Unlock Your Fortune with Jili Gems: A Step-by-Step Guide to Winning Strategies
I still remember the first time I discovered the combat system in 1st Chapter - it felt like stumbling upon a hidden treasure chest in an RPG. The hybrid approach, first introduced in 2024's Trails Through Daybreak, completely revolutionized how I approach battles, and honestly, it's become my personal gold standard for combat systems. What makes this system so brilliant is how seamlessly it lets you switch between real-time action and turn-based commands, creating this beautiful dance of strategic possibilities that keeps me engaged for hours.
When I'm exploring the world and encounter smaller groups of enemies, I almost always stick to the real-time action mode. There's something incredibly satisfying about the fluid movement and immediate feedback - it reminds me of those classic action games I grew up with, but with much more depth than your typical hack-and-slash. The combat system actually rewards skill and timing rather than just button mashing. I've found that executing last-second dodges not only looks cool but practically changes the game's dynamics by instantly charging up your special gauge. This mechanic alone has saved me countless times during tougher encounters. What surprised me most was how well the system holds up even when I crank up the speed - everything remains perfectly readable and responsive, which is something I can't say for most action RPGs.
But here's where the real magic happens - the strategic layer that emerges when you start combining both systems. I've developed this personal rule after about 80 hours of playtime: use action combat to wear down single targets and build up my gauges, then switch to turn-based mode when enemies are stunned or when facing multiple opponents. The transition is so smooth it feels like changing gears in a high-performance sports car. When you stun an enemy in action mode and switch to commands, you get this fantastic preemptive advantage that makes me feel like I've outsmarted the game itself. It's these little moments of strategic triumph that keep me coming back.
The turn-based side of combat offers this wonderfully tactical experience that reminds me why I fell in love with JRPGs in the first place. Against groups of three or more enemies, I almost exclusively use turn-based mode because the area-of-effect commands are just too valuable to pass up. The positioning of these special attacks matters tremendously - circles, arcs, and lines each have their ideal scenarios, and learning when to use which has become second nature to me. I particularly love how the game forces you to pay attention to enemy weaknesses too. About 40% of the enemies I've encountered seem significantly more vulnerable to elemental arts than physical attacks, which adds another layer to my decision-making process.
What truly sets this system apart, in my opinion, is how it eliminates the traditional RPG grind without sacrificing depth. I used to dread the mandatory grinding sessions in older RPGs, but here, the action combat makes clearing random encounters both engaging and efficient. The hybrid system respects my time while still delivering a deeply strategic experience. I've noticed that my play sessions feel more productive - I'm constantly making meaningful decisions rather than just going through the motions.
The team-based attacks, carried over from 2015's Trails of Cold Steel, integrate beautifully with this new hybrid foundation. There's this incredible synergy when I coordinate with my party members - setting up combos in action mode, then switching to commands to unleash devastating team attacks feels like conducting an orchestra of destruction. It's these moments that make me appreciate how far the genre has evolved while still honoring its roots.
After playing through multiple chapters and experimenting with different approaches, I'm convinced this hybrid system represents the future of JRPG combat. It manages to cater to both action enthusiasts and strategy purists without compromising either experience. The way it incentivizes switching between modes creates this dynamic gameplay loop that never grows stale. I find myself constantly adapting my strategies based on the situation rather than relying on a single approach, which keeps every encounter fresh and exciting.
Looking back at my journey with 1st Chapter, the combat system has been the highlight that keeps me invested in the world and characters. It's rare to find a game that trusts players enough to give them this level of control over how they experience battles. The developers have created something truly special here - a combat system that's accessible enough for newcomers yet deep enough to satisfy veterans. For me, this isn't just another game mechanic - it's a masterclass in game design that has reshaped my expectations for what RPG combat can be.