In addition to hand-to-hand Melee Battles, Skies of Arcadia has a Ship Battles system that has the player face off against an enemy airship.
Unlike melee combat, Ship Battles do not occur randomly. However, in addition to scripted battles as part of the plot, there are a number of Valuan and Black Pirate ships across the world map that can be engaged in battle.
Actions[edit]
Another difference for Ship Battles is the attacking system - as well as choosing an action for each member of your party, you can pick when you want them to execute the move during the round. Depending on the your ship's and party member's Quick rating, you will move before or after the enemy vessel on that particular turn.
It's also important to note the color assigned to the turn - it tells you what the enemy's likely to be doing, as well as pointing out when you're more likely to do critical damage or use your Special Cannon. Green means that the enemy will do little or no damage, Yellow indicates a medium-strength attack, and Red turns will be the other vessel's biggest attack.
From top to bottom, the available actions during ship battles are:
- Run
Flee from battle. This option is only available during optional ship battles, not scripted encounters. - Item
Use an item from your inventory to repair your ship or alter its status, or attack the enemy vessel. - Evade
Take evasive action. Increases the chances of the enemy's attack missing. Can also reduce the damage you take this turn. - Attack
Select a cannon or torpedo to attack the enemy. Requires Spirit Points. - Magic
Use a magic spell to heal your ship or attack the enemy. Some spells require special equipment to cast. - Focus
Generate additional Spirit Points. - S. Cannon
Fire the Special Cannon on your ship, if available. This always requires a large number of Spirit Points to use. - Crew
Use the special abilities of any active crew member, usually boosting your ship's attributes.
Spirit Points[edit]
As in Melee Battles, certain actions during a Ship Battle require the use of Spirit Points to execute. Unlike Melee combat however, all attacks require a certain number of Spirit Points to be used, dependant on the cannon or torpedo being fired.
The number of Spirit Points required by each cannon is listed in the Ship Weapons list.
Captain's Stripe[edit]
Following certain scripted encounters, you will receive a "Captain's Stripe". Using this item will increase your ship's attributes and HP.