Topic: FF2/4/4A Weapon Back Row Property...

[Deathlike2]

Does this exist?

If yes, is this a specific byte set per weapon type or weapon?

Also, which weapons (types) does it apply to?

[Dragonsbrethren]

Does this exist?

Yes.

If yes, is this a specific byte set per weapon type or weapon?

It's a bit that can be set on each individual weapon.

Also, which weapons (types) does it apply to?

Whip, Chain Whip, Blitz Whip, Flame Whip, Dragon Whip, Dwarf Axe, Shuriken, Ninja Star, Boomrang, FullMoon, Dreamer Harp, Charm Harp, ShortBow, CrossBow, GreatBow, Archer Bow, ElvenBow, Samurai Bow, Artemis Bow, Iron Arrows, White Arrows, Fire Arrow, Ice Arrows, Lit Arrows, Darkness Arrows, Poison Arrows, Mute Arrows, Charm Arrows, Samurai Arrows, Medusa Arrows, Artemis Arrows

[Deathlike2]

Ok, interesting. What's the damage penalty for being in the back row then? 3/4 damage...?

[Dragonsbrethren]

From the tests I did it seemed to be about half.

[JCE3000GT]

Does this exist?

Yes.

If yes, is this a specific byte set per weapon type or weapon?

It's a bit that can be set on each individual weapon.

Also, which weapons (types) does it apply to?

Whip, Chain Whip, Blitz Whip, Flame Whip, Dragon Whip, Dwarf Axe, Shuriken, Ninja Star, Boomrang, FullMoon, Dreamer Harp, Charm Harp, ShortBow, CrossBow, GreatBow, Archer Bow, ElvenBow, Samurai Bow, Artemis Bow, Iron Arrows, White Arrows, Fire Arrow, Ice Arrows, Lit Arrows, Darkness Arrows, Poison Arrows, Mute Arrows, Charm Arrows, Samurai Arrows, Medusa Arrows, Artemis Arrows

Don't forget the "blank fist arrows" [byte 60]. 

[Dragonsbrethren]

You do know that's the default evasion stat when you don't have a shield equipped, right? It's not an arrow at all, it's a shield.

[JCE3000GT]

You do know that's the default evasion stat when you don't have a shield equipped, right? It's not an arrow at all, it's a shield.

But, you can equip the Bow with it.  Try it.

[Deathlike2]

A bow being a shield? 

Anyways, does the back row property more like FF5 or is it "cumulative" that it gets applied to the other weapon. I presume it is like the former, but I'll test the latter a bit...

My testing shows that it severely hinders hit rate... as hit rate affects the damage output you can do (that's the other part of hitrate that you might think is crazy, but I believe this is the case). This is most apparent with Cecil+Kain in the back row at the beginning of the game. Eventually they tend not to miss, but their damage is hindered about 60-75% of their potential... not as drastic as 50% though.

This is partially why Rosa has the Aim command, which attempts to maximize her damage potential with bows+arrows. Unfortunately she can still miss very early in the game though.. even with the Aim command.

Edit: Testing shows it is not cumulative with Edge using a Boomerang.

Edit2: Rosa's Aim is obsolete if you are at 99% hit rate (achievable with the Elven Bow at level 99)... so something like the Samurai/Artemis Bow still benefits from Aim. Think about how this applies in regular battles (more obvious in FF4/4A, but less obvious in FF2). This is the same reason why the Drain weaponry is not as powerful as it could be.