Knight Rider FAQ/Walkthrough 1.0
Written by Keith VanZandt (c) copyright 2003
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Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. Game Information
III. Controls
IV. In game display
V. Weapons and Items
VI. Tips
VII. Mission Walkthrough
1. San Francisco
2. Seattle
3. Salt Lake City
4. Denver
5. St. Louis
6. Chicago
7. Toronto
8. Boston
9. New York
10. Washington D.C.
11. Miami
12. Houston
13. Phoenix
14. Las Vegas
15. Home
----------------------------
I. Introduction
----------------------------
This is my first FAQ I've written for a game. I chose Knight Rider for the
NES for a few reasons. First, I played this game a long while back and beat
it and it still remained one of my favorite games. Second, it caught my eye
and attention again when I found it listed at the top of the NES Requested
FAQs page on GameFAQs. I decided since I had played this game quite a bit in
the past I could write up a FAQ and maybe take care of that request all at
once.
----------------------------
II. Game Information
----------------------------
When the title screen appears you have two game modes - MISSION and DRIVE
Choosing MISSION will give you two options - START and PASSWORD
If you choose START you'll start a new game. Choosing password lets you
continue your game by inputiing a password that Devon gave you.
MISSION mode is made up of a series of missions that take place in different
cities as you chase criminals and terrorists. Along the way, you are given the
ability to add upgrades to Kitt to assist you in your missions.
The other game mode, DRIVE, lets you drive through each course.
----------------------------
III. Controls
----------------------------
Upgrade Screen
SELECT - Cycle through choices
A - Choose upgrade
Driving
UP - Accelerate
DOWN - Brake
LEFT - Move Left
RIGHT - Move Right
B - Booster Jump
A - Shoot selected weapon
SELECT - Cycle through weapons
START - Pause
----------------------------
IV. In Game Display
----------------------------
Let's take a quick look at the cockpit of Kitt.
Starting at the top on the left side is your Time, which tells you how much
time you have remaining to reach the boss area. After reaching the boss area,
it changes to show how much time you have to beat the boss.
Below your Time is your score. This constantly increases as you drive.
Below your score is a meter marked by a blue S. This is your Shield meter.
Notice that it isn't full? That's because by default the Shield and Gas meters
start out a little over half full and will be completley full once you get all
the upgrades for each. Anyways, if this meter is depleted you're shield is gone
and you lose one life and have to start the course over.
Now, to the right of the center you have at the top a curved line which is
your tachometer but don't worry about it. It's just for show, as is Kitt's
voice display near the center of the cockpit.
Below your tach is your current Speed.
Then you have another meter marked by a blue G. This is your gas or fuel
remaining. If you run out of fuel you'll be starting the course over so keep
an eye out for fuel pick ups if this gets low.
Below your gas meter is a horizontal black line with 6 blue dashes and a red
box. This tells you your distance from the boss area. Once the red box moves
completely to the right side of this, you'll be at the boss area.
On the far right is your radar. This shows you as a yellow dot and any
vehicles as a red dot. It's useful when you're doing a booster jump and want
to make sure you don't land on anything when you come down. It can also help
determine which lane a car is in coming around a corner.
Below all this stuff on the right is what weapon you have selected. When you
start out this is set to GUN. Pressing SELECT will cycle through your weapons
(you can also cycle through your weapons while the game is paused). When you
have Missile or Laser selected the number of ammuntion you have for that
weapon is displayed as a number. The GUN never runs out of ammunition.
----------------------------
V. Weapons and Items
----------------------------
GUN - This is your basic gun that fires bullets from alternating sides of the
car and the bullets meet about halfway down the road.
MISSILE - These fire from alternating sides of the car and will also fire up
at any aerial vehicles. Stronger than bullets.
LASER - This fires a red beam from the center of the car hood and is your most
powerful weapon.
The following are items you can get from Yellow Vehicles and Black Knight
trucks.
T - Adds 30 seconds to your remaining time
G - Refills some of your gas
R - Repairs your shield
M - Adds 20 Missiles
L - Adds 20 Lasers
1 - 1UP (Extra Life)
----------------------------
VI. Tips
----------------------------
- Avoid crashing. Roadside objects will damage your shield and stop you
completely. Worse, you have to wait for the game to move you back to the
middle lane before taking off again which seriously hurts you time wise.
Other vehicles can slow you down or stop you when you hit them and damage your
shield. Projectiles fired from enemy vehicles don't stop you but do hurt your
shield.
- The Yellow colored enemy vehicles give you an item icon when you destroy
them. The Black Knight trucks will toss out an icon when you get near them.
Do not pass these vehicles as they will not reappear if you do pass them.
- On sharp curves decrease your speed to less than 130 to prevent sliding. If
there are no other vehicles you may want to go ahead and slide if you're
starting from the inside lane. If you are near the edge of the road you can
also use the area off the road to slow down as long as there are no roadside
objects will only slow you down greatly.
- Don't destroy Blue vehicles. They don't attack you and destroying them
will penalize you 5 seconds. The same goes for the Black Knight trucks.
- You're awarded an extra life every 10000 points
- If you run out of time but still have gas and you're near the boss area try
this. Hold the booster jump button to keep your speed up and stay far off the
side of the road to avoid cars. If you run out of fuel try to land back on
the road so you can attempt to coast the rest of the way to the Boss Area
where you will get more shield, fuel, and time.
- If you need to you can drive between two vehicles if you're on a straight
(curves make this harder).
----------------------------
VII. Mission Walkthrough
----------------------------
Before each mission you will be briefed by Devon and Bonnie. If you want you
can simply skip these by pressing START.
******** 1. San Francisco ********
Course Time - 2:25 (it will show 2:29 at the beginning but it actually takes
4 seconds before you can control Kitt so it's actually 2:25)
Devon informs you that a terrorist group attacked a U.S. army weapons center
and stole weapons, ammunition, and the P.I.V. bomb which has enormous
destructive power.
I'd recommend getting Shield for your first upgrade. Without it you're shields
will be half strength. You'll need to get all 3 Shield upgrades to get a full
meter of Shield. The same goes for Gas too.
The Red and Yellow Cars on this course fire off 2 bullets at you. You can
either stay to either side of the car and pick them off after they fire their
bullets or you can try to shoot them before they get close enough to shoot and
then dodge in case they manage to get a shot off.
Once you get a half mark away from the boss area on your distance guage,
you'll also encounter Red Trucks which aren't much trouble. Just deal with
them the same way you dealt with the Cars.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BOSS
Semi Truck
Weapon - Bullets
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
When you reach the boss area of a level you're time is reset to 1:00 and your
shield and has are refilled.
Your first boss is a Black Semi Truck that fires a stream of bullets. If you
look at the tail light of the Semi Truck you'll notice they are blue. This is
it's Health indicator. As you damage the Semi Truck it will change from blue
to yellow to red. Once you defeat the Semi Truck it will take off and your
remaining time is added to your score as a bonus.
A good strategy to beating the Semi Truck is to just stay slightly to the
right of him to dodge his bullets and shoot him as he swerves to the right.
You can use missiles or lasers if you picked some up on the way here from
destroying a Yellow Car. If you don't have either your Gun will work just
fine. This shouldn't be too much trouble as long as you avoid the bullets and
don't stay right behind him.
******** 2. Seattle ********
Course Time - 2:30
For this mission you can choose either Gas or Shield.
The Red Cars will not be tossing sticks of dynamite out at you which can hurt
you more than bullets so watch out for those. You can either brake hard or
swerve to avoid them. The Yellow Cars thankfully still shoot bullets.
This course also throws in a new annoyance. When you get about one and half a
dash away from the boss area, the Blue Cadillacs (The cars with the round
white area in the middle of their back end... The other cars I call Mustangs)
will start to switch lanes. If they're in the left or right lane they'll
switch to the middle and if they're in the middle they'll switch to either the
left or right lane. I suggest driving up behind them in their first lane so
that they'll move out of your way instead of swerving in front of you. Keep in
mind though that if they try to switch lanes and another vehicle is in their
way they will go back to their original lane.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BOSS
Semi Truck
Weapon - Dynomite
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Fight this battle the same way you did last time but this time the Semi Truck
will be tossing dynamite instead of simply shooting bullets. 5 or 6 hits will
knock your shields out so just keep slightly to the right of him as you fire
your weapons. If he swerves in front of you just move to the right, remember
you can drive off the edge of the road where he can't reach you.
After you defeat the Semi Truck he'll take off again.
******** 3. Salt Lake City ********
Course Time - 3:15
I'd go ahead and get Gas this time if you haven't got any before.
Right from the start you'll have to deal with lane switchers. This time it's
the Blue Mustangs causing the problem... And the road has plenty of them. Just
work your way past them by driving up behind them and keeping an eye out for
their switches.
The Red Cars still toss dynamite while the Yellow ones still shoot bullets.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BOSS
Semi Truck
Weapon - Missiles
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Now the Semi Truck is getting serious. You now have to avoid a string of
missiles. However, by now you should know the drill. Hang to the right
(especially if he's up close) and keep picking him off. This time however when
you defeat him he'll be destroyed in a long explosion that stretches down the
highway.
After this level, Devon will congratulate you can off you a chance to take a
vacation. If you choose YES he'll give you a password which you can use to
continue your game later. If you choose NO he'll admire your dedication and
you don't get a password. Use SELECT to choose your choice and press START to
confirm it.
******** 4. Denver ********
Course Time - 2:55
You now have to chase down a stolen Air Force X-5 Jetcopter.
I would choose Gas unless you already have 2 Gas upgrades. Otherwise you can
take another Shield upgrade. This should give you 2 Gas and 2 Shield upgrades.
This course is icy which means your steering, acceleration and braking will be
affected so be aware of this as you will slide around on this road. Luckily,
this is the only icy course in the game.
The Cadillacs and Mustangs have been replaced with what looks like Jeeps and
Corvettes and they also don't switch lanes. That's a relief as you'll have
enough trouble with the road itself.
The Red Cars now shoot bullets again instead of tossing dynamite which also
makes this a bit easier on you.
A new addition starting this level is aerial units. Specifically, helicopters
that also come in the blue, red, and yellow variety. The red and yellow ones
shoot bullets and can be annoying if they decide to hang around. If you want
to try to destroy them you'll need to be going a decent speed and Booster Jump
to be able to shoot them. Missiles will lock onto them from the ground though.
I wouldn't recommend taking out every helicopter though as the Booster Jump
depletes your Gas. I'd simply concentrate on getting Yellow Helicopters if any.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BOSS
X-5 Jetcopter
Weapon - Bullets
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This boss is in the air and shoots down at you. Since you're gas is refilled
the easiest way to take care of this guy is to keep Booster Jumping as you
shoot him with whatever weapons you have. This also manages to keep you safe
from his attacks as they seem to hit when you're on the ground and not in the
air. The Jetcopter will change color from blue to yellow to red before being
defeated and will fly away.
******** 5. St. Louis ********
Course Time - 3:00
Choose either Gas or Shield for your upgrade.
The Yellow Helicopters will now be tossing dynamite.
The Red Cars will shoot bullets at first and switch dynamite half way through
this level. (At about 2 dashes from the end.)
The lane switchers are also back. This time it's the Blue Jeeps and they start
to switch lanes at about the same time the Red Cars start tossing dynamite.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BOSS
X-5 Jetcopter
Weapon - Dynamite
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Use the same strategy as last time. As long as you stay airborne most of the
dynamite should miss you and you'll be able to easily keep hitting him with
your weapons.
******** 6. Chicago ********
Course Time - 2:35
At this point I'd reccomend picking up an Engine upgrade as you'll need the
extra speed to help get through the course in time.
The Blue Jeeps are still switching lanes right from the start.
Red Cars will toss dynamite once you are 2 and half dashes away from the end.
The Red Helicopters will start tossing dynamite at that time as well.
The Blue Corvette's will start lane switching at about the same time the Red
Vehicles start tossing dynamite. The Jeeps will stop their lane switching.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BOSS
X-5 Jetcopter
Weapon - Missiles
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Again, use the same strategy as before. Jump up and pummel the jetcopter. It's
missiles don't do much to you in the air so just make sure you move to the side
as you come down and line up the helicopter when you jump to blast it with your
weapons. Once you beat the jetcopter it will be destroyed.
Once again Devon will congratulate you and offer you a vacation password.
******** 7. Toronto ********
Course Time - 2:50
Devon now sends you and Kitt to investigate a dead data-link with the
Foundation's research lab. Doesn't sound too exciting, but okay.
Take Shield, Gas, or Engine depending on what you have available.
The helicopters have been replaced by planes. They shoot a volley of bullets
as they fly past.
The Cadillacs and Mustangs are back and the Blue Cadillacs will be lane
switching.
At about 2 and half marks from the boss area the Red Cars will start tossing
dynamite again.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BOSS
Semi Truck
Weapon - Bullets
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Similar to the previous Semi Truck you fought earlier but this one is more
agile. Hang to the right and pick him off but be careful as he can move right
in front of you quickly. You can use missiles or laser if you want but the gun
should be enough for any Semi Trucks.
******** 8. Boston ********
Course Time - 2:00
Engine should be your choice of upgrade this time around.
You only have 2 minutes starting out this time so you're going to have to be
careful and make sure to get the Yellow vehicles in an attempt to grab as many
Time icons you can get.
The Blue Cadillacs will be switching lanes from the beginning.
Both Red and Yellow Cars will be tossing dynamite but occasionally they'll
shoot bullets instead. The Planes will be shooting bullets still.
Near the end of this run, the Blue Trucks will start switching lanes instead of
Cadillacs.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BOSS
Semi Truck
Weapon - Dynamite
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Once again he's quick at moving and will be tricky to shoot with the laser.
Also, the dynamite makes it harder to line up shots so just try to keep hitting
him along the side or try with the laser to get some lucky shots in.
******** 9. New York ********
Course Time - 1:50
By now, you only have one choice for Gas, Shield, or Engine so pick whatever is
left up (On the next missions we'll be picking up the weapons).
It's night time here. This can make it a little harder to see vehicles coming
and you can't see your hood so determining how close objects are to the sides
of your car is difficult. You also start off with little time.
The Blue Cadillacs will be switching lanes.
The Red Cars will be tossing dynamite.
You'll also find Yellow Trucks that shoot bullets. They still give out power
ups like any Yellow vehicle.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BOSS
Semi Trucks
Weapons - Dynamite and Missiles
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Semi Truck tosses dynamite again but this time you can't see your hood so
be careful on judging where they're gonna land. You should be able to handle
him without much trouble though. After you defeat him he'll be destroyed...
SURPRISE!! There's two of them. You get another 1:00 on the clock and your
shield and gas are refilled again. This one however is packing missiles. Repeat
the same strategy that's served you well to this point and you'll have both
Semi Trucks destroyed easily.
Devon once again offers you a vacation if you want the password to continue.
******** 10. Washington D.C. ********
Course Time - 2:40
Devon informs you that the "enemy" has now hit the Foundation's warehouse.
Could it be an inside job? No time to ponder that now, we've gotta drive.
Grab some missiles or lasers. Whichever you prefer.
Nothing too serious to watch out for on this course. The Red Cars will be
tossing dynamite and the Blue Jeeps will be switching lanes.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BOSS
Jetcopter
Weapon - Bullets
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This boss is much like the Jetcopter you fought before, but it is now quicker
and darts in and out very fast. Your best bet is still to just keep Booster
Jumping and hitting it with whatever you got. Again, it's bullets are useless
if you stay airborne.
******** 11. Miami ********
Course Time - 2:50
Devon doesn't have anything new to say but Bonnie will tell you that even
though they don't know the full capabilities of the enemy, they have seen some
of their secret weapons. What secret weapons? A Semi Truck and a Jetcopter?
Again choose either Missile or Laser for your upgrade.
The Red Cars will again be tossing dynamite.
The Blue Jeeps will be switching lanes.
When you are about 2 dashes away from the boss area you will encounter Red
Trucks which toss dynamite and the Blue Mustangs will switch lanes instead of
the Jeeps.
You may also find one or two Yellow Trucks.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BOSS
Jetcopter
Weapon - Dynamite
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Just keep jumping while you fire your weapons at the jetcopter. By now you
should be able to knock these bosses out pretty quick.
******** 12. Houston ********
Course Time - 2:45
Once again pick up a weapon upgrade.
The Red Cars will be still tossing dynamite.
The Blue Jeeps will start out switching lanes.
At around 2 dashes before the end you'll encounter a new problem. The cars will
disappear and there will be barrels that appear in different places, including
in the road. Dodge these or you'll be hurting for time. They don't show up on
the radar either. Your best bet is to take it a little more cautious through
this area. There will be an occasional Yellow Car or Helicopter to take out
for a item pickup. If you do run out of time your best bet is to hold down B
and Booster Jump you're way to the end, keeping far off the road to avoid
barrels.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BOSS
Jetcopters
Weapons - Dynamite and Missiles
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Once again the Jetcopter returns tossing dynamite so hammer away with your
weapons. After destroying one Jetcopter, you'll get more shields, gas, and time
to destroy a second Jetcopter that launches missiles. Both of them are fast
moving but if you keep jumping and firing at them you should make it just fine.
If you want to take a break, Devon is willing to give you a vacation and
password to continue your game later.
******** 13. Phoenix ********
Course Time - 2:25
Devon reveals to you that the enemy is Karr and as soon as you finish talking
to him Bonnie will tell you that Karr kidnapped Devon. Man, that Karr works
fast since you just spoke to Devon a second ago.
Anyways, time to grab another laser or missile and head out.
Blue Trucks will be switching lanes right from the start and there are a number
of them.
The Red and Yellow Cadillacs will fire bullets but you should be more concerned
about the Red and Yellow Jeeps that fire Missiles(!)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BOSS
Semi Truck and Jetcopter
Weapons - Bullets and Dynomite
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
When the Semi Truck appears, use the same strategy you've used before on it.
It only has bullets so hammer it with lasers or missiles.
After the Semi Truck leaves, the Jetcopter will arrive tossing dynomite. Again,
simply keep jumping and firing whatever weapon you choose at it and it will
fly away soon enough.
******** 14. Las Vegas ********
Course Time - 3:15
Karr apparently has contacted you by radio to let you know he's in Las Vegas.
Awful considerate of him isn't it?
Choose missiles or laser again.
This course is another dark night time level which means you'll have a hard
time seeing your hood again.
The Red Jeeps will be tossing dynomite.
The Red Trucks will switch lanes and shoot bullets.
The Blue Cadillacs will also be switching lanes.
There is going to be many enemies on this course so you better get your trigger
finger ready or they may gang up on you. As always, be sure to make an effort
to get the Yellow vehicles as they have the item pickups.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BOSS
Jetcopter and Semi Truck
Weapons - Bullets and Missiles
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Jetcopter isn't too much trouble as it's only shooting bullets. Make it go
away by simply jumping and shooting it.
The Semi Truck however, is packing those Missiles and needs a little more
caution. Use either missiles or guns as it's very difficult to get clean shots
with the laser without putting yourself in danger.
******** 15. Home ********
Course Time - 1:50
Devon gets in touch with you long enough to tell you he's in L.A.
Hmmm... wasn't he always in L.A.? I mean the destination is even called Home.
Oh, well. Bonnie wishes you luck and you can grab for the last time an upgrade.
You have 1:50 to reach the boss area and it's a good drive so make sure you
grab any Time icons that you can.
The Red Jeeps will be tossing dynamite.
Red Helicopters will shoot a bullet or two.
The Blue Trucks and Cadillacs will be switching lanes.
More than likely you will run out of time before reaching the boss area. Just
head to the far side off the road while holding down the Booster Jump to keep
going. If you run out of gas doing this, try to land back on the road so you
can attempt to coast the rest of the way.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BOSS
2 Semi Trucks, 2 Jetcopters, and Karr
Weapons - Bullets, Dynomite, and Missiles
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Despite the fact that you have to fight 5 bosses this time it's not too tough
as the Semi Trucks and Jetcopters you've fought enough times to be experts at
taking them down. You also get your time, shields, and gas refilled after you
destroy each one.
Use your guns on the Semi Trucks.
Use your missiles and guns on the Jetcopters.
Use Lasers if you got them on Karr.
Karr is a very agile car. He moves fast and fires bullets which do more damage
than the usual bullets so I recommend staying in the right or left lane and
fire your laser at him as he enters the lane and then quickly move off the road
to avoid the bullets.
If you really need to, you could drive along the edge and pick him off with
the gun while you stay clear of his line of fire. However, you may not have
enough time to do this without getting some good hits with the laser in first.
After Karr is destroyed, sit back and read the ending. You've saved Devon and
destroyed Karr. Congratulation!
