Countdown (ability)

Countdown is the name given to a set of turns an enemy uses before unleashing a powerful attack. Usually these turns come in the form of decrementing numbers, in which the attack will occur once the number reaches zero, but sometimes other visual prompts are used, such as an increasing percentage, in which the attack commences once 100% is reached.

A common enemy ability that usually requires a countdown to activate is Megaflare.

Final Fantasy IV
When encountered as an enemy, Bahamut countdowns from five to one before unleashing Megaflare.

Dark Bahamut, however, may cast Megaflare immediately, without needing a countdown.

Final Fantasy IV: The After Years
As in the original, Bahamut requires a five-turn countdown in order to unleash Megaflare.

Final Fantasy VII
Diamond Weapon requires a three-turn countdown before it uses Diamond Flash. While Diamond Weapon is normally immune to physical attacks, it loses this immunity during the countdown, and instead becomes immune to magic.

During the battle with Jenova∙SYNTHESIS, once she has been weakened substantially enough, she will begin a five-turn countdown, which culminates in Ultima. However reaching zero will also instantly kill Jenova∙SYNTHESIS.

Final Fantasy X
Both Spathi and Belgemine's Bahamut are capable of using Mega Flare after a five turn countdown. After each turn, the aeon's overdrive gauge increases by a fifth, and will be completely filled once the countdown reaches one. Belgemine's Bahamut is also capable of attacking while the countdown is active.

Final Fantasy X-2
Bahamut uses Mega Flare after a five-turn countdown.

Final Fantasy XIII-2
Jet Bahamut may perform a three-turn countdown during battle. Once it reaches zero, it will perform one of three attacks: Gigaflare, if Jet Bahamut is on its own, the more powerful Teraflare if either Garnet Bahamut or Amber Bahamut is alive, or the most powerful Exaflare if all three Bahamuts are alive.