Damage and healing effects are reversed. Taking damage restores HP, while healing reduces it.
Final Fantasy XII description
Reverse (逆転, Gyakuten?) is a status effect that causes attacking and healing to have the opposite effect for afflicted target; when an enemy is in Reverse, all attacks directed at it will heal rather than injure. Reverse bears some similarities to the Zombie status ailment present in many Final Fantasy games in that it causes healing magic to act as offensive magic.
Appearances[]
Final Fantasy IV[]
In the 3D version, Dr. Lugae can use Reversal Gas, which inflicts Reverse on all party members and himself. He can then use Restore to damage the party.
Final Fantasy XII[]
Reverse is a status effect inflicted by the spell of the same name that causes healing and damage to have the opposite effect. The Esper Ultima uses Holyja, which can inflict Reverse. Zalera's spell, Lv.5 Reverse, inflicts reverse to characters whose levels are divisible by 5. Stasis traps also inflict Reverse.
Reverse affects all regular attacks, damaging and healing spells, and most Esper attacks. It does not affect Drain or Leech, Syphon, Poison, Sap, Regen, Phoenix Down, Knot of Rust, Dark Matter, Quickenings, or Technicks. Zalera's Kill, Shemhazai's Soul Purge, and Zodiark's Final Eclipse skills are also exceptions.
Although the status is classed as "negative", it can be beneficial in long battles by casting Reverse on one or all members of the party so all attacks from the enemy will heal them.
Final Fantasy XIV[]
Kuribu, the final boss of The Lost City of Amdapor (Hard), will gain the effect of Reverse on itself after the first time it revives. Reverse causes its healing spells to target the party and cause damage instead. When Kuribu is revived a second time, it will alternate between using its Reverse strategy and using normal healing on itself.