Quote Originally Posted by sora_lion_heart View Post
As for knowing what a monster is weak for, unless you skim ahead in guides you will most likely not know.
You know I'm absolutely no expert, but I found this hard to believe and did some searching. I came across this tip in a very helpful guide and it might be what I've been looking for (haven't tested it yet though);

Whenever you enter a new room, call up the Status screen and use L1 & R1 to cycle. All of the monsters in that room are
instantly revealed and displayed. If you wish, you can immediately check the items they're carrying by using the CIRCLE button. Successfully using the Analyze spell merely fills in the ??? entries with firm details, enabling you to check creature status info on elemental / type rating defences with the SQUARE button, or individual equipment info with the CIRCLE button followed by status info cycling.