Armored Trooper Votoms: The Battling Road - Import
Faq Version 1.1 (2.28.2001)
By Fretzy ([email protected])

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Contents:

A:\ Tech Data
B:\ Background
C:\ Object Of The Game
D:\ Menu Controls \ Info
E:\ In-Game Controls \ Info
F:\ Missions
G:\ Strategies
H:\ Updates
I:\ Credits

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A:\ Tech Data

System: Super Famicom \ Super Nintendo
Number Of Players: 1-2
Game Type: Pseudo-3D Arena Fighting
Language: Japanese Storyline, English Menus
Company: Takara
Release Date: 10.29.1993
Serial: SHVC-VO
Country: Japan

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B:\ Background

The Japanese animation "Armored Trooper Votoms", released in 1983, was
the brainchild of N.Shioyama (Ronin Warriors) and R. Takahashi
(Gasaraki). Together they created one of the most beloved (in Japan)
shows in the history of Japanese Animation. The series was later
released (1996) in the US by Central Park Media. The series spanned 19
videocassettes, and quickly developed a small, but devoted fan
following. Its 80's style animation turned off a lot of would-be fans,
but those willing to endure the animation were rewarded with one of the
best storylines (and also some really cool mecha designs) available in
the genre. The series was so popular in Japan that games, toys, and
models are to this day being made. Armored Trooper Votoms: The Battling
Road is, as far as I know, the first Votoms game created, and is an
incredible game. Utilizing the DSP chip (A chip implemented into no
more than 15 Super Nintendo/Famicom cartridges) to create a Pseudo-3D
environment, this game looks absolutely wonderful for its time. Since
its release there has been 5 Votoms Playstation games released, one of
which I will make a FAQ for when it arrives.

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C:\ Object Of The Game

While I really don't know the storyline of the game (unfortunately, I
can't read or speak Japanese), the levels mainly involve battling in
360-degree arenas against many other mechs. Occasionally levels involve
going straight down a road while fending off oncoming mechs. There will
be a boss at the end of most of these levels.

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D:\ Menu Controls \ Info

D-Pad Up\Down: Change Selection \ Mech Color
D-Pad Left\Right: Choose Control Scheme
Start: Choose Menu Option
B: Back

Scenario Play: Lets you play the main game.
    New Game: Starts a new game.
    Pass Word: Lets you resume a game in progress.

VS Battle: Lets you play against a friend in split-screen mode.
    Death Match: Fight one on one against your friend.
    Battle Royal: Fight against your friend, and a few computer mechs.
    Pannel Match: Try to get more points than your friend by driving
     over colored panels.

Options: Pick your control scheme.

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E:\ In-Game Controls \ Info

D-Pad Up: Forward in Arena \ Accelerate on Road
D-Pad Down: Reverse in Arena \ Decelerate on Road
D-Pad Left: Turn Widely Left in Arena \ Move Left on Road
D-Pad Right: Turn Widely Right in Arena \ Move Right on Road
L Button: Plant Left turnpick
R Button: Plant Right turnpick
A Button: Change Weapon
B Button: Change Weapon
X Button: Fire Weapon
Y Button: Fire Weapon
Select: Display health bar above all mechs
Start: Pause

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F:\ Missions

- Dream Mission -

In this first "mission", you are piloting the standard ATM-09-ST,
equipped with no more than the arm punch weapon. Drive around, punch
stuff, have fun. This level seems to be little more than a dream to the
main character. You will only battle for about a minute before the
screen fades to black and you are faced with some storyline scenes.

- Stage 1: Battling In Woodo -

In this mission you are piloting a standard ATM-09-ST, equipped with
both the Arm Punch, and the Heavy Machine Gun. The gun, and punch both
have unlimited ammo, so blast away. In Woodo you come face to face with
your first real enemies. Three Standard ATM-09-STs are all that will
attack you, none of which have missile launchers. Dispatch them quickly
with some punches and move on.

- Stage 2: Exodus -

This will be your first linear "Road" level. A lot of Standard ATM-09-
STs will come your way, but luckily they are easy to kill (a burst or
two of machine gun fire will take one out). Its not too hard if you
follow the road strategies listed in the strategies section. Don't get
hit too much, but try to take out some mechs while doing so! After a
while of driving, you'll be faced with your first main boss. This tank
is not too hard to beat if you can avoid being hit by too many
missiles. Luckily, that's not too hard. When he fires the missiles
(they look like fireballs), wait until they get about halfway between
you and him, and then drive away from them (not towards them). If they
are coming from the left, go right, and if they are coming from the
right, go left. After a missile volley, he will try to hit you with the
machine guns. Right after the missiles, drive to the far left (or the
right if he is in the left corner), and as he shoots the guns, drive to
the other side. If you do all this while maintaining a steady stream of
machine gun fire, aimed roughly at his scope (the 3 circles in the
center), you will defeat him without a problem.

- Stage 3-1: Battling in Wolf-1 -

In this arena level your ATM-09-ST will be equipped with the Arm Punch,
Heavy Machine Gun, and finally, the Shoulder Missile Pod! You will only
get 10 Missiles, so make them count. At first there are 3 Standard ATM-
09-ST enemies, but as soon as you kill one, an ATH-14-ST (Standing
Tortoise) will be brought into the arena. At this point, cease all
other attacks and go after him. He has a missile pod, and there aren't
any obstacles in the way of his missiles. Punching is still the most
effective method, but you might want to soften him up with a few
missiles of your own first (make sure you let them lock on, so they
will follow him), or even just save all of your missiles and take him
out with just them. In any case, finish him off quickly, and then
dispose of the other two ATM-09-STs.

- Stage 3-2: Battling in Wolf-2 -

This level is just like the last one in almost every way. The main
difference is that the enemies seem more aggressive. Go about the
mission the same way, but make sure you have the health to take out the
last to ATM-09-STs.

- Stage 4: The Revenge -

This is the first main boss you will fight in an arena, also the first
level with obstacles and mines. The mines are the red circles on the
ground, in case that's not obvious. The enemy mech is an ATH-14-STC
(Standing Tortoise Custom). He's not to bright, so if you just sit in
your Scopedog and don't move, he'll zoom around the level tripping over
the mines. He may shoot at you if he gets close enough, but usually
he'll just blow him self up for a bit (won't take away too much health,
but it helps). You can also launch missiles at him as he zips around.
Eventually you'll just want to chase him down for the kill. Just chase
him with guns blazing, and when you catch up with him, or he turns to
fight, punch some sense into him. Cue cheesy romantic cut-scene music.


I haven't finished the game yet, but when I do, I will update the FAQ
with more mission details.

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G:\ Strategies

Arena Strategies:

- In most of the beginning arena matches the best weapon (even after
acquiring the gun and missile launcher) is the punch. Simply zoom up to
the enemy mech and punch them repeatedly, as their bullets do little
damage.

- Mechs with missile launchers can be dangerous, so try to stay away,
and use your missiles while trying to dodge theirs. Eventually they
will run out, then move in and punch 'em!

-In later levels there will be obstacles and mines, in these levels it
is best to simply let the enemy mechs zoom around and run into the
mines, while you sit in one place launching missiles, and shooting at
them.

- Mechs with missile launchers often hit the obstacles if you stay in
one place long enough.

- Friendly Fire does exist for the enemy mechs. If you are having
trouble running down a mech with little health left, just go for the
other mechs. Chances are the errant gunfire will mow the heavily
damaged mech down!

- Enemy mechs NEVER seem to punch. Take advantage of that, and get up
close!

Road Strategies:

- Avoiding being shot in road levels is a good idea, as there is
usually a large enemy to contend with in the end, and you will need as
much health as possible to survive!

- Most mechs in the road levels won't shoot if they are too close to
you, so don't be afraid to punch them when they get close!

- Most mechs in the road levels won't shoot if they are close to the
top of the screen. Take advantage of that, and destroy them before they
get too close.

- Slowing down can be deadly. The enemy mechs hit more often when you
are going slowly.

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H:\ Updates

2.28.2001 - Created the FAQ

3.01.2001 - Added 6 mission descriptions, and a few new strategies.

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I:\ Credits

Thanks:
N. Shioyama and R. Takahashi, for making such a wonderful series!
Mystie, for helping me pay for the game!
Matt, for being the only other person around obsessed with Votoms!

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Enjoy the faq!

C:\Exit

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