Standard combat works similar to other sprite based RPGs, with you selecting the attack you desire and the target. The major difference with Ar tonelico's combat system is the fact that combatants are limited to attacks and skill, with only Reyvateils having the ability to use spells.
Turn Order
In the top left of the screen is the turn order of both the characters and the enemies. This will tell you when an enemy turn is coming up and allowing you to prepare a defense, heal, or defeat the enemy before it has a chance to attack.
Singing Song Magic
By pressing Triangle, you can open the current Reyvateils Song menu and choose what song you want her to sing:
- Red Magic is attack spells that will deal damage to an enemy.
- Blue Magic is healing spells that will heal the party's health.
Once a song is selected, a burst gauge on the right will keep track of the song build-up. The longer you let it build up, the more powerful it becomes. When you are ready to unleash the spell, press Triangle again and select Activate Song.
When a Reyvateil runs out of MP she will be unable to support the song any longer and will need to recover by not singing and allowing herself to recover.
Harmonics Gauge
Every time the Harmonics level goes up, various benefits to the party are applied. These can be anything from an increase in allies offensive power to a Burst Speed increase.
Increasing your Harmonics will allow your party to do stronger attacks, with more hits per attack, access more powerful skills and also increases the drop rates.
Each enemy has multiple drops, unlocked by the different Grades attached to it. In order to access the higher drops from an enemy, the Grade/Harmonics level needs to be reached.
Defending a Reyvateil
Reyvateils are vulnerable, especially when singing, and some enemies will target them. The next attack by that enemy will be on your Reyvateil, so watching the turn order carefully is important. Before the enemy attacks your Reyvateil, you will either need to Protect her or defeat the enemy that is attacking her.
