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The battle system in Eternal Sonata is a very unique, as it mixes elements of both real-time and turn-based battles. Each player takes a party of three into each battle. Here, the order is determined in a old-fashioned turn-based style. Once it becomes any of the three characters turns, though, everything changes. Instead of choosing from a set of attacks and abilities from a menus, players can run around the battlefield, attacking and casting spells using shortcuts assigned to each face button. On the left hand side of the screen is a timer that gradually decrease as the turn plays out. Once it is depleted, the turn is over. Every time the player performs an action, whether it be an attack of a healing spell, the bar depletes even further. The more advanced spells and abilities get, the more they decrease the bar.
Also, there are no random battles. All enemies are visble on the field map, and can be avoided if desired. Although, this is not recommended, because if too many battles are avoided, the characters will not be prepared for the boss battles.
Another interesting twist on the battle system is the effects of Light and Shadow. Depending on where the characters are standing, their abilities will change. For example, if one wants to perform Polka's basic healing spell, "Orange Glow," they would have to stand in the light. If they want to perform her offensive attack, they would have to position themselves in the shadows.
Player characters are not the only ones affected by the light. Enemies can completely transform and gain totally new skillsets depending on where they are in the battlefield. For example, a monster that is a small bud in the dark becomes a mammoth one in the light. The player has to learn how to take advantage of this juxtaposition in order to be victorious in battle.
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