Mastering the Junon Parade for a Perfect Score
You have just arrived in Junon, the massive coastal city under Shinra’s control, and the story demands you participate in a military parade. It is not just a narrative moment. It is a scored mini-game that can feel surprisingly tense. You want that top rating, maybe for the trophy, maybe for pride, but the instructions are minimal. You are left wondering what exactly the judges are looking for.
Getting the highest rating, an S Rank, is about precision, timing, and understanding the hidden mechanics of the parade drill. It is less about raw reaction speed and more about executing a memorized sequence with flawless consistency. This guide breaks down every step, from preparation to execution, to ensure you march away with a perfect score.
Understanding the Parade Mechanics and Scoring
Before you step onto the parade ground, know what you are being judged on. The game evaluates your performance in two key areas: Synchronization and Showmanship. Synchronization is about hitting the correct button prompts in time with the commander’s calls and the music. Showmanship is about performing the special flourish moves at the right moments.
Your final rating is a combination of these factors. To achieve an S Rank, you need a near-perfect run. Missing a few prompts might still net you an A, but for the top mark, consistency is king. The parade is split into distinct phases, each with its own rhythm and required inputs.
Phase-by-Phase Walkthrough for a Flawless Run
Here is the exact sequence of commands you need to input. Treat this as your drill manual. The commander’s vocal calls are your primary cue, but watching your party members, especially Barret at the front, can provide a visual backup.
The Opening March and Basic Commands
The parade begins with simple marching orders. Listen closely to the commander.
– The first command is always “Forward March!” This corresponds to pressing the X button (PlayStation) or A button (Xbox). You will press this repeatedly in time to set the marching pace.
– He will then call “Eyes… Right!” This is a two-part command. Wait for the full call. On “Right!”, you must press the Circle/B button and hold it. Do not release until the next command.
– The next command is “Ready… Front!” On “Front!”, release the Circle/B button and return to pressing X/A to resume marching.
This opening sequence sets the foundation. The timing is forgiving here, but use it to get into the rhythm. Your button presses should match the beat of the marching music and the footfalls of your team.
The Complex Drill Sequences
After the basics, the drill becomes more complex, introducing new inputs and faster transitions.
– You will hear “Present… Arms!” This is a new move. On “Arms!”, press the Triangle/Y button. This makes your character perform a weapon presentation gesture.
– This is often followed by “Order… Arms!” On “Arms!” again, press the Square/X button to return to the standard carry position.
The most challenging part involves mixed sequences like “Eyes Right” followed quickly by “Ready Front” and then “Present Arms.” The key is to not panic. Process each command fully before acting. The game gives you a small window after the cue word to press the correct button.
The Climactic Flourish and Finale
Towards the end of the parade, you will be prompted for the special “Flourish” move. This is critical for your Showmanship score. The commander will shout something like “For show!” or a similar unique line.
This is your cue to press the R1/RB button. This triggers a unique, flashy move where your character spins their weapon. Timing is everything. Press it too early or too late, and you will not get full credit. The perfect moment is immediately after the call, as the music hits a specific beat.
After the flourish, you will return to standard marching commands for the finale. Maintain your focus until the music swells and the parade clearly concludes. Do not drop your concentration in the last few seconds.
Essential Tips and Troubleshooting Common Mistakes
Knowing the sequence is half the battle. Avoiding common pitfalls will secure your S Rank.
Calibrate Your Audio and Visual Cues
If you are struggling, check your setup. Audio delay from TV speakers or Bluetooth headphones can throw off your timing. If possible, use wired headphones or monitor audio to ensure the commander’s calls are in sync with the button prompts on screen.
Similarly, if you are playing on a TV with significant input lag, consider switching your TV to its “Game Mode.” This reduces latency between your button press and the on-screen action, making precise timing much easier.
Do Not Anticipate, React
A common mistake is pressing the button as soon as you hear the first word of the command, like pressing on “Eyes…” instead of waiting for “…Right!”. This will often count as a miss or a late input for the previous command. Always wait for the full command and the cue word, which is typically the final word.
If you miss a command, do not mash buttons to catch up. This will almost certainly cause you to miss the next one. Accept the single mistake, reset your focus, and nail the next prompt. You can sometimes recover from one or two minor errors, but for an S Rank, it is best to aim for perfection.
Practice with the In-Game Rehearsal
Before the actual scored parade, the game offers a brief rehearsal. Do not skip this. Use it to internalize the timing and the feel of the commands without pressure. It is the perfect sandbox to make mistakes and learn the rhythm.
Alternative Strategies if You Are Still Struggling
If, after multiple attempts, the timing continues to elude you, there are other approaches.
Focus on Visual Over Audio
While audio is the primary cue, your party members provide a perfect visual guide. Watch Barret at the front of the formation. He will perform each move exactly when you need to. Your button press should coincide with the start of his animation. This method can be more reliable if you have audio issues or find processing the vocal commands difficult.
Lower the Difficulty Setting
The parade mini-game is not affected by the overall combat difficulty setting. However, ensuring you are well-rested and focused is a different kind of difficulty setting. Take a break if you are getting frustrated. Coming back with a fresh mind can make all the difference in nailing a rhythm-based challenge.
What the Highest Rating Unlocks
Understanding the reward can be great motivation. Achieving an S Rank in the Junon Parade primarily contributes to your overall game completion percentage and is tied to specific trophies or achievements. It also often yields a better material reward, such as a useful accessory or a rare crafting component, compared to lower ranks. While not strictly mandatory for story progression, it is a mark of mastery for completionists.
Marching Forward with Confidence
The Junon Parade is a memorable set piece that tests your rhythm and focus. By treating it as a sequence to be learned rather than a reflex test, you take control. Memorize the command flow, use the rehearsal, and trust your eyes and ears. A perfect run is within reach.
With this drill manual in hand, you are ready to step onto the parade ground. Listen for the commands, watch your comrades, and execute each move with precision. The highest rating is not just about pressing buttons. It is about becoming part of the unit, moving as one, and putting on a show that would make even a Shinra executive applaud. Now, fall in and get that S Rank.
