We didn't have so much trouble with Ultima, actually. Maybe Game Over'd once?

There was no feeling of desperation with Ultima, unlike with Zodiark at which point I was sitting at the edge of the bed willing Vaan and Ashe to get those final attacks in before Darkja was sent out. Darkja was really the main issue - chance to KO your whole party? Ugh, not good. Tbh, we had a lucky run the winning time - Darkja never KO'd the entire party, there was always someone left alive. Luck based battles can be dicks.

But yeah, in the end, we finished the Pharos at Ridorana dungeon, got Scathe magic and returned to kick his behind. Scathe'd until his physical paling was gone, and then he was history.