That bloody blasted Dark Elf got me again!

[Gorath Sodom]

It's been nearly two years since my last FF IV (Rom then, PS One now) run and I don't remember him being this hard.

After casting Fire2-Ice2-Bolt2 in succession on the entire party (which doesn't do much damage) he casts Wind (which does massive damage to one character) then casts Whisper (which turns one character into a pig) before repeating the entire cycle. However, that isn't the problem. Sometime in the middle of the fight, he transforms into the Dark Dragon and as my party is at half strength by the time this happens, it only takes two Dark Storms to kill everyone off (Cid and Tellah are usually gone after the first Dark Storm).

Even though it's been two years, I know I was at most at level 25 by the time I beat the fugger (with not so much difficulty), now I'm struggling at level 30. Is the PS One version really supposed to be that much more difficult?

[LocoColt04]

Actually, the Playstation version is easier.

You may just be having trouble with the timing. Re-learn the pattern and do what you can to avoid taking major damage. Cast Shell on your characters if you can. Reflect would be even better. Maybe even gain another level or two, just for emphasis. It's likely that you keep coming within mere points of killing him.

Check their equipment, as well. Use equipment best suited for the fight, even if it means slightly weaker armor -- if it provides protection against the elements, you'll want it. I can't remember what equipment you should and shouldn't have yet. ^_^;;

[Dawezy]

Ehh.. the PSOne version is more or less the same.

But the levels for my crew were around the 22-25 mark when I layed waste to the sucker.. once he transforms into the Dark D. You would've take note that his attack pattern is much more vicious now - I didnt really type up a specific strategy for this guy on my site, BUT, theres a simple key element to laying waste to this bastard.

Berserk

Give Cecil and Yang, Berserk (or the Bacchus item) and watch them absolutely pound the shit out of the Dragon. Thats generally what I did - Tellah and Cid were only support, since Cid is kinda mediocre for damage and Tellah is a frail old man.

..oh, and Shell, whilst it does increase your MDef by a degree.. due to the speed of the battle you'll be wasting turns and it does nothing to lower the damage of his D.Breath. As far as I've observed anyway.

[ZRO]

Heh, odd note. I stopped playing my PSX version of this cuz I'm at that damned cave. That's how much I despise that damned place. ><

But yeah, he's not really that hard, but he is a bit of a bitch sometimes. =\

[Gorath Sodom]

I should have replied earlier, heh.

Thanks to Berserk, the battle was effortless. He was creamed and 3/4 of my party's HP was in the 90th percentile, Tellah the only one in critical condition.

Now I'm leveling up on the Moon as the party is most likely about about 10 levels under what is recommened (I assume such as FuSoYa is at 50 and the other guys just over 40).

[Riku7]

You can also cast at the Dark Dragon tornado with Tellah and then he is very easy. Just keep Tellah alive......