Been playing Suikoden Tactics/Rhapsodia for a while now, and I've been wondering about how you get ranked in battle. I must've gotten a million B Ranks by now, with only a few A and C Ranks, and one S Rank I just got from the "duel" with Mitsuba. My question is this: How exactly are you "graded" in the battles in this game?

I've intentionally spent hours more than necessary in battles, in attempt to get a C Rank for the Bronze Medal, but I've still just gotten a B Rank -- sometimes, even an A Rank. So, based on that, time doesn't seem to be much of a factor, if it is one at all. On the other hand, I'll whip through a fight like it's nothing at times, but wind up only getting a C Rank. Even in the Obel Ruins, if I just fight a couple enemies and then book it for the exit, I'll still just get a B Rank. It all just seems really awkward to me.

Anyone have any ideas, or perhaps suggestions as to how to get certain rankings?

I have the Strategy Guide somewhere, so I could look it up when I find it.
As for now, I haven't played this game in a long time, so I am not sure about this.
I always thought it was about the total damage dealt and received, or if there were any characters that had died.

Okay, happened to stumble upon some tips in an FAQ, so I think I've got the idea now. Even managed to obtain Simeon's Spell Book from Haruna while recruiting Kate just now.

For others' reference, here are some things to aim for, in order to obtain an S Rank in battle:

- Try to use as few turns as possible. (Doesn't seem to affect it too much, from what I can tell.)
- Try to avoid taking damage as much as you can. The less, the better.
- Deal as much damage per hit as you can. The total isn't what matters, but the average damage you deal does. High-power spells and abilities should help immensely, as well as other buffs.
- Take full advantage of elemental tiles. Each time a character ends a turn on their +Affinity tile, you receive one "point" toward getting a higher rank. (Recommended: If a character has nothing better to do during a turn, toss a Bead or cast a Force spell.)
- This one seems to make a huge difference: Try to obtain as many EXP as you can. Having some lower-level characters in the fight swinging at a high-level enemy now and then should help a bit. (Recommended: Try to get higher-level character to weaken enemies, and then let the lower-level ones finish them off.)

Pretty sure that's it. There are some guides to getting S ranks, though if you plan to get them every chance you get, then I'd personally say you're insane. Haha. There are several levels that you only have one chance to fight in, so it's not like you can just go back later. :S