This section is for "what the FAQ is about" and things like that.
Feel free to skip this section.
If you like the FAQ, please send me a dollar. :-) See [0.3]
This FAQ is about "Hellbender" the 3D shooter from Microsoft
Games. Despite its age (it was released in 1996!) , I don't see a
good FAQ for it, so here it is.
0.1 A WORD FROM THE AUTHOR
There doesn't seem to be any FAQ for this old 3d shooter, so here
it comes.
This is a FAQ, NOT a manual. Not that you really need a manual to
play this budget sim.
This USG only covers the PC Version, which is the only one that
exists.
Some of you may recognize my name as the editor for the XCOM and
XCOM2: TFTD FAQ's, among others.
0.2 TERMS OF DISTRIBUTION
This document is copyrighted by Kuo-Sheng "Kasey" Chang (c) 2004,
all rights reserved excepted as noted above in the disclaimer
section.
This document is available FREE of charge subjected to the
following conditions:
1)This notice and author's name must accompany all copies of
this document: "Hellbender Unofficial Strategy Guide and FAQ"
is copyrighted (c) 2004 by Kasey K.S. Chang, all rights
reserved except as noted in the disclaimer."
2)This document must NOT be modified in any form or manner
without prior permission of the author with the following
exception: if you wish to convert this document to a different
file format or archive format, with no change to the content,
then no permission is needed.
2a) In case you can't read, that means TXT only. No banners,
no HTML borders, no cutting up into multiple pages to get you
more banner hits, and esp. no adding your site name to the
site list. [Small exception: a "small" toolbar with no banners
embedded is okay. See IGN or Neoseeker for examples.]
3)No charge other than "reasonable" compensation should charged
for its distribution. Free is preferred, of course. Sale of
this information is expressly prohibited. If you see any one
selling this guide, contact me (see below).
4)If you used material from this, PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE the source,
else it is plagiarism.
5)The author hereby grants all games-related websites the right
to archive and link to this document to share among the game
fandom, provided that all above restrictions are followed.
Sidenote: The above conditions are known as a statutory
contract. If you meet them, then you are entitled to the
rights I give you in 5), i.e. archive and display this
document on your website. If you don't follow them, then you
did not meet the statutory contract conditions, and therefore
you have no right to display this document. If you do so, then
you are infringing upon my copyright. This section was added
for any websites that don't seem to understand this.
For the gamers: You are under NO obligation to send me ANY
compensation. However, I do ask for a VOLUNTARY contribution
of one (1) US Dollar if you live in the United States, and if
you believe this guide helped your game. If you choose to do
so, please make your US$1.00 check or $1.00 worth of US stamps
to "Kuo-Sheng Chang", and send it to "2220 Turk Blvd. #6, San
Francisco, CA 94118 USA".
If you don't live in the US, please send me some local stamps.
I collect stamps too.
0.3 VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION
Gamers who read this guide are under NO obligation to send me ANY
compensation.
However, a VOLUNTARY contribution of one (1) US Dollar would be
very appreciated.
If you choose to do so, please make your US$1.00 check or $1.00
worth of stamps to "Kuo-Sheng Chang", and send it to "2220 Turk
Blvd. #6, San Francisco, CA 94118 USA".
If you don't live in the US, please send me some local stamps. I
collect stamps too. Used (cancelled) stamps are fine.
For the record, out of ALL the FAQs I wrote (52 at last count)
over the past nine years or so, I've received exactly 19 dollars
and 4 sets of stamps, as of release of this guide. So I'm NOT
making any money off these guides, folks.
0.4 HOW AND WHEN TO CONTACT ME
PLEASE let me know if there's a confusing or missing remark,
mistakes, and thereof... If you find a question about this game
that is not covered in the USG, e-mail it to me at the address
specified below. I'll try to answer it and include it in the
next update.
Please do NOT write me for technical support. That is the
publisher's job.
Please do NOT ask me to answer questions that have already
answered in this FAQ/guide. It makes you look REALLY idiotic.
I will NOT answer stupid questions like the ones above unless I'm
in a really good mood. If you send questions like that, do NOT
expect a reply.
The address below is spelled out phonetically so spammers can't
use spambots on it:
Kilo-Sierra-Charlie-Hotel-Alpha-November-Golf-Seven-Seven AT
Yankee-Alpha-Hotel-Oscar-Oscar DOT Charlie-Oscar-Mike
To decipher this, simply read the first letter off each word
except for the numbers and the punctuation. This is "military
phonetics" or "aeronautical phonetics" in case you're wondering.
This document was produced on Microsoft Word 97. Some editing was
done with Editpad (editpadclassic.com).
0.5 THE AUTHOR
I am just a game player who decided to write my own FAQs when the
ones I find don't cover what I want to see. Lots of people like
what I did, so I kept doing it.
Previously, I've written Unofficial Strategy Guides (USGs) for
XCOM, XCOM2:TFTD, Wing Commander, Wing Commander 2, Wing
Commander 3, Wing Commander 4, Privateer, Spycraft, 688(I)
Hunter/Killer. Mechwarrior 3, MW3 Expansion Pack, Mechwarrior 4,
Mechwarrior 4: Black Knight, Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed,
The Sting!, Terranova, Fallout Tactics, Starfleet Command Volume
II, DS9: The Fallen, DS9: Dominion War, Driver, Warlords:
Battlecry, Monopoly Tycoon, Dungeon Siege, and a few others. At
last count, that's 52 FAQs (this makes it 53).
To contact me, see 0.4 above.
0.6 DISCLAIMER / COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
Terminal Reality (http://www.terminalreality.com) (who also made
Fury 3 and Terminal Velocity) created Hellbender.
Microsoft Published Hellbender.
There is an "Inside Moves" guide for Hellbender from 1996.
However, I have NOT read it, nor is it really possible to find
one nowadays.
This USG is not endorsed or authorized by TR or MS
The information compiled in this USG has been gathered
independently through the author's efforts except where noted
otherwise.
This document is based on the retail version. Thus, any patches
applied later may affect its accuracy. On the other hand, I
can't find any patches.
0.7 HISTORY
23-MAY-2004 Initial release
1 Game Information
1.1 IN THE BEGINNING.
This is the 386 and 486 days. There really was no game that has a
lot of 3D and a lot of texture and a lot of action. This was
before the days of hardware acceleration.
Parallax created "Descent" in 1995, which is in FULL 3D featuring
a space ship fighting in the mines of Saturn against various
robots and droids that had suddenly turned upon the humans. The
mines are in full 3D with curved tunnels and it has been known to
make people sick after a bit of gyration. People loved Descent,
but complained it doesn't have enough action.
Then came Apogee and Terminal Reality, who made a DOS game called
Terminal Velocity. By using a different 3D engine with textures,
they were able to create a game that has plenty of speed, full
3D, both inside and outside levels (with virtually seamless
switching), and plenty of action, even on 486's. Apogee
distributed the game as shareware and it really rocked the gaming
scene.
Microsoft at the time was trying to push Windows gaming, and they
asked Terminal Reality to create a version of Terminal Velocity
for DirectX, but make it EXCLUSIVELY for Windows.
The result was Fury^3, which is sort of a prequel to Hellbender.
Hellbender itself came later. It supports higher resolution
(640x480) as well as programmable joysticks, digital sound, and
more. The requirements are also ramped up a bit.
1.2 SUGGESTED AND RECOMMENDED HARDWARE
Directlly borrowed from the README file...
To play Microsoft Hellbender, you will need:
ú Pentium 75 with local SVGA bus video, 256-color display.
ú Microsoft Windows 95.
ú 4X CD-ROM drive.
ú 8 MB of memory (RAM).
ú 32 MB of available hard disk space.
ú Sound board plus speakers or headphones to hear audio.
ú 14.4 Kbps modem for head-to-head play.
ú DirectX 2.0. (yep, that's how old this game is)
The following features are recommended:
ú Pentium 90 with local SVGA bus video, 256-color display.
ú 16+ MB of memory (RAM).
ú 77 MB of available hard disk space.
ú 3-D accelerated graphics card.
ú Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device.
ú Microsoft SideWinder 3D Pro joystick.
ú 28.8 Kbps modem for head-to-head play.
1.3 SO WHAT WAS THE GAME LIKE?
You can think of it as a faster version of Descent, if you know
that game from Interplay / Parallax, both inside and outside.
(Descent didn't get outside levels until Descent III)
Basically, you pilot this fighter on a planet, shoot enemy
fighters and/or ground defenses, shoot structures, explore
tunnels, fly to checkpoints, and such. When you have destroyed
enough, you can go on to the next level.
Each level has a ton of various objectives you must fulfill. They
are usually quite simple such as go there, kill these, etc.
There are tricky spots when you realize some enemies are only
vulnerable to certain weapons. There are also areas where you
need to open certain switches to access the next area.
The fun is in the fast action and finding the "secret" areas.
1.4 OTHER MISC INFO
Gillian Anderson (of X-Files) is the voice of EVE.
1.5 ANY PATCHES?
Nope. Don't need it. The game is ROCK SOLID on Win98. Did not
test on other versions of Windows.
1.6
2 Weapons
Note: if you dedicate more energy to the shooting weapons, the
weapons shoot faster.
2.1 VALKYRIE CANNON
The VAL, as it's best known, takes no energy to fire (i.e.
infinite ammo).
When you charge it up it fires faster until it can shoot 2 to 4
bolts at the same time!
VAL, taking no energy, is always available. While it may not be
very destructive without weapons energy, it can kill most things
with no problems. This should be your pod cracker and door
knocker.
2.2 DISPERSION CANNON
The dispersion cannon fire shots almost like a shotgun. It
saturates the area. It may also fire shots out the back, but
that's not confirmed.
The more energy you charge, the more shots it shoots and the more
spread it gives. At max power, it can shoot up to 15 of those
dispersion bolts. At min power, it shoots just one.
The dispersion cannon is good when you're in a crowd and need to
shoot everywhere at once. You can't really aim the dispersion
cannon, esp. with no power.
2.3 SERVO-KINETIC LASER
The Servo-Kinetic Laser (SKL) is a rapid-fire beam that some
targets are more vulnerable to it than the VAL. It has infinite
ammo.
The more energy you charge it with, the faster it shoots.
2.4 RAPID-FIRE LASER 500
The RFL doesn't do that much damage. It also has limited ammo,
though you usually get a TON of shots with each reload you grab.
The more energy you charge it with, the faster it shoots.
2.5 SLEDGEHAMMER ROCKET
The sledge is an unguided rocket that does quite a bit of damage.
It shoots straight ahead, so it either hits or it doesn't.
One trick is use the Scorcher or Legion to locate the target,
then point crosshair at the target, then switch to and launch
Sledgehammer. That way you know you'll hit but you don't need to
spend extra missiles. Clearly, this doesn't work if there's
something between you and the target.
They are good for strafng certain targets lined up a row, or if
you need to kill things in a hurry, as you can just keep firing
these with no pause.
2.6 SCORCHER AIR-TO-GROUND MISSILE
Scorcher only targets ground targets, but it will annihilate most
targets.
Use V to select nearby targets.
It is useful just to point out enemies before you see them.
Often, you may want to keep the Scorcher and use the Sledgehammer
instead.
2.7 VIPER AIR-TO-AIR MISSILE
Viper will shoot and seek out the enemy, even turn circles if
necessary.
Use V to select nearby targets.
Useful just to point out enemies before you see them. Great for
tunnel running. Can be used as a Sledgehammer (i.e. dumbfire
rocket) if there are no targets around for it to lock.
Don't point too far off the target or you'll lose lock, then
it'll just fly straight ahead (like a rocket).
2.8 LEGION MISSILE
Legion missiles are fired in salvos of 4 and will engage ground
and air targets.
Use V to select nearby targets.
Useful just to point out enemies before you see them. Also, good
when you don't have time to pick your targets.
2.9 INDEPENDENCE MISSILE
When you shoot one, it breaks into multiple Sledgehammer rockets.
Useful for taking out bases. Shoot one into a base and it clears
the whole section. Then you can mop up the rest.
2.10 HELLION MISSILE
Think of it as "self-recharge". When you shoot one, it refill the
main energy.
It will destroy enemies, but that's almost like a secondary
function.
2.11 DOOMSDAY MINE
Make a BIG kaboom, will destroy anything, even you, if you're too
close. In fact, you can ONLY release it when you're going at FULL
speed.
You can drop a series in a row.
These are GREAT against Nyx, who just keep following you and get
zapped. Drop like a whole string of them. Great when he's in that
fighter invulnerable to your missiles.
3 Some tactics and strategies
3.1 GENERAL TIPS
3.1.1 Your craft has hull armor, use it!
Don't IMMEDIATELY allocate energy to shields when it drops. The
hull fixers are there for a reason... They need to get used! Add
energy to shields when you have extra. Weapons takes priority!
3.1.2 Turn on the map!
The map tells you if you're getting close to enemy positions or
not while you're aboveground, and shows all the passages when
you're underground.
The map, with its coordinates, will help you pinpoint areas you
have not explored yet. The mission objectives will give you an
idea on whether the target's above or below ground.
However, be aware that the map is 2D only, which means it may
show an intersection when there is NOT (i.e. two passages pass
one over the other, etc.) Still, if you will know where is what
you can get there easier, or at least you know where to explore
next.
3.1.3 Save Often!
You have unlimited save slots. So save as often as you want!
Nothing's more frustrating than dying suddenly by a trap, then
realized you haven't saved for the past 5 minutes, which is like
2 levels ago!
3.1.4 Use beacons
Drop a beacon when you think you need to come back. Mark those
full energy containers for later retrieval, or ammo, or whatever
you think you don't need now but may need later.
3.1.5 Watch the boss meter
Bosses have a bargraph in the mission computer window that shows
how much life it has remaining. When that bargraph is depleted,
the boss is destroyed. This should give you a good idea on
whether you're doing any damage or not.
Most bosses just need plain firepower to destroy. Nyx may require
a few other tricks.
Obviously, you need to turn ON the mission computer to see this
bar graph.
3.1.6 Watch those doors
If a door closes, it can crush you! Use turbo to go through doors
if necessary. And watch for crush zones.
Later you will run into hidden doors, timed doors, and so on.
3.1.7 Manage the energy!
Cloak and headlight burns main energy.
Weapons burn weapon energy. (Note: turbo also uses a bit of
weapon energy. As long as there is wepaon energy, turbo will
regenerate. Else, when you're out of turbo, you're out)
Shields burn shield energy.
You can transfer energy from main to either shields or weapons.
You cannot transfer it back though.
Main energy does regenerate itself, but slowly. If you want to
wait a bit in a safe spot...
Turbo regenerates if you have energy in the weapon energy pool.
Before you pick up energy (green, blue, or red "pills") transfer
out some of the main energy to shields or weapons so you don't
waste any.
3.1.8 When you can't locate the objective, go to the next
one!
In general, the objectives are in logical order, as you must go
here, than, in order to get there. However, sometimes you can't
locate a certain objective. If the objective is above ground, you
can probably skip it and come back later. Hit TAB to cycle
through your objectives.
3.1.9 Where's that #^$*&! door?
Look for section with different texture to locate doors. While
USUALLY they show that "orange target" switch, they don't always
do. Also search the floor and ceiling just in case.
Often the doors can be hidden under a platform or such. Watch the
map for some clues.
3.2 WEAPONS TIPS
3.2.1 Use the VAL
Valkyrie is the best weapon in the game... Works on almost
anything, infinite ammo, can be pumped with more energy.
However, sometimes you have a surplus of weapons that does NOT
require energy (Sledgehammer rockets, for example). Use those
sometimes.
Finally, later you will find enemies that are vulnerable only to
certain sorts of weapons, like dispersion cannons, lasers, and so
on.
3.2.2 Try other weapons when VAL doesn't work
Some enemies are only vulnerable to certain weapons in the final
levels, so you need to try different weapons when your main
weapon is not having an effect.
Later levels you see enemies that are only vulnerable to certain
weapons. Some can only be killed by missiles. Others can be
killed only by guns, or laser, or even the dispersion cannon. Use
the right weapon so you don't waste energy.
3.2.3 Save the ammo
Collect a TON of ammo for everything. You never know when you may
need it. By the end, you should have dozens of missiles (perhaps
hundreds), and thousands of shots for the cannons.
3.2.4 Save the energy
Your central energy tank can only hold so much. Before you
recharge, allocate some of the energy to shields and weapons, to
make sure you don't waste any.
3.2.5 Hug the ceiling or the floor
Many ground defenders can only shoot at a specific altitude, so
if you come in touching the ceiling, or hugging the floor, you
can hit them but they can't hit you. Then stop, point up/down and
take them.
If that doesn't work, try the next tip.
3.2.6 Use missiles to shoot around corners
Seeking missiles like Legion, Viper, and Scorcher will go around
corners if you aim them right. This can be helpful in dealing
with those tunnel guards.
3.2.7 Wild Weasel Tactics
Those SAM launchers giving you trouble? There are two ways to
deal with them.
1) Cloak breaks target lock, but soaks up energy quickly. Use the
few seconds you gain to find the shooter.
2) If you don't have energy, try hiding behind something, then
look at where the explosions are to determine where the missile
is coming from.
Once you've located the launcher, charge into the open and kill
it with gunfire.
3.2.8 Look for weapons cache all over the place
They can be hidden almost anywhere. Inside buildings, under
stairs, in tunnel side branches, and so on. However, those dots
will usually show up on your "radar". So if you spot some but
can't see them, search around a bit.
3.2.9 Save the Hellion for emergencies
When there's too many to handle, shoot a Hellion. It recharges
your main energy, giving you a fighting chance.
3.3 OTHER TIPS
3.3.1 Fly right
In space levels, getting to the destination is a problem. Best
way is rotate and turn until your arrow is pointing at the
destination, and the artificial horizon shows that you're right-
side-up (white on top, gray on bottom). Then you can fly to your
objective, and dive/climb as needed to reach it.
3.3.2 Did we mention the superweapon?
If you find the pieces of the superweapon, you can use them to
make the ultimate weapon...
As for how to find them... I leave that up to you. But if you
really want it, read the last section.
4 Enemies and Obstacles
4.1 FIGHTERS
Enemy fighters come in various configs and sizes. They have
minimal shields but is very maneuverable.
Later, you run into fighters that can cloak.
Then there's Nyx's superfighter, which becomes tougher as you
progress. You have to take him out like 4-5 times over the course
of the war. That's more like a "boss" though, so read that
section.
Even later, you run into fighters that are only vulnerable to
certain weapons. Most can be killed by missiles, but there are a
few that require multiple missiles, and even some that are
invulnerable to missiles (you can figure out which weapon it is
vulnerable to).
4.2 FLYERS
Flyers are much slower than fighters, but are armed with heavy
plasma cannons or missiles. They generally guard specific spots
such as tunnels. They can shoot at any angle, unlike the ground
defenses.
In later levels, you will see the regular fighters acting as
flyers guarding spots in the tunnels.
Later flyers are only vulnerable to certain weapons. For example,
in the asteroid field, the yellow flyers are only vulnerable to
your Valkyrie cannons (or missiles, but they don't lock), and the
blue flyers are only vulnerable to dispersion cannons.
4.3 SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILES
The SAM sites are VERY tough, as they shoot a missile every 3
seconds, leaving you no time to shoot it. Hit CLOAK to break lock
and use those few seconds to kill it. Or hide behind a ridge and
use one of your missiles to shoot around the "corner".
The Bosses also carries one of these missile launchers.
4.4 GROUND TURRETS
Turrets are usually limited to a field of fire that does extend
high or low enough. Either touch the ceiling or hug the floor,
and they won't hit you.
They have a different shape every level, but they all act the
same way.
4.5 BION MOBILE AIR DEFENSE
Some robots with treads can move around a bit, like a mobile
turret. They can be armed with rockets or plasma guns.
Fortunately, they have the ground unit firing arc limit.
4.6 BOSSES
Several levels have a "guardian" that's a boss creature you must
defeat. Usually firepower is enough, but sometimes you have to
experiment what weapons works on which.
Also, read the boss bargraph (turn on the mission computer!)
which will tell you if you're making a dent or not.
4.7 SWITCHES
Switches come in all shapes and sizes. Usually they have this
orange circle look, but later they will change shapes.
A switch can be timed. Push it and it may reset itself after X
seconds. Though MOST switches stay put once you trigger it.
To trigger a switch, usually you just shoot it, though SOME
switches may require a specific weapon. Yet some switches can
only be thrown after other switches have been thrown.
5 Mission walkthrough
In general, the objectives are so straightforward it's almost
impossible to mess up. The only time you may be "stuck" is if you
explored in the wrong direction and got stuck underground when
you should be above ground, or vice versa.
Save whenever you go above or below ground so you can backtrack
when necessary.
5.1 MORBOS / COUNTERSTRIKE
5.1.1 Briefing
We have tracked the Bion Commandos who destroyed the Fighter
Academy on Sebek to the remote world of Morbos.
Your mission is to eliminate the threat of these Bion Commandos
and to destroy their base of operations on Morbos.
Be on the lookout for a message pod left behind by our Bion spy
Rishi.
Good luck!
5.1.2 Mission analysis
There really is not that much to it. After all, this is the first
mission.
You'll figure out quickly the basics of dogfight. Enemy fighters
WILL jink, so should you.
5.1.3 Level 1 Objective List
Destroy commando transports
Destroy commando transports
Go to checkpoint
Go to checkpoint
Go to checkpoint
Locate switch to open the hatch and explore underground
Locate and destroy fusion reactor
Locate and destroy fusion reactor
Go to checkpoint
Destroy fusion reactor
Locate exit
Locate jump point and go to next level
NOTE: There is a secret area in this level, Can you find it?
5.1.4 Level 2 Objectives
Destroy Bion transports
Destroy Bion transports
Locate entrance and explore
Go to checkpoint
Destroy mining base
Destroy reaction
Exit tunnel system
Destroy shipping center
Locate jump point and go to next level
5.1.5 Level 3 Objectives
Destroy relay station
Go to checkpoint
Destroy training center
Destroy transports
Locate underground entrance
Explore underground
Destroy fusion reactor
Destroy fusion reactor
Go to checkpoint
Destroy generator
Exit underground
Retrieve message pod -- just run into it
Go to jump point
5.2 EYRIE / SAVIOR
5.2.1 Briefing
The Bion shock troops are leaving planet Eyrie by the thousands
aboard their transport ships. These "Furies" are being sent out
to take over many strategic locations throughout the galaxy.
They are heavily entrenched here and we must stop them.
We have lost many ships here while trying to evacuate and we need
you to set up a better link to the P.O.W. camps so that we can
rescue the prisoners.
You must stop these transport ships and help our C.O.P. rescue
forces in their efforts to escape from Eyrie.
5.2.2 Level 1 Objectives
Destroy comm relay base
Destroy troop transports
Proceed to checkpoint Delta 1
Destroy tactical operations center
Proceed to checkpoint Gamma 2
Destroy Bion shock troop strongholds
Locate prison and drop a beacon -- you need to drop the beacon as
close to range zero as possible. If you don't advance to next
objective automatically, you did NOT get close enough. Try again.
Destroy Bion commando training facility
Destroy shipping containers
Destroy Eyrie Command Center
Destroy tactical operations center (different one)
Destroy comm outpost
Destroy troop transports (yep, more of them)
Locate prison and drop a beacon -- you need to drop the beacon as
close to range zero as possible. If you don't advance to next
objective automatically, you did NOT get close enough. Try again.
Destroy the Bion Interplanetary Comm network at the base
Locate jump point to next level
5.2.3 Level 2 Objectives
Destroy comm outpost
Destroy nexus monitoring station
Destroy troop transports
Destroy comm outpost
Destroy watchtower
Destroy Bion ground transports
Destroy comm relay station
Destroy tactical operations center
Destroy control center and other buildings
Destroy relay station
Destroy training center
Destroy training center (another one)
Locate jump point and leave the planet
5.3 IOWAH / PROTECTOR
5.3.1 Briefing
Our Bion spy Rishi has fled to a planet named Iowah, a world of
vast oceans with islands jutting out to the sky. It is a world
pocketed by subterranean tunnels that link the islands together.
We must locate Rishi and escort him to safety before Nyx finds
him. [Note: Nyx is a Bion ace/leader] Other sympathizers have
joined Rishi in an attempt to escape from Nyx. Rishi has vital
information regarding the location of new types of genetic
research facilities or nurseries.
Be careful, we must have this information!
5.3.2 Mission analysis
While the objectives are similar, this throws a major monkey
wrench at you... Escorting.
The problem with escorting is you can't really use missiles. If
you do, make sure they target the enemy. If you fire blind you
will likely shoot your friendly down and that will mean you get
to start the mission over from scratch.
5.3.3 Level 1 Checklist
Destroy landing port
Destroy generators
Proceed to checkpoint
Proceed to checkpoint
Destroy security base
Proceed to checkpoint
Destroy generators
Locate jump point to next level
5.3.4 Level 2 Checklist
Destroy surveillance tower and base
Destroy power station and defense
Destroy surveillance tower and base
Locate and enter subterranean base entrance
Destroy turbines and processors
Destroy omega base security forces
Destroy generator and its guards
Proceed to checkpoint
Exit the chamber
Locate underground entrance and enter
NOTE: You may want to save now.
Escort Rishi's shuttle to jump point -- against, clean out the
enemies quickly, do NOT use missiles (except air to ground
missiles) as you may shoot down the friendly.
Locate underground entrance and enter
Destroy generators and processors
Destroy power station
Destroy power station
Return to surface
Locate jump point to next level
5.3.5 Level 3 Checklist
Destroy security forces
Locate tunnel entrance and enter
Destroy water control center
Locate oceanic entrance and enter
Destroy research facility
Destroy research facility
Destroy research facility
Destroy power station
Locate underground entrance
Destroy fighter pilot training school
Destroy transport hangar and ships
Destroy water control center and base
Proceed to surface
Destroy generator
Escort coalition shuttles with refugees off the planet -- at
least one shuttle must survive to the jump point.
Destroy Nyx, the Bion ace -- he's in a nice fighter, but with
enough missiles you can take him out.
Proceed to checkpoint
You have 30 seconds to get into the jump point -- if you don't
get there, you lose.
5.4 KRESH / PINPOINT
5.4.1 Briefing
Thanks to the information that Rishi obtained, we have learned
the location of the Bion nurseries. They are located on the
planet Kresh.
Kresh is a world of mystic beauty and equally mystic beliefs. We
are only allowed to come in and slice out the Bion influence that
is taking over this peaceful world.
You must be careful -- their temples are equipped with reactive
shields and if too many of them are destroyed, we may not be able
to protect you from their retaliation.
5.4.2 Mission Analysis
You cannot shoot at the extra towers and such. If you shoot too
many (even by accident), you get the "death by ramming an active
shield" death movie.
You will have to rely on missiles for air attack and defense,
unless you're very precise on the stick.
5.4.3 Level 1 Checklist
Destroy hatchery
Destroy transports
Destroy ionic turbines
Go to checkpoint beta 17
Destroy munitions factory
Destroy hatchery
Destroy munitions factory
Destroy Bion base
5.4.4 Level 2 Checklist
Destroy hatchery
Destroy transport facility
Destroy genetic research facility
Go to checkpoint
Go to checkpoint
Locate underground entrance
Go to checkpoint
Go to checkpoint
Go to checkpoint
Destroy genetic storage facility
Destroy genetic storage facility
Go to checkpoint
Go to exit
Go to checkpoint
Destroy enzyme factory
Destroy transport facility
Go to checkpoint
Go to jump point to next level
5.4.5 Level 3 Objective Checklist
Destroy base and transport ships
Go to checkpoint
Go to checkpoint
Destroy Bion hatchery
Go to checkpoint
Destroy ionic turbine
Destroy genetic storage
Locate entrance to tunnels
Go to check point
Destroy genetic storage center
Locate entrance to lair
Destroy death Ankh -- you need to open all three switches to
reveal the Ankh. Then you need lots of missiles to blow up up
permanently. You may have to open the switch a couple times as
one of the three switches is timed and this may not give you
enough time to blow it up with one attempt.
Go to checkpoint
Go to checkpoint
Go to checkpoint
Go to checkpoint
Go to checkpoint
Locate exit
Locate jump point
5.5 CHIMERA / STEEL FORGE
5.5.1 Briefing
From what we have learned, the Bions are moving in more radical
directions with their bio-genetic experimentation. They are
attempting to mutate their lifeforms into new and more powerful
creatures.
The planet of Chimera is a bioengineering facility and the
reports have shown such hideous abominations coming from there.
We must stop them at all costs.
Locate and destroy any factories or bases located on the surface
or in the cored-out lava chambers of Chimera.
5.5.2 Mission analysis
Nothing too remarkable about Chimera except that you see "dinos".
There's pterodactyl-bions that acts as one of their flyers, and
there's the ground-based Raptors that spits plasma.
5.5.3 Level 1 Checklist
Destroy biogenetic storage
Destroy research base
Destroy ground ops base
Destroy transport base
Destroy research base
Locate and destroy underground base
Destroy biogenetic factory
Proceed to lava tunnel surface exit
Proceed to final checkpoint
Jump to next level
5.5.4 Level 2 Objectives
Destroy biogenetic factory
Destroy cloning facility
Destroy transport system staging area
Destroy powerplant and base
Destroy underground hangar
Destroy underground distribution base
Locate back exit
Destroy cloning facility
Go to checkpoint
Go to jump point for next level
5.5.5 Level 3 Objectives
Destroy cloning facilities
Destroy genetic engineering research facility
Destroy biogenetic factory
Destroy transport staging area
Explore lava tunnels
Destroy mining base
Leave lava tunnel
Go to checkpoint
Destroy robotic simian guardian -- nasty, as he has a missile
launcher, but with enough Hammerheads he goes down.
Nyx is back -- again, with enough missiles he will go down, but
this time it's tougher.
NOTE: When you take out Nyx, you go to next level
5.6 TRICERIUS ASTEROID BELT / HEAVY METAL
5.6.1 Briefing
You have found the asteroid belt that is the home base of
operations for Nyx.
Nyx must be here! See if you can locate his secret base of
operations where his backup ships are stored. If you can
eliminate those ships, Nyx should be an easy target.
This asteroid belt is littered with large and small hidden
outposts, defensive systems, and guards, so be careful.
Good luck!
5.6.2 Analysis
The sky is full of tiny asteroids that will confuse your sensors,
as they lock on to a lot of junk. Be very careful about where you
shoot your missiles. You don't want to waste them.
You start seeing minelayers, which drops a trail of doomsday
mines and can do you significant damage untill you kill it first.
The tunnels and asteroids are guarded by the yellow and blue
flyers, each is resistant to different weapons.
One trick in flying on this map is turn and rotate until you got
the artificial horizon lined up right (white on top, gray on
bottom), then turn left/right to line up the needle, then go
forward. When you get close, move up/down to realign target.
Another trick is point the needle in the right direction and
accelerate to full speed. If the range is counting down quickly,
you're going in the right direction. Otherwise, pitch up/down to
see if you can make the range go down faster.
5.6.3 Level 1 Objectives
Go to checkpoint
Destroy docking station
Destroy cloaking generator
Destroy radar units
Destroy cloaking generator
Destroy radar unit
Destroy wormhole control unit
Go to checkpoint (when you arrive, you start the next level
immediately)
5.6.4 Level 2 Objectives
Destroy research center
Destroy radar unit
Destroy docking station
Destroy docking station
Destroy weapon testing facility
Destroy Morning Star facility
Go to checkpoint (when you arrive, you start the next level
immediately)
5.6.5 Level 3 Objectives
Destroy lookout towers
Destroy research center
Destroy cloaking facility
Destroy comm relays
Destroy shuttle base
Destroy weapons facility
Destroy landing base
Destroy landing base
Nyx is back again -- each fight is getting harder!
NOTE: Nyx seems to be invulnerable to missiles. Use Doomsday mine
here would be best. The fact that you found a bunch of them just
before this should be a good clue on what to expect
Destroy docking station
Destroy lookout towers
Go to checkpoint, which takes you to next level immediately
5.6.6 Level 4 Checklist
Destroy radar units
Go to asteroid core entrance
Destroy shuttle base
Destroy weapons research center
Destroy Morning Star facility
Destroy weapons testing center
Destroy weapons research center
Destroy cloaking test center
Destroy weapons research center
Destroy weapons research center
Go to checkpoint
Destroy Morning Star docking center
Destroy Weapons Research center
Destroy Nyx's support ships -- only vulnerable to dispersion
cannons, but since they don't move, it's easy for you to figure
that out.
Destroy Council of War facilities-- the door you need to open
only responds to dispersion cannon.
Destroy weapons research center
Destroy Morning Star docking facility
Destroy cloak test facility
Locate exit to asteroid
Nyx is back AGAIN... But this time, he has no backup ships. --
use dispersion cannon and/or doomsday mine to take him out!
Go to jump zone.
5.7 SNOW CITY / FREEDOM
5.7.1 Briefing
Snow City has a vast storage facility that covers a good portion
of this icy world. The Bions have taken over this facility and
have used it to store many of their captured foes.
Initial reports have indicated that once a person has been hooked
up to these mutated cryo tanks, there is no saving them.
Mutation begins immediately, and all that we can do at this point
is to set them free.
Do whatever you have to so that this never happens again.
5.7.2 Briefing
Snow City features a LOT of tunnels and cityscapes, both above
and below ground.
There are a lot of surprises hidden inside the various buildings.
Try shooting at some of the buildings, esp. if it looks like the
"path" on the ground leads into the building.
Oh, and don't shoot the cars.
5.7.3 Level 1 Checklist
NOTE: Look for goodies hidden inside buildings and entrances
revealed by switches. Re-explore sections you thought you had
explored, esp. if you flipped a switch.
Destroy comm center
Destroy control units
Enter underground city
Destroy underground reactors
Destroy cryogenic containers
Continue to checkpoint
Destroy control units
Destroy reactors
Destroy cryogenic containers
Destroy cryogenic containers
Destroy reactors
Destroy cryogenic containers
Destroy cryogenic containers
Destroy cryogenic containers
Destroy DNA recombinant labs
Return to city entrance
Locate jump point
5.7.4 Level 2 Checklist
Destroy control units
Destroy comm center
Destroy control units
Locate underground entrance
Destroy cryogenic containers
Destroy cryogenic containers
Destroy bio-genetic storage facility
Destroy control units
Destroy cryogenic containers
Destroy bio-genetic storage facility
Proceed to checkpoint
Destroy cryogenic containers
Destroy cryogenic containers
Return to entrance and reach surface
Locate jump point and exit level
5.7.5 Level 3 Checklist
Destroy control units
Destroy DNA labs
Continue to checkpoint
??????
5.8 SHIVA / DAGGER'S HEART
5.8.1 Briefing
We've come to the end of the line. We are now into our greatest
struggle against the evil that has befallen us.
The battle fleet of Shiva has come to the nexus point above Snow
City to launch its final attack against the galaxy. They plan on
launching probes into the nexus and starting a chain reaction
that will collapse the entire nexus. The ensuing shockwave will
destroy each and every system where these connections lie.
Penetrate their defenses, take out Shiva, and put an end to Fx4.
Give them hell, Councilor!
5.8.2 Mission Analysis
The first level is like the asteroid... Lots of targets both
"ground" and space, esp. fighters.
Then you start going below ground.
When you see a bunch of switches, watch out for a trap.
5.8.3 Level 1 Objective List
Destroy power plant
Destroy power plant
Destroy power plant
Go to checkpoint
Go to checkpoint
Destroy power plant
Destroy power plant
Go to checkpoint
Nyx is back again -- but this time, plain firepower will take him
down. You can shoot missiles far faster than he can.
Go to checkpoint (and next level)
5.8.4 Level 2 Objectives
Go to checkpoint
Go to checkpoint
Go to checkpoint
Locate entrance into ship
NOTE: Once you're inside, look for the switches. When you see a
whole group of switches, stay BACK and trigger one. If you
trigger the wrong one, you can be crushed!
HINT: A switch may open up hidden areas behind existing rooms. So
re-explore all existing areas after you throw a switch.
Go to checkpoint
Go to checkpoint
Go to checkpoint
Destroy reactor substation
Destroy energy transfer units
Destroy energy transfer units
Destroy control units
Destroy atmospheric processors
Go to checkpoint
Destroy FX4 and his battlearmor (looks like a centaur) -- nothing
too special, just a LOT of explosive ordinance.
Go to checkpoint
Locate rear reactor and destroy it (this one doesn't shoot back,
even though it acts like a boss)
Destroy Shiva's engine core -- don't do it yet, as you're likely
to get lost now. Instead, scout the route first.
NOTE: Explore the route first as you need to make a VERY quick
exit after destroying the reactors. You will find that you can
make it to two separate exits... There's one way to the "west"
(left of the map), and there's one that you can get to that's a
bit closer, but takes a couple more turns. The closer one is the
one you should go. Practice the route, then save the game. THEN
you can destroy that last piece of reactor and make your run for
it.
Get out now! Now! Now! (I hope you saved your turbo fuel and
didn't get lost!)
NOTE: If you make it out, you win!
6 Misc. Information
6.1 CHEATCODES
Code Effect
IMPUMPD All weapons
TOTLPWR Main Energy at 100%
URAGONR Get the secret weapon
URDEAD# Get weapon (followed by a digit)
MAXMEUP Hull 100%
STEROID Invulnerability
IMSTUCK Skips mission to beginning of next level
AUNTEM# Warp to a world (followed by a digit)
6.2 FUN BONUS CHOICE
When choosing a ship in multiplayer mode, click craft 7 twice,
then craft 2, and then craft 3...
6.3 ABOUT THAT "SUPERWEAPON"
Yes, there is a "superweapon" in the game. Its pieces are
scattered throughout the various levels. If you can assemble the
pieces...
6.3.1 so the pieces are at...
Morbos 1
Eyrie 2
Iowah 2
Kresh 3
Chimera 3
Asteroid 4
Snow City 2
Shiva 1
WARNING!
FOLLOWING INFORMATION MAY JUST SPOIL YOUR FUN!
DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU MUST HAVE THE SUPERWEAPON IMMEDIATELY!
I MEAN IT!
I REALLY MEAN IT!
6.3.2 So where is it on Morbos 1?
Near the last chamber that has the Two Fusion Reactors, you come
through a door that dilates open. You turn left and follow that
tunnel to its midpoint around (115, 24). Look for a different
texture and shoot it. You should see a switch. Turn it. It opens
a door back near the first area where you went underground near
(19, 55). When you go underground, find the area where the robots
are guarding in an area with the eagle symbol on the walls and
the large orange bands on the ceiling and floor. The door leading
into the Superweapon should now be open, at the room located at
(19, 60).
6.3.3 So where is it on Eyrie 2?
On the ground area you will find a large enclosed pool of water
underneath a floating rock at (63, 91). There is a building
attached to this pool, but you can not get into it yet. There is
a little road that you follow across some bridges to the first SW
Switch at (65, 50), this switch will drain the water down in the pool
at (63, 91). Shoot it and turn back around and go back to the pool.
Shoot the second switch next to the pool at (65, 84) and the access
door to the weapon will now be opened at (62, 88). Go in and get the
second SW piece located approximately at (61, 82).
6.3.4 Where is it on Iowah 2?
There are three switches in a little alcove. The switch at (90,
97) will morph the wall and open up the room that contains the
first SW switch at (88, 97). This switch will open the walls
around the SW. The other two switches in this area will open up
other chambers that contain powerups. Go back to the switches at
(105, 61) or (105, 64) to morph open the wall leading into the SW
room and you should find the SW in the middle of the room that
opened located approximately at (112, 66). There are other
weapons bunkers in alcoves all around that room. Aim carefully,
as a stray shot may close off one of those walls, denying you the
goodies.
6.3.5 Where is it on Kresh 3?
This SW is hidden in plain sight underneath a building at (59,
99). The only way to get to this is from the underground chamber
system. Once you are pretty much done with the level and on your
way out, you will come across a tunnel that has purple metal on
the ground. Follow this purple tunnel down to the end and go up
through the ceiling to get into the building where the SW is
stored. Grab it and go back down and out to continue on.
6.3.6 Where is it on Chimera 3?
This SW is in an area where you will have to do a lot of back and forth
to get to it. Locate the underground chamber and the first switch
at (48, 71) and flick it. This switch opens the building on the
surface at (54, 58).
Go inside and down into a little chamber with four SW switches. Shoot
the switches at (54, 53), (54, 58), (49, 58), and (49,53) to open up
the four barriers back in the chamber where the first switch was at. The
switches above open the barriers at (48, 65) to (48, 68).
Go back down to this chamber and shoot the wall at (47, 66) or (47, 67)
and the wall will morph open and reveal the SW chamber. The SW piece
is in the middle of the SW chamber located approximately at (43, 66).
6.3.7 Where is it in Asteroid 4?
There are switches located at (8, 107) and (10,111) that open a
chamber. Proceed into the chamber quickly since it will close up
itself after 8 seconds and you will be unable to go back out that
way. The switch to open the SW chamber is located at (19, 109)
and will open the doors at (16, 104). Check the ground near the
switch and you will which switches to flick.
Once inside this SW room you will find the 5th NYX ship and the
SW piece right next to it located at approximately (16, 98).
This is a hidden NYX ship that is not part of the normal
Objective list so this is an extra bonus.
To get out of this area you can shoot the "X" marked boxes and
they will lead to an alternate exit for you.
6.3.8 Where is it in Snow City 2?
The first SW switch to open the SW chamber is located in a door
jam at (33, 30). This switch will morph open the wall at (102,
81) which then leads into the SW Chamber. Once in there you have
four switches to choose from. The true SW switch is located at
(105, 78) and will open up the walls surrounding the SW piece
located approximately at (109, 82). The three other switches
located at (112, 78), (112, 85), and (105, 85) will bring the
ceiling sailing down on you but will not crush you, just push you
down (unless of course you were on top of a switch at that time).
This will lock the ceiling down on you for 30 seconds before it
resets itself, which means you can try again.
6.3.9 Where is it in Shiva 1?
This SW piece is just hidden out in middle of nowhere. Locate
the ship at (107, 11) and find the one box that has a different colored
texture on the top of it. Shoot this box at (107, 11) and go into the
little building there. The SW piece is just sitting in the center of
the room at (108, 12).
