Active-Time or Turn-Based Battle System

[darkshadow2247]

there are two basic types of RPG combat, the active-time and the turn-based. which do you think is better and which do you prefer. why?

i personally like the active-time battle system. you have to be quick on your toes to maximize battle damage and what not. you have to be one step ahead of your enemy or you'll wind up on a game-over screen pissed off because you had no reason to save.

and then there's the period of waiting for your characters to regain their composure in which you are helpless to the enemy's attacks. and you sit there pounding every button into your controller trying everything to make your gauge refill. its a new sense of mild-thrill to me. there's also the fact that your attack may be executed a split second before your enemy's saving a character from death-dealing blow. ah yes, i love active-time combat

i dunno, maybe i'm just looking into this thing way too much and need to step away from FF for a few days/weeks.

[ShadowHeart]

I like both.. not sure which I prefer really. I like the much more strategic play you get with turn-based menu-driven combat, but active-time is quite fun as well.. I mean, the one game where I've enjoyed random battling the most so far is Star Ocean 2, a game that has an active-time battle system. When I've played in one system a lot for a while, it's nice to play some in the other for a bit. It's not a big deal to me :)

[Spec Highwind]

I do like both... but I think I prefer WTB... maybe because I plan my turns carefully

[Hydra]

I can't pick between those two. :D

Active-Time Battle System=Quick playing that you have to be knowlegable on what you're doing, and what'll happen after you do that. Linking up two attacks at a time and whatnot.

Turn-Based Battle System=To plan out a strategy to easily defeat the opponent, and trying to force a pattern out of it.

Meh. Both of them.

[Zeromus_X]

I also prefer both to not have a favorite. The Star Ocean and Tales series introduced me to active time combat, and I of course had experience in turn-based with Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and many more. (Final Fantasy XII will be an active time game, so that looks fun.)

I think they both have good and bad points, of course, but I enjoy them both.

[Spec Highwind]

I think it is nice to play like in FFX-2... You can choose between WTB or ATB

and FFX-2's was my favourite Active Time Battle style... eventhough the storyline wasn't good, the gaming style was GREAT

[Zeromus_X]

I would have to agree with that. :p

[Tiny Bronco]

ATB systems are my favorite. If you set the speed high it makes the battle seem real because everything is so smooth. It also adds more challenge I think because you can't just sit there thinking what do to because you will get attacked by the time you pick something.

[darkshadow2247]

I would have to agree with that. :p
me too. as a matter of fact, it's the only thing that keps me going back for more :p

[Squall Lionheart]

Active time battle allows your speed to be an effective factor in fights...along with Time magics which can be to or against your favour...

[Tiny Bronco]

I looove slowing Ruby and Emerald down with stop. Its so easy to kill them.

[dappa]

Life 3 on thread.

I love atb but since I played final fantasy 10s system I struggled to get back into atb.
I dont like real time very much.

Taking turns and atb is what got me interested in rpgs in the first place. For me its the planning your strategy to defeat an opponent which draws me in.

In real time you are just pounding away at buttons using your dexterity and eye co-ordination to outwit your opponents though I quite enjoyed it in "Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles".

[Phoenix Flame]

*casts Auto-life on thread*

I like WTB....but for reasons already mentioned (ie: I plan carefully.) I hate getting pwn'd in an RPG :p

I will begin using ATB actually because I want a challenge. ATB makes for good challenges (I wish I could upload vids to youtube...I'd grind until my PS3 breaks...or until Hydra desides to buy it.) :p :p

[Gackt Camui]

I like the FF turn base like in 12 where they take it away I couldn't stand it. Thats one of the reasons why I don't really like the game. I got so use to fighting turn base you know?

[zen la]

I would go with active all the way for me i just like the flexabillity and when you get timed right in X-2......BOSH!!

[Aigon]

I prefer the active-time battle system. It eliminates some of the boring elements of the turn-based system, but still retains its tactical nature.

[Gackt Camui]

No not for me...I like turn base better. Thats what FF is...I don't think they should have changed it.

[Judge Magister]

WTB. Sometimes I get flustered when using ATB (my brain don't work like it used to).

[clief101_]

i like the set-up of ff7...probably the best battle setup in the whole series in my opinion

[Gackt Camui]

Yeah the turn based I have come accustomed to it totally confused me working with the ATB fighting style.

[Shinra Soldier 1]

I like turn based, if it's active, you skip out on a lot of fun and actually being able to watch your characters attack because you're rushing your combos and attacks.

[dappa]

Well if its too fast for you, why dont you try atb but with a slower flow of time by changing the settings in the option menu? You can do it on most of the final fantasies

final fantasy 10's system was a great idea too and helped me plan my strategies against the dark aeons and super bosses in the monster arena.

Final fantasy 4's atb i found a little annoying due to me not having a atb gauge to view.

[Doctor]

I'm not really sure which one I like the best...but I know that I DO like the ATB system. It's challenging because you have to be quick. =3

[Leon]

I like the ATB gauge system better

[clief101_]

yes, the atb gauge in reality makes u think faster, so u have to set up a new strategy every few seconds to counter ur opponent, i think the turn-based battle system was a little out of final fantasy, bcoz u culd stratagise, and waste time thinkin of a plan