Random observations about Lulu. (Spoilerific)

[auronlu]

This is stating the obvious to some, but I'm surprised how many folks go, "Oh, that makes her so much less of a slutty goth."

Lulu. Miss Grouchy.

Best danged guardian after Auron... and both of them miserable failures in their own minds, ironically enough.

Why?

When Lulu and Wakka couldn't dissuade Yuna from starting summoner's training, Wakka shrugged and went back to his blitzball, and Lulu went on a pilgrimage. No, two. She's been on more pilgrimages than Auron, and for all we know, more than any guardian in Spira, since it's a risky business (4 summoners succeeded in a thousand years? Doesn't bode well for their sidekicks).

There can only be two reasons for Lulu's sudden choice of guardian as a career, despite her apparently rather hot and heavy relationship with a blitzer named Chappu...

~ To get to Sin first and save Yuna the trouble.
~ To gain experience enough to be able to protect Yuna when the time came.

Which comes in handy, since she serves as a walking tour guide for most of the game, and is better able to roll with the punches of Yevon's betrayal when the time comes.

However, Lulu's a little more worried than most of them about failure, due to her experiences with losing one summoner and having another bail out halfway through.


When I first started playing this game, I thought she was all about the T&A. It took me a while to notice the brains, the backbone, and the expertise.

I still don't get the dolls, though. I just don't.

[cally777]

When I first started playing this game, I thought she was all about the T&A. It took me a while to notice the brains, the backbone, and the expertise.

Compared to Wakka, part-time guardian, part-time blitzer, not amazingly good at either at the start of the quest, Lulu is one serious professional. You said it. She has got the skills and experience for the job and she means to use them fully.

I still don't get the dolls, though. I just don't.

Perhaps they keep her warm at night!

[rubah]

she's just your typical down-to-earth voodoo girl, that's all there is with the dolls!

I think you hit her head on. She takes her job pretty seriously.

[Jessweeee♪]

She has a list

[No.78]

Lulu rawks

[Big D]

Lulu is the awesomest and deepest character in the game, but her backstory is only ever hinted at and brushed over - there could be a whole prequel exploring Chappu, her earlier pilgrimages, and all the events that shaped her life up to the original game.

It's just a crying shame that every FF after 7 has basically marginalised all the characters except for the leading couple. In FF7, everyone got their moment in the spotlight, even the optional characters; in the later games, it's all about the hero and heroine.

[Elly]

the reason for the dolls is simple, it's a focal point for her to channel her energy through, much like a wizzards/witches cane, staff, or wand... not to mention she animates them for physical attacks albeit they are rather weak physical attacks but, she should not have a reason to use them in that manner except in the most desperate situation where she has no SP or recovery items...

[Heath]

It's just a crying shame that every FF after 7 has basically marginalised all the characters except for the leading couple. In FF7, everyone got their moment in the spotlight, even the optional characters; in the later games, it's all about the hero and heroine.

It's a crying shame that some of the more interesting characters in games seem to just be totally neglected when their characters were interesting enough to merit further development. Shame.

I've always like Lulu and I think you really hit the nail on the head with your post, auronlu. I think she's the one who probably takes the pilgrimage the most seriously. Not only does she appreciate the gravity of the entire situation Spira is in but is fully willing to ensure that if she can do anything to help the place through Yuna, then she will do so.

[ReloadPsi]

When I first started playing this game, I thought she was all about the T&A. It took me a while to notice the brains, the backbone, and the expertise.

Seriously? I caught on to Lulu's depth of character right away. Hell, she's the only character besides Auron I was able to take seriously the first time round but then like you said, lots in common. (And no, I'm afraid I didn't take Kimahri seriously. In my book the "silent bad-ass" type is done to death... in fact there are rumours that the next edition of Roget's Thesaurus will contain "overused" as a synonym of "mute".)

Lulu's a fantastic character, good on you for elucidating that. It's too bad she's not quite so useful in terms of gameplay ;_;

And to think I'm saying such good words about a Black Mage.

[auronlu]

I must be doing something odd. I've heard other people complain that Lulu's weak in battle, yet by the time I've hit the end of the Mi'ihen Highroad, she's usually doing twice as much damage as anyone else unless she's up against something with extra magic resistance. I tend to cycle all my characters in and out so everyone gets equal AP, so it's not because I'm using her more than the others.

My parents tried the game for the first time this Christmas, and they, also, found her to be essential to battle. While watching them play with help on, I discovered that the Guado magic-users specifically target Lulu, singling her out as an especial threat. I doubt she's got Auron's rep, so I can only assume it's gameplay-related... and in fact, it is. With their auto-potion, they can heal themselves from most physical attacks, but her spells tend to cut them down with one zap.

And doublecast packs a very helpful punch.

So what am I missing? Why do experienced players find her "not quite so useful in terms of gameplay"?

[Kawaii Ryûkishi]

I still don't get the dolls, though. I just don't.

She has them for the same reason she has an antigravity corset and a full-length skirt made out of belts: Because Tetsuya Nomura, that's why.

[Roto13]

I think I'm just going to start referring to Nomura as "the belt guy" or "belty" or something.

[Namelessfengir]

I think I'm just going to start referring to Nomura as "the belt guy" or "belty" or something.

you do that and im sure he'll give a "belt" across the jaw

PPPPPPPPPPPUUUUUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Big D]

I thought Lulu's costume was pretty awesome, as well as being rather creative. The belt-dress would weigh a lot, but it'd also provide pretty good protection without actually being armour. As for the corset... I've seen larger chests supported by skimpier corsets, so it's not too unrealistic.

[Kawaii Ryûkishi]

Unfortunately, none of Nomura's designs are technically unrealistic.