Zidane FAQ "Sometimes you cant think everything out.You have to listen to your heart"

[Dave880]

Zidane - IX

First off this FAQ will be short and easy since I'm too lazy to make a lengthy FAQ filled with precise detail D:. Purpose of this FAQ is to help out any new players that are interested in seeing what Zidane offers. On another note, I believe the changes to Zidane seem to have its pros and cons but in the end I believe Zidane is a little better in the ENG compare to the JPN. AGAIN I'm just trying to help out Zidane players with this FAQ. Also, if any other people want to contribute in making this FAQ, feel free to post your ideas/suggestions/etc.

1.Move Changes From JPN to ENG
Brave Moves:
-Rumble Rush now links to Meo Twister instead of Free Energy
-Swift Attack now links to Meo Twister instead of Free Energy
-Storm Impulse no longer links to Meo Twister and it's range got shorten by a bit.
-Vortex now has a larger hit box but it no longer links to Meo Twister.
-Tempest now links to Meo Twister instead of Free Energy
-Solution 9 has greatly improved by having greater range.

HP Attack:
-Tidal Flame will now stay in put for a couple of seconds instead of immediately attacking the opponent.
-Free Energy is now available as a AIR HP attack.
-Grand Lethal seems to have lost some of his range properties but homing properties are still there.
-Shift Break can be dodge out a little quicker in the NA version than in the JPN when its about to be finish.
-Meo Twister no longer allows opponents to escape out of the animation. The speed of Meo Twister coming out seem to have improved, which is the major reason opponents can't dodge out of it.

Other Changes:
-A new combo is now possible since Free energy is a solo HP attack:
Rumble Rush (Tap O button once) -> Dodge Cancel -> Tempest (Tap O button once)-> Dodge cancel -> Free Energy

2. Move Sets For Zidane:

I. BRAVE Attacks :

Ground Brave Attacks:
A. Rumble Rush 30AP/15AP (M) Links to Meo Twister (40AP/20AP M):

I find this move to be great when you are able to block and use it right after. It has good range but it can be easily seen a mile away. I rarely use it when I play against other players due to its semi-long start up. It does a decent amount of brave damage if you are able to land but again use it wisely. Now linking this to Meo Twister isn't bad but you can save some AP if you know how to combo Rumble Rush into Tempest, which will be explained later. In the end, this move is pretty decent since it is able to combo into Tempest and does average amount of Brave damage. The downside is opponents can see it coming and should be only used if you are able to block the opponent or if they are rushing towards you for a counter.

B. Scoop Art 20 AP/ 10AP (M):

Well... this move pretty much sucks. Scoop art shoots out a single projectile (Max is three) at the opponent with homing properties. The projectile follows the opponent pretty slow and is easily blockable. The homing properties stops after a while when it reaches its range which makes it suck even more. A good thing about this move is that its safe when there is enough distance between the opponent and Zidane. I don't find this move very appealing and I suggest staying away from equipping it against players. You can use the 20 AP/10AP into something more useful such as criticals.

C. Swift Attack 30AP/15AP (M) Links to Meo Twister 40AP/ 20 AP:

One of Zidane's best Brave attacks ground and air. Swift attack comes out very fast and it's really great to use in PVP. The downside in Swift attack is you have to be close to the opponent and the brave damage isn't that great. The great thing about Swift attack in the ENG version is that it links to Meo twister which adds on more Brave damage to the final HP attack. I highly recommend attaching Meo Twister with Swift Attack since it will put pressure on the opponent in trying to block your attack whenever you get close to them. I suggest equipping this move onto your Zidane since its great in PVP and punishing opponents mentally into trying to block it due to its quick start up.

[Dave880]

AIR Brave Attacks:

A. Storm Impulse: 30AP/15 (M):

The first changed with Storm Impulse I have noticed (before mastering it) is the range properties. Storm Impulse lost a quite bit of its range in getting towards the opponent. In the JPN version, I found this move to be extremely useful when the opponent would try to dodge and storm impulse would still punish them due to its range and tracking properties. Now the brave damage Storm Impulse gives off is one of the best for Zidane. Storm Impulse does about 1250 brave damage with criticals alone plus wall rush damage. This move is capable of punishing the opponent's brave and could possibility break them. With Riposte (Extra Ability for Crits) attach to Zidane, this move will guaranteed a break in a no equip battle if you are able to guard and punish them. This move should be wisely due to its long start up and if you do miss the opponent with this move they can come block you, resulting yourself getting punish. With the new changes, its debatable in whether you want to equip it or not due to it being a risky move. For myself, I equip Storm Impulse because of the fact I love doing Wall rush combos. I have calculated that doing SI + SI + Swift attack does around 3260 damage in total (including wall rush + all critcals). Here's a video of what I mean,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3tiz8qFTJw

Note: In this video, I didn't have criticals equip because of a Rule set I was testing out with NeroMD. This is just an example of how I use Storm Impulse @ :42 seconds.

Here's another with SI + SA Wallrush combo @:49 seconds:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiEDuQOKV5Y

B. Vortex30AP/15 (M):

Vortex has its up and downs in whether you want to equip it or not. First off, I'm glad there is a larger hit box in being able to hit the opponent with it but at the same time I still prefer Storm Impulse over Vortex. Vortex is a combo starter for most Zidane players today. It is able to start up his combo of Vortex > Tempest > Swift along with other possibilities. Most Zidane players equip Vortex to get that combo in which does about 1600ish damage in total with criticals. I find that Vortex is very useful in faking out the opponent into blocking and immediately using Vortex to punish since its able to penetrate through defense. It works great with AIs in the game and at times it works in PVP. The downside in this move is if your opponent doesn't get faked out into blocking, Zidane can get punish due to its delay at the end or getting blocked when you do start up the move. The brave damage is pretty decent at the start up doing about 200ish with criticals. Personally, I would rather use Storm Impulse than Vortex because of the ability to wall rush combo with Zidane. If you like to do combos with Zidane, equip this move because of possibilities it can give Zidane. Here is an example of Vortex being a Combo Starter. In total this combo does around 1600ish brave damage in a no equip match + all crits (Vortex 200ish + 600ish + Swift Attack 700 ish)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJDSZfZkHHk

Note: Credit for this video goes to Slayer0. Again, Vortex is a combo starter for Zidane players.

C. Tempest30AP/15Ap(M) Links to Meo Twister 40AP/20 (M):

Tempest is very useful for Zidane due to the many possibilities and options it gives Zidane. The move makes Zidane throw his knife downward from above in order to pick up opponents underneath him. The main purpose of this move is using it when your dodging and then executing it right after. Think of Tempest sort of like Tidus' dodge and hit moves. Even though its not exactly a dodge and hit, it works wonderful at times in hitting the opponent if they are using a certain Brave move or HP move. Also, this move helps out Zidane to play in the air due to being able to pick opponents off from the ground and bringing them to the air. Another use for this move is for the Rumble Rush to Tempest combo. This combo still works in the ENG version and does a lot of Brave damage if you are able to connect. Tempest does a quite a bit of brave damage but no where as close to Storm Impulse. Do not use Tempest openly since it is predictable and you might get block and punish for it. In my personal opinion, I suggest equipping this move since it makes Zidane even more dangerous due to the options and possibilities.
(NOTE: This move will still bug up at times, and will not bring the opponent to the air. If this happens do not press the O button again for the 2nd part of the move because it will make Zidane continue to swing his dagger even though he isn't hitting anyone. This can punish Zidane with the opponent being able to block his 2nd part of Tempest.) Use this youtube video that Nero posted and watch 1:05 how I use Tempest and what I mean about its glitch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwrKzTUr69w

Also, you can use Tempest to combo into Swift attack (This saves you 20CP from linking Tempest - Meo Twister. Now you can Take that off and finish it with Swift Attack - Meo Twister).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiEDuQOKV5Y

Note: Look at 1:52 in this video. You can see the combo of Tempest to Swift attack.

D. Scoop Art (midair) 20 AP/10AP (M):

Again, this move really sucks... Same properties as the ground one except this time Zidane does it in the air. Everything is exactly the same hence going to end this part short (Look at Ground Brave moves Scoop art to get more information). As I said earlier, I suggest staying away from equipping this move. There are way better options for Zidane in the air than this one.

E. Solution 9 30AP/15AP (M):

In the JPN version, the first time I used Solution 9 I thought to myself what a horrible move. It had no range and the hits could miss the opponent completely. After playing the ENG version, I found Solution 9 to be very buffed up. Solution 9 is where Zidane launches multiple magical projectiles towards the enemy. He stays in put while he throws out his projectiles towards the enemy. Solution 9 is a good move to use when your far away from your opponent. Its safe and easy and allows Zidane to attack from a distance. Solution 9 can be dash through making it crucial that you are able to distance yourself between yourself and the opponent. The range on Solution 9 is great as it reaches extremely far and the projectiles are fast, but the downside to this move is that it has low accuracy on hitting the opponent. In my opinion, if at least 3 of the projectiles land then you have done your job in getting some more brave for Zidane. For myself, I have a hard time in deciding between which move to put in between Storm Impulse and Solution 9 for my set up. Solution 9 allows Zidane user to keep attacking without being worried about getting blocked by the opponent, while Storm Impulse is a good punishing Brave move if you block your opponent. The main purpose of Solution 9 is trying to rack up any brave points you can from your opponents at a far distance. Also, this move is great in getting opponents to come after you into the air where Zidane should be. One final thought though, each ball from Solution 9 is capable of doing 51 brave damage no critical, and if your lucky 256 Critical Brave Damage in an no equip battle. Again, all you need is for 3 balls from Solution 9 to land and to crit.(256+256+256 = 768) which will break an opponent if they start out with 667 Brave points. For suggestions on equipping this move, its up to the Zidane player in what kind of style they prefer. If you like to play far away with a safe move and at the same time luring your opponents, put Solution 9 in your move set up for Zidane. Here is a video of Solution 9 in action in the Dissidence Tournament.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8X4Z...eature=related

Note: Solution 9 is very useful against ground opponents.

F. Swift Attack (midair) 30AP/15AP (M) Links to Meo Twister (40AP/20AP M)

As I said earlier, Swift Attack is one of Zidane best brave moves since it links to a HP attack. Swift attack doesn't do too well by itself but when linked to Meo Twister, it pretty much makes Zidane dominate in the poke and hit part in the game. The main purpose of this move is a quick and easy hit on the opponent. The move comes out very fast making it hard for opponents to block Swift attack. This move is a lot safer to use than Storm Impulse, Vortex, and Tempest. Therefore, you can go on the offense if this move is equipped. The downside in Swift attack is if you get block you WILL get punish badly. Another downside is that you have to be really close to the opponent or else you will missed the opponent and get punish on the second swing of Zidane's attack by getting blocked. The first swing Zidane does in this attack MUST land on the opponent or else your looking at your opponent blocking your second swing. Overall, I love this move and its great in PvP. I suggest equipping this move if you like close combat and you are comfortable with getting near the opponent.

[Dave880]

II. HP ATTACKS

Ground HP Attacks:

A. Tidal Flame40AP/20AP (M):

Tidal Flame improved a bit in being able to use this move in a mind game situation. Now since Tidal Flame will stay in put for a couple of seconds, Zidane is now able to dash towards the opponent to attack with a regular brave attack and at the same time allowing Tidal Flame to land if the opponent is on the ground. Tidal flame will sit for about three seconds and then its homing properties will take effect. Regarding its homing properties, if the opponent is not in front of where you casted Tidal Flame it will act like a boomerang or a homing missile till its lock onto the opponent. If Tidal flame goes off the ledge or if you get hit by your opponent, Tidal flame will disappear. This HP move isn't that great even though it improved a bit. There are other options for ground HP attacks such as Zidane's links with Meo Twister or even Stellar Circle 5. In my opinion, only equip/use this move if you like the fact you can do Storm Impulse 1st part> Tidal flame > Storm Impulse 2nd part. (Note: Even with the improvements, I still think Tidal Flame is a horrible move. Yes of course you can use it to set up Free energy or a Brave Attack, but think about the chance of that happening against a player. Even ask Nero if you still disagree about my opinion on this move.)

B. Stellar Circle 5 40AP/20AP (M):

This HP move is pretty decent. It acts as a defense barrier against magic attacks and sucks people in. Zidane creates a cyclone that sucks opponents in to get hit. It has pretty good range vertically but horizontally its pretty short. The great thing about this move is if the opponent is trapped in a corner you can easily punish them with this move since there is no where for them to go. Also, the start up time is pretty fast and can be use if you want to go on the defense against your opponent. The delay after the move is not so bad and is pretty safe to perform if use correctly. There is some delay after performing Stellar Circle 5 so you can still get punish if you do not use it correctly or miss your opponent. This move is great on maps such as Kekfa tower since there are a lot of corners and walls you can use. Maps like Cosmos Stage, Stellar Circle 5 doesn't do to great since there are barely any corners (if any) or walls you can use to your advantage. On stages like Cosmos, use this move as a defense mechanism. Overall, this move is pretty decent but again you can always punish your opponents Swift Attack > link.

AIR HP ATTACK

A. Free Energy 40AP/20AP (M):

At first, I didn't know what to expect with Free energy. There were many people thinking Free energy was going to suck since it had limited range and there were also people thinking this could potentially be a broken move with new players spamming it all the time. In my opinion, Free energy is neither broken or a crappy hp move. Free Energy can only be done in the air and can be used above, front, and below the opponent. Zidane adjusts himself before he throws his Free Energy at the opponent. This move comes out extremely fast, but the downside is if you do not land your Free energy on your opponent you can get punish. For example, Tidus is one of the few characters that can punish Free Energy if you do not land it correctly (Check out this link Nero posted on his youtube page http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwrKz...er_profilepage ) Another downside to Free Energy is that it will not hit the opponent if they are close to Zidane. In order to use Free energy properly, you must learn the distance and range it has. Learning its range is very crucial because it allows Zidane players to have another pressure move against their opponent. With Swift Attack + Free Energy, this can mentally confuse the opponent in what you are going to do next. Both Swift attack and Free energy are both extremely fast in coming out, hence the opponent may react to Free energy by blocking it because they were thinking you were going to perform a Swift Attack. There is little delay to Free Energy so the safeness level is about average to low in being able to use it openly. But again, against great players that level can change in a instant. I honestly love this move because it allows me to use Swift attack and Grand Lethal to mess with the opponent's mind in what move I will do next. Free Energy will require time to master it if you want to use it properly and correctly. This move will definitely show the skill level of Zidane players in who has practiced using Free Energy compared to individuals who just spam it thinking its like Goblin Punch.

B. Shift Break 40AP/20AP (M):

This HP move is great when you are trying to attack an opponent from a long distance. It enables Zidane to damage opponents if you are trying to play it safe. DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT use this move if your close to your opponent. This move makes Zidane vulnerable to getting punish by opponents since the casting takes a while for Shift Break to come out. I find this move useful when your playing a map like Kekfa's Tower or Ultimecia's level due to the fact you can hide above the structure if the opponent is below you when your casting it. Another use for this move is if the opponent is dashing towards EX core or towards you. Shift Break creates four pillars in a square shape at its corners and one outside depending where the opponent is. If you see opponents dashing, you can cast Shift break right there and then. Why? Well because they might get hit by one of the lighting structures that Zidane creates. If they do get hit by them, it creates a lot of critical brave damage (I think about 300+ Brave Damage) in a short time period. From my experience, I have seen it work on opponents and dealing 3 hits on them for 300+ critical damage in no equip fights. This move does take a while in coming out so be careful in how you use it. My advice for Shift break is use it when you are safe from being punish from your opponent. Shift Break is great if you know it's maximum distance and range. It can be use as an offensive attack if you use it correctly. Here are some other uses of how I use Shift Break,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5KlZhlNHuE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3tiz8qFTJw

Note: Keep your distance and make sure your opponent isn't close to you when you use Shift Break. Shift break use @ 1:10 for the 2nd video.

Also, Shift break is great in reflecting magical properties back at the opponent as seen in these videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkLO9ekL_HQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0oFE5p-_Lc

Note: Notice how Shift Break deflects Snatch Shot and WWF. Shift Break is a great HP move to have equip on your Zidane.

C. Grand Lethal 40AP/20 AP (M):

Grand Lethal is a decent HP attack in small spaces. Its properties are similar to Braver having Homing, range, and blocking. One great property about Grand Lethal, is the fact it lasts for about 3-5 seconds homing onto the opponent. What does this mean? Well if the opponent dodges near you, they will get hit by Grand Lethal due to the fact it will attack through the dodge animation. You should use Grand Lethal in tight spaces where the opponent is against the wall, corner, or ledge. This will help you almost guarantee a hit on the opponent since there is little room for he/she to run away. Another use for Grand Lethal is against turtlers if they decide to block too much throughout the battle. One downside for Grand Lethal is the cooldown after the move. If you are unsuccessful in landing Grand Lethal, the opponent has a great opportunity in punishing you. Its really up to you as a Zidane user if you want to equip Grand Lehtal or not. I personally don't use Grand Lethal because my Zidane is built for low risk and low delay. Having Grand Lethal on will give the opponent some chance of countering my Zidane because of the start up and the delay at the end. (Note: its seems Grand Lethal's range has been shorten a bit but not too much).

[Dave880]

3. Zidane's EX MODE and EX BURST:

EX Mode: Trance, "Time to get serious" ~Zidane


Zidane's EX mode doesn't grant many bonuses, but these can be extremely useful if used correctly. As always, his appearance changes into his Trance form from FFIX and gains Regen. He also gains ten more bonus jumps in addition to the jumps you can already have equipped. These jumps also grant you a few invincibility frames, and can help you avoid some attacks Here is a video of Zidane jumping out of Energy Rain from his EX Mode.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiEDuQOKV5Y

Note: Look at 2:00 and you can clearly see Zidane dodges out of Energy rain due to his EX mode bonus.

EX Burst: Reverse Gaia "Its not over yet!" ~ Zidane



During Zidane's Ex burst, the main objective is to press the O (circle) button as fast as possible. There will be four lines inside the gauge and your goal is to reach those lines before its too late. If you successful complete it, the last notion of his ex burst will be him spinning ayround the opponent while damaging their brave and HP at the last hit.

"And for the final touch, Fly awayyyyyy!" ~Zidane


Note: Credit to Slayer0 for the pictures and EX mode description.

4. Combos for Zidane
(Note: If you need help with these combos PM me and I'll be more than glad to help you out.)

A. Vortex (Press assign button once)> Dodge Cancel > Storm Impulse* > Dodge close to the wall and Opponent > Free Energy
*(NOTE:To continue the combo after Storm Impulse, Zidane must be close to the opponent since free Energy has limited range. Remember Storm Impulse pushes the opponent against the wall for extra damage. During the recovery period for your opponent, you can get Free Energy in if you are close to them.)

B. Rumble Rush (Press assign button once) > Dodge Cancel > Tempest > Meo Twister

Alternate Way same combo: Rumble Rush (Press assign button once) > Dodge Cancel > Tempest (Press assign button once) > Dodge Cancel > Free energy

C. Vortex(Press assign button once)> Dodge Cancel towards the opponent's back side > Tempest > Meo Twister
(Note: This combo is pretty tough to do so don't worry if you aren't getting it down the first time.)

D. NOTE: This next combo will be hard at first since you need to practice Return Dodge Cancel to place Zidane back to the same spot. Return dodge cancel is where you dodge cancel back to the same spot where Zidane was when he first attempts to dodge.

Rumble Rush (Press assign button once) > Dodge Cancel > Tempest (Press assign button once) > Return Dodge Cancel > Storm Impulse * > Dodge close to the wall and Opponent > Free Energy

*Remember after Storm Impulse you must be close to the opponent when they crash against the wall to get Free energy to land on them.

E. Tidal Flame > Dash towards opponent > Storm Impulse 1st Part > Tidal Flame > Storm Impulse 2nd Part.

F. Vortex or Storm Impulse > Dodge Closer towards the Wall > Free energy (Opponent must hit the wall in order for this to connect. )

H. Rumble rush >(Turn dodge) Storm Impulse

I. Rumble rush > (Turn dodge) Swift Attack - Free energy

J. Rumble rush > (Ndodge) Tempest > (Turn dodge) Swift Attack > Meo Twister

K. Vortex >(Forward dodge) Swift Attack > Meo Twister

L. Vortex > (Forward dodge) Tempest > Meo Twister

M. Rumble rush > (Ndodge) Tempest > (Rdodge) Vortex > (Ndodge) Storm Impulse or (Forward dodge) Swift Attack or (Forward dodge) Tempest

N. Vortex - (Turn dodge) Vortex > (forward dodge) Tempest > (Turn dodge) Swift Attack > Meo Twister (Most commonly use today with Zidane players)

O. Rumble rush > (Forward back dodge) Tempest > (Rdodge) Vortex > (Forward Dodge) Tempest > (Turn dodge) Swift Attack > Meo Twister

Will Update the combo list at a later time, but I found a really good combo video of Zidane. Credit goes to Kouryu15. Even though this video is the JPN version of DFF, these combos should still work on the ENG version.
YouTube - -Dissidia- Zidane Combo list
*Note: All combos works on the NA/EU copy of DFF. The only part that is different in this video is having links such as Storm impulse to Meo Twister and Swift Attack to Free Energy. These combos will not work on the UT version of DFF. There are also more combos with Zidane if you include Wall Rush combos.*

5. Pros and Cons about Zidane

PROS:
-Great aerial game.
-Ability to do a Brave to HP attack
-Swift attack is one of the fastest move in the game and links to a HP attack
-Average to High Air HP Attacks
-Second Fastest Character behind Onion Knight
-Excels in close range combat

CONS
-Bad ground game.
-Low to poor HP ground moves
-Terrible Range on his movesets giving Zidane trouble with Range Characters such as Ultimecia.
-Does little brave damage and can get break easily
-Extremely hard to break the opponent due to the weak brave damage
-Chip away game resulting in long matches and giving the opponent many opportunities to punish Zidane.

[Dave880]

6. Character Match-Ups
*Will work on the character match up section after the Tournament. Also, I will add a section on what to equip on certain characters in terms of action, support, and extra abilities*

Final Fantasy I Characters:



Cosmos Final Fantasy I: Warrior of Light

[Dave880]

Reserved for the future!!!

[Dave880]

Reserved for the future!!!!