Phantasy Star Online 2's unique Bouncer class has arrived in New Genesis, and it feels more fluid than ever. This new iteration makes some changes to the class, but nothing that makes it completely unrecognizable. If anything, it's become more offensive, and skills are tied more neatly together with the playstyle. Bouncer mains from PSO2 will find something new to learn, while those looking for more challenge in their playstyle may find it interesting to take on. Either way, Bouncer definitely has some new life breathed into it.
Unlike Braver, which has weapon synergy, the Bouncer class has two distinct playstyles with similar flow but different mechanics. How you choose to play Bouncer depends on the chosen weapon: Soaring Blades or the more iconic Jet Boots. Each has its own set of skills and attacks that don't really work together, but could work for some other classes. Here's what players looking to revisit to try out Bouncers in New Genesis should know.
Jet Boots Bouncers Are Unique and Have Lots of Skills
The Bouncer's Jet Boots are iconic, and there isn't really anything out there in other games to compare them too. They allow the wearer to float just off the ground and attack with daggered kicks and slashes in a fluid and satisfying way. Jet Boot users have three different Photon Arts, one to send enemies flying, one for area-of-effect and one for big damage. However, these are more for PP recovery than damage dealing. Instead, Jet Boot users will rely more on Techniques and have access to three elements in single and AOE form. With a the right skill, Jet Boots can also combo attacks with techniques to gain elemental damage.
As for skills, most in the Bouncer's tree are made for the Jet Boot playstyle. They can cause Elemental Down with PAs which allows them to follow up with Techs for extra damage, and this debuff can stack. Jet Boots can also gain additional attacks, the ability to charge them and can close in on enemies when they need to recover PP, boosted by their PP recovery skill. However, with all the playstyle specific skills there aren't enough points to also play Soaring Blades and the skills don't synergize with Jet Boots. Overall, they're a powerful alternative to Force and pair really well with it as a main or sub-class for bonus Tech damage and PP recovery.
Soaring Blades Bouncers Are Strong, Approachable Attackers
While less popular than Jet Boots, Soaring Blades can still hold their own, just in a totally different way. Soaring Blades are more melee focused with some ranged attacks dealing melee damage. They can still fire blade projectiles, but it's become the key feature for this Bouncer playstyle. Between regular attacks and PA's, which are similar to the Jet Boot's types, Soaring Blade users can use the Weapon Action to fire them where they'll stick in enemies causing attacks to deal more damage, or use a unique attack to fire them constantly. Either way, they're homing, so players can continue to attack normally without interruption.
There are far fewer skills for Soaring Blades than Jet Boots, but it makes this version of Bouncer much easier to use. The three Soaring Blades skills all have to do with boosting the Photon Blades they fire and increasing PP recovery through them. Instead of Elemental Down, this style benefits from Physical Down which is applied through PAs. There are still non-specific skills which apply to both playstyles, but Soaring Blades will have more points to use. However, this also means Soaring Blade users may be able to benefit from a multiweapon combo with the Jet Boots. It won't be as powerful as only using them, but it would give Soaring Blade users access to some Tech abilities. This playstyle will likely benefit from a melee sub class to boost its attack power.