- "Next, I'll show you how to use special attacks. There really isn't much to it. All you have to do is press the Special Attack button. And you can't use them up or anything, so you can use them as often as you want."
- —Allegretto explains the basics of Special Attacks.
A Special Attack is any type of move used in Eternal Sonata in battle that is not a normal attack or the use of an item. Both playable characters and enemies make use of Special Attacks, though the term is something of a misnomer, as some of these skills are actually used for healing. For playable characters, Special Attacks are accomplished via the use of the Special Attack button. (Y by default in Xbox 360; Triangle in PlayStation 3.)
Every playable character in Eternal Sonata has a set of unique Special Attacks that are affected by whether they are standing in light or darkness. Characters gain more special attacks as they level up throughout the game, allowing a degree of customization depending on whether a player prefers to utilize a characters' light or dark Special Attacks. The Special Attacks of enemies are not affected by light and darkness, though some enemies will change forms when moving from light to dark, thus changing their ability set. Many bosses use powerful special attacks and the games' human bosses have the ability to utilized "charged-up" Special Attacks, similar to those of the player characters.
The power of Special Attacks is determined by the amount of Echoes that have been built up. Against some enemies with high defense, Special Attacks that have not been charged up by Echoes may do minimal damage, or even no damage whatsoever. The ability to utilize Echoes is granted at Party Level 2. Beginning at Party Level 4, Harmony Chains may be used to add an additional Special Attack, for a total of six in Party Level 6, when using a Special Attack with at least 24 or 32 Echoes. These are considered "charged-up" Special Attacks and the characters will deliver a special line or lines prior to executing them.
Most of each characters attacks are usually a light and dark variation of an attack meaning they will have one version of an attack and will gain the alternate version of the attack later, though this is not always the case. Most healing abilities are exempt from this.
The use of Special Attacks is limited only by the character's time on the Action Gauge, though as a general rule it is considered smarter to use Special Attacks after Echoes have been charged up in order to receive maximum benefits. In certain cases, though, it may be more beneficial to simply repeatedly use Special Attacks without charging Echoes.
Polka[]
--- ORANGE GLOW --------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 1 Element: Light Hits: - Range: 25ft. Time: 2.3
Heal one party member.
--- SHADE COMET --------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 1 Element: Dark Hits: 1 Range: Infinite Time: 2.4
Inflict damage on the target and nearby enemies.
--- NETHER WAVE --------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 8 Element: Dark Hits: 6 Range: Melee (+30ft.) Time: 2.8
Close combat attack with the final attack reaching enemies in the back.
--- EARTH HEAL ---------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 16 Element: Light Hits: - Range: 25ft. Time: 2.3
Heal party members in the vicinity other than yourself.
--- SHOOTING STAR ------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 20 Element: Light Hits: 1 Range: Infinite Time: 2.4
Medium Knockdown. Inflict damage on the target and nearby enemies.
--- ROUNDEL ------------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 28 Element: Light Hits: - Range: Radius: 15ft. Time: 2.4
Attack nearby enemies with magic.
--- PURE GEYSER --------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 32 Element: Light Hits: - Range: Infinite Time: 2.8
Attack all enemies with the power of water.
--- DISRUPTION WAVE ----------------------------------------------------------
Level: 36 Element: Light Hits: 6 Range: Melee (+30ft.) Time: 2.8
Close combat attack with the final attack reaching enemies in the back.
--- ZODIAC -------------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 40 Element: Dark Hits: - Range: Radius: 15ft. Time: 2.4
Attack nearby enemies with lightning.
--- BLOSSOM SHOWER -----------------------------------------------------------
Level: 48 Element: Light Hits: - Range: Infinite Time: 4.2
Heal all party members.
--- TERRA EXTERNA ------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 48 Element: Dark Hits: - Range: Infinite Time: 2.8
Attack all enemies with the power of earth.
Frederic[]
--- SACRED SIGNATURE ---------------------------------------------------------
Level: 1 Element: Light Hits: - Range: 25ft. Time: 1.7
Heal one party member.
--- PIU GRAVE ----------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 1 Element: Dark Hits: 3 Range: Melee Time: 3.4
Auras are collected and shot upward.
--- COUP DE GRACE ------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 6 Element: Light Hits: 1 Range: Melee Time: 1.7
Strong Knockback. Compassionate strike.
--- COUP DE JARNAC -----------------------------------------------------------
Level: 12 Element: Dark Hits: 2 Range: Melee Time: 1.7
A strike in the night. Hits enemies in the back as well.
--- SPIRITS PATHWAY ----------------------------------------------------------
Level: 24 Element: Light Hits: - Range: 25ft. Time: 1.7
Heal one party member.
--- ORZEL BIALY --------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 28 Element: Light Hits: 3 Range: Melee Time: 3.4
Auras are collected and blown upward.
--- LEGION FULMINANTE --------------------------------------------------------
Level: 32 Element: Light Hits: - Range: Infinite Time: 1.7
Drop a lightning bolt on the target and nearby enemies.
--- MIRAGE BLOW --------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 38 Element: Dark Hits: 1 Range: 15ft. Time: 1.0
Attack with the light of illusion and decrease enemy's ATK by 10.
--- PHANTOM PAIN -------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 46 Element: Light Hits: 5 Range: 15ft. Time: 2.2
Attack with the light of illusion and increase the enemy's ATK by 20.
--- TRI-CLEMENTIA ------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 52 Element: Light Hits: - Range: Infinite Time: 1.7
Heal all party members.
--- CRIMSON BLAZE ------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 60 Element: Dark Hits: - Range: Infinite Time: 1.7
Engulf all enemies in flame.
Allegretto[]
--- PHANTOM WAVE -------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 1 Element: Dark Hits: 6 Range: 25ft. (+65ft.) Time: 2.4
Icy breath that engulfs the target and enemies behind it.
--- SUN SLASH ----------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 1 Element: Light Hits: 6 Range: Melee Time: 2.8
Weak Knockdown. Basic close-combat attack by a knight.
--- SKY DIVIDER --------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 5 Element: Light Hits: 2 Range: Melee Time: 1.6
Medium Knockback. Special attack that slices the enemy in two.
--- SHADOW ASSAULT -----------------------------------------------------------
Level: 10 Element: Dark Hits: 6 Range: Melee Time: 2.8
Medium Knockdown. Medium close-combat attack by a knight.
--- FIRE WAVE ----------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 20 Element: Light Hits: - Range: 25ft. (+65ft.) Time: 2.4
Blazing fire stream that engulfs the target and enemies behind it.
--- STARLIGHT BLAST ----------------------------------------------------------
Level: 30 Element: Light Hits: 8 Range: Melee Time: 3.6
Weak Knockdown. A relentless close-combat attack that overwhelms the enemy.
--- VOID EDGE ----------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 40 Element: Dark Hits: 2 Range: Melee Time: 1.6
Strong Knockback. Sends the enemy into another dimension.
--- BLOODY PLUME -------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 50 Element: Dark Hits: 8 Range: Melee Time: 2.6
Medium Knockdown. A relentless close-combat attack that crushes the enemy.
Beat[]
--- VIVID SHOT ---------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 1 Element: Light Hits: - Range: - Time: -
Photos taken will develop gradually and can be sold at shops.
--- RAPID SHOOTER ------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 1 Element: Dark Hits: 4 Range: 80ft. Time: 2.4
4 hits for a target within 40 feet.
--- FIRE BLAST ---------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 4 Element: Light Hits: 4 Range: 80ft. Time: 2.4
4 hits for a target within 40 feet.
--- POWER SMASH --------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 8 Element: Light Hits: 6 Range: Melee Time: 3.3
Medium Knockback. Pierce the enemy with a sharp hammer.
--- NIGHT SHOT ---------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 12 Element: Dark Hits: - Range: - Time: -
Photos taken will develop gradually and can be sold at shops.
--- SLEDGEHAMMER -------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 24 Element: Dark Hits: 6 Range: Melee Time: 3.3
Medium Knockdown. Pierce the enemy with a hard hammer.
--- VITAL DRAIN --------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 32 Element: Dark Hits: - Range: 40ft. Time: 4.7
Absorb HP from the target and nearby enemies.
--- SKY FIRE -----------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 48 Element: Light Hits: - Range: Infinite Time: 3.3
A powerful heat blast hits the target and nearby enemies.
Viola[]
--- BONE CRUMBLE -------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 11 Element: Dark Hits: 7 Range: Melee Time: 3.7
Close-combat attack with a finishing blow.
--- SACRED STRIKE ------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 11 Element: Light Hits: 1 Range: Infinite Time: 2.1+
Medium Knockdown. Pierce the enemy with a holy arrow.
--- HEAL ARROW ---------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 15 Element: Light Hits: - Range: Infinite Time: 3.5
Heal all party members.
--- HAWK EYE -----------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 20 Element: Dark Hits: 1 Range: Infinite Time: 3.5
Mark the target and increase the power of the next attack.
--- WHITE DAGGER -------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 30 Element: Light Hits: 7 Range: Melee Time: 3.7
Close-combat attack with a finishing blow.
--- EVIL STRIKE --------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 35 Element: Dark Hits: 1 Range: Infinite Time: 2.1+
Strong Knockdown. Pierce the enemy with an evil arrow.
--- NIGHT ARROW --------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 40 Element: Dark Hits: - Range: Infinite Time: 3.2
Heal all party members except yourself.
--- FULL BARRAGE -------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 50 Element: Light Hits: - Range: Infinite Time: 3.3
Arrows come down on nearby enemies.
Salsa[]
--- SHADOW SILHOUETTE --------------------------------------------------------
Level: 17 Element: Dark Hits: 3 Range: Melee Time: 3.0
Rob target of energy and increase the power of next Special Attack.
--- GRAND SLAM ---------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 17 Element: Light Hits: 5 Range: Melee Time: 1.8
Medium Knockback. Quick spinning attack.
--- DEADLY ORBIT -------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 25 Element: Dark Hits: 12 Range: Melee Time: 3.1
Medium Knockdown. Multi-hit attack that slashes the enemy.
--- SOLAR FLARE --------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 30 Element: Light Hits: 1 Range: Melee Time: 2.0
Medium Knockback. Damage the enemy with fire and light.
--- CORONA STREAM ------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 35 Element: Light Hits: 4 Range: Melee (+15ft.) Time: 3.0
Rob target of energy and affect enemies behind it as well.
--- IRON CROSS ---------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 40 Element: Dark Hits: 5 Range: Melee Time: 1.8
Strong Knockback. Quick spinning attack.
--- DEADLY CIRCLE ------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 50 Element: Light Hits: 12 Range: Melee Time: 3.1
Weak Knockdown. Multi-hit attack that crushes the enemy.
--- DARK NEBULA --------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 60 Element: Dark Hits: 1 Range: Melee Time: 2.0
Strong Knockback. Absorb energy from the atmosphere and attack.
March[]
--- FULL-MOON BIND -----------------------------------------------------------
Level: 25 Element: Light Hits: 1 Range: 10ft. Time: 3.3
Bind the enemy and immobilize them temporarily.
--- SUPER NOVA ---------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 25 Element: Light Hits: 13 Range: Melee Time: 3.7
Medium Knockback. Multi-slash attack.
--- AURORA CURTAIN -----------------------------------------------------------
Level: 25 Element: Dark Hits: 3 Range: Melee Time: 2.9
Reduce the power of the enemy's next attack against you.
--- ECLIPSE GAZE -------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 25 Element: Dark Hits: - Range: 20ft. (+30ft.) Time: 1.9
Throw two circular blades. Ricochets to enemies on the sides as well.
--- MIDNIGHT CLOUD -----------------------------------------------------------
Level: 30 Element: Dark Hits: 13 Range: Melee Time: 3.7
Medium Knockback. Multi-slash attack.
--- NEW-MOON BIND ------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 40 Element: Dark Hits: 1 Range: 10ft. Time: 3.3
Bind the enemy and reduce their mobility.
--- LUNA STREAM --------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 50 Element: Light Hits: 4 Range: Melee (+20ft.) Time: 2.9
Scatter the enemy's shadow and any enemies behind it.
--- ILLUMINATION -------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 60 Element: Light Hits: - Range: 20ft. (+30ft.) Time: 1.9
Throw two circular blades. Ricochets to enemies on the sides as well.
Jazz[]
--- HEAT BLADE ---------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 19 Element: Light Hits: 7 Range: Melee Time: 3.6
Weak Knockdown. The fire on the blade burns oil.
--- MAGMA PILLAR -------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 19 Element: Dark Hits: - Range: Radius: 20ft. Time: 1.7
Emerging lava attacks nearby enemies.
--- PLASMA CHAINS ------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 23 Element: Light Hits: 1 Range: Melee (+30ft.) Time: 2.0
The second hit damages enemies from behind.
--- GEO BLADE ----------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 27 Element: Dark Hits: 7 Range: Melee Time: 3.6
Medium Knockdown. The ice on the blade crushes the enemy.
--- WHIRLWIND ----------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 31 Element: Light Hits: - Range: 40ft. Time: 1.7
Create a tornado and attack the enemy.
--- RAVEN BLAST --------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 40 Element: Light Hits: - Range: Radius: 20ft. Time: 1.7
Attack nearby enemies.
--- MAELSTROM ----------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 45 Element: Light Hits: - Range: 40ft. Time: 1.7
Create a maelstrom and attack the enemy.
--- DIMENSIONAL TURN ---------------------------------------------------------
Level: 63 Element: Dark Hits: 1 Range: Melee (+30ft.) Time: 2.0
The second hit damages enemies from behind.
Falsetto[]
--- SNOW CLAW ----------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 18 Element: Light Hits: 9 Range: Melee Time: 3.8
Medium Knockback. Close-combat, multi-hit attack.
--- WILLOW STRIKE ------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 18 Element: Dark Hits: 3 Range: Melee Time: 2.1
Kick creates a horizontal shock wave.
--- NIGHT FIST ---------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 20 Element: Dark Hits: 2 Range: Melee (+30ft.) Time: 1.6
Attack the target and any enemies behind it.
--- HOWLING THUNDER ----------------------------------------------------------
Level: 25 Element: Dark Hits: 9 Range: Melee Time: 3.8
Strong Knockback. Close-combat, multi-hit attack.
--- SHADOW BEAM -------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 30 Element: Light Hits: 1 Range: Melee Time: 1.6
Medium Knockdown. Jump up and attack the enemy in front.
--- PHOENIX RISING -----------------------------------------------------------
Level: 40 Element: Light Hits: 3 Range: Melee (+15ft.) Time: 2.1
Kick creates a horizontal shock wave.
--- DRAGON BLOW --------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 50 Element: Light Hits: 2 Range: Melee (+30ft.) Time: 1.6
Attack the target and any enemies behind it.
--- DEATH CHASM --------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 60 Element: Dark Hits: 1 Range: Melee Time: 1.6
Medium Knockdown. Jump high and attack the enemy in front.
Claves[]
--- FEATHER SPIN -------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 18 Element: Light Hits: 2 Range: Melee (+15ft.) Time: 1.8
Close-combat attack on the target and any enemies behind it.
--- EAGLE WING ---------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 18 Element: Dark Hits: 2 Range: Melee (+15ft.) Time: 1.8
Close-combat attack on the target and any enemies behind it.
--- UNICORN HORN -------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 18 Element: Light Hits: - Range: 25ft. Time: 2.2
Heal party members in close proximity other than yourself.
--- AIATAR HORN --------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 22 Element: Dark Hits: 1 Range: Melee Time: 2.2
Strong Knockback. Attack one enemy with the power of the Aiatar.
--- OBSIDIAN NEEDLE ----------------------------------------------------------
Level: 56 Element: Dark Hits: 7 Range: Melee Time: 3.5
Strong Knockback. Fierce piercing attack.
--- BIRD SWARM ---------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 60 Element: Light Hits: - Range: Infinite Time: 1.9
Blow away the target and nearby enemies.
--- WOLF FANG ----------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 64 Element: Light Hits: 7 Range: Melee Time: 3.5
Medium Knockback. Fierce piercing attack.
--- BEAST METEOR -------------------------------------------------------------
Level: 68 Element: Dark Hits: - Range: Infinite Time: 1.9
Blow away the target and nearby enemies.