SMT: Nocturne Hardtype - Hell Biker (Low Level)
I heard you like counterattacks
Rules:
This is a low level run of zombero's hardtype mod: https://www.romhacking.net/hacks/3299/
The aim is to keep XP gain as low as possible without affecting my sanity.
Hard mode, obviously
No stat boosting items
All other game mechanics are fair game!
Hardtype changes:
HP: 3000 → 6600
Force affinity: Drain → Resist
Hell Burner → Scald (Light fire damage + lowers physical attack)
Yeesh. Well despite a number of extremely close calls, this was a fun fight. Not Dante hard, but tougher than expected because Force Drain doesn't prevent the Dekaja effect of Hell Exhaust. You need repel for that, but drain passives don't upgrade any further, there are no demons who repel force at this level and magic mirrors have of course been nerfed. So we need to take him on naked, as it were. However, even though his buff removal is top notch, I still found it best to keep stacking them. Keeping him at -1 attack is most important as it allows Genbu to take 2 physicals. I play particularly recklessly during the first phase and just keep upping my attack. A more defensive play with speed buffs is probably safer, if slower.
You definitely need a Sukukaja and Sukunda stack in the second phase. Dodges are the only way to avoid quadruple physical spam. Fortunately there a couple of merciful things about his attack script: when attacking physically he always alternates between a basic attack and a full-party spin, and he never seems to cast Dekunda and Hell Throttle in the same turn.
Counters are what save the day here, since every time he spins me he risks taking hundreds of damage. The Force Drain passive is very nice too, especially on Choronzon, who as usual is pretty much invincible. In hindsight I should've gotten Life Bonus on Genbu, then I wouldn't have to keep a Tarunda stack up at all, but thankfully he didn't use Dekunda too much this time.