Tidal Flame is a Dyne ability in Final Fantasy IX used by Zidane while in Trance. It deals physical damage to all enemies for a cost of 12 MP. It is the second Dyne for Zidane after Free Energy.
Obtained[]
Tidal Flame is available when Zidane has access to Detect. Detect is learned for 40 AP from the Mage Masher and Orichalcon. Mage Masher can be stolen off the Masked Man at the very start of the game, and is also found in the Ice Cavern and bought from shops later.
Mechanics[]
Tidal Flame deals 150% the damage of Zidane's normal attack to all enemies; his power is already enhanced by being in Trance. Despite the animation, the attack is non-elemental rather than fire-elemental, and physical rather than magical.
Damage is calculated as follows:
- Base = [(Attack * 15) / 10] - Enemy Defense
- Bonus = Strength + Rnd MOD ([(Level + Strength) / 8] + 1)
- Damage = Base * [Bonus * 1.5]
Bonus is halved by target's Protect, and is reduced to 1 while Zidane has Mini.
Use[]
Tidal Flame is worth using against groups; it is equally powerful as Free Energy, but hits all targets rather than just one. When Zidane uses Tidal Flame, the enemies are engulfed in a wave of fire. After Zidane learns Shift Break, Tidal Flame is outclassed. Scoop Art also eclipses Free Energy and Tidal Flame's damage against single targets.
The downside of all Trance abilities is that timing them for a battle where Trance would be most beneficial, like a boss battle, is difficult/impossible, as a Trance state cannot be saved up, and its building does not depend on the amount of damage sustained from enemy attacks, only the number of enemy attacks. The only ways to expedite Trance are to use High Tide and Protect Girls for Zidane to intercept attacks directed toward some of his allies. As Zidane may enter Trance in practically any battle, it is the luck of the draw whether his improved physical prowess is a bonus for that particular encounter or not.