Kamen Rider SD: GranShocker no Yabou (Famicom)
                       Guide by E. Phelps, ver. 1.0
                           (aka LastBossKiller)


                - - - = = = ================== = = = - - -
                - - - = = = === Disclaimer === = = = - - -
                - - - = = = ================== = = = - - -

This document may not be reproduced under any circumstances except for
personal, private use. It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise
distributed publicly without advance written permission by the author. Use of
this guide on any other web site or as a part of any public display is
strictly prohibited, and a violation of copyright.

Copyright 2014 E. Phelps


               - - - = = = =================== = = = - - -
               - - - = = = ====== Intro ====== = = = - - -
               - - - = = = =================== = = = - - -

    Kamen Rider SD: GranShocker no Yabou is a game released only in Japan
for the Famicom in 1993. Kamen Rider is a famous television series in Japan
which will remind you of Power Rangers, but if you watch clips of the show on
YouTube, you'll see that it looks a lot higher budget (at least the more
modern episodes), so it might be fun to checkout sometime. The SD in the
title of this game stands for "Super Deformed", a term used in Japanese anime
to refer to a type of art style in which characters have small bodies and
giant heads. GranShocker is the name of the enemy organization the Kamen
Riders fight, and this game's title would be translated "Masked Rider SD:
GranShocker's Ambition".
    The game is a combination of a board game, an RPG, and a racing game.
It's very unique, and if you don't read Japanese very well, it is very
confusing to know what to do. Although it's pretty neat at first, the game is
extremely repetetive and pretty long, so only the most obsessive NES/Famicom
fans will have the will to finish.
    The purpose of this guide is to help you understand the game mechanics
and to tell you what to do to clear each area of the game, even if you don't
read Japanese very well.


              - - - = = = ==================== = = = - - -
              - - - = = = ===== Contents ===== = = = - - -
              - - - = = = ==================== = = = - - -

Search words are given in square brackets [].

1. Story [sec1]
2. Game Mechanics [sec2]
       a. Characters [sec2a]
       b. Speed, Endurance, Fuel, and Flat Tires [sec2b]
       c. Leveling Up [sec2c]
       d. Currency [sec2d]
       e. Battling [sec2e]
               i. Normal Battles
               ii. Mini-Boss Battles
               iii. Boss Battles
       f. Traversing the Area Maps [sec2f]
       g. Menus [sec2g]
               i. Headquarters Menu
               ii. Exploring the Map Menu
               iii. Store Menu
               iv. Battle Menu
               v. Boss Battle Menu
       h. Stage Select [sec2h]
3. Items [sec3]
4. Walkthrough [sec4]
       a. Area 7 - Shikoku [sec4a]
       b. Area 4 - Chubu [sec4b]
       c. Area 8 - Kyushu [sec4c]
       d. Area 6 - Chugoku [sec4d]
       e. Area 5 - Kansai [sec4e]
       f. Area 1 - Hokkaido [sec4f]
       g. Area 3 - Kanto [sec4g]
       h. Area 2 - Tohoku [sec4h]
       i. Endgame [sec4i]
5. Conclusion [sec5]


              - - - = = = =================== = = = - - -
              - - - = = = ====== Story ====== = = = - - -
              - - - = = = =================== = = = - - -          [sec1]

The story line of the game is pretty simple. The great evil demon ruler has
called together some of his powerful cohorts and told them to scatter about
Japan and try to conquer it. These evil people are known as the G-Shocker
organization. The Kamen Riders are here to try and stop them.


              - - - = = = =================== = = = - - -
              - - - = = = == Game Mechanics = = = = - - -
              - - - = = = =================== = = = - - -          [sec2]

                          =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
                       ---=-= Characters =-=--                    [sec2a]
                          =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

The characters you control are divided into 3 groups: Battle Team, Wild Team,
and Mechanic Team.

Battle Team can ultimately achieve the highest speed after gaining levels.
They excel on paved roads and do very poorly driving in the sand. Battle Team
is composed of the members: Number 1 (1ごう), ZX, and Black RX (ブラックRX).

Wild Team excels on rough terrain, such as sand and snow, but they move
painfully slow on paved roads. Wild Team members are: Number 2 (2ごう),
Amazon (アマゾン), and Stronger (ストロンガー).

Mechanic Team is never recommended for missions by the leader at base, so I
don't know what their purpose is. They are composed of the members: V3, X,
and Super 1 (スーパー1).

              =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
           ---= Speed, Endurance, Fuel, and Flat Tires =---       [sec2b]
              =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Each rider has three statistics, each of which can be increased by leveling
up. The rider's engine (エンジン) determines the rider's Speed Level
(スピード レベル). The higher the Speed Level, the farther a rider can move
during battles and while moving around the area maps.

The rider's Body (ボディー) rating determines how much Endurance (たいきゅう)
the riders has, which is the same as HP. Endurance can be drained during
battles or by stopping on an "Endurance Down" tile on the area maps. If the
rider has no Endurance remaining, he cannot participate in battles. If all
three riders have no Endurance, the group loses and is returned to
headquarters. There is no punishment for losing (you keep all of your money,
etc). By the way, the symbol 耐 is the Chinese character representing
"Endurance", which you will see a lot during this game.

The rider's Tank (タンク) stat determines how much Fuel (ねんりょう) the
rider can hold. Riders lose fuel by participating in battles and by landing
on "Fuel Down" tiles while walking on the area map. Fuel is not consumed by
travelling on the area maps.

Endurance and Fuel can be replenished at gas stations, by landing on certain
tiles on the area maps, and by using items. They are completely recovered by
returning to headquarters.

The only way to get a flat tire is by landing on a "Tac" tile on the area
map. Getting a flat tire is like an instant death for the character leading
your team. They cannot engage in battles until the flat is repaired. This can
be achieved by visiting a gas station, using an item, or returning to
headquarters.

                            =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
                         ---= Leveling Up =---                   [sec2c]
                            =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

When your riders gain enough experience during battles, they will level up.
Their stats are not automatically increased, however. Instead, you have to
return to headquarters and visit the Maintenance Room. If a character has
gained a level, select that character, then select a stat to be upgraded. You
get one stat upgrade per level up.

                             =-=-=-=-=-=-
                          ---= Currency =---                     [sec2d]
                             =-=-=-=-=-=-

You gain yen by winning battles, which can be used to buy items in stores.
There are also "Coins" that you can gain by landing on the "Coin" tile while
traversing the area map. These coins can be used to buy items from the
"Construction Shops", of which there is one per area. You can get more coins
by gambling at a casino, or you can simply buy coins at the casino for 10 yen
each. You will be able to quickly max out your yen from battling (you can
hold a maximum of 65535), so you might as well buy a whole bunch of Coins at
the casino when you're close to maxing out on yen to make room for more yen.

                             =-=-=-=-=-=-
                          ---= Battling =---                     [sec2e]
                             =-=-=-=-=-=-

                         ---Normal Battles---
Battles in this game are more like races. Each battle has three members from
your team, and three enemy racers. You all start on the right side of the
screen, and take turns moving forward. The higher your Speed Level, the
farther you are likely to go. The battle ends after three racers reach the
finish at the left side of the screen. If an enemy reaches the finish, your
remaining racers who have not finished will be damaged. If one of your riders
reaches the finish, he will be awarded with experience points and money
(yen). You are awarded the most experience and yen if you finish in first
place, half as much for finishing in second, and half of that for finishing
in third. The amount of experience and gold is also determined by which enemy
racers you are facing. There are items that you can use during battles to
help improve your chances of winning (see "Items" section).

Also, during each battle, there will be carts placed in the front of two
racers that are randomly chosen. These carts will stop a rider's movement and
force them to waste a turn in order to break through them. They can greatly
affect the outcome of a race.

                        ---Mini-Boss Battles---
Mini-boss battles are the same as normal battles, except that all three of
your riders must finish the race in first, second, and third place. If even
one enemy reaches the finish, it's game over. The strategy you employ will
depend on the placement of the carts. If both are in front of enemies, then
you can probably coast to the finish line without using any items. You can
always use a Jet if you are unsure. If both carts start in front of your
riders, you are probably doomed for that try. Regroup and try again.

If one cart is in front of you, and another in front of an enemy, you can use
this strategy to improve your chances of victory: have your two riders that
are unblocked by carts shoot missiles at the two enemy riders that are
unblocked. If they are destroyed in one hit by the missiles, then you should
be able to beat the remaining enemy that has to bust through the cart and so
is delayed. You may ask, "Why not shoot the third enemy with a missile also?"
The answer: if all three enemies are destroyed, you get a game over.

                          ---Boss Battles---
Boss battles are very different than the other battles, although it is still
a race. During these, one of your riders races against four enemies around a
track. You win by (1) destroying all enemies, or (2) completing three laps
around the track first. You lose if you run out of Endurance or Fuel, or if
someone completes three laps before you. You always begin the race with full
Endurance and Fuel, no matter what the condition of your team was when you
reached the area boss.

The distance you move is determined by spinning a roulette wheel. After
moving the determined number of spaces, you choose a card. The card chosen
will have some effect on the race. The various cards and corresponding
effects are listed here:

  Card                       Effect
  ----                       ------
  Finger pointing up         Spin again
  Wheel                      Lose a turn (also cannot draft for one turn)
  Endurance symbol 耐        Regain 32 Endurance points
  Fuel                       Regain 32 units of fuel
  Oil                        Place oil anywhere on track, chance of stopping
                             rider and making them lose a turn
  Rock                       Place rock anywhere on track, damages passersby
  Arrow pointing up stairs   Catch up to next rider ahead, no effect if in
                             the lead
  Black squiggly lines       No effect

When you overlap with an enemy rider, you engage in combat. Repeatedly mash
the A button to deal damage to the enemy. Both you and the enemy's Endurance
will be drained. Boss characters drain more of your Endurance during these
fights. If your Endurance reaches zero, it is a game over. If the enemy's
Endurance reaches zero, it is destroyed and removed from the race. Riders who
have lost their turn via the "wheel" card or slipping on an oil spill cannot
be attacked for that turn.

Riders can draft on one another. Drafting takes place automatically. It
occurs when a rider is one space ahead of another rider, and moves. The rider
that is behind will automatically move with the rider ahead of him, even
though it is not the back rider's turn. This gives the enemy an advantage to
keep up with you, since they can work together as a team to move extra
distance. Only one character can draft at a time, so you won't see a line of
two drafters moving behind the lead rider. Also, riders cannot draft if they
have lost their turn via the "wheel" card or via slipping on an oil spill.

You can make pit stops after each lap. When you make a pit stop, you switch
riders. The other riders have full Endurance and Fuel, so it is always
advantageous to make a pit stop whenever you get a chance, especially because
there is no penalty for doing so (you don't lose any racing time like you
would in real life).

                       =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
                    ---= Traversing the Area Maps =---           [sec2f]
                       =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

The area maps are designed like a game board. There are tiles that you land
on, and the number of spaces you move is dependent on what number you get
when you spin a roulette wheel. There are buildings that you can visit with
different purposes, but there are also tiles which affect your riders, such
as causing them to lose Fuel, warp to a different part of the map, etc. A
list of tiles and their effects is given here. Note, only the rider whose
graphic is currently shown is affected by the tile effects:

  Tile                        Effect
  ----                        ------
  Blank space                 Engage in a race battle
  Coin                        Get 10 Coins
  Fuel tank                   Fuel increase
  Fuel pouring out            Fuel decrease
  Wrench                      Endurance increase
  Down arrow and 耐 symbol    Endurance decrease
  Tornado                     Warp to a different tornado tile on map
  Tac                         Get a flat tire
  Tunnel                      Exit from the other side of the tunnel

  Buildings
  ---------
  Headquarters                Enter dropship to return to headquarters
  Store                       Buy items for use and some key event items
  Construction shop           Buy items to be placed on the area map
  Gas station                 Pay to have your Endurance & Fuel replenished
  Casino                      Play slots to win Coins, or buy Coins
  Other buildings             To progress in the game, you must visit
                              various buildings and talk to key people.

                               =-=-=-=-=
                            ---= Menus =---                      [sec2g]
                               =-=-=-=-=

                        ---Headquarters Menu---
You begin the game at headquarters. During the game, you can always return to
headquarters by returning to the dropship on the stage, and your Endurance
and Fuel will automatically be refilled. There are four options to choose
from:

しゅつどう     メンテナンスルーム
さくせんしつ   アミーゴ

These options are:
しゅつどう - "March Out". This is the stage select option. You are also given
    a submenu:
         バトル - Battle Team
         ワイルド - Wild Team
         メカニック - Mechanic Team
    After selecting any of the above three teams, you are presented with a
    map of Japan which displays your stage selection options. See "Stage
    Select" section below for an explanation of the stages.
さくせんしつ - "Strategy Room". You are given a submenu:
    エリアかいせつ - "Area Explanation". Gives an overview of the stages,
         with level of difficulty and recommended team for each mission.
    ステータス - "Status". You can check the stats of your team members.
メンテナンスルーム - "Maintenance Room". Every time one of your characters
    levels up, you come here to select attributes to upgrade. See the
    "Leveling Up" section for more.
アミーゴ - "Amigo". Selecting this option will save your game.

                      ---Exploring the Map Menu---
When exploring the area maps, you are presented with the following commands:

ルーレット     アイテム
ステータス     Rチェンジ

ルーレット - "Roulette". Spins the roulette will, and the number you get
    determines the number of tiles you will traverse.
ステータス - "Status". Check the stats and remaining Endurance and Fuel of
    your characters.
アイテム - "Item". See your inventory. If you select an item, you have the
    options つかう ("Use") and すてる ("Drop"). Also at the top of the items
    screen will be trophy icons, representing the number of areas you have
    cleared.
Rチェンジ - "Rider Change". Change the rider whose icon is shown. Whoever is
    shown is affected by the tiles that you land on.

                             ---Store Menu---
When you enter a store, you are given the following options:
かう ("Buy"), うる ("Sell"), and やめる ("Quit").

                            ---Battle Menu---
When you are first engaged in battle, you have the option to fight or run.
The menu options are:
たたかう ("Fight"), にげる ("Run"), and ステータス ("Status").

During battle, you are presented with the following options:
マニュアル - "Manual". You choose the actions your riders will take.
オート - "Auto". Your riders simply move forward every turn.

If you select "Manual" mode, then you will have the following options each
turn:
はしる - "Run". Character moves forward.
アイテム - "Item". Use an item.
ぼうがい - "Interference". If an enemy rider is directly above you, you can
    hit them, causing them to stay motionless for one turn.

                       ---Boss Battle Menu---
During boss battle races, you are offered the following menu:
はしる - "Run". Spin the roulette wheel and move the indicated number of
    spaces.
ピットよびたし - "Call Pit". This option gives you a submenu, with options:
    ポジション - "Position". Shows positions of all racers on the track.
    ステータス - "Status". Shows the stats and remaining Endurance/Fuel of
         your riders
ピットインしない - "Pit-in: Don't do". If you select this option, you can
    toggle between "Pit-in: Don't do" (ピットインしない) and
    "Pit-in: Do" (ピットインする). If "Pit-in: Do" is selected, your rider
    will automatically visit the pit when he gets the opportunity.


                           =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
                        ---= Stage Select =---                   [sec2h]
                           =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

There are a total of 8 stages to choose from, which are represented by the
eight regions of Japan. Here is a crude drawing of the map displayed in the
game:
                                       _
                                      / |
                                    _/   |__
                Area 4             |       /  <-- Area 1
     Area 6    (Chubu)            /___  ___|    (Hokkaido)
    (Chugoku)      |             __   |/
        |          |            /  /
        V          V           /  |
        ________              /   |
     __/     | |__/|________ /    |  <-- Area 2
 _  /_______/  |        ___/     /      (Tohoku)
/ |_   ___ |    |      /   |    /
|   | /   | |   |     |     |__/
/_  / |___/ /  /_     |      |
 /_/        |_/  /____/_/|  |  <-- Area 3
       ^                  |_/      (Kanto)
 ^     |     ^
 |     |     |
 |     |  Area 5 (Kansai)
 |     |
 |  Area 7 (Shikoku)
 |
Area 8 (Kyushu)

In the "Strategy Room" at headquarters, you can learn about the dangers
befalling each area that you need to save, the level of difficulty of each
stage, and which team is recommended for each mission. I provide this
information below:

Area 1 - Hokkaido
    Difficulty: 3
    Recommended Team: Wild Team
    Mission: A strange giant blizzard is paralyzing the lives of the
         citizens.
    Boss: General Jack
Area 2 - Tohoku
    Difficulty: 4
    Recommended Team: Wild Team
    Mission: Violent volcanic activity likely caused by the G-Shocker
         organization.
    Boss: Jumenki
Area 3 - Kanto
    Difficulty: 4
    Recommended Team: Battle Team
    Mission: Strange activity at a power plant.
    Boss: Shadow Moon
Area 4 - Chubu
    Difficulty: 1
    Recommended Team: Battle Team
    Mission: The Sky Riders, an important team for reconnaissance, have gone
         missing while scouting in this area.
    Boss: Apollo Geist
Area 5 - Kansai
    Difficulty: 3
    Recommended Team: Battle Team
    Mission: While visiting local temples, tourists have been coming down
         with a sleeping sickness. This is likely connected to the G-Shocker
         organization.
    Boss: Prince of Hell
Area 6 - Chugoku
    Difficulty: 2
    Recommended Team: Battle Team
    Mission: A strange sickness is passing through this area.
    Boss: Prince of Darkness
Area 7 - Shikoku
    Difficulty: 1
    Recommended Team: Wild Team
    Mission: The people of this area are insisting that they are Australian.
         It must have something to do with G-Shocker.
    Boss: General Shadow
Area 8 - Kyushu
    Difficulty: 2
    Recommended Team: Wild Team
    Mission: Dr. Sakurajima has the ability to influence nature. G-Shocker
         has kidnapped him to force him to create a giant tsunami creating
         machine.
    Boss: Doctor G


               - - - = = = =================== = = = - - -
               - - - = = = ====== Items ====== = = = - - -
               - - - = = = =================== = = = - - -        [sec3]

                            =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
                         ---= Common Items =---
                            =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

These are items sold in most stores, many of which can be used to win battles
easier. The item info is listed as:
Translated name (Original Japanese name) Cost, effect of using the item.

Fuel (ねんりょう) 400, restore some fuel for single character.
Large Fuel (ねんりょう だい) 800, restore more fuel for single character.
Hand Tool (けいたいこうぐ) 400, restore some Endurance for single character.
Repair Kit (しゅうりキット) 800, restore more Endurance for single character.
Repair Flat (パンクしゅうり) 800, completely repair flat tire.
Turbo (ターボ) 300, speed increased for current battle.
Missile (ミサイル) 150, damage enemies during battle.
Jet (ジェット) 600, jet way ahead during battles.
Smokescreen (えんまく) 700, escape from battle.
Emblem (エンブレム) 700, instantly go back to headquarters.
Ferry Ticket (フェリーチケット) 500, allows one time use of a ferry boat.
Plane Ticket (こうくうチケット) 500, allows one time use of an airplane.

                          =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
                       ---= Special Items =---
                          =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

The items listed here are items you can come across in treasure chests or
by buying in special stores, and their uses are not obvious.

Hotel Bathrobe (ホテルのゆかた), sell for 10000 yen.
Ornate Hairpin (かんざし), buy in Area 7 store for 1000, bring to Barbara
    after completing all 8 areas.
Okonomiyaki (おこのみやき), buy in Area 6 store for 1000, bring to Barbara
    after completing all 8 areas.
Wankosoba (わんこそば), buy in Area 7 store for 1000, bring to Barbara
    after completing all 8 areas.
Uirou (ういろう), type of sweet (use?)
Hot Springs Map (おんせんマップ), find in Area 2 cave, give to old man at
    location "R" in Area 2.

                           =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
                        ---= Event Items =---
                           =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

The following items are items which are necessary to complete each area,
by either delivering them to someone, allowing access to a new area, or
something like that. You lose them right away, so there's barely any
point in listing them, but I wanted to have them here in case you see
an item in your inventory and are confused why it's there. Also, there
are probably several that I failed to include in this list. If you
follow the directions in my walkthrough for completing each area, you
will end up getting all of these items and the ones I forgot to list,
so no worries.

Yubari Naron (ゆうばりナロン), Buy in Area 1 store for 5000
Wood-Carved Bear (きぼりのくま), Buy in Area 1 store for 3000
Nipopo Doll (ニポポにんぎょう), Area 2, reached via Area 1
Base Key 1 (アジトのカギ 1), Area 1
Secret Data (ひみつしりょう), Area 2
Base Key 2 (アジトのカギ 2), Area 2
Video Tape (ビデオテープ), Area 3
Base Key 3 (アジトのカギ 3), Area 3
Toyama Medicine (とやまのくすり), Buy in Area 4 store for 2000
Super Bomb (スーパーばくだん), Area 4
Mystery Key (なぞのカギ), Area 4
Base Key 4 (アジトのカギ 4), Area 4
Gate Key (もんのカギ), Area 5
Bent Wire (まがったはりがね), Area 5
Base Key 5 (アジトのカギ 5), Area 5
Cinnamon Cookie (やつはし), Buy in Area 4 store for 2000
Sand Dune Star (さきゅうのほし), Area 6
Specialty Sake (とさのじざけ), Buy in Area 7 store for 2000, reach via Area 6
Base Key 6 (アジトのカギ 6), Area 6
Travel Bag (りょこうバッグ), Area 7
Base Key 7 (アジトのカギ 7), Area 7
Base Key 8 (アジトのカギ 8), Area 8
Photo of Miyuki (みゆきのしゃしん), Area 8
Sakurajima's Key (さくらじまのカギ), Area 8
Soliton (ソリトン), Area 8
Base Key 9 (アジトのカギ 9), Area 9

                        =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
                     ---= Construction Items =---
                        =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

These items can be bought from the construction shops which appear in each
area. The available items depend on which area you are in. Buying these
items will cause a new item to be placed on the area map. These items can
only be bought using "Coins" (not yen).

Street (みち) 1000, a new piece of road appears on the map, usually making
    traveling more convenient.
Tunnel (トンネル) 3000, a tunnel appears with entrances at two locations,
    making traveling between those locations more convenient.
Statue (ぞう) 200, makes a statue of a Kamen Rider appear on the area map.
Yuwaza Hot Spring (ゆざわおんせん) 2000, a building with a hot spring
    appears on the map.
Bridge (はし) 2000, a bridge appears on the map, making traveling more
    convenient.
Farm (ぼくじょう) 1500, a farm appears on the map.


               - - - = = = =================== = = = - - -
               - - - = = = === Walkthrough === = = = - - -
               - - - = = = =================== = = = - - -        [sec4]

Since your riders need to level up to improve their stats, you should start
with the lower difficulty levels and move upward, although you could go
through the levels in any order if you wanted. The levels are presented in
this walkthrough in the order of least difficult to most difficult. Don't
forget to return to headquarters to upgrade your stats after you level up
every once in awhile.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
                      ---= Area 7: Shikoku =---                  [sec4a]
                         =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

    Difficulty: 1
    Recommended Team: Wild Team
    Boss: General Shadow

    To clear this area, use the maps provided below, and follow the
directions displayed below the main region map. Aside from following the
directions provided, you can go a little out of your way to the store at
location "M" to buy an Ornate Hairpin (かんざし). You won't need it until
the very end of the game, but it's more convenient to get it now rather
than to come back later.
    Right away you'll notice a UFO flying around, and an old lady pacing.
You can't do anything with the UFO yet, and I have no idea if the old lady
has a purpose. First, head to location "1" to meet a lady who wants you to
get her luggage. Go to location "2", and you see her again. She says to go
to a hotel West of your present location, to get her luggage. Go
there, which is location "3". You will be in a new area, with the map given
by the "Hotel" map below. There are 3 Hotel Bathrobes in the chests here,
and the Travel Bag that you need. The Hotel Bathrobes serve no purpose, but
they are worth a lot of money (10000 yen each), so you can sell them to get
a big bank account (don't forget, the maximum yen you can have at one time
is 65535).
    Go back to location "2" and drop off the luggage. The lady tells you to
visit the astrological observatory, which is location "4". Next, visit
location "5". You learn that the UFO has landed on a beach to the North.
Head toward location "6". On the map, you will notice you have to pass
through a tunnel to get there, which is straightforward. You are told that
only Australians are allowed to enter the UFO. So head to location "7" to
fill out some forms and become an Australian citizen, then head back to
location "6". You come across the G-Shocker group and a battle commences.
This battle is more difficult than the ones that you have engaged in so far.
See the "Mini-Boss Battles" section for an overview and strategies.
    After winning, the enemies fly away in the UFO, but it is damaged, so
it crashes in the Southern direction. Go to location "8" where it now lies.
The enemies have escaped from the wreckage to their hideout. You go through
a cave that allows you access to the enemy base at location "X". The enemy
bases all have the same basic idea: there's a locked door, and a treasure
chest inside the base that has the key to unlock it. Grab the key, head
through the door, and you will engage in the first "Boss" battle. See the
"Boss Battles" section for an overview and strategies. Upon victory, you
have cleared this region. You can come back anytime though to explore and
level up.

[Area 7 map]        From Area 6     Special Locations:
                      o             M - Shop selling Ornate Hairpin
          &           o             N - Shop selling Specialty Sake
                      N             X - Enemy base
          2                       Legend:
        3cwoowf       fokof         c - Coin
         o    o       o   o         e - Endurance down
       oToS   o     1 o   oA        f - Fuel
 6oU Uoo o    ookeooooo   w         k - Fuel down
       o o       o   f    f         o - Blank space
       w t       e   f    o         t - Tac
       o o       c   w    o         w - Wrench
       f ooco  4oo   o  Got         z - Construction shop
       c    o@  @    c   o          A - Conversation
     ooo    w        o   ke         G - Gas station
    wf      o       Tf    o         H - Headquarters
    o       oof      c   $ooc       S - Store
    o         f      o      T       T - Tornado
  5oocwc   M  o7     oH  zwoc       U - Tunnel
   o   o   oooo           o         $ - Casino
   o   f   k  o         oof         & - Statue for sale
  Go X f   o  coocoot   e           @ - Tunnel for sale
   e o oTooo        o   o
   d U o            w  oo
   oo oo            oowf
    wew              o
     o               S
     o
     8

To complete the map, visit locations in the following order:
               *   !
1-2-3-2-4-5-6-7-6-8-X

* indicates battle at this location
! indicates battle to clear the area

Sub-locations within this region:

    Hotel ("3" on above map):       Enemy Base:

      1o   o1                             V
       o   o  1ooo                       oo
       oo oo     o                       o
        o o      o                       X
        o o      o                       o
      Uooooooooooo                       o
                 o                    oooooooo
                 o                    o  o   o
           ooooooo                    1  o   2
      2ooooo                             U

      1 - Hotel Bathrobe              1 - Fuel
      2 - Travel Bag                  2 - Base Key 7
                                      U - Exit
                                      V - Stairs down
                                      X - Locked door
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
                       ---= Area 4: Chubu =---                  [sec4b]
                          =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

    Difficulty: 1
    Recommended Team: Battle Team
    Boss: Apollo Geist

    To complete this area, simply follow the directions in this guide,
given below the map. A long-winded explanation is not necessary since all of
the areas in the game are essentially just the same as the previous area.
You will notice on my map that Mt. Fuji is labeled in this section, but you
won't be able to get there until later in the game, so don't worry about it
for now. Also, this is the first area in which you'll need to use a ferry
boat. To take a ferry boat, buy a Ferry Ticket from the store nearby the
ferry boat building (they're always next to each other), and then enter
the ferry boat building. In this area, you will have to take a ferry to get
to location "7". When you visit location "4", you will need to buy the
Toyama Medicine (とやまのくすり). Oh, and if you buy the hot spring
(ゆざわおんせん) from the construction shop at location "z", and visit the
building that appears, at location "E", you can see a naked girl. It doesn't
show anything, so don't get too excited.

                 wooS               Special Locations:
               bof 7       U8         E - Hot spring for sale
       owfo6                          F - Mt. Fuji
     Aoo                   U          X - Enemy base
      o                    o        Legend:
   S cc                    o          a - Accessible after special event
  oooo 4           b       w          b - Ferry boat
  o  ewoo   ooooc oooecooffo          c - Coin
  k     o   w t wow S G  T            e - Endurance down
  k     foooc o   E      o            f - Fuel
  o       w   A          o            k - Fuel down
  o   9a  # UX        aaaa            o - Blank space
  T    5  #           a               t - Tac
  owotooofw           a               w - Wrench
   e      o           F               z - Construction shop
  3o      o                           A - Conversation
   o      eto    2 1                  G - Gas station
   o        o    o oowfooo            H - Headquarters
   c    $ooooc   foo     o            S - Store
   c         oz  T      oooH          T - Tornado
   o         w   ocS    e o           U - Tunnel
   k         o   o     oo wo          $ - Casino
   owooffooo okooe    ff   o          & - Statue for sale
           e o        o   oo          # - Road for sale
           ooo       Go  of
             G        o&co
                      woo

To complete the map, visit locations in the following order:
             * *     !
1-2-3-4-3-5-6-7-8-5-9-X

* indicates battle at this location
! indicates battle to clear the area

Sub-locations within this region:

    Cave ("6" on above map):    Enemy base:         Mt. Fuji:

      1       2 3                 ooooo                    oV
      ooooooooooo                 V   X                    X
          o                           o  oooo         1    o    2
          o                           o  o  o         o    o    o
          o                        oooo  o  o         o    o    o
          o                        o     o  o         ooooooooooo
          o                        o     X oo              o
          o                        ooooooo o               o
          o                           o    o               o
          o                           o    o1              U
          U                           U
                                                      1 - Large Fuel
      1 - Super Bomb              1 - Base Key 4      2 - Base Key 9
      2 - Mystery Key             U - Exit            U - Exit
      3 - Computer room           V - Stairs down     V - Stairs down
                                  X - Locked door     X - Locked door
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
                      ---= Area 8: Kyushu =---                   [sec4c]
                         =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

    Difficulty: 2
    Recommended Team: Wild Team
    Boss: Doctor G

    This area is almost straightforward. There are two odd features worth
mentioning. Firstly, to reach location "5", which is on the island of
Okinawa (it has its own map, see below), you need to take an airplane from
location "4". You need to buy a plane ticket from the store which is right
next to location "4".
    The other oddity to mention is that, to reach location "6", you have to
go through a series of tunnels, starting from the upperleft section of the
map. You should have no problems finishing this area in the same way as
the previous ones.

    U                              Special Locations:
  Uow  Uo             z              X - Enemy base
        k  G      oTcoc            Legend:
        offoo 1   w                  c - Coin
 U      T   oofwoof                  e - Endurance down
 o      w     o   o                  f - Fuel
Uf    eoo     o   o                  k - Fuel down
     2o o     to  ooH                o - Blank space
        w      f          wS         t - Tac
        o      w          f          w - Wrench
  U     %      c          w          z - Construction shop
  oweok o   Afoo     Xocoko          A - Conversation
      foo    f   S     o  oo3        G - Gas station
  &    6     keoow#foefo   o         H - Headquarters
         oocoo            wo         S - Store
         o                o          T - Tornado
         f                T          U - Tunnel
         w               ooG         $ - Casino
       Gocoweoofk        f           & - Statue for sale
        o       o       oo           % - Bridge for sale
        k       w       c
        w       T   S   o8
        o       cofookwwo
    $ccoo    7o o
              ooo
               f
             4oo
              S

To complete the map, visit locations in the following order:
                         !
1-2-3-4-5-6-4-5-6-7-6-2-8-X

! indicates battle to clear the area

Sub-locations within this region:

    Okinawa (Take plane       Cave ("8" on       Enemy Base:
    from "4" on above map):     above map)

               o5               oooooooooo         1o     ooo
             ooo                o        o          o   ooo X
           ooo                  o        1          o   o   o
         ooo                    oooooooo            o   o   o
        oo                             o            o   o   o
      Soo                              o oooU       ooooo   V
       U                        oooooooo o              o
                                o        o              o
      5 - Special location      o        o              U
      S - Store                 oooooooooo
      U - Exit via airplane                        1 - Base Key 8
                                1 - Soliton        U - Exit
                                U - Exit           V - Stairs down
                                                   X - Locked door
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
                      ---= Area 6: Chugoku =---                  [sec4d]
                         =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

    Difficulty: 2
    Recommended Team: Battle Team
    Boss: Prince of Darkness

    Follow the directions below the map to complete this area. There are
a few things worth noting otherwise. First of all, if you visit
location "F", you will see that nobody's home, but you will feel like this
location must have a purpose. Well, it does, but you won't find out until
later in the game, so don't worry about it. Secondly, the store listed as
location "E" is selling something called Okonomiyaki, which is a specialty
food of this region, and will be an important item to have later in the
game. You can get it now and have it hanging around in your inventory, or
get it later when you actually need it. Finally, when you go to location
"7", you will appear in Area 7, where you can visit a store. You will
need to buy the Specialty Sake (とさのじざけ) there.

               S          o5        Special Locations:
               o    ooo   c           E - Store selling Okonomiyaki
              wo   ff w   e           F - Barbara's house
          ookoo oooo  o  foTo         X - Enemy base
          w   oce  E  owko  o       Legend:
          oG  @       6  o  o         b - Ferry boat
       toow              A  o         c - Coin
  ooF zo                   ko         e - Endurance down
  f    o                   o          f - Fuel
  T    e                   f          k - Fuel down
  oeooff    @              c          o - Blank space
    o      owo             w          t - Tac
  eoo      o o     H       o          w - Wrench
  o   G    f f     o       e          z - Construction shop
 fo okotoooo#oooff o       o          A - Conversation
 o oo    f 2 A   e o  G  1 o          G - Gas station
 wof 4   w      So oowookoocc         H - Headquarters
     ofoooob     o o  T o c c         S - Store
         c   3   oof  o o ccc         T - Tornado
         cS ToS       o o             & - Statue for sale
         T   b        o 8             # - Road for sale
         o            o               @ - Tunnel for sale
         $            o
                      o   X
       &              o  oo
                      o
                      7
                  To Area 7

To complete the map, visit locations in the following order:
                         !
1-2-3-2-1-4-5-1-6-7-6-1-8-X

! indicates battle to clear the area

Sub-locations within this region:

    Enemy base:

       V    1        1 - Base Key 6
       o    o        U - Exit
       X    o        V - Stairs down
      oooooooo       X - Locked door
      o      o
      o      o
      oooooooo
         o
         o
         o
         U
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
                      ---= Area 5: Kansai =---                   [sec4e]
                         =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

    Difficulty: 3
    Recommended Team: Battle Team
    Boss: Prince of Hell

    Once again, the basic directions for completing this stage are shown
below the map. Two things to note. One: when you visit location "3", buy
the Cinnamon Cookie (やつはし), which you give to the old man that you visit
when you return to location "2". Two: when you return to location "1" for
the second time, visit the house inside of it first to get the key to open
the locked gate nearby.

                3                   Special Locations:
              ooo                     3 - Store selling Cinnamon Cookie
  oooooe    oo8                       X - Enemy base
  c    k    o           oX          Legend:
  f    T    o           o             b - Ferry boat
  woooooowwcoofoA       f             c - Coin
      o        o   Uoowoo             e - Endurance down
      oH       o                      f - Fuel
               fo1       wwwoo        k - Fuel down
       G       o         o   f        o - Blank space
       oocctoo e    cwooot  Go        t - Tac
   6   o  S  oofewkoo        o        w - Wrench
   ooTefS    w o  @ o    S efo        z - Construction shop
   w   o     c 2    c   oooo          A - Conversation
   o   b     o   &  o   e  A          G - Gas station
   %         o      w   o             H - Headquarters
   %      wook##   $ookfo             S - Store
   o b    o    ooc      o             T - Tornado
 Sccoo    o   oo oo     f             U - Tunnel
  z       o   w 4 o     o             $ - Casino
          o   o oooeffoooTo7          & - Statue for sale
          c   o                       # - Road for sale
          oG  w  @                    % - Bridge for sale
          o   wToo                    @ - Tunnel for sale
          f   o  o
          f   o  5
          fooko

To complete the map, visit locations in the following order:
                   *   !
1-2-3-2-4-5-6-4-7-4-8-1-X

* indicates battle at this location
! indicates battle to clear the area

Sub-locations within this region:

    Shrine ("1" on          Shrine ("7" on        Enemy base:
         above map):             above map):

                  V                      oU         ooo Vooo
                  o             ooooo   oo          o o    o
              oo1 X             o   o   o           o o    X
              o   o             o   o   o           o o    o
            ooooooo             o   o   o           o ooo1 oo
            o                   o   o   o           o       o
            o                   X   o   o           o       o
            o                   o   o   o           ooooooooo
      Uoooooo                   o   o   o               o
                              ooo   ooooo               U
      1 - Conversation,       o o1
          Get key later                             1 - Base Key 5
      U - Exit                1 - Bent Wire         U - Exit
      V - Stairs down         U - Exit              V - Stairs down
      X - Locked door         X - Locked door       X - Locked door
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
                     ---= Area 1: Hokkaido =---                  [sec4f]
                        =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

    Difficulty: 3
    Recommended Team: Wild Team
    Boss: General Jack

    While following the directions below this map to complete the area,
there are two special things worth noting. First of all, when you visit
location "6", you need to buy the Yubari Naron (ゆばりナロン) and the
Wood-Carved Bear (きぼりのくま). I believe that's why I listed it twice on
the list of places to visit (you need the wood-carved bear first). Also,
when you visit location "8", you will go through a tunnel to Area 2. In the
building there, you need to trade the Wood-Carved Bear for a Nipopo Doll.

            $c  4                 Special Locations:
             ccooo                  X - Enemy base
               T ke               Legend:
               o  oG                a - Accessible after special event
          Sooo o  e                 c - Coin
           e fff  k                 e - Endurance down
        wwoo 3 o  ooo               f - Fuel
        o      o 6f k               k - Fuel down
        o      2    oto             o - Blank space
      1 o  9          ooook S       t - Tac
      wof  waaX      ww   coo       w - Wrench
  ooooo    f         o    w         z - Construction shop
  f   tttooooo      oo    c         A - Conversation
  ow   o     oooo   T     e         G - Gas station
   e   c     o  ofcoe     c         H - Headquarters
  oo   G   6 w   E  o     f         S - Store
  f       oooo      w     c         T - Tornado
  oo A    e         koooootk        $ - Casino
   oco &  k                o        & - Statue for sale
   T      f                o7       + - Farm for sale
   t      w +     GooooooooT
   o     Aooo      c
  Sfoa8     okoooofo
    c       f      c
  HooA      o      oz
            wot  tow
              oooo

To complete the map, visit locations in the following order:
                       !
1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-6-9-E-9-X

! indicates battle to clear the area

Sub-locations within this region:

    Enemy base:

      oooo1  V        1 - Base Key 1
      o      X        U - Exit
      o      o        V - Stairs down
      o      o        X - Locked door
      o      o
      oooooooo
          o
          o
          U
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
                       ---= Area 3: Kanto =---                  [sec4g]
                          =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

    Difficulty: 4
    Recommended Team: Battle Team
    Boss: Shadow Moon

    Once again, follow the directions below this map to complete the area.
However, this area is the first area with a difficulty level of 4, and now
there are enemies that can shoot missiles at you. They are the snake-type
enemies. So battles can be a bit more challenging than they have been.
Also, the "Mini-Boss Battles" are way harder in this section and will
require a little bit more strategy (not much, but you probably haven't had
to do much thinking up until now since the enemies have been a lot slower
than you, right?). See the "Mini-Boss Battles" section above for details.

                    o@ @o    $     Legend:
    3oooefookwotoowfo   e   cc       b - Ferry boat
     f S    G           o   c        c - Coin
     o                  f   c        e - Endurance down
     w                  ooooo        f - Fuel
     o                S  o           k - Fuel down
     T      woo     ooo  o           o - Blank space
  oocoooooooo c     e cooo           t - Tac
  o     f     c  E  o    o           w - Wrench
  t     o     ooffook  2 T           z - Construction shop
  o     w     T   z offooo           A - Conversation
  oo    o7   Mo         f            G - Gas station
   w    o     c         o            H - Headquarters
   e    o     oAoN   G  w            S - Store
  GooTooo4    o      oToo            T - Tornado
      o       toooooc o              $ - Casino
   ocoo#     Go     S ooo            & - Statue for sale
   o   #   S  wofo      f            # - Road for sale
   o  ffoowwooo F9      o            @ - Tunnel for sale
   f  o  6  o      8   SwooH
  wo  w     oc  oooooo  e
  o   o      o         oo
  k Sof      oo     S  c
  e  w        b    5o  o
  tofo           &  ofwo
                    1

To complete the map, visit locations in the following order:
   *             *       !
1-2-3-4-5-6-7-6-8-9-E-F-M-N

* indicates battle at this location
! indicates battle to clear the area

Sub-locations within this region:

    Bay Object              Tokyo Tower            Enemy base:
   ("8" on above map):     ("N" on above map):

       oooooo                  oooooooooooo            ooo 1
      oo    oo                 o          o            o o o   V
      o      o                 o oooooooo o            o o o   X
      o      o                 o o G    o o            o o o   o
      oooooU o                 o o      ooo            o ooo   o
      o      o1                o ooooX  o o            o o     o
      o      o                 o o      o o          Uoo o     o
      oo    oo                Uo o      o o              ooooooo
       oooooo                  o oooooooo o
                               o          o          1 - Base Key 3
      1 - Computer             oooooooooooo          U - Exit
      U - Exit                  G                    V - Stairs down
                                                     X - Locked door
                              G - Gas station
                              U - Exit
                              X - Enemy base
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
                      ---= Area 2: Tohoku =---                  [sec4h]
                         =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

    Difficulty: 4
    Recommended Team: Wild Team
    Boss: Jumenki

    The final area, yay! You probably got bored of this game a long time
ago, so kudos if you managed to stick with it. You must be as obsessive
compulsive as I am about finishing things. Being a region with a difficulty
level of 4, you will once again com across enemies that fire missiles, and
the "Mini-Boss" battles will be harder. You should buy the Wankosoba from
the store at location "M", which will be important to have later. If you
bring the old man at location "R" a Hot Springs Map (found in the cave at
location "8"), you will be able to see a naked lady again at location "F".
It doesn't actually show anything though, once again.

                                  Special Locations:
          P      9  ffft            F - Hot springs
          o    boow    w            M - Shop selling Wankosoba
          N     S      w            N - Cave from area 8
           f8          w            P - Trade Wood-Carved Bear for
       Towfw    A      o                Nipopo Doll
      So  S   $ o     oT            R - Old man wants Hot Springs Map
       e &    ocoootooo             X - Enemy Base
       o        f     c           Legend:
  6    e        o     c             b - Ferry boat
  o    owokokowoo    oo             c - Coin
  w    f   c    T   of ooH          e - Endurance down
  U Uofo   o3  5eoo o  o            f - Fuel
      o    c      wow Sw            k - Fuel down
      w 5owfooo        o            o - Blank space
      o  o    o   2   1otoo         t - Tac
      w  f    cooke       e         w - Wrench
     of  %     G  wfoookooo         z - Construction shop
     o   f             #            A - Conversation
     T   o            ooo           G - Gas station
   z c   o            c o           H - Headquarters
   oootooooE oX   owoeo G           S - Store
   w         h    c   t             T - Tornado
   w 7oof    F    ofRko             U - Tunnel
 ooo    A oocfooo     o             $ - Casino
Mo    foooT     oowfooo             # - Road for sale
 toooow                             % - Bridge for sale
                                    & - Statue for sale

To complete the map, visit locations in the following order:
   *             *     !
1-2-3-4-5-6-7-6-8-9-E-F-X

* indicates battle at this location
! indicates battle to clear the area

Sub-locations within this region:

    Cave (square "8" on above map):           Enemy Base:
      1o
       ooooooo
             o                                           ooo
            oo  ooU                                      X oo
            o   o                               Uooooooo o  o
       ooo  o   o                                   o  ooo  o
       o oooo   o                                   o       o
       o    o  oo                                   o      oo
      2o    oooo                                    1      V

      1 - Hot Springs Map                       1 - Base Key 2
      2 - Secret Data                           U - Exit
      U - Exit                                  V - Stairs down
                                                X - Locked door
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                             =-=-=-=-=-=
                          ---= Endgame =---                      [sec4i]
                             =-=-=-=-=-=

    After finishing all 8 regions, the guy at headquarters says that there's
a lady in Chugoku with some valuable information. You may remember the
previously empty and suspicious house in Area 6. Go back to Chugoku, Area 6,
and go to location "F". You meet Barbara, a lady who says she can tell you
where the G-Shocker main base is located, but she wants you to pass a test
first. She wants you to collect three items and bring them back to her. The
first is a specialty dish from the Tohoku region. She wants the Wankosoba
(わんこそば), so if you did not buy one in Area 2, head there now and buy one
from the store at location "M".
    The second item that Barbara asks for is a specialty food from the
Chugoku region. She wants the Okonomiyaki (おこのみやき), which can be
bought at location "E" of Area 6 if you don't already have one. The third
and final item she wants is an Ornate Hairpin (かんざし) from the Shikoku
region, so return to Area 7 and buy one from the store at location "M" if
you don't already have one. Having brought Barbara all three of these items,
she will tell you that the G-Shocker headquarters is inside Mt. Fuji.
    Mt. Fuji is located in Chubu, Area 4. Head there now, with the Battle
Team selected, and you will find that there is now a path you can take
leading to Mt. Fuji. Inside, you will face one final "Boss" battle. This
time, instead of one boss rider and three henchman, you face four boss
riders. The boss riders deal a lot more damage, so you can only survive a
few rounds of fighting. This makes this race very difficult. You have to
get very lucky to win. You have to spin a high number for movement on the
first turn (a "spin again" card is a big help here), and hope that no more
than one of the enemies is able to attack you on their first turn.
Otherwise, they will engage you in too many consecutive battles and drain
your Endurance. They have a huge advantage in catching up to you since they
can draft each other, so getting far enough ahead is difficult. Make sure to
make pit stops on all your laps if you make it that far. It probably took me
around 20 tries to win this race, so it's going to take patience. If you
manage to win, then a huge congratulations are in order! You finished the
game!

              - - - = = = ================== = = = - - -
              - - - = = = === Conclusion === = = = - - -
              - - - = = = ================== = = = - - -

I hope you found this guide useful.  There are a number of items that need
to be improved in this FAQ, so if you have information that you'd like to
contribute, or if you have other suggestions for how the guide can be made
better or find any mistakes, please send it to [email protected].  I
will give you the proper credit for your help.