The RAcast can be a mixed bag, depending on how you intend to play the game. For multiplayer and single play alike, RAcast can be as incredible an advantage as it is a hindrance. If you like to get into an enemies face and go man to man, you'll end up with your ass handed to you. However, if you're more comfortable with picking off enemies long before they're close enough to hit you, hiding in corners, or covering the back of your teammates, RAcast offers several advantages.

First close range combat is never reccommended unless you're forced into it, usually by bosses. Most weapons have a slow firing rate, allowing enemies to march right towards you inbetween shots. On later difficulty levels, this becomes a serious matter. Pal Sharks, Demenians, etc., start to move nearly as fast as you. In multiplayer situations, this isn't as bad as it sounds. But alone, you'll find yourself running away and using LOTS of dimates. RAcast is at it's best when laying a few shots down and backing off when enemies get too close, then repeat. In many cases, though, leaving the room to let enemies reset becomes second nature to a RAcast. You will be doing it quite often, especially in the Ruins.

oss battles can also be tough with a RAcast. Proficient with guns as opposed to swords, some fights (De Rol Le, for one) put you at a serious disadvantage concerning time. Slow firing rates with even your most powerful weapons give a boss valuable breathing time, and causes longer fights. This can sometimes mean mud for you, unless you're in multiplayer. (However, once you surpass level 70 or so, it makes little difference...you're strong enough)

Now quickly, I'll tell you why you should elect RAcast, or why you should not...

Advantages : Obviously, the use of all, and most powerful overall damage with, GUNS. Any and all guns are functional with a RAcast. It could depend on your Section ID, but guns usually aren't hard to find in a palatable variety. Also has a greater degree of accuracy with all guns, much higher than some of the gun-toting hunters you find.

Disadvantages : RAcast is a lemon in close range battles, and could use better defensive qualities/hit points. The RAcast is also a rather slow class, by comparison. If you EVER plan on using swords/sabers extensivley, stay away from RAcast.

Double Edged Sword : No, not a weapon, but a blessing/curse....RAcast uses no techniques. On one hand, not having to screw with techs is helpful, for it saves you valuable money and time with fluids, disks, customization, etc. You're rewarded with a'im and shoot' gameplay at it's core. However, it also means you're always stocking up on recovery fluids to save your hide, and it can get expensive to buy 10 trimates with every trip to the shop. Again, for me personally, I'm enjoying the lack of techs....in multiplayer, someone else undoubtedly has healing/attack techniques. Then again, when offline, you'd better be sure to ALWAYS remain filled on telepipes, and recovery fluids, especially in the Very Hard setting. You'll need them often.

The Shotty : As for a small portion of advice...learn to like the shotgun! It's the only weapon RAcast can equip which takes out enemies in groups, up to six at a time. Shotty's are slow, but are still amazing assistants. Without a shotty, you'll be forced to concentate on one enemy at a time, letting the others storm right up in you. But with a shotty equipped, you can keep nearly all enemies at bay and inflict more damage. In later stages of the game, a good shotgun is invaluable.

Verdict : When it comes to gun use, there is no better class. The total avaiability of weaponry for you, and the amazing accuracy rate owned make RAcast a viable investment. Technique use, or lack thereof, is far outweighed by the advantages offered. Finally, and more important than any alaytical statistic...RAcast is a LOT of fun!

Rack 'em!

Guide by Quinn Fox.