Guide by Ian Watkins (Nai255)
Version 1.0: 02/05/2017
! This guide is spoiler-free !
---CONTENTS---
{0. Guide Information}
[0a] - Version History / Credits
[0b] - About This Guide
[0c] - Legal Bits
[0d] - Contact Info
{1. Game Information}
[1a] - Story
[1b] - Controls
[1c] - Options
[1d] - Status Display
[1e] - The Mercs
[1f] - Weapons
[1g] - Items
[1h] - Allied Camps
[1i] - When Life Runs Out / Game Over
[1j] - General Tips
{3. Original Mode Walkthrough}
[3a] - Original Mission 1
[3b] - Original Mission 2
[3c] - Original Mission 3
[3d] - Original Mission 4
[3e] - Original Mission 5
[3f] - Original Mission 6
[3g] - Original Mission 7
[3h] - Original Mission 8
{4. Secrets and Cheats}
[4a] - Mission Select Code
[4b] - The Original Mode Code
[4c] - First Aid For All
[4d] - Top Secret Information
{{{ 0. Guide Information }}}
*** [0a] - Version History / Credits ***
Version 1.0: Initial Release.
02/05/17
* Credits*
FFCrono: for the Mission Select code
*** [0b] - About This Guide ***
This is a general walkthrough for "Mercs", the second of three titles in
Capcom's "Wolf of the Battlefield / Commando" series.
In particular, the Sega Genesis port of this arcade run-n-gun. While it is
only a single player affair compared to the 3 player co-op in the arcade game,
it makes up for this with a unique Original Mode, a remixed version of the game
where you recruit multiple Mercs with various weapons and traits who will fight
with you through a brand new set of missions separate from the Arcade campaign.
This guide covers both the Arcade and Original modes present in the Genesis
version of Mercs.
I was surprised there hadn't been a guide made for this game until now. Though
it is a pretty straightforward shooting game, I think there's still enough info
worth putting together for a guide to not just help both newcomers and veterans
of Mercs, but also do justice for a personal favorite I grew up on as a kid.
Looking for a particular section?
Open your browser's search function (Ctrl+F), then just type in the appropriate
bracket code as shown in the Table of Contents.
Example: for "[2e] - Arcade Mission 5", type: [2e]
*** [0c] - Legal Bits ***
Mercs, and all related elements (C) 1990-2017 Capcom, SEGA.
This guide (C) 2017 Ian Watkins.
If you wish to use this guide on your website,
please contact me and request permission in advance.
Hosting this guide without giving credit is a violation of copyright.
Websites currently authorized to use this guide:
* GameFAQs.com
* NeoSeeker.com
As a skilled professional soldier, trained in anti-terrorist tactics, you have
been hired by the U.S. government to assist in a top secret operation. While
touring Central Africa for world peace, the former President of the United
States was taken hostage by a group of revolutionaries. Due to diplomatic
reasons, the U.S. government cannot send military intervention. Instead, an
elite corps of mercenaries known as the 'Mercs' have been selected to rescue
the President and stop the rebels' attempt to take control of the country
Zutura. As a member of the Mercs, your mission awaits!
* Original Mode Story *
The White House has received a report that the government of Quira has secretly
developed long range ballistic missiles. Fearing that the newly developed
strength of Quira could affect the global balance of power and eventually lead
to war, the President ordered the "Mercs", an elite corps of hired soldiers to
take out these missiles.
*** [1b] - Controls ***
The default controls are listed below.
D-Pad: Moves your character in-game. Moves selection cursors in menus.
A or C Button: Shoot your weapon.
B Button: Use a Mega Crash Bomb.
Start Button: Pauses the game.
Also brings up the Merc selection screen in Original Mode.
*** [1c] - Options ***
The following options can be changed from the Options menu.
Press Up or Down to select an option, and change that option by pressing
Left or Right.
* Mode
Choose between Arcade or Original to adjust that mode's difficulty
using the Level option below.
* Level
Adjust the difficulty level of the game.
Arcade Mode's difficulty mainly determines how many Continues you get:
5 on Easy, 4 on Normal, 3 on Hard.
Original Mode's Hard difficulty has more enemies, less items,
and mixes dangerous kamikazes in with the common foot soldiers.
* Control
Change whether the A, B, or C button activates Mega Crash,
and which of the other two buttons shoot your weapon.
* Rapid
When turned on, your weapons will shoot automatically
while the Shot button is held down.
* Sound Test
Sample the background music and sound effects from the game.
Press A or C to play audio, and press B to stop it.
*** [1d] - Status Display ***
Track the Mercs' status with the display on the right side of your screen!
Going from top to bottom:
* Mission *
Your current mission.
There are 7 missions in Arcade Mode, and 8 missions in Original Mode.
* Score *
Your total points.
* Time *
Missions are timed in Arcade Mode.
If the timer reaches 0, your Merc will go down.
* Medals *
Replaces the Time display in Original Mode, showing how many medals you have.
* Life *
The green portion of the life gauge decreases as you take damage.
If it runs out, your Merc will go down.
* Mega Crash Bombs *
Your remaining Mega Crash bombs.
* Vehicle Life *
Appears when you enter a vehicle. Any damage taken in a vehicle will reduce
it's life instead of yours. When a vehicle's life runs out, it is destroyed
and you will automatically eject.
* Boss Life *
Displayed as five bars at the top of the screen during a boss battle, which
disappear as you damage the boss. When they're all gone, the boss is defeated.
In Original Mode, you can review each Merc's status from the Pause menu.
From left to right:
* Weapon Power and Movement Speed levels
* Life
* Mega Crash bombs remaining
* Bulletproof Vests and Gas Masks (when found)
*** [1e] - The Mercs ***
The following is a list of the Mercs as they appear in Original Mode.
* Code Name: "Rifle"
Weapon: Assault Rifle
Default Merc available from the start of Original Mode
Rifle is the well-rounded Merc, whose assault rifle is somewhat stock compared
to other weapons, but is still servicable against groups of lesser enemies,
and shooting down salvos of enemy missiles once powered up to shoot with
wider coverage. He also has the greatest speed potential of the Mercs,
letting him dodge attacks with ease and outrun certain threats altogether.
Max Life-Ups: 4
Max Power: 10
Max Speed: 5
* Code Name: "Burner"
Weapon: Flamethrower
Recruited in Mission 2
Burner brings the heat with his flamethrower, effortlessly sweeping through
entire screens of lesser enemies and destroyable projectiles while still
being decently powerful against bigger tanks and trucks. A very capable Merc
whose only real weakness is his relatively low life cap,
which a Bulletproof Vest can help offset.
The slow but strong type. Launcher's grenades hit harder than Rifle or Burner's
weapons, though his limited speed and attack range make him best suited to
take care of big targets that stay in place and have simple attack patterns.
Launcher's high life cap makes him a good candidate for a Bulletproof Vest,
as well as a Gas Mask since he has the most trouble getting away from
toxic gas clouds.
His trademark beam has a slow rate of fire which makes it tricky to pick off
groups of small enemies, but Laser can cut through the big guns in record time,
and only needs three Power-Ups to reach his full potential. Coupled with a max
speed rivaled only by Rifle, you've got yourself a mobile boss-killing machine.
The last Merc you recruit, though not exactly the best, sadly. Homing's
heat-seeking missiles work alright against small groups of foot soldiers,
but their limited damage output makes them ill-suited against anything else.
Their ability to home in on targets could be useful in areas where the enemy
cannot be seen, however...
Max Life-Ups: 2
Max Power: 3
Max Speed: 3
(Though his max speed is technically 3, there are no Speed Boots found
between when you recruit Homing and the rest of the game, effectively
locking his Speed at 1. Likewise, there are no more than 2 Life-Ups found
after recruiting Homing)
*** [1f] - Weapons ***
In Arcade Mode, your default weapon is the Assault Rifle, but you can find
different weapons inside of item crates. Picking up a new weapon will replace
your current weapon, but any Power-Ups picked up will persist between weapons.
Weapons and Power-Ups are also kept when using a Continue.
In Original Mode, each Merc has their own unique weapon which never changes,
along with their own separate stocks of Power-Ups and Mega Crash bombs.
* Assault Rifle
Shoots rapid-fire bursts of bullets. Has decent power and a high rate of fire
for sweeping through groups of lesser enemies and destroyable projectiles.
Power-Ups increase the damage and overall width of the bullet bursts.
Drops as a gray gun in Arcade Mode.
Rifle's weapon in Original Mode.
* Flamethrower
Shoots a stream of fire, burning any foot soldiers caught in the flames while
doing consistant damage to other targets. The flames will bend and turn with
your movement while the Shot button is held down, dying out shortly after the
button is released. Because of the delayed tracking on the flames, it is best
to let go of the Shot button if you need to attack someone coming from behind,
then turn around and press the button again once the flames go out.
Power-Ups increase the damage, size, and length of the flames.
Drops as a gun connected to two fuel tanks in Arcade Mode.
Burner's weapon in Original Mode.
* Spread Shot
Shoots spreads of bullets with decent power that cover a wide area.
Effective on groups of small targets at a distance,
and against big targets when fired up close so that each shot connects.
Power-Ups increase the damage and size of the shots,
turning from a 3-way spread to a 5-way spread at Power Level 5.
Drops as a green gun in Arcade Mode.
Not available in Original Mode.
* Grenade Launcher
Shoots grenades that explode on contact with an enemy or after traveling a set
distance. The grenades have limited range compared to other weapons and can
only be fired two at a time, but do heavy damage with their explosions.
Power-Ups increase the damage and size of the grenades,
and the explosions become bigger at Power Level 5.
Drops as a gray gun with a strap in Arcade Mode.
Launcher's weapon in Original Mode.
* Laser Beam
Fires long, thin lasers one at a time, which pierce through any enemy in their
way. The low rate of fire makes it difficult to use this weapon against groups
of foot soldiers, but is very powerful against big targets, doing damage that
rivals, if not surpasses that of the Grenade Launcher. It also has the longest
reach of any weapon, going past the edge of the screen.
Power-Ups increase the laser's damage and width.
Not available in Arcade Mode.
Laser's weapon in Original Mode.
* Homing Launcher
Shoots missiles that automatically seek out enemy targets,
but have limited attack power.
Power-Ups increase the missiles' damage,
and the amount that can be fired at once.
Not available in Arcade Mode.
Homing's weapon in Original Mode.
* Mega Crash Bomb
A consumable item that unleashes a big explosion, eliminating lesser
foot soldiers while heavily damaging bigger targets caught in the blast.
You are also invincibile during, and about a second after the explosion.
Available in both modes.
Drops in a gray clamshell case with an 'M' inside the lid.
In Arcade Mode, you start with 3 Mega Crash bombs.
Your supply of bombs will reset to 3 if you have less than 3 bombs
upon using a Continue or clearing a mission.
In Original Mode, each Merc has their own stock of Mega Crash bombs,
starting with 1 bomb apiece (Homing starts with 2).
*** [1g] - Items ***
Several types of items can be found in both Arcade and Original Mode to
enhance and assist the Mercs. Most of these items are found inside crates
when shot open. In Original Mode, items also drop from enemy supply runners
when shot, and can be purchased with medals at allied camps.
Items only benefit the Merc that picks them up in Original Mode.
Some items are exclusive to Original Mode, highlighted on this list
with <Original> next to their name.
* Food
Restores a small amount of life, and worth extra points.
In order of effectiveness:
Burger (500), Spinach (2000), Chicken (3000), Roast Beef (5000).
* First Aid Kit
Restores a large amount of life.
* Gold First Aid Kit <Original>
Fully restores life.
* Life-Up
A green gauge with "UP" on the corner. Increases maximum life.
Also restores a small amount of life.
* Power-Up
An orange "POW" icon. Increases weapon power.
* Mega Crash Bomb
Adds one extra Mega Crash bomb to your supply.
* Medal
In Arcade Mode: restores a small amount of life, and worth 1000 points.
Sometimes found in place of food.
In Original Mode: used as currency to trade for items at allied camps.
* Twin Medals <Original>
Worth 3 medals.
* Big Medal <Original>
Worth 5 medals.
* Speed Boots <Original>
Increases movement speed.
* Bulletproof Vest <Original>
Reduces all damage taken by half.
* Gas Mask <Original>
Prevents damage from green gas clouds.
* Elixir <Original>
Revives a fallen Merc, fully restoring their life.
Only available at allied camps.
* Top Secret Information <Original>
Provides in-game tips and information.
Only available at allied camps.
* Dynamite <Original>
An explosive trap! It will go off and cause damage if you get too close.
Wait for it to explode from a distance.
*** [1h] - Allied Camps ***
In Original Mode, you will find tents and buildings marked with "ENTER".
Move into these to access the allied camps inside, where you can trade medals
you have collected for various items. A new Merc will also join your team at
the first allied camps you enter in Missions 2, 3, 4, and 8.
Use the D-Pad to select an item, and the A or C Button to purchase it.
Unless you are purchasing Top Secret Information, you will then be asked which
Merc gets the item. Press Up or Down on the D-Pad to choose a Merc, and press
the A or C Button to confirm your purchase, or the B Button to cancel.
If a Merc is already maxed out on a specific type of item, they will be
unable to take it, and you will not be charged any medals.
When you are finished, select EXIT to leave camp.
*** [1i] - When Life Runs Out / Game Over ***
When your Merc's life gauge runs out, he will go down.
In Arcade Mode, you will be given a chance to resume play so long as you have
at least 1 Continue remaining. Press Start before the continue timer reaches 0
to jump back into the fight. If you have no Continues, it's Game Over.
In Original Mode, you will be taken to the Pause Menu to choose a Merc
to take the place of the one whose life ran out.
If all of the Mercs go down, it's Game Over.
*** [1j] - General Tips ***
* Some bosses can be attacked before their life bars are visible,
but will not actually take damage until these bars appear on-screen.
Don't waste Mega Crash bombs before a boss's life is visible.
(Destroyable turrets and parts on a boss can still be damaged beforehand)
* If a boss doesn't show up at the end of a mission and the music doesn't
change right away, try scrolling the screen to one side by moving
left or right to trigger the battle.
* Some enemy projectiles can be destroyed with your own weapon fire,
making it possible to stand your ground against these threats
without immediately retreating from their line of fire.
* Mega Crash bombs are just as great for defense as they are for offense:
the grace invincibility granted from using a Mega Crash bomb starts as soon
as one is used, which can save you from taking damage against projectiles
that cannot be destroyed.
* When using multiple Mega Crash bombs in a row, wait a moment between when
your Merc's bomb animation finishes and using the next bomb to get the most
damage and grace invincibility out of them, without any overlap.
* Always be aware of foot soldiers attempting to sneak up from behind at
the bottom of the screen, particularly while working on taking out bigger
targets, and especially in Original Mode's Hard difficulty where some of
them can be of the quick kamikaze variety. Never stay at the very bottom
of the screen outside of boss battles longer than you have to.
* It's possible to trigger dynamite traps in Original Mode to explode early
without hurting you by inching towards them horizontally,
either from the left or right. Stop moving once they explode,
and the explosion should just miss you (Be sure to wait until the
explosion is completely gone before moving on).
{{{ 2. Arcade Mode Walkthrough }}}
*** [2a] - Arcade Mission 1 ***
A pretty simple entry mission. Start by going up and to the right from
the coastline, shooting through the trees marked "SHOOT!". Inside the crate
nearby is a [POWER-UP]. Continue up and left, shooting through the buildings
marked "SHOOT!" to get past the landslide ahead. Further up will be enemy
soldiers in bunkers. They cannot be shot while inside their bunkers, but will
retreat and become vulnerable when you get close. Two more crates can be found
to the left and right of the bunkers, containing a [MEGA CRASH BOMB] and
[FOOD] respectively. Cross the bridge on the right past the bunkers,
clearing out any enemies in the way. The basic enemy foot soldiers that come
after you here and in every other mission will fire a single shot while moving,
a burst of shots at a standstill, or toss grenades from afar. The grenades are
easy to see coming, but do more damage. Watch for their shadows to see where
they'll land.
* BOSS: Attack Chopper *
Position yourself to fire at the chopper from a diagonal angle as it rises into
view. The chopper peroidically strafes to the side towards your location while
firing, but will sometimes hold it's fire when moving. Stay away from the front
of the chopper to avoid it's gunfire, and shoot at a diagonal whenever it's
safe. When it closes in on one side, run downwards toward the other side when
it's not firing, and resume your attack once you've got some distance on the
other side of the chopper. If you're feeling bold, you can try squeezing in
some shots in front of the chopper if it moves in front of you without firing.
You can also cheese this fight with 3 Mega Crash bombs if you space them out
so that it takes the full amount of damage from each bomb.
You go back to 3 bombs after a mission if you have less than 3, but could
have 4 going into Mission 2 if you got the bomb earlier and hang on to the lot.
*** [2b] - Arcade Mission 2 ***
The crate just above your starting point has a [POWER-UP]. Immediately to the
left after grabbing the Power-Up, you'll find a crate with a [FLAMETHROWER],
and another crate up to the left nearby with a [SPREAD SHOT]. I recommend
taking the Flamethrower, as it is useful throughout this entire stage.
A pair of enemy jeeps will pull up towards you just ahead. Stop moving when you
see the first one pull up so they don't run into you, then take them both out.
You can use the second jeep afterward: it will be marked "ENTER". Run up to it
and you'll automatically enter. You move a lot faster inside the jeep, and can
shoot strong missiles. Up ahead is a crate with a [MEDAL]. Continue up and
right down the street, and further up towards a tank yard, at the start of
which will be two crates with a [LIFE-UP] and [POWER-UP]. Your jeep's missiles
will make short work of the enemy jeep and watchtower nearby.
The two crates up ahead contain [FOOD], but don't run out to get them just yet.
Keep your distance from the nearby tank just above and shoot at it between
dodging the shells it fires. If you position yourself just a bit off-center
from the tank's cannon, it may fire straight ahead and miss you altogether.
This tactic works best when the tank itself isn't moving to the side. Once the
tank is destroyed, shoot the crate next to it for a [MEGA CRASH BOMB]. Another
tank waits just above behind a wall. Shells fired from tanks travel through
walls, but so do the flames from the Flamethrower. If you don't have the
Flamethrower, shoot out a portion of the wall and fire at the tank from there.
Should a tank shell hit you, you'll take a lot of damage and be knocked back.
Don't hesitate to use a Mega Crash bomb to break away if you wind up stunlocked
by tank shells.
A third tank waits to the left, next to a crate with a [SPREAD SHOT]. Above the
third tank are two crates: one with a [FIRST AID KIT], and one with [FOOD].
Grab the First Aid if you need it, but don't move towards the Food.
Instead, move straight to the right, ignoring the tank on the other side of the
wall by these crates. Keep moving until you see a different tank. Take this one
out, then proceed up and to the left. Shoot the first crate you see for some
[FOOD], and continue diagonally up-left. The tank you ignored will be here, but
won't fire shells if you're above it. The crate next to the nearby watchtower
contains a [MEGA CRASH BOMB], and the two crates on either side of the bridge
up ahead contain [FOOD]. Watch out for several grenades being tossed your way
as you approach the bridge, and take out the bikers on the other side.
* BOSS: Panzer Tank *
Stand at the bottom-middle of the screen and fire at the tank. If you're in the
center, your weapon's fire should destroy the homing missiles it shoots at you.
After firing 3 pairs of homing missiles, the tank will shoot flame pillars
towards you, one after another. Dodge between the flames and return fire.
The tank will alternate between these two attacks, and eventually start to move
back and forth. Move off to one side if it comes close, and dodge the orange
energy balls it shoots whenever you're on either side of the tank.
Once the tank is down to 3 life bars and starts smoking, it will stop shooting
flame pillars and homing missiles, switching to flamethrowers that periodically
flare up from either front corner. The tank itself will also start moving back
and forth more frequently. Be ready to dodge the flamethrowers when you see
(or hear) them flare up.
Stay towards the left or right edge of the screen and shoot the tank when
you're not dodging the flamethrowers in front of the tank, and the energy balls
fired when you're by it's side. The flamethrowers fire in straight lines
towards your position, though won't be able to reach you if you're directly
in front of the tank. That said, only get in front of the tank when it's not
coming down onto you.
*** [2c] - Arcade Mission 3 ***
The first three crates contain [FOOD], an [ASSAULT RIFLE], and a [POWER-UP]. As
you reach the Power-Up, a pair of armored vehicles will pull up: the one on the
left unloads foot soldiers, while the one on the right shoots missiles.
Prioritize the vehicle on the right first, shooting down it's missiles with
your own covering fire, keeping a distance to avoid the gunfire from the
gunners inside the vehicles. Take out the foot soldiers that emerge from the
left vehicle between missile attacks from the right vehicle. Once the vehicle
on the right is destroyed, you can press on and sneak behind the vehicle on the
left. Just watch out for gunner fire.
At the end of the nearby bridge going onto the ship to the left will be a
turret, and another turret above just off-screen that can still reach you.
Turrets sit in place while firing missiles that can be destroyed. When dealing
with turrets, position yourself to fire at whichever turret is closest,
changing your direction of fire only to intercept missiles from additional
turrets further away. Before moving up to reach the second turret, head to the
far left to find a crate with a [LIFE-UP]. Take out the second turret and grab
a [MEGA CRASH BOMB] from the crate nearby. A pair of soldier-mounted turrets
await just above, but aren't nearly as dangerous. Take them out from a
distance, then climb up the ladder. The crate just above the ladder contains a
[SPREAD SHOT]. Move onto the lift nearby marked "ENTER", and ride up to the
next area.
Up ahead will be a blockade with a mounted gun that sits in place, firing
bursts of bullets towards you. These bullets cannot be destroyed, but you can
destroy the rocket soldiers that emerge from either side above, as well as the
rockets they shoot at you. Dodging the gun's fire while dealing with the
rocket launchers AND additional foot soldiers can be tricky, but one Mega Crash
bomb will soften up the mounted gun just enough to make it go down after a few
additonal shots. Proceed past the broken blockade and take out the turret
nearby to open up another path ahead. Inside the crates nearby are [FOOD] on
the left, and a [MEGA CRASH BOMB] on the right. Just ahead from here, take out
another pair of mounted turrets and the barricade marked "SHOOT!". Inside the
crate on the left is a [FIRST AID KIT]. The crates on the right contain [FOOD],
a [GRENADE LAUNCHER], and an [ASSAULT RIFLE]. The Grenade Launcher is very
powerful if you don't mind the relatively limited reach.
To the right past the barricade and mounted turrets is a crate with a
[POWER-UP]. Take out the armored vehicle unloading soldiers from a distance
while watching out for gunfire from the mounted turret next to it. Once the
vehicle is destroyed, take out the mounted turret. When you see "ENTER", move
up onto the turret and you can take control of it. Steer the turret with Left
or Right, and use it's spread shot to destroy the armored vehicle above just
off-screen, to the left of the turret nearby. Mounted turrets lose life over
time, not just from enemy fire. Be ready to move out once the turret's life is
empty. Once the vehicle and turret are destroyed, continue up to the left.
There will be a crate with a [MEGA CRASH BOMB], and another mounted turret you
can take control of. Use this turret's firepower to soften up another armored
vehicle unloading rocket launcher soldiers up to the left, and the turret
off to the right. There is one more mounted turret you can take over to the
left of this one if you need it. Move up once the coast is relatively clear.
* BOSS: Special Attack Unit "Scorpion" *
The Scorpion chopper flies along the top of the screen, shooting a chaingun on
it's left side while launching missiles from it's middle. The chaingun bullets
must be dodged, but you can shoot down the missiles. Prioritize dodging the
chaingun bullets while shooting at the chopper and it's missiles.
Eventually the chopper will land, firing chaingun shots from the right
instead of the left while unloading foot soldiers. The Scorpion will not shoot
missiles while it's landed, so move in towards the far left and shoot at it's
door where the soldiers emerge, out of the range of the chainguns firing from
the right. After unloading several soldiers, the Scorpion will lift off again
and it's attack pattern will repeat.
*** [2d] - Arcade Mission 4 ***
Shoot at the lock on the gate to break it open. Your movement speed is limited
while in the swamp on the other side, so be extra careful about avoiding enemy
fire here. Inside the first crate by the destroyable building nearby is a
[FLAMETHROWER]. Additional foot soldiers will slide into the swamp from the
right, but the biggest threat here are the divers that emerge from the swamp
next to you and attempt to stab you with knives, which do a lot of damage.
Stop moving if one emerges nearby, back away a bit, then take them down.
Continue up and to the left through the swamp, at the end of which will be a
crate with a [LIFE-UP].
Continue upward past the swamp and to a pair of destroyable buildings. Shoot
through the one on the right, grabbing a [MEGA CRASH BOMB] and [FOOD] from the
two crates just beyond. Take out both enemy hovercrafts before entering the
water up ahead so the torpedoes they fire can't reach you, exploding harmlessly
against the shoreline. Enter the orange hovercraft and ride upward. If any
additional enemy hovercrafts get in your way, shoot them down before reaching
the bridge up ahead. Move up next to the bridge and rapidly shoot torpedoes at
point blank to break through. Don't worry about the rocket launchers that cross
onto the bridge. You should be able to break through if you're quick enough.
If your hovercraft IS destroyed, a Mega Crash bomb should finish the job.
Continue up past the broken bridge and return to shore on the right, but watch
for another orange hovercraft to attack from above on your way. Continue upward
towards the right on land and you will find five crates containing [FOOD],
a [MEGA CRASH BOMB], [ASSAULT RIFLE], [SPREAD SHOT], and [GRENADE LAUNCHER].
Take your fill and cross the bridge on the left, entering the lift marked
"ENTER" on the other side to ride up and face the mission boss.
* BOSS: Battle Cruiser *
The Battle Cruiser starts off towards the center, moving back and forth a bit
while firing shots that drop down from above in groups. Dodge the shots, and
stay clear of their lingering explosions which can also hurt you.
Once the cruiser is down to 3 life bars and smoking, it will switch to a
flamethrower attack and begin moving further back and forth. Stay towards the
bottom of the screen and move off to one side before the flamethrower flares
up. When it dies out, stop moving and shoot at the cruiser. Then, start moving
off to the other side about a second later as the flamethrower flares up again,
and repeat this process.
*** [2e] - Arcade Mission 5 ***
Move upwards from your starting position towards two lots of crates. The five
on the left contain a [LIFE-UP], [FOOD], and a [POWER-UP]. The two on the right
contain [FOOD] and a [MEGA CRASH BOMB]. The Life-Up here will max out your life
gauge, assuming you've collected the other three up to this point. Before
rushing in to collect everything else besides the Life-Up, watch out for a tank
to pull up from the top of the screen, coming to a stop down towards the right.
Keep your distance and dodge it's shells, firing back between dodges. Remember,
if you distance yourself a tiny bit off-center from a tank's cannon, it should
fire straight ahead and miss you altogether. Once the tank goes down, grab the
rest of the goods and move on.
Inside the next three crates are an [ASSAULT RIFLE], [SPREAD SHOT], and
[GRENADE LAUNCHER]. To the left of these crates is a tank blocking the way with
a gunner inside shooting from behind it. After taking out the gunner, you can
take this tank for yourself. It's slow and a big target, so enjoy it while it
lasts. Use it's shells to destroy another tank blocking the way just ahead.
Further ahead will be a truck that pulls up to a crosswalk unloading soldiers
from the left. Take them out and the truck they rode in on. As you reach the
crosswalk, an armored vehicle shooting missiles will pull in from the top of
the screen. You will need to destroy this particular vehicle before the screen
will continue to scroll up. Shoot it and it's missiles down from a distance,
and press on.
As you pass by where the armored vehicle was, another tank will block your path
at the top of the screen, past which will be a minefield. Don't touch the
mines! They will kill you off instantly if you step on one. You can cross
between them from any direction, but the safest way to slip past is to hug the
wall by the leftmost mine. Watch out for rocket launchers coming in from the
left above the minefield as you cross. Just ahead is an enemy jeep you can take
control of after taking out it's driver. Next to the jeep is a row of four
crates, containing from right to left: [FOOD], a [MEGA CRASH BOMB],
a [FLAMETHROWER], and a [POWER-UP]. If you hold Left while entering the jeep
from the right, you should just miss picking up the Flamethrower in case you
don't wish to switch weapons.
Take the jeep left and up, past (or through) the destroyable fountain, past
which is a crate containing a [FIRST AID KIT]. Continue up and to the right.
Before going too far upward where the diagonal part of the path ends, wait for
another tank to pull in from the top of the screen and take it out from a
safe distance. It must be destroyed before the screen will continue to scroll
upward. To the left of this tank will be a crate with a [MEGA CRASH BOMB]. Grab
it and take on another armored vehicle shooting missiles coming in from the
top on the left. Just ahead past the armored vehicle will be a truck on the
right unloading soldiers. Feel free to move past this truck, staying to the
left while crossing another minefield by hugging the wall by the leftmost mine
and taking out the rocket launchers moving in from the left on the other side.
Shoot through the door marked "SHOOT!" and step onto the lift marked "ENTER"
just ahead (The timer will reset to 200 once you're on this lift).
* BOSS: Armored Train *
As the lift you entered reaches it's top speed, artillery shells will rain down
from above. Their locations are random and cannot be destroyed. Best advice I
can give here is to stay towards the bottom of the lift while dodging as best
as you can, and know that the shells usually won't strike in the same place
twice in a row.
As the armored train comes into view to your right, start working on destroying
the three huge cannons one at a time, staying out of their line of fire and
moving aside between their shots. Don't let any of these cannons make contact
with you, as they'll kill you off instantly. Use a Mega Crash bomb if they
start moving in to crush you. Once a cannon goes down and starts exploding,
it can no longer crush you.
Next, start working on the array of eight turrets above the three cannons.
The six camera-shaped turrets fire standard shots that must be avoided,
while the other two in the center of the lot fire missiles straight ahead
that can be shot down.
Finally, the train's engine will come into view, surrounded by flamethrowers
on either side. Stay towards the bottom of your platform, then move up past
the bottom pair as they meet your position and start flaring up, positioning
yourself facing right at the engine between the flamethrowers. The train will
start shooting missiles that rain down on the left side. These missiles can be
destroyed with your own weapon fire: stay on the right edge of your platform,
shooting the engine between missile volleys. When the missiles start coming
down, aim upwards to clear out any that may hit you, then resume your attack
on the engine. The train will also move down, trying to hit you with it's
topmost flamethrowers. When it does, get towards the bottom of your platform
to safety.
*** [2f] - Arcade Mission 6 ***
Upwards from your starting point will be a crate on the left with a [POWER-UP],
and three crates on the right with an [ASSAULT RIFLE], [FOOD], and a
[SPREAD SHOT]. Up ahead behind a destroyable gate will be a tank, along with
rocket launchers running up to either side of the tank. Focus on taking out
the tank from a distance, prioritizing shooting down the rocket launcher's
attacks instead of the rocket launchers themselves, as they'll only keep coming
back. Past this tank will be another tank with rocket launchers running up to
either side of it. Take them out before shooting through a pair of destroyable
gates up ahead.
Past the gates will be two crates on the far right containing [FOOD]. Back
towards the left are several crates. Inside the row of four is one of each
weapon: a [FLAMETHROWER], [SPREAD SHOT], [GRENADE LAUNCHER], and
[ASSAULT RIFLE]. I suggest getting the Grenade Launcher for the next part ahead
if you don't already have it. The two crates closer to the lift on the left
contain [FOOD] and a [MEGA CRASH BOMB]. Head to the far left of the screen and
up onto the lift marked "ENTER" from the left side.
You'll face a few obstacles as you ride the lift upward. First, there will be
four flamethrowers alternating right, left, right, and left. If you have the
Grenade Launcher, it should be no trouble destroying them before they get to
you. Otherwise, better to stay at the top end of the lift, and retreat to the
bottom as soon as you see one of the flamethrowers flare up. Return to the top
part of the lift when the flame dies out, and repeat this process. Past the
four flamethrowers will be two mechanisms that close in, one at a time. You
should have just enough time to destroy them with the Grenade Launcher before
they reach you if you keep firing and don't let up. If they do crush you,
you'll be killed off instantly. Don't hesitate to use a Mega Crash bomb if it
looks like you won't be able to destroy one of these in time.
At the end of the line, grab a [MEGA CRASH BOMB] from the crate on the right
as you continue in that direction. Keep going right without scrolling the
screen upward and you'll find a pair of crates with a [POWER-UP] and [LIFE-UP].
The Life-Up won't extend your life gauge any further if you've already got all
the other Life-Ups up to this point, but will still restore a bit of life.
Continue along the bottom-right path to find three crates with [FOOD] inside.
On your way upward will be three lightning traps along the walls. These trigger
when you get close, then turn off for a brief moment. Move your character so
his head is between the triggers on the sides, and wait about 1 second after
the lightning appears for it to go away, then quickly move across towards the
next lightning trap and repeat this process. As with the crushing mechanisms,
the lightning traps will kill you off instantly if they hit you. Be careful.
Past the lightning traps are a pair of doors with soldiers pouring out of each.
Shoot the doors to destroy them and prevent more soldiers from coming, then
proceed left. Grab some [FOOD] from the pair of crates nearby, and go up.
Before you move onto the solid portion of the floor by the door above,
shoot out both doorways along either side of the solid floor where soldiers are
coming out of. After both doors are gone, move towards the door up top and it
will open. Forklifts will come down through the door in this order:
right, left, left, right, left, right, left.
The best way to dodge these forklifts is to move up a bit towards one, then
diagonally downward to the other side when it comes close, then up a bit
towards the next one and diagonally down to the other side as that one comes
close, in sort of a figure-8 pattern. Once all the forklifts have passed, the
door will close. Shoot it open and proceed upward.
A pair of armored vehicles shooting missiles blocks the way ahead. Aim your
weapon between both vehicles from a distance and you should be able to tack on
damage to both while countering their missiles. Past the armored vehicles will
be a planeyard. Shoot at the cockpits of each plane to destroy them: they'll
shoot you with rapid fire if you try to pass by beforehand. Watch out for foot
soldiers and the occassional rocket launcher as you make your way through the
planeyard, collecting a few more loot crates on the way, containing in this
order: [FOOD], a [SPREAD SHOT], a [MEGA CRASH BOMB], a [FIRST AID KIT], and a
[GRENADE LAUNCHER]. If you don't have the Grenade Launcher, I strongly suggest
getting it here as it will be the most useful against the final boss coming up.
Shoot out the gate at the end of the planeyard, beyond which will be an armored
vehicle blocking the way with a pair of turrets on either side. The vehicle
unloads rocket launchers, so take them out first while countering the turrets'
missiles from a distance. Take out the turrets once the armored vehicle
goes down.
* BOSS: Missile Silo *
A relatively simple fight, the Missile Silo sits in place firing missiles in
sets of four that quickly come down together on your location. It will fire
these missiles a random amount of times, then stop firing for a bit before
resuming it's attack. Stay towards the bottom of the screen as you attack the
silo from a distance, giving yourself plenty of time to dodge the missiles by
moving off to either side: their explosions can be safely walked through,
just don't let the missiles themselves hit you.
*** [2g] - Arcade Mission 7 ***
Arcade Mode's final mission consists solely of a boss battle. With that said...
* BOSS: "Hercules" Transport *
You will have about 20 seconds to destroy the Hercules before it flies off to
the right and gets away. If it does, the battle will start over from the
beginning. You can retry this fight as many times as it takes, but the
Hercules gets all it's life back each time, so it's best to come out swinging:
shoot at the propellers of the Hercules while avoiding the missiles from the
turrets on either side as best you can. The turrets and their missiles
cannot be destroyed: try to shield yourself from their shots with a
well-timed Mega Crash bomb below the propellers of the Hercules so they're
also caught in the blast. It shouldn't take more than 3 Mega Crash bombs
and your grenade launcher to ground the Hercules in time.
CONGRATS! Consider yourself a hero.
{{{ 3. Original Mode Walkthrough }}}
*** [3a] - Original Mission 1 ***
The enemies in this stage consist exclusively of basic foot soldiers
common to this and every other mission, which charge in from off-screen.
They will fire a shot while moving, a burst of shots at a standstill, or toss
grenades. The grenades are easy to see coming, but do more damage. Watch for
their shadows to see where they'll land. On the Hard difficulty, some foot
soldiers will run quickly toward you and explode if you touch them, doing a
lot of damage. Prioritize these kamikazes when they rush in and shoot them
down quickly. Never stay too close to the very bottom of the screen to avoid
getting ambushed by a kamikaze from off-screen.
Immediately to the right of your starting point through the water are crates
containing [2 MEDALS]. Back on land towards the left, look for two crates
containing a [MEDAL] and a [POWER-UP] as you continue upward. Shoot through
the fences or go around in the water. Your initial movement speed is slower
here than in Arcade Mode, so be wary of foot soldiers attempting to flank you
before you're able to move faster, especially while you're in water. Just past
the fences are two pairs of crates on the left and right containing a total of
[6 MEDALS].
NORMAL ONLY: Just above those crates is another pair containing [FOOD] and a
[MEGA CRASH BOMB].
Continue up along the coastline and grab some [SPEED BOOTS] from the next
crate. Further up and right along the coast will be a crate with [FOOD], and
then a crate with [3 MEDALS]. Continue moving up and towards the right from
here, through the water and into a secret area with a pair of crates containing
[3 MEDALS] and a [MEGA CRASH BOMB], then return to the left and proceed upward,
shooting through the fences in the way.
Past the fences will be a crate towards the left with a [MEDAL], next to some
bunkers. Dodge the shots fired from the soldiers in the bunkers as you run up
towards them to make the soldiers inside retreat and become vulnerable to your
own fire. The crates to the left past the bunkers contain
[FOOD] and a [MEDAL].
NORMAL ONLY: As you move up to these crates, an enemy supply runner in a white
uniform will run in from the top of the screen. Shoot him and he'll drop a
[FIRST AID KIT]. This supply runner is not present on Hard. Instead, there will
be a third crate by the other two containing another portion of [FOOD].
* BOSS: Attack Chopper *
This fight is similar to the one in Mission 1 of Arcade Mode, though you won't
have as many Mega Crash bombs to fall back on. Best to save them for later
anyways unless you really start to struggle during this battle.
Position yourself to fire at the chopper from a diagonal angle as it rises into
view. The chopper peroidically strafes to the side towards your location while
firing, but will sometimes hold it's fire when moving. Stay away from the front
of the chopper to avoid it's gunfire, and shoot at a diagonal whenever it's
safe. When it closes in on one side, run downwards toward the other side when
it's not firing, and resume your attack once you've got some distance on the
other side of the chopper. If you're feeling bold, you can try squeezing in
some shots in front of the chopper if it moves in front of you without firing.
*** [3b] - Original Mission 2 ***
Shoot at the lock on the gate at the beginning of this area to break through.
NORMAL ONLY: Two crates can be found next to this gate, each containing [FOOD].
To the right just past the gate will be two crates with a [MEDAL] and
[SPEED BOOTS]. An armored vehicle will pull up in the center of the path ahead.
Stay towards the bottom of the screen and shoot straight ahead at the vehicle,
destroying the missiles it shoots as you tack on damage. If any additional
soldiers attempt to rush you, take them down between missile attacks before
resuming your assault. You could also try running around the armored vehicle
while shooting it's missiles now that Rifle's Speed level is 3, but it's risky.
The crate to the left of the armored vehicle contains [3 MEDALS].
Enter the allied camp just ahead.
* ALLIED CAMP * (Burner joins the party)
Burger: 2 medals
Spinach: 3 medals
First Aid Kit: 8 medals
Mega Crash Bomb: 5 medals
Power-Up: 5 medals
Life-Up: 6 medals
Top Secret Info: 1 medal (2 available)
It's up to you what you want to buy, but I suggest at least getting a Power-Up
for Burner. If you let him get the other two Power-Ups in this mission along
with the one here in camp, he'll be at Power Level 4 by the time you reach the
boss, which will greatly improve the reach (and power) on his flamethrower.
If playing on Hard, a Mega Crash bomb is also a good investment, as they are
fittingly harder to come by on that difficulty.
Above all, get First Aid for Rifle if his life gauge is almost empty.
Outside the allied camp will be two crates to the left, containing a [LIFE-UP]
and [POWER-UP]. If Burner gets this Life-Up along with the one from the camp,
his life gauge will be maxed out. As you proceed upward, watch for gray knife
soldiers that run in quickly from above. They do a decent amount of damage. In
the nook to the left will be crates with [3 MEDALS], a [MEGA CRASH BOMB], and
[SPEED BOOTS] (the Mega Crash bomb will not be there on Hard).
The Boots should go to Burner, since any Merc with only 1 Speed
is basically a sitting duck, especially on Hard. Shoot through the fence
blocking off the second nook on the left to get to a crate with [3 MEDALS]. An
armored vehicle will pull up at the top of the screen on the right side of the
path unloading soldiers. On Hard, a second armored vehicle shooting missiles
will be to the left of the other armored vehicle. Take out the vechicle
shooting missiles first from a distance, and any additional soldiers that try
to ambush from above or below between missiles. After dealing with the
vehicle(s), proceed upward.
NORMAL ONLY: The nook to the right of the armored vehicles hides a crate with
a [MEGA CRASH BOMB]. On Hard, this nook will be blocked off by an
indestructible fence.
Up ahead are turrets that sit in place, firing missiles. Focus on the turret
closest to you, shooting repeatedly to counter the missiles it fires. When a
turret farther away fires a missile, quickly switch your aim to shoot it down,
then continue working on the turret closest by. On Normal, there will be two
turrets: one on each side. On Hard, there are four turrets: two on each side.
Past the turrets is an armored vehicle shooting missiles in the middle of a
fork in the road. Shoot it from a distance while countering it's missiles with
your own weapon fire.
The path splits from here: first, grab the [3 MEDALS] from the crate on the
right, then go back and up the left path. A pair of crates in the first nook
on the left contain [DYNAMITE] and [3 MEDALS]. Grab the medals after the
dynamite goes off, then cut through the path on the right just above the crate
nearby with [FOOD]. Keep going right until you see a fence. Shoot through it
into a secret path that goes right and up. Along this path are several crates
containing a [POWER-UP], [2 MEDALS], and [DYNAMITE] between another [2 MEDALS].
If you stick to the left path, you'll find [DYNAMITE], a [MEDAL], and more
[DYNAMITE] in the nooks on the far left. If sticking to the right path,
watch out for [DYNAMITE] inside the row of three crates, and shoot through the
upper fence if you're taking the alternate path. The lower fence cannot be
destroyed. If not going through the fence, the crates in the nooks to the right
contain a [MEDAL], then [DYNAMITE]. At the end where these paths merge is a
crate with a separate [POWER-UP] if you don't cut through the fence on the
right.
At the end of these paths will be two turrets, and a crate containing
[5 MEDALS]. Beware of knife soldiers along with the regular foot soldiers
between the initial path split and the two turrets.
NORMAL ONLY: A second crate next to the one with the Big Medal by the two
turrets contains a [MEGA CRASH BOMB]. Above the turrets is another crate
containing [FOOD].
Shoot the lock on the gate above the two turrets to reach the boss.
* BOSS: Fortified Bunker *
Soldiers will emerge from the doors on either side, which can be shot at to
destroy them and stop more from coming. Rocket launchers will also run in from
above the doors, shooting rockets towards you that can be destroyed with your
own weapon fire. Your main target however is the lead solider in the center,
along with the turret above him.
As soon as the battle begins, drop a Mega Crash bomb down in the center while
Burner shoots his flamethrower straight ahead. This should be enough to take
down the lead soldier, which makes the main turret vulnerable. Burner's
flamethrower will make short work of the turret, quickly piling on damage while
taking down the missiles it fires. Once the turret goes down, victory is yours.
*** [3c] - Original Mission 3 ***
Just above your starting position, a supply runner will come down on the
right, who will drop [3 MEDALS] when shot. Enter the allied camp just ahead.
* ALLIED CAMP * (Launcher joins the party)
Chicken: 4 medals
First Aid Kit: 8 medals
Mega Crash Bomb: 5 medals
Power-Up: 6 medals
Life-Up: 7 medals
Elixir: 12 medals
Top Secret Info: 1 medal (2 available)
If Rifle or Burner went down during the last mission, best to revive them here
with an Elixir, which will fully restore their life in the process. If you buy
the Power-Up here for Launcher then let him get the rest of the Power-Ups
found in this mission, he'll be at Power Level 5 by the time you reach the
boss, which will make his grenade's explosions bigger.
Outside the camp, head up and go left, away from the truck that pulls up
unloading soldiers. The path upward will take you to three crates with a
[LIFE-UP], [MEGA CRASH BOMB], and [3 MEDALS]. By comparison, the path on the
right of the truck only contains two crates with a single [MEDAL] and a
[LIFE-UP], past a square lot of crates holding [DYNAMITE] next to the truck.
Back on the left path, there will be a crate up ahead with a [MEDAL], but if
you cut through on the right instead, you can reach the crate at the end of the
right side path with [3 MEDALS].
Another truck unloading soldiers awaits where the two paths meet back up. Feel
free to move past it on the left. Blocking the way up ahead is a truck that
shoots missiles in a straight line. On Normal, you can safely walk past on the
left side, but a second missile truck will be there on Hard. The truck's
missiles can be shot down, but it's safest to shoot at the trucks from a
diagonal next to either crate nearby. There are [SPEED BOOTS] in the crate on
the left, and a [POWER-UP] in the crate on the right. I suggest letting
Launcher get the Speed Boots, maxing out his movement speed right there.
At the beginning of the bridge up ahead is a crate with [FOOD]. There's
[DYNAMITE] in the crate(s) on the bridge (1 on Normal, 3 on Hard). Watch for
grenades being tossed from the soldiers on the sides of the bridge as you wait
for the dynamite to go off and safely cross: their shadows can be tough to see
through the fog. On the other side of the bridge are three crates to the right
with [4 MEDALS] and a [MEGA CRASH BOMB]. Right as you grab the Mega Crash bomb,
be ready to shoot straight ahead at another one of two missile trucks. You can
slip past them both on the left on Normal, but a third truck will be there on
Hard, completely cutting you off. If you gotta fight through, have Burner or
Launcher lay down suppressing fire straight ahead on the far right, focusing on
the rightmost truck. Once it starts exploding, rush forward and shoot through
the destroyable building ahead.
NORMAL ONLY: A crate next to this building contains a [FIRST AID KIT].
HARD ONLY: Two supply runners will run in from above on either side as you pass
the destroyable building. The one on the left drops a [FIRST AID KIT], while
the one on the right drops [DYNAMITE].
Up ahead, the crate at the end of the bridge on the left has [SPEED BOOTS].
Going along the bridge on the right, hold Down and Right as you make you way
across to the right. Continue holding Down and Right until you're across the
bridge and the camera snaps forward. Inside the crate barely visible on the
bottom of the screen is a [BULLETPROOF VEST]. Be sure to grab this first for
whichever Merc you plan on using most BEFORE scrolling the screen upward: it
will reduce all damage that Merc takes by half. Grab [2 MEDALS] from the crates
up ahead, and enter the allied camp nearby.
* ALLIED CAMP *
Burger: 2 medals
Spinach: 3 medals
Chicken: 4 medals
Roast Beef: 5 medals
First Aid Kit: 9 medals
Mega Crash Bomb: 5 medals
Elixir: 12 medals
If any of your Mercs went down, revive them with an Elixir. Otherwise get
First Aid for whoever needs it most, and a Mega Crash bomb
(if playing on Hard).
Outside camp, grab a [MEGA CRASH BOMB] and [POWER-UP] from the crates
at the end of the lowermost bridge on the left.
HARD ONLY: The [MEGA CRASH BOMB] is instead dropped by a supply runner who
comes down on the far right as you're leaving camp.
Take the bridge in the middle across to the left. There's [DYNAMITE] inside the
three crates toward the end of the bridge. Up to the right across this bridge
are two paths you can take, one of which isn't quite as obvious: going across
the upper bridge will take you to three crates with a [POWER-UP], [FOOD], and
a [LIFE-UP]. However, the lower bridge that appears to be broken can also be
crossed. A narrow, hidden path at the end of the lower bridge leads to the
right, snaking slightly up and down a couple times, and ending at another
broken bridge that leads up to a separate cache of crates with a [LIFE-UP],
a [MEGA CRASH BOMB], a [FIRST AID KIT], and a [POWER-UP]. You can't reach both
sets of crates, but the lot past the lower hidden path is more valueable.
You will have to take one of three bridges across up ahead.
The bridge on the left makes for the safest and most profitable trip.
Their contents are as follows:
Left: supply runner with [FOOD].
Middle: supply runner(s) (1 on Normal, 2 on Hard) with [DYNAMITE].
Right: one crate with [FOOD], and three crates with [DYNAMITE].
The crate in the way beyond these bridges contains [DYNAMITE]. When shot open,
you can safely hug the rightmost edge going diagonally up and right.
The dynamite's explosion will just miss you. Immediately to the left past this
dynamite is a crate or two with [5-8 MEDALS] total. (the crate with Twin
Medals sometimes won't show up, and doesn't appear to be tied to difficulty).
Grab some [FOOD] from the crate(s) up ahead (3 portions on Normal, 1 on Hard)
before meeting the boss further up.
* BOSS: Panzer Tank *
This boss is similar to the one in Mission 2 of Arcade Mode. Any of the Mercs
here can defeat this boss relatively easily. Use Launcher if his weapon is at
Power Level 5 and has maxed-out Speed.
Stand at the bottom-middle of the screen and fire at the tank. If you're in the
center, your weapon's fire should destroy the homing missiles it shoots at you.
After firing 3 pairs of homing missiles, the tank will shoot flame pillars
towards you, one after another. Dodge between the flames and return fire.
The tank will alternate between these two attacks, and eventually start to move
back and forth. Move off to one side if it comes close, and dodge the orange
energy balls it shoots whenever you're on either side of the tank.
Once the tank is down to 3 life bars and starts smoking, it will stop shooting
flame pillars and homing missiles, switching to flamethrowers that periodically
flare up from either front corner. The tank itself will also start moving back
and forth more frequently. Be ready to dodge the flamethrowers when you see
(or hear) them flare up.
Stay towards the left or right edge of the screen and shoot the tank when
you're not dodging the flamethrowers in front of the tank, and the energy balls
fired when you're by it's side. The flamethrowers fire in straight lines
towards your position, though won't be able to reach you if you're directly
in front of the tank. That said, only get in front of the tank when it's not
coming down onto you.
*** [3d] - Original Mission 4 ***
Make your way up and left through the bog at the beginning of this mission.
Reduced movement speed is the least of your worries in the bog: divers will
emerge next to you and try to stab you with knives that do a good amount of
damage. If one emerges in front of you, immediately stop moving and back away
a bit as they're still surfacing, quickly turning to shoot them down before
they can reach you. Being the fastest Merc and with a rapid-fire weapon,
Rifle will having the easiest time here. On the other side of the bog,
grab [5 MEDALS] from the crates nearby, and enter the allied camp just ahead.
* ALLIED CAMP * (Laser joins the party)
Chicken: 4 medals
Roast Beef: 5 medals
First Aid Kit: 9 medals
Mega Crash Bomb: 5 medals
Power-Up: 7 medals
Life-Up: 8 medals
Elixir: 12 medals
If you buy the Power-Up for Laser, you'll be able to max out his weapon power
right away with another pair of Power-Ups just outside this camp. Though Laser
can only get 3 Power-Ups, that's all it takes for his weapon to gain the
strength to cut through the big guns and bosses like butter.
Buy him a Mega Crash bomb (if playing on Hard) while you're at it.
To the left outside of camp will be a shorter bog, with three crates on the
left containing a [MEGA CRASH BOMB] and [2 POWER-UPs]. If you are giving these
to Laser as suggested, have Rifle shoot open the crates first and clear the way
for Laser to grab them, since he's much slower at the moment and will have
trouble picking off all the smaller enemies with his limited rate of fire. On
the other side of the bog will be crates with [SPEED BOOTS] (ideally for Laser)
and [2 MEDALS]. Remember to watch for knife-wielding divers in this bog,
and the next bog coming up.
Towards the left in the next bog are three crates containing a total of
[3 MEDALS], at which point the path splits. The left path leading out of the
bog contains two crates with a [LIFE-UP] and [MEDAL], along with another
[MEDAL] in a nearby crate above. But if you stay in the bog and go right,
you'll find an alternate path with crates containing [FOOD], [5 MEDALS],
a [MEGA CRASH BOMB], and a [LIFE-UP] (The Food won't be there on Hard).
Up ahead where the paths merge is a row of five crates, each containing
[DYNAMITE]. Shoot them from a distance and wait for the dynamite to go off
before moving up. Past the dynamite, watch out for knife runners rushing in
from above as you move up. Grab a [MEGA CRASH BOMB] by the waters ahead.
Take out the hovercrafts before entering the water so their torpedoes can't
reach you, harmlessly exploding on the coastline. Switch to whichever Merc is
lowest on life and enter the orange hovercraft. Immediately to the right will
be a nook with a row of crates containing 4 portions of [FOOD] (3 on Hard).
Shoot down the other hovercrafts with your own torpedoes before reaching
the bridge up ahead. Pull up next to the bridge and rapidly fire torpedoes
to break through. If your hovercraft is destroyed, quickly look for another
orange hovercraft to take over nearby.
NORMAL ONLY: Straight ahead past the bridge on the leftmost part of the coast
will be three crates. The middle crate contains [3 MEDALS], while the crates
on either side of it contain [DYNAMITE]. On Hard, only the dynamite will be
there. Stay in your boat and park on the right side of the coast instead.
Back on land, a row of five crates up ahead contains, from left to right:
a [POWER-UP], [5 MEDALS], a [LIFE-UP], a [FIRST AID KIT],
and a [MEGA CRASH BOMB]. After looting up, move upward into the water ahead
to face the boss.
* BOSS: War Craft *
The War Craft rushes in from the top of the screen the moment the screen stops
scroling and all foot soldiers still in the area are automatically wiped out.
It moves back and forth along the top of the screen, firing homing missiles
in pairs that can thankfully be destroyed, as dodging them in the water is
pretty much out of the question. The War Craft may also charge straight ahead
towards the bottom of the screen to hit you, before returning to the top. All
the while soldiers inside the craft will be shooting several standard shots
your way.
This boss and it's attacks are pretty difficult to avoid, but it doesn't take
much to destroy it either, making it a bit of a glass cannon. It's honestly
best to end this fight ASAP: the moment the War Craft rushes in from the top
and it's life bars appear, drop a Mega Crash bomb on it while spamming
Laser's beam. If he's fully powered-up from earlier, this fight
shouldn't take much more than 5 seconds.
*** [3e] - Original Mission 5 ***
The crate just above your starting location contains a [POWER-UP].
Just ahead are several bunkers occupied by soldiers that will shoot at you
from the safety of these bunkers. You can move in towards the bunkers to get
the soldiers to retreat and become vulnerable, but Burner and Laser's weapons
can also be used to take out the soldiers before they've left the bunkers.
Past the bunkers is a row of three palm trees. Shoot the trees to destroy them
and obtain items from each. From left to right: a [MEDAL], a [FIRST AID KIT],
and some [FOOD] (the First Aid Kit will not be there on Hard).
The path splits in two beyond the three trees. Both paths are relatively
similar in both enemy and item layout, but contain an exclusive allied camp
at the end, both with different stocks of items. The left path is technically
better, but read on for more details.
The left path starts with a crate containing [3 MEDALS] next to a destroyable
building. Beyond the building will be a pair of crates with a [LIFE-UP] and
a [POWER-UP]. Take out the tank above from a distance and the rocket launchers
that run in front of the tank before grabbing these items. Inside two crates
near the allied camp past the tank are [2 MEDALS]. The right path is similar
but does not contain Medals, and the allied camp exclusive to it's path
has an arguably inferior selection of items.
* ALLIED CAMP (left) * * ALLIED CAMP (right) *
First Aid Kit: 10 medals Burger: 2 medals
Gold First Aid: 13 medals Spinach: 3 medals
Mega Crash Bomb: 6 medals Chicken: 4 medals
Power-Up: 8 medals Roast Beef: 5 medals
Life-Up: 10 medals First Aid Kit: 9 medals
Speed Boots: 7 medals Gold First Aid: 12 medals
Elixir: 15 medals Elixir: 13 medals
Though prices are a bit higher in the camp on the left, you'll also have more
medals to trade for a better selection of items, including some Speed Boots
which you should buy if nothing else. Elixirs will be less expensive at the
first camp in Mission 6 if you can hold out that long. If two or more Mercs
are currently out of commission however, best to revive one of them now.
Both allied camps lead outside near the same location.
NORMAL ONLY: Up past the allied camp on the right is a group of crates
containing [SPEED BOOTS] surronded by [DYNAMITE]. Up past the allied camp on
the left is a crate with a [MEGA CRASH BOMB]. Grab the item from one side, then
cross to the other side to get the other item before continuing upward.
Only the crates with dynamite will be here on Hard.
Up ahead where the two paths merge outside the allied camps will be two tanks
(three on Hard) that patrol back and forth. Best to have Laser pick them off:
his beams travel the entire length of the screen, letting him snipe each tank
from afar. And if his weapon power is maxed out, it shouldn't take more than 4
direct hits to take down each tank. Laser's beams can even pierce through
multiple tanks at once if you're feeling so bold. If you're feeling EXTRA bold,
and Rifle's Speed is maxed out, have him run past the tanks altogether once
there's an opening (best not to try this if more than two tanks
are currently present).
Past the tanks is a row of three crates containing a [POWER-UP], [5 MEDALS],
and a [MEGA CRASH BOMB]. On Hard, two additional crates containing [DYNAMITE]
will be located between these crates. Immediately to the left of these crates
is a set of three palm trees in a triangle pattern. Shoot the leftmost tree to
find a [POWER-UP].
HARD ONLY: Another set of three tress can be found to the right of the three
trees on the left. Shoot the leftmost tree to find a [FIRST AID KIT].
On Normal, the tree containing the First Aid will not be here.
While searching these trees, take out the jeep driver nearby and take his jeep
for a ride up ahead, shooting your way through two more rows of trees. All the
trees will make noise as if taking damage when shot with your weapons, but only
every other tree within each row can be destroyed. If a tree is still standing
after two jeep missiles, try the next one over. The three destroyable trees in
the first row each contain a [MEDAL], while the three destroyable trees in the
second row contain [DYNAMITE]. Past the second row of trees will be a cluster
of more trees up towards the center. Shoot out the two on the bottom to find
[2 MEDALS].
NORMAL ONLY: A tree will be present in the center of the cluster that you can
reach after shooting away the other two on the bottom which contains a
[GOLD FIRST AID KIT].
Enter the allied camp up ahead. If you manage to make it here with the jeep
intact, it will self-destruct automatically.
* ALLIED CAMP *
Mega Crash Bomb: 6 medals
Chicken: 4 medals
Roast Beef: 5 medals
Power-Up: 8 medals
First Aid Kit: 10 medals
Gold First Aid: 13 medals
Elixir: 15 medals
Buy whatever you think you'll need, but know that there's a Gold First Aid Kit
not too far past this camp which can be obtained on either difficulty level.
Outside camp, proceed up and to the right. Inside the crates nearby will be
[FOOD] and [3 MEDALS], along with a [LIFE-UP] if playing on Normal. Continue to
the far left. Inside the next pair of crates will be a [MEGA CRASH BOMB] and
a [POWER-UP]. Leave the crate above that's fenced off alone for now, and go
right. Look for a column of four stick bundles on the left side of the path up
ahead: you can slip under and through the stick bundle on the bottom to reach
the crate that was fenced off, which contains a [GOLD FIRST AID KIT]. Return to
the right back through the bottom of the stick bundle column. If you scrolled
the screen up too far, you can escape through the upper portion of the column
instead.
There's [DYNAMITE] in the three crates blocking the way ahead up to the left.
Keep going past them to the far left without scrolling the screen up to find a
pair of crates with [5 MEDALS] and a [MEGA CRASH BOMB]. Up ahead will be two
tanks standing between you and the boss. Have Laser shoot at them from behind
the row of stick bundles. The tank shells will still be able to pass through
the bundles, but so can Laser's beams. After the tanks go down, grab a
[FIRST AID KIT] from the crate on the other side of the stick bundles.
* BOSS: Desert Tanks *
This fight is broken into two phases. Bikers will ride up from the bottom of
the screen, then jeeps will come down from the top of the screen. There are
about 16 bikers and 6 jeeps total. The bikers will go down quickly to weapon
fire, but you're better off avoiding the jeeps since they're more durable.
After this, the boss fight begins proper.
The first Desert Tank pulls up towards the top center of the screen, followed
shortly by the other two tanks pulling up on either side towards the top.
The center tank shoots energy balls similar to the Panzer Tank from Mission 3,
while the side tanks shoot destroyable missiles. Right after the side tanks
appear, the center tank will move down towards the bottom of the screen, as all
three start attacking at once, each moving back up or down at times.
Try opening this fight with Launcher or Laser, softening up the middle tank as
soon as it rolls in while dodging it's energy balls. Then, try dropping a
Mega Crash bomb so it catches one of the tanks on the side along with the
center tank, while giving you a bit of time to safely reposition yourself as
the tanks shift positions. As each tank goes down, the remaining tank(s) will
start firing more quickly. If possible, take out one of the tanks on the side
first, then the middle tank, and finally the tank on the other side. It can
be difficult to deal with both side tanks at once when they have you surrounded
and start shooting more quickly.
*** [3f] - Original Mission 6 ***
You won't have to worry about any pesky knife divers as you work through the
waters at the beginning of this mission, but there's no shortage of common foot
soldiers, either. Avoiding their attacks can be tougher due to having reduced
movement speed in the water. Their grenades in particular can catch you by
surprise since their shadows are harder to see atop the water. Stay vigilant.
Rifle will have the easiest time crossing through the waters with his high
movement speed and rate of fire.
Inside the first two crates at the start will be [2 MEDALS]. In the first body
of water are two small patches of land, with a pair of crates on each. First
on the left is a [POWER-UP] and some [FOOD], then on the right is some [FOOD]
and a [MEGA CRASH BOMB]. Out to the right side in the second body of water is
another island with two crates containing [5 MEDALS] and a [MEGA CRASH BOMB]
(along with two more crates above these containing [DYNAMITE] on Hard). As soon
as you cross onto land up ahead, head left to find a crate or two with
[5-8 MEDALS] (8 on Normal, 5 on Hard), and another [3 MEDALS] total from the
three crates on the right. Enter the allied camp up ahead towards the left.
* ALLIED CAMP *
Roast Beef: 5 medals
Power-Up: 9 medals
First Aid Kit: 10 medals
Gold First Aid: 14 medals
Elixir: 10 medals
Elixir: 10 medals
Top Secret Info: 1 medal (4 available)
Plenty of recovery items here should you have taken any heavy casualties during
the last boss battle, which hopefully won't be the case. If any Mercs did go
down, revive them now. Things only get tougher from here on.
Immediately to the right outside camp is a crate with [5 MEDALS]. Be careful
getting this on Hard that you don't get ambushed by a possible kamikaze from
the bottom of the screen. Up ahead are two missile trucks: the first one pulls
up on the right side of the road just above the nearby fountain, while the
second truck pulls up on the left just above the first one. The first truck on
the right fires volleys of destroyable missiles straight ahead similar to the
trucks from Mission 3, but the elite truck on the left shoots bigger missiles
in sets of two that split into smaller missiles when they land or are shot.
The payload fired by these elite missile trucks can be tricky to deal with.
You're best using a Merc with high movement speed and/or a weapon with wide
coverage to cancel out the big missiles and the smaller missiles they unleash
or avoid them altogether. You may be able to dodge one big missile in a set of
two, but then have to shoot down the small missiles coming from the second
missile when you see it land further away. Grab some [FOOD] and a [POWER-UP]
from the crates near these two trucks once they're dealt with.
Up ahead is another new missile truck (on Hard, a second one will appear before
the first one as you enter the narrow portion of the road). These toxic missile
trucks also shoot big missiles in sets of two, but these explode into clouds of
toxic green gas when they land. Getting hit by one of these directly is bad
enough, but standing in the gas clouds will cause your life to drain quickly
unless your Merc has a Gas Mask (or post-damage invincibility). Avoid the
missiles and the gas as best you can, and take the truck down while watching
for additional foot soldiers below. The second truck that shows up first on
Hard will fire at you in a tight space, making it's gas clouds difficult to
avoid as soldiers close in from below: a literal choke point.
Don't be afraid to use a Mega Crash bomb on this truck.
Grab a [LIFE-UP] from the crate to the left of the truck(s).
Past the destroyable flowerbeds and fountain up ahead are a pair of crates with
[FOOD], and another crate to the left with a [MEDAL]. Proceed to the right. An
elite missile truck will pull up ahead as you approach the nearby crosswalk,
just past which will be a toxic missile truck. Once it goes down, head left to
find three crates with a [LIFE-UP], [POWER-UP], and [SPEED BOOTS]. Grab these,
then start shooting at the barriers just to the left. Eventually they'll blow
up, leading to a secret area with more crates containing
a [GOLD FIRST AID KIT], [MEGA CRASH BOMB], and [BULLETPROOF VEST]
(the Gold First Aid only shows up on Normal).
Up ahead back to the right will be a pair of crates containing [FOOD] on the
left and [DYNAMITE] on the right. Three supply runners will also start coming
down the left path, dropping [FOOD], [3 MEDALS], and a [MEGA CRASH BOMB] in
that order. Let the supply runners pass just below the column of trees on the
right side of the left path before shooting them so you can grab their spoils
while still taking the narrow path on the right side of the trees that contains
crates with [5 MEDALS] and a [FIRST AID KIT] (on Hard, only the supply runner
carrying Twin Medals will be present). At the end of the narrow path between
the trees ahead will be crates with [FOOD] and a [POWER-UP]. A standard missile
truck will come in from the right as soon as you grab these (along with an
elite missile truck off to the left if playing on Hard), joined by a toxic
missile truck just behind it towards the center. If you're able to, try dealing
with one truck at a time from a distance before scrolling the screen upward and
triggering the toxic missile truck to start attacking. Alternatively, you could
risk having a fast Merc make a run for it past the trucks, which will go away
once you reach the boss just ahead.
* BOSS: Artillery Base *
Move over to the far left or right side before triggering this boss battle to
be out of the way of all the missiles launched once it begins, and start
firing at either turret on the far side to counter it's missiles. There are
four missiles turrets alongside the main missile launcher in the center: the
two turrets furthest from the center shoot homing missiles, while the two
turrets closer to the main launcher shoot missiles straight ahead. All the
turrets and their missiles can be destroyed, while your main target is the
central launcher that shoots toxic missiles.
Start working on either of the turrets on the far side of the screen as you
counter it's missiles and the missiles from the turret on the other far side.
Stay towards the edge of the screen out of the way of the turrets towards the
center that fire straight ahead as you avoid the toxic missiles and their gas.
With Mega Crash bombs, try dropping one so it hits multiple turrets at once
along with the central turret. Once all the side turrets go down, you're free
to finish off the central turret. Fire at it towards the bottom-middle of the
screen between sidestepping past the missiles it launches your way.
*** [3g] - Original Mission 7 ***
This is easily the most non-linear mission, with multiple paths
and hidden areas.
NORMAL ONLY: the two crates next to your starting position
contain a [POWER-UP] and a [LIFE-UP].
Immediately to the left of your starting position, shoot at the skinny crate.
It will eventually blow up, clearing the way to a hidden path with several
crates containing four portions of [FOOD] and a [MEGA CRASH BOMB]. Just off to
the far left will be two crates with [FOOD] and a [GAS MASK]. Whichever Merc
takes the Gas Mask will be immune to damage from the green gas that comes from
the toxic missile trucks (though obviously contact with the missiles themselves
will still hurt). Best to give the gas mask to a slow Merc, if not whoever
you're using most.
There are two paths you can take up ahead. The main path in the center, and a
hidden path to the far right blocked off by destroyable barricades. Both paths
contain a crate with a [POWER-UP], but the hidden path on the right will let
you skip fighting an elite missile truck. To the far left at the end of either
path will be more crates with [FOOD], [3 MEDALS], and a [MEGA CRASH BOMB].
Go back right and proceed upward. A missile truck on the left and an elite
missile truck on the right will block the way ahead. The nook to the right of
the trucks is a dead end. Proceed up instead into the allied camp.
* ALLIED CAMP *
First Aid Kit: 3 medals
First Aid Kit: 11 medals
First Aid Kit: 11 medals
Gold First Aid: 14 medals
Gold First Aid: 14 medals
Gold First Aid: 14 medals
Elixir: 16 medals
Plenty of healing items here to help tend to your wounds. The First Aid going
for 3 Medals is a great deal. Definitely buy it, if nothing else.
There are several branching paths outside camp just ahead. First up, the path
splits in two. The main path on the left will have you fighting a missile
truck, followed by a toxic missile truck just behind it. The crate blocked off
to the left contains a [FIRST AID KIT]. Shoot the skinny crate nearby to
destroy it and get to the First Aid. The secret path on the right however,
accessible by shooting through the skinny crate on the far right, will let you
avoid these trucks and contains crates with a [FIRST AID KIT] and [GAS MASK].
The path splits in two again just ahead. Both are pretty similar, containing
a line of two turrets (three on Hard) and some medals in a crate or two, but
the path on the left will get you [3 MEDALS], compared to [2 MEDALS] on the
right path.
Next up ahead, the path splits three ways. The left and right paths each
contain a toxic missile truck (two toxic trucks on the right path on Hard),
while the middle path contains a row of three turrets. If you take the path on
the right, you can reach a crate with a [BULLETPROOF VEST] by shooting through
the section of fence just to it's right.
Finally, the path splits in two again just ahead, each path having a different
configuration of turrets. On Normal, each path has a column of three turrets
on the sides of their paths. On Hard, each path has five turrets:
alternating sides on the left, and together in a column on the right.
To the immediate far left just path these paths is a crate or two with
[3 MEDALS] (and a [FIRST AID KIT] on Normal). Grab these before getting the
[MEDAL] from the crate above nearby, and continue upward towards the left.
Shoot through the skinny crates in the way before scrolling the screen too far
up, which will trigger rocket launchers to run in behind the crates. The crate
behind the skinny crates contains a [POWER-UP]. The row of three crates up
above only contain [DYNAMITE]. Instead, go towards the immediate far right to
find a pair of crates with [FOOD] and a [MEGA CRASH BOMB]. Then, go back up the
left side of the boxes to find another pair of crates with [FOOD] and
[SPEED BOOTS]. Assuming you're playing on Normal and got the Speed Boots from
Mission 5's allied camp, every Merc should now have maxed-out movement speed.
Continue up to the right, and move onto the raft marked "ENTER". As you ride
the raft upward, watch for soldiers from either side, and a line of 4 turrets
(5 on Hard) on the left side. Shoot the turret missiles down from a diagonal
angle, but be sure to dodge any stray grenades that head your way as well. Take
out the rocket launchers that run in from the top-right towards the end of the
raft ride. Once docked, head to the immediate far left, scrolling the screen up
as little as possible. You should find a crate with a [GOLD FIRST AID KIT].
Grab this before getting the [FOOD] and [MEDAL] from the other two crates, then
enter the allied camp nearby.
* ALLIED CAMP *
First Aid Kit: 11 medals
Gold First Aid: 14 medals
Mega Crash Bomb: 7 medals
Power-Up: 10 medals
Life-Up: 12 medals
Elixir: 16 medals
Top Secret Info 1 medal (1 available)
Buy whatever you need, and be on your way.
Outside camp, shoot through the skinny crates up ahead, then through the
skinny crate above the fence on the right. Further right past this crate is a
pair of crates with a [MEGA CRASH BOMB] and a [LIFE-UP]. Just ahead on the
main path will be a toxic missile truck on the left, and an elite missile truck
behind it on the right (and on Hard, another toxic missile truck behind that
one on the left). You have limited room to fight all these trucks, as you
cannot cross onto the beach nearby just yet. Try to fight them one at a time
before scrolling the screen too far upward. A supply runner will come down
along the right side of the path as you pass the elite missile truck's
location. He will drop a [FIRST AID KIT] on Normal, and a [GOLD FIRST AID KIT]
on Hard. Take the stairs behind the trucks up onto the beach, making sure to
scroll the screen all the way to the right before going up into the water to
face the boss.
* BOSS: Battleship *
Position yourself on the right side of the beach as the Battleship's left
side moves into view. Take out the three small turrets first, while dodging
the missiles fired from the two missile bays on top of the ship (their
explosions are safe to run through, just don't get hit by the actual
missiles). Once the small turrets are down, take out the missile bays.
Once both are destroyed, the Battleship's right side will move into view.
The right side of the Battleship only has two small turrets and one missile
bay, but also has a doorway which rocket launchers will emerge from. Take out
the small turret on the left at the very least, then focus your attack on the
door and missile bay from a diagonal angle, using Laser for the best results.
His beams can pierce through both the door and missile bay at the same time.
DO NOT SHOOT AT THE SQUARE LINE PATTERN ON THE LOWER-RIGHT!
This is the ship's oil tank. If shot open, the resulting oil spill will force
you off the beach and into the water, making it's attacks that much harder
to deal with now and during the next phase of this battle.
Once the missile bay goes down, the Battleship's center will come into view.
In the center of the Battleship are two more small turrets, along with a pair
of big turrets and a flamethrower in the center. The big turrets cannot be
destroyed, but their missiles can be shot down despite resembling the
indestructible shells fired from tanks. Be ready for both the turrets and
flamethrower to fire the moment the Battleship is centered and it's life bars
are visible. The flamethrower is your main target, which will flare up in a
straight line towards your location. Dodge to the side as it flares up and
return fire, shooting down any missiles shot from the big turrets on either
side. If you triggered the oil spill from earlier, Mega Crash spam your way
to victory with Burner or Launcher: they can't afford to stay in the waters
for long during this phase due to their low movement speed.
*** [3h] - Original Mission 8 ***
Just above your starting position will be a pair of turrets. Focus on one at a
time, shooting down it's missiles with your weapon, changing your aim only to
counter missiles fired from the other turret.
NORMAL ONLY: Past these two turrets is a crate with a [MEGA CRASH BOMB].
Two more pairs of turrets await past the first pair. Try to take out the first
two before scrolling the screen upward and revealing the other two just above.
Enter the allied camp up ahead towards the left.
* ALLIED CAMP * (Homing joins the party)
Power-Up: 1 medal
Mega Crash Bomb: 8 medals
First Aid Kit: 12 medals
Gold First Aid: 14 medals
Elixir: 16 medals
Elixir: 16 medals
Top Secret Info: 3 medals (2 available)
The inexpensive Power-Up is technically meant for Homing, along with the
Power-Up just outside this camp. But even at full power, Homing isn't exactly
a strong Merc. There are no Speed Boots between here and the rest of the game
either, locking his Speed Level at 1. Don't feel bad about giving these
Power-Ups to somebody else. This is one of the last allied camps:
buy whatever you can afford.
Outside camp, watch for minecarts that come in from the top of the screen along
any of the three tracks ahead. They can be destroyed, but you're better off
dodging them when possible since they'll just keep coming. Look for an opening
between minecarts, and send your fastest Merc across. The minecarts will stop
coming once the tops of the tracks are visible.
NORMAL ONLY: Immediately to the far right outside the allied camp is a crate
with a [GOLD FIRST AID KIT].
The two crates above contain a [POWER-UP] and a [LIFE-UP]. Dotted along the
minecart tracks up ahead are more crates leading left, right, and left again,
containing a total of [6 MEDALS]. Try to have at least 6 medals on you before
leaving this area. If you already do, feel free to ignore the rest of the
medals here and move up into the planeyard.
Inside the planeyard, shoot at the cockpit of a plane before trying to pass by
it's front, or you'll be hit with rapid fire shots. If Rifle's speed is maxed
out, he can run past between shots with good timing. Deal with the first plane
in either fashion, then the next plane up to the right. Feel free to ignore
the plane in the lower-right. Up to the left past these planes will be
[FOOD] inside a crate or two (2 portions on Normal, 1 portion on Hard).
Continue to the right along the upper part by the wall of obstacles, ignoring
the plane to the far right, going up and to the left. Up ahead from here are
five more planes to deal with: one on the left, a pair above that plane, and a
second pair above the first pair. Immediately to the left past the second pair
of planes is a crate with a [BULLETPROOF VEST]. Take out the watchtower on the
left and the gunner shooting from inside. Proceed to the left.
NORMAL ONLY: Immediately to the far left just above this watchtower is a crate
with a [FIRST AID KIT].
On the far left will be a pair of crates containing [FOOD]. Before grabbing
the Food however, deal with the armored vehicle shooting missiles up above,
and the pair of gunners in the watchtowers on either side. This vehicle must
be destroyed before the screen will contniue scrolling upward. Proceed up and
to the right, scrolling the screen upward as little as possible to give
yourself room to take on another armored vehicle unloading soldiers along
with another pair of watchtower gunners. Up ahead past them will be one more
armored vehicle unloading rocket launchers. Focus fire on the vehicle's door
from a distance to take them all down at once, then shoot through the door
behind the vehicle into the next area.
The inside of the enemy hideout here mainly contains common foot soldiers,
some of which will emerge from doors in the walls. Shoot at these doors to
destroy them and prevent additional soldiers from coming. Take the first right
towards a crate with [DYNAMITE], past which will be a door on the far right
with no soldiers coming out of it. Enter this door to access a secret
allied camp inside.
* ALLIED CAMP *
First Aid Kit: 1 medal
Gold First Aid: 1 medal
Mega Crash Bomb: 1 medal
Power-Up: 1 medal
Life-Up: 1 medal
Elixir: 1 medal
Top Secret Info: 1 medal (1 available)
You can stock up on everything here with the 6 medals you got from the
minecart tracks. Buy whatever you can and return to the left back outside.
Further up ahead will be a door you can shoot open. Beyond this door are two
crates containing [FOOD] and [DYNAMITE]. Watch for attacks from the soldiers
off on either side as you wait for the dynamite to blow. Proceed upward to
another door you can shoot open. The area behind this door is dark: you'll be
able to see it's walls and the enemy soldiers' attacks, but not the soldiers
themselves. The idea here is to use Homing's missiles to seek out the soldiers
since they cannot be seen, but any Merc can get through this area just as well
with a bit of blind fire. Past the first bend in the rightmost wall will be two
crates with [FOOD]. Continue up towards the right, then proceed left.
NORMAL ONLY: A crate to the left of the door at the end of this dark area
contains a [GOLD FIRST AID KIT].
Shoot through the door and proceed upward outside the darkness. To the right
past two doors with be three lightning traps lined up along the walls up ahead.
These aren't as fatal as their Arcade Mode equivalents, but still do a LOT of
damage. Line your character's head up between the trap's sensors, then wait
about 1 second for the lightning to disappear once it's triggered. Quickly move
up to the next lightning trap, and repeat this process. Take out the soldiers
and the two doors they emerge from as you finish crossing the lightning traps.
NORMAL ONLY: Past these two doors to the left will be a narrow path blocked off
by two crates containing [DYNAMITE]. At the end of this path past the dynamite
is a crate with a [MEGA CRASH BOMB]. The dynamite crates will return on your
way back to the right. Ignore this area on Hard, as only the dynamite will be
present.
Proceed left, up, and right, shooting through the soldiers and the doors
they emerge from. Shoot through the door at the end of this pathway and step
onto the lift above marked "ENTER" from the left or right side. Soldiers will
attack from either side as the lift moves upward. You will also have to avoid
two more lightning traps: stay at the top edge of the lift, then retreat to the
bottom edge as soon as the lightning appears. Do this again for the second
lightning trap, dodging any stray grenades as well. At the end of the line,
you'll find seven crates leading up to the final door containing four portions
of [FOOD], a [FIRST AID KIT], a [GOLD FIRST AID KIT], and [DYNAMITE].
Patch up Laser and whoever else you plan on using for the final encounter,
then shoot through the door up ahead.
* BOSS: ICBM *
The ICBM itself doesn't attack, but you'll have to watch out for missiles
launched from the sides that come down towards you. These missiles and the
turrets that fire them cannot be destroyed, so just dodge them instead as you
damage the ICBM that rises up in the center. You will have about 24 seconds to
destroy it from the moment it becomes vulnerable to attack once the front end
is visible. Laser will have the easiest time taking it down, but Rifle, Burner,
and Launcher can also get the job done in time so long as they have at least
2 Speed to consistently dodge the missiles and a reasonably powered-up weapon.
Mega Crash bombs will also help speed things along, just don't waste them
before the ICBM can be damaged.
WARNING: DO NOT USE HOMING FOR THIS BATTLE! His limited attack power will not
be enough to stop the ICBM in time by himself. And unlike Arcade Mode's
final battle, if the ICBM is allowed to launch and get away... it's Game Over.
CONGRATS! Your country salutes you.
{{{ 4. Secrets and Cheats }}}
*** [4a] - Mission Select Code ***
At the SEGA logo, hold down the following buttons on Controller 2:
Left, Down, A, B, C.
Keep holding these buttons until the Mercs title screen appears. Upon
selecting Arcade or Original Mode, the Mission Select screen will appear.
Press Left or Right to select a Mission (Round), then press Start.
*** [4b] - The Original Mode Code ***
The default initials on the high score table are as follows:
ORI, GIN, ALM, ODE, ABC, STA, RT
When put together, they spell out this code: "ORIGINAL MODE ABC START".
Highlight Original Mode from the main menu, then hold down A, B, and C while
pressing Start. This code turns most all the normal foot soldiers in Original
Mode into quick kamikazes. This code works on Orignal Mode's Hard difficulty
as well for the ultimate challenge!
*** [4c] - First Aid For All ***
In Original Mode, have a Merc that's low on life pick up a Gold First Aid Kit.
The moment their life gauge fills up to full, press Start and quickly select
another Merc that's low on life. Press Start to unpause the game, and the other
Merc you selected should start to recover life as well. As soon as that Merc's
life gauge is full, press Start and quickly switch to another Merc that
needs life. Repeat until everyone's life gauges are full.
*** [4d] - Top Secret Information ***
The top secret information that can be purchased in Original Mode
is made somewhat redundant by this guide, but has been listed here
for completion's sake.
Mission 2:
* "Beware! Some item boxes have bombs in them."
* "Within the fences, you'll find things you can break."
Mission 3:
* "You'll sustain less damage if you grab the special uniform."
* "You may get to places that seem inaccessible."
Mission 6:
* "Stay away from poisonous gas."
* "The missile trucks carry poisonous gas. Beware!"
* "Pick up the gas mask to protect yourself from poisonous gas."
* "Some things cannot be broken unless you use certain weapons."
Mission 7:
* "Do not aim at the gas tank in the rear end of the tanks."
Mission 8:
* "Be careful when crossing railway tracks."
* "You'll find allies within the enemies' buildings."
