Difficulty without using Arts Gauge system?

[Lunataks]

I've been hearing reports that this game is quite easy. Has anyone tried playing the game without using the Arts Gauge system? How does this affect the overall difficulty?

[Kizyr]

The main factors are that it's pretty easy to use a ton of magic, and the boss battles just require some regular healing to make sure your head is above water until you wear the boss down.

Mia's Arts Gauge mostly helps you cast some buff spells and get ahead in the beginning. The other attack-related AG spells let you wear down the bosses a bit more quickly (maybe saving 5 minutes or so?). Without the Arts Gauge, some of the boss battles will take longer and be a bit tougher in the beginning, but the boss battles thereafter, and the regular battles, should still be relatively easy. KF

[Silver Phoenix]

As I've stated before, if you feel the game is going to be a cakewalk then there is an easy fix. Just gimp your characters by not giving them the best weapons/armor/accessories.

The game is not meant to be an uphill battle, and is more mainstream friendly. If you feel it's too easy then find a way to handicap yourself. Yeah, it's not the ideal way the game should be presented but it's an option you can control.