ATB System

August 7, 2007, 5:10 PM

Okay, I noticed how people love the ATB system and such.

What is the major difference between the ATB system and X's battle system? You are still taking turns...so, why does everyone like ATB better?

Discuss: ATB system & What's the difference

August 7, 2007, 5:35 PM

I liked X's better <.< It gives you more time to plan out a strategy since you can see when everyone gets to take their move. In ATB you need to hurry and think up something or else you're screwed. Not to mention in X's system you can switch members directly in battle and give everyone equal EXP, that was just awesome.

August 8, 2007, 2:13 AM

I could've sworn there was another thread like this.

Anyways, the ATB system pwns. That's really all I should say, but for the sake of clarification, I'll expand.

The most cliche of reasons: It's classic FF. It's been around for a while, and is used by the more popular titles of the series like , VII, and VIII, and IX.

Compared to X's battle system, it gives a semblance of randomness (when a monster attacks you when you're not ready), thereby forcing you to do something else, switch a tactic, or use a particular ability in response in the moments after said attack. You're practically helpless in the seconds before the bar hits and you can finally make a move.

FFX's battle system, kinda stagnates the game, i.e. you can go out and have a cup of tea and nothing will happen in the battle. The ATB system forces you to finish that battle without much delay.

That's pretty much my take.

As for differences, they're pretty much the same, except for that last bit about 'stagnation'.

But in my opinion, ATB is better.

August 8, 2007, 4:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warbourne

I could've sworn there was another thread like this.

it could be my poll thread here.

anyways I like the X system best regardless of the character swapping in between battles.

Quote:

FFX's battle system, kinda stagnates the game, i.e. you can go out and have a cup of tea and nothing will happen in the battle. The ATB system forces you to finish that battle without much delay.

yeah that's the point. but to expand it, I think it's the most refined of all the FF battle systems coz it's faster and gives you immediate turns without having to worry that enemies might win your time. AI enemies command automatically so it's unfair for manual players like us. I'd rather prefer the round based turns in FF1-3. I thought ATBs were okay but the way they flow makes it bad. like when one character's time is full, others' gauges still run so it gives enemies more chance of turn the more you act slowly. so even if it's a trademark of the series or a classic I can't see other reasons that make it better.

August 8, 2007, 4:52 AM

Well, yeah, you could always say that there are good points and bad points in each system, so any view is valid.

I guess it all boils down to preference and personality. If you're aggressive, you might prefer ATB over X's battle system.

But anyways:

Quote:

I think it's the most refined of all the FF battle systems coz it's faster and gives you immediate turns without having to worry that enemies might win your time.

You're talking about ATB, no?
Then yeah, totally agree. It's all random and whatnot, giving more excitement than stagnated battle.

August 8, 2007, 4:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tetra Master

I think it's the most refined of all the FF battle systems coz it's faster and gives you immediate turns without having to worry that enemies might win your time.

I thought he (she?) was talking about X's system. No need to worry about enemies stealing your turns and stuffs.

August 8, 2007, 5:03 AM

Oh, right.
I get confused easily like this. >.<

But anyways, yeah, that's one of the pros of X's battle system, I think.
I mean, you can have like, 50 turns in a row without even seeing an enemy picture on the right hand side. xD

But that part also kills it, well, for me anyway. It takes away all the excitement, because you know exactly when that monster attacks. In ATB, it's hidden, so you have to place your best bet on who an enemy attacks in your party, and be able to respond accordingly.

August 8, 2007, 5:18 AM

Excitement is nice, and dont get me wrong, i'm completely fine with the ATB system. But i do so love X's system. I like being able to plan out my moves, see when the enemy will attack and strategize a bit. And i dont really think it takes away from the fighting either.

"Do i have time to set up Shield and Shell?"

*looks at the righthand side*

"Crap, only time for one. Okay, which am i going to need more?"

*looks at enemy and tries to figure out which attacks it will use and which will be the most damaging*

So in that aspect, it gives you just as much a sense of urgency as the ATB system.

August 8, 2007, 5:24 AM

O: That is true.

Come to think of it, it really doesn't deviate all that much in terms of strategy. (I'm a dum-dum) Yeah, I mean, it's pretty much all the same, just in terms of strategy, puts a different spin on one and another on the second.

August 8, 2007, 5:30 AM

Yep

If anything, i think it actually adds a bit more to the strategy, since you can actually plan things as opposed to rushing them. I dont like to be caught in a battle i didnt expect, panic, make a wrong move and die.