The Totema are powerful summonable entities that can turn the tide of battle in Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. Unlocking and effectively utilizing these beings is a key aspect of mastering the game's combat system. Each Totema is tied to a specific Job and is summoned by a character who has mastered that Job and equipped the corresponding Totema ability. For example, the Totema for the Summoner class is Ifrit, and it can only be summoned by a character who has learned the Summoner's abilities and equipped the 'Summon' ability.
Unlocking Totema
Totema are not immediately available. They are unlocked as you progress through the game and complete specific missions. The source material mentions a "walkthrough for Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, which is the real meat of the guide," implying that mission progression is directly linked to unlocking new content, including Totema. Keep an eye on your mission objectives and be prepared for challenging battles that often reward you with new abilities or access to powerful summons.
Strategic Totema Deployment
Each Totema possesses unique and devastating abilities. For instance, Ifrit unleashes a powerful fire attack, while Shiva can freeze enemies. Understanding the elemental affinities and attack patterns of each Totema is crucial for effective deployment. Consider the Law Cards active in a battle; if 'No Fire Damage' is in effect, summoning Ifrit would be a wasted action. Conversely, if the enemy is weak to ice, Shiva becomes an invaluable asset. Always consider the positioning of your units and the enemy's formation before unleashing a Totema. Many Totema abilities have a wide area of effect, so careful placement can maximize damage and minimize friendly fire.
Totema and Job Synergy
The effectiveness of a Totema is also dependent on the character summoning it. A character with high Magic Power will naturally deal more damage with magical Totema. Therefore, consider which characters are best suited to learn the prerequisite Jobs for Totema summoning. Building a character with a strong Magic stat and then having them master the Summoner or another relevant Job will ensure your Totema are as potent as possible. Remember, the source material highlights the depth of the game, and mastering these powerful summons is a sificant part of that depth.