Shift Break (Final Fantasy IX)

Shift Break is a Dyne ability in Final Fantasy IX used by Zidane while in Trance. It deals physical damage to all enemies for a cost of 16 MP.
==Obtained==
Shift Break is available when Zidane has access to Soul Blade. Soul Blade is learned for 35 AP from The Ogre. It can be synthesized from two Mage Mashers and 700 gil at Lindblum, Treno, Black Mage Village, and Alexandria, and found in the Pinnacle Rocks.
==Mechanics== 
Shift Break deals double the damage of Zidane's normal attack to all enemies as physical damage; his power is already enhanced by being in Trance. Despite the animation, the attack is not water-elemental.
Damage is calculated as follows:
:Base = [(Attack * 20) / 10] - Enemy Defense
:Bonus = Strength + Rnd Mod ([(Level + Str) / 8] + 1)
:Damage = Base * [Bonus * 1.5]
Bonus is halved by target's Protect, and is reduced to 1 while Zidane has Mini.
==Use==
Shift Break is worth using against groups of enemies; against single targets, using Scoop Art is better for its lower MP cost for matching power. When Zidane uses Shift Break, a swirling vortex forms beneath the enemies. Meo Twister outclasses Shift Break against groups of enemies, but as the damage cap is 9999, Zidane may reach it even with his earlier Dynes; this makes Shift Break good against groups into the endgame should Zidane trance in a random encounter.
The downside of all Trance abilities is that timing them for a battle where Trance would be most beneficial, like a boss battle, is difficult/impossible, as a Trance state cannot be saved up, and its building does not depend on the amount of damage sustained from enemy attacks, only the number of enemy attacks taken. The only ways to expedite Trance are to use High Tide and Protect Girls for Zidane to intercept attacks directed toward some of his allies. As Zidane may enter Trance in practically any battle, it is the luck of the draw whether his improved physical prowess is a bonus for that particular encounter or not.
Category:Dyne in Final Fantasy IX