How GREAT is Meru ACTUALLY? - A Legend of Dragoon Comparative Character Analysis

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  • čas přidán 8. 09. 2024
  • ▼ EXPAND ME ▼
    Meru. She's Amazing. She's Like a Model. She's a Dancer. She's in the Legend of Dragoon. Which has Dragons and Dragoons, and is a Legend. Your MOM'S a Dragoon. Anyway, recent re-release on the PS4/PS5 but was originally a PS1 game that had glitches on the PS2 yadayadayada HOW GOOD IS MERU IN THE LEGEND OF DRAGOON?
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    ALL VIDEOS IN THIS SERIES:
    ➤ Dart Analysis: • How GOOD is Dart ACTUA...
    ➤ Lavitz Analysis: • How GOOD is Lavitz ACT...
    ➤ Shana Analysis: • How BAD is Shana ACTUA...
    ➤ Haschel Analysis: • How GREAT is Haschel A...
    ➤ Rose Analysis: • Is Rose REALLY That Ba...
    ➤ Kongol Analysis: • Is Kongol ACTUALLY Tha...
    ➤ Meru Analysis: • How GREAT is Meru ACTU...
    OTHER LEGEND OF DRAGOON VIDEOS
    ➤ Tips and tricks: • 16 Legend of Dragoon T...
    ➤ ULTIMATE Magic Tier List • Which Dragoon Magic Is...
    ➤ Character Tier List: • ULTIMATE Legend of Dra...
    ➤ Character Build Guide: • ULTIMATE Legend of Dra...
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Komentáře • 194

  • @tantacles
    @tantacles  Před rokem +8

    Join the Tantacles discord!
    discord.gg/jy7VsGMFFc

    • @wtneely1
      @wtneely1 Před rokem +1

      You should do an evasion build with the fighters if I remember correctly it gets to 75% evasion to everything

  • @joelaguilar413
    @joelaguilar413 Před rokem +52

    Bandits ring + dancers shoes and Meru is faster than some of the fastest bosses and hits so often it's insane

    • @CreamerOfTheDairySquad
      @CreamerOfTheDairySquad Před rokem +8

      Like 6 attacks to Kongols 1 lol

    • @CreamerOfTheDairySquad
      @CreamerOfTheDairySquad Před rokem +11

      @Ahly Reeves I literally spent 15 min in my last night's stream trying to figure out why I couldn't find my bandits ring while trying to equip Meru. Then I'm like wait it's gender specific I need the dancers ring lmao with how many times I have beaten this game I feel ashamed haha (granted it's been 8 years since my last palythrough but still)

    • @joelaguilar413
      @joelaguilar413 Před rokem +5

      @@Ahly_Reeves oh I haven't played in a few years! Looks like it time to do another Meru speedrun 😅

  • @GoogleMeTonyXiong
    @GoogleMeTonyXiong Před rokem +26

    The problem I had with Rose Storm was that Meru had so many turns she burn out the Rose Storm before she got hit.

  • @dudeguy8686
    @dudeguy8686 Před rokem +24

    Doing these deep dives into the characters' stats really makes the dev's writing shine. Meru is a kid, so of course she starts out weak, but she's also a *spoiler*, so of course she winds up stronger than her peers. Just a great detail that's easy enough to miss

  • @kevo1441
    @kevo1441 Před rokem +15

    Giving Meru the accessorie that replenishes MP each turn is the smartest thing to do.

  • @Shiby23
    @Shiby23 Před rokem +14

    I find her additions the most FUN to perform :) she's so fast and if you master those additions she's one of if not my favorite char to have in the team

  • @jordanjackson4840
    @jordanjackson4840 Před rokem +30

    I remember thinking that Meru was completely useless when I played the game for the first time. Physically weak, low HP but I did notice how freaking fast she was but she still rode the bench. Finally on another play through I decided to see what she was all about…….needless to say, as soon as I get access to her in any subsequent playthrough, she immediately gets thrown into the main line-up and only leaves it when the story requires it.
    Also, her low attack doesn’t mean crap when she speed-blitzes everything 😂

    • @asham868
      @asham868 Před rokem +3

      Thats exactly how it went down for me as well. Never used her until i learned about how broken she actually was

    • @jordanjackson4840
      @jordanjackson4840 Před rokem +1

      @@asham868 She’s so freaking fast and completely trivializes the game to certain extent. Rainbow breath breaks the game entirely. I know people say that’s Rose storm but I disagree. Rose storm isn’t really that useful to me with a speed team because the effect runs out too quickly and you have to eat up another turn to cast it but why do that when you can speed blitz the enemy and be done with it? Rainbow breath heals you almost completely, heals any status effects and costs very little to cast. Just my opinion though.

    • @asham868
      @asham868 Před rokem +2

      Yup, just give Meru the Mage Ring so she recovers mp per turn and she's practically unstoppable.

  • @aerisred13
    @aerisred13 Před rokem +5

    It contrast to the other characters it makes sense, too. Similar to Rose's drop off in stats and weak equipment/additions, Meru's increase later on is a good implication regarding her Wingly heritage. High magic and good physical damage combined with the highest speed is just icing for her character design.

    • @xOmniCloudx
      @xOmniCloudx Před rokem +3

      Never figured her heritage was the reason until teasing the comments and am kicking myself since it's so obvious. Especially how I noticed that Rose's stat progression mirror her life as well.

  • @Neogears1312
    @Neogears1312 Před rokem +7

    I think a thing about game design people always forget when making characters is opportunities. The best character is almost always the character that can do what they’re good at the most, not the character who does what they do the best. Meru is so applicable in any situation and has so many options it’s really hard to even argue how the devs would have ever thought kongol was in the same ball park.

  • @brianquint6126
    @brianquint6126 Před rokem +12

    Meru with the dancer boots (+20 speed), dragon helm (+50% max health), and physical ring (+50% max health) is an unstoppable juggernaut.

    • @BlueSparxLPs
      @BlueSparxLPs Před rokem +5

      This, absolutely. Meru's defenses don't actually matter once you give her that health buff because it's enough on its own to allow her to keep up with the others' endurance while doing her thing. Between all that offensive power and her equal utility as a healer, she's consistently been my best performing character overall.

    • @swifttalon9763
      @swifttalon9763 Před rokem +5

      Dragons helm is an instant yes, unless you like magic then you need the magical hat for the 50% mp. The accessory slot on the other hand has many options including Dancers ring, Attack badge, Therapy ring (better than Physical ring), and Magic ring. Im sure i missed some, but as the video stated, you can build Meru any way you want.

    • @skychaos87
      @skychaos87 Před rokem +3

      Dragon helm + therapy ring and dancer boots, she'll almost never die. No healing needed, you'll only have to occasionally guard a few times that's it. Her high speed with the therapy ring is OP. Dragon helm is just to give her enough hp so that she doesn't get one shot.
      If you have legend helm and armour, she is godlike with dancer boots and ring, takes a few turns before anyone else can do anything.

    • @TetsuRiken
      @TetsuRiken Před rokem +2

      I like to give her the Giaganto Ring to take advantage of her speed cause while 20 poits is not a lot it does help also gives her a little extra physical def

  • @TotallyCluelessGamer
    @TotallyCluelessGamer Před rokem +5

    Meru is one of my favorite characters to use in any RPG for the same reason I use characters like Nino and Est in Fire Emblem. There is a sense of smug satisfaction when you take a character who seems weak when they first join you and transform them into an absolute unit who's capable of tackling basically anything.
    I remember the first times I played this game at 6 years old totally overlooking Meru(As a little boy I didn't use girls in my parties in games because they had cooties), and then as the playthroughs piled up, I gravitated more and more toward Meru and toward a general philosophy of "speed kills" with how I built my parties in basically every RPG.
    As a random additional bit of trivia about my time with this game. Due to basically only being able to get secondhand games and systems growing up it took roughly 15 years for me to manage to get, a system, a memory card and a copy of the game that would all survive long enough for me to beat the game. It basically became my "one that got away" in terms of RPGs where I was pretty obsessed with it until I finally managed to beat it.

  • @Smexanator
    @Smexanator Před rokem +3

    A build I made for Meru which I have tested thoroughly now is probably one of the favorite ways to build her. Give her the Dragon Helm or Legend Casque, Mage ring and use Cool Boogie with the pretty hammer. This allows Meru to do lots of magic attacks very often and have Dragoon to lvl 5 insanely fast while farming. This gives her a whopping 400 sp a turn. This is mostly a build centered on Meru's magical strengths but hinders her physical.

    • @Smexanator
      @Smexanator Před rokem +2

      Another build I still need to test is Kongol with Dragon Helm, Physical ring and bandit boots and maybe just for fun, have him use the Armor of the Legend.

    • @thatoneguy2136
      @thatoneguy2136 Před rokem +2

      Meru is my favorite character so I always give her a Legend Casque and an Armor of Legends. Yeah it’s hella busted but might as well 😂 personally the best accessory to give her is the Giganto Ring for the +20 to both physical stats. You can also give her the one accessory that offers immunity to all status if you wanna play it safe too
      Her low HP won’t matter when enemies miss her over half the time and when they do hit they hit for tickles haha

  • @SolusEmsu
    @SolusEmsu Před rokem +5

    It is worth mentioning that, since in LoD you auto-purge any negative status by entering Dragoon mode, the status-cure effects on some spells are not actually all that useful. Just enter Dragoon/Special and you cure status anyway. The form also makes you immune to all status effects that can be cured.
    This isn't really a weakness, though. It means Rainbow Breath's secondary effect is not actually all that strong in most fights.. but its secondary effect is free anyway. Getting something meh for free is still better than not getting a secondary effect at all!
    Meru best candidate for the magic hat that gives +MP max and the ring too. Give her 250mp, go into boss fight, use triple dragon summon, ring, addition without having to restore MP! This is my personal favorite style for her. I like to Special.

  • @d.sack2727
    @d.sack2727 Před rokem +5

    She's broken no doubt but still a huge glass cannon. I don't care for her physical attacks at all. She has good healing but I still prefer Shana's healing.

  • @Loyd64
    @Loyd64 Před rokem +3

    Meru is the character that can be used as a prime example of how ONE stat can break a game into two, had she not had that much speed, she would have been seen as a more physical Shana, that can actually use additions, same for Kongol, had he not been so darn slow, his freakish defense and hp with attack would make him waaay better[not mention the only item you really need for him outside of bandit ring/shoe, is legend casque, and once he has this, he RARELY dies[unless it's one hit ko stuff]], and because of his large hp pool, even if he is low, as long as you juiced up his speed a bit, guarding with kongol means lots of hp back and reduced damage.
    Meru however, just because she can usually twice per character[even more so if you decide to go with "I Am Speeeeed" build and give her both dancer shoes and bandits ring] she has no issue getting her additions up, and cool boogie being a high sp addition, means she can also max out once you have both cool boogie and her dragoon spirit, she can guard if need be and can support other characters just because you don't need to worry about loosing out on turns with her.
    So all in all, Meru is great, but only because speed is a rather broken stat in the game that can be exploited very easily with her, yes she does take a bit of grinding to get there, and she could also be used as an example of those rpg characters that once you grind/farm out their stuff, they basically become the best unit in the game.
    Not trying to fully downplay her, I like her as a character, but I don't like it when people who are new to the game get bombarded with "just use Meru" comments, and totally over shadow what the other characters can do[at least because Meru is picked up in disc 2, newer players are familiar with just about every other character before she join, so there is that].

  • @Jaburussux
    @Jaburussux Před rokem +5

    She's a beast. I'm so glad she grew on me instantly storywise so I actually got to invest my time on her to discover all her potential. Because really, those early additions are painful (not for the enemies tho).
    Speedy, fun, kooky, and also brings tons of damage and utility? C'mon... Easily the best character. Love love her.

    • @demonfoxnaruto95
      @demonfoxnaruto95 Před rokem

      yeah old me thought damn shes weak but i love her, but i need damage, lets go Kongol i need you to balance with meru

  • @CardinalSinOfCake
    @CardinalSinOfCake Před rokem +1

    This is my FAVORITE game of ALL TIME. Nobody EVER talks about it. This made me SO F**CKING HAPPY. Anyone with me in hopelessly praying they'll make a sequel or possibly just remake the exact game for a new gen console? Lol.

  • @aceoffox3028
    @aceoffox3028 Před rokem +1

    I don't know how I'm finding guides and discussion on one of my absolute favorite games that's over 20 years old as if the game just came out this week, but I like it.

    • @tantacles
      @tantacles  Před rokem +2

      Well it did just get re-released on ps4/ps5. 😉😉

    • @aceoffox3028
      @aceoffox3028 Před rokem +1

      @@tantacles That's a totally fair point.

  • @naruzero2385
    @naruzero2385 Před rokem +2

    When you were talking about play styles the second one is pretty much how I got through the third chapter of the game. I also wanted to mention that shana can use that play style however if you get her Dragoon level up to five it becomes a lot harder to do. This is because she get two Dragoon levels per shot at that level and because she has no additions you can't change that.

  • @shadow-ashsoul
    @shadow-ashsoul Před rokem +2

    Oooh yeah! My favorite Meru... I was really looking forward to this video about her!

  • @joelbyrnes9710
    @joelbyrnes9710 Před rokem +1

    I gave her a fair shot in my latest playthrough and I gotta say, holy hell she is useful. Way better than Rose, whom I was using before. I dont think I can go back.

  • @Maniacal_Laughter
    @Maniacal_Laughter Před rokem +3

    Meru is an Onion Knight, once she gets where she needs to be she’ll wreck everything in sight

  • @codeman916
    @codeman916 Před rokem +1

    After recently finishing the game again I would definitely agree she's the best! However, I will say I think she's better to start using after early disc 3. Once she gets her dragoon spirit and the dancer's shoes, dragon helm, and attack badge all around the same time she skyrockets from weak to absolutely broken really fast!

  • @JeffDAPG
    @JeffDAPG Před rokem +2

    Chrono Cross, Legend of Dragoon, and Chrono Trigger are literally my all time favorite games I still play today! Just found this video and I have to sub!

  • @LordDripDrop
    @LordDripDrop Před rokem +3

    Funny enough speed runs highlighted this role goes to Shana/Miranda. Their damage makes them more of an asset than Meru despite her speed. Assuming you are using magic items with the multiplier with those two.

    • @skychaos87
      @skychaos87 Před rokem +1

      Exactly, Shana is S-Tier when played correctly. She is literally the best damage dealer with attack items if you can mash above 250%, with the right elemental counter she melts even bosses. I remember an attack item only challenge where someone defeated the blue sea dragon with only 4 attack items and 6 for Lenus. It wasn't even an optimized run. That's why Shana is the best character for LoD speedrun.
      No one should ever really use Shana's physical attack or even dragoon mode. I believe this tier list is based on casual play through and all aspects of the character's ability and spells, which is why Shana is ranked lower than she should here.

    • @LordDripDrop
      @LordDripDrop Před rokem

      @@skychaos87 Yo that's fair. I just can't have homies sleepin on Shana. That my baby! lol

  • @sherrykathman3309
    @sherrykathman3309 Před rokem +2

    This is the first video I have seen of yours. Legend of Dragoon is definitely my favorite JRPG, my favorite game on PS1 or 2, and comes pretty close to beating my favorite game series, Mass Effect. But ME is a series I love, so I reckon Legend of Dragoon is my favorite individual game I have ever played. Lol.
    Anyways, Meru is my favorite character for sure.
    One idea for these character specific videos. If it is possible, I would love to have the characters theme song playing in the background. Meru's song is my favorite, right after Dart's song.

  • @louisdellalucca8969
    @louisdellalucca8969 Před rokem +3

    Meru: Diamond Dust!
    Shiva from Final Fantasy: Prepare to get SUED!

  • @Angelalex242
    @Angelalex242 Před rokem +2

    Story reason why this is so: Meru is a wingly. The 107th seed of the divine tree, and the penultimate race. Meru is the reason humans needed Dragoon form in the first place. Kongol, by the way, is Giganto. That's the 97th seed. Minitos which do not join the party are 99, Dragons are 105, Humans are 106. But winglies are so powerful 105 and 106 had to team up as Dragoon to fight back. Meru is OP due to species advantage.

    • @xOmniCloudx
      @xOmniCloudx Před rokem +1

      Wow, never looked at it this way before but, makes complete sense.

    • @Angelalex242
      @Angelalex242 Před rokem +2

      @@xOmniCloudx Species disadvantage, by contrast, is why Kongol sucks. As the 97th fruit, he's 9 down from humans and 10 down from winglies. Being a 'bad prototype' Gigantos are cripplingly overspecialized for strength and physical defense, but are slow and magically inept. Minitos, presumably, would be cripplingly overspecialized the other way, and might end up like Shana, but worse.

  • @bearsbearsbears1685
    @bearsbearsbears1685 Před rokem +2

    I’ve been waiting for this one!! Thanks

  • @kryoter
    @kryoter Před rokem +1

    I'm in total love for your videos and your writing!Thanks for this. When you finish your amazing videos of TLoD, what about another underrated game(s) Golden Sun? Thankyou for the all time and effort you do to entertain us!

    • @tantacles
      @tantacles  Před rokem +2

      Chrono trigger and ff9 are next on the list, but I am definitely open to trying out new things!
      And thank you!

  • @white0thunderwhite0thunder71

    And now I feel guilty because my usual party was Haschel and Albert and I usually play VERY conservatively in my playthroughs with minimal magic and equal diversity between all characters including Kongol and Shana. This will give me new ideas of how I wanna play my latest run on the PS5.

  • @christopherszarmach2542
    @christopherszarmach2542 Před rokem +2

    I well if there are people who are worried about low physical stats, I use the dragon helm to increase her HP by 50%, the dragon shield to cut incoming physical attacks by half. Then give her dancer shoes to increase her speed more. That's just me and I also give Lavitz the angel scarf for he poor magic defense.

  • @CreamerOfTheDairySquad
    @CreamerOfTheDairySquad Před rokem +2

    I have beaten this game AT LEAST 50 times and Meru has ALWAYS been in my end game party

  • @notthemaster763
    @notthemaster763 Před rokem +2

    Lavits and meru having great synergy is the funniest joke i ever heard

  • @vincentmarcellino7183
    @vincentmarcellino7183 Před 11 měsíci +1

    A better healer than Shana/Miranda, decent attacking magic, high speed. Her low physical defense makes her a bit of a glass cannon but if equipped properly she can go from average to an absolute monster with benefits of healing to boot. Meru, Dart and Albert or Meru, Dart and Haschel make you pretty unbeatable

  • @nyuuchan3563
    @nyuuchan3563 Před 23 dny

    There's a 5th playstyle: Adaptive.
    This is how I play: I use her Dragoon when I need healing, when I'm facing a Fire boss (few and far between), or whenever I'm in a tough spot. Then, since Perky Step is hard to pull off for me (w/o a Wargod's Calling), use Pretty Hammer w/ Cool Boogie (400 SP), to have her recharge SP within 2 turns (@ Lv. 5, 1 turn if Lv. 4 or lower), then have her go back to healing if needed (or keep it in reserve). She's a good hit and run Dragoon, lol.

  • @DamnDaimen
    @DamnDaimen Před rokem +1

    Meanwhile, my 10 year old self: Girl in next to no clothes goes in party. No negotiation. My reaction to her last addition was something like, does good damage, kinda hard to do.
    I never used magic items. Too good to use syndrome.

  • @skychaos87
    @skychaos87 Před rokem +1

    Yea I think you should do a human Vs dragoon comparison. I personally almost never transform into dragoon mode in my subsequent play throughs after I've mastered every addition. If I'm not mistaken, most characters do more damage in human form with additions and attack items than in dragoon mode. More so, there is no enemy in this game you can't beat in human form. I only use dragoon transformation to clear unwanted status effects. This way, you can free your inventory of purifiers and MP recovery items for more attack items instead, if you play Shana. This is why Shana is S tier if you play her right. She can easily fell bosses in 3-4 turns using attack items with the right elemental counter and one shot random encounters for free using Psyche X bomb. No one should ever really use her for physical attacks and dragoon magic, it's just not efficient.
    Imo dragoon mode for most characters are not great nor optimized for the best endgame damage. It is however great for casual players who can't master additions or can't mash above 250% for attack items. Dragoon magic would be an easy one click solution for decent damage, and spells like rose storm and rainbow breath are great for survivability. But if you can master additions and know how to optimize your character's play style even without legend equips, dragoon mode would just fall off pretty hard.

  • @frodofranz
    @frodofranz Před rokem +1

    Feel the Rhythm, Feel the Rhyme, get on up, Its bobsled time, COOL RUNNING!!!

  • @anthonyanderson3448
    @anthonyanderson3448 Před rokem +2

    When doing low level challenge, I put her in and she steamed rolled the game. I didn't get to enjoy the later levels but I enjoyed her making sure my party lives.

  • @melbu6311
    @melbu6311 Před rokem +6

    Just give her a Dragon Helm (Double HP) and she's fine. She most likely won't die anymore.

    • @d.sack2727
      @d.sack2727 Před rokem

      That's what I do

    • @reicherwallace6774
      @reicherwallace6774 Před rokem

      I do that and also give her the cape that massively increases defense for her that cost 10k. She basically becomes immortal and ends up with no flaws.

  • @Acheroncontranydes
    @Acheroncontranydes Před rokem +1

    I either use Meru or Shana. Once their dragoon lvls are maxed its pretty much a cake walk. The bosses will be weak to one of em and you can use their damage spells to deal heavy damage.

  • @jackjeager8785
    @jackjeager8785 Před rokem +1

    Start the game…eventually have the party of her, dart and Albert…proceed to snap the game over your knee for the rest of the play through

  • @LeonBlade
    @LeonBlade Před rokem +1

    Meru is my favorite character, I just started playing again yesterday and I'm looking forward to getting her back again... quite a while away from that though.

  • @csmith3248
    @csmith3248 Před rokem +1

    Meru is easily the best character in the game if you take the time to level up her additions
    Meru is the fastest, add the dancer shoe and ring she dominates the battle
    Her perky step final addition has 600% damage the highest in the game, that combined with her speed makes her the best attacker in the game
    Her dragoon is also great, she has the second highest magic after Shana, she can do incredible damage with spells and attack items and she can do good healing with her rainbow spell
    The only weakness Meru has is she has the lowest hp but that’s easily fixed with the dragon helm or giant ring
    Overall Meru is the best character but just needs protecting until you use dragon helm or giant ring

  • @tv_tim
    @tv_tim Před rokem +1

    Seeing her addition percentages, I got to thinking: What are the dragoon addition percentages? Is it a 100% damage just going off the dragoon attack boost or is there an actual percent boost? Also, I don't think the all-rounder is always limited. There are some, like Meru if you think about it, that require a lot of use/investment (time and using her additions in the case of Meru) in order to bring out their full power. Only example that comes to mind are later game Fire Emblem characters in the older games where you couldn't just grind on xp maps like you can in the new ones, they'd come in lower level and underpowered, but could end up very strong if you took the time to put in the work.

  • @winterfan8298
    @winterfan8298 Před rokem +1

    farmed 17 Satchets over 3-4 days + the free 3 for a total of 20. Gona make sure she hits level 60

  • @RoderickEtheria
    @RoderickEtheria Před rokem +1

    Meru can be good as long as you can get by how much she misses at the beginning.

  • @246Rennie
    @246Rennie Před rokem +12

    Tells you a lot about Kongols quality as a unit when the character that's a complete opposite of him is the best character in the game.

    • @369Sigma
      @369Sigma Před rokem +1

      If you armor Kongol right, he's nearly unkillable. About half the characters have really good perks to hyperfocus on.

    • @NoName-md6fd
      @NoName-md6fd Před rokem

      I'm a Kongol guy. Meru is great but only late game. Kongol gets Inferno at level 23 which should hit around late chapter 2 when Meru is still on hammer spin and Dart has Madness Hero. So by the time you get to Death Frontier, he's already maxed out and babysits the other characters to farm additions cause he one shots everything. Kongol only needs LC, bandit's ring, bandit's shoes and speed up, all of which can be bought or found before he gets into the party. (except shoes obviously)
      In my current playthough, after beating the sword, Kongol soloed Polter Armor (when I first got there) just fine. Meru and Dart died hahaha.

  • @yengvang1341
    @yengvang1341 Před rokem +1

    You should have added that status unlike in some other games goes away after the battle ends but certain status conditions last indefinitely unless cured with items, dragoon spell or at healer in a village. Status conditions are very punishing in this game which is why Meru's rainbow breath is so valuable.

  • @Guimupop
    @Guimupop Před rokem +1

    Although I agree with many of your points towards Meru, in the whole video you assume that Meru has a Max level Perky Step and Max Level Dragoon, which is something you will only achieve much later in the game unless you grind.
    We need to consider how is Meru when she arrives too, and in this case she doesn't look so good, she is one of the last characters to join the party, does not have her dragoon until the very end of disk 2, is really squishy, only has double smack, meanwhile your other characters are probably training better additions and have superior damage and resistance than her and a dragoon form (Albert probably already has all his additions, except his master addition unlocked and Rose Storm spell), so in order to achieve her potential in the video you will have to basically give up on using better characters early for her to be better later, so although I agree with you that later she becomes the strongest character, i think her weak start takes her position on top, for me the best character is Lavitz/Albert, joins really early in the game, has access to his best additions early and has Rose Storm Spell way earlier than Meru even gets spells, although he is slow, you can get access to a bandits ring on disk 1, in Shirley,s temple, and he is the best character to use it in that point.
    Great video, really liked it, although I think that only considering a character at its highest point to measure its power is not the best way to analyze it

  • @cloudlink2542
    @cloudlink2542 Před rokem +1

    Never used her until my most recent playthrough, really enjoying her and Kongol combo.

  • @BlufireTheifprince
    @BlufireTheifprince Před rokem +2

    There is one factor that Kinda makes Rainbow breath less relevant... Rainbow breath is a better healing spell when you're not relying on the special command and you're out of purifiers... because while anyone is transformed they are immune(but retain it if they dragoon with it on)

  • @yoyoyyoyoy-cv4vy
    @yoyoyyoyoy-cv4vy Před rokem +2

    dragon helm + dancer shoes/rings= BROKEN

  • @TheAcadianGuy
    @TheAcadianGuy Před rokem +1

    Kongol with bandit ring and legend casque (I know, I know) is OP as hell.

  • @orpheustalos574
    @orpheustalos574 Před rokem +1

    Jade Cocoon and Legend of Dragoon are my fave games from the ps1 era wis i could replay them

  • @demonfoxnaruto95
    @demonfoxnaruto95 Před rokem +2

    before i watch, I fucking Loved Meru. shes usually in my main group that is all

  • @Jstaman
    @Jstaman Před rokem +1

    I feel like this is one of the truest strategy games ever made.

  • @kasekgasek6214
    @kasekgasek6214 Před rokem +1

    I lov IT i hope U grow in numbers

  • @xOmniCloudx
    @xOmniCloudx Před rokem +1

    Ah Meru, the TG Cid of the game. A character I wrote off my original playthrough only to learn how super cheap she was in subsequent playthroughs. Her and Haschel on the same team just isn't fair 😂

  • @FereldenKrogan
    @FereldenKrogan Před rokem +1

    Can you do a video now that you did single guides comparing all the characters with equipment that patch up their weaknesses? Kongol with Legend Casque and Bandit Shoes,things like that. Cuz I think for example unlike Rose,Kongol is salvageable with equipment.

  • @pepicisam
    @pepicisam Před rokem +3

    Her low physical attack means nothing when she easily takes 2-3 turns per 1 for everyone else

  • @Reider222
    @Reider222 Před rokem +1

    This game actually balances all characters physical attacks fairly evenly, excluding shana. At max level with the strongest weapons and additions the damage factors are Dart = 1012, Haschel = 1217, Albert = 1175, Meru = 1122, Kongol = 1026, and Rose with dragon buster and without = 1210/900. So everyone will eventually hit for near the same damage but that makes the slow characters useless late game as they not only dont shine with physical attacks but they are also the weaker magic attackers as well. Haschel with his ultimate weapon at max strength is the only one who really pulls away. also Dart is a literal embarrassment to all main characters.

  • @TaipeiAtlantaBoi
    @TaipeiAtlantaBoi Před rokem +3

    FINALLY Meru

  • @SatoruMasamune
    @SatoruMasamune Před rokem +1

    Tanty confirmed a based FF9 enjoyer.

    • @tantacles
      @tantacles  Před rokem +1

      Well… you know where my character reviews will eventually head, then!

  • @AzureShin4
    @AzureShin4 Před rokem +1

    The only thing she can't do is tank. You're able to help out with that with one of the 10k broken items though.

  • @rpproductions6241
    @rpproductions6241 Před rokem +2

    At last! We’ve made it to my favorite character. I just beat LoD for the first time in years and she power housed through everything. Stuck the Dragon Helm on her with the bandit’s shoes and ring (or mage ring) until I got the best helm and armor. With Perky Step, Speed Up, Power Up, and Power Down, she destroy everything.

  • @Meruseta
    @Meruseta Před rokem +1

    My girl is one of the best JRPG character 💙

  • @CreamerOfTheDairySquad
    @CreamerOfTheDairySquad Před rokem +1

    I henerally give her a Aphysical ring to give her 50% more HP until I either get the phantom shield or bandits ring

  • @ryuuzaakii1656
    @ryuuzaakii1656 Před rokem +1

    We stan a Diamond Dust queen.

  • @ShaneTallon88
    @ShaneTallon88 Před rokem +1

    Meru was always my fave 🎉

  • @bronysaiyan5236
    @bronysaiyan5236 Před rokem +1

    I heard her last 10 levels before max level she gets massive str boosts but idk ive never even hit lvl 50

  • @donebynone30
    @donebynone30 Před rokem +1

    Fun fact: ‘makes everyone wet’ was my nickname in college

  • @ivanpadilla4479
    @ivanpadilla4479 Před rokem +1

    Really goes to show that the winglies are better than humans

  • @960Lionheart
    @960Lionheart Před rokem +2

    Yep. Ran Meru, Dart Haschel as my preferred party

  • @TetsuRiken
    @TetsuRiken Před rokem +1

    I said it the other day and I will say it again objectively Meru is best girl the numbers don't lie

  • @nintai6656
    @nintai6656 Před rokem +1

    Meru is amazing though she is a winglie not a human. It’s just a nitpick and I’m not trying to complain or criticize but it still feels important.

  • @Dakasami
    @Dakasami Před rokem +1

    Another great way to utilize your magic users, particularly Meru, is to give her equipment that restores her MP when taking physical damage, magical damage, and/or10 MP every turn via accessory, at least, when she is not transformed, as you had pointed out that the armor and accessory bonuses do not transfer over when you are in Dragoon form. but I completely agree, Meru is one of the best characters in the game, I put her neck and neck with Lavits, because Lavitz is best boy, and as her second dragoon spell clearly indicates, she is LGTBQ friendly.

  • @ChikageRonin
    @ChikageRonin Před rokem +2

    Ive taken 4 turns with meru with item and shoes/ring

    • @ChikageRonin
      @ChikageRonin Před rokem +2

      Her low HP meant nothing after having legend casque or armor

  • @player2pushstart
    @player2pushstart Před rokem +1

    A 110spd Meru is Insane!

  • @EmeraldDragoon
    @EmeraldDragoon Před rokem +1

    im actually quite interested in D additions vs normal ones

  • @Tetrayahtin-77777
    @Tetrayahtin-77777 Před 2 měsíci

    I just train all her additions and max out dragoon with sun rapsodies and she has phantom shield with legend casque yeah she's a beast on my team

  • @JetrinLee
    @JetrinLee Před rokem +2

    Powerful 20 MP heal, fun additions, high speed, good magic stats, comic relief. What part of her is NOT great?

  • @samflood5631
    @samflood5631 Před měsícem

    I only use Meru either for a magic based boss fight or any fire based enemy.

  • @lucyxmob
    @lucyxmob Před rokem +9

    her design really caters towards me, a gay man. love her

  • @Fl0wchart
    @Fl0wchart Před rokem +1

    TANTACLES I HAVE A QUESTION. Does Lavitz' Rose Storm grant that damage debuff for three of HIS turns, or does the buff go away for individual party members after three of their own turns? Because if it's just three of his turns, then wouldn't that mean that granting Lavitz NO speed boosting item or equipment would be the most advantageous for Rose Storm?

    • @tantacles
      @tantacles  Před rokem

      That’s something I haven’t personally tested. I always thought it was based on receiving character’s speed. But I’ve gotten some conflicting comments.

    • @Fl0wchart
      @Fl0wchart Před rokem +1

      @@tantacles JUST got done testing it, it's for all three of Lavitz' turns. So if you want the most out of Rose Storm, it is totally viable to not give Lavitz' the Bandit's Ring, Shoes, or Magical Greaves. I would recommend the Mage Ring for spammable Rose Storm without having to interrupt any damage dealt by other party members, just make sure you don't activate Dragoon form at 3 bars, or you will be without SP by the time you need Rose Storm again.

    • @Fl0wchart
      @Fl0wchart Před rokem +1

      More I think about it, Mage Ring does offset the whole point of slowing down Lavitz because of that MP regen... Hmm

    • @Fl0wchart
      @Fl0wchart Před rokem +1

      @@tantacles Alright, so I think I've got an interesting build here... Phoenix Plume + Armor of Yore for full status affect immunity, Bandit's Shoes (or Magical Greaves), Mage Ring. Albert's Flower Storm Addition will give him 200 SP, meaning two turns of Dragoon Form. First Turn, Rose Storm. Second Turn Dragoon Addition, Third Turn, Regular Addition for 200 SP +10 MP, fourth turn, Rose Storm runs out, +10 more MP, pop Dragoon Form, Rose Storm again, repeat.

  • @NeoArashi
    @NeoArashi Před rokem +1

    3:22
    How dare you waste those delicious goldfish crackers?

  • @ctcrosby01
    @ctcrosby01 Před rokem +1

    No jailbait characters. Kongol, Albert, and Dart. Bro comp.

    • @tantacles
      @tantacles  Před rokem +2

      Ok ok ok based but… technically rose is far less jailbait than any of them. Technically.

    • @ctcrosby01
      @ctcrosby01 Před rokem +1

      @@tantacles … You win this time.

  • @FromBeyondTheGrave1
    @FromBeyondTheGrave1 Před rokem +2

    0:10 So it's war then

  • @CreamerOfTheDairySquad
    @CreamerOfTheDairySquad Před rokem +1

    Doesn't shanas dragon also heal the party in addition to dealing damage?

  • @joetroutt7425
    @joetroutt7425 Před rokem +1

    At what level does she get her final addition? I'm on the one before it and I'm close to the end of the game. I want to maximize my chances of beating Melba Frama without dying too many times.

    • @DenverZenn
      @DenverZenn Před rokem +2

      There is no level requirement for the final additions. You only get a character's final addition if you've leveled all their other additions to 5 (that is, 80 successful completions of the addition).

    • @joetroutt7425
      @joetroutt7425 Před rokem +1

      @@DenverZenn oh, I thought I was on the last addition for Dart and I haven't mastered the one before it. I just noticed I have one more to go. Lol
      That's why I thought there was a level to gain access to the next addition. Welp back to grinding. ⚙️⚙️

    • @SupremeEgyptianGodsMan-vd3sk
      @SupremeEgyptianGodsMan-vd3sk Před 2 měsíci

      ​@joetroutt7425 It's what I did with my team. I trained my team to be overleveled throughout the game. I have save files with my team at the max level and stats too. The final boss Melbu Frahma is an easy walk in the park for me. I can beat him with no problem.
      I worked 💪 HARD to get my team to where they are.
      All you have to do is train consistently.

  • @jamesgasik3424
    @jamesgasik3424 Před rokem +2

    Meru is amazing. Shana who?

  • @starfishsicko
    @starfishsicko Před rokem +1

    Finally! Best girl video is here

  • @djspacecat4138
    @djspacecat4138 Před rokem +1

    When comparing stats why do you use 2 characters of different levels?
    Also, Meru is a Wingly, not human, she doesnt have a "human" form

    • @tantacles
      @tantacles  Před rokem +1

      Lol because I don’t have enough save files to find the same level card.

  • @Jayjaytube518
    @Jayjaytube518 Před rokem +1

    I agree with all that was said in this video, but does she spread La Mer on her toast in the morning?

  • @boebie5052
    @boebie5052 Před rokem +3

    Lmao u want broke? Equip legend casque, armor of legend, sage's cloak and magical grieves. That bumps ur evasion for physical and magic up to 75%. U won't be hit and if u are it is crap damage lol

    • @wtneely1
      @wtneely1 Před rokem

      I mentioned something about that myself to him in another reply to comments just a bit ago

  • @bronysaiyan5236
    @bronysaiyan5236 Před rokem +1

    Meru best girl

  • @davidmagee5671
    @davidmagee5671 Před rokem +1

    Meru is best girl

  • @ShadeZD.O.
    @ShadeZD.O. Před rokem +1

    I love prime

  • @parkerzachary7266
    @parkerzachary7266 Před 2 měsíci

    Hey, you seem to think that Shana can't get much SP, you're wrong, Shana has about three different ways to get a ton of SP in one attack.