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                    F-15 Strike Eagle FAQ/Walkthrough
                               For the NES
                  Version 1.05 (Last Updated 4/25/2010)
                             By Devin Morgan

  This file is Copyright (c)2009-2010 Devin Morgan. All rights reserved.

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Table of Contents

1. What's New
2. Introduction
3. Controls
4. Overview
5. Walkthrough
6. Secrets/Tips and Tricks
7. Credits
8. Copyright Notice

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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
-=  1. What's New -=
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Version 1.05 (4/25/10): Added data on the secret missions, thanks to ReyVGM.
I also fleshed out the Overview section a bit better.

Version 1.0 (5/5/09): The first, complete version of this FAQ.

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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
-=  2. Introduction -=
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

F-15 Strike Eagle is another war-themed shooter game for the NES. This game
is based on the Gulf War, as evidenced by the locales you visit here. The
game itself is relatively short though, comprised of only seven missions.
However, you can set the difficulty level and even bring a second player
along, which adds to the game in a certain way. Other than that, it really is
your typical rail shooter during the 8-bit era; I'd suggest checking it out
if not just for the experience (it can get a bit tedious/boring).

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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
-=  3. Controls -=
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

NOTE: These are the basic controls; for more complex maneuvers, please read
     the Overview section.

Control Pad: Move your jet

Start: Use currently selected defense item during game

Select: Access menu screen during game, accelerate/decelerate (hold and press
       Up/Down on non-Airman difficulty)

A: Use regular guns (hold for constant fire)

B: Use equipped missiles (only when enemy is targeted)

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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
-=  4. Overview -=
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

==========
Game Modes
==========

When you first start the game, you will be able to pick what gameplay mode
you wish to start with. You can choose the regular 1-player mode (which is
what the walkthrough section covers), or one of the 2-player modes (team play
and competition). The Saved Pilot options are where you can input passwords
gained after completing missions in the game previously.

After you choose what game mode you wish to play, you will be able to enter
your name. Once you finish that, you will go to a screen with the US flag in
the background. Press Up/Down to select the difficulty level. There are four
difficulty settings, each with its own differences (aside from tougher
enemies in battle):

Airman: Game is on a track (veer off-course and the game will auto-steer to
       your next target automatically). Cannot fly upside-down. Cannot use
       different missiles/defense items.

Pilot: Game is not on a track (veer off-course and the game will NOT auto-
      steer unless you go to the map edge. Cannot fly upside-down. Cannot
      use different missiles/defense items.

Combat Pilot: Game is not on a track. Can fly upside-down. Can use all three
             missile types, as well as both defense items.

Ace: Game is not on a track. Can fly upside-down. Can use all three missile
    types, as well as both defense items. You receive less regular ammo. You
    can access the secret missions if you complete the regular ones and earn
    a medal on each.

After you pick the difficulty, you will go to the mission select screen.
Initially, only the first mission will be accessible, but you unlock the next
mission once you beat the first one, and so on. However, completing the
mission is not enough to unlock the next one. You must accumulate a high
enough score to earn a promotion. If you don't get one, you will need to
replay past missions to gain the necessary points to be promoted. That is the
only way to access the next mission in the sequence.


===========
Menu Screen
===========

During the game, you can access the menu screen by pressing Select. This will
allow you to view the map and your current target, among other things. There
are three sections to this screen; you start on the center section. In the
center section, you can see your current target or bail out (quit the
mission). If you press Left, you can change your missiles. If you press
Right, you can change your defense items. You can change settings on each
part of this screen by pressing Up and Down on the control pad. It is a bit
clunky and it will take some getting used to, sadly.


==============
In-Game Screen
==============

While in the actual gameplay mode, you will be in the cockpit of your jet.
You can see various settings, including the radar, horizon meter, current
fuel supply, your ammo (on the right side above the horizon meter - missiles
and defense item supplies are above the main radar), and the status of your
jet's engines (1 and 2) on the left side of the screen. As you take damage,
the engine readings will turn yellow (warning) and eventually red (damaged).
If both engines are damaged, you won't be able to maintain flight, so you
will pretty much have to bail out and retry the mission.

At the bottom of your screen, you can see your current speed. You speed up by
diving and slow down by ascending. If you are NOT playing on the easiest
difficulty setting, you can manually accelerate and decelerate as well by
holding Select and Up/Down to move the throttle (to the right of the center
radar). You can also view your current heading in degrees. Of course, you can
also see the landscape ahead of you to figure out your current heading and
vertical bearings. If you try to ascend sharply for too long, you will stall
out and be unable to accelerate (recover by diving). You can turn sharply,
but you will be able to maintain speed and your vertical balance by flying
level to the horizon. It will make a lot more sense when you are actually
playing the game.


====================
Medals and Promotion
====================

In this game, you start off with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Your rank
determines whether or not you can proceed to the next mission, but you do
gain promotions based on your scores after completing the missions. The
highest rank you can attain is General. If you die on a mission or not score
enough points, it is possible for you to be demoted or simply not get a
promotion at that time.

Depending on how well you did on each of the seven regular missions, you may
also receive a medal. This is score-based, and they are as follows:

Air Force Achievement Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal
Bronze Star
Silver Star
Distinguished Flying Cross
Air Force Cross
Congressional Medal of Honor

If you don't earn a medal for a particular mission, simply replay it and earn
more points (take out extra targets, etc.) until you do. To get the
Congressional Medal of Honor, you must get 8,000,000 points on the final
regular mission (Baghdad). It is necessary to have a medal on each mission
(for the Ace difficulty) to access the secret missions.


=================
Refueling/Landing
=================

At any time, you can return to your base (as designated by a square on your
map). If you have not yet completed the mission, your jet will be repaired
and your ammo will be refilled before you are sent to take off once again. As
far as landing at your base goes, when you approach, two white brackets and a
horizontal white dash will appear on the screen. You need to line up the dash
between the two brackets in order to maintain the proper heading to land on
the base. If you cannot do this, you will pass over the base and will have to
come back around for a second pass.

On each map, there is a hidden base not shown on your map but it appears on
your radar. This is in addition to the one you start from. If you land there,
you can refuel and replenish your ammunition all the same. When you are upon
it, you will see it on your radar.


=====================
Weapons/Defense Items
=====================

NOTE: To change the type of missiles you have currently loaded, you can hold
     Select and press B while in the game. Alternatively, press Select to
     enter the menu screen, then press Left to select the missiles column,
     and use Up/Down to switch the types. For your defense items, you hold
     Select and press A during the game to switch them, and press Right on
     the menu screen to reach its column.

Missiles
--------

Amraam: Good for long-distance air targets.

Maverick: Good for ground-based targets.

Sidewinder: Good for close air targets.


Defense Items
-------------

Chaff: Good against ground-based fire.

Flare: Good against air-based fire.

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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
-=  5. Walkthrough  -=
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

NOTE: This walkthrough is based upon the fixed path followed with the Airman
     difficulty setting, and the secret missions are based on the Ace
     difficulty. It is applicable to higher difficulties as well; you just
     need to pay more attention to your map!

====================
Mission 1: Libya '86
====================

For this first mission, you have three targets to go after. The first one is
almost directly to the south of your base, which is an aircraft carrier at
sea. You will have to deal with a couple of other enemy jets as you approach
land. Once you reach land, watch out for enemies coming up behind you with
missile fire (use your Start button to deploy your defense item to evade
them).

When you reach the first target, which is a large bunker, watch out for more
intense fire coming from the ground, as well as the airborne enemies. Target
the bunker and fire a missile to destroy it. The next target is an airbase to
the northeast. There seem to be very few enemies en route to the airbase, but
as you approach, there will be more intense fire. Along the way, there are a
couple of additional targets you can destroy below if you so desire.

After you reach/destroy the airbase, continue to the northeast to the skull
icon, which is your final target. As you approach the factory, take out any
enemy aircraft you encounter. Once you have the factory in your sights,
destroy it with another missile, and you will swiftly turn towards the sea.
Battle a few more aircraft on the way to your base farther west. Once you
approach your base (it's the square icon on the map), brackets will appear on
screen. Line up the white line between the brackets and you will
automatically land. Your first mission is now complete!


=====================
Mission 2: H2/H3 Zone
=====================

For this mission, you will again have three targets to go after, and you will
take off from an aircraft carrier. This time, the carrier is just off the
shore, but you have a longer flight inland before you reach your targets.
This time around as well, you will also be flying over surface-to-air missile
targets (you'll see them on your map as icons with missiles pointing
diagonally), so you will want to destroy them as needed to make your mission
easier as well as racking up extra points.

Anyway, battle the usual flying enemies as you make your way inland. There
will be a few surface-to-air missile units on the ground you need to destroy
(use missiles, of course). As you approach your primary target, watch out for
more intense fire coming at you. Once you destroy the SCUD, turn sharply to
the west, and the second target (an airbase) will be coming up shortly
afterward.

Upon destroying the airbase, you will continue heading due west across an
empty landscape en route to the third target. Enemies will take this chance
to attack from behind with missiles, so be prepared to use your defense item
as necessary. Once you reach the second SCUD target, evade the heavy fire and
send a missile down to destroy your target. With that done, continue to the
southwest towards the shore.

Take out any other enemies in the air, and you will soon reach the base
parked offshore. Line up the brackets and land on the base to complete the
second mission.


=============================
Mission 3: Iraq-Kuwait Border
=============================

This is the first mission where you take off from a runway on land, unlike
the first two missions. Your first target is to the north of your base, and
you will first have to get across a line of surface-to-air missile
installments on the ground. Beyond them, it will seem like there is an
increase of air enemies to deal with. As you approach your first target (a
tank, no less), it is surrounded by other tanks and surface-to-air missile
units, so you will need to evade the ground fire and destroy those optional
targets as well.

Once you clear your first primary target, head to the northeast, clearing
more tanks/surface-to-air missile units along the way. As you approach the
second target, which is an airbase, evade the heavy fire once again and
destroy it quickly with a missile. From there, you will continue to the east
to a third target, a surface-to-air missile base. Endure the heavy fire once
more and destroy your final target, and then you will make a sharp turn to
the south.

After clearing the green landscape, you will again be above a desert setting.
Fight any airborne enemies as usual, and take out the surface-to-air missiles
and airbases you pass along your way back to base. Cross over the first short
water section, and you will again have to get across the line of surface-to-
air missile units. Destroy them as needed, then continue onward to the base.
Approach and land as you normally would, and the mission will be complete.


==================
Mission 4: Karbala
==================

Once again, you will start this mission on land. There is no water on the
map, so it is entirely a land battle this time around. Your first target is
in the far northeast area, so you have a long flight on the way there. You
will have to deal with the usual air threat, as well as surface-to-air
missile units on the ground below. The first target, a factory, is surrounded
by surface-to-air missiles, so you may need to destroy those to ensure a safe
passage through the area.

After you destroy the first target, turn to the west and destroy more ground
targets as you proceed to your next destination. There will be airborne
enemies to deal with, and they tend to like attacking you from behind, so be
prepared! Once you reach the second target (another factory) in the northwest
area, destroy it was the usual missile attack, then head to the southeast.
Along the way to the last target, which is a bridge, and even surrounding
said bridge, you will have to deal with more surface-to-air missile units.

Destroy the ground units and destroy the third target in the middle of the
formation of surface-to-air missiles, then head directly southward. Get past
any enemies that may appear as you cross the desert, and you will soon reach
the base. Once you get to base, land and the mission will be completed.


================
Mission 5: Basra
================

For this mission, you will go back to the aircraft carrier, which is where
you will take off again. You will be pretty far offshore, and the first
target is to the northwest. Along the shore line, you will have to deal with
surface-to-air missile units. Further inland, as you approach the first
target, there are plenty of these units, and a couple of airbases, to destroy
in order to safely pass. This is in addition to the usual air enemies you
will face.

When you reach the SCUD (the primary target), watch out for the inevitable
heavy fire you will endure. Destroy the target with a missile, then it will
be time to turn directly southward to a nearby airbase. Clear the surface-to-
air missile units surrounding the area, then destroy the airbase target
before turning back to the north. Eliminate some more ground targets as you
make your way to the final target, which is a bridge in the northwest section
of the map. Destroy the bridge with minimal effort, and then it's time to
turn to the southeast.

Along the long trip back to the coast, take out any remaining surface-to-air
missile units in your way if necessary, as well as any airborne fighters.
Fight your way across the shoreline, and continue onward to the offshore
base. As you cross the water, you will find an optional oil rig to destroy
for extra points. Up ahead is the base; land on the carrier to complete the
mission.


==========================
Mission 6: Southern Kuwait
==========================

You will start off this mission on land again; even though there is some
water, you will likely not see it unless you go out of your way. At any rate,
you need to make your way to the northwest across some empty terrain before
you reach the tough part. Defeat any flying enemies, then you will find a
line of bunkers, MANY surface-to-air missile units, and even tanks, along the
way to your first target (which is ironically another tank).

Once you clear the first target, you will need to continue to the northeast
shore area. It is necessary to eliminate the surface-to-air missile sites
along the way, since they will make things difficult for you if you don't. As
you approach the factory on the coast line, you will have to endure some
heavy fire, so watch out for that. After you destroy it, turn and head back
to the western area of the map.

Along the way, you will deal with plenty of firepower from the ground units,
so be sure to destroy them all! When you reach the third target, a bunker,
destroy it with the usual missile shot. Then, turn and head back to the
southeast. Since you'll be flying over an area you likely didn't pass over
before, there will still be plenty of surface-to-air missile units set up to
attack; be prepared to destroy them as necessary. Once you pass that final
line of bunkers, it will be a clear ride to the base aside from the stray
flying enemies. All that's left then is to land safely and complete the
mission.


==================
Mission 7: Baghdad
==================

At last, you are on the game's final mission: to take down a nuclear plant in
the heart of Baghdad! After you take off, make your way directly to the
north. For the first part of your flight, you will be flying over an empty
space, so there is little to worry about. Once you reach the city area to the
north, you will find another huge cluster of surface-to-air missile units
ready to shoot you down! Destroy them as you make your way to the nuclear
plant, which is situated right in the middle of the area.

Once you destroy the plant, turn to the northwest and you will have to take
out a nearby bunker as your second target. Once you do that, make your way to
the northeast while destroying the surface-to-air missile units below. When
you reach the factory, you will incur heavy fire once again. Avoid it if
possible and destroy your final target before turning directly to the south
once more.

With the targets cleared, make your way directly south from the factory,
destroying the remaining ground targets as you encounter them. Be careful of
the flying enemies attacking you from behind with their missiles, as usual.
After you get out of the danger zone, continue southward to the base and land
as you have done in every mission before.

After this mission is complete, you are free to play any of the seven
missions again (don't forget the password!). If you are playing on the Ace
difficulty setting and won a medal in each of the seven missions, you will
unlock five secret missions (press Down a few times on the mission select
screen). Those missions will be detailed below.


===========================
Secret Mission 1: The Isles
===========================

Your first secret mission leads you through a chain of islands. The three
largest islands have targets (northwest, northeast, and southeast). From your
base out on the water to the south, make your way directly northward, then
slightly to the northeast, passing around the first island on your radar. If
you stay above water, you will generally avoid unwanted attention but there
are still stray fighter jets that you need to be prepared for.

When you get to the northeast corner, you will find some artillery
installations on the ground firing at you, but they are nothing too dangerous
for this point. After you destroy the target, turn to the south and head to
the first secondary target. You could also head southwest and take on the
closer of the two targets. Regardless of the path you take, both targets will
take you through some very heavy enemy fire, so be prepared! It is very tough
to get through unscathed, so you need to be prepared to evade air attackers
while bombing the ground targets in your way.

Once you manage to take out one of the secondary targets, make a tight turn
to get over the water again, and cross the map to reach the remaining one.
When you destroy both of them, make your way back to your base in the south
to complete the mission. It should be noted that there are hidden targets in
the water to the northeast of your base, providing you with extra points if
you are interested.


=========================
Secret Mission 2: Delta 6
=========================

This mission will take you primarily over large land masses immediately north
of your base. There are two bunker (secondary) targets and they are closest
to your starting point, but both are surrounded by a LOT of anti-aircraft
ground units, as well as enemy airstrips. That said, you will have a lot of
trouble getting to those targets safely, so be prepared to use your defensive
items and fly low to avoid as much detection as possible. It will also be to
your benefit to take out those extra enemy targets, since not only do you
gain points, but it will make your mission slightly easier.

In the far northwest corner, your primary target is relatively unguarded, but
of course you will have one heck of a time getting there! The best part is
that once you take out your three main targets, you have to fly back across
these massive fields of enemy units to reach your base. A good approach would
be to follow the river that runs through the middle of the map, since there
are only two bridges (safe targets) along the way. As long as you are not
flying too close to those other targets, you will only have to worry about
the random fighter jet attacks en route to your mission's completion.


===========================
Secret Mission 3: MiG Alley
===========================

For this mission, your primary target is a nuclear power plant to the east of
your base. However, you need to take out the secondary targets first since
the game seems to automatically stop you from flying directly to the nuclear
plant. From your base, head slightly to the east, then go directly northward
to your first secondary target in the northwest corner of the desert map. The
target will actually attack you, but there are very few surrounding enemy
units, so you should be able to clear this one easily.

After the first secondary target, head to the southeast and continue towards
the bunker in the center area. Be very cautious as you approach since there
are a lot of enemy units (stay to the north and east of the bunker, since the
tanks are vicious to the southwest). After you clear the bunker, go east to
avoid said tanks, then head south to the nuclear plant. There is some
resistance around that area as you would expect, but luckily after you
destroy it, it's a short ride back to your base. Beware of enemy jets and you
should be able to make it back in one piece!


==============================
Secret Mission 4: Lost Primary
==============================

Here, you will notice that the primary target is completely hidden on your
radar! The two secondary SCUD targets are in view, and they are in the center
area of the map at opposing sides. Fortunately, both of them are not very
well protected, so this mission is actually pretty easy for a change. From
your starting base, the best bet is to go northwest to the first SCUD target,
then directly eastward to the other one.

As for your primary target, it is hidden at a random location on your map. If
you look at the map, you will see a few areas with enemy ground units set up
where you would expect to see another key target. Fly around those areas and
you should be able to find it. Of course, when you approach, there will be a
lot more enemy fire to deal with, so have your defensive items ready for that
part. When you finally locate and destroy that hidden target, follow the
river back southward to the base.


=============================
Secret Mission 5: Mobile Nuke
=============================

As you have guessed, this is the last of the secret missions. It also does
not appear on your mission select screen right away; keep pressing Down to
see it. Anyway, you are here to dispatch another nuclear facility. Its
location is hidden from your map, but your radar will direct you towards it
once you are up in the air (it randomly appears at an empty location on your
map; for me, it was on the northeast island with few defenses protecting it).

Your base is on the water, surrounded by the islands where your targets are
located. After you take out the nuclear plant, your secondary targets are to
the far south and the northwest. It may be quicker for you to take out the
northwest one first, since you are probably closer to it after destroying the
plant. If you need to recover, at least your base is close enough to allow
for a quick landing and relaunch. You may need it though, since both of the
secondary targets are protected by the enemy, so you will have to deal with
plenty of unwanted enemy fire and missiles.

As usual, once you clear them, return to your base and the final secret
mission will be complete!

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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
-=  6. Secrets/Tips and Tricks  -=
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

====================
Access Final Mission
====================

In order to access the final mission without playing the other ones, enter
this password:

   0E0D273611241515


======================
Access Secret Missions
======================

To gain access to the secret missions on the Ace difficulty, enter this
password:

   EB0DC80C11041505

*****************************************************************************

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
-=  7. Credits  -=
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

GameFAQs (http://www.gamefaqs.com): For the password leading to the final
mission.

ReyVGM: For alerting me to the availability of the secret missions!

*****************************************************************************

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
-=  8. Copyright Notice -=
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

This file is Copyright (c)2009-2010 Devin Morgan. All rights reserved. Please
view the following URL to see the list of sites that are allowed to post my
work:

http://www.freewebs.com/dbmfaqs/allowlist.html

This list is comprised of sites I know and trust well. If your site is not on
the aforementioned list, you are currently not allowed to post any of my
files on your site. Please respect my work and do not steal it or post it
without my permission. I only want my most recent work to be available and I
do not feel that can be achieved if others take from me without my knowledge
or permission.

If you are writing a FAQ for this game as well, and would like to use some
information, credit me for what you use. Please do not rip me off, as that is
blatant plagiarism and such will not be tolerated.

If you wish to contact me, do so at dbmfaqs(at)gmail(dot)com. Please only
contact me if there are corrections to be made to information that's
currently included. Thanks!

http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/recognition/3579.html

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