If you already plan on using SFF I don't really see much need for anything else. Maybe cosmetic stuff etc. as you prefer, but that's a very subjective choice of course.

I myself prefer SFF Proud Mode for the definitive experience, of course, but I get that for a new player, this may be too hard. Regular SFF is great, too!

Originally posted by Hinnyuu:

If you already plan on using SFF I don't really see much need for anything else. Maybe cosmetic stuff etc. as you prefer, but that's a very subjective choice of course.

I myself prefer SFF Proud Mode for the definitive experience, of course, but I get that for a new player, this may be too hard. Regular SFF is great, too!

I was debating whether i should get the "Longer Buffs" mod. I feel like it's abit cheaty, no?
On the other hand, recasting the same buff over and over again doesn't make the game more difficult - it makes it more annoying if the buff duration is really that low.
What do you think?
FF11 comes to mind when speaking about buffs duration.

Originally posted by Lord Commander Dante:

I was debating whether i should get the "Longer Buffs" mod. I feel like it's abit cheaty, no?
On the other hand, recasting the same buff over and over again doesn't make the game more difficult - it makes it more annoying if the buff duration is really that low.
What do you think?

Since this is a single-player game, it's up to you whether you consider it cheaty or not. Nobody else will come to make you accountable for it. Note, however, that the game features a Gambit system, which lets you customize the characters' AI so that they will automatically cast certain buffs, so you will be able to automate many of the tedious, repetitive tasks.

Other mods I'd recommend, in addition to Struggle For Freedom:
- HD Environment and Structures: greatly enhances the backgrounds
- Enhanced Clothing / Face Textures: improves character graphics

If you want QoL changes:
- Insurgent's Companions / Manifesto: I'd recommend getting at least the one that enables smart steal gambits (so your character will stop stealing from an enemy if they don't have anything to steal). I also like using the option that lets the current party leader be the character you control in towns, rather than always using Vaan for towns.
- Giza Plains Weather Changer: lets you manually change the weather in Giza. Normally, you'll need to wait for 1-2 hours for the weather to change.
- Trial Stage Selector and Stage 100 save option: makes the trials much more convenient when you can choose the starting stage, and also gives you an option to save the game after the last stage, so that you can keep all the items you obtained from the enemies.

Originally posted by Lord Commander Dante:

I was debating whether i should get the "Longer Buffs" mod. I feel like it's abit cheaty, no?
On the other hand, recasting the same buff over and over again doesn't make the game more difficult - it makes it more annoying if the buff duration is really that low.
What do you think?
FF11 comes to mind when speaking about buffs duration.

You should go with whatever is the most fun for you personally. No one can - or SHOULD - police your gameplay in a purely single-player game. If frequent casting of buffs annoys you and there's a mod to fix it, by all means. Note however that some mods may interfere with each other so be cautious and save a lot, lest something ruins your day.

Go with whatever it is you enjoy the most.