[Murakumo]
Japanese
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This guide Copyright 2002 by Cacophanus
See contact information at the bottom of this guide.
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Version 0.1b
Last Updated November 13th, 2002
- August 3rd - Main FAQ update.
- November 13th - Added musical information, cleaned up a little
syntax, finalised secrets.
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Table of Contents:
I. Introduction
II. Menus
III. Controls
IV. Game Information
V. Scenario Walkthrough
VI. Expert Mission Walkthrough
VII. Extras and Secrets
VIII. Bumph
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I. Introduction
"High speed chase action" is the buzz phrase the game tries to sell, and it isn't far off.
Good fun, but brutally short. On the upside though, despite being a fun game, the music
is nice and funky and the designwork, by Takashi Aoyagi, is super slick. Overall, great
stuff!!
Due to the nature of FAQs, plot spoilers are unavoidable. You have been warned!
The music used for Japanese TV commercial/trailer is by "Do As Infinity" and is
called "Walk Under The Sun". I still do not know the name of the composer for
the in game music however.
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II. Menus
Scenario
Free Mission (has to be unlocked)
Expert Mission (has to be unlocked)
Option
- Game System
- Vibration ON/OFF
- Caption ON/OFF
- Cockpit Arrange (you can also change the cockpit HUD colour)
- Subjective View
- Information ON/OFF
- Enemy ON/OFF
- Distance ON/OFF
- EX Weapon ON/OFF
- Main Weapon ON/OFF
- Armor ON/OFF
- Calling ON/OFF
- Condition ON/OFF
- Vernier ON/OFF
- Activity Time ON/OFF
- Speed ON/OFF
- Lock-On ON/OFF - VERY useful!!
- Height ON/OFF
- Frame ON/OFF
- Location ON/OFF
- Objective View
- Information ON/OFF
- Enemy ON/OFF
- EX Weapon ON/OFF
- Condition ON/OFF
- Vernier ON/OFF
- Activity Time ON/OFF
- Speed ON/OFF
- Lock-On ON/OFF - VERY useful!!
- Location ON/OFF
- Sound
- BGM Volume 1-100
- Voice Volume 1-100
- SE Volume 1-100
- Controller Assign
- A-Type = Inverted Vertical Controls
- B-Type = Normal Vertical Controls
- Exit
Database
- Reports
- Music Mode (has to be unlocked)
- Special Movie (has to be unlocked)
- Replays
- Special Arts (has to be unlocked)
Save
Load
Quit Game
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III. Controls
Default:
D pad/Left Analogue = Movement (A Type or B Type)
R = Boost
L = Back Boost
A = Main Weapon
B = EX Weapon
Y = View Change (Subjective/Objective)
(X = not used)
This can be modified to suit your wishes. Your HUD is best viewed in "Objective Mode"
(3rd Person View), very helpful for tracking your opponents. The game is also
compatible with the "Top Gun Fox2 FlightStick" (the pad works just fine though).
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IV. Game Information
Glossary:
A.R.K. - Pronounced "ark", it stands for Artificial Releflexive Kineticicoid. It carries
powerful motion capture sensors. Whilst manned, the A.R.K.s utilise very powerful A.I.
(Artificially Intelligent) systems. Due to the advanced nature of these A.I.s, most
A.R.K.s are now unmanned.
Lugnal - A very ingenious engineering company, and the creators of A.R.K. technology.
Their beginnings are shrouded in mystery, and they also have very powerful
influences within the American government.
Oliver Port - It was built as an experimental ideal city for the SPS Project. Lugnal
propelled the project forward as its powerful leader. There are also aerials all over the
city that can send and receive microwaves in various places. Its population
is already over one million and still increasing.
Team Murakumo - Setup by Lugnal to suppress any misuse of A.R.K.s, it's first priority
is to protect the citizens of Oliver Port. The Japanese word "murakumo" means "a
gathering of clouds".
Meet "Team Murakumo":
LX-55 Cloud Breaker 01
Pilot: Gerald Rothschild (aka: Cloud 1)
Main Weapon: M213P Hyperion (Gaitling Gun - 10,000 solid rounds)
EX Weapon: LAAM-22 (Multi Missile Launcher - 72 solid rounds)
This is the most versatile of the A.R.K.s available. Good mobility and speed, you will
use it a lot. Good tip is to listen for the multi missile reload "click" so that you know
that it is ready (it is about a 4 second delay between each reloading). Naturally you
cannot fire your gun whilst your missiles are being deployed. Also make sure that you
have your target locked-on, otherwise you will waste missiles.
LX-55 Cloud Breaker 02
Pilot: Christie Linklatter (aka: Cloud 2)
Main Weapon: T-1000SR (Plasma Sniper Rifle - 500 energy shots)
EX Weapon: T-200HD (Beam Scatter Unit - 12 energy volleys)
This is the fastest Cloud Breaker unit (bar the LX-30R), the only downside is almost
no armor. The shots are very accurate though, but be frugal with your beam scatter
shots, you only have twelve.
LX-55 Cloud Breaker 03
Pilot: Levin Kirk (aka: Cloud 3)
Main Weapon: M20A2F Prometheus (Bazooka - 200 solid rounds)
EX Weapon: T-780E3 (Charged Cannon - 12 energy shots)
This has the most powerful weapons, but they can be difficult to use (you also handle
pretty poorly too). The Bazooka is a great weapon, and tracks well. The Charged Cannon
though is difficult to use.
LX-55 Cloud Breaker 04
Pilot: David Nives (aka: Cloud 4)
Main Weapon: M63PS Titan (Rapid Fire Shotgun - 300 solid rounds)
EX Weapon: U3RCR Satellite (Energy Shield - 16 uses)
This is the heavyweight of the group. Great armor and good defense with the shield,
but the downside is that you accelerate slowly and handle very poorly, that being said
it has the highest top speed. The shotgun is a beast of a weapon though.
LX-55 Cloud Breaker 05
Pilot: Lisa Wakura (aka: Cloud 5)
Main Weapon: U9E Clair De Lune (Hyper Vibration Blade - infinite usage)
EX Weapon: LAAM-S7 (Pulse Missile Launcher - 20 solid rounds)
This is the kung-fu queen of the group. The swords fire off energy waves, so you can
keep a little distance. The drawback, they track very poorly. On the upside your
handling is great (you can also use the pulse missiles to nail an opponent in place, or so
it seems).
LX-30R Geo Sweeper (can only be used in Free and Expert Mission)
Pilot: Gerald Rothschild
Main Weapon: T-1400VS (High Voltaic Gun - 10,000 energy shots)
EX Weapon: T-790V EP (Voltaic Cannon - 16 energy shots)
The beast of beasts. Super fast, great handling, tough armor and deadly weapons. The
catch? You can be TOO fast on occasions, overtaking your enemy and taking a lot of
damage. The weapons, whilst powerful, have a small lock-on window (but track great
anyway).
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V. Scenario Walkthrough
A few things that I should mention before I start:
1. Each of the main enemies you face in each mission follows a set path. In most cases
this won't matter, but for a few of the trickier missions it will make it much easier if
you remember the path.
2. The "back boost" function (L button) is very useful for cornering quickly, but
remember that it uses your vernier power to initiate the back boost.
3. The main thrusters on your A.R.K. will push you forward, so moving up and down can
be difficult. On some of the heavier A.R.K.s it is important to take this into account.
4. You have limited ammunition, whilst in most cases this shouldn't be a problem, be
aware that you cannot fire away ad infinitum.
5. After the first mission all of the five "Cloud Breakers" are available for mission
selection (bar the LX-30R of course ^_~).
At the End of each mission you get...
Evaluation:
Total Time = shorter gives a better rank.
Internal Damage = less gives a better rank
Defeated Enemies = more gives a better rank.
Enemy Attack = less gives you a better rank.
Collisions = less gives you a better rank.
Average Speed = faster gives you a better rank.
You are then asked to watch your replay:
A = Yes
B = No
You are then asked if you want to save your replay:
A = Yes
B = No
You are then asked if you want to save your game data:
A = Yes
B = No
Onto thye missions then...
(key - CB = Cloud Breaker)
Mission 1: Junction
Target: LD-301
Area: Oliver Port (Central)
Easy mission, after all it is the first mission. You can only use CB1 on this mission.
Take out the LD-301, it doesn't move much. It shouldn't be hard.
Recommended A.R.K. : CB1
Mission 2: Disaster
Target: LD-541A
Area: Port Oliver (Bayside)
Slightly trickier, not be much though. You can now choose the other A.R.K.s in Team
Murakumo.
Recommended A.R.K. : CB1
Mission 3: Sleep Hard
Target: LD-541
Area: Port Oliver (Central)
Your targets are now begginning to move around a lot. Stick to this LD-541 like glue.
Watch out for its back weapons though!
Recommended A.R.K. : CB1
Mission 4: Upcoming Waves
Target: LD-526
Area: Hellios Park Island
A fast opponent that likes to duck and weave between objects. This is a fairly open
mission (unlike the previous city missions), the catch is keeping up with the LD-526.
Judicious uses of boosts will help here, along with well timed missile volleys.
Recommended A.R.K. : CB1
Mission 5: Transfixion
Target: LD-526
Area: Victoria Beach
After the hilarious cutscene, you basically have to kill the same opponent again. Watch
out for the missiles this time though, they are more frequent. Again, a fairly open
mission but you need speed to take out this sucker.
Recommended A.R.K. : CB1
Mission 6: Night Intrude
Target: UNKNOWN
Area: San Alameda
This is a dual mission. First get close to the Lugnal transport, and I am mean REALLY
close (opening fire on it doesn't seem to matter, even though you are instructed
otherwise). This should "complete" this part of the mission, next (after a loading
screen) you will have to fight a high speed spider A.R.K. It also has a habit of cornering
really quickly, so allow yourself time to move with the target (otherwise collisions
will occur, damaging your mission's end rank). Also watch out for an orange circle it
emits out of its backside, it will damage you if you go through it.
Recommended A.R.K. : CB1
Mission 7: Anarchy Dogs
Target: 1221PA
Area: Port Oliver (Old City)
Same deal as before, except your enemy moves much faster.
Recommended A.R.K. : CB2
Mission 8: Shaker
Target: LD-776F
Area: West Norton
Two things about this enemy, it has lots of back weapons and that one of the back
weapons - if it connects - will limit your mobility. It also ducks and weaves between
buildings a lot. Keep a safe distance, but don't neglect its destruction.
Recommended A.R.K. : CB1
Mission 9: Territory
Target: LF-224
Area: Muse Line
You have to defeat three high speed and heavily armored A.R.K.s They also have a habit
of nipping under the oil rigs (they can also gain/lose altitude better than you too). This
is a fairly tough mission. The latter half involves you going underground for a bit, pay
attention the tunnel. It does not go straight!
Recommended A.R.K. : CB2
Mission 10: Gangrion
Target: LD-431
Area: Industrial Geofront
You start off in a tunnel, so pummel your target with your main weapon. After you
depart the tunnel you will be in a fairly open space, but be wary. There are lots of
missile boats and gun turrets about, not to mention the back weapons of the LD-431.
The latter half of the mission (if you haven't defeated your target ) involves you going
into the duct system, the fan blades can be destroyed but moving between them is easy
enough.
Recommended A.R.K. : CB1
Mission 11: Collapse
Target: LX-30
Area: Industrial Geofront
One of the toughest missions the game has to offer. You only have a set time to destroy
the LX-30, on top of this you are in a cramped tunnel system. Learn the track of this
mission, learn it good. There is a hairpin turn near the beginning of the level, use your
back booster here to corner it quickly. As for the last bit, be wary. The LX-30 enters a
very narrow "tunnel" to your right. The door in front is closed, not taking stock of this
may mean your target will escape.
Recommended A.R.K. : CB3
Mission 12: Lightning
Target: LX-30
Area: Port Oliver (Bayside)
Time to nail this sucker. Kill the LX-30 quickly, you will only have a few opportunities
to do so. Not only is it moving super fast, it ducks and weaves between buildings like a
demented demon. To top this off somewhat, there are missile turrets EVERYWHERE. If
you are not fast you could be dispatched yourself.
Recommended A.R.K. : CB1
Mission 13: Crack Down
Target: C-305
Area: Everford
This is a slightly different mission, DEFEND the target. All your Team Murakumo mates
are onboard the "Fat Stork", so fall back and wait for the bad guys to overtake you.
This allows you to deal with them quickly.
Recommended A.R.K. : CB3
Mission 14: Stinger
Target: LF-651
Area: Port Oliver (Old City)
A VERY fast target this one, moves about too. Watch out for its "beam scatter" back
weapon (like CB2's), very nasty if not evaded. Fairly open environment, so it is easy to
follow the target.
Recommended A.R.K. : CB1, CB2
Mision 15: Narrow Gate
Target: LX-S7-A
Area: Loren Canyon
This is a very constrictive environment, and your target moves slowly. This may
sound easy, but you will overshoot your target if you are not careful. After defeating
the main target, it will launch its missiles. Destroy those to finish the mission.
Recommended A.R.K. : CB1
Mission 16: Solid Storm
Target: LD-742F
Area: Rainway Bay
Easy mission, difficult opponent. Your target has a VERY effective flamethrower that it
shoots backward at you. So keep adjusting your position behind it likewise.
Recommended A.R.K. : CB1
Mission 17: Judgment Sear
Target: LX-30L
Area: Undersea Armory
The LX-30 is back! Upgraded too, it now has a "beam scatter" back weapon like CB2's
(much more effective too). The first part of the mission is underground, like Mission
10, the second part of the mission is in the destroyed remains of Oliver Port. Whilst
your target replenishes it's armor, you won't. Be aware of this. This is the last
mission, so enjoy the cutscene and ending movies ^_^
Recommended A.R.K. : CB1, CB2
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VI. Expert Mission Walkthrough
A lot of these missions feel like "I told you so" lectures from the bods at From
Software. A lot your opponents are the "lesser targets" you faced in the Scenario
mode, but now they are mean.
Mission 1: City Slicker
Target: LD-541A
Area: Port Oliver (Bayside)
Similar to Mission 2 from Scenario mode, bar the fact that your target REALLY moves
about now. Stay on target!
Recommended A.R.K. : CB1
Mission 2: Going Home
Target: LX-30L
Area: Industrial Geofront
This is Mission 11 backwards with the upgraded LX-30. From the off it will enter a
small "tunnel" on the left, follow it and stay in the upper half of the tunnel. The LX-30L
pops back "up", so it is a safer position to deal with this pink menace.
Recommended A.R.K. : LX-30R
Mission 3: Fireball Jail
Target: 1221PA
Area: Hellios Park Island
This is the spider A.R.K. from Mission 6, but in the area from Mission 4. You know the
drill!
Recommended A.R.K. : CB1
Mission 4: Ice Maiden
Target: LF-651
Area: Port Oliver (Old City)
Remember that nasty glowing high speed target, well it is back. Same routine.
Recommended A.R.K. : CB1, CB2
Mission 5: Touch Down
Target: LX-S7-A
Area: Victoria Beach
Simple, kill it quickly. It has VERY powerful back missiles.
Recommended A.R.K. : LX-30R
Mission 6: Gunstar
Target: LD-431
Area: West Norton
Probably one of the most challenging missions you will face in the game (very
satisfying to complete it though). Your target will move within a very small area, but it
turns very quickly. Learn it's path and time your missile volleys for when it pops above
the top of the buildings. At the beginning of the mission, your target will veer off to the
left out of sight. Ignore this and fly straight, the target will fly back into your sights.
Recommended A.R.K. : CB1
Mission 7: Red Fiction
Target: LD-742F
Area: Loren Canyon
This is the flamethrower baddie from Mission 16, but in a VERY enclosed space things
can get difficult. Stay on target!
Recommended A.R.K. : CB1
Mission 8: Junk Baller
Target: LF-224
Area: Everford
Tough mission. You have to defeat ALL enemies in order to complete the mission.
Recommended A.R.K. : LX-30R
Mission 9: Count 3
Target: LD-301, LD-541A, LX-30L
Area: Port Oliver (Bayside)
Kill all enemies, but be frugal with your missiles!
Recommended A.R.K. : CB1
Mission 10: Ace Number
Target: LD-301
Area: Port Oliver (Central)
The easiest enemy in the game shows you what it has got. Nasty mission, stay on
target!
Recommended A.R.K. : CB1
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VII. Extras and Secrets
Free Mission:
You unlock this by completing Scenario mode. You can also use the LX-30R now.
Expert Mission:
You unlock this by completing Scenario mode with all missions at an average A rank or
higher. You can also use the LX-30R now.
Special Movie:
You unlock this by completing Scenario mode. To unlock all the movies, re-complete
the last mission of Scenario mode with each pilot until they are all present (you will
receive a different ending movie each time). The last movie is obtained by completing
all missions in Expert Mission at SS rank (it is the 2001 "Tokyo Game Show" promo
movie in case you are curious).
Special Arts:
You unlock this by completing Expert Mission.
Music Mode:
You unlock this by completing Expert Mission with all missions at SS rank.
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VIII. Bumph
Contacting Me:
If you have any corrections or additions to this guide, please send a note to
"
[email protected]" for inclusion in the next revision.
Copyright Notice:
This document is Copyright 2002 Cacophanus. It may be not be reproduced under
any circumstances except for personal, private use. It may not be placed on any
web site outside of GameFAQs. It may not be distributed electronically outside of
the GameFAQs web site, and it may not be distributed otherwise at all. The latest
version of this document on the GameFAQs web site will hold the current Copyright
and distribution information. At this time, this document is exclusive to GameFAQs;
please do not ask for reproduction rights without compensation.
Cacophanus
http://cacophanus.net/
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