-<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>- __ ____ __ __ __ ____ __ ____ _ _ /__\ ( _ \( \/ ) /__\ ( _ \ /__\ ( ___)( \/ ) /(__)\ ) / ) ( /(__)\ )(_) )/(__)\ )__) ) ( (__)(__)(_)\_)(_/\/\_)(__)(__)(____/(__)(__) (__) (_/\_) _____ | __ \ /\ # | |__) |__ _ ___ ___ _ __ ___ \/___/ | _ // _` |/ __/ _ \ '__/ __| /\ | | \ \ (_| | (_| __/ | \__ \ \/ |_| \_\__,_|\___\___|_| |___/ FAQ/Walkthrough >>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>== For Nintendo Game Boy Color Version Final By Chris Zawada Website: www.z-wad.com User: antseezee E-mail: chris@z-wad.com Created: 03/20/05 Last Update: 03/10/11 Copyright 2011 Chris Zawada -<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>- Author's Note ---------------------------- As usual, most racing games on portable systems such as the Game Boy Color never reach maximum potential because of hardware limitations and a lack of "explosions" when it comes to racing styles. Some developers have tried improving races by adding special characteristics to make it seem different. The developers at Metro3D tried something uncommon by adding a futuristic fantasy theme, that pits you against other racers, but also an intuitive campaign mode, with several different racers to choose from. Armada FX Racers is a space-like game that places you in the role of one of the alien races, in which you must combat against other racers (and also eliminate alien "boss" forms) that interfere along the way. Combining excellent graphics, and albeit average gameplay, one can attain a fairly fun experience. Will you blast through the disrupting rays of starlight, or be consumed like any other alien race? Contributing/Feedback ---------------------------- If you have any contributions, feedback, or strategies you'd like to have added to the guide, contact me via e-mail or on GameFAQs. I'll be more than content to add your segment of information, and will also provide credit. If you have any questions you'd like added to the Common Questions section, ask. I simply don't have the time to sit around thinking of questions. Provide me with what you want to know! Updates ---------------------------- =03/10/11= vFinal Final update. =03/20/05= v1.0 Finished the FAQ. My FAQ-a-day keeps the doctor away (excluding Saturdays) routine is working so far. Game was better than I expected at the end. =03/20/05= v1.0 Started the FAQ. Expecting to finish this within the next 2 days. The game isn't as exciting as I hoped, and has some framerate issues, but is otherwise interesting, depth-wise. ============================ - Table of Contents - ============================ 1) Introduction 2) Game Basics > Controls > Powerups > Racing 3) Game Modes > Campaign > Mission > Survival 4) Vehicles 5) Tracks 6) Common Questions 7) Copyright/Distribution/Reproduction Guidelines 8) Proper Credits -<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>- ============================ - 1) Introduction - ============================ There are very few portable futuristic racers that manage to capture the essence of a high-speed race in the pinnacle of the express. Developers often run amuck of ideas, as mankind really has no idea of what racing games will be like in the future. Will we be driving propulsion-energized vehicles, jetpacks, or what not? Armada FX Racers is a small attempt at a futuristic racing game that makes use of plasma-energized vehicles, which must scale around a track. Rather than simply different racers, you'll be facing up to six different race-based vehicles, each with their advantages/disadvantages. This over-the-head racing game features your vehicle as a small sprite (but not like a mini-kart), in which you have to guide your vehicle on the narrow track, while maintaining a finishing place of 1st (or 2nd, depending on the requirements). After each race, an alien lifeform will come down to interrupt, and you must race it as well (but continually ram it to bring its life bar down). The racer who does the most damage to the alien creature receives the victory for defeating it. This is basically how Armada FX Racers plays out. Aside from that, it features extremely varied/colorful graphics that truly stand out, almost to a SNES game. Music is alright, slightly repetitive. Unfortunately, all of this comes at the cost of a somewhat sluggish framerate when all four racers are competing. The framerate reduces greatly when the amount of racers lowers, but it's still a noticeable problem. The storyline is simplistic. Several racers from the Armada Galaxy have decided to group together and race against each other as a competition to see who is the most dominant racer. Along the way, you'll have to defeat various forms of the Armada race, who try to cause chaos amongst the various planets. In the end, you must unite with your fellow riders to destroy these cursed creatures. ---------------------------- _____________________ ##### GAME INFO ##### //////////|\\\\\\\\\\ Players: 1 Developer: Metro3D Released: 2000 Rarity: very rare Special Features: Data Save Cover Art on cartridge: - Shows several Armada racers in line formation as they zoom down a track -<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>- ============================ - 2) Game Basics - ============================ Thanks to the simple A-B design of the Game Boy Color, most racing games are a breeze to play. The same can be applied to Armada FX Racers, which only really uses three buttons, one for the brake, one for acceleration, and one for steering. This section will describe the controls, and a few basic operations of the game. _________ /Controls/ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= A - gas, accelerates B - brakes, move in reverse Left/Right - turns car left and right, hold down for tightest turn START - pauses game SELECT - n/a - The controls are very simple in this game. To get your car to move, simply hold down the A button the entire time. The brake rarely has to be applied, as letting go of the gas almost ceases your moving speed. Simply let go of the acceleration for turns. There are various powerups on the track that seem to help at certain times. Holding Up/Down seems to have no effect when driving. _________ /Powerups/ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Powerups are special items which can be obtained during races to help boost your own racer's vehicle. These range from instant Powerup gains, to Hearts which repair your damage meter. This section will briefly discuss the various powerups. (!) POWER (!) """"""""""""" Purpose: Instantly engages POWER mode Icon : Star-like POW - Power is basically the "fifth gear" of Armada FX Racers. This causes your top speed to maximize, give your vehicle a red glow, and also enable it to NOT lose HP when hitting other vehicles/walls. The POW powerup instantly engages POWER mode, although you can manually do it yourself by hitting straightaways and getting your top speed to reach close to it. (!) HEART (!) """"""""""""" Purpose: Replenishes HP bar Icon : Red Heart - Pretty much your wrench in the toolkit, the Heart will instantly refill your HP bar to maximum capacity. Necessary to save your life before it runs out. _______ /Racing/ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= There are some necessary elements which must be discussed before you can jump into the driver's seat of a dangerous space-based vehicle. This section will go over those various basic items. ~-=[Position Indicator]=-~ > Shows your current ranking in the race. ~-=[HP Bar]=-~ > Shows your current hit points, representing your vehicle's life. When your HP meter reaches zero, or you hit high-damaging terrain that instantly destroys your vehicle, your life amount will be subtracted by one. Usually when you blow up, there is a brief amount of time where other racers can pass by before you regenerate. Only a Heart powerup can repair this meter. ~-=[Power Bar]=-~ > Shows your current power, or closeness to reaching POW mode, which causes your vehicle to flash red, and get a huge increase in speed. During this time, you will not lose HP due to temporary invincibility. However, you can still get halted by hitting other vehicles. Necessary for catching up to other racers. If you slow down, the bar will start to waste out, and you'll be tossed back to your normal mode. There are instant POW powerups spread throughout each track. ~-=[Life Indicator]=-~ > Shows your current life amount, by a yellow star. When you're out of lives, it's game over. ~-=[Speed Indicator]=-~ > Shows your current speed (MPH) in the race. -<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>- ============================ - 3) Game Modes - ============================ Games Modes determine the amount of depth you can snatch out of a game, and apply to the title itself. Thankfully, the developers at Metro3D tossed in plenty of in-depth game modes for the player to try out. This section will discuss each of them. _________ /Campaign/ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= This is the primary mode of play during Armada FX Racers. For the most part, the campaign places you in sole control of one of the six racers, and their epic journey for champion of the Armada Galaxy. You'll travel from several different planets to varying race tracks, where you MUST place a top 2 finish out of 4 total racers. After the race, an "alien" boss for each stage will fly down from above, and you must destroy it by ramming into it, or using special powerups. You will also have one opposing racer to deal with, who can dish out damage as well. A certain amount of HP damage is subtracted from the alien boss. Whoever inflicts the most damage is the winner, and may proceed to the next planet. More information about each track/racer can be found in their respective sections. Boss strategies are also listed there. ________ /Mission/ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= This is practically a quick exhibition way of playing missions you completed on Campaign mode, and replaying them at your own selection. You can pick any map you choose, and race freely against 3 other racers. You must beat the mission first though to unlock it. This too has a separate scoreboard. _________ /Survival/ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ^^NOTE: This mode can only be unlocked by completing Campaign mode in its entirety. This is identical to Campaign mode, except you only face the BOSS battles (you don't have to race for the top 2 slots). This keeps track of your score, and also jots it down on a separate scoreboard. Great to help keep the game's variety up. ________ /Options/ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= This section let's you customize Armada FX Racers to your liking. The following options can be edited: + Control Type (1 or 2) - alternates what buttons control brake/accelerate + Level (1, 2, or 3) - determines difficulty level, 1 is default + Sound (ON/OFF) - determines whether in-game music is on/off + Record (Keep or Erase All) - determines whether to keep high scores, or erase all records on command - There's also a High Scores tab on the main menu which let's you view your past scores. -<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>- ============================ - 4) Vehicles - ============================ In racing games, the main characters are the cars. Without them, there would be no game, and hardly any entertainment to be provided. Vehicles in the game decide your own personal behavior traits. Some racers prefer cars with good handling, where they can ensure perfect navigation around sharp curves. Others may decide upon the raving fast sports cars that allow them to put the pedal to the medal. Either way, cars are what get you around the track, and decide your true skills as a gamer. This section will briefly go over each of the racing vehicles in Armada FX Racers. These types are futuristic spaceship-like ones, so don't expect no thundering Mustang. -*******-_________________________________________________________ ]Griffin[ RACE: Terran <> APPEARANCE: Blue Twin-Tail -*******---------------------------------------------------------- /RATINGS : |CONTROL : 11 |POWER : 11 |HITPOINT: 11 - By far the most balanced vehicle in the game, the Terran's aerodynamic design is perfect for maximizing efficient control, acceleration, top speed, and hull protection to ensure a safe race. Use for ANY type of racer out there. Certainly a top pick. Of course, it's driven by an exotic woman, so be prepared for some insulting comments. -********-________________________________________________________ ]Minotaur[ RACE: Nomad <> APPEARANCE: Orange Wraith -********--------------------------------------------------------- /RATINGS : |CONTROL : 5 |POWER : 15 |HITPOINT: 13 - As much as I'd love to praise this tank-like vehicle, it simply has horrible acceleration. For starters, this is the largest vehicle in Armada FX, as it features a large design with twin boosters allowing for the best top speed. This comes at the sacrifice of control on turns (tends to slide GREATLY) and the recovery from hitting a wall is horrendous. Simply a bad choice. You'll find him to be a tough opponent during races though. -********-________________________________________________________ ]Gargoyle[ RACE: Eldred <> APPEARANCE: Purple Rover -********--------------------------------------------------------- /RATINGS : |CONTROL : 11 |POWER : 15 |HITPOINT: 7 - Definitely one of the speedier vehicles out there, which makes up for its great control. This is certainly an excellent vehicle for advanced players who can control themselves on the turns. While its acceleration is greatly improved, it has very weak shields probing it suspect during boss battles and/or when hit by other projectiles. Definitely a top 3 pick though. Ties the Minotaur for top speed. -*****-___________________________________________________________ ]Drake[ RACE: Drakken <> APPEARANCE: Green Triangle-Tail -*****------------------------------------------------------------ /RATINGS : |CONTROL : 13 |POWER : 13 |HITPOINT: 7 - Sort of like an upgraded Terran vehicle, but simply lacks the shields to be an effective racer. The top speed is impressive, along with the acceleration, but this comes at the sacrifice of shields as usual. However, since high shields are necessary to efficiently take out most alien bosses, its use becomes less efficient as the levels become harder. -*******-_________________________________________________________ ]Pegasus[ RACE: Vorgan <> APPEARANCE: Pink Spear Rover -*******---------------------------------------------------------- /RATINGS : |CONTROL : 13 |POWER : 5 |HITPOINT: 15 - Better than the Minotaur, but worse than every other car, the Pegasus is the prime example of what NOT to pick. While the high acceleration and shields sound nice, you have no speed. Once you hit POW mode, the vehicle becomes more efficient, but will lag behind greatly during untimed intervals. -*****-___________________________________________________________ ]Ghost[ RACE: Scarab <> APPEARANCE: Yellow Missile -*****------------------------------------------------------------ /RATINGS : |CONTROL : 15 |POWER : 7 |HITPOINT: 11 - One of the other best cars in my opinion, the Ghost represents high acceleration, control, and decent shields, with some sacrifice in top speed. Ideally, another choice if you don't prefer the overall balance of the Griffin. The male counterpart in a sense. This is my favorite vehicle. -<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>- ============================ - 5) Tracks - ============================ As in most racing games, tracks are essential to turning a mediocre racing engine into a whole new experience. Tracks represent every visual aspect of the game, as they're your surroundings, the nature you're competing against. Armada FX Racers features "planets" which represent different phases of tracks, ranging from fiery atmospheres to icy tundras. This section will cover the tracks, the bosses on each, and some tips for getting by them easily. ____________________ "{': STARBASE A :'}" ==================== Difficulty: ** - A revolving track with a few curves, and one major obstacle to keep a lookout for, a broken bridge. After you make it as far south as possible, make the large 180 turn, get as much SPEED as possible, and don't hit any obtrusions. You need to make the jump across, else you will have to circle again, and give it another shot. If you land on the other side, but don't make it completely over (land on the broken part), you will lose a life, so be weary. There are occasional Tornado Drones that interfere in the field. You can blow them up by hitting them enough times, but they slow you down greatly, and also cause HP damage. Boss: Cyclops w/ 2 Rotating Icons > Focus on hitting the boss when the two icons revolve pass each others. The icons will bounce your car back otherwise. Remember, you need to damage the boss more to get the win. Try getting the Heart powerup to replenish your HP bar. _________________ "{': BARARHU :'}" ================= Difficulty: * - The track layout is much simpler to remember, as it's just a giant circle around a frozen lake. After the first left turn, be prepared for a broken bridge jump. There's another jump slightly ahead. Watch for the scraggling spiders; they tend to move in front of the vehicles as you approach. There are plenty of POW powerups which should be used. There should be another set of jumps down south. Really an easy map. You may not win first place though. Boss: Cyclops Octopus > What a pathetic boss to even face for the second world. The Octopus will basically get a large boost near the beginning of the race for a lead. Catch up to it though, and it's pattern is simple. It will bounce diagonally from border to border along the road. Simply keep ramming into it. Get the POW powerup for extra damage. You can actually get ahead of the Octopus. Slow down in front of it to do repeated bounce damage to really increase your HP lead over your opponent. __________________ "{': VOLCANIS :'}" ================== Difficulty: *** - This track is fairly difficult for one reason - no turn warnings. There simply are no imprinted designs on the floor to let you know when to turn. The Octogonal shape of the track is a clue though, as you should do half-turns after about four seconds on each of the eight sides of the Octagon. On a side note, you can also notice floor texture changes when you have to make a slight turn. Watch for the floating orbs, as they'll chase you down from behind. You'll get to 2nd place early on, but getting 1st on this is a challenge. Boss: (2) Venus Fly Traps > Similar to the above Octopus, the Fly Trap consists of two giant organisms that will rotate parallel next to each other back and forth, like moving beams. Simply concentrate your rams on one of them to destroy it, then take out the exposed target with mirrored damage. Your competitor shouldn't be a big factor on this one. It's difficult, but you can get yourself in between both, and reflect damage back and forth. ________________ "{': ARAKKA :'}" ================ Difficulty: *** - The biggest challenge of this map is enduring yourself to handle the large spacious lap. Once you can do that, this one is a breeze. The first two turns should be strictly like a large loop, but it will make an indentation curve near the second half without warning signs imprinted, so be aware of the map's design (internally in your brain). The sand paths are very narrow, and stay on them at all costs to maintain high speed. The rolling eyeballs shouldn't be too much of a problem, as long as you pass them and don't look back. Getting first place shouldn't be too much of a challenge. Boss: (2) Skull Heads > I actually found this challenging for the pure and simple fact that my shields got knocked out fairly quick early on. Try to get the Heart powerup along the way. This boss is identical to the (2) Venus Fly Traps above. They'll rotate diagonally around each other, so it'll be tougher to bounce back and forth in between. Stay in front of your opponent and hog the HP damage. POW powerups are spread out sparingly, so do the most damage when you're fiery red. Remember to avoid the walls, since you can often get jammed and lose a chunk of your HP. ______________ "{': EDEN :'}" ============== Difficulty: **** - Quite a pain in the butt if you ask me. This track is simple to traverse as long as you don't lose too many lives down on the three jumps before the finish line. For starters, the turns can be identified when the ground turns a mosaic purple. When you reach the southern flank, you're going to have to make 3 jumps flawlessly. Some yellow skulls will be directly in the middle path that can slow you down. AVOID THEM. When you jump, do not go extremely high or extremely low. If you land on the yellow spikes on the side, you'll blow up. Remember, you only have 3 lives, so use them wisely. I found it best to grab the POW powerup right near the beginning jump, and use it to boost through the next two. Boss: Armada Brain w/ 4 Rotating Icons > This battle takes some skill to accomplish, because your opponent will be more of a problem than the creature itself. Basically, the brain is located in the center, with 4 Icons that rotate circularly around it. You can kill the Icons by doing enough damage to the Brain. Sometimes they'll spurt you away, but each hit should knock his HP down. When you reach the southern part with the three jumps, back off for a bit. Don't sacrifice killing yourself by hitting the creature. Instead, try to lure your competition into blowing himself up. I managed to hit my competition into suiciding, then ramming he/she again for a second kill. Simply catch the lead on this one, and it shouldn't be too much of a problem. ________________________ "{': STARBASE OMEGA :'}" ======================== Difficulty: ***** - This track is a complete waste of any skill, as even your recon is limited. For starters, the entire map is a giant 0. Unfortunately, half the data is missing on the map, so you'll be moving in blind on this one. Start off by keeping your car on the blue laser guideline in the center of the track at ALL times. There are silver box mines near the edge of the track which will explode, disabling your vehicle's mobility for about 4 seconds. Make the first turn, hit the jump up top, and turn again. Now, for the mysterious recon area, take the LEFTMOST path, turn to the middle when you hit a dead end, then continue down left, and make a right out of here. This area splits into three paths, with the right one littered with mines. Stick with the left path. You can find a Heart powerup after the ?? mark area. Make the last jump, rinse, and repeat. The enemies on this one will be problematic, especially as you're moving along the center guideline (to avoid mines). Best advice is to try and pounce past them once an area of mines is clear. Boss: Armada w/ 5 Rotating Icons > Wow, this one is tough because you combine a horrendously difficult track with a tough boss as it is. The five icons that surround him will be impossible to penetrate through, unless you have the POW powerup. For the first lap, do your best to trail. Try to get your competition to crash on one of the bridge jumps, then take advantage of this, and time your stabs. Hit the Armada 2 times as the icons rotate to expose him. When you get the POW powerup, be more aggressive, and try to hit through the icons or more consistently. BE AWARE of the bridge jumps, since you don't want to lose any lives. Try to prevent hitting the mines right near the beginning to keep your head in this one. Just keep doing conservative stabs, and you'll eventually break through. -<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>- ============================= - 6) Common Questions - ============================= )) Gameplay (( ---------------------------- << How does this game compare to other racing games for the GBC? >> - Think of it like a stale Top Gear Pocket, but with futuristic tones. Honestly though, Metro3D did a decent job on this small racing project which has a fantasy setting supported with excellent GBC graphics, above average music, and sensitive controls. The best aspect of the game is the colorful graphics, varying planet maps, and difference between each planet. While the different racers are unique in their own way, the lack of powerups really shows in this game. There are only two powerups which can be used, and no ranged projectiles can be fired. It's basically bump n' run style gameplay. The boss battles after each race are quite inquisitive, and I enjoy that you don't have to win first place to move on. With the ability to data save your high scores, it can actually be used as bragging rights against other friends. However, no multiplayer support, a limited 6 missions, and some framerate issues (during normal 4 racer events) limit it from maximum potential. I'd rate it a 7/10. << Are there any other Armada racing games? >> - No, this was a one-time project by Metro3D. To be honest, anyone with a few thousand dollars could make and publish a game for the GBC, because of how desperate it was for quality titles. However, this game is very rare, due to its low production count, making it an ideal collectors' item. << Who did you beat Campaign Mode with? >> - I used the Ghost, manned by the Scarab race. With similarities to the Terrans, except better acceleration (which means great recovery off of hitting projectiles), I simply could not resist. Besides, the driver looks like he wears a mysterious golden mask. How cool is that. And for your information, I only played it on difficulty level one. << What's your best high score? >> - 263600 on Campaign Mode. << Where are all of the codes? >> - Unfortunately, due to the game's scarcity, seems like a majority of the codes/cheats haven't been discovered, or don't exist. The only true unlockable is the ability to get Survival Mode (which is marked by ?? marks on the main menu) by completing Campaign Mode. -<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>- ===================================================== - 7) Copyright/Distribution/Reproduction Guidelines - ===================================================== This FAQ/Strategy Guide/Walkthrough is my own published work, and copyrighted by Christopher Zawada. Whatever you do, DO NOT edit this FAQ in any way. DO NOT steal anything from this FAQ. If you want to use some information in your own guide, simply ask me. If you want to place this guide on your website, either link to the GameFAQs game page, or download the file and place it on your own web server. Basically, you can post this on your website as long as its in ORIGINAL form, and not linking directly to GameFAQs. Aside from that, all proper credit is due when necessary. Also, don't even think about selling FAQs. Trying to prosper off of other people's work will get you in big time trouble (coming from an eBay seller myself). This is a list of the current known sites that host my FAQs: - http://www.gamefaqs.com/ - http://www.ign.com/ - http://www.neoseeker.com/ - http://www.cheatcc.com/ - http://www.cheatplanet.com/ - http://www.cheats.de/ - and whoever else is hosting my guides, good luck. -<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>- ============================ - 8) Proper Credit - ============================ I'd like to thank the following people for their help in making this FAQ possible: )) CJayC (( for constantly updating GameFAQs, and dedicating his entire life to it. Takes a lot of effort to keep a site going this long. )) Rootsecure.net (( for providing me with an ASCII generator to help create my custom title, which looks sweeter than an apple pie. )) Metro3D (( for designing an above average racing game with some futuristic tones and somewhat comical cutscenes in between missions. Nice one-time project. "Some people make sacrifices to make other people happy." - Chris Zawada "Freeeeeeeeeddddooooooooommmmm...ugh!" - William Wallace, Braveheart