Panzer Dragoon Saga/Battles

As with overworld exploration, the battles in Panzer Dragoon Saga take place while Edge is on the back of his Dragon.

The battles are a cross between turn-based and real-time fights; while you are free to move Edge around the enemies as and when you wish, your ability to attack or use items is controlled by an action gauge that must fill before any actions can be performed.

HP
Your Dragon's health is measured in Hit Points. Each enemy attack that hits will decrease your HP, while certain items and Berserk Skills your dragon learns will replenish it.

Each time your Dragon increases a Level, its maximum HP will also increase.

BP
Berserk Points are required to perform special actions called Berserk Skills, which can be both offensive and defensive in nature. Some will allow you to attack all enemies at once, others will heal your Dragon or increase its abilities temporarily.

Performing Berserk Skills will deplete your BP, depending on the strength of the attack or skill. BP can be replenished by using certain items, and your Dragon's maximum BP will increase as it levels up.

HUD
There are two heads-up displays available during battles:



The default HUD displays, from left to right, your Dragon's current HP and BP, your position relative to the enemy, and your Dragon's current Status. Below the status are the three action gauges; each action you wish to perform requires one or more gauge to be full.

Pressing SS C during a battle will bring up an expanded Battle Menu HUD.



This HUD will pause the battle while it is displayed; you will be unable to move your Dragon and your action gauges will not fill, but enemies will not be able to attack either.

Commands
[tbc]