RED DOG: Superior Firepower

RED DOG: Superior Firepower
for the Sega Dreamcast

FAQ/Walkthrough V1.5
by Greg G.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
1.1 Legal Info
1.2 Revision History
1.3 Story
1.4 Basic Gameplay and Tips
1.5 Editorial Comments

2. Single Player Missions
2.1 Volcanic Island Outpost
2.2 Arctic Research Center
2.3 Grand Canyon Docks Zone
2.4 Underground Hydro Generator
2.5 Red Dog Research City
2.6 The Haak Mothership

3. Hard Single Player Missions

4. Challenge Missions
4.1 Vehicle Maneuvering
4.2 Shooting Range
4.3 Survival
4.4 Search and Collect
4.5 Footsoldier Rampage
4.6 Advanced Vehicle Maneuvering
4.7 Heavy Duty Rampage

5. Bonus Features
5.1 Trippy Trails
5.2 Permanent Boost
5.3 Permanent Shield
5.4 Assistance Bot 1
5.5 Assistance Bot 2
5.6 Unlimited Weapon Charge
5.7 Invulnerability
5.8 Double-Speed Challenge 1
5.9 Infinite Initial Drones (Sidearms)

6. Multiplayer Mode
6.1 Game Types
6.2 Maps
6.3 Play Modes

7. Bugs

8. Closing Comments

1. Introduction

My reasons for writing this FAQ are simple; this is a tough game
that I really struggled to finish, and there is surprisingly little
information out there for how to get through it. I thought I'd
share what I've learned along the way.

This document is largely devoted to getting through the six single
player missions and the seven challenge missions. Other aspects of
the game, such as the single player rating system and multiplayer
gameplay are covered, but in less detail.

1.1 Legal Info

'Sega' and 'Dreamcast' are registered trademarks of Sega
Enterprises, LTD.

'Red Dog: Superior Firepower' is a registered trademark of
Argonaut Games PLC.

This document is copyright 2002, by the author. It was written
exclusively for GameFAQs.com and it may not be posted elsewhere.
This document may not be published, in whole or in part, in any
publication, or included in any electronic compilation of game
information. It may however, be printed or forwarded for
'personal use'. Questions concerning this notice should be
submitted to the author at [email protected]

1.2 Revision History

Version 1.5 - Final version. All missions detailed. Helterskelter
map problem resolved.

Version 1.4 - Table of contents added. Bug section revised.
Section 2.1 completed.

Version 1.3 - Helter Skelter map revealed. Minor corrections.

Version 1.2 - Added multiplayer tips. Completed section 2.5.
Minor revisions throughout.

Version 1.1 - Added section for bugs. Revised bonus section.
Added boss fight descriptions for each level.
Corrected errors.

Version 1.0 - Initial Release - A few missions covered in detail.
Basic overview for everything else.

1.3 Story

After three years in Earth orbit, the Haak forces were invited to the
surface. The Earth Council and the Haak forces negotiated agreements
which were mutually beneficial and maintained peace for seven years.

But now things have gone awry. Contact has been lost with a number
of human populations near Haak settlements. Three recon teams sent
to investigate were blown out of the sky. It looks like war is
about to start, and as the commander of the Red Dog assault vehicle,
it's up to you to lead the fight.

1.4 Basic Gameplay and Tips

There are several control schemes for Red Dog which are selectable
from the options menu. All references to the controls in this document
are correct for the default settings.

Red Dog's primary weapon is the main cannon. This weapon has unlimited
ammo, and it can be 'overcharged' for greater effect by picking up
the energy balls that destroyed enemies leave behind. Press the "Y"
button to overcharge the main cannon, but don't waste it. The over-
charged energy will gradually seep away if you don't use it.

Red Dog also has lock-on missiles at its disposal. Press and hold the
"A" button to lock onto a target, then release to fire. You can lock
on to multiple targets at once.

With the shield up, the main cannon cannot be used. However, in
single player mode, the lock-on missiles will still work. This isn't
the case for multiplayer mode; the missiles will hit the shield.

Red Dog's shield can be an effective offensive weapon. Many enemies,
especially the stationary laser cannons, will destroy themselves as
their shots ricochet off of your shield. Try to use this whenever
possible.

Tapping either trigger twice, and then holding it, will engage the
boost. After a few seconds of having the boost engaged, you'll notice
the rear of the vehicle glowing red. This in itself isn't a problem,
but it will make Red Dog more vulnerable to damage from enemy fire.

Master the art of strafing. Holding both the left and right triggers
will turn Red Dog sideways, and allow you to continue shooting while
moving left and right. Strafing is necessary in a couple of spots,
and helpful pretty much everywhere else.

Red Dog's health or 'armor level' is indicated by the red bar in the
lower right hand corner of the screen. When this is depleted, Red Dog
is history.

In each single player mission, you're given three lives. Once you've
used those up, the mission is over, and you're brought back to the
main menu. There are no intermediate save points within the missions.

Throughout the single player missions, you'll find sidearm power-ups
either hidden within crates that you must destroy, or just waiting
there for you in the open. In the multiplayer levels, power-ups
are represented by crates that float mid-air. See the owners manual,
or the in-game weapons menu for a description of what each of these
are. Just drive through these crates in the multiplayer levels to
pick up the power-up. All side-arms (aka drones) are fired using the
"B" button.

While playing through the single player and challenge missions,
it's best to alternate between each play mode. In other words, try
to complete the first primary mission, then complete the first
challenge mission. This is the best approach because the upgrades
that you earn in challenge mode will make subsequent missions much
easier.

In single player mode, power-ups can be hidden in barrels, boxes,
or other objects, so shoot at anything that looks interesting.
You never know what you'll find. Additionally, you'll earn points
as you destroy stuff; These points contribute to your overall
rating for that level.

At the end of single player mission, you'll be given a rating which
is based on four things: Score, Lives, Time, and Boss (time).
Simply completing a mission is all that's needed to move on to the
next mission, but achieving an 'A' rating on the single player levels
opens up additional multiplayer game maps or bonus features. To
improve your rating for any level, here are some tips; first, look
for extra stuff to destroy. The more things you destroy, the higher
your score will be. Also, don't waste time, but don't be too hasty
either. If you try too hard to finish the level quickly, you could
end up using additional lives. In order to get an A rating, you've
really got to finish the level with no 'continues'. If you don't get
an A, consider carefully your overall results. Which of the four
components of the rating brought it down? Spend some time with it
until you determine just the right approach.

1.5 Editorial Comments

I think what is most notably absent from Red Dog, and what would
make it a far more involving game, is the human element. If Red Dog
had the drama of Metal Gear Solid, or the humor of MDK2, I think the
player would be much more anxious to move on to the next level and see
what else is in store. There is no voice acting in the game at all,
and there is only one very short cut scene which shows animated human
characters at the end of fifth level.

But what I think most gamers will find problematic though is the
level of difficulty. With limited continues and no intermediate save
points, this is a very difficult and often frustrating game. If
you use this FAQ/Walkthrough though, you should make it through the
whole game without tossing your Dreamcast out the window. :-)

Where Red Dog really shines is in multiplayer game play. This is
one of the best multiplayer games I've ever played, on any platform.
With three game types, sixteen maps, and seven play modes, it never
gets old.

2. Single Player Missions

2.1 Volcanic Island Outpost

Proceed forward. As you go down into the small valley, the cavern
entrance will close and two doors will open. Three aliens will
come out of each of the doors. Make short work of them will either
your lock-on missiles or main cannon.

With them taken care of, the main door will open, and two tanks will
appear. Lock a missile on to each one; use your shield to reflect
their shots. Before you enter the cavern, find and destroy the
three small ships that were to your right as you entered this area.
The middle one will leave behind an enery ball after you destroy
it. Make sure to get this one as well as the two left behind by
the tanks. There are several other things in this area that can
be destroyed. If you're trying to improve your score/rating, make
sure to get them all.

Now enter the cavern. Two spider-bots, three aliens, and three
scorpian-bots are waiting for you inside. Deal with them, then grab
the energy power-ups at the cave opening to your right. Watch out
though for the two spider-bots. If you're trying to improve your
rating, you'll need to destroy them. Otherwise, just turn around
and run. Enter the cave that was to your left as you came in. You'll
encounter several spider and scorpian bots as you proceed through
this cavern. Several are hanging out above you, so proceed carefully
your first time through. Grab the zapper drone and the end of this
path and drop down below.

Note the laser cannon in the center of this area and the three
aliens on the catwalk on the far side. Use your lock-on missiles to
take them all out, then head to the center of this area. There are
a bunch of scorpian-bots waiting for you at the center, so be careful.
The lava in this area will drag down Red Dog's armor meter very
quickly; try to stay out of it. With the scorpian-bots taken care of,
take the path to your left. Destroy the barrels to the left to reveal
two energy power-ups, and enter the cavern.

You'll encounter a number of spider-bots in this cave, and you may
be tempted to use your zapper drone on them. Try not to, you'll need
it later for the boss fight.

As you exit the cave, you're in another large volcanic cavern. You'll
need to raise your shield almostly immediately because the tank near
you will start shooting. Use the lock-on missiles to take care of
the two tanks at your level. Then get on the boost and take the path
uphill to your left. There's another tank up there. As you take that
path, a large alien bot will rise from the lava. If you keep moving,
you can safely ignore it. After taking out the tank up above, you
can shoot and destroy the rock wall to your left. Two more tanks and
a drone or sidearm power-up are waiting for you there. Destroy the
tanks if you want, but leave the drone where it is. Taking it will
displace the zapper drone that you have, and that you'll need for
the boss fight later.

There are a number of energy power-ups in this volcanic cavern.
Grab them only if you really need them. Several large alien bots
will rise up from the lava as you head around to get the power-ups.
The exit from this area is in the large cavern, and not in the room
you just uncovered. It's straight across from where you entered at.

As you enter the cave to exit this area, immediately be on the
lookout for spider and scorpion bots. You'll see a number of them
before you clear this cavern.

As you reach the end of this cavern, don't drive all the way down
to the bottom of the area ahead and below. Instead, from the ledge
just below, you can deal with several of the aliens and one of the
large stationary lasers. With that done, then drive down and deal
with the rest of them.

Once the large door opens, you can enter the next room. As you
do, shoot and destroy the barrels to your left. This will reveal
several energy power-ups.

Scorpio Boss:

The giant scorpion at the end of the level will go through several
phases of attacks. At first, he'll throw energy blasts at you from
his head. Just avoid these as best you can, or use the shield to
deflect them. As soon as you can, lock a missile on his head. As
soon as you launch the missile, immediately start shooting at his
head with the main cannon. Continue dodging his energy blasts,
and shooting at his head until he starts the next phase of his
attacks.

Next comes what appears to be a giant laser beam that eminates from
his face. If you're in the middle of the floor, launch a missile
at his head and take as many shots as you can before you have to
get out of the way of his sweeping laser. Use the boost to make
it over to either his right or left side, depending on which side
of his laser you are on. There's a safe zone near him on either
side where you can wait until he's done with the attack. If you
get too close, he'll raise his shield; that's ok, just keep a
little distance so that his shield doesn't drag down your armor
level.

Next comes the bugs. With any luck, you picked up the 'zapper'
drone earlier in this level, and it still has plenty of 'rounds'
left. When the giant scorpion starts spawning the regular sized
scorpions, just zap them as you continue to fire your main cannon
at his head. If you don't have the 'zapper' drone... you're
screwed... well, maybe not screwed, but this isn't going to be
easy. Head over across from the giant scorpion, face him, and as
he spawns the regular scorpions, shoot them. Whenever you get a
chance, launch a missile or two at his head. Without the zapper,
this could take a while.

His final attack phase is a lightning-like energy blast that
comes from his tail. These blasts can take you out quickly, so
it's imperative that you avoid them. The good news is that his
entire body is now vulnerable to your attacks, and there are
several points on his body that will provide 'locks' for your
missiles. Now is the time to throw everything you have at him.
This level is almost over.

2.2 Arctic Research Center

At the start of this level, you have two choices for how to reach
the cavern entrance. Either head straight and hit the boost to
clear the massive jump ahead, or take the longer path to the right.
You'll encounter aliens on either route, so be ready. As you reach
the end of either path, you'll find two large doors, one of which
is heavily guarded. Destroy the tanks and laser cannons and that
one will open. Three more aliens will appear. Take them out, and
head inside. Yet more aliens are waiting for you there. Make sure
to destroy the crates inside; several power ups are hidden in
them.

With all of the enemies destroyed, head up to the top of the
ramp and doors on your left will open. Take care of the aliens
that come out, but don't head inside too quickly. First over-
charge the main cannon slightly. As you enter this chamber,
the giant laser cannon will begin to rotate. Wait a moment
until the rear of the weapon starts to face you, then start
firing. You'll quickly find the one spot on the rear of the
cannon that is suspectible to damage. Alien ships will start
to appear as you're doing this, so it's best to take out the
laser cannon on one rotation. If you can't completely destroy it
on one pass, launch a few missiles at the floating ships, then
head around to your left and prepare to fire at it again. With
the laser cannon destroyed, the doors will open and you can leave.

This door opens to a large chamber with an ice floor. You may
feel inclined to drive straight across to the other side, but
I wouldn't suggest it. The laser on the far side will start
firing at the ice beneath you. Driving straight at it may cause
the ice to give way, and if that happens, you'll drop into a chamber
below. You can still continue through this level using a different
path, but it takes a bit longer. Instead, as you begin across the
ice, try zig-zagging back and forth with the boost engaged, as you
work your way towards the other side. This could also be described
as driving in a "Z" pattern. This will prevent the ice from being
hit from too much laser fire and melting away. As you reach solid
ground on the other side, you'll find two small caverns. Take either
one, they both lead to the same place. You'll encounter one more
tank on your way out of this area.

This takes you to yet another room or chamber. In this one you'll
first encounter tanks, then foot soldiers. Don't forget to blast
the crates. Several power-ups are hidden in them.

With that done, you can pass through the doors to the chamber with
the second laser cannon. Don't proceed too quickly though. First
take note of the four devices with electricity arching from them
to the laser cannon. There are two of these devices across from
you and two that you can't yet see. Try to take them all out before
you completely enter the room. The two on the opposite side are easy
enough, but firing at the two on your side of the room can be
difficult, if you haven't already entered the room. Try switching
to first-person mode by using the digital pad, then creep forward
just enough to fire at them. You don't really need to see them in
order to hit them with your cannon fire. Once you've taken them
out, go ahead and enter the room. The laser will begin turning, and
just like before, you need to shoot at the weak spot on the rear of
it.

With the second laser taken care of, you can then pass through
the doors to a small, maze-like ice cavern. The quickest, easiest
way out is to follow the wall on the right. You'll pick up a side
arm or drone along the way, and you'll need deal with several foot
soldiers and tanks. Look for the drain pipe; this is your exit.

The drain pipe takes you to the "Frogger" area. This is a large
outdoor area with icebergs floating back and forth. If you've ever
played Frogger, you'll know what to do. It's really not that hard
to get across. Just make sure you start out all the way to the left.
However, before you cross, you really should take out the two small
laser cannons. There are several power-ups hidden in the crates. You
may or may not need to get them. Your exit from this area is the
middle opening in the far wall with a grate serving as a ramp. As
you pass through this large drain pipe, stay on the boost and keep
firing as you encounter the sheets of ice.

This pipe drops you off in yet another room; this one is filled with
crates. There are several foot soldiers with shields in this area,
all standing up on top of crates. For this reason, try to stay on
the crates as you enter this area, long enough at least to take care
of the foot soldiers up high. There are a number of power-ups hidden
in crates below; again, you may or may not need them. Once you've
taken care of tanks, you can proceed through the doors and deal with
three more shielded foot soldiers.

With that done, the doors will open to reveal the third giant laser
cannon. I think you know the routine at this point.

Once you've finished off the third laser cannon, all that's left
is a small chamber with some flying aliens. These guys are easy
enough to take out. Don't forget to blast the crates; you may
need the power-ups at this point.

Chick Boss:

This bi-ped has several phases of attacks, but you can deal with
them all the same way. Basically, stay on the boost as you circle
the area. While holding the 'A' button and staying on the boost,
turn to face him just long enough to lock on one or more missiles,
and let them go. If you have a drone or sidearm, this would be a
good time to use it, but you can beat this boss with only your
standard missiles. Just keep blasting around the area, and launching
missiles at him until he's finished. With him taken care of, your
ship will come to take you away.

2.3 Grand Canyon Docks Zone

This is an escort mission. You've got to stay ahead of the
tanker, or else it will keep going and sustain damage. Take out
the first enemies you see, then slowly proceed. Up ahead, after
taking out a few more foot soldiers and other enemies, you'll notice
a passage on your left. Use the boost to blast through this path.
Part way through you'll pick up a side-arm or drone power-up. Don't
slow down or the tanker will get ahead of you and sustain damage.

As you come out into the open, you'll have enemies on both your
left and right. Take them out, and shoot at the stacks of crates
on either side. There are some energy power-ups hidden in these
crates. At this point, you have to allow the tanker to head straight
into the water, while you take either the left or right path. The
left path might be the best choice, as it allows you a good vantage
point to take out some enemies up ahead.

Each drawbridge will only come down when the tanker has reached a
certain point. There is a ship half way through that is blocking the
tanker's path. Go as far as you can and destroy all of the enemies
you can before you take a few shots at the ship to crack it in
half. Hidden in a crate on the beach is another side arm or drone.
Make sure you get it.

At this point, you're at a large door, with two greenish bars at
its center. Destroy these bars to open the door. Several more enemy
ships and foot soldiers await you inside. Make short work of them
with your lock-on missiles.

Head on through this area into the large cavern. Be careful
though. A number of spider-bots are lurking about. Just be
patient and look carefully for them. If you picked up 'zapper'
drone a little earlier, you can use it now, but I wouldn't
suggest it. Try to save it for the level boss, you'll need it.

Now you're at another door. Destroy the green bars at its center.
You'll see a brief cut scene, and then be given a short amount of
time to get back out to the awaiting ship. Use the boost and try
not to bounce off of the walls on the way out.

Canyon Boss:

There are four phases to this bosses attacks. The first phase, which
consists of white energy discharges, is best dealt with by just
avoiding it. Try to move about and use your shield if necessary,
and shoot whenever you can get lined up with the other ship.

The second phase of attacks are the easiest to deal with. Just
stay centered in the screen and keep shooting. You may need to
move a little in order to shoot the first missile out of the sky,
but after that just stay centered and keep shooting.

The third phase consists of circular energy blasts. You can try
to avoid them altogether, or try to center the ship in the middle
of them. If you get hit, it hurts, so now might be a good time
to use the side arm or drone if you still have it. If you don't,
you might want to try overcharging the main cannon.

The fourth phase consists of a straight, constant energy beam.
Your first priority needs to be staying out of the line of fire.
Just keep shooting as you move about.

2.4 Underground Hydro Generator

At the start, blast the gates ahead on your right, and follow the
canal down to the revolving force fields. You'll encounter every
type of alien threat enroute, but you shouldn't have any problems
getting through. Time your passage through the force fields in
order to minimize damage.

This takes you to the spider room. As soon as you try to leave
through the open doors, spider bots will emerge from every passage.
Stay on the move and keep shooting. Use the side arm or drone if
you have it. With the spider bots taken care of, the doors will
open and a large alien bot will appear. Use your shield and lock-on
missiles to take him out.

As you pass through the doors, exiting the spider room, you can go
to the right or left, it doesn't matter which way you go. You'll
encounter the same number of enemies either way. Deal with them as
best you can, and exit through the drain pipe.

Now comes a tricky part. As you drop out of the drain pipe into the
next area, you end up in what amounts to a large bowl. The trick to
scaling the walls of the bowl is to go up at an angle. If you use
the yellowish stripes as a guide, you should make it out. At the
top, you'll have quite a few enemies to deal with. Make good use of
your shields, main cannon, and lock-on missiles, and you should make
it out ok. As you finish off the last of the aliens in this area,
a door will open to another passageway. Follow it to... you guessed
it, the next area.

As you drop out of the passageway, get your shields up and turn to
your left. Several aliens and a small laser cannon are waiting for
you here. Take care of them, then look down below. It's best to
go ahead and take out the small laser cannon down below at this
point. With that done, carefully traverse one of the two pipes
to reach the lower area, and position Red Dog where the arrow is
pointing. This will put Red Dog on a hovercraft. As you resume
control, fire at the grate ahead to expose your exit from this area.
Proceed cautiously; several homing mines will come after you as you
pass through this area. You'll need to carefully time your passage
through the rotating force fields in order to minimize damage. This
passage will take you to the level boss.

Level Boss:

As you enter the chamber, the doors will close on either side, and
the sub will rise up in front of you. Start shooting immediately.
If you have a sidearm, fire it simultaneously. The sub will launch
a number of airborne missiles at you, but if you start moving towards
it, they shouldn't hit you. As you near the sub, it will submerge.
Hit the boost and head over to the other side of the chamber and
wait for it to appear again. As it rises, overcharge your main
cannon a bit, and start shooting again. Try shooting at the taller
structures on the sub, so that as it submerges, you can continue to
inflict damage for as long as possible. In addition to the airborne
missiles, the sub will launch mine or torpedo attacks. There are
two ways to avoid these. You can either turn one way or the other,
hit the boost, and try to get out of their way as they come towards
you, or you can depress both triggers and strafe from side to side.
Try to throw everything you've got at this boss; you'll have no
need for any weapons for the remainder of this level.

Time to Go:

With the sub destroyed, a door will open. Pass through the door and
position Red Dog where the arrow is pointing. You'll be able to
seperate Red Dog from the hovercraft it's been on.

Water will start rising, so you've got to get out of there pronto.
Stay on the boost to clear the passageway; as you reach the bowl
or storm drain, stay on the boost, and start climbing the side.
If you don't touch the analog stick, Red Dog will climb too fast
and lose its momentum. You need to steer just slightly down hill
in order to keep the vehicle's momentum up, and to get out of this.
Keep a consistent amount of pressure on the stick; just enough
to keep the wheels pointed slightly downhill from center, and
the vehicle's body pointed slightly uphill. Also don't let off
of the boost.

The next passageway has a number of rotating force fields. Like
other similar obstacles you've encountered, clearing these is
all a matter of timing.

Once you're clear of the force fields, you'll come to a large
room with a gangway that meanders about. Stay on it and use the
boost in the straight stretches until you reach a pipe. As you
come to the end of this gangway, you'll see the pipe extending
on either side. Take the pipe on the left. On this pipe you'll
climb rather quickly. As you near the end of the pipe, you'll
see another gangway on your right. Drive down onto it and up a
little, then turn left and hit the boost to enter the green
passageway which will take you to your waiting ship. If the water
reaches you at any point, don't panic. Remember, Red Dog won't
immediately blow up when it touches water. Just stay on the gas
and you might escape anyway.

2.5 Red Dog Research City

Reach the Scientists:

The arrow at the top of the screen will lead you in the right
direction. At several points along the way, you'll encounter
several enemies at once. Make use of both your lock-on missiles
and main cannon to deal with them all at once. If you're trying
to improve your rating, make sure to take out the small ships up
in the sky. Use your lock-on missiles to take care of them.

Save the sidearm until the last part of this stage; you'll come
up against quite a few enemies at once as you near the scientists.
The 'nuke' sidearm will finish them quickly.

Escort the Scientists:

Ok, now that you've reached the scientists, you've got to escort
them to the bunker. Follow the path marked by the green flares,
and keep your eyes open. You'll encounter enemies of all types
around every corner, and many will be waiting on the roof tops
for you. If you're going back through this level again to improve
your rating, make sure to destroy everything you can along the way.
Many of the derelict vehicles can be destroyed.

As you reach the end of the lit path, the large doors will open
and you can enter; but before you enter, head over to your
right. Behind that burnt out bus, there's a sidearm power-up
waiting for you.

Defend the Bunker:

In this stage, you've got to eliminate each of the bi-ped bots
as quickly as possible. Don't waste time shooting them from the
front, as none of your weapons will do any damage to them. You've
got to shoot at an area on the rear of the creature.

As this stage starts, an arrow will appear at the top of the screen.
This will lead you to a bot that has appeared. Use the boost to
reach it as quickly as possible. You need to get positioned behind
it asap; you can drive right between its legs if you need to.
As you near it, overcharge your main cannon a bit, so that you can
destroy it with only a few shots. With it destroyed, it's only a
matter of seconds before the next one shows up. If you're in a
far corner, you might want to head back more towards the center of
the area while you wait for the green arrow to appear again. After
a few times through this stage, you'll be able to anticipate where
the next one will show up and start driving in that direction even
without the arrow.

Don't waste time fighting them from the front. You can't do any
damage to them from the front, and the next one will come even if
this one isn't destroyed.

2.6 The Haak Mothership

If you've made it this far, you probably don't need a detailed
walkthrough. Let's skip straight to the level bosses.

Mid-level Boss:

This is probably the toughest boss in the whole game, but he's
not impossible to beat.

As he materializes in front of you, immediate press and hold the
'A' button to lock a missile onto him. Once you have the lock, let
go and get moving. His shots and his laser (which he'll start using
in a minute or so) do a lot of damage, so you'll need to adopt a
hit and run approach for dealing with him. Try running around the
perimeter of the area with the boost engaged. Be careful not to
hit the wall, as that could slow you down, thereby allowing him to
hit you. As he comes back into your sights, lock on another missile
or two, let them go, and get going again. If you've got a homing
drone (sidearm) now might be a good time to use it. Also try over-
charging your main cannon as you're heading away from him, so that
as you head back towards him, you can hit him with a few good
cannon blasts.

He will occasionally disappear and rematerialize elsewhere. Just
keep at it until his life bar on the left is down to nothing.

Final Boss:

Actually, this boss is easier than the last. If you play it right,
you won't even take any hits. The object of this fight is to take
out the central core while it's exposed. It's only exposed at the
very first of this fight, and thereafter only when you've killed
the boss. The boss will reappear several times before you're finished.

As you reach the circular platform around the central core, wait
for a second, then start overcharging your main cannon. As the
central core becomes exposed, start firing both your overcharged
main cannon and sidearm simultaneously. Continue firing even as
the final boss comes out. He won't bother you right away; use
every second you've got to inflict as much damage as possible
on the exposed central core. As the 'shield' or armor starts to
come down to cover the core, hit the boost and head around to the
far side of the circular platform. It's best to get the armored
central core directly between you and the boss.

The final boss can't take any damage from direct hits; you have
to shoot at the tiles on the floor beneath him. After a few hits,
a blast of energy from the floor will do some damage to him. It
takes about six of these blasts before he dies, and you get to shoot
at the core again.

If you have the boss directly behind the central core, watch carefully.
Look to see which side he's coming out on, and start shooting at a
tile that you think he'll stand on soon. If you're daring, you might
try taking out two tiles before you reposition yourself to put the
core between you and the boss again. Keep up this routine until he
disappears, and you get a chance to shoot at the core again. If you
managed to take the central core's lifebar down to almost nothing
at the start, then you'll have no problem finishing it off on the
second pass. If this is the case, use your drone or sidearm to take
out the tiles beneath the boss. But if you weren't able to inflict
much damage on your first chance at the core, you'll need to be
more conservative and save some sidearm ammo for the central core.

Time to Go:

With the core destroyed, you've got limited time to make it off
of the mother ship. You've got to use the boost the whole way
out. Try not to get caught up in the falling debris; it's designed
to trip you up, so be careful.

The Ending:

Congratulations! Any sane person would have given up a long time
ago, but you stuck with it, and here you are. As you make it to
the end of the route, you're treated to a very short cut scene of
the Red Dog vehicle making it to the ship, just before the Haak
mothership blows up. The credits roll, as various droids come out
for a bow, or to stroll across the screen.

If you get bored with the credits, resist the temptation to turn
off or reset your Dreamcast. The game information isn't saved until
the credits are finished.

3. Hard Single Player Missions

After completing the six primary missions, 'Hard Difficulty' mode
becomes selectable from the main menu. Basically, you get to repeat
the same six missions you just completed, just with slightly more
difficult level bosses, and slightly smarter aliens and droids along
the way. The differences between normal and hard difficulty mode
are too slight to justify repeating all of section 2 above. If you
made it through the six primary missions, and the seven challenge
missions, you should have no problem with the 'hard' mode.

4. Challenge Missions

4.1 Vehicle Maneuvering

Double tap the right trigger to engage the boost just as the timer
ticks down at the start. Head straight, turn left, then right, then
left again. You've got two jumps ahead; you'll definitely have to
use the boost to get over each one. Now comes the first precarious
part, traversing a pipe. The first time through, don't try to use
the boost. If you fall off of the pipe, you'll have to back track
a little, and start over with the pipe. After clearing the pipe,
blast over the floating barrels, and follow the path as it zig-
zags through the acid swamp. You'll need to use the boost, at
least in a few spots to save time, but be careful not to slip
off of the path into the swamp. Red Dog won't last long in the
acid.

Follow this path to the jump. You'll definitely have to use the
boost to clear this jump and make it into the passageway. As
you continue into this passageway, you'll find a stationary fan,
then several that are operational. Making it past the moving
fan blades is all a matter of timing. Getting this down may
take some practice. After you leave the passageway, engage the
boost, and try to hold an almost straight line as you clear
the last obstacles (structures) in your way. Try to avoid
driving through this area in an exaggerated 'S' fashion. You'll
only lose time.

Bonus Challenge:

Clear this challenge in under 1 minute, 10 seconds. Practice,
practice, practice... that's what it takes to complete this
bonus challenge. That, and a shortcut. In the acid swamp, about
half way through, did you notice how close the path was to the
ramp that took you up to the passageway? You'll need to cut
across the swamp, in a real big hurry, at that point. You'll
see the red 'armor level' meter take a hit while you're in the
acid, but if you're quick you'll make it across. You'll also need
to stay on the boost the entire way through this level, even over
the pipe and through the swamp.

Double-Speed Challenge 1:

After completing the Haak Mothership mission with an A rating,
the double-speed challenge 1 becomes available in the Bonus menu.
With this enabled, the 1st challenge now operates at double speed.
Both your vehicle and the timer are operating at twice the norm.
Use the Bonus Challenge instructions to complete this challenge.
There is no reward for completing this challenge in under 1:40.

4.2 Shooting Range

This is a fairly straightforward challenge. You're presented with
four batches of still and moving targets. The best way to clear
this challenge is just shoot constantly and aim carefully. Also
make use of extra power to overcharge the main guns. You'll need
to 'lead' the moving targets a bit, since it takes your shots a
little time to reach them.

Bonus Challenge:

Just practice. There's no special secret to completing this in
a shorter amount of time.

4.3 Survival

This seems to be one of the easier challenge missions. Just stay
on the boost and keep moving. Their shots will hit right behind
you.

Bonus Challenge:

More of the same. It may take a few tries, but if you just stay on
the go, you should be able to make it through without taking any
hits.

4.4 Search and Collect

In this mission you have to pick up 22 time-ups. As you near each
time-up, you'll notice the arrow at the top of the screen turns
from green, to yellow, to red.

At the start, as the timer ticks down to zero, engage and hold
the boost. Almost immediately you'll get the first time-up, and
as you hear the tone from this, start turning right. You need to
slide around the corner, and head straight for the next one. As
you pick up the next one, start turning left. Turning in advance
of reaching the turn is really the key to completing this level.
Just follow the arrow and stay on the boost. Many of the time-ups
are well hidden, so this mission will take a number of attempts.

Bonus Challenge:

This takes a lot of practice. You've got to know the location of
every time-up in advance, and do everything perfectly to complete
this with 20 seconds remaining. The only real shortcut is to be
found at the very end, and it's a minor one. After picking up the
last time-up, it's possible to jump across from the stack of crates
that you're on to the one with the ramp that takes you up to the
'END' at a diagonal. Jumping across at a diagonal might shave a
couple of seconds off of your time. Of course, turning in advance
of the actual turn is also important to saving time.

4.5 Footsoldier Rampage

You'll need to use the lock-on missiles and the main cannon to take
out all of the footsoldiers. Remember also that you can simply run
over them as well.

Bonus Challenge:

Take them all out in less than 2 minutes, 40 seconds. This was
the last challenge that I completed, and I think it's the most
difficult of all of the challenges.

Try this, engage and stay on the boost as you drive in a large
circle around the area. Depress the 'A' button to lock the missiles
onto multiple targets, while keeping the sights set at eye level,
and slowly turn more towards the center of the room. Release the
'A' button to launch the missiles, and turn back to your original
heading. As you turn back, take a few shots with your main cannon.
Continue this until they're all destroyed. Circle, lock, launch,
shoot, and repeat.

4.6 Advanced Vehicle Maneuvering

There are three parts to this course, and there are any number of
ways to complete the first part. Alternate between the boost and
regular speed to make the best time without dropping into the
liquid below. You'll have to use the boost to clear the jumps.

4.7 Heavy Duty Rampage

Completing this mission requires using everything you've got
and all that you've learned. Try alternating between firing
with your main gun overcharged, and using the lock-on missiles.
Remember that you can lock on to multiple targets at once,
then fire all of the missiles simultaneously as you release
the 'A' button.

5. Bonus Features

Each of the following bonus features become selectable after certain
bonus challenge missions are completed, or an "A" rating is achieved
for a particular single player level.

If you're looking for some hidden cheats that will help you finish
the game, then these won't help.

If you enable any cheats, except for 'Trippy Trails', no records will
be kept. In other words, if you use cheats to finish a level that's
been giving you trouble, it doesn't count and you can't move on to
the next level.

5.1 Trippy Trails

With this enabled, your track marks are now a shiny blue-green.
Does not affect gameplay, and doesn't prevent 'record keeping'.

5.2 Permanent Boost

With this cheat selected, you can use the boost continuously
without overheating the vehicle and making it more vulnerable
to enemy shots.

5.3 Permanent Shield

Allows you to keep your shield up for an unlimited amount of
time.

5.4 Assistance Bot 1

This is basically a drone; it fires at whatever you're firing at.

5.5 Assistance Bot 2

Another drone.

5.6 Unlimited Weapon Charge

Self-explanatory.

5.7 Invulnerability

Not much explanation is needed. With this enabled, you are
invulnerable to enemy shots, but you can still loose armor level
if you fall into water, lava, or various other liquids. Red Dog
can also suffer damage from force fields with this enabled.

5.8 Double-Speed Challenge 1

With this enabled, go back to the first challenge mission and try
it again. You'll notice very quickly that your vehicle and the timer
are both operating at double-speed. Use the Bonus Challenge tips to
make it through this challenge. There is no reward for completing
this double-speed challenge.

5.9 Infinite Initial Drones (Sidearms)

You get to start out with 9999 rounds of ammo with any of the
following drones. Be aware, however, that if you pick up a new
drone enroute, you'll lose your initial drone and ammo count.

5.9.1 Shell

5.9.2 Charge

5.9.3 Homing

5.9.4 Lockon

5.9.5 Swarm Pod

5.9.6 Ultra Laser

5.9.7 Vulcan Cannon

6. Multiplayer Mode

One way to really dominate in multiplayer mode is to grab the
'explosive' power up before your opponent does. These explosives
are something like a tactical nuke, and if you're not careful,
they'll take you out as well.

6.1 Game Types

6.1.1 Skirmish

6.1.2 Team

6.1.3 Tournament

6.2 Maps

Several of these maps are unlocked by achieving an 'A' rating for
the single player levels.

6.2.1 Ruined

6.2.2 Space Station

6.2.3 Storm Drain

6.2.4 The Circus

6.2.5 V.R.B.F

6.2.6 Wasted

6.2.7 Acid Bath

6.2.8 Black Ice

6.2.9 D.O.D. (Drive or Die)

6.2.10 D.O.D. Expert

In order to access this map, select it from the menu, then depress
and hold both triggers for several seconds. You'll see the icon
change, then you can start your game.

6.2.11 Dune

6.2.12 Ganymede

What's noteworthy about this map is that it's not just an
alternate map, it seems that the physics are different as
well. Gravity seems to be reduced on this level, just as if
you really are on a moon.

6.2.13 Helterskelter

Unlocking this map takes a bit of work. You've got to complete
twenty or more multiplayer games, then drop back into single player
mode and force a 'save'. Completing twenty 'real' multiplayer
matches would take quite a while, so to expedite things, just play
twenty knockout matches against an idle controller with lives set
to '1'. Before you leave multiplayer mode, check 'player statistics'
to make sure you've really played through twenty matches, then drop
back into single player mode and find a way to force a save. Changing
your controller settings is a quick way to do this. This map isn't
open until you see 'Saving, Do Not Power Off' at the top of the
screen.

Don't be surprised if you do all of this perfectly, but still can't
immediately access the helterskelter map. Don't give up yet. Try
going back into multiplayer mode and play a few more matches, then
force another save in single player mode. It may take several
attempts, but you will eventually get this map open.

6.2.14 Industrial Zone

In this map, there are a number of walls that can be destroyed,
revealing hidden ramps, power-ups, and shortcuts. These walls
each have a small triangular sign, with an exclamation point in
the center.

There are also lifts located throughout this map. They're just
square objects on the ground; you could easily miss them if you
weren't looking. Just sit on one for a second or two to get a
lift up to the higher level.

6.2.15 Medieval

6.2.16 Molten

6.3 Play Modes

6.3.1 Deathmatch

6.3.2 Knockout

6.3.3 Bomb Tag

For bomb tag and suicide bomb tag, there's a way you can pass off
the bomb to another player just before you get stuck with it. At
the beginning of the game, just as the bomb stops alternating
between players, the player who is about to get stuck with it
can use the digital pad to pass it off to someone else. Once the
bomb flashes though, it's too late to pass it.

6.3.4 Suicide Bomb Tag

See the comments above.

6.3.5 Stealth Assassin

6.3.6 Flag Runner

6.3.7 King of the Hill (unlocked in single-player mode)

7. Bugs

The bugs you are most likely to encounter (except for those spider and
scorpian bots :-) are related to the camera (viewing perspective). It's
possible to get the camera stuck behind an object or surface. On one
occasion, during the mid-level boss fight on the Haak Mothership, I
managed to get the camera stuck beneath the floor. Talk about
disorienting. Most occurances of this problem can be overcome by
switching to 1st person mode, then back to 3rd person. Use the
digital pad to switch perspectives.

If you 'die' when you are not expected to die, the game may crash
or hang. This problem is easiest to reproduce in multiplayer mode.
Play a multiplayer game against an idle controller; select a map
like D.O.D. expert, where you can fall to your death. Wear down your
opponent to practically nothing. Position Red Dog next to the acid
bath, then finish off your opponent. As you get the "You Win" message,
immediately drive into the acid. If you time it right, the screen
go black and the audio will loop.

Opening the helterskelter map, and keeping it open, seems a bit
quirky. Previous versions of this document described this as a bug,
and that still may be a fair description, but there is a workaround
for this problem. After playing twenty-plus multiplayer matches, just
keep alternating between forcing a save and playing multiplayer
matches until it becomes available.

8. Closing Comments

Many thanks to those who emailed me with words of encouragement and
gratitude. This document, such as it is, represents a fair amount of
work on my part. It's nice to know that someone appreciates my efforts.

Many thanks also to the talented folks at Argonaut Games PLC. It's
surprising and unfortunate that Red Dog wasn't a bigger commercial
success. In my opinion, this is one of the best games that has been
released for the Dreamcast.

This is intended to be the final version of this document, however,
if anyone is willing to share any Easter eggs, tricks, or cheats
that aren't already covered, I might just revise it one more time.
Please forward anything noteworthy to '[email protected]'.