The Man with More Than a Machine Gun- a Laguna Loire guide

**Balguna** · 05-22-2011 04:10 PM

Please Use the Discussion Thread for well, Discussion!

Table of Contents:

1) Well, You Got My Attention Now - Who is Laguna?
2) Have You Thought This Through? - Why use Laguna?
3) Well, Time For Me to Start My Run - Moves
4) You've Awakened the Genius! - EX Mode
5) Now It's a Party! - Assists and Combos
6) I'm Probably Gonna Win - Matchups
7) Sit Back and Watch How a Real Man Fights! - Videos
8) Wasn't That a Blast? - Credits

1. "Well, You Got My Attention Now - Who is Laguna?

Laguna is described throughout the story as a man with many faces and even more talents. He has shoulder-length black hair and green eyes. He is cheerful, generous, kind-hearted, and though he hates fighting, he becomes a Galbadian soldier. He is well respected among his comrades, Kiros Seagill and Ward Zabac, who scorn him sometimes for his impulsive attitude, but ultimately rely on him for guidance and direction when push comes to shove. Laguna is courageous in the face of danger and most especially when his friends are in trouble, but when given time to think about the danger he is truly in, he usually becomes a little more hesitant. However, he is always willing to put his life on the line for the sake of justice.

Laguna is known for making up his own phrases on the fly whenever he does not know the real words to the phrase, or occasionally he just gets it wrong altogether. For example: he tells Kiros and Ward that "the unfamiliar always happens" and they have to correct him and say that it is the "unexpected" that always happens. They playfully laugh at him for his mistakes to which Laguna usually becomes embarrassed and abruptly ends the conversation. He is also well known for his inability to talk to women, though he exclaims it is only "beautiful women" he gets nervous around, and when he does, his left leg cramps up. He eventually overcomes this, however, when one night he has a full conversation with Julia Heartilly in Deling City. Laguna's dream is to become a traveling journalist so that he can write all about his adventures with his friends and give others the inspiration the world has given him.

[From FFWiki]

2. "Have You Thought This Through?" - Why use Laguna?

Laguna is described in Duodeciem as a Tactical Gunner- someone who uses a variety of weapons to attack for various angles and distances.

Many of Laguna's moves might be familiar to those who play Ultimecia, as many of Laguna's moves have similar tracking or effects. Laguna generally plays as a character that operates best at mid-range, unleashing barrages of projectiles and traps before unloading HP attacks that can punish dodge happy opponents. Laguna can keep your opponents on their toes, with many attacks that can stagger block, hit from an unexpected angle, or force them to circumvent ticking time-bombs or shields. Laguna operates best on generally closed in arenas with plenty of walls, making it harder for his opponent to evade his arsenal of artillery. In that sense, Laguna plays like a mix of Ultimecia and the Emperor- able to set up various traps and line of defenses, but also able to go on the offense and blitz the opponent if needed.

Not all is roses for our gunner though. Laguna's attacks generally have a noticeable start time, and a few of them can be deflected or redirected back at him. Laguna doesn't do that well at either close range or long-range, since his start-up times make him punishable at close-range and his attacks at long range are limited and easy dodgeable.

Pros:
-Can attack from many distances and directions
-Force dodges with many guard stagger or unblockable attacks
-Good horizontal coverage
-Works very well in closed arenas like Phantom Train or Pandemonium
-Generally a good punisher

Cons:
-Vulnerable start up time for attacks
-Unable to consistently apply offensive pressure- must take time to apply defensive perimeter or distractions
-Assist-prone
-Few ways to inflict Wall Rush reliably
-Attacks generally have quick animations, preventing Assists from coming in while Laguna is performing an attack
-Fares poorer on open maps or maps with many ledges

**Balguna** · 05-22-2011 04:11 PM

3. "Well, time for me to start my run" - Moves

All attack properties courtesy of ujhbn

Ground Brv Attacks

On the ground, Laguna's attacks serve as a great way to snag opponent from multiple distances and trajectories. On the ground is where the meat of Laguna's damage come from, and where he's prime to go either on the offensive or defensive.

Machine Gun

Startup: 31F
Damage: 1x32 (32)
Ranged Low
EX: 3 per bullet, max 96

Laguna fires a rapid-fire blast of bullets from his machine gun. Can angle up to about 45 degrees. Laguna can move while firing.

Machine Gun is a decent move, but is tricky to use. With a full salvo of bullets, you've got good damage (weaker than Ricochet Shot by a smidge), but notable is the insane amount of EX force it generate. The ability to move while firing is a good add-on, but it should be used sparingly. A common mistake is to advance while firing. The problem with this is that the closer Laguna is, the higher up the opponent is thrown into the air, and likely out of the range of the attack altogether. Instead, once you've snagged an opponent, hold your ground and move backwards accordingly to adjust for the angle of the attack. One should avoid using it too close, as the bullets can be blocked back at Laguna. A good move to use after an Assist knocks the opponent into the ground, but Side by Side builds don't have much use for this.

Grenade Bomb

Startup: 81F/91F/99F
Damage: (15)
Ranged Low

Laguna throws a grenade that flies in an arc and explodes on contact. Can tap up to two times before Laguna throws the grenade to increase the distance of the throw. Fast recovery time, fairly spammable.

Long range, and good for Assist building. If you're actually trying to hit the opponent, be sure to tap the correct number of times, or Laguna will just throw it over the opponent's head. The grenade is quite small and so is the blast radius, so it can be tricky to hit with. It does combo into a Ricochet Shot off the floor if timed correctly, however.

Ricochet Shot

Startup: 37F (no charge)/ 54F (1st level)/70F (2nd level), 1F release after charging
Damage: 35 (main bullet), 5 (splintered bullet)
Priority: Ranged Mid (before richocheting), Ranged Low (after ricocheting)
EX: 30
Leads to Chase (after richocheting

Laguna fires a single shot from his sniper rifle that travels at relatively fast speed. The shot can richochet off walls and floors, and the attack can be aimed before firing. Laguna can also charge the attack to delay firing, and charging it to the first level causes the bullet to splinter into 3 bullets after the first bounce, and the second level causes the bullet to splinter into 5 bullets.

That's a lot of info right there, justly so because it's Laguna's most tactical attack. Ricochet Shot has a large field of effects and uses. It can be used as a straight sniping tool at the opponent. It's Mid property before bouncing enables it to pierce most projectiles and stagger guards, forcing the opponent to dodge the attack. Laguna can also aim the bullet- one popular use is to aim at at Laguna's feet (press down on the D-pad or aim down with the analog), causing it to ricochet upwards to serve as an anti-air attack instead. One can also aim it at a nearby wall to strike the opponent from the side or back, possibly even activating Sneak Attack or bypassing a guard.

The charged versions of the attack are generally for confusing the enemy and making the attack harder to evade. It becomes more blockable, though, so be wary. The damage also gets lowered after the bullet splinters, unless multiple pieces of the 2nd charge hit. Remember you don't necessarily have to splinter the bullet even after charging it- with quick reflexes you can quickly shift it to punish opponents who dodge too early, and it still maintains its Mid property until it bounces. Richochet Shot really shines in enclosed areas like Phantom Train or Pandemonium, where its bouncing effect really make the opponent get on their toes. One of Laguna's best pressuring attacks and an excellent damager after a block, but be wary of the startup time, as it's easily dodged before it bounces due to the small size of the bullet, and blocked afterwards. Should always be equipped.

Pummel (ground)

Startup: 13F
Damage: 6, 14 (20)
Priority: Melee Low
Initiates Chase

Laguna steps forward and quicky knocks the opponent with the butt of his machine gun twice.

Laguna's fastest attack, and serves as a quick tool to ensure your opponent doesn't stay in your face too long. Pummel is fast and close range, and is excellent for forcing your opponent. Don't unleash it too happily, as it can be telegraphed due to being Laguna's first choices when the opponent is in close range, and can be blocked and punished. Whether to use this move or Electroshield is up to you- I personally prefer Electroshield on the ground since I like Ricochet Shot and Electroshield to cover my close range, but Pummel is a perfectly viable choice.

Electroshield (Ground)

Startup: 37F
Damage: (10)
Priority: Ranged Mid (intial throw)
Initates Wall Rush (on knockback)

Laguna throws an expanding orb of electricity a short distance in front of him that deflects attacks. Reflects projectiles, and knocks opponents that come into contact with it back. Laguna can also step inside the shield. Lasts about 5 seconds. Attacks which cannot be deflected cause the barrier to disappear, but is not considered a block.

Laguna's prime defensive tool. Electroshield forces the opponent to quickly back off and circumvent it, allowing Laguna time to charge up a Ragnarok Buster or Ricochet Shot. Laguna can also easily step inside the barrier to serves as an all-around shield, forcing opponents to use HP attacks or higher priority attacks to force Laguna out. It can inflict Wall Rush, but the knockback is generally quite weak, so don't go counting on it. An excellent choice for Laguna on the ground.

Missle Barrage (ground)

Startup: 23F
Damage: 4 each
Priority: Ranged Low

Laguna steadily releases missles from a missle launcher that move forward before tracking the enemy. Always releases one missle, and hold O to release up to five more.

Generally a distraction tool if nothing more. The missles can serve as a slight anti-air, and force a dash/dodge/block from the opponent... but really, you have better options. Not an absolutely terrible move, but Laguna has better options on the ground.

**Balguna** · 05-22-2011 04:12 PM

Aerial Brv Attacks

Laguna's air game is slightly different from his ground game. In the air, Laguna doesn't really have many safe pokes, which is why he uses more distracting tools to keep the opponent dodging and weaving out of his danger range. Generally, Laguna in the air relies on catching opponents off-reflex and using Assists to make up for his blind spots.

Missle Barrage (Air)

See the ground version for attack properties.

Still not really worth it. It can be used to distract the opponent in conjunction with Homing Bazooka, and is a candidate for Laguna's third aerial move. Still, Laguna does have other options.

Pummel (Air)

See the ground version for attack properties.

An excellent choice for Laguna in the air, especially stacked against its ground version. Laguna's lack of aerial Ricochet Shot and Electroshield's poor use in the air make Pummel a great choice in the air for forcing the opponent away and to cover his blind spots just above or below him. One of Laguna's staples.

Electroshield (Air)

See the ground version for attack properties.

Much worse than its ground version. Laguna can't really hide behind the shield in mid-air, and he can't stay inside it either without spamming attacks to keep himself aloft. It still has its uses, especailly against opponents that don't have a lot of vertical tracking, like Onion Knight or Bartz, but it has competition for Laguna's third slot.

Shotgun

Startup: 21F/55F
Damage: 1x6, 1x6, 3x6 (30)
Priority: Ranged Low (uncharged)/Ranged Mid (charged)
Initiates Wall Rush

Laguna fires a scatterspray of bullets from his shotgun up to three times. Laguna doesn't turn to track opponents in between shots. Has poor vertical tracking, trackles at about 30 degrees. Very short range- opponents caught in the outer part of the fan of bullets won't recieve the full damage. Laguna can charge to delay firing, and charging for about a second changes the attack to a more streamlined shot that staggers guard and travels further. Laguna automatically fires the first shot of the charged version after charging sufficently. Can immediately dodge cancel in between shots.

At first, I ddn't appreciate Shotgun at all. After coming back to it, I've slowly warmed up to it. Shotgun is decently fast, and the bullets come out extremely quick. It can also catch opponents who block on reflex by surprise, since Laguna can delay the second or third shots slightly to catch them as they're recovering from their guard. The charged version also has its uses as a get-away move, and people who underestimate its range can end up being surprised by it. It's also Laguna's most reliable way of inflicting Wall Rush outside of Chase and his HP attacks. That said, it shouldn't replace Pummel entirely- it's vertical tracking is really quite poor. A contendor for Laguna's third slot, really, if for to use it as a mix-up with Pummel, and for its wallrush properties.

Sticky Bomb

Startup: 29F/42F/63F, 9F release after charge
Damage: 20, +20 if explosion catches them at max range without being stuck onto anything
Priority: Ranged Low (bomb), Unblockable (explosion)

Laguna throws a bomb which sticks to the enemy or onto surfaces like walls or obstacles. After a short period of time, the bomb explodes to deal damage. If it doesn't stick to anything at the end of its trajectory, the bomb automatically explodes. Can hold O to charge for distance, and tilt the D-pad or analog stick to change its trajectory. Can be reflected back at Laguna.

A very interesting move, Sticky Bomb acts as a parasitic version of Shantotto's Bio, where instead of tracking the opponent and slowly leeching it, it just latches onto it and explodes to deal all its damage after some time. Sticky Bomb has many uses, and is once again great in cramped areas where you can stick it onto walls to catch opponents off-guard. You can't place too many though, since the before the explosion isn't that long. A well-known application of the move is to stick ito an opponent and let them hit you with an HP attack, resulting in an almost guaranteed (unless they're a Shantotto in EX mode) Break. It's a good move with several uses, but shouldn't be spammed and you can't have more than one on an enemy. Pity.

Homing Bazooka

Startup: 41F
Damage: (36)
Priority: Ranged Mid
Inflicts Wall Rush

Laguna fires a bazooka that travels straight for a short distance in the direction of fire before turning to track the enemy. Can tap O up to two times while Laguna is firing to increase the distance the bazooka travels, and can aim with the analog stick to alter the trajectory where Laguna fires.

Laguna's strongest attack, and a great move in the air. Homing Bazooka guard staggers, travels a good distance, and serves as a great distraction. You should generally be tapping O for its maximum distance, since it doesn't require any more charge time and more range never hurts.

The trajectory is fairly important for this attack. While the bazooka will still track the enemy irregardless, tilting it towards the enemy means it has less distance to travel before reaching the enemy, which can be quite important. Just be careful since it has a slight charge-up, and is Assist-punishable. A great distraction and one of Laguna's staples. While it does Wall Rush, since actually connecting the attack isn't always predictable, you shouldn't count on it to do so and just take it as a bonus when it does occur.

**Balguna** · 05-22-2011 04:13 PM

HP Attacks

Ground HP Attacks

Satellite Beam

Startup: 83F
Damage: 2x6 (12)
Priority: Ranged High

Laguna calls for a satellite high above the battlefield to fire a powerful beam down from the sky crashing at the enemy's position, dealing damage before slamming them down into the floor. Floor Rushes very easily. The beam has infinite vertical range, but is completely blocked by platforms or cellings in between the top of the arena and the floor- if the enemy is under them, the beam will completely fail to hit.

Visually pleasing, Satellite Beam keeps enemy on the dodge and can punish them if they dodge too early. It has a very noticeable startup time, audio cue and animation (Laguna waving his arm like he's at a parade), though. One should always be wary of the arena, since Satellite Beam becomes very difficult to pull off in areas like Ultimecia's Castle. It's Laguna's most damaging HP attack, and either always does a Wall Rush or sends the enemy into a Banish Trap should the arena have them, and it's always extremely satisfying to hit with. Still, don't spam the attack, as it's very assist-punishable, and should generally be used with Assist support or a well-timed distraction.

Ragnarok Buster

Startup: 53F to 172F, 3F release after charge
Damage: 1x7 (7)
Priority: Melee High

Laguna fires a constant high-energy beam from the Ragnarok that travels a good distance, blasting the enemy caught in it multiple times before sending them flying, preferably into a wall. Laguna tracks the opponent slightly during the attack, and can angle up to about 45 degrees, but can't hit directly above Laguna himself. Laguna can charge to delay firing, but will immediately release the beam after the maximum charge. Wall Rushes.

A great attack that can snag opponent that dodge too early, Ragnarok Buster is a great mind-game move. It's got good tracking and Wall Rushes fairly well, and the ability to delay its firing is great. However, it can be dodged fairly easily by dodging over Laguna's head, and holding the charge can easily lead to Laguna being Assist-punished, so be careful.

Aerial HP attacks

Ragnarok Blade

Startup: 43F
Priority: Melee High

Laguna creates a blade of energy from the Ragnarok to slice the opponent. Laguna tracks the opponent automatically till he brings the blade down. Opponents too close to Laguna (where they'd get hit by the 'cannon' rather than the blade) can avoid the attack completely and punish Laguna. Wall Rushes.

Ragnarok Blade is a superb dodge-punisher, especially against opponents constantly dodging and blocking your Sticky Bomb, Shotguns, or Pummels. Opponents dodging too early get a faceful of energy sword. Take care not to get too close to the opponent, though, as they'll avoid the attack entirely. Fast attacks such as Hop Step or Double Cut can also knock Laguna out of the attack, so understand it's range and distance yourself accordingly before unleashing this move.

Split Laser

Startup: 35F-117F, 3F release after charge
Priority: Ranged High

Laguna releases a wisp of energy from the Ragnarok that travels in a straight line in front of him as long as the attack remains charged with []. Releasing the charge causes the wisp to burst into multiple energy blasts that spread to track the enemy for an average distance. Laguna automatically releases the attack after 117F. Laguna remains stationary in the air while charging the attack.

Laguna's only HP attack that doesn't wall rush, Split-Laser is a pretty cool attack. You can either release it point-blank to pummel an enemy right in your face, or hold it to track an enemy some distance away. The energy blasts have quite good tracking and go in every direction, so it can be quite difficult to dodge if the enemy doesn't have distance. However, Laguna is vulnerable while he's charging the attack, so be especially careful of assists. It's fortunately quite fast at point-blank range. A great move in conjunction with Assists to force enemies to try and dodge both at the same time.

4. "You've Awakened the Genius!" - EX Mode

Look, the Faeries are here is Laguna's EX Mode, and a reference to when Squall's party entered Laguna's party minds during FFVIII, augmenting their powers and Laguna attributing the increased strength to 'fairies' in the air, for lack of a better explaination. Visually, all of Laguna's weapons turn gold.

Regen: Vigor and stamina recover little by little, restoring HP.
Slowly recovers health while in EX Mode. If Bravery Regen is activated, restores BRV instead.

Not much to say, it's a nice perk if nothing else.

Critical Boost: Increases chance of bravery attacks dealing critical hits.
All attacks gain 50% chance of critical hits.

Again, a nice perk if nothing else. Part of all EX Modes really.

A Faerie's Miracle- Cancels the cooldown of any attack by initating any BRV attack immediately.

Laguna's EX Mode's main perk, A Faerie's Miracle ramps up Laguna's pressure game, allowing him to instantenously switch gears to to maintain pressure on the opponent. You got a Homing Bazooka gunning for the opponent? Keep him at bay with a rapid rain of Pummels before it closes in. Force them to dodge with a barrage of Ricochet Shots from multiple angles, or rain Machine Guns like it's going out of style!

Unfortunately, AFM isn't quite as useful always in practice. Because so many of Laguna's attacks require some charge time and delay to adjust for tracjectory or gain additional effects, like distance increase, or for Shotgun or Ricochet Shot, one really has to keep the terrain and the opponent in mind when using Laguna's EX Mode. If used right, it can really frustrate the opponent, but it is up to one whether the constant pressure of EX Mode is worth it over the few free seconds of uninterrupted damage of an EX Break.

EX Burst- Desperado

GREATEST ATTACK EVER!

Damage: 7x3, 11 (32) [Initial], 1x40 (40) [Machine Gun], 2x14 (28) [Ultimate Ragnarok Cannon finisher], total = (100)

The memiest EX Burst of all, Desperado requires the player to hold R while moving cross-hairs to track the enemy continuously while Laguna lands a rapid flurry of shots. Filling up the bar successfully results in Laguna unleashing a blast of energy from all his weapons to blow the enemy away, while failing results in an earlier grenade exploding for HP damage while Laguna poses. You won't get the cool saying though.

For fun, buy Laguna's secret voice data in the PP Shop after he reaches level 100 for an occasional replacement during a Perfect EX Burst.

**Balguna** · 05-22-2011 04:14 PM

5. Now It's a Party! - Assists

Unfortunately, Laguna isn't a character that can easily make use of Assists. Shotgun is his only attack that Wall Rushes with any form of reliability and speed, and his attacks don't hold the enemy long enough for him to call in an Assist. Even Machine Gun is slightly bugged at times.

So what can Laguna do? He really relies on Assists to punish dodges, interrupt enemy attacks, and on the occasion he does Wall Rush the enemy, use the opportunity to call them in to let him set up to unload some PAIN.

Note that all the following are Basic Combos generally involving Wall Rushing first. Advanced Combos are detailed in the first video in the Videos section below, courtesy of gray_kaiser.

Combo Starters:
Shotgun/Ragnarok Blade -> Wall Rush: Combo Starter A
Ragnarok Buster -> Wall Rush: Combo Starter B
Satellite Beam -> Floor Rush : Combo Starter C

Bartz-

Bartz is noticeable for one thing really, as he's one of three Assists in the game that Wall Rush upwards. Unlike Zidane, who snaps the opponet up diagonally possibly taking them out of Laguna's range, or Jecht, who only does so from the ground, Bartz does so from the air and knocks them straight upwards, which means perfect for one thing- Satellite Beam. Use Descent Speed Boost to get to the ground quicker, and call in some heavenly lasers!

Bartz's ground assist isn't as helpful, since it knocks the enemy around a lot and doesn't last long enough to call in any attacks, but it does lead to Chase, letting one get in a quick Pummel or Ragnarok Blade.

Bartz's HP attacks are alright- Dark Flame works great in conjunction with Ragnarok Buster to cover above Laguna, and it is fun for two Ragnarok Blades out at once.

Basic Bartz Combos:
A/B -> Assist -> Descent Speed Boost -> Satellite Beam
A -> Assist -> Dash -> Ragnarok Blade
A -> Assist -> Homing Bazooka (tilt up)
C -> Assist -> Teleport -> Shotgun
C -> Assist -> Teleport -> Ragnarok Blade
Satellite Beam -> Assist before opponent touches the ground -> Satellite Beam
Phantom Train only
A/B -> Assist-> Descent Speed Boost -> Reverse Dodge (optional) -> Ragnarok Buster/Machine Gun/Ricochet Shot

The Emperor-

The Emperor just adds to Laguna's trappish playstyle, confusing the enemy even more and applying even more pressure. He doesn't really let Laguna connect with any HP attacks much, though.

Thunder Crest adds onto Laguna's ground-game, especially in conjuction with Electroshield. And nothing like Machine Gunning them into one or slamming a Satellite Laser down right into a juicy rest of zap. Mines are less useful really, but are good distractions in combination with Homing Bazooka and/or Missle Barrage, really.

Emperor's HP assists are nothing much to write home about- Ground Flare is an okay distraction, espcially with Machine Gun, but Aerial Flare isn't anything special.

Basic Emperor Combos:
C -> Assist -> Machine Gun
C -> Assist -> Ragnarok Buster
C -> Assist -> Electroshield -> Ricochet Shot
Assist -> Pummel/Richochet Shot -> Chase -> Knock them into Mines
C -> Assist -> Move a little close -> Ricochet Shot -> Forward Dodge -> Ragnarok Blade

More coming soon!

Jecht

Jecht is one of the more popular assists, owing due to his long duration, good damage, and wall rush capabilities. Similiarly, Laguna makes good use of the burly blitzer, making good use of the time he's given to prep his own attacks.

Basic Jecht combos:
A/B -> Assist -> Descent Speed Boost -> Satellite Beam (watch for terrain!)
A/B -> Assist -> Descent Speed Boost -> Ragnarok Buster
A -> Assist -> Pummel -> Homing Bazooka (tilt down)
A/B -> Assist -> Descent Speed Boost -> Ricochet Shot
A/B -> Assist -> Descent Speed Boost -> Machine Gun
C -> Assist -> Satellite Beam
Phantom Train only:
A/B -> Assist -> Grenade Bomb -> Machine Gun/Ricochet Shot

More coming soon!

6. "I'm Probably Gonna Win" - Matchups

Coming soon!

7. "Just Sit Back and Watch How a Real Man Fights!" - Videos

Advanced Assist Combos by gray_kaiser

8. "Wasn't That a Blast?" - Credits

Thanks to:

Square-Enix for creating a great game
Uhjbn for Laguna's move data
FFwiki for images and Laguna's info
gray_kaiser for his excellent advanced combo video
gido0471 for a combo involving Emperor

---------- Post added at 12:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:13 AM ----------

Reserved for the future!

---------- Post added at 12:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:14 AM ----------

Reserved for the future!