.MMMMMM MMMMMM .MM .MM MMMM .MM MM MM MMMM. MMMM. M. .MM.MMMM MMMMM M NMNMMM. .MMMM .MMMMM .MM MM NN MM MM MM..MM.MM. M. .MM.MM M. .MM M MM .MM.M.. M .MM .MM MM MMMMMM MM. .. MM. M ,MM .MM ,M MM M. MM MM.M ... .MM MMMN MM.,MM. .MMMM. MM. MMMMM .MM MMM M. MM MM .MMMM POWER DROME FAQ/GUIDE CREATED BY APOLLYON Table of Contents _________________ 1. Disclaimers 2. Game Overview 3. Game Basics - Controls - Damage - Boosts 4. Race Modes 5. Championship - Types of Events - The Events 6. Tracks 7. Racers 8. Unlockables 9. Hints n' Tips 10. Contacting Me 11. Thanks 12. Revision History _____________________________________________________________________________ 1. D I S C L A I M E R ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'd like to start out by saying, that like all my previous FAQs, I'm allowing anybody to use and/or host this as long as they follow 3 rules. 1: This guide is not to be altered in any way, shape or form 2. I'm to be given proper credit for my work 3. This guide is NOT to be used to gain a profit or any other type of monetary gain. As long as you follow those 3 rules, then Rock on! \m/^,^\m/ I also wanna say that I am in no way affiliated with anything pertaining to this game. All characters, art, work and any/everything else is copyright its respected owners. So suing me is pointless =b _____________________________________________________________________________ 2. G A M E O V E R V I E W ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- First off, there is no story mode to this game. None of the racers have any backstory, other than little blurbs here and there. So what I say here is just my own interpretation. Basically, you are an underground street racer. But since this is the future on a different planet, you don't race with cars. Instead, you race on devices called "blades". (A Blade is essentially a personal hovercraft that resembles the pod racers from Star Wars. I hate to make that analogy, but even some of the tracks seem to be parodied from other Star Wars games.) Your only goal is to Race, Rabble Rouse and ultimately prove that you are the best street racer around, by any means possible. _____________________________________________________________________________ 3. G A M E B A S I C S ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________ #CONTROLS# -------- Unfortunately, the controls can not be customized to which ever buttons one would like. But you can choose from one of four pre-set styles to use. Thankfully, of the four styles to choose from, at least one should be to your liking. For now, I'll just list the two main styles. The Default and the Analog. The other two styles are just small variations of these. I personally prefer The Analog style |Default Style|: Steering: Left analog stick Look Around: Right analog stick Accelerate: X button Brake: Square Button Change View: Triangle Repair: Circle button Gear Up/Down: L1 / R1 Boost: R2 Look Back: L2 Taunt: Digital Pad |Analog Style|: Steering: Left Analog stick Accelerate: Right analog stick Up Brake: Right analog stick down Boost: R2 Repair: L2 Gear Up/Down: L1 / R1 Change view: Triangle Taunt: Digital Pad ______ #DAMAGE# ------ Damage of your Blade can be measured by the red bars on the bottom right of your HUD. When the bars get about half way filled, your blade will begin to move slower and handle more sluggish. When the bars are three fourths filled, your blade will enter critical state. Finally, when the bars are filled, your blade will be destroyed. Having your blade blow up, doesn't mean that you've automatically lost. Instead, what happens is, after a moment, your blade and your racer will automatically reappear where the destruction happened, ready to go again. Damage is sustained when you run into walls (and other objects), other blades, or have other blades boost ram you. Damage can be repaired by doing a Boost Repair, which will be explained in the Boost section. _____ #BOOST# ----- On the bottom left of your HUD is a series of blue bars. When all the blue bars are filled up, you gain a Boost. You can store up to three Boosts at any one time. The amount of Boosts you have stored so far is shown by Blue Squares on the right side of your HUD, above your damage display. Boosts are gained by racing in High gear with out hitting any obstacles. As you go faster, your boost will charge faster. When it fills all the way, you will gain a Boost. However, if you hit anything, before it is fully filled, you will lose any charge you may of had up to that point. Once you have a Boost stored, it can be used in one of three ways. It can be used for a Speed Boost, a Ram Boost or a Repair Boost. SPEED BOOST: This requires no explenation. It is exactly what it seems. When the boost button is pressed, you will gain a sudden surge of speed. RAM BOOST: The Ram Boost is your only offensive technique, other than sheer skill. In order to perform this, you must get close to another Blade (best if you're right behind it) and angle your nose towards the opponent. If you are close enough, then you will perform a Ram Boost. This will cause the Rammed blade to suffer some big damage, and go flying out of control. Also, if the targeted Blade is in the Critical State, once Ram Boosted, it will be destroyed. REPAIR BOOST: This is going to be one of the most important skills you can learn to use. It is also easy to misuse. If you have a Boost stored, and you have suffered damage, press the repair button. Your Blade will drastically slow down, and you'll lose one Boost, but you will also have about one fourth of your damage repaired. This is vital to learn how to use, as it will help you from blowing up, but at the same time, causes you to lose speed. Learn the proper time and place for this, and you will be safe. Alternatively, you can just avoid any accidents. =Þ _____________________________________________________________________________ 4. R A C E M O D E S ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- When you first start the game, you are presented with a variety of modes to choose from. Here the choices you have, and a description of what they are. QUICK RACE: - This is a simple single race. You can choose from any character and track that you have unlocked so far and race once. CHAMPIONSHIP: - This is the "Story" mode of the game, sans any story. You race through multiple types of events, to prove that your racer is the best at what he/she/it does. This is also the mode where you can unlock all the extra secrets of this game. TIME TRIAL: - You pick your racer, your track and then you just run. There are no other racers and you don't take any damage. This is the perfect mode for learning the basics of this game. You may also choose to save a "hologram" of your best lap to race against later. MULTIPLAYER: -You, and one other human player, can pick your characters and a track to race on in a split screen race. You can set the number of laps for the race, up to 30. (basicaly, a two player version of a Quick Race.) _____________________________________________________________________________ 5. C H A M P I O N S H I P ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is the "meat and potoatos" of this game, and where you will be spending most of your time. ___________ #EVENT TYPES# ----------- In order to keep Championship mode from being too repetative, you won't be doing just straight racing through out the whole thing. There are a total of four different events that you can take part in, during your Championship challenge. They are: CIRCUIT RACE: - This is the basic type of race. It is you, any number of other racers, competing for a placing position over the course of a number of tracks. ELIMINATOR: - This is similar to the Circuit race, except for one explosive addition. It starts out the same. You and a number of oppoents are racing laps on a certain track, however, the person in last place at any given lap, is destroyed and taken out of the race. Obviously, make sure you are never in last place. Alternatively, you can win by destroying the other racers. Unlike other races, if you or an opponent are destroyed, you won't respawn. CHALLENGE MATCH: - This is a head to head grudge match. You race against one other opponent on a certain track. Being grudge a match it usually takes place on a track full of obstacles, and is only one or two laps. The other racer is also quite aggressive. HOT LAP: - One of the more annoying event types. There are 3, hidden, set times and you have 3 laps to beat one. The best time beaten determines which medal you receive. __________ #THE EVENTS# ---------- Here are the events that you will race through during your course of the Championship mode. I'll list the Type of event it is, The track(s) raced on and the difficulty of the track. Also, I will give my recommendation of which racer to use for that event (out of the ones you will have unlocked by then) and I will list some helpful notes about the event, too. However, I won't go in depth of the track itself, as tracks tend to be repeated. Instead, I will give various info on the tracks themselves in another section. About the way I'm going to list difficulty. I will give it a number between 1 and 10. With one being a very easy track and ten being very hard. I will list the difficulty for each track raced on, as well as an overall for the event itself. Lastly, other than in an Eliminator event, the computer controlled racers will be nearly invincible, able to take heaps of damage. So don't get over aggressive. Only do so when it will immediately benefit you. PRE SEASON QUALIFIER Event - Circuit Race (1 Race) Track - San Kei Speedway Difficulty - 2 Recommended Racer - Either of the Starting Racers This is a simple race, on a simple track. The opponents won't be too aggressive and will be rather forgiving if you wreck or bump into things. Don't worry too much about this, as it is meant for you to learn the controls. You should be able to place rather easily. CORE WORLDS CUP Event - Circuit Race (3 Races) Tracks - San Kei Outfield - Mata Wai Ocean Dam - Acer Naim Orbital Difficulty - 3 - 4 - 4 - Overall - 4 Recommended Racer - Abel - Jenna - Jenna Right off the bat, your going to have a challenging time with this. Compared to the pre qualify, these tracks are tricky. For the first track, I recommended that you use Abel because of his slightly higher handeling stat. This will allow you to maneuver the many turns of the track. The next two races I recommended Jenna for her high armor stat. The opponents are more aggressive in this event, and in the straight a ways, they will let you know! So Jennas maxed armor will provide some good help. Also, I suggest that you use this event to practice your Boost skills, Fish Tailing and the other Extra Tidbits I mention below. You're going to need them shortly. Over all, You shouldn't have much trouble placing, but you will probably have to do some of the races multiple times before you get the gold. IMPERIAL DIE BAK COMPLEX SPEED CHALLENGE Event - Hot Lap Track - Imperial Die Bak Silo Difficulty - 1 (3 if you want to get the Gold) Recommended Racer - Abel This is a very easy event. There is no one else on the track, and you start with max boosts. I recommend you use Abel for this, as he has a higher top speed than Jenna, and if you want the gold, you need all the speed you can get. Most important thing to know about this event is to BOOST! And Boost often! There aren't many places where you'll bump into something, so you don't have to worry too much about loosing your charge. Also, since a lot of this track is straight a ways or gentle turns, Boost as you get them! As long as you just try, you should at least place. But if you want the Gold, you are going to have to make sure you beat 47.9 seconds in at least one of your laps, which is easier said than done. KHALIDS MIDNIGHT RUN Event - Challenge Match Track - Khalids Midnight Challenge Strip Difficulty - 3.5 Recommended Racer - Either Racer Either racer would be good for this event. Abels handeling will come in handy with all the obstacles you have to maneuver around, while Jennas Armor comes in handy from the Agressive Khalid. The track itself will prove to be tricky. Even though it is mostly straight a ways, the track is littered with obstacles that must be avoided, and narrow passage ways that must be entered _just_ right. But just remember, Khalid has to deal with these obstacles too. And do to the fact that Khalid is an aggressive racer, it is easy to lead him into a wreck. On top of that, he often wrecks even with out your help. As long as you don't bump into to many things, you should come out ahead. Rest to come come at a later date... _____________________________________________________________________________ 6. T R A C K S ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- I won't be doing any ASCII drawings of track lay outs (I don't have the skill nor patience), so instead, I'm going to list various aspects of the tracks as well as some hard spots and other things to look out for. SAN KEI SPEEDWAY "Purpose built high speed Tri Oval" There isn't much to say about this track. Being the first track, it is pretty easy. Most of the turns are gentle and subtle. The only thing to really watch out for is the 60 degree sharp turn at the end of the course. It will catch many first time players off guard. SAN KEI OUTFIELD "Extended speedway with open straights and bank turns" With this being the second track of the game, it's quite a challenge. Right at the start you faced with a series of S turns. And through out the track in general, there are a lot of S turns and sharp turns in general. You will need to use your break often on this course, and your handeling as well. You also face your first U turn here. Unfortunately, it is quite a sharp one. If you can fish tail or skid into it, it won't be much of a problem. Finally, boost carefully on the straight a ways on this track, as they all end with sharp turns. (but, again, if you can boost then fish tail into one of these, it could be advantageous to you) MATA WAI OCEAN DAM "Hydro dam and shoreline sprint through natural chicanes" This is a very tricky race. Other than a sharp turn at the start, there aren't too many turns you'll have to worry about. What is tricky about this race is that the course has some wide open spaces to ride in. So it can be easy to lose your directioning with so much freedom. Also, in the midst of these open spaces, are lots of columns, which require you to zig zag around them. These columns can also help in confusing you in which way to go, as in the beginning of the race, the path splits on you. If you are amidst other computer racers, follow them for the best route. If you are in the lead, and not sure which way to go, I recommend going right, then left. Another, dangerous, thing to watch out for, is near the end of the race. After one of those wide open sections of the course, there is a giant wall in front of you with a small, narrow, hole in it. This "hole" is about only one blade wide, so you have to angle yourself in perfectly to avoid hitting anything. But this can work to your advantage. If you are neck and neck with another blade, you can easily ram him into the wall for some damage, and loss of time. There is one good thing about this track though, and that is that the straight a ways are long! Its not all that rare to use up 6 boosts on a straight a way, and still have some left over when you come out of it! ACER NAIM ORBITAL "Twighlight speedway on the Acer Naim Garden Orbital" Hope you are good at handeling S curves, because this course is loaded with them! Sometimes having three or so S curves in a row, with the turns getting gradually sharper. There is also an S curve about 3/4 of the way into the course that is very narrow. If you're not careful, you'll crash into the wall quite easily. But so can your opponent. The worse part of this course is right before the finish line. There is a series of 90 degree turns you have maneuver through. This is tricky even for an experienced player. Be sure to use your brake as needed. Finally, like in the San Kei Outfield, all the straight a ways end with sharp turns. So boost carefully on them, and be prepared to fish tail or brake when needed. IMPERIAL DIE BAK SILO COMPLEX "Mountain route with a plent buster missle complex" This is a simple track. There isn't much to worry about bumping into, as you can drive up most walls on this course. The turns are mostly gentle, with the exception of maybe 2 of them. One of which is a wide U turn, which should really be fish tailed into to maintain speed. Other than that, the track is mostly straight aways, so boost constantly and stay on the throttle. KHALIDS MIDNIGHT CHALLENGE STRIP "Race Khalid head to head in the Mastan shipyards" This course is very deceiving. It is mainly straight a ways, so one would think that you should boost a lot. Unfortunately, this course is loaded with obstacles you need to avoid, as well as columns that turn the already narrow course, into even narrower pathways. Be sure to brake as needed and keep your eye on the horizon, so you can try to anticipate when the course suddenly gets narrower. If possible, use the colums to your advantage, and try to force any opponents into them. The time it takes them to re-organize will allow you to get quite a lead. Best advice is to not be reckless, just tackle this course intelligently. Rest to come come at a later date... _____________________________________________________________________________ 7. R A C E R S ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here is the format in which I'll list the racers: Name Games description of character Blade Name Games description of Blade Blade Stats How to Unlock My comment on Character A quick note on about the Racers stats. For a lot of them, their stats are deceiving. Some have high armor rating, yet take damage like you wouldn't believe. Others may have good handeling, but handle really sluggish. And, except for the final racer you unlock, they all have the same Thrust rating, yet some have noticeable faster and slower acceleration than others. The only real way to get an understanding for a racer is to actually choose them and race as them for a little. Please, use the stated stats below only as a basis for the beginning of choosing a racer. Racer: Jenna Ferrante "Crowd pleasing favorite with all-round racing talent" Blade: Jannek Sabor Scout "Street gang bike customized and tuned for racing" Stats: Top Speed: **** Armor : ********** Weight : ****** Thrust : **** Handeling: ******* Skidding : ******* Unlocked: Initial Character Jenna is the girl to be if you want to be aggressive in the early races. What she lacks in speed, she makes up for in Armor and weight, allowing her to push the other racers around, and not be pushed around that much herself. Her armor is her best stat. Its maxed, so she can take a lot of hits during a race, allowing you to save up your Boosts for Rams or just speed when you need it. The rest of her stats are about average, allowing you to play as her for a while, if you so wish, as she has no terrible weaknesses. Racer: Abel Vorsh "Playboy maverick with a wide streak of luck and skill" Blade: Polman Weaver Monoplex "Light weight pro blade style, popular in street racing leagues" Stats: Top Speed: ***** Armor : ********* Weight : ******** Thrust : **** Handeling: ******** Skidding : ******** Unlocked: Initial Character Out of the two starting characters, Abel is probably the best of the two. He has a higher top speed, Handeling, Skidding and Weight than Jenna, while only having a single point less armor. But don't be fooled, that single less armor point can be well noticed in some races. On his strengths, his handeling and skidding are his best assets. They allow him to maneuver through the plethora of S turns in all the early races, with out having to slow down too much. He also has a high weight stat, which allows him to be agressive quite well. But with his speed and handeling, it would probably be better to just pass opponents, and only rumble when you need too. Racer: Khalid Freman "Powerful swamp dweller from the forests of Soomis" Blade: Thunder Head MK2 "Converted forrest transport with upgraded engines" Stats: Top Speed: **** Armor : ******** Weight : ****** Thrust : **** Handeling: ******** Skidding : ******** Unlocked: Beat him in Khalids Midnight Challenge Khalid is, essentially, a combination of Jenna and Abel. Though it may not be too obvious from his stats, he is real good at Boost Ramming. Able to knock away most moderate weighted blades with ease, while not being moved to much when Rammed from others. His handeling and Skidding are good too, but they come with a lack of top speed. If you want more of a challenge in the early races, use him. Otherwise, I recommend that you use Abel instead and save Khalid for multi mode, when you want to jack up a friend and make him wreck. =D Sun Mateeb "Ancient mechanoid seeking a glorious death on the track" Emmet Barant Barracuda "" Stats: Top Speed: **** Armor : ******** Weight : **** Thrust : **** Handeling: ********* Skidding : ********* Unlocked: Gold Metal on Jannek Classic Event Her stats are rather deceiving. Despite having a high armor rating, she takes damage like tissue paper. It accumulates on her fast! Other misleading stats on her, are her Thrust and Top Speed. Though both of them are low, she is able to accelerate quite quickly. And her top speed seems to very fast as well. Her handeling and skidding stats are dead on though. Her Maneuverability is very good. Able to bob and weave among the best. Out of the early available racers, I deem her the best for straight racing. As long as you avoid running into things, you should come out ahead with her. Once you get her, I recommend staying with her for a while. Unless you prefer to be aggressive, then I recommend someone else. Gabriel Vorsh "Abel Vorsh's older, wiser brother" Decov DC5 "Heavily upgraded vintage racer" Stats: Top Speed: **** Armor : ******* Weight : ******* Thrust : **** Handeling: ***** Skidding : ***** Unlocked: Win Gabriels ship yard challenge Being Abel's brother, It's not suprising that the two are similar. Both are able to maneuver very well. But Gabriel, like Sun, has a deceiving stat. Even though his handeling stat is low, he is probably the best, of the early racers, at taking corners. More good traits come from his armor, weight and size of his blade. These allow him to be aggresive with other blades, with out having to worry about too much. Down side to him is that he has a lower top speed than his brother, and his acceleration is on the low side. He's good for the early courses with lots of turns, but there are better choices. Machiko Hughes-Murata "Daughter of PowerDrome legend Cyan Hughes" Murata Engineering Red Snapper "Custom designed, purpose built, state of the art racing blade" Stats: Top Speed: **** Armor : ******* Weight : ******* Thrust : **** Handeling: ***** Skidding : ***** Unlocked: Get a gold medal on Sankei Speedway Exhibition Event Judging by her stats, you would think she is the female equivalent of Gabriel. In reality, she is more like the Female equivalent of Khalid. Her acceleration and maneuverability are poor. And she can't corner as well as Gabriel. The good side to her is that her armor, weight, and blade size allow her to be aggressive. But other than that, there are better blades to choose from. I suggest using her on Eliminator events, if you want to win by destroying the blades instead of coming in first all the time. Angul "Former robot infantry: built for war, designed to win" Lowell LOWD 451 (Low Orbit Weapon Deployment System) "Heavily armored converted mobile heavy weapons platform Stats: Top Speed: ***** Armor : ****** Weight : ********** Thrust : **** Handeling: ****** Skidding : ****** Unlocked: Gold Medal on Mata Wai Invitational Angul is probably one of the best racers you can use. For the second half of the game, you will probably either be playing as this or Amran. Lets get the negatives out of the way. First off, his acceleration is rather poor. You really need to do the boost start if you wish to compete in the later races. And that is about it! Angul has a very nice top speed. And if you are drafting, watch out! He will gain an enormous amount of speed, and catch up quickly! His handeling and turning are exceptional as well. The best part about Angul is his weight and armor. He is a TANK! He can take a heap of hits, and just shrug them off. And he can dish out just as much as he can take, too. And not that it matters much in this game, but he is very capable of both on road and off road racing. Up until you get Amran, You will probably be using either Angul or Sun for most races. Jinx "Android test pilot turned racing pro" Fairud Stingray Test Rig "Lightly built racing blade with good power to weight ratio" Stats: Top Speed: **** Armor : ****** Weight : **** Thrust : **** Handeling: **** Skidding : **** Unlocked: Gold Medal on Empress Yei Memorial Trophy Jinx sucks. Heh. Ok. that is rather biased. But look at him. By the time you get him, you already have Angul, Sun and Gabriel. Three great racers. Jinx is completely average. All around. He has a low top speed, and low acceleration. The only good thing about him, is that he has a thin blade, which allows for easy navigation in the narrow corridors and tight turns later in the game. But by learning how to fish tail properly, you should be able to do that anyways. He is good to use in Time trial mode so you can accustom your self to the tracks. And in Multi Mode if you want to handicap your self. But don't use him in championship mode unless you want to give yourself a challenge Amran Dachs "Veteran Racer and seventeen times Skydrome Champion" CWC Tiger 4 Custom "Light but strong chasis with CWC thrust system" Stats: Top Speed: ***** Armor : **** Weight : ******** Thrust : **** Handeling: **** Skidding : ******* Unlocked: Win Amrans Speedway challenge This guy is going to be a valuable addition to your line up of racers! First off, Think of Sun. Then think of everything about Sun magnified! His acceleration is great! His top speed is fast! You will be a definate contender with this guy! Sadly, he takes damage worse than Sun. One good hit sends him into critical. He is a racer for pure speed. If you use him, and you will, avoid collisions at all cost. Use his speed and maneuverability to get ahead and stay ahead of the pack. He is a must use for those annoying speed runs. Roosta "Alien racer of unkown origin with a passion for raw speed" Hooper Aerosports Exarch "Heavily customized racing blade stripped of all safety equipment" Stats: Top Speed: **** Armor : ***** Weight : ***** Thrust : **** Handeling: **** Skidding : **** Unlocked: Gold medal on Wirethrow Industrial Chips Shield Wait a sec. I thought I already covered Jinx? Ok, that was a bad insult Roost is actually a decent racer. She is really good at handeling corners, turns and just maneuvering in general. Her speed and acceleration are nothing great, but for courses with a lot of turns, and you're tired of using gabriel, she is a decent consideration. But for most of the races, I still suggest you stick with Amran or Angul Sarama Nimiette "Aggressive, charasmatic cult leader from the dead colonies" Orchis Model 8 "Vintage racer chassis with a newly designed thrust system" Stats: Top Speed: **** Armor : **** Weight : ***** Thrust : **** Handeling: ********** Skidding : ********** Unlocked: Gold medal on Gainward Prospect Festival Cup For the beginner that is having trouble with controlling their blade, this is the character to learn with. She can turn on a dime. And if you mastered fish tailing, she is great for those really sharp U turns as well. Her mediocre weight and blade design gives her decent drafting ability as well as the option to be aggresive if needed. But only when needed. She can't take hits especially well. She is fun to use, too bad she doesn't have better top speed or acceleration, or she'd be top tier definately. Jed Clanton "Ruthlessly cunning drifter from the Fringe Worlds League" Eden Courier Custom "Converted dust skimmer upgraded with stolen parts" Stats: Top Speed: ***** Armor : ***** Weight : ********* Thrust : **** Handeling: ******** Skidding : ****** Unlocked: Win Clantons Gutter Run Challenge If you don't like Angul, then Jed is your alternative. He has only slightly less weight, but better handeling. His wide blade also allows for easier blocking of racers that want to pass you. Sadly, his acceleration is very slow and he doesn't seem to be able to draft very well. Thus leading to a long time to reach his top speed. He isn't a terrible racer, but I prefer Angul myself Nexus "Living machine with perfect racing reflexes" Nexus "Hi-tech NanoCarbon shell housing a perfect racing machine" Stats: Top Speed: ********** Armor : ********** Weight : ******* Thrust : ********** Handeling: ******* Skidding : **** Unlocked: Gold medal on Core Worlds Master Cup "Perfect racing machine" indeed! This thing is FAST! Insane acceleration, and a massive topspeed. It is fast to a fault! It has good handeling ability, which is good, because as fast as you are going, those turns and obstacles will come up on you before you realize it. This thing moves so fast, that I was able to do 10 second laps on some courses as well as get 3 to 4 lap leads on opponents in certain events. But be warned, even though Nexus has a high armor rating, as fast as you will be going, one wreck will send you straight into critical. To use Nexus effectively, you must learn to anticipate what may come ahead, so that you can react in time. Definately a fun racer to use, especially to go back and get golds on all those time trials. _____________________________________________________________________________ 8. U N L O C K A B L E S ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- This game starts out with everything except two racers and two tracks locked. In order to unlock all the other racers, tracks, events and extra stuff, you have to place in the events of Championship Mode. The unlockables aren't too hard to unlock. Usually you just have to place to unlock something, so I didn't bother doing to extensive of a testing on these. Also, Gaining a gold medal will usually unlock everything that a lower medal would of unlocked as well. So only If I know what you will get with placing with a lesser medal, I will note it. Other wise, I will just list what _all_ is unlocked, when placed with a gold. Event - Pre Season Qualify Medal needed - Any Unlocks - Core Worlds Cup Event - Jenna Ferrante Gallery - Abel Vorsh Gallery Event - Core Worlds Cup Medal Need - At least Silver Unlocks - Imperial Die Bak Complex Speed Challenge - Acer Naim Orbital Track - San Kei Outfield Track - Cholo Turbines Trophy Event - Khalids Midnight Run Event Event - Imperial Die Bak Complex Speed Challenge Medal needed - Silver Unlocks - Imperial Die Bak Silo Track Medal Needed - Gold Unlocks - Original Power Drome Gallery Event - Khalids Midnight Run Medal Needed - Just win the Race Unlocks - Khalid Image Gallery - Khalid as a playable racer Event - Cholo Turbines Trophy Medal Needed - Gold Unlocks - Sun Mateeb Image gallery - Caldera Circuit Track - Mata Wai Plains Track - Mata Wai Image gallery Event - San Kei Eliminator Medal Needed - Gold Unlocks - Soomis Speed Challenge - San Kei Speed Way Exhibition - Mata Wai eliminator - Gabriels Ship Yard challenge Event - Soomis Speed Challenge Medal Needed - at least Silver Unlocks - Other vehicles image gallery - Soomis Forest track Event - Gabriels Ship Yard Challenge Medal Needed - Just win Unlocks - Gabriel Vorsh Image Gallery - Gabriel Vorsh Racer Event - Jannek Classic Medal Needed - Silver Unlocks - Boosta image Gallery - Soomis Reverse Track - San Kei Outfield R Track - Imperial Silo R Track - Soomis Image gallery - Medal Needed - Gold Unlocks - Sun Mateeb Racer Event - Mata Wai Eliminator Medal Needed - Just win Unlocks - Storyboard Gallery Event - San Kei Speedway Exhibition Medal Needed - Gold Unlocks - Machiko Hughes-Murata Gallery - Machiko Hughes-Murata Racer - Wire Throw Industrial Chips Shield - Mata Wai Speed Challenge - Amran Speedway Challenge - Empress Yei Memorial Trophy - Imperial Die Bak Eliminator - Mata Wai Invitational - San Kei Image Gallery Event - Mata Wai Invitational Medal Needed - Silver Unlocks - Angul Image Gallery Mata Wai Plains R track Medal Needed - Gold Unlocks - Angul Racer Event - Imperial Die Bak Eliminator Medal Needed - Just win Unlocks - Track Furniture Concept Gallery Event - Empress Yei Memorial Trophy Medal Needed - Gold Unlocks - Jinx Image Gallery Acer Naim Substructure Track Jinx Racer Acer Naim Image Gallery Event - Amrans Speedway Challenge Medal Needed - Just win Unlocks - Amran Dachs Gallery Amran Dachs Racer Challenge Tracks Gallery Event - Mata Wai Speed Challenge Medal Needed - At least Silver Unlocks - Promotional Material Gallery Event - Wirethrow Industrial Chips Challenge Medal Needed - Gold Unlocks - Imperial Die Bak Gallery Soomis Forest R Track Imperial Die Bak Track Imperial Die Bak Speed Challenge San Kei Outfield Eliminator Cyan Hughes Testimonial Event Clantons Gutter Run Challenge Gainward Prospect Festival Cup Roosta Racer Event - Gainward Prospect Festival Cup Medal Needed - Bronze Unlocks - Caldera Circuit R Track Medal Needed - Gold Unlocks - Sarama Nimiette Gallery Sarama Nimiette Racer Caldera Image Gallery Event - Clantons Gutter Run Challenge Medal Needed - Just Win Unlocks - Jed Clanton Gallery Jed Clanton Racer Event - Imperial Die Bak Speed Challenge Medal Needed - Just Win Unlocks - Core Worlds Master Cup Event - San Kei Outfield Eliminator Medal Needed - Just Win Unlocks - Race Official Concept Gallery Event - Cyan Hughes Testimonial Medal Needed - Gold Unlocks - Imperial Die Bak R track Acer Naim Substructure R Track Core Worlds Master Cup Medal Needed - Gold Unlocks - Saber Rotational Render - Caldera Quary Track - Nexus Racer - Racing / Tussling Pre Visualization - Super Speedway Sense of Speed Test - Cornering Pre-visualization - Racer Start Sequence Pre-visualization - Overtaking Pre Visualization - Machiko Facial Animation test - Tenna Rotational Render Test - Replay Pre Visualization - Clanton in game cockpit animation test - Crash and Debris Pre Visualization 01 - Crash and Debris Pre Visualization 02 - Overtaking dummy Pre Visualization - Impacts and damage Pre Visualization - Drafting and blocking Pre Visualization - Oversteering and sliding Pre Visualization - Breaking and cornering Pre Visualization - Clanton Cockpit animation test _____________________________________________________________________________ 9. H I N T S N ' T I P S ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- These are some extra bits of information that should help you gain the advantage in any race you are in. ________________ #EXTRA TIDBITS# ---------------- These are some extra things that, once learned how to do, will help you through the races, and, hopefully, give you an edge in multiplayer mode. Boost Start: At the start of the race, during the count down, if you are able to rev your engine into high gear, with out making the red arrows appear, you will charge your boost up. If you can fully charge it before the count down is over, you gain a boost at the start of the race! (very valuable, must learn technique) Boost Start For Different: Different racers should use the boost start in different ways. Racers For heavier racers, such as Angul, It can be useful to boost yourself right into the blades in front of you, causing them to start off balance. On the other hand, for light racers, such as Amran or Sun, Boost yourself, but aim your blade so that you go _around_ any blades in front of you. This will allow you to accelerate all the easier, and obtain your top speed faster. Steering: Steering in this game is Analog only, no digital. So remember that the slightest touch of the left stick affects your car. Slowly move it as needed, don't slam it at the last moment. Use the Brakes!: Remember to use your brakes as needed. Especially on tight turns! If you think you are going to hit something, brake instead. Though you'll loose speed either way, if you're able to avoid hitting anything, you'll lose less speed from braking. You also save any boost charge you may have had. Drafting: Whenever another blade passes you, notice the smoke trail coming from them. If you are close enough to the opposing blade, and are able to follow in that trail, you will begin to Draft. Drafting gives you increased speed while you are doing it, allowing you to catch up and eventually pass the blade in front of you. It helps to be close. Fish Tailing: Fish tailing allows you to more easily take those tight turns. To perform, while going full speed, turn into the corner and slam on your brake. Release the throttle for a longer slide effect, or keep on it for a smaller slide. (Another valuable, must learn tech) Ram Boosting: Not every Blade is designed for Ram Boosting. The Heavier ones ,such as Khalid and Angul, can do more devestating Boost Rams while at the same time, recieve less damaging Rams from others. Armor helps determine the damage you recieve from the Ram, while weight determines the ferocity of Rams given and recieved. Avoid ramming if you have a light weight blade. Manual Shifting: As with any racing game, Manual gear shifting is the way to go. Once mastered, it allows you to gain a slight bit of speed when needed, which allows you to shave precious seconds off your time. Race to the Finish!: ALWAYS save at least one boost for the end of the final lap. Most tracks have their end of laps on a straight a way allowing you to make a last ditch effort if needed. And after the first couple of tracks, you are going to _need_ to have a at least one boost available if you want to place first. For some of the end races it is probably preferable to have 2 or 3 instead. Repair Turn: I've already mentioned that Repairing slows you down and that you should learn the best times to repair. Well, one of the best times to repair is as you enter a sharp turn. This way, you get the benefit of the repair, and the fact that it slows you down also aides you, allowing you to turn all the more sharply. Learn what turns are best for this. Regular Rams: Try to avoid ramming opponents blades, unless you are doing a boost ram. Merely ramming an opponent will usually result in you giving them a boost of speed while slowing yourself down, or worse. Watch the Arrows: Be mindful of the arrows that appear at the bottom of your screen. They are telling you the location of the racer that is closest behind you. By watching the arrows, you should be able to place your blade in front of theirs, causing a road block effect. Or even better, causing them to ram you and giving you a boost of speed. You will _NEED_ to do this in the later races, if you hope to win. Watch the Map: Even though the game flashes an arrow to let you know what kind of turn to expect, the arrow is vague in exactly how sharp the turn is, or how far ahead the turn is. To aide in your reaction, watch the map on the top right of the screen. This is a map of your position on the current course, and will give you a better idea of how sharp of a turn it will be, and how from it you are located. Until you have the courses memorized, try to keep one eye on the race and the other eye on your map. Watch the Smoke: The color of the smoke coming from opponents blades displays how much damage they have received. If you see a blade is spouting black smoke, it usually means that it is in the critical state. If you can do so, with out interfering with your current position, take advantage of this by trying to cause them to wreck, or by boost ramming them, and thus causing them to explode! Watch the Loading Screen: That loading screen that you constantly see can be helpful. Between events, it displays some hints and tips that may prove useful. Be sure to read them from time to time. you may learn something. _____________________________________________________________________________ 10. C O N T A C T I N G M E ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- There is only one way that I wished to be contacted anymore, and that is by email. I used to allow people to contact me through AIM, but because of a great deal of jerks out there, I no longer care to even use AIM or any other instant messenger program. So if you wish to compliment, comment or critiscize this guide, just send an email to Shen_long36@hotmail.com and please label the subject as GAMEFAQs or similar, so that I don't accidentally delete your message, thinking it's spam _____________________________________________________________________________ 11. T H A N K S ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'd like to thank my friend Brandon for giving me this game. Thanks to Gamefaqs for hosting this guide Thanks to the Steelers for winning Super Bowl 40, and causing many drunk Pittsburgh females to strip down to their panties in the snow out of excitement! Thanks to the local news for showing the above ^_~ And thinks to whomever is reading this. As I now know i'm not the only person to play this game. _____________________________________________________________________________ 12. R E V I S I O N H I S T O R Y ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2/03/06 - Got this game from a friend of mine, in exchange for Tony Hawk Underground 2/06/06 - Finally played this game. Realized I got ripped off 2/07/06 - Couldn't find any info on this game, ANYWHERE. Decided make my own guide. 2/08/06 - Added more Racer stats and unlockables. Fixed some previous errors. 02/11/06 - Added the Hints n' Tips section. Finished the Racers and Unlockables section 3/24/06 - Remembered that I started this guide, but never finished it o_O fixed some typos in preperation of finishing it later. 5/27/06 - Forgot I even started this guide. Realized that I sold the game on eBay and won't be able to finish it. So i'm uploading what I have so far in hopes it can offer some help. Sorry if this causes any inconvenience. But not like this game is hard to figure out.