to rescue them in the process.
Garrett suggests a large group would draw attention, so, the group splits up with Brent going alone to scout ahead. However, it seems everything has gone according to Judecca's plan as he captured Eve and Garrett as they were getting the hostages out (using them as a 'human shield' to do so) and strung them up, leaving Brent alone to fight Trask.
However, the inner voice that has been plaguing Brent since the incident at the ARMS ceremony beckons once again, telling him to grasp hold of the power that he gives. The inner voice is in fact a demon, forcibly placed in Brent by someone, however, feeling vulnerable, Brent gives into the voice and assumes the power of it to fight Trask.
Refer back to the first Trask fight for information on Trask. The only difference now is 'Biomissle' can paralyze the target. But with the equipment I have on Brent, poison isn't a threat and neither are Trask's physical attacks, so, any paralysis would just draw the fight out. All in all, I find this to be a 'filler' boss, to introduce the power of the Demon.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 15
Weapon: Riot Ram
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Flak Jacket
Head: Red Cap
Guard: Grudiev
Boss #10: Elemental Spirit Undines
Undines Health Points: 4,000
Belly Health Points: 2,000
After receiving their new mission the group heads out to exact it. Their mission is to collect two "crystals" that are needed to power the motor to 'lost technology' so that ARMS can better fight against Odessa. Yes, Irving is looking to take to the skies in an aircraft himself to be on equal terms with Odessa. After collecting the first one from the mine near the town of Holtz (no boss present) the group heads off to the Raline Observatory to get the other one.
Immediately after entering they hear a "mournful cry in the dark" coming from the next room and upon entering see two Lizardians being assaulted by a monster! These two are Liz and Ard, the comedy duo and they are in quite the jam. Lucky for them, this group is good-natured.
Heh. Undines is a step up from Trask, but overall not too bad. He has quite the array of attacks though, however, I've never seen him use them all in a fight. It took multiple playthroughs of this game to see all of his attacks when I was younger but thankfully, with the Internet, I can just fetch them all from a site. Hah.
The standard unnamed attack, which does nothing due to training up the parties defense through Personal Skills. It can also counter attack. It has a technique called 'Shocking Guinea!' which will cancel out all the parties actions input. Effectively a "Skip Turn' type of attack. Another technique it has is 'Reject All Fools' where it lowers magical accuracy, leaving Eve's magic to be hit or miss.
As for its damaging attacks? It has 'Intifada' which does average damage to a single target, however, once its Belly is gone, it can no longer use this attack. Once it loses its belly it begins to use 'Hooky Bust' its strongest attack, dealing for a high amount of damage.
Despite its wide array of attacks and tricks this boss still falls pretty easily in comparison to a few of the past ones but he isn't one that you should underestimate either. Being weak to fire, Eve can do a lot of damage to him, should her magic attacks connect, thanks to 'Reject All Fools' for lowering the accuracy of the magic.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 17
Weapon: Greyhound
Gear: Mittens
Body: Ti Jacket
Head: Red Cap
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 17
Weapon: Knuckle Arm
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Camo Vest
Head: Head Gear
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 17
Weapon: Sun Shade
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Purple Vest
Head: Cute Ribbon
Guard: Schturdark
Boss #11: Lead Scientific Researcher (Self-Styled) Liz and His Assistant Ard
Liz Health Points: 2,000
Ard Health Points: 3,000
Note: I decided to leave the dialogue in before the 'boss intro' plays, just because Liz and Ard provide a good bit of comedy to the game that I enjoy.
After saving Liz and Ard from Undines, the group hesitantly decides to travel with the two Lizardians to retrieve the crystal needed for their mission. Its a good thing they did too, because only the comedy antics of Liz and Ard could help them get through the trap-infested dungeon of the Raline Observatory! Instead of explaining the rest, I'll let the talk before the fight do that.
Two enemies in one boss fight? Well, technically we've been doing that for most of the game with bosses appendages and such. Liz and Ard aren't too hard to deal with but what can you expect from a comedy duo? Though, I will admit, they both can dish out a good amount of damage if one doesn't come prepared to the fight.
I'll start with Liz. Liz has a regular attack, which looks like a flying cross body from wrestling, that does poor damage, even to Eve. Beyond that he has the attack 'Blue Bug Liquid' which he uses on Ard to poison his poor research assistant. Why? It opens up an attack for Ard. Also comes with the attack 'Homemade Bomb' which deals damage to everyone, himself and Ard included, for around 250. More harm to himself and his partner than anything, wouldn't you agree?
Ard's attacks are as follows. A regular attack that does weak damage. He can also counter attack your attacks with this same move. Other than that there is the 'Dump Truck Tackle' which does medium damage. And the move that relies on being poisoned is his 'Bomb Punch' which can do a considerable amount of damage if one isn't prepared for the attack.
All in all, these two aren't too bad in this encounter. Yeah, they can provide a little bit of trouble if you're under leveled or just not prepared with poor Personal Skills and equipment. But overall, they shouldn't give too much trouble.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 18
Weapon: Greyhound
Gear: Mittens
Body: Ti Jacket
Head: Red Cap
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 18
Weapon: Knuckle Arm
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Camo Vest
Head: Head Gear
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 18
Weapon: Sun Shade
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Purple Vest
Head: Barrette
Guard: Schturdark
Boss #12: Progenitor Bird with Wings of Light Alphael
Alphael Health Points: 5,000
Left Leg Health Points: 2,500
Right Leg Health Points: 2,500
After returning the crystals to Irving, he gives the group a small break to rest up while he begins to work on the motor to get the Valeria Chateau airborne. Garrett and Eve stay at the Chateau as Brent heads back to the town of Meria to see Sarah. When he arrived in town, he saw a group of men chasing the boy he rescued and his two friends, Scott and Noah (Tim). However, they weren't after all three of them, they just wanted Noah.
Shortly after, Odessa flew over the town of Meria and dropped in a monster to cause havoc and confusion so they could swoop in and kidnap the 'Pillar' however it was at this time that the Chateau became operational and intercepted Odessa's plans.
Alright! A boss that actually doesn't go down after two or three turns. Sure, it still goes down easy, but its nice to see one doing some damage even with all the upgrades I've done to the characters. ...Wait, I'm happy the boss is hurting me? Ah, well.
He has a regular attack, which, as we know by now, is pretty much useless due to the upgrades on Defense I've invested in. The other attacks he has is 'Leg Claw' which does a little bit of damage, but needs either of his legs functional to use it. If the Right one is crippled for example, he can use it with the Left and vice versa.
Then he has quite the nasty attack of 'RF Blade' which he seems to fall back on after his legs are gone. It hits all allies for average damage but comes with a chance of inflicting Instant Death and the only thing to guard from that is the Gear 'Scapegoat' which will revive you upon death and then it'll break. You can have two at this point in the game if you've collected and searched for items.
Even with chance of Instant Death, I believe the percentage of it connecting with it is low. I do remember it killing my entire party a long time ago, though. As for a weakness, hurl rocks at him using 'Break' and he'll go down quickly, leaving you less of a chance of getting killed by RF Blade.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 19
Weapon: Greyhound
Gear: Mittens
Body: Ti Jacket
Head: Red Cap
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 19
Weapon: Knuckle Arm
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Camo Vest
Head: Head Gear
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 19
Weapon: Sun Shade
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Purple Vest
Head: Barrette
Guard: Schturdark
Boss #13: Compound Plant Monster Reguleus
Reguleus Health Points: 5,000
After defending the town from Odessa's monster, Odessa then retreats. They weren't exactly there to attack the town but were searching for something or someone that they only knew as the Pillar. Why? Well, because the Pillar can communicate to the Guardians. Irving already knows who the Pillar is, it is Noah and just like that, the next destination is set, heading to Noah's home village of Baskar.
After arriving in Baskar, we learn that Noah is only a candidate to be a Pillar, not actually the Pillar itself. So, he must travel to the Temple of the Guardians and perform a series of trials to prove his worth to the Guardians. Irving orders ARMS to go with him and act as his knights through the temple. At the very back of the temple is where the trial will end, but Noah must go there alone. However, before then, the Temple, or the Guardians, summons a trial to test the Pillar as well as the strength of his knights.
Note #1: While Noah is magic user like Eve, he cannot use Crest Magic. He has to be equipped with a Guardian and kill a certain amount of enemies to learn a certain magic. All of them are in his 'Status' screen and shows the amount needed. Once he kills the amount he can use the magic as he wishes. I went ahead and did a minor bit of grinding to learn First Aid (Group Heal), Red Beaut (Fire Magic) and Sonic Claw (Wind Magic). And yes, he must be the one to kill the enemy to get the points towards it.
Note #2: Characters not participating in the battle still receive the same amount of experience at the end of it so don't worry about evening out the party by switching them up every so often. In this battle, Brent takes a rest. He's the main character, cut him some slack! Hah.
Okay, so now we get to the boss...
Like most enemies it has a regular, unnamed attack that does minor damage. Getting into its status ailment attacks it has 'Wormyweed Extract' which targets a single character, doing minor damage and inflicts Poison. 'Napweed Extract' does average damage to all party members with a chance to put them to Sleep.
The sleep part is dangerous but not too bad as a physical strike will wake you right up and all of the attacks of this guy is physical based. But here comes its most dangerous attack. 'Eleweed Extract' inflicts average damage to all allies and inflicts Confusion.
Eve is equipped with a gear that allows her to ignore it, however, the other two are vulnerable. Confusion also doesn't get removed from physical or magical strikes. Either it wears off over time or you heal it with an item. Eve can also cure it with the correct spell but I don't have said spell with me yet.
This boss is a joke with two magic casters and the powerhouse of the team. Plain and simple. It can hurt you, though. For example, if I didn't have Up P Defend (Personal Skill) maxed for all characters I'd be getting hit a lot harder than shown in the video. I have nothing really to say other than doing over 2,000 points of damage in the first round makes this guy a joke.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 21
Weapon: Greyhound
Gear: Mittens
Body: Ti Jacket
Head: Red Cap
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 21
Weapon: Knuckle Arm
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Camo Vest
Head: Hard Gear
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 21
Weapon: Sun Shade
Gear: Clear Chime
Body: Purple Vest
Head: Barrette
Guard: Schturdark
Noah (Tim)
Level 21
Weapon: Magic Staff
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Chic Poncho
Head: White Plume
Guard: Fengalon
Boss #14: Transforming Ninja Monster Gehenna Neros
Gehenna Neros Health Points: 3,000
Note: I wasted time stealing the item from the enemy but I really wanted that Berry dammit! The Guardian Fengalon grants access to the Pickpocket technique. Wear him and you can have sticky fingers too!
After dealing with the last boss, quite easily at that, Noah and the 'knights' continue on until Noah has to go alone. The group waits in the room as he heads off deeper into the Temple. After navigating through some traps, Noah arrives in the testing room where one of the Guardians speaks to him and then the challenge is issued and a boss attacks.
Standard attack which does minor damage, if one went back to a town to upgrade Noah's personal skills and obtained Up P Defend, it'll most likely do no damage. Other than that, this boss comes with 'Pill' which it will use to refill its health points. 'Replicate' which will make a duplicate of itself. 'Lullaby' which does weak damage but inflicts Nightmare, a sleep status that does damage for as long as you're asleep.
This boss is unique in a way that you have to kill both at the same time. If you leave one alive, it'll create another of itself. However, this is a good way to farm for EXP and Cash. Each one defeated gives 2,000 of each. However, the EXP only goes to Noah as he's the only team member present, the rest of them were removed from the party when he went ahead.
Despite that trick to the boss, it's still a 'filler' boss to show off Noah's new ability: the 'Combine' Force Ability. The only real threat is Nightmare but even then it should only last a couple of turns before Noah wakes up. The boss is weak to all offensive magic elements so take your pick.
After the battle, the other three members are given the 'Combine' Force Ability but they can only do it when Noah is present and with the team as Pooka is needed for the summoning.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Noah (Tim)
Level 21
Weapon: Magic Staff
Gear: Blue Anklet
Body: Chic Poncho
Head: White Plume
Guard: Fengalon
Boss #15: Special Cocytus Squad Member Antenora
Antenora Health Points: 6,000
After becoming the Pillar for the Guardians, we see the Village Chief discussing with Irving that Noah must now be sacrificed so the Guardians will bring peace and order to the world once more. Brent objects to the sacrificing of the child. However, before discussions can continue further, the Chateau is rocked by an attack. It seems Odessa isn't quite finished. They found them from an energy reading left behind by Alphael on its death. Antenora, the only female member of Odessa, and Judecca board the Chateau, Judecca's mission to find the Pillar, while Antenora's is to stall for time. Brent, Garrett, and Eve race off to protect the Chateau from its attackers and are confronted by Antenora.
Antenora's physical attack and counter attack, as you might have guessed, pose no threat to the party. However, she does have two other attacks up her sleeve. The first is 'Shockwave' an all-party attack that does average damage to the group. Her other attack, however, is 'Ephemeron' which targets a single target for high damage. That isn't the major threat of it, though. The major threat of that attack comes with the chance of status effects. It can inflict poison, silence, downhearted, and sleep on a target. Sometimes just one or two, sometimes all at once.
She can be troublesome with that 'Ephemeron' attack. Its best to conserve Brent and Garrett's ammo, in my opinion. Only using one or two against her to lower her health by a nice chunk. The reason I say this is because, you have two more fights to do after Antenora with no rest in between. Its best to save the ammo for the last one. Deal with the status effects as best you can and keep trading blows with her and she'll go down. Slowly but surely.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 21
Weapon: Greyhound
Gear: Mittens
Body: Ti Jacket
Head: Red Cap
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 21
Weapon: Knuckle Arm
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Camo Vest
Head: Hard Gear
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 21
Weapon: Sun Shade
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Purple Vest
Head: Barrette
Guard: Odoryuk
Boss #16: Special Cocytus Squad Member Judecca
Judecca Health Points: 4,000
After stalling for enough time, Antenora retreats and we then see Judecca harassing and threatening the Village Chief and Colette to tell him where the Pillar is. However, before he can continue his threats, Noah arrives on the scene in quite the flashy manner and begins to protect the chief and Colette from Judecca.
Regular attack should be shrugged off by Noah if you've got the Up P Defense Personal Skill for him and maxed it out. This can be done before going to the Temple of the Guardians. His 'Douglas' attack does minor damage but has a chance to cause paralysis, which is where the Blue Anklet will come in handy. 'Sidewinder' does medium damage and 'Miriam' is Judecca's strongest attack, usually hitting in the triple digits.
Noah is once again fighting on his own. The story of the game makes Judecca out to be quite powerful but for a solo fight, they toned him down. Perhaps it can be interpreted as him going easy on Noah? Since he's meant to be captured and not killed? Either way, keeping yourself healed and attacking shouldn't be a problem. Throw in a 'Combine' to quicken the fight. One more boss to go.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Noah (Tim)
Level 21
Weapon: Magic Staff
Gear: Blue Anklet
Body: Chic Poncho
Head: White Plume
Guard: Fengalon
Boss #17: Explosive Red Thunder Toad Blastodon
Blastodon Health Points: 6,000
Left Pouch Health Points: 3,000
Right Pouch Health Points: 3,000
After the fight with Judecca, the rest of ARMS runs in and Judecca quickly sees he is outnumbered and retreats but not before letting the group know he's left them quite the explosive surprise. Kate and Amy confirm this as they inform the group there are explosives detected on one of the lower levels. As the group arrives, there is also a monster... But no explosives?
This beast's regular attack, of course, is of no threat. Its Left Pouch can use a move called 'Paralyzer' that does no damage but has a chance to paralyze the target. Its best to put the Blue Anklet on someone as a precaution. I chose to leave it on Noah as he would act as primary healer. Its Right Pouch can use the attack 'Terrible Shade' that does medium damage and despite its name, does not come with a status effect. The main body has access to 'Poison Bubble' that does medium damage and inflicts Vile Poison on a target. It also has 'Evil Quasar' which does medium damage to all party members.
When Noah isn't acting as a healer, he can act as a damage dealer. This boss is weak to both fire and ice, so, using either spell will work. Noah only has access to a fire spell currently but its more than enough to help with the damage as you use the other two to pound away on the boss. If you saved your bullets now is the time to use them if you wish or you can save up FP for a 'Combine' which is what I chose to do, simply to show off Moor Gault. Overall, this boss should go down quicker than the likes of Antenora.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 21
Weapon: Greyhound
Gear: Mittens
Body: Ti Jacket
Head: Red Cap
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 21
Weapon: Knuckle Arm
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Camo Vest
Head: Hard Gear
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 21
Weapon: Sun Shade
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Purple Vest
Head: Barrette
Guard: Odoryuk
Noah (Tim)
Level 22
Weapon: Magic Staff
Gear: Blue Anklet
Body: Chic Poncho
Head: White Plume
Guard: Fengalon
Boss #18: Special Cocytus Squad Member Ptolomea
Ptolomea Health Points: 7,500
After Odessa's failed attack on the Chateau, the King of Meria Boule realizes that after recent events, such as the attack near Meria and the recent attack on the Chateau, that the only way to combat Odessa would be on a global scale, however, the king of Guild Galad is still reluctant to give ARMS free access in his domain. Irving suggests to call a Filgaia Summit to discuss the matter.
Though, honestly, Irving has a plan behind calling that summit. The world leaders are gathered in one place, which is an open invitation for Odessa to strike. And, as planned, they do so and Irving takes the initiative this time, launching his small mobile force aboard Odessa's airship from an anchor. The plan? To bring the airship down from the inside. All goes well until a familiar face stands in their way to prevent their escape from the crashing ship, though, in all honesty, he was just buying time for the rest of the people on the ship to evacuate. I guess some good is present in Odessa's members.
Refer back to Boss #06 to see Ptolomea's attacks. Yep. He's still using the same attacks. He hasn't gained a new one.
The only difference is he hits a bit harder in this fight but isn't the challenge he was in Boss #06. If you have Noah in your group during this fight, it'll make it even easier. His 'First Aid' can counter the effects of his 'Ptolomea Dynamite' quite easily. All in all, there isn't much strategy involved in this fight. Just strike and heal and the One-Eyed Giant will go down.
Note: You can steal a 'War Respite' from him in this battle but I didn't want to waste your time going for it. I have terrible luck at stealing items in RPGs.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 22
Weapon: Greyhound
Gear: Mittens
Body: Ti Jacket
Head: Red Cap
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 22
Weapon: Knuckle Arm
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Camo Vest
Head: Hard Gear
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 22
Weapon: Sun Shade
Gear: Memo Pen
Body: Purple Vest
Head: Barrette
Guard: Odoryuk
Noah (Tim)
Level 22
Weapon: Magic Staff
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Chic Poncho
Head: White Plume
Guard: Schturdark
Phew...
Anyway...
"Boss Rush" is a term I use for my video series where I simply fight bosses of a game and show how I deal with them, instead of doing the entire game.
Some games I do the entirety of it while others I just do a boss rush. This game, while being one of my favorite RPGs gets the boss rush treatment simply due to the fact I've got a good deal of other projects going on.
I do add a bit of the story into the descriptions below the video, just enough to state why that particular boss fight is happening. Just keep in mind that these are my strategies and aren't surefire or foolproof.
Note: I rename characters in the game after friends.
Also, even though it explains it at the start of the boss battle, I'll repeat it here. Most bosses come with body parts. Whether it be claws, legs, etc, etc. These are not necessary to "kill" but they do offer more experience at the end of the battle if you do so before killing the main body, as killing the main body ends the battle.
Boss #01: Sealed Monster Weapon Kalivos
Kalivos Health Points: 400
Left Claw Health Points: 200
Right Claw Health Points: 200
So, at the beginning of the game we're given the choice of playing three back stories. I chose Ashley's (renamed to Brent) first because he's the main character of this little tale. A new recruit into the musketeers that's on a mission to retrieve a kidnapped boy from three bandits, who have taken refuge in the nearby Withered Ruins.
Upon reaching the boy and his captors, something happens, as is RPG logic and a monster that was sealed away is released from its imprisonment. I love the boss intro thing that Wild ARMs 2 does. Pity they didn't continue it in future titles.
Kalivos isn't too big of a threat. Well, not with the way I choose to handle him. Even at Level 2, Brent (Ashley) is still faster than the monster and can act before it, however, I prefer to be at Level 3 or 4 with him due to how much damage one of the bosses attacks can do.
He can still do a lot of damage with his 'Laser Breath' attack, which he only begins to regularly use after both his claws have been crippled. Which is why I spread the damage out among them. Other than the 'Laser Breath' it has 'Blade Claw L' and 'Blade Claw R' attacks, both of which do minimal damage in comparison. It also has the 'Cross Blade Claw' attack, which it can only perform with both claws functional.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 4
Weapon: Longhorn
Gear: N/A
Body: Jean Jacket
Head: Cowboy Hat
Guard: N/A
Boss #02: Parasite Colony Monster Gremalkin
Gremalkin Health Points: 650
Belly Health Points: 500
After playing through Brent's prologue we are taken back to the "Character Select" screen. This time I've chosen Brad (renamed to Garrett) as we go on the events of something that happened in his past during a war where he was regarded as a hero, but still sought after for arrest.
As he was about to make his escape from the current area, two new recruits were attacked by a monster, one that was preying on the nearby villages livestock. Unable to simply ignore their dilemma, Garrett (Brad) charges forward to face the monster of his pursuers, effectively saving their lives in the process.
Gremalkin can be a pain at level 2 or 3, but still manageable. However, much like in Brent's prologue, I prefer to be at level 4 for the battle, it makes it a bit easier in terms of sustaining damage and dishing it out.
At level 4, its main attack 'Chest Buster' will be shrugged off with 0 damage being dealt. I'm not sure how a critical would register as I've never been dealt a critical hit from this boss.
It also has an attack that it relies on its Belly to use called 'Parasite Battalion' where it unleashes a swarm of bugs from its hive-like belly. Crippling its belly will force it to start using its most powerful attack the 'Roaring Burst' but if you spread out the damage between Gremalkin and its belly before crippling it, 'Roaring Burst' will be a minimal threat.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Garrett (Brad)
Level 4
Weapon: Iron Fist
Gear: N/A
Body: Army Vest
Head: Bandanna
Guard: N/A
Boss #03: Boundless Glutton Monster Olivier
Olivier Health Points: 300
Leg Health Points: 225
After playing through Garrett's prologue we're taken back to the "Character Select" screen where we only have one choice left, the sorceress in training's prologue.
The young sorceress Lilka (renamed to Eve) was on her way to Valeria Chateau using a teleport gem, however, not being fully trained in the use of the thing, she instead warps into Palace Village where she learns that the village is being hounded by a monster. No one has been hurt in the nightly attacks. The wheat fields being its target but even so, that's the village's food and without it, they could starve. Even though she's just in training she offers to use her Magic to help rid the village of their monster problem.
Olivier isn't that big of a threat in all honesty. Its attacks are damaging to Eve (Lilka) due to her being a Sorceress. She lacks the physical defense to shrug them off like Brent or Garrett would. However, she does come with both its weaknesses, Flame and Freeze. She also has a Heal spell for herself. Its weakest attack is its 'Olivier Juice' where it will spit acid bubbles at you.
Beyond that it will use its 'Horse Field Kick' if its legs are intact but often times it'll opt to use the other attack. Once you cripple its legs it loses the ability for its kick attack and it seems to lose the ability for the juice as well, falling back on its most powerful attack. A stupidly named attack at that. What's it called? 'Bufoooooooooooh!' ...Yeah. Silly name but damaging.
Taking out its legs is as simple as two Freeze spells at level 3 and taking out the boss itself is as simple as two Flame spells. Yeah, its weird in the sense that the legs are weak to the Freeze spell but the boss is weak to the Flame spell. You'd think it'd share weakness. Hah. Either way the boss falls easily.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Eve (Lilka)
Level 3
Weapon: Mumbrella
Gear: N/A
Body: Breeze Cape
Head: Hairband
Guard: N/A
Boss #04: Escapee Capture Robot GAONIM
GAONIM Health Points: 2,000
Right Claw Health Points: 1,000
After being recruited into the group known as ARMS, Brent is quickly arrested for an attempt of assassination against the leader. The man asked to see Brent's weapon, fired it at the wall, and then quickly tossed it back to him. Why? So Brent could get into the prison known as Illsveil to meet up with the other member, Garrett.
He could have informed Brent he was doing this but... nope. Brent really went to prison thinking he was framed/tricked by Irving. Eve went with him on orders by Irving. After the three group up and begin to make their escape during a convenient prison break, started by another group, they are encountered by the prison's security, GAONIM at the whim of the Warden.
GAONIM and its Right Claw both boast a pretty high health count. Grouped with the fact that both can hit somewhat hard makes it somewhat of a threat. Still as threatening as it is it is still of minimal threat due to it only being able to attack single targets and being quite slow.
It has three attacks and uses them as it sees fit unlike the first three bosses. It has a weak unnamed attack with its left arm. Its 'Hammer Swing' attack can only be used if its Right Claw is functional so taking it out reduces it to two attacks. Its other attack 'Chew Up' is the other attack of the main boss, literally biting its opponent with the mock mouth it has.
It is vulnerable to lightning magic, so, Spark is a good choice to use against it when Eve isn't on healing duty. Now, what happened to Flame? I'm sure someone may ask. Spells in this game aren't gained by levels but instead by inscribing them to Crests that you collect throughout the game. You can also 'erase' a spell from a Crest, freeing it up. You can only erase and inscribe them at the appropriate 'shop' in town. I did this with Flame and replaced it with Spark for this boss.
All in all, this boss is a decent challenge for when you get the entire party together but its also nothing that should get you too worked up over. Just keep everyone's HP above the base damage of 'Hammer Swing' and 'Chew Up' and everything should be fine.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 5
Weapon: Rhino Shot
Gear: N/A
Body: Hard Jumper
Head: 10-Gal Hat
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 5
Weapon: Iron Fist
Gear: N/A
Body: Army Vest
Head: Bandanna
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 5
Weapon: Flumrella
Gear: N/A
Body: Mage Robe
Head: Cute Ribbon
Guard: Schturdark
Boss #05: Mysterious Phantom Being Vagesta
Vagesta Health Points: 2,500
Right Claw Health Points: 1,000
Left Claw Health Points: 1,000
After being given their second mission, Brent and Co. head off. Along the way, they stop in the nearby town of Danzem and learn that some suspicious people have broken into the nearby tower and could possibly be the same people who caused the cave in that they were sent to investigate. Upon reaching the top of the tower, they see Vinsfeld, leader of Odessa, give a speech from an unknown location, broadcast to the entire world, about his plans to spill the blood of the "traitors" to pave way to a new era. Soon after the party is attacked by a strange monster.
Another boss with a high health count! This time, however, the high health isn't the only concern. This boss, in my opinion, is the first real challenge that sets the mood for the rest of the game. It has a regular unnamed attack that can do a fair share of damage. Beyond that it has its 'Distortion' technique which allows it to dodge any and all damage for that turn. 'Poison Bubble' where it will spit bubbles on a single target and cause average damage and inflict them with Vile Poison which is a stronger form of Poison. 'Disease Cloud' which it sprays out a toxic gas that has a chance to inflict the entire party with Disease. It also has 'Life Returner' which restores some health to itself.
The real threat comes in it being faster than the party, meaning there's a chance it'll use 'Distortion' and null all three characters attacks. This is where Brent's "Accelerator" Force Ability comes into play. It guarantees he'll act first that round. Besides that its a luck of the draw really. As long as you don't let the boss get you too frustrated and go in prepared he'll go down with some time and effort. It has a weakness to wind magic, so Vortex is a good option if the party isn't in need of healing.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 9
Weapon: Riot Ram
Gear: Mittens
Body: Flak Jacket
Head: 10-Gal Hat
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 9
Weapon: Punch Drunk
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Travel Vest
Head: Bandanna
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 9
Weapon: Pixy Parasol
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Mist Blazer
Head: Cute Ribbon
Guard: Schturdark
Boss #06: Special Cocytus Squad Member Ptolomea
Ptolomea Health Points: 3,000
After arriving back in the town of Danzem, the group quickly learns that an aircraft was spotted flying to the east towards Mount Chug-Chug. Seeing as aircraft aren't common its a good chance it could be Odessa. As such the group heads out immediately. Upon reaching the top, they are confronted by Ptolomea, one of the members of the group. He mentions that another member, Antenora, knew they were being followed, that the "thread" told her. The talking doesn't last for long as he initiates combat with the group.
Ptolomea has less health than the previous boss, however, he makes up for it with his high damage and group attack. His regular unnamed attack does average damage to a single target and he has a named attack called 'Iron Saber' which hits for roughly 300 on a single character. He however, doesn't use 'Iron Saber' in this match up. His other attack is called 'Ptolomea Dynamite' which hits all characters for 200, give or take a few dozen depending on defense and such. He also has a percentage chance to counterattack any attacks done to him, which can be troublesome if you're hurting for healing and he counterattacks a character and then uses 'Iron Saber' or 'Ptolomea Dynamite' as a follow up.
He's not weak to any elements so its just a brawl, though, when not in need of healing, Eve can throw out an attack spell once in a while for some damage. Can't leave it all up to the boys. Hah. Increasing the power of Brent and Garrett's ARMs can come in handy in this battle. I find Garrett to be more useful in this sense since he has the Force Ability 'Lock On' which guarantees a hit, so, you don't have to upgrade the accuracy of his ARMs just the power.
Ptolomea can be quite the challenge and can give many people their first game over. But with the right precautions and careful thinking he'll go down like the rest. Well, not down, he'll retreat but you get the idea.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 10
Weapon: Riot Ram
Gear: Mittens
Body: Flak Jacket
Head: 10-Gal Hat
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 10
Weapon: Punch Drunk
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Travel Vest
Head: Head Gear
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 10
Weapon: Pixy Parasol
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Mist Blazer
Head: Cute Ribbon
Guard: Schturdark
Boss #07: Thunderbolt Battle Monster Elebart
Elebart Health Points: 2,500
Right Claw Health Points: 1,250
Left Claw Health Points: 1,250
After failing to stop Odessa at Mount Chug-Chug, the group falls back to Valeria Chateau and is given a momentarily leave. Brent returns to Meria where he gives Sarah an item he picked up in Mount Chug-Chug and before long Eve and Garrett come to retrieve him, telling him the next mission has been decided.
Irving tells them that due to the borders, they can't travel freely. That only outlaws have that privilege while other people, even those fighting for good, can't pass the borders as it'd be an act of treason. Instead he directs them to the lost technology, the Live Reflector and gives them a letter to take to Sylvaland in the process.
Of course, the generator for the machine isn't functional and upon investigating the generator a monster attacks the group, potentially being the cause of the generator failing to run.
Compared to Ptolomea this boss is a complete and utter pushover. Yes, it can strike somewhat hard but it doesn't have any group attacks, leaving it only to strike at single targets. Like most enemies, it has an unnamed regular attack that does weak to average damage. Other than that it has 'Stun Gun Blow' which is its main attack and requires both claws to use. Once one of its claws is crippled it'll begin to use 'Elebalt Corrida' a stronger attack but still laughable at this point. Also, Elebart is weak to earth magic so Break is the way to go with Eve.
Overall if you were able to beat Ptolomea, even if he gave you trouble, this guy will be a cakewalk.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 11
Weapon: Riot Ram
Gear: Mittens
Body: Flak Jacket
Head: 10-Gal Hat
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 11
Weapon: Punch Drunk
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Travel Vest
Head: Head Gear
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 11
Weapon: Pixy Parasol
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Mist Blazer
Head: Cute Ribbon
Guard: Schturdark
Boss #08: Poisonous Armored Dragonoid Trask
Trask Health Points: 3,600
Crystal Health Points: 1,800
After delivering the letter to the Queen of Sylvaland, she rejects the proposal of allowing ARMS to move freely across her lands. Why? She has no guarantee that the group wont begin acting like Odessa once given free pass. Perhaps a bit paranoid in that but it makes sense. She doesn't know ARMS whatsoever. The meeting is also interrupted by a knight, informing the queen that the town of Halmetz is under attack, potentially by Odessa. Giving the group a chance, she sends them off to investigate.
Upon arriving in the town it is completely deserted and recently too as food is still warm. It isn't long after their searching that Judecca springs his trap to capture the group, however, it fails and he sends a monster at the group in another attempt.
More of a challenge than Elebart but still a step down from Ptolomea! It has a weak regular attack, unnamed. With upgrading Brent's defenses, it does exactly 0 damage to him. It still damages the other two though. Beyond that it has 'Poison Breath' a gas-like attack that inflicts the party with Poison, unless you're wearing protective gear that prevents that. The poison doesn't always work though, sometimes coming up as though the attack missed.
It also has an attack called 'Biomissle' that relies on the Crystal to use. It shoots of spikes that seek out a single target. It is its most damaging attack so making the Crystal top priority is a must. It can also counter attack. However, seeing as its counter attack is simply its unnamed regular attack, it doesn't pose a big threat.
Its weak to ice magic, so Freeze it up. I didn't use its weakness though. Simply because I didn't want to. Trask is easily handled without its weakness. Yes, using the weakness would have sped up the process but I didn't feel like it.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 14
Weapon: Riot Ram
Gear: Mittens
Body: Flak Jacket
Head: Red Cap
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 14
Weapon: Punch Drunk
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Travel Vest
Head: Head Gear
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 14
Weapon: Pixy Parasol
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Mist Blazer
Head: Cute Ribbon
Guard: Schturdark
Boss #09: Poisonous Armored Dragonoid Trask
Trask Health Points: 3,600
Crystal Health Points: 1,800
Note: I reused the Boss Intro from the first Trask fight since the game doesn't give him another one leading into this fight.
After being knocked out according to Judecca's plans, the group awakens in Golgotha Prison. Not wanting to stay there the group plan an escape. Along the way, they also run into the captured villagers from Halmetz. They, of course, plan to rescue them in the process.
Garrett suggests a large group would draw attention, so, the group splits up with Brent going alone to scout ahead. However, it seems everything has gone according to Judecca's plan as he captured Eve and Garrett as they were getting the hostages out (using them as a 'human shield' to do so) and strung them up, leaving Brent alone to fight Trask.
However, the inner voice that has been plaguing Brent since the incident at the ARMS ceremony beckons once again, telling him to grasp hold of the power that he gives. The inner voice is in fact a demon, forcibly placed in Brent by someone, however, feeling vulnerable, Brent gives into the voice and assumes the power of it to fight Trask.
Refer back to the first Trask fight for information on Trask. The only difference now is 'Biomissle' can paralyze the target. But with the equipment I have on Brent, poison isn't a threat and neither are Trask's physical attacks, so, any paralysis would just draw the fight out. All in all, I find this to be a 'filler' boss, to introduce the power of the Demon.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 15
Weapon: Riot Ram
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Flak Jacket
Head: Red Cap
Guard: Grudiev
Boss #10: Elemental Spirit Undines
Undines Health Points: 4,000
Belly Health Points: 2,000
After receiving their new mission the group heads out to exact it. Their mission is to collect two "crystals" that are needed to power the motor to 'lost technology' so that ARMS can better fight against Odessa. Yes, Irving is looking to take to the skies in an aircraft himself to be on equal terms with Odessa. After collecting the first one from the mine near the town of Holtz (no boss present) the group heads off to the Raline Observatory to get the other one.
Immediately after entering they hear a "mournful cry in the dark" coming from the next room and upon entering see two Lizardians being assaulted by a monster! These two are Liz and Ard, the comedy duo and they are in quite the jam. Lucky for them, this group is good-natured.
Heh. Undines is a step up from Trask, but overall not too bad. He has quite the array of attacks though, however, I've never seen him use them all in a fight. It took multiple playthroughs of this game to see all of his attacks when I was younger but thankfully, with the Internet, I can just fetch them all from a site. Hah.
The standard unnamed attack, which does nothing due to training up the parties defense through Personal Skills. It can also counter attack. It has a technique called 'Shocking Guinea!' which will cancel out all the parties actions input. Effectively a "Skip Turn' type of attack. Another technique it has is 'Reject All Fools' where it lowers magical accuracy, leaving Eve's magic to be hit or miss.
As for its damaging attacks? It has 'Intifada' which does average damage to a single target, however, once its Belly is gone, it can no longer use this attack. Once it loses its belly it begins to use 'Hooky Bust' its strongest attack, dealing for a high amount of damage.
Despite its wide array of attacks and tricks this boss still falls pretty easily in comparison to a few of the past ones but he isn't one that you should underestimate either. Being weak to fire, Eve can do a lot of damage to him, should her magic attacks connect, thanks to 'Reject All Fools' for lowering the accuracy of the magic.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 17
Weapon: Greyhound
Gear: Mittens
Body: Ti Jacket
Head: Red Cap
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 17
Weapon: Knuckle Arm
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Camo Vest
Head: Head Gear
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 17
Weapon: Sun Shade
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Purple Vest
Head: Cute Ribbon
Guard: Schturdark
Boss #11: Lead Scientific Researcher (Self-Styled) Liz and His Assistant Ard
Liz Health Points: 2,000
Ard Health Points: 3,000
Note: I decided to leave the dialogue in before the 'boss intro' plays, just because Liz and Ard provide a good bit of comedy to the game that I enjoy.
After saving Liz and Ard from Undines, the group hesitantly decides to travel with the two Lizardians to retrieve the crystal needed for their mission. Its a good thing they did too, because only the comedy antics of Liz and Ard could help them get through the trap-infested dungeon of the Raline Observatory! Instead of explaining the rest, I'll let the talk before the fight do that.
Two enemies in one boss fight? Well, technically we've been doing that for most of the game with bosses appendages and such. Liz and Ard aren't too hard to deal with but what can you expect from a comedy duo? Though, I will admit, they both can dish out a good amount of damage if one doesn't come prepared to the fight.
I'll start with Liz. Liz has a regular attack, which looks like a flying cross body from wrestling, that does poor damage, even to Eve. Beyond that he has the attack 'Blue Bug Liquid' which he uses on Ard to poison his poor research assistant. Why? It opens up an attack for Ard. Also comes with the attack 'Homemade Bomb' which deals damage to everyone, himself and Ard included, for around 250. More harm to himself and his partner than anything, wouldn't you agree?
Ard's attacks are as follows. A regular attack that does weak damage. He can also counter attack your attacks with this same move. Other than that there is the 'Dump Truck Tackle' which does medium damage. And the move that relies on being poisoned is his 'Bomb Punch' which can do a considerable amount of damage if one isn't prepared for the attack.
All in all, these two aren't too bad in this encounter. Yeah, they can provide a little bit of trouble if you're under leveled or just not prepared with poor Personal Skills and equipment. But overall, they shouldn't give too much trouble.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 18
Weapon: Greyhound
Gear: Mittens
Body: Ti Jacket
Head: Red Cap
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 18
Weapon: Knuckle Arm
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Camo Vest
Head: Head Gear
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 18
Weapon: Sun Shade
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Purple Vest
Head: Barrette
Guard: Schturdark
Boss #12: Progenitor Bird with Wings of Light Alphael
Alphael Health Points: 5,000
Left Leg Health Points: 2,500
Right Leg Health Points: 2,500
After returning the crystals to Irving, he gives the group a small break to rest up while he begins to work on the motor to get the Valeria Chateau airborne. Garrett and Eve stay at the Chateau as Brent heads back to the town of Meria to see Sarah. When he arrived in town, he saw a group of men chasing the boy he rescued and his two friends, Scott and Noah (Tim). However, they weren't after all three of them, they just wanted Noah.
Shortly after, Odessa flew over the town of Meria and dropped in a monster to cause havoc and confusion so they could swoop in and kidnap the 'Pillar' however it was at this time that the Chateau became operational and intercepted Odessa's plans.
Alright! A boss that actually doesn't go down after two or three turns. Sure, it still goes down easy, but its nice to see one doing some damage even with all the upgrades I've done to the characters. ...Wait, I'm happy the boss is hurting me? Ah, well.
He has a regular attack, which, as we know by now, is pretty much useless due to the upgrades on Defense I've invested in. The other attacks he has is 'Leg Claw' which does a little bit of damage, but needs either of his legs functional to use it. If the Right one is crippled for example, he can use it with the Left and vice versa.
Then he has quite the nasty attack of 'RF Blade' which he seems to fall back on after his legs are gone. It hits all allies for average damage but comes with a chance of inflicting Instant Death and the only thing to guard from that is the Gear 'Scapegoat' which will revive you upon death and then it'll break. You can have two at this point in the game if you've collected and searched for items.
Even with chance of Instant Death, I believe the percentage of it connecting with it is low. I do remember it killing my entire party a long time ago, though. As for a weakness, hurl rocks at him using 'Break' and he'll go down quickly, leaving you less of a chance of getting killed by RF Blade.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 19
Weapon: Greyhound
Gear: Mittens
Body: Ti Jacket
Head: Red Cap
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 19
Weapon: Knuckle Arm
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Camo Vest
Head: Head Gear
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 19
Weapon: Sun Shade
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Purple Vest
Head: Barrette
Guard: Schturdark
Boss #13: Compound Plant Monster Reguleus
Reguleus Health Points: 5,000
After defending the town from Odessa's monster, Odessa then retreats. They weren't exactly there to attack the town but were searching for something or someone that they only knew as the Pillar. Why? Well, because the Pillar can communicate to the Guardians. Irving already knows who the Pillar is, it is Noah and just like that, the next destination is set, heading to Noah's home village of Baskar.
After arriving in Baskar, we learn that Noah is only a candidate to be a Pillar, not actually the Pillar itself. So, he must travel to the Temple of the Guardians and perform a series of trials to prove his worth to the Guardians. Irving orders ARMS to go with him and act as his knights through the temple. At the very back of the temple is where the trial will end, but Noah must go there alone. However, before then, the Temple, or the Guardians, summons a trial to test the Pillar as well as the strength of his knights.
Note #1: While Noah is magic user like Eve, he cannot use Crest Magic. He has to be equipped with a Guardian and kill a certain amount of enemies to learn a certain magic. All of them are in his 'Status' screen and shows the amount needed. Once he kills the amount he can use the magic as he wishes. I went ahead and did a minor bit of grinding to learn First Aid (Group Heal), Red Beaut (Fire Magic) and Sonic Claw (Wind Magic). And yes, he must be the one to kill the enemy to get the points towards it.
Note #2: Characters not participating in the battle still receive the same amount of experience at the end of it so don't worry about evening out the party by switching them up every so often. In this battle, Brent takes a rest. He's the main character, cut him some slack! Hah.
Okay, so now we get to the boss...
Like most enemies it has a regular, unnamed attack that does minor damage. Getting into its status ailment attacks it has 'Wormyweed Extract' which targets a single character, doing minor damage and inflicts Poison. 'Napweed Extract' does average damage to all party members with a chance to put them to Sleep.
The sleep part is dangerous but not too bad as a physical strike will wake you right up and all of the attacks of this guy is physical based. But here comes its most dangerous attack. 'Eleweed Extract' inflicts average damage to all allies and inflicts Confusion.
Eve is equipped with a gear that allows her to ignore it, however, the other two are vulnerable. Confusion also doesn't get removed from physical or magical strikes. Either it wears off over time or you heal it with an item. Eve can also cure it with the correct spell but I don't have said spell with me yet.
This boss is a joke with two magic casters and the powerhouse of the team. Plain and simple. It can hurt you, though. For example, if I didn't have Up P Defend (Personal Skill) maxed for all characters I'd be getting hit a lot harder than shown in the video. I have nothing really to say other than doing over 2,000 points of damage in the first round makes this guy a joke.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 21
Weapon: Greyhound
Gear: Mittens
Body: Ti Jacket
Head: Red Cap
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 21
Weapon: Knuckle Arm
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Camo Vest
Head: Hard Gear
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 21
Weapon: Sun Shade
Gear: Clear Chime
Body: Purple Vest
Head: Barrette
Guard: Schturdark
Noah (Tim)
Level 21
Weapon: Magic Staff
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Chic Poncho
Head: White Plume
Guard: Fengalon
Boss #14: Transforming Ninja Monster Gehenna Neros
Gehenna Neros Health Points: 3,000
Note: I wasted time stealing the item from the enemy but I really wanted that Berry dammit! The Guardian Fengalon grants access to the Pickpocket technique. Wear him and you can have sticky fingers too!
After dealing with the last boss, quite easily at that, Noah and the 'knights' continue on until Noah has to go alone. The group waits in the room as he heads off deeper into the Temple. After navigating through some traps, Noah arrives in the testing room where one of the Guardians speaks to him and then the challenge is issued and a boss attacks.
Standard attack which does minor damage, if one went back to a town to upgrade Noah's personal skills and obtained Up P Defend, it'll most likely do no damage. Other than that, this boss comes with 'Pill' which it will use to refill its health points. 'Replicate' which will make a duplicate of itself. 'Lullaby' which does weak damage but inflicts Nightmare, a sleep status that does damage for as long as you're asleep.
This boss is unique in a way that you have to kill both at the same time. If you leave one alive, it'll create another of itself. However, this is a good way to farm for EXP and Cash. Each one defeated gives 2,000 of each. However, the EXP only goes to Noah as he's the only team member present, the rest of them were removed from the party when he went ahead.
Despite that trick to the boss, it's still a 'filler' boss to show off Noah's new ability: the 'Combine' Force Ability. The only real threat is Nightmare but even then it should only last a couple of turns before Noah wakes up. The boss is weak to all offensive magic elements so take your pick.
After the battle, the other three members are given the 'Combine' Force Ability but they can only do it when Noah is present and with the team as Pooka is needed for the summoning.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Noah (Tim)
Level 21
Weapon: Magic Staff
Gear: Blue Anklet
Body: Chic Poncho
Head: White Plume
Guard: Fengalon
Boss #15: Special Cocytus Squad Member Antenora
Antenora Health Points: 6,000
After becoming the Pillar for the Guardians, we see the Village Chief discussing with Irving that Noah must now be sacrificed so the Guardians will bring peace and order to the world once more. Brent objects to the sacrificing of the child. However, before discussions can continue further, the Chateau is rocked by an attack. It seems Odessa isn't quite finished. They found them from an energy reading left behind by Alphael on its death. Antenora, the only female member of Odessa, and Judecca board the Chateau, Judecca's mission to find the Pillar, while Antenora's is to stall for time. Brent, Garrett, and Eve race off to protect the Chateau from its attackers and are confronted by Antenora.
Antenora's physical attack and counter attack, as you might have guessed, pose no threat to the party. However, she does have two other attacks up her sleeve. The first is 'Shockwave' an all-party attack that does average damage to the group. Her other attack, however, is 'Ephemeron' which targets a single target for high damage. That isn't the major threat of it, though. The major threat of that attack comes with the chance of status effects. It can inflict poison, silence, downhearted, and sleep on a target. Sometimes just one or two, sometimes all at once.
She can be troublesome with that 'Ephemeron' attack. Its best to conserve Brent and Garrett's ammo, in my opinion. Only using one or two against her to lower her health by a nice chunk. The reason I say this is because, you have two more fights to do after Antenora with no rest in between. Its best to save the ammo for the last one. Deal with the status effects as best you can and keep trading blows with her and she'll go down. Slowly but surely.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 21
Weapon: Greyhound
Gear: Mittens
Body: Ti Jacket
Head: Red Cap
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 21
Weapon: Knuckle Arm
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Camo Vest
Head: Hard Gear
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 21
Weapon: Sun Shade
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Purple Vest
Head: Barrette
Guard: Odoryuk
Boss #16: Special Cocytus Squad Member Judecca
Judecca Health Points: 4,000
After stalling for enough time, Antenora retreats and we then see Judecca harassing and threatening the Village Chief and Colette to tell him where the Pillar is. However, before he can continue his threats, Noah arrives on the scene in quite the flashy manner and begins to protect the chief and Colette from Judecca.
Regular attack should be shrugged off by Noah if you've got the Up P Defense Personal Skill for him and maxed it out. This can be done before going to the Temple of the Guardians. His 'Douglas' attack does minor damage but has a chance to cause paralysis, which is where the Blue Anklet will come in handy. 'Sidewinder' does medium damage and 'Miriam' is Judecca's strongest attack, usually hitting in the triple digits.
Noah is once again fighting on his own. The story of the game makes Judecca out to be quite powerful but for a solo fight, they toned him down. Perhaps it can be interpreted as him going easy on Noah? Since he's meant to be captured and not killed? Either way, keeping yourself healed and attacking shouldn't be a problem. Throw in a 'Combine' to quicken the fight. One more boss to go.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Noah (Tim)
Level 21
Weapon: Magic Staff
Gear: Blue Anklet
Body: Chic Poncho
Head: White Plume
Guard: Fengalon
Boss #17: Explosive Red Thunder Toad Blastodon
Blastodon Health Points: 6,000
Left Pouch Health Points: 3,000
Right Pouch Health Points: 3,000
After the fight with Judecca, the rest of ARMS runs in and Judecca quickly sees he is outnumbered and retreats but not before letting the group know he's left them quite the explosive surprise. Kate and Amy confirm this as they inform the group there are explosives detected on one of the lower levels. As the group arrives, there is also a monster... But no explosives?
This beast's regular attack, of course, is of no threat. Its Left Pouch can use a move called 'Paralyzer' that does no damage but has a chance to paralyze the target. Its best to put the Blue Anklet on someone as a precaution. I chose to leave it on Noah as he would act as primary healer. Its Right Pouch can use the attack 'Terrible Shade' that does medium damage and despite its name, does not come with a status effect. The main body has access to 'Poison Bubble' that does medium damage and inflicts Vile Poison on a target. It also has 'Evil Quasar' which does medium damage to all party members.
When Noah isn't acting as a healer, he can act as a damage dealer. This boss is weak to both fire and ice, so, using either spell will work. Noah only has access to a fire spell currently but its more than enough to help with the damage as you use the other two to pound away on the boss. If you saved your bullets now is the time to use them if you wish or you can save up FP for a 'Combine' which is what I chose to do, simply to show off Moor Gault. Overall, this boss should go down quicker than the likes of Antenora.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 21
Weapon: Greyhound
Gear: Mittens
Body: Ti Jacket
Head: Red Cap
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 21
Weapon: Knuckle Arm
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Camo Vest
Head: Hard Gear
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 21
Weapon: Sun Shade
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Purple Vest
Head: Barrette
Guard: Odoryuk
Noah (Tim)
Level 22
Weapon: Magic Staff
Gear: Blue Anklet
Body: Chic Poncho
Head: White Plume
Guard: Fengalon
Boss #18: Special Cocytus Squad Member Ptolomea
Ptolomea Health Points: 7,500
After Odessa's failed attack on the Chateau, the King of Meria Boule realizes that after recent events, such as the attack near Meria and the recent attack on the Chateau, that the only way to combat Odessa would be on a global scale, however, the king of Guild Galad is still reluctant to give ARMS free access in his domain. Irving suggests to call a Filgaia Summit to discuss the matter.
Though, honestly, Irving has a plan behind calling that summit. The world leaders are gathered in one place, which is an open invitation for Odessa to strike. And, as planned, they do so and Irving takes the initiative this time, launching his small mobile force aboard Odessa's airship from an anchor. The plan? To bring the airship down from the inside. All goes well until a familiar face stands in their way to prevent their escape from the crashing ship, though, in all honesty, he was just buying time for the rest of the people on the ship to evacuate. I guess some good is present in Odessa's members.
Refer back to Boss #06 to see Ptolomea's attacks. Yep. He's still using the same attacks. He hasn't gained a new one.
The only difference is he hits a bit harder in this fight but isn't the challenge he was in Boss #06. If you have Noah in your group during this fight, it'll make it even easier. His 'First Aid' can counter the effects of his 'Ptolomea Dynamite' quite easily. All in all, there isn't much strategy involved in this fight. Just strike and heal and the One-Eyed Giant will go down.
Note: You can steal a 'War Respite' from him in this battle but I didn't want to waste your time going for it. I have terrible luck at stealing items in RPGs.
Below I will list the equipment and levels of the characters.
Brent (Ashley)
Level 22
Weapon: Greyhound
Gear: Mittens
Body: Ti Jacket
Head: Red Cap
Guard: Grudiev
Garrett (Brad)
Level 22
Weapon: Knuckle Arm
Gear: Moonstone
Body: Camo Vest
Head: Hard Gear
Guard: Moor Gault
Eve (Lilka)
Level 22
Weapon: Sun Shade
Gear: Memo Pen
Body: Purple Vest
Head: Barrette
Guard: Odoryuk
Noah (Tim)
Level 22
Weapon: Magic Staff
Gear: Mystic Word
Body: Chic Poncho
Head: White Plume
Guard: Schturdark
Phew...
~Show Your Love~ 
