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Phantasy Star Universe, Firearms & You: Handguns

Phantasy Star Universe, Firearms & You: Handguns

Images from PSO World
Data provided from within PSU

Index:
I.Introduction
II.Necessity
III.Statistical Comparison
IV.Aesthetic Quality

I. Introduction

First of all, I want to talk about Mayalee Hit. Does anybody have this Photon Art at level 40? I'm wondering, because I've seen some players have it, but it's always leveled up in the teens or less. I myself have had it for more than six months and I only just reached LV21 with it. The bullet PA increase has helped tremendously as it's now 24 at the time of writing. The HP steal LV3 is massively helpful; I usually net about 75 HP per hit with it right now. This seems to negate any effects of Megistaride (or Megistar, if one uses that) almost instantly.

Here are its stats from PSO-World's database:

I think the PP cost might be different now, however. On my PA list, Mayalee Hit says 19 PP for LV24, so it may have been updated recently in the PA update (2008 May).

Now let's compare this to Burning Hit:

II. Necessity

Until now, I had not realized all single-handed handguns had LV3 status effects. To me, it seems like this kind of weapon is largely overlooked although it is an essential piece of equipment for all GUARDIANS when TECHNICS and Skills are halved in damage or not useful in specific situations (like in Her Secret Mission, for example).

Does anybody even level their handgun PAs to 40? They seem like they have a quasi-high damage potential. One thing Mayalee Hit does right is that this PA actively hits two separate targets with one bullet, though the area in which this occurs is fairly strict: the bullet has to hit two enemies parallel to each other and the bullet has to come right between them. This concept is very useful for opening boxes next to each other, but such a target is stationary whereas most enemies slide around each other marking the player's aim off.

Mayalee Hit also seems to cause extra damage from the HP steal in addition to its fair damage percent bonus despite its neutrality. Were the multi-hit less strict and possibly applied to other handgun PAs as well, I could see the single-handed firearm a more popular choice among gunner-oriented classes. Surely the handgun is a no-brainer for Fortefighter since some enemies emit forcefields that negate melee damage and others have striking defense traits--of this there is no question of its requirement--a real blow to two Master classes not being able to use a ranged weapon of any kind; not even a one-star, PA-less handgun at that! My proposal to Sonic Team is to make a special but weak handgun a required item not unlike the Goggles while playing on Fighmaster and Masterforce.

III. Statistical Comparison

In the charts below, compared are seven different handguns of various A and S rank status.

Using the data gathered above, we can now produce results comparing the percentage the Attack Power rises from 0/10 grinds to 10/10 grinds on each respective weapon shown in Figure C. The same method is used in Figure D to compare grinds from 0/10 to 10/10 in Photon Point gain as well. Using this data--depending on one's Photon Art of choice--one's preference of handgun may vary, as a PA like Mayalee Hit will consume far greater PP than an elemental PA. Please take this into consideration for the amount of usage you will be using your handgun, how many Photon Charges you want to spare, and so forth.

IV. Aesthetic Quality

This is by far the most subjective topic regarding weapons as preferences for weapon aesthetics will vary person-to-person. When choosing a handgun, or any weapon, each player can decide between any number of handguns between its stats and how it looks. Some players may want to use a weaker handgun just because of looks while another player may want to use a very strong handgun even if he or she does not like how the weapon appears (or in some instances, this player does not care about looks, only stats). Another option in choosing weapons may be a balance between looks and stats of varying degrees, even carrying different weapons on the weapons pallet for variety. This author's favorite handgun is the Vipric for its dark gray, sleek body.

Featured Handguns:

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14 Jun 2008 - 10:43 by Yusaku Article | Comments (0)