The Action Time Battle (ATB) is the battle system in Chrono Vendian. The system was designed to work intertwined with the AEM battle system designed by Mr. Branford. This ATB also works intertwined with the Active Dimension Battle of Final Fantasy XII modifying the game's core mechanics, primarily the Gambit functionally to introduce an action-orientated style of gameplay.
Terminology[]
The term 'ATB' defines the refined core mechanics of Active Time Battle. With ATB, abilities are executed when the Mist bar is charged. Players can have up to three fully charged bars to execute secondary actions. Players can control the flow of time by selecting either Active or Wait commands within the Configuration Menu.
Functionality[]
In this system and because the Mist bar and MP are no longer tied to each other, this means either one or the other is to be used. Therefore the abilities need to be split, so MP usage doesn't completely become ineffectual.
Execution[]
Command abilities are categorized into one sub-menu, as opposed to their columnized sub-menus originally, organizing magics for White, Black, Time, Arcane and Technicks respectively. When a player selects an abilities it is executed, depleting one or more ATB charge bars. If the ATB charge bar empties, the player cannot use abilities. They will need to regain the ATB by performing actions such as, attacking, moving about, dealing damage to foes, defeating foes and chaining. Players can use special skills at anytime that consume MP, by selecting the acquired ability from the 'Spells' sub-menu.
The player begins with one (1) ATB charge. This can be increased by obtaining Limit and Summon nodes via the Materia Grid, up to a maximum of three (3) ATB charges. If the player summons, attack actions and actions that use MP are usable. Players will be unable to use ATB actions until the summon is dismissed. The summon itself can use their native abilities via the 'Spells' sub-menu.
Trivia[]
The Action Time Battle system was inspired by the battle system from the Final Fantasy VII Remake.