Ark 2: Master the Controls and Basics

AntMag.NET

Alright, let's get you squared away with the basics of Ark 2. It's a bit different from the first one, but don't worry, I'll walk you through it. This section is all about getting comfortable with the controller and understanding how the game ticks.

First off, Ark the Lad 2 uses the DualShock controller, and those analog sticks? They pretty much do what the D-pad does, so you've got options for movement and cursor control in battles.

Controller Layout and Functions

Here’s a quick rundown of what each button does:

Button	Function
D-Pad	Controls character movement / Moves free cursor in Battle
Start	Toggle game pause / Confirms battle party / Open Sort Menu
Circle	Display character's abilities in combat
Square	Open Battle Menu
Triangle	'Cancel' button for menus / Ends combat turn
X Button	'Confirm' button for menus, 'Talk' button for field
L2 Button	Use programmed ability / Switch current pointman (field-only)
R2 Button	Use programmed ability / Switch current pointman (field-only)

And a couple of neat tricks:

Pressing L1 & R1 together in battle throws you into 'Free Cursor' mode. This is super handy for scouting out enemies or checking out the battlefield.
If you hold down either L1 or R1 while using the D-pad, you can actually change which way an ally is facing without them moving from their spot. Useful for setting up certain strategies!

General Game Info

Just a few quick facts to get you oriented:

Players: 1
Discs: 1
Memory Card: Needs 16kb (supports 2 slots)
US Release Date: April 18, 2002

Also, if you got the Ark the Lad Collection, you'll have ATL1, ATL2, ATL3 (on 2 discs!), Arc Arena, and a 'Making Of' disc. Plus, there are some cool extras like character standees and a memory card case. Oh, and those little rubbery things that jump when you flip them? Yeah, those too!

Meet the Characters: Elc

This chapter kicks off with Elc. He's the last of the Pyrenians, a tribe that could control fire. His village was destroyed when he was just a kid by the Silver Noah, and he was taken for study. Luckily, a Hunter named Shu rescued him. Shu taught Elc a lot about fighting and surviving, but Elc still has nightmares about his time being studied. Now, he's about to take on a job that'll force him to face those memories.

Elc's Abilities

Elc starts off with some basic gear and learns new skills as he levels up, or sometimes from Mother Claire. Keep an eye on his MP cost and the level he learns them!

Skill	Learn Level	Description	MP Cost / Level	Element
Fire Storm	-----	Fire damage	06 -> 14 -> 30	Fire
Fire Shield	LV 09	Fire protection	03 -> 09 -> 28	Fire
Charge	LV 12	Up own Attack power	02	-----
Retaliation	LV 14	Ups Counteratk rate	02 -> 04 -> 08	-----
Might Mind	LV 17	Raise allies' MAG	02 -> 04 -> 08	-----
Expand Range	LV 20	Range Up effect	04 -> 08 -> 16	-----
Explosion	LV 23	Fire damage (large)	10 -> 20 -> 40	Fire
Invincible	LV 26	Can't be damaged	08 -> 24 -> 72	-----
Protection	CLAIR	Raise allies' DEF	04 -> 08 -> 16	-----
Strike Power	CLAIR	Raise allies' ATK	03 -> 06 -> 12	-----
Mind Buster	CLAIR	Reduce enemies' MP	08 -> 16 -> 32	-----
Divide	CLAIR	Steals enemies' MP	06 -> 12 -> 24	-----
Extract	CLAIR	Damage enemies	08 -> 16 -> 32	-----
Swing	CLAIR	Damage enemy	08 -> 16 -> 32	-----

Meet the Characters: Lieza

Next up is Lieza. She comes from a tribe of Beasttalkers, meaning she can chat with monsters. She grew up pretty isolated with her grandpa, Joseph, who was worried about how people would react to her powers. He taught her that people often fear and hurt what they don't understand. Sadly, he was right, especially in Romalia, where her powers were used for something called the Chimera program.