For the early game I can give a few

Try and have the right demons for the right situations, certain skills that are needed for progression are only available to certain races. Second, carry at least a few of every elemental bullet for weakness exploitation.

the first one isn't very good. that's my tip

Yeah, the japanese only one? I guess I agree. Both Raidou games are good though, that's what you're getting at right? Right. Totally.

I hear the temples give you free aeons if you go pray to them. Might be good for a fledgeling summoner.

...Any advice on builds? Should I set Raidou up with my typical all out strength or does something else work better for this game?

Mag and vit are king in that game, mag is more magic defense as well as easier/stronger demons, vit means you die less, when you die you lose, etc. There are ways to make up for low str later and mag is much more useful early on. You could go for primarily str based and be fine as long as you don't neglect mag too much. But don't play hard mode like that unless you hate yourself. I doubt you will, but just in case it comes up. Luck is still whatever

Demons+sword fusion is like 10 times more important that any of this mind

Talk to the dog before leaving Besaid Village. It'll give you an extra Overdrive for Valefor.

Kalib leave your shitty game outta this

Thanks Pixie, got it, Mag and Vit take priority