Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie By Alex Vincent For www.GameFAQs.com *REVISION HISTORY* v.25 - Started the guide. It sucks. v.50 - Added most of the extras, like characters, etc. Its starting to come together. ***A*** *LEGAL* Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie is copyright ZAMUSE, Big West 1993. All rights (of theirs) reserved. Robotech, Macross, Valkyries, the logos, and all related articles are copyright Harmony Gold (I think). All of their rights are more than likely reserved, too. This guide is not to be used without express written consent of the author, me, and reproduction in any way, shape, or form is punishable by law. *********B********* *TABLE OF CONTENTS* A: LEGAL B: TABLE OF CONTENTS C: INTRODUCTION C1: CONTROLS C2: GAME QUIRKS C3: HINTS AND TIPS D: CHARACTERS D1: RICK HUNTER ("HIKARU") D2: MAXIMILLIAN STERLING ("MAX") D3: E: FAQ'S F: MISSION PROFILES F1: STAGE ONE F2: STAGE TWO F3: STAGE THREE F4: STAGE FOUR F5: STAGE FIVE F6: STAGE SIX F7: STAGE SEVEN G: BOSS BATTLES G1: GRAVITY CANNON G2: SPHERE DRIVER G3: G4: G5: G6: G7: G8: G9: G10: G11: G12: G13: G14: H: OUTRODUCTION I: CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS ***C*** *INTRO* Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie is a horizontal shooter a'la Gradius, G-Darius, and the SD Gundam Gaiden Series. Typically, this would be little cause for such a ruckus, and hardly cause for a comprehensive game guide, but Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie is based on the extremely popular series known as Macross/Robotech. With a renewed interest in Robotech stemming from the release of the game ROBOTECH: BATTLECRY, I decided that I should check out the guides section of Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie, one of my favorite shooters of all time (I don't have Battlecry yet). Of course, it happens that currently there is only one other guide, and personally, I believe that I can put together a more complete package. So here it is; a comprehensive guide and FAQ for Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie. I'll denote important stuff with a !! to let you know - "Check this out." FYI: I'll be calling Scrambled Valkyrie by its Jap name, Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie. In case you're wondering, Choujikuu Yousai Macross roughly translates to "Super Dimensional Fortress Macross," as in, the city Macross that was aboard the SDF-1 in Robotech. ****C1**** *CONTROLS* Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie is all about Robotech, a popular Japanese anime saga about mechanized warfare. At the core of the warfare are transformable futuristic jet fighters, which can transform into two other "modes" - Gerwalk/Guardian mode, which is a half-jet, half- humanoid robot, and Battloid Mode, a humanoid bipedal mecha. Known as Veritech fighters, these battle machines are the last line of defense that Earth has against the invading Zentraedi race - giant humanoid aliens. Now, again, this is where CYM: Scrambled Valkyrie gets its chance to shine - there is a play mechanic that allows you to instantly transform from Fighter to Gerwalk, Gerwalk to Battloid, and Battloid to Fighter! Each transformation has various additions and bonuses, as well as a unique weapon, and each has varying acceleration rates and maneuverability. When you take three forms in one Veritech with three different levels of power for each form, with three different Veritech pilots, you've got nigh-50 possible combonations. !: Y BUTTON(in the default controls): Transform your Veritech. Now, what's a highly specialized battle mecha without weapons? While generally not equipped with close range, melee style tools, Veritech fighters more than compensate with huge missile salvos, crushing laser cannons, and powerful plasma rifles. Depending on which mode you choose to be in at any given time, you can change your weapon selection; also, each of the three characters has a different Veritech, and hence, different weapon combonations. !: B BUTTON(in the default controls): Fire your Veritech's current weapon. *****C2****** *GAME QUIRKS* So, hotshot, you know how to shoot and transform (those're the only two buttons you'll need for Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie, but don't let the simplicity of the controls fool you). When you start off, and you select a character, you'll see their weapons options, and get started. But wait! Why does Rick (Hikaru) only shoot one missile at a time in Battloid mode!? It says here that he should be firing three! Well, folks, that's because the Veritech fighters need to be powered-up during combat. Notice now the little floating "P" panels that drift by occasionally, usually at remarkably slow speeds. Pick it up! Now, fire your current weapon again - it changed! Got stronger! Fires more shots! It got better. Those're "Power" parts, and you'll hear the Veritech's nav computer say, "Max Power" in a techno voice when you get one. Up near your lifebar, you'll see three symbols and a number right next to 'em. This will help you keep track of how many power-up parts you've obtained so far. Power parts are cumulative; you keep them at the end of the stage, too. Also note that when you gain a Power part for one form, IT DOESN'T CARRY OVER TO THE OTHER TRANSFORMATIONS. If you've got a 2 next to the picture of the Gerwalk below your lifebar, then Gerwalk is at its level 2 power. Battloid and Fighter are still at 1, you'll see, and as such, are at level 1 power. Up to three "Power" parts can be utilized for each transformation - when all of the pictures have the number 3 next to them, you've maxed out your Veritech's capabilities. This seems simple in practice, but when you're trying to dodge enemy fire, shoot back, change into the right mode, and THEN pick up the "Power" part, you've got a helluva ride on your hands. !: If you pick up a panel that says "P" on it, the form your Veritech has taken will power up (doesn't carry over to all three forms). When you're hit, you lose a Power panel for that current form, as well as a spot of life. This would typically be no big deal, since you can just get another one, but it really is a big deal. Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie has difficult bosses. If you don't have at least a level 2 in at least 2 modes (preferably Fighter and Battloid), then you'll have slow going in the fight ahead. Also remember that your one lifebar is all. You only have one life; none of this sissy extra lives crap. When a Veritech is shot down, it explodes - it doesn't blink and lose a numeral next to its name. Due to a more realistic lifebar system, you'll be forced to try and keep all the health you can - because if you die, its back to the beginning for you. !: If you're hit by enemy fire, you lose 1 power level for the Veritech form you were in at the time, as well as a bit of armor. When your armor bar expires, you die - and there are no extra lives. Lastly, but certainly not least, you'll notice that if you keep the Fire button unpressed, the Veritech will glow yellow and gain an electrical current. This allows for a huge bonus - if certain enemies come in contact with this shield, they will instantly defect to the RDF (your team)! Note that bosses are highly trained Zentraedi, and as such, they will not be swayed. Typically, only weaker, low level enemies can be swayed. Some types shoot at their former comrades, while others will serve as basically bait to take hits for you when needed at that crucial moment. Ultimately, however, it'll be up to you, the Veritech pilot, to decide the momentum-swinging battles; don't count on some defecting nameless alien unless you truly doubt your skills. Keep in mind that not all enemies fall prey to this trick, and all enemies harm you if they collide with you - so make sure you hit them with your SHIELD, and not ram the actual Veritech into them. !: If you stop firing and you aren't in the middle of transforming, a yellow shield will glow around you. If certain, smaller enemies are hit by this shield - not YOU, the SHIELD - then they may defect and join your side, and shoot down smaller enemies. Does not work on highly trained Zentraedi (bosses). Not very reliable. *******C3******* *HINTS AND TIPS* Yes. For those who don't want the step-by-step, minute-by-minute, play-by-play, holding-your-hand style of guide, this is for you (I believe using that many hyphens in one sentence is illegal in Montana; sorry). !: Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie is a DIFFICULT GAME, even on Easy Mode. So don't expect some waltz in the ballroom like Gradius 3 or G-Darius; this one'll be a fight to the very end. Remember to try to steal enemy ships every so often, because while they'll never be especially helpful at shooting down the enemies or ever turn the tide of a difficult battle, they're useful in hectic situations with a lot of fire on-screen. Choujikuu Yousai Macross: SV has had upwards of ten highly manueverable, rapid-fire shooting mecha onscreen at one time, and this results in quick dodging and even quicker dogfights. And by highly manueverable rapid-fire shooting mecha, I mean it. Not some little discus who hovers in, fires a shot, and then promptly become cannon fodder. These guys will take skills to beat. !: Never underestimate the enemies of Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie. You'll just end up pretty dead. Ever play Contra? Good. Picture Hard Mode of Contra. Now picture Hard Mode Contra in a transforming jet fighter. Now play Choujikuu Yousai Macross: SV. Good. Get the picture? There's a half-boss and a full-boss for each stage, and all of them offer a challenge that will prove fatal to those who aren't a cut above the rest. Now, everyone knows that all AI must have certain patterns to follow; each AI only has a set number of actions it can perform. Play Street Fighter 2 for more on that. Anyway, its easier when there aren't so many attacks - but typically, in CYM: SV, the big Zentraedi give no indication they're going into a stronger attack, save maybe a minute white glow on a specific body part (which you won't see anyway if you're shooting at them; everything glows white when damaged). So there's no start-up to watch for, no catch-phrase the enemy will shout before using a powerful, albeit easily dodged, deathblow. Just solid attacks, and your reflexes. Not only that, but the bosses usually have at the VERY MINIMUM three powerful attacks and two mini-guns to keep you on your toes, plus, later, accompanying wingmen. If you're looking for an ego trip, beat Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie (without using Save States, you ZSNES pansies) straight through on Hard. You will be rejoicing (I know I did). !: Bosses will be difficult and should be taken seriously, although, just like all other Bosses, they do have patterns. Learn 'em, and live. *****D****** *CHARACTERS* The three pilots of Scrambled Valkyrie are the people you'll learn to love - 'specially if you follow Robotech at ALL (and anyone who claims to be a Robotech fan MUST know who Roy Fokker is. Rick Hunter does not count). In this installment of Choujikuu Yousai Macross, you can select Rick Hunter, the main character of the Robotech Saga; Maximillian Sterling, the legendary ace pilot; or . Depending on whom you choose, you'll gain that person's Veritech and flying skill, as well as their customized weapons. !: I'll rate each pilot's skill in each area in each form on a scale of one to five stars. *****D1****** *RICK HUNTER* (NOTE: He is called Hikaru in Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie.) PILOT NAME: Rick Hunter VERITECH MODEL: VF-1S IN ROBOTECH...: He's the main character, numbnuts. COLOR SCHEME: Rick's traditional green with white trim. STRENGTHS: Highly manueverable; awesome, awesome Battloid mode. WEAKNESSES: Too average; weak Gerwalk mode. FIGHTER MODE: SPEED: ***** MANUEVERABILITY: **** DEFENSE: ** WEAPONS: **** ARSENAL: Pulse Lasers, straight fire SUMMARY: Rick Hunter's second best form, and the best for avoiding enemy fire. He is just too fast, and the controls are pretty good, too. His first two weapons at power levels 1 and 2 aren't especially good, since they're weak and have a low hit-radius, but at level 3, the top and bottom lasers actually fire above and below the Veritech, and don't start the the nose. This means that with some careful maneuevering - something that Rick is thankfully good at - you can actually hit enemies right on top of you, and even a little behind (!) you. Also, the Fighter's shots penetrate barriers that the Gerwalk and Battloid can't shoot through, like walls and canyon precipices. Then again, you take more damage in this form. GERWALK MODE: SPEED: *** MANUEVERABILITY: *** DEFENSE: **** WEAPONS: ** ARSENAL: Proton Bombs, diagonally firing; Standard Auto-Rifle, straight fire SUMMARY: Rick's Gerwalk is by far his Veritech's weak link in the chain, because of the diagonally firing guns. This wouldn't be a problem, say, if Bosses were actually hit by these things. The diagonal guns at power level 3 assist you somewhat, but I find this mode to be about as useful as capturing little Zentraedi fighters - good, but not your first option (or even your second, in Rick's case). It doesn't take huge amount of damage, which is good, but I still don't like this mode. Stick with Battloid and Fighter with Rick. BATTLOID MODE: SPEED: *** MANUEVERABILITY: * DEFENSE: ***** WEAPONS: ***** ARSENAL: Standard Auto-Rifle, straight fire; Ballistic Missiles, passive homing SUMMARY: Rick's Battloid or his Fighter should always be your first two options, unless you've got a lot of enemies coming in up high or way down low that you can't move upwards/downwards to kill (use the diagonal shooting Gerwalk for that). His Missile ALWAYS start behind him, since they shoot out of missile racks on his back, and at power level 3, this form is a force to be reckoned with. Since transforming (pressing Y) takes you to Fighter mode from here, if you need to dodge enemies, its simply the flick of a button! Rick's fighter can outmanuever Kobe Bryant, so you should be fine with this lethal one-two punch. If you can't dodge, the Battloid can take enormous damage before it dies, so stay in it anyway; the only real loss you'll suffer is a missing Power Panel for the Battloid. OVERALL: Rick is a pro at hitting enemies from odd angles, with weapons like his diagonally-firing Proton Bombs in the Gerwalk and the way enemies behind him can still be blasted by Pulse Laser fire or Ballistic Missiles. His awesome Battloid mode is only enhanced by the fact that his Fighter mode is almost too manueverable. His Fighter seems to blow up too quickly, however, and his Gerwalk is usually useless in standard situations. All in all, though, Rick Hunter lives up to his reputation and proves he can hold his own with anyone else - except, maybe, Max Sterling. **********D2********** *MAXIMILLIAN STERLING* (NOTE: He is called "Max" in Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie.) PILOT NAME: MAXIMILLIAN "MAX" STERLING VERITECH MODEL: VF-1J IN ROBOTECH...: He's the supporting cast, an unbelievably skilled pilot who is also Rick's pal. COLOR SCHEME: Blue, with white trim, and various paintings/decals applied, as well. STRENGTHS: Varied weapons, incredibly awesome Battloid mode, superb Fighter mode. WEAKNESSES: Hard to master the Gerwalk's weapon function; dies remarkably quickly. FIGHTER MODE: SPEED: ***** MANUEVERABILITY: ***** DEFENSE: * WEAPONS: **** ARSENAL: Particle Projector Cannons, straight and slightly angled fire SUMMARY: Oh. My. God. If you can press up, down, left, and right, you probably will never get hit as Max Sterling in Fighter Mode. The VF-1J is more manueverable than Rick's, and at least as fast. His weapons can't hit enemies behind him, true, but he's got a power level 3 like you wouldn't believe. The normal, straight fire shot, then two just barely angled shots above and below that. Enemies below you die, enemies above you die, and the shots - even the angled ones! - are packed closely enough together to put constant concentrated firepower on a single, larger target (namely, Bosses). Rick's Gerwalk had the Proton Bombs, but they fired either too high or too low to be seriously effective; Max's has concentrated fire to hit the single, big targets and get away unscathed. Oh yeah - its worth mentioning here that Max isn't the isn't character for beginners. He's on the fast side, and relies on dodging. We're talking RELIES on it. If you get hit like 4 times, the Fighter goes up in smoke. Be careful. GERWALK MODE: SPEED: *** MANUEVERABILITY: **** DEFENSE: ** WEAPONS: **** ARSENAL: Phase Stream Cannon, constant fire, trailing SUMMARY: If you didn't catch that, yes. Once you press (and hold) the Fire button, Max fires a Phase Stream Cannon that stays out indefinitely. Now, when you move the Veritech, the weapon's direction and distance change - the thing's like a tail that comes out of your front. At first, this is ridiculous to beginners, and the weapons seems useless...until they master its intricacies. If you can get this thing to behave, not only does it do huge amounts of constant damage - since it doesn't actually "fire" - but you can manuever the Veritech in such a way that the Phase Stream Cannon will form a semi-circle around Max's top/bottom half - making you invlunerable from those angles! Impressive, eh? Oh yeah, its defensive abilities still suck, but he's more manueverable than Rick's Gerwalk, and his weapon makes up for the defensive shortcoming; after all, the weapon itself is basically a defense. BATTLOID MODE: SPEED: *** MANUEVERABILITY: *** DEFENSE: *** WEAPONS: ****** (that's right, a 6 out of 5) ARSENAL: Heat-Seeking Astral Cannon, self-sustained, triple fire SUMMARY: AGAIN. The Maxter shows up Rick on his HOME TURF! Man, this doesn't look so good for out hero! Oh well. Max's Battloid is unchallengable. Period. It fires three streams of starry-looking shots at weird angles, but don't let that fool you. These suckers home in on enemies, no matter how big/small, and if there are no enemies around, at power level 3 they just sit and hover and WAIT for enemies to arrive. Essentially, you can be shooting at enemies that haven't arrived yet, and then just let the pre-fired shots take care of the rest! Yeah! With even more of an added bonus; just like Rick's Fighter mode Pulse Lasers, the homing shots can travel through anything! Walls, barriers, canyons...all of it. And don't forget that since all Battloids transform into Fighters, you've got Max's Fighter Mode right after this one. He's definitely lost most of his manueverability, and some of the speed, but he's got more than Rick's Battloid and better weapons to boot. His defense still just ain't what it is on Rick, so you've still got to be careful, but damnit, Max is just too good for his own good. OVERALL: Max truly displays his impossibly good piloting skills, and if you need more proof, play Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie for more than three minutes with him, then play with Rick. You will FEEL the difference. Rick just can't compete with the true Robotech ace. Max can hit everyone and everything, and with his power-level 3 Battloid, it becomes nearly unfair. Still, Max's Gerwalk is difficult to use correctly, and beginners will have trouble with him, because he will get shot down ridiculously easily. Once you've got his style down, though, you'll never switch back. My favorite Robotech Veritech pilot, hands down. ***E*** *FAQ'S* Q: What is Robotech? A: Go to www.robotech.com. Its the best Robotech site ever, far and away. I'd never thought such a comprehensive database about such a glorious series could be made, but hey. I'm wrong (occassionally). Q: I just got Robotech: Battlecry, and Choujikuu Yousai Macross suc- A: Don't finish that. Not only is Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie awesome, but I haven't gotten Battlecry yet, so the jury is still out on that one. I've heard good things though. Remember; Choujikuu Yousai Macross: SV came out in '93. Battlecry came out this year (2002, for the posterity). Q: Oh! I watched Macross Plus! A: Awesome. E-mail me at geekoveriord@aol.com or AIM me as Geek OverIord (with an I, yes) and we can talk Robotech. Q: Man, the music in this game sucks! Does it ever get better? A: Nope. I mean, I suppose I didn't except something along the lines of Akino Arai's "Voices," but c'mon - the music in this game needs an overhaul. Its okay, don't get me wrong - but average doesn't live up to Robotech. You can't have "average" for Robotech. Q: I can't beat and I tried your strategy! Help! A: Well, perhaps you can't read right, or maybe you just suck. My strategies have been tested, re-tested, and re-re-tested. Trust me. I may sound arrogant, but believe me; and incredible amount of effort goes into making good guides/FAQs, and I made sure I did this one right. Q: Can you play as Roy Fokker? A: No. Q: Minmei? A: No. Q: Lisa Hayes? A: No. Q: Dammit, you can only play as Rick and Max!? A: Yup.