If you encounter an enemy, you will enter combat. There are various systems related to the unique Battle System in STAR OCEAN The Second Story, which allow you to perform specialty attacks, spells, and direct the combat tactics of the members of your party.
STANDARD
This mode is for players who prefer traditional turn-based combat or for beginning RPG players.
SEMI-ACTIVE
This mode is for intermediate players and for those who want a certain amount of freedom in movement. It is recommended that you get used to combat when playing in this mode.
FULL ACTIVE
This mode is for experienced players who want an even higher degree of freedom in movement. Selecting this mode allows you to move freely over the battlefield.
One character could move away from the others and act as a decoy or try to guard a member of your party who is casting a spell. This gives you more variety in your combat attacks.
The basic moves in combat are "normal attacks." Although these may be somewhat low in power, there is no limit on how many times they can be used. While "Killer Moves" can no longer be used when you run out of MP, they are quite powerful.
Press the X button to launch a normal attack
Pressing the X button once displays a cursor on the enemy. Use the left and right Directional buttons to move this mark to the enemy you wish to attack. Then press the X button again to attack the targeted enemy.
Press the L1 or R1 button to use Killer Moves
Press the L1 or R1 button to attack an enemy with Killer Moves. Killer Moves cannot be used unless you have sufficient MP. In addition, you cannot use them unless you have set them up on the Camp screen.
What is a Link Combo?
A "Link Combo" is a way to combine powerful Killer Moves in quick succession to really pummel an enemy. The exact combination of Killer Moves is left up to the player, so you can create your own individual combo moves. However, in order to do this you must first obtain the "Link Combo" item.
Attack Spells
These spells directly inflict damage on the enemy. There are two types of spells- those that inflict damage on an individual enemy, and those that cause damage to all enemies. Spells cannot be used if you run out of MP.
Recovery Spells
These spells can cure status abnormalities or heal damage caused to members of your party. There are also spells that can block enemy spells of halt enemy movement.
Get Experience Points and Money (Fols)
If you have defeated all enemies and are victorious in battle, you get experience points and money (Fols). The amount of each depends on the type of enemy.
Levels
Once a character acquires a certain number of experience points, that character will go up a level and increase his or her abilities. It is also possible to learn new specialties and collect skill points.
If Everyone is Defeated-- GAME OVER
Characters who are attacked by an enemy in battle and end up with a HP of zero die, and can no longer participate in battle. If all of the characters die, get turned to stone or are otherwise unable to fight, then the game is over. If this happens, you must try again, starting from the last saved game.
