Bug Fables is an underrated example of how to execute a retro-feeling JRPG with style. The game is loaded with charm from top to bottom, and the gameplay is sublime. The battle system is relatively simple, but there are ton of customization options to give players the chance to optimize how they see fit. A good RPG gives players a ton of tools, and lets them decide how to have fun.
In Bug Fables, the various special attacks work great to allow for different strategies. The different tactics available to players is one of the core reasons this game is so great. Some players may try to spread DPS evenly through the party, while others may try to focus on making a single member as strong as possible. Some skills are duds, but more often than not, players can deal some serious pain.
10 Needle Toss
While all three party members are capable of dealing solid damage, Vi has access to incredibly powerful skills. One she obtains relatively earlier in the game is Needle Toss, learned at Rank 11. It doesn't have the powerful multi-hit of an attack like Hurricane Toss, but has other utility to give it oomph.
Needle Toss requires the player to hit the proper button on a target using a moving reticle. Vi gets two shots, and has the choice of splitting her damage or hitting a single target. It has lower base damage, but pierces the defense of the opponent completely. Since Vi struggles with piercing heavy defense, this attack is great for taking out bosses and bulkier targets.
9 Under Strike
Kabbu's abilities are reliable, but nothing special. He gains access to a revive, something no other character has, but it's a relatively weak skill for its cost. Kabbu is best used for his talents as a tank. However, he still has some powerful attacks in his disposal, including Under Strike.
Under Strike has Kabbu dig underground, with a shadow indicating his location. By pressing the button, Kabbu will jump and hit every enemy in the circle twice. Not only does this deal solid multi-hit damage, but it pierces defense while flipping and unearthing foes. It's a great tool for setting up Vi or Leif to finish the job.
8 Frigid Coffin
Leif is the mage of the party, and gets access to a more utility-based skillset. Through medals, he gets access to buffs and debuffs, and he can reliably inflict the freeze status ailment on foes. One of his most reliable attacks is gained early on with Frigid Coffin.
Frigid Coffin is a targeted attack that has a high chance of freezing. It has higher base damage than other attacks, and is perfect for setting up another party member to deal a finishing blow. If the freeze is successful, Kabbu or Vi can follow up to deal bonus damage. It isn't the most powerful on its own, but is great for team strategy.
7 Needle Pincer
Another offensive skill from Vi, Needle Pincer is a bread-and-butter high damage skill. It's similar in effectiveness to Needle Toss, but doesn't have to be aimed and deals full damage. It's obtained somewhat later in the game at Rank 15, but is still a solid tool for any boss fight.
Needle Pincer, like Needle Toss, hits twice and pierces all defense. However, since it doesn't get its damage reduced like Vi's other abilities, it works well with buffs. By buffing Vi's attack and giving her a boost, she can deal high damage that ignores all defense. It's great for taking out single targets with relative ease.
6 Ice Rain
Icedrop, Leif's first ability, is a reliable attack that's only limited by Leif's comparatively low damage. However, that's not the cap to Leif's damage output. During the completion of Leif's Request, players gain access to an upgraded version of Icedrop: Ice Rain.
Ice Rain is a costly attack, requiring 11 TP to cast. However, its damage potential is quite incredible. Leif is able to drop four icicles in chosen locations, potentially hitting multiple targets with each. The ice also has a chance to freeze, which is great for the rest of the party. It isn't the best ability for wiping out random encounters, but it's great multi-target and single-target damage.
5 Sharing Stash
Vi gets access to a weak healing ability early on with Secret Stash. While that skill is good for curing poison, it typically isn't worth its TP cost when healing items are easy to come by. A turn for healing with Vi is probably better spent dealing damage.
Despite that, her ability Sharing Stash is much more effective for the cost. It may cost double of Secret Stash, but the difference comes in the HP healed. Sharing Stash will restore 2 HP to every party member, along with giving regen over the next two turns. Plus, it still cures poison. Overall, the effective heal is 18 across the whole party, and can be used snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
4 Empower
Empower is a straightforward buffing ability. Leif gets access to a whole slew of similar buffs and debuffs, and each of them open up a number of strategies. Depending on the player, each has their use. The most reliable buff in his arsenal is Empower (or Empower+, once that medal is obtained).
Empower is a low-cost ability that increases the target's attack by 1 for 2 turns. This can enable Vi or Kabbu to become heavy hitters, with Vi in particular making great use of it. Empower+ gives the effect to the whole party, and is great for more aggressive builds and strategies. Either way, it's reliable and certainly cost effective.
3 Frost Relay
The Mario RPGs that inspired Bug Fables all have an attack that hits an absurd amount of times, but requires crackerjack timing. The Paper Mario series put soft caps onto these highly effective abilities, but they serve as the best ways to deal damage fast with the proper setup. Bug Fables's equivalent is Frost Relay, a special Team Skill obtained through finishing "Find the Ingredients!"
Frost Relay is an attack that utilitizes both Vi and Leif, as the two trade off attacking a single target multiple times. This attack can hit up to 12 times, each hit dealing one less damage down to a minimum of 1. Even when it hits the minimum, it is a great tool for heavy DPS. Combined with Empower+ and good timing, it has great damage potential.
2 Charge Up
While Empower is an effective buff, it's limited to a single additional attack point. It lasts multiple turns, but without proper timing it might go to waste. What if it was possible to go even further beyond? That's the purpose of including Charge Up in a medal set.
Charge Up is a single-use attack buff, disappearing after the first attack used. However, unlike Empower, it can be stacked on a single target up to three times. In conjunction with high power attacks like Needle Pincer, Charge Up can make one hit the only hit players ever need. It takes a few turns to set up, but the dopamine hit of seeing a huge number is unmatched.
1 Frost Bowling
Said by the game to be "the ultimate team move", Frost Bowling delivers on its promise. There's a bit more complexity with it than other moves, both in usage and damage calculation, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. If anything, it helps give it some serious versatility.
This attack turns Vi into a deadly projectile, a bowling ball that gets chucked at the enemies. It's capable of hitting enemies that are flying, grounded, and even those burrowed underground. It deals damage based on the total attack of the whole party, which combos well with Empower+. Players can end it early to create an explosion that deals bonus damage. On top of all of that, it can freeze targets. It doesn't pierce defense, but with so many other great traits, it doesn't really need to.