Table of Contents
Twinkling Star
Twinkling Star (Zack) [Gacha]
Base Stats
[PATK: 221] [MATK: 173] [HEAL: 167] (90 OB0)
[PATK: 530] [MATK: 415] [HEAL: 233] (90 OB10)
[PATK: 552] [MATK: 432] [HEAL: 250] (90 OB+20)
The Twinkling Star possesses the third-highest physical attack among Zack's arsenal. It exhibits poor magical damage and healing stats, but this isn't particularly detrimental as its damage output is primarily physical.
C-Ability
Dual Onslaught (4 ATB)
Ruinra Smash [Phys. Non-elem.]
400% Phys. Non-elem. Damage [Range: Single Enemy]
Dual Onslaught [Phys. Non-elem.]
340% Phys. Non-elem. Damage [Range: Single Enemy]
20s MATK Down (+6s) (Mid) [Range: Single Enemy]
20s PDEF Down (+6s) (Mid) [Range: Single Enemy] [Condition: Self 50-100% HP]
10% Crit Rate [Range: Single Enemy]
Dual Onslaught [Phys. Non-elem.]
390% Phys. Non-elem. Damage [Range: Single Enemy]
22s MATK Down (+7s) (Mid) [Range: Single Enemy]
22s PDEF Down (+7s) (Mid) [Range: Single Enemy] [Condition: Self 50-100% HP]
10% Crit Rate [Range: Single Enemy]
Dual Onslaught+ [Phys. Non-elem.]
480% Phys. Non-elem. Damage [Range: Single Enemy]
26s MATK Down (+8s) (Mid -> High) [Range: Single Enemy]
26s PDEF Down (+8s) (Mid -> High) [Range: Single Enemy] [Condition: Self 50-100% HP]
10% Crit Rate [Range: Single Enemy]
Dual Onslaught++ [Phys. Non-elem.]
540% Phys. Non-elem. Damage [Range: Single Enemy]
30s MATK Down (+10s) (Mid -> High) [Range: Single Enemy]
30s PDEF Down (+10s) (Mid -> High) [Range: Single Enemy] [Condition: Self 50-100% HP]
10% Crit Rate [Range: Single Enemy]
This weapon is the first of its kind concerning debuffing, capable of affecting both magical attack and physical defense, making it incredibly flexible. The only condition for the second debuff is Zack's HP, which is relatively easy to fulfill.
It operates similarly to Sephiroth's Kuja's Spirit sword, but whereas that one debuffs offensive stats, this one targets a defensive stat instead of another offensive attribute.
R-Abilities
40 Boost HP / 36 Boost Phys. Ability Pot.
At maximum overboost, the Twinkling Star provides a 40-point HP boost and a 36-point increase in physical ability. However, at level 90, these values decrease to 24 and 9 points, respectively. As a support weapon, it's decent, offering Zack some bulk and a slight increase in physical damage, especially if you manage to overboost it significantly to activate the second R-ability and make a noticeable impact.
Support Materia Slots
PATK Boost I
PATK Boost I
All (Cure Spells) I
The Twinkling Star features the All (Cure Spells) I support materia slot, a feature seen in some of the newer weapons, enhancing its flexibility. With this equipped, Zack can now heal the entire party by equipping a Cura materia.
Sub-weapon use
The main R-ability of the Twinkling Star is HP boost, a feature present in a variety of weapons. However, the second ability, which enhances physical ability, is relatively rare. Therefore, if you manage to overboost it significantly, it could prove beneficial for physical damage dealers.
Gear
The Holiday Suit provides Zack with a 10-point boost to his HP and physical ability potency. It synergizes effectively with the Twinkling Star, granting him additional bulk and enhancing his physical attack capabilities. This suit could be a valuable equipment choice when utilizing him as a physical damage dealer, especially considering he doesn't possess any Arcanum gear yet.
Bramble Spine
Bramble Spine (Matt) [Gacha]
Base Stats
[PATK: 171] [MATK: 223] [HEAL: 167] (90 OB0)
[PATK: 410] [MATK: 535] [HEAL: 233] (90 OB10)
[PATK: 427] [MATK: 557] [HEAL: 250] (90 OB+20)
The Bramble Spine ranks third among Matt's weapons in terms of magical attack stats. It exhibits a relatively low physical attack, but it boasts serviceable healing potency, which is good and I'll explain in a later section.
C-Ability
Stalwart Bravery (4 ATB)
Stout Bravery [Mag. Non-elem.]
30s PATK Up (+10s) (Low -> Mid) [Range: Single Ally]
9% Heal [Range: Single Ally]
Stalwart Bravery [Mag. Non-elem.]
30s PATK Up (+10s) (Mid -> High) [Range: Single Ally]
9s 15% Regen (+3s) [Range: Single Ally]
9% Heal [Range: Single Ally]
Stalwart Bravery [Mag. Non-elem.]
34s PATK Up (+11s) (Mid -> High) [Range: Single Ally]
12s 15% Regen (+3s) [Range: Single Ally]
11% Heal [Range: Single Ally]
Stalwart Bravery+ [Mag. Non-elem.]
34s PATK Up (+11s) (High) [Range: Single Ally]
12s 15% Regen (+3s) [Range: Single Ally]
12% Heal [Range: Single Ally]
Stalwart Bravery++ [Mag. Non-elem.]
38s PATK Up (+12s) (High) [Range: Single Ally]
15s 15% Regen (+3s) [Range: Single Ally]
13% Heal [Range: Single Ally]
The ability of Bramble Spine is identical to Glenn's Pumpkin Lamppost weapon. It buffs a single ally's physical attack and provides them with a regen buff. However, Glenn's weapon holds a slight advantage because he can also benefit from the physical attack buff, given his weapon possesses more physical attack than the Bramble Spine.
R-Abilities
40 Boost HEAL / 36 Boost MDEF
Bramble Spine offers two defensive abilities: an HP boost and a magical defense boost. At level 90, it provides 24 and 9 points respectively, and at maximum overboost, it grants 40 and 36 points. This weapon is beneficial for enhancing Matt's survivability, even at lower levels.
Support Materia Slots
PATK Boost I
PATK Boost I
All (Cure Spells) I
Similar to the Twinkling Star, Bramble Spine also features the All (Cure Spells) I support materia slot. Fortunately, this weapon possesses an average healing potency that can assist with effective healing.
Sub-weapon use
The Bramble Spine is effective for enhancing your units' survivability, particularly against magical attacks. If you manage to overboost it to a significant level, it will offer substantial magical defense.
Conclusion
The Twinkling Star and Bramble Spine are excellent additions to the game, filling a support/healing niche that these characters previously lacked. It's nice to have these options available. Between the two, I prefer the Twinkling Star the most, as it can debuff two stats simultaneously and has the capability to transform Zack into an AoE healer. Additionally, the Holiday Coat serves as a good pickup for general physical damage builds for Zack.
