>Was it just me, or did Atma seem a lot weaker than Atma Weapon?

Funny you mention it, Jason. I read a prologue to the story, from the
creators [not Square, the plot guys], a while back, and I'll try to explain:

See, there's this bigass cosmic power, right? Well, it's 'ole Atma. Somehow
[I can't find the book now, so I'll wing it] I think it was in that magic
land beyond the gate, that splits the power in half. One to a monster, and
the other to a sword. The monster turned out the "more powerful" one, or so
it seemed. 
        Anyway, I'll skip a lot of stuff and say the sword was gifted, as
you most likely already know. Now, Atma's first form's pretty early on, so
it's not supposed to be all that tough. But the second, in the shitter at
the garbage castle [if I remember correctly], was both weakened and
strengthened by the blast that screwball Kefka made. He unlocked a lot of
stuff, and it was quite a blow to Atma. Remember FF2, when Tellah gets all
his magic at Ordeals?
        So, basically, he had more potent magic, but a "less tougher" hide.

        Once I dig up the book, I'll figure out the exact reason. 
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