/vr/ - Retro Games

>>9046802
>What's the point of having a timer so that you can't evaluate your options?
To encourage decisiveness, punish hesitation with decision-making and add a dynamic element to the battle system that isn't mere RNG. The standard implementation freezes the timer while delving through longer menus (spell lists, item lists, etc.), to avoid making 'menuing skill' too important.
>Isn't the point of turn-based combat that it's strategic?
Back in 1991 Square wanted to try something different in order to stand out from other turn-based RPGs with no tactical combat grid.
>>9046824
Nah, you can't turn off ATB. You can turn off the "Wait" feature that shuts off the timer when you're in a deep menu for extra challenge. Stopping the timer when the main turn menu comes up would defeat the whole purpose of ATB.