Trying the NSG ‘challenge’ for the first time

I think I might just wanna go bang my head into the wall a few times instead. I have managed to get to the Moonflow, but defeating the Extractor boss to rescue Yuna is proving to be a problem. I have heard there is another ‘challenge’ where you don’t use the sphere grid, aeons, overdrives, customize equipment, or run from battles. Where is the fun in that? That’s like cutting off your leg to see if you can play hopscotch that way. I really hope I can beat the Extractor, because then I can get Rikku(thereby start stealing/using items and customizing equipment), because I’m not having much fun not being able to get any abilities for the characters. The stats aren’t too important, but not being able to get Life(and eventually Auto Life) for Yuna, or Cheer and Haste for Tidus, and getting Steal and Use for Kimahri(I can do it at the Mi’ihen Highroad shop, having gotten a level 1 sphere from a soldier on the road, then the 2nd from the kid in the store) isn’t fun.

Okay I’ve gotten to the Al Bhed’s Home now. Also started the Kimahri Only challenge in a different file, since as mentioned, he can get Steal/Use early enough to really come in handy(trying to kill Chocobo Eater now). There are advantages to each challenge. At least in the NSG one, you can use the other characters in battle. But in the Kimahri one, you can make him versatile enough to not really need other characters.