Throwing vs Bows.

[Xander77]

Trying to write up a more coherent Master of All Skills guide. Wondering about which of those two would make for a better primary combat skill. Bows have the disadvantage of having to carry a bunch of arrows around, while Throwing (aside from throwing bombs / grenades, which is largely irrelevant to a MoAS) has the drawbacks of...? Bad weapons? Relies on strength to do damage? Is actually quite good?

[fauxpas]

Although I like magic/melee ... between bows and throwing, throwing comes out on top, provided you have the metaknowledge of where to pick up the good weapons.

[Xander77]

Just tried a basic throwing run. Terrible in real time - the default attack waits for the animation to finish before launching another attack. Not entirely fixed in turn-based either, as you have to click click click away if you want to skip animations.

As to the best weapons, I'm reasonably sure that you get the best bow in Quintara, and the best Throwing weapons - the star and the Arial Decaptiator both - can only be found shortly after you access Quintara.

[fauxpas]

Well, that's your problem then, you are trying to play in Real Time.

[Xander77]

I'm not, for the most part. Except when cleaning up nuisanse pests with my party.

But writing a guide for people should really keep in mind that somemight prefer real time combat, and Throwing isn't really viable there.

[fauxpas]

Originally posted by Xander77:

I'm not, for the most part. Except when cleaning up nuisanse pests with my party.

But writing a guide for people should really keep in mind that somemight prefer real time combat, and Throwing isn't really viable there.

Sure, but only if you plan on explaining the different weapon styles in both combat modes as opposed to trying to lump the "best" choice based solely on the combat mode that the game wasn't balanced around.

Also since we are talking about pro/con in "Real Time Mode", if I remember correctly, doesn't using a Bow in Real Time with followers come with its own set of "issues" as well?

[Xander77]

You use up a lot of arrows (since bows have their own issue with real-time mode - you keep on firing even as the arrow that's going to kill your target is already in flight), and could conceivably accidentally hit a follower. But the second issue also applies to Throwing.

[Materia User]

The biggest downside is that early game there isn't a lot of throwing weapons. I never specialized in throwing personally simply because early game, you kind of had to use an alternative method of killing things, which of course defeats the purpose.

[WabbaCat]

Never had an issue with early game throwing. if I am using throwing, I usually am also going tech or magic as well because throwing on its own is a very short investment. With maybe the exception of stat requirements. But the stat it uses can be useful for all combat choices due to the speed and number of attacks it allows.

[Boneyard Bob]

Once mastered, throwing becomes insanely op in turn based combat. IIRC (and I might not, it's been years since I've played), most thrown weapons only cost one AP in tb combat once you've mastered the skill.

[WabbaCat]

im not sure about the 1 AP thing... but you definately get alot of attacks in, and it helps that dex is its primary attribute because it guarentees you will face rape everything. If your going to go throwing, might as well make sure your able to reach at least 20 dex, because your headed that direction anyhow.
100% correct on it being OP. I am not sure much, if anything, compares to it.

I still have my original disk for arcanum, and I think its even installed still. Every once and awhile I load it up for a playthru.