Unlocking Secrets: What Happens When You Refuse Banon in Final Fantasy VI?

So, you’re playing Final Fantasy VI (or, as some older gamers remember, Final Fantasy III) and you’ve reached that pivotal moment: Banon, the leader of the Returners, is asking for your help. He needs you, or rather, Terra, to join their fight against the oppressive Gestahlian Empire. What happens if you refuse? Well, buckle up, because a seemingly simple “no” opens up a path to a hidden reward and bypasses a scene. If you say “no” to Banon three times, he will give you a Genji Glove instead of the Gauntlet, although you’ll miss out on the meeting scene.

This seemingly small choice is a fantastic example of how Final Fantasy VI rewards player agency and exploration. While saying “yes” gets you the Gauntlet and kicks off the established narrative, saying “no” multiple times unveils a different reward. The Genji Glove allows a character to equip two weapons, making it an incredibly valuable item, especially early in the game. This choice also showcases the game’s subtle ways of acknowledging and rewarding player curiosity.

Digging Deeper: The Banon Choice and Its Implications

The Banon scenario is more than just a simple reward for saying no; it’s a tiny glimpse into the depth and flexibility of Final Fantasy VI. This choice highlights the following:

• Hidden Rewards: The game contains numerous secrets and rewards for players willing to experiment and deviate from the most obvious path. Saying “no” to Banon is just one example of this design philosophy.

• Early Access to Powerful Gear: The Genji Glove is a powerful item to have early on. Allowing players to equip two weapons drastically increases a character’s damage output, making some of the early battles significantly easier.

• Skipping a Scene: As mentioned, choosing the Genji Glove route skips the meeting scene. This offers a slightly different perspective on the story and its initial introduction of the characters within the Returner organization.

• Character Build Customization: The Genji Glove is an invaluable tool in character builds. It is especially useful when combined with powerful weapons or complementary effects, letting you deal an impressive amount of damage.

Ultimately, refusing Banon is a testament to the game’s commitment to rewarding exploration and strategic thinking. It’s a tiny piece of a much larger puzzle, but it reinforces the idea that there’s always more to discover in Final Fantasy VI than meets the eye.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Banon Choice and FF6 Secrets

1. Can I get both the Genji Glove and the Gauntlet?

No, you can’t get both the Genji Glove and the Gauntlet from Banon during this initial encounter. It’s an either/or situation. You either get the Gauntlet by agreeing to help him, or the Genji Glove by refusing him three times. However, you can find additional Genji Gloves later in the game.

2. Where else can I find Genji Gloves in Final Fantasy VI?

A Genji Glove can later be found in a treasure chest in the Cave to the Sealed Gate in the World of Balance. The Dragon, fought on the Floating Continent, then provides a great opportunity to steal the relic numerous times.

3. Does the Genji Glove stack if I equip two of them?

No, equipping two Genji Gloves on the same character will not allow them to equip four weapons. The effect of the Genji Glove doesn’t stack.

4. If I say “no” to Banon and get the Genji Glove, does it affect the story later?

Not significantly. The core story remains the same. You simply miss the meeting scene with the Returners. The impact is minimal, mostly affecting your immediate access to certain pieces of equipment and how the events of the game unfold in that moment.

5. What is the significance of the Returners in Final Fantasy VI?

The Returners are a rebel group fighting against the Gestahlian Empire. They are central to the plot and help Terra understand her powers and the empire’s dark ambitions.

6. What is the best strategy for using the Genji Glove?

The best strategy for using the Genji Glove is to equip it on a character with high strength and two powerful weapons. Characters like Sabin and Edgar benefit greatly from this setup. You should consider combining this with other relics to maximise effectiveness.

7. Is Final Fantasy VI available on modern platforms?

Yes, Final Fantasy VI has been ported to numerous modern platforms, including PC, mobile devices, and consoles (through various collections and emulators). The Pixel Remaster version is a popular choice for experiencing the game.

8. How long does it take to complete Final Fantasy VI?

According to HowLongToBeat, completing the main story of Final Fantasy VI typically takes around 35 hours. Completionists can expect to spend 50+ hours, or even significantly more.

9. What is the hardest boss in Final Fantasy VI?

Many players consider Ultima Weapon to be the hardest boss in Final Fantasy VI. Its high stats and powerful attacks make it a formidable opponent. Others point to the Storm Dragon.

10. What is the most powerful spell in Final Fantasy VI?

Ultima is considered the most powerful spell in Final Fantasy VI. It deals massive non-elemental damage to all enemies, ignoring Magic Defense and Reflect.

11. What is the best way to level up in Final Fantasy VI?

One effective way to level up in Final Fantasy VI is to use the Esper system to learn powerful spells and abilities. Finding areas with high encounter rates and using experience-boosting equipment can also speed up the process.

12. Who is Shadow in Final Fantasy VI, and why is he so mysterious?

Shadow’s real name is Clyde and he once lived a life of crime with his partner, Baram (“Billy” in the Japanese version). The pair are infamous in the pre-war period before the game begins as a duo of train robbers known as the Shadow Bandits, but Baram eventually suffers mortal wounds during a failed railway heist. He is mysterious due to his tragic past and his tendency to appear and disappear at will.

13. Where is the Returners’ Hideout in Final Fantasy VI?

The Returners’ Hideout is located in the Sabre Mountains. It’s a crucial location early in the game, serving as a base for the rebellion.

14. What is the Traveler attack in Final Fantasy VI, and how does it work?

Enemies using Traveler will use the player’s amount of steps for the damage calculation. To achieve the max damage of 9999, the player would have to walk 319,968 steps.

15. How does Final Fantasy VI incorporate learning and education into its gameplay?

While not explicitly educational in the traditional sense, Final Fantasy VI encourages strategic thinking, resource management, and problem-solving. The Esper system, for example, requires players to plan ahead and carefully allocate experience points to learn new skills and abilities. Games can be excellent teaching tools, and if you’re interested in exploring the intersection of learning and games, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

This information should help you make informed decisions about whether or not to refuse Banon in your playthrough of Final Fantasy VI. Happy gaming!