User:Cry0

Photon Art Reviews

Here I will be reviewing photon arts. The guide on psupedia gives hits, %s and who it's useable by, but there are some key properties in a photon art that are not written down anywhere (that I am familiar with). Therefor, I have taken it upon myself to write this guide, and give a deeper understanding of different PA's. Note that the grading here is a bit subjective for the moment, a I have not yet gone through the trouble of actually timing PA's and whatnot. I'll be doing most things from memory, also. Therefor, if there are any inaccuracies, please do note them. However, if there is critique on the grades I give PA's in the different fields, you might be so kind as to keep them to yourself. Each of the PA's I reviewed I have personally trained to lv40, so I know what I'm talking about.

Grading system: In each category the PA can score up to 10 points, and in te end they get a grade out of 100%. if i find the PA to be the best of all PA's in that category, it will get 15/10, and thus, 5 bonuspoints. The categories are the following:

• Damage over time: The amount of damage a PA can rack up over time. This holds into account the amount of targets it can hit, and the PA's accuracy multiplier. It also takes into account how fast the PA does so. This gives an idea of the damage efficiëncy of the PA. This is damage you wil practically be doing.
• Damage over PP: The amount of damage a PA can do in reflection to the PP cost, and thus also the targets it hits. This gives an idea of the brute force of the PA. This is damage you theoretically should be doing.
• Just Attack: How easy this is to just attack (a big time window for the JA), or if this PA gives a significant drop in any other field, if the JA is used.
• Defensive ability: How easy it is to get hit while using this PA; basically, if the PA leaves you open for enemy attacks. This gives an idea on if the PA is agressive (and attacks constantly), or if there are some thwirly moves, which are a waste of time.
• Flexibility: How flexible the PA is. Some PA's can be steered while they are executing, in different degrees. Some PA's move you quite some distances over the battlefield. Some PA's are even so flexible, that you can avoid enemy attacks with them. This gives an idea on how much the PA can move the person over the battlefield. An important property, as this may be used to avoid enemy attacks, while attacking yourself, or if the enemy suddenly moves from his position, still move so that you still hit it.
• Tactical prowess: How the combo of the attack takes into account it's previous moves, and builds up momentum. It holds into account properties like wipeout, launch, blowaway. (eg if you first launch and then blowaway, that is good, if you first blowaway, and then launch, that is not good)
• Team play: How much the team will appreciate this PA.
• Level speed: How fast it levels. Note that this is a measurement for how long it would take to level, if you just battle with it, not if you use special fast levelling techniques.
• Obtainability: How easily the PA is obtainable.
• Style: How badass or funny the PA is. Hey. This is a critical issue.

Dus Majarra

Property	Grade	Comment
Dam/Time		A lot of damage in a short amount of time, despite accuracy.
Dam/PP		Accuracy modifier is on the low side, pretty cheap.
Just Attack		Easy to learn, and you'll never miss it.
Defense		Each attack immediately flows over in the next. However, the first 2 attacks have no melee effect.
Flexibility		The first attack makes it easy to move to the enemy's rear.
Tactics		Not applicable, but not hinderable either.
Team Play		Useful everywhere and always. Better not use it when other people try to level though.
Level Speed		Levels too fast. 'nuff said.
Obtainability		30 frags. This should be your first melee frag PA.
Style		There's nobody I've ever heard say they don't like the look of it. Who needs gravity, anyway?
Total	94%	One of the best you'll get. Top tier competitor.

Dus Robado

Property	Grade	Comment
Dam/Time		A decent amount of damage in a decent amount of time.
Dam/PP		Accurate, and normal pp usage.
Just Attack		Not hard by any means, but you might miss it occasionally, through the small time window and weird timing.
Defense		Initially and between each part of the attack, there is an opening.
Flexibility		Not applicable, because it hits everything around you, anyway. if the target runs though, then you won't be going after it.
Tactics		No blowaway on the first 2 parts (no wipeout either, though), and blowaway on the last, as it should be.
Team Play		No-one will complain, unless you always blow away. And through it's high number of hits, it might save someone.
Level Speed		Levels good.
Obtainability		Cheap to get in the shop.
Style		Come and taste my spear! Looks pretty good. Major photon effects, too.
Total	80%	Good PA, albeit with a bit of openings.

Dus daggas

Property	Grade	Comment
Dam/Time		Too low for a 'heavy' weapon.
Dam/PP		Accurate, and cheap pp usage. Still weak though
Just Attack		The JA slows the combo down noticeably. That's a nono.
Defense		Leaves a lot of openings on the sides.
Flexibility		Decently aimable, but you won't be going anywhere far.
Tactics		No melee-effect until the final hit, which takes a while. Not good.
Team Play		No-one will complain. They might laugh at you though. But you won't save anyone from future harm with this either.
Level Speed		Levels meh.
Obtainability		Doesn't come cheaper then this. (except your one free skill...)
Style		To tell the truth, it doesn't look half bad! Like a frantic attack series with the spear.
Total	69%	Might have been good, once... Now it's overshadowed, though.

Assault crush

Property	Grade	Comment
Dam/Time		A lot of damage in a short amount of time.
Dam/PP		Not PP friendly. The damage is in the last hit.
Just Attack		JA slows it down, but not drastically.
Defense		The attack is fast enough, not to leave you open. However, the first to parts can only make one enemy flinch.
Flexibility		You move plenty, and fast.
Tactics		The first 2 parts could have used wipeout, but still a nicely built combo.
Team Play		Doesn't bother anyone, and only helps with launch.
Level Speed		Levels 1-20 will make you cry. After that it becomes a lot easier though.
Obtainability		Buy in store, not cheap though.
Style		It just oozes badass. Quick swordsmanship, like a ninja (there, I said it). My personal favorite.
Total	87%	Fast, good-looking, damaging. What more do you want?

Rising crush

Property	Grade	Comment
Dam/Time		A lot of damage in a decent amount of time.
Dam/PP		PP friendly.
Just Attack		JA slows it down, to the point of noticable openings.
Defense		When you start, and when you JA there are openings, however, due to the constant launch, this effect is minored.
Flexibility		You move around a bit, and the PA can turn somewhat.
Tactics		Constant launch, allowing for continuous stalling, resulting in blowaway. Brilliant.
Team Play		Saves lives due to stalling.
Level Speed		Not as fast as you might think.
Obtainability		Buy in store, cheap.
Style		Some acrobatics, and flashy swordwaving.
Total	84%	Very useful and powerful for a cheap shop PA.

Cross hurricane

Property	Grade	Comment
Dam/Time		A lot of damage over a considerable period of time.
Dam/PP		Not PP friendly. Accurate and powerful, though.
Just Attack		JA slows it down, but not drastically. It's slow already anyway.
Defense		Why not just paint a bullseye on your forehead? Seriously, lots of open time.
Flexibility		It's reasonably aimable; you ain't going nowhere, though.
Tactics		It just looks like a bunch of weird moves thrown together. No coherence whatsoever.
Team Play		Improves if other teammembers keep enemies busy. You do it for them in turn. Definately a team PA.
Level Speed		Normal.
Obtainability		70 frags? Well, I suppose, if you got nothing better to spend 'm on.
Style		You look like a clown, kicking sephiroth's ass. Both weird, funny and badass at the same time. Still wonder how they pulled that off.
Total	73%	Pretty strong, both in looks and damage output. Leaves you wide open due to it's slowness though.

Splendor crush

Property	Grade	Comment
Dam/Time		A lot of the damage will go undone, alas. None too fast, either.
Dam/PP		Normal PP usage.
Just Attack		JA has nearly no effect on it's execution speed.
Defense		The first two parts leave you wide on the sides, even though you move around. The last part totally covers you, though.
Flexibility		The first 2 parts are very agile. The last part lacks any sort of agility, though.
Tactics		The first two parts are useless, and the last part launches enemies to a place where they can not be touched by the blowaway.
Team Play		Doesn't bother anyone, and only helps with launch.
Level Speed		Levels slowly, due to the fact that you won't be making full advantage of the last part's total hits.
Obtainability		50 frags? For this?
Style		The first 2 parts look like you're falling down the stairs. The final hit on the last part has a cool effect though.
Total	65%	Due to inefficiëncy in the execution buildup, this PA is not what it could have been.

Tornado dance

Property	Grade	Comment
Dam/Time		A fair amount of damage, fast.
Dam/PP		Uses up a significant amount of PP, unfortunately.
Just Attack		Since this is a one-hitter, trying to JA it takes a huge toll on it's effectiveness.
Defense		You're untouchable (well, nearly) during execution.
Flexibility		You can actually make a 360° spin.
Tactics		All blowaway is both good, and bad, depending on the enemy.
Team Play		Don't use it in teams, unless it's on solid enemies like jarbas or carriguines. I said don't.
Level Speed		Levels very fast.
Obtainability		99 frags. Doesn't come worse then this.
Style		Whee! I can fly! Looks great, and gets you around the level fast, too.
Total	80%	Has both evident strengths and weaknesses.

Spiral dance

Property	Grade	Comment
Dam/Time		A fair amount of damage.
Dam/PP		Cheap on PP.
Just Attack		Slows it down a bit, but nothing radical.
Defense		First hit hits a lot of targets and has wipeout, which is sheer brilliance. Other parts leave minor openings at the beginning.
Flexibility		You move around a lot, and can steer it very well.
Tactics		A prime example of consecutive melee effects. The only shame is the blowaway on part 2. That can be avoided though.
Team Play		Multiple blowaways? I guess...
Level Speed		Levels. Nothing more.
Obtainability		Cheap in the shop.
Style		Looks pretty neat.
Total	88%	Excells in all departments. Top notch.

Gravity dance

Property	Grade	Comment
Dam/Time		Attack with the normal attack.
Dam/PP		Why does this cost so much PP?
Just Attack		Slows it down.
Defense		The first attack leaves you open because it only hits 2 targets. The last part takes a while too.
Flexibility		Not appliccable, hits all around you. You aint going nowhere though.
Tactics		No melee effect, except the last attack.
Team Play		Nice, doesn't hurt the team, and launches.
Level Speed		Levels slow.
Obtainability		36000?! What the...?!
Style		You look like you're drunk. And not in a good way.
Total	67%	Avoid.

Absolute dance

Property	Grade	Comment
Dam/Time		It does good damage, but why does it take so long?
Dam/PP		Too expensive for what it is. But double sabers recover PP fast anyway.
Just Attack		Actually doesn't worsen the combo whatsoever. Easy to hit, too.
Defense		Makes you look like a masochist. The final part is nigh-on useless because of this.
Flexibility		You move around and can steer well.
Tactics		Ok, in truth, the buildup of melee effects is good, but that is kind of negated by the duration of the last part..
Team Play		Nice, doesn't hurt the team, and launches.
Level Speed		They'll have found a cure for cancer by the time this hits 40.
Obtainability		50 frags. Not unworthy of it's price. But still too much if you can't be bothered.
Style		It looks neat.
Total	73%	Bleh. Kind of a useless add-on to double saber PA's.

Bogga danga

Property	Grade	Comment
Dam/Time		A very nice amount of damage in a decent amount of time.
Dam/PP		Cheapest knuckle PA in terms of PP.
Just Attack		Might be a little tricky to find it at first, but it doesn't create huge openings.
Defense		When using JA it becomes a little open, but otherwise it's rock-solid defense.
Flexibility		The last part is flexible, the others less so, but not stiff.
Tactics		Very good! Knockback and going after it. The only thing that's silly is that the first hit of the last part will hardly ever connect.
Team Play		Jup, great team PA.
Level Speed		Not fast.
Obtainability		Huzzah! Bogga danga for everyone!
Style		Flashy, fast, and hard-hitting. Nice.
Total	89%	A very good PA. In practice however the final hit has a low efficiency hit rate.

Bogga robado

Property	Grade	Comment
Dam/Time		A very nice amount of damage in a decent amount of time.
Dam/PP		PP unfriendly for what it is.
Just Attack		Easy and no downsides.
Defense		The beginning and middle leave holes on the side.
Flexibility		Your reach falls somewhat short at times, and it's not very steerable.
Tactics		The launch on the second part can be both very good or very bad, depending on the enemy.
Team Play		More a solo PA. But it doesn't hurt the team.
Level Speed		Normal.
Obtainability		75 frags, but probably worth it.
Style		Not much robado about it, although the last part is funny.
Total	77%	A good PA, that has it's uses.

Bogga zubba

Property	Grade	Comment
Dam/Time		A lot of damage, in a shorter time then you'd think possible.
Dam/PP		Not the kindest of knuckle PA's on PP.
Just Attack		Since this is a one-hitter, this takes a toll. However, knuckles are fast enough that it matters little.
Defense		The beginning leaves you open (but not really THAT long, unlike anga jabroga), the ending makes you nigh on invincible.
Flexibility		Not the most steerable, but it has a decent reach.
Tactics		It hits fast enough to hit the target with all 4 hits before it's to high (because of the launch) so that you can't hit it anymore.
Team Play		Saves lives and doesn't annoy.
Level Speed		Not fast.
Obtainability		Cheap fast one-hit PA? Yes please!
Style		Not much to look at.
Total	85%	A useful, strong PA.

Ikk hikk

Property	Grade	Comment
Dam/Time		Press PA button. Go make coffee. Press PA button. Get crackers. Finish PA. It's slow.
Dam/PP		Most damage per PP. Fully levelled you'll be doing about 30,000 damage per JA button press.
Just Attack		Not easy to just attack, rather hard actually. However, it has next to no effect on it's speed, since it's slow already.
Defense		Bottom feeder. Just pray your character doesn't evade the attacks, and just takes them.
Flexibility		Quite flexible, however the reach is sometimes a bit short.
Tactics		It would have been better if the first attack had 3 targets, and the second 2. Ah well. Next to no melee effect though.
Team Play		Sure, why not?
Level Speed		Near the end you'll be thinking about eating a bullet.
Obtainability		30 frags. Worth it?
Style		Drunken boxing? Yes please.
Total	74%	Funny, but no real strategical value.

Tornado break

Property	Grade	Comment
Dam/Time		A good amount of damage to a lot of targets.
Dam/PP		Really low PP cost PA.
Just Attack		It's a bit tricky to get sometimes, and it does slow it down, althought hat doesn't have big side effects.
Defense		Both good and bad. It makes a lot of targets flinch, but with JA, it leaves quite the opening.
Flexibility		Not appliccable, you hit everything around you. You're not going anywhere though.
Tactics		Make flinch until blowaway. Couldn't be simpler.
Team Play		Sure, why not? Although you do blow away a lot of targets, which is not always the best of things.
Level Speed		Due to it's many targets, it levels fast.
Obtainability		Might as well give it to you for free.
Style		Not much to look at.
Total	80%	Rather useful sword PA. Won't find many of these around.

Spirit break

Property	Grade	Comment
Dam/Time		Finally, a good sword PA. Rejoice! The accuracy is a downer, though.
Dam/PP		Pretty costly on the already low PP swords.
Just Attack		The JA is very hard to get, but it comes at nearly the exact time of finishing your move, and thus, making this very fast.
Defense		The first part requires time to charge, providing an opening, as does the last attack. Blowdown on the second reduces this though.
Flexibility		The first part is flexible and moves your around, but the other ones are stern and require dedicated aim.
Tactics		Get to their back, blow them down, blow them away. Couldn't be better.
Team Play		Always useful, but don't overuse in a team.
Level Speed		They'll have cured cancer by the time this reaches level 40.
Obtainability		99 frags, but worth it.
Style		Link roundhouse slash, lightning fast cross slashes and Blue moon fang. They've digitalised ejaculation.
Total	81%	Top tier PA, despite it's flaws out of the battlefield.