1) Introducution
2) Version History
3) The "New" Energy Meter
4) Tips and Tricks
5) Guide
A. Stage 1 / Arachnus
B. Stage 2 / Core-X
C. Stage 3 / Floating Eyeball
D. Stage 4 / Serris
E. Stage 5 / Security Bot
F. Stage 6 / Big X
G. Stage 7
H. Stage 8
I. Stage 9
J. Stage 10
K. Stage 11 / The Big Spider
L. Stage 12 / Plant
M. Stage 13 / Nightmare
N. Stage 14
O. Stage 15 / Security Bot X
P. Stage 16 / Ridley-X
Q. Final Stage / SA-X
R. Final Boss / Omega Metroid
6) Legal Content
7) Credits
Welcome. This is a guide for the 1% challenge. What's the 1% challenge, you
ask? Well, here goes...
If you think that the game was not fullfilling enough for you, or it wasn't
challenging enough for you, then this challenge is for you. Basically, you play
the game again, but there is a twist. You are not allowed to collect any
missile tanks, bomb tanks, and energy tanks throughout the whole time you play
the game. Every tank you pick up will increase your ending percentage by 1%.
The only exception is 1 missile tank that is unavoidable, and thus the 1%. So,
your mission is basically to beat the game with 15 missiles, 10 power bombs,
and only 99 points of energy. Sounds impossible, doesn't it?
Not exactly, that's what this guide is for. My advice is that, if you're going
to try the challenge, don't start reading the guide until your are sure you are
stuck beyond reasoning. It is a challenge, and I don't expect anybody to
complete it, but if you do, you earned bragging rights.
1/2/03 Version 1.1
Finished the guide, made corrections, revamped Nightmare phase 3 and added the
credits.
12/30/02 Version .9
Almost all done, just have to finish the last few bosses.
///////////////////////////The "New" Energy Meter\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
/////////////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
The new energy meter is a different way of calculating damage. When attempting
to do the 1% challenge, 99 points of energy isn't going to cut it. Here's the
thing, in the beginning of the game, it's alright to have 99 energy. But when
you're going against a boss like the Nightmare, you will be ticked off beyond
reasoning. So, when playing the game, you want to keep track of hits, not
points. The average amount of hits Samus can take in the first half of the game
is about 5. In the second half, Samus can take a MAXIMUM of 4 hits. It's a
maximum because sometimes Samus can die with only one hit. Nuts.
//////////////////////////////Tips and Tricks\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
/////////////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Tip #1: Beat the game at least once
If you had difficult times at trying to beat most bosses in your first run, you
might want to try to beat the game a second time. Most of this faq is designed
as if you have already beat the game once.
Tip #2: Run a lot
No need to explore, just go from point A to point B as fast as you can.
Remember, you're not collecting any items, so just go. It's also very smart
when you're low on health to also run.
Tip #3: Charging is your best friend
Charge your beam. A lot. You have a miasme of missiles. Save them for when you
want them to count. Also, remember the L button...
Tip #4: Core-X is your worst enemy
They suck. Big time. For example, one of the most hated bosses in the game, the
big spider, is difficult and not that easy to defeat. Then, when you praise
yourself for finally defeating such a hard boss, you find yourself losing to
the Core-X. You'd think that the Core-X would be easy after that, it isn't.
This is what you want to save your missiles on.
Tip #5: Save Points are the love of your life
Whenever you get a chance to save, take it! It's very easy to die in this game,
even just walking to the boss room is enough to kill you if you're not careful.
Note: This is not an ordinary walkthrough. All this does is give help on the
difficult parts of the 1% challenge. If you need help on certain parts of the
game, the other faqs posted on the site will serve you on basic walkthrough
help, not mine. With that being said...
)))))))))))))))))))))))))
Boss 1-Arachnus
)))))))))))))))))))))))))
The only thing you really do have to worry about is Arachnus,
but don't worry, he's just a big pushover. To beat him, shoot him a couple of
times and right when he does his big blue slash at you, jump and hang on the
wall nearest to you. He'll then roll toward you and before he hits the wall,
jump to the other side. Repeat and once he's defeated, the Core-X will appear.
It's easy for now...
This is where things begin to get tough. Charge and shoot enemies to no end. If
you remember how to get to the boss, use it to your advantage. Don't fall in
the electrocuted water, you need all the life you can get. Also, remember the L
button...
)))))))))))))))))))))))))
Boss 4-Serris
)))))))))))))))))))))))))
This will be the first hard boss. The new energy meter will play a big role in this
fight. About three hits from Serris and you're dead. Upon entering the room,
jump on one of the floating platforms, preferably the middle one. Don't attack
Serris with missiles, save them for the Core-X. What you do is you shoot Serris
in the head. Depending on the point when you hit him on the head will make a
difference on how he will attack you when he goes into a rage.
He has three forms of attack, straight across, zigzag, and a giant leap from up
to down.
If you attack him when he attacks straight across or zigzag, his first attack
in his rage will most likely be from up to down. Duck or Morph into a ball to
avoid his attack.
If you attack him when he attacks from up to down, his first attack in his rage
will most likely be straight across or zigzag. Jump to the monkey bars on the
ceiling to avoid getting hit.
After his first attack in his rage, he'll most likely follow the pattern of
using a high attack (up to down), low attack (straight across or zigzag), high,
low, continuosly until he stops. He won't always follow this pattern, so be on
your guard.
And don't fall in the water. Your chances of survival drop deeply if you fall
in the water. Even when fighting the Core-X, don't fall in the water.
Okay, this is the stage where you get the unavoidable Missile tank. Personally,
I'd prefer an unavoidable Energy Tank, but noooooooo, you get 5 more missiles
instead. The part where you are on your way to the Super Missiles, you have to
roll into a ball and the only way to get through is to grab the tank. You'll
know where when you get there.
)))))))))))))))))))))))))
Boss 5-Security Bot
)))))))))))))))))))))))))
I know you're thinking it. Alright, you can use your missiles if you want to.
Taking the new meter into account, you get about 3-4 hits before you die. Now,
here's the strategy. You want to hang on the monkey bars near the end as close
as possible. Let me diagram...
/\ Weakpoint /\
\ \ /
End of bar #1 | End of bar #2
__ \/ __
| |============| |
Security Bot----> | |------------| |
| |============| |
-- --
When the fight begins, jump to end of bar #2 (the right side). The security bot
should jump in. Usually, the Security bot jumps three times and releases it's
fire bombs. You'll know when it releases it's bombs when you are unable to
damage it with your weapons. When it gets to that point, climb all the way to
the other side of the monkey bars. The bomb will explode and the flames will
flow in a pattern of up to down to up to down. If you time your climbing right,
you should avoid the flames. When you avoid the flame, you don't want to leave
the end. Stay as close to the end as possible. The security bot will do its
three jumps and land under you and that will be the time to strike. When it
begins to release its bombs again, climb to the other side. Dodge the flame,
stay close to the end, and the Security bot should make its three jumps again.
Continue for the rest of the fight.
This level will be very difficult as there are Ice X all over the level. Never
touch them as one can mean half your life. The meter system here, 2 hits and
you're gone. Don't worry, you'll get the Varia Suit soon, and that will reduce
the hits you take by a percentage.
)))))))))))))))))))))))))
Boss 6-A Big X
)))))))))))))))))))))))))
You have a minimum of 2 hits before you perish in this battle. When you enter
the room, jump to the last floating platform on the right side, not the one
with the hatch. Stay here for the whole battle. What you do is you charge your
beam, missiles are useless here. Face left. That's where the X will come first,
always. When it comes, shoot it. If you time it correctly, you won't get hit
and it'll flinch. When it flies around, it will go clockwise around the screen.
When it comes from below, jump up and try to hit it.
Don't fall in the water or you're screwed. Also, remember the L button...
Unlock the Security level, grab you're Ice missiles, save near the navigation
room and then take a breather. You're not going to like what happens next...
You got 6 minutes to get to the Control Unit, and you only need about half.
Use your Ice missiles to freeze those big heads in the walls. Freeze every one
that you see and blast all the little flame dudes. When you get to the control
room, the Core-X there will do boffo damage. Missile its eye to get your wave
beam.
You have to do all of this in one try. If you die, you have to start over.
Aren't you glad you saved in Sector 5?
Another one shot level. There are Zebesian Space Pirates to look out for, two
hits from them would kill you. Use your charge beam to take care of them. There
is also an energy tank that IS avoidable by using the ball jump. It's tempting,
I know, but don't get it. Also, remember the L button...
)))))))))))))))))))))))))
Boss 7-The Big Spider
)))))))))))))))))))))))))
There are 3 parts to this fight. Try not to get hit!
3 hits, at most. Don't get hit by the flames, I have a strategy for this...
That is the ground. There are 4 crevices in the ground as shown above. Morph
into a ball and move all the way to crevice 1. Stay in the middle of the line,
don't move much. The spider will start moving. There is also a spot on the
screen where the spider will always stop, the 4 asterisks mark that point. He
won't stop there in the beginning of the battle, he has to move around a few
times before he gets there. Stay on crevice 1 the whole time. If the spider
shoots fire anywhere and he is outside of the 4 asterisks, move! Don't get hit,
and move back to crevice 1. By now, he should always move to the 4 asterisks
and you won't get hit anymore.
When he's in the 4 asterisks and he opens his mouth, that's your chance. Shoot
straight up with charge shots, save your missiles. Don't worry about the
flames. If you're in the center of the crevice, the flames will land close,
but won't hit. Go back to ball mode when it closes its mouth. When it opens its
mouth again, pummel with charge shots. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Part 2
When the spider starts to fly all over the room, move all the way to the left
wall. Aim up and diagonal up with the L button, and keep alternating. When the
spider gets close, feed it a charged shot. Remember to shoot the garbage it
spits out. Save your missiles!
Part 3
The Core-X is what you should be worrying about now. If you got hit, recovering
health is your first priority. Then, its missile time.
I haven't mentioned the SA-X until now. Why now? Because you didn't have to
worry about it until now. When you see it, shoot it with an Ice missile. Run
to the next room and immediatly drop a power bomb. Ready your ice missile and
when the SA-X comes in, shoot it. Now run. The next room contains shutters
so run while opening them with the L button. After that, hide. And don't get
hit by it. The new meter says that one hit will send you away.
There will be a save point up top. You know the drill.
)))))))))))))))))))))))))
Boss 8-Plant
)))))))))))))))))))))))))
This boss is just plain annoying. New meter says 2 hits will kill you kindly.
Land on the lower platform. Drop a Power Bomb then shoot missiles or charge
shots. When the Power Bomb finishes, drop another and continue shooting. Repeat
until it gets to the point where the plant starts shooting lasers at you. Jump
on to the second platform and try not to get hit by the laser. Now, it's just
a matter of timing. Jump the lasers that shoot low, duck the lasers that shoot
high while all at the same time shooting charged shots.
Use the save point near the Nightmare. Thank me later.
)))))))))))))))))))))))))
Boss 9-Nightmare
)))))))))))))))))))))))))
This boss has 3 phases, 4 if you count the Core-X. 3 hits max from this guy.
Phase 1
Hold the L button the whole time. He'll move up and down and start shooting
lasers. The first lasers he shoots out, jump over them with one jump. Before
Nightmare comes back down, shoot his weak spot with a charged shot. The second
time it shoots lasers at you, right when the first laser comes out, jump on the
ladder. Jump back down quickly and feed Nightmare a charge shot. If necessary,
the third time it goes back up, jump on the ladder again right when it
shoots its first laser, jump down and shoot with a charged shot.
Phase 2
Hold the L button the whole time. The Nightmare will keep moving up and down,
while at the same time, shoot 2 lasers at each interval. When it moves up,
shoot the weakspot, when it moves down, jump over it's two lasers, while moving
toward the back wall at all times. However, his pattern is inconsistant, and
may sometimes shoot halfway in between. Your best bet is to jump most of the
time, rather than ducking. If you try to duck, you'll end up aiming your gun
down to the ground and you'll suffer. If you really want to duck, tap down
twice, three to morph into a ball.
Phase 3
This is the most diffucult part, as he is so unreliable. By that, I mean that
most of the time, you have to shoot his face while hanging on the ladder. Right
after phase 2, jump on the ladder aligned to the Nightmare's face. Then, when
the mask explodes, fire all of your missiles except for one. Save this missile
to give you a breathing chance against the Core-X. Now, after that you should
be space jumping on the other side of the Nightmare. Don't land on the ground,
yet. This is where the most difficult part of the Nightmare is, you have to
figure out if he is going to go at you up or go down.
The next part is what I like to deem as the "Clock Strategy"
During this part, use the image of a clock to help you out in this battle.
If it goes down, space jump over it. Now lead in into a counter-clockwise
motion around the room by space jumping. Most likely, he will be circuling you
for a long time, and this is your chance to strike. What I mean is that, while
space jumping you should also charge your beam. Therefore, when you are between
9 and 10 o'clock and the Nightmare is between 2 and 4 o'clock, release your
charge and you should land a hit. Land and start space jumping and charging
your beam again. Take time and practice to do this correctly and you will stand
a fighting chance.
If it goes up, land. Lead it into a clockwise motion with space jumping. While
he does this, he may also be leading you for a long time, but your chances of
hitting it is a little more difficult than if you lead it in a
counter-clockwise motion. While space jumping, charge your beam AND keep
holding down the L button. When you land around the 7 to 8 o'clock mark, the
Nightmare should be around the 1 to 3 o'clock mark. Right when that happens,
release your charge and immediatly start space jumping again or you WILL get
hit. You're beam should hit provided that you still hold down the L button.
Once in a while, if he does stop, you can start shooting on the ladder again
with charged shots. Think of them as free hits. When he gets close, repeat the
clock strategy once again. If you're lucky, you won't get hit at all during
this fight.
Phase 4
If you saved your missiles, this might be easy. If you didn't, heal yourself
and then barrage with missiles.
Now is your chance to get the special message. However, I highly, highly,
highly, highly, highly, highly, highly, highly, highly, highly, highly,
highly recommend you do not try to get it on the 1% challenge.
This level is quite the long one, but if you figured out how to get pass this
one last time, you can do it again this time.
-------------------------
Stage 15-Sector 6
-------------------------
Nothing to it. Use the Blue X to your healing advantage and find the entrance
to the restricted sector. After that, save and prepare for a boss fight.
)))))))))))))))))))))))))
Boss 10-Security Bot X
)))))))))))))))))))))))))
It's infected! Right when you enter the room, drop a power bomb. Diagram...
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
/\
\ Stay on this bar the whole time
Yes, stay on that bar the whole time. That way the Security Bot can't jump on
you. When it fires its missiles, just shoot it with charged shots. After that,
hold the missile button while holding L. After it finishes shooting its
missiles, it's gonna bump into the side. Right after it bumps the side, it'll
recoil. Then if you noticed, his recoil will allign perfectly with your L
button aiming your missiles. Launch one missile. After that, it'll start
releasing missiles again. Shoot them down and repeat the process stated above.
After that, just destroy the Core-X and grab your Wave beam. And if you're
worrying about the new meter, don't bother. You shouldn't get hit once if you
follow the guide.
You'll pass right through Sector 1 again and you're goal is towards Ridley-X.
Save near the boss room, and be ready for a good fight.
)))))))))))))))))))))))))
Boss 11-Ridley-X
)))))))))))))))))))))))))
This is the only boss whereas it is fairly balanced. By that, I mean he is a
balanced boss that can do an average amount of damage and also take an average
amount of damage, you can take about 4 hits with the new meter. There are a few
things to watch out for. One is to not get hit by his tail or get caught in his
claws. If you do, then it will do an insane amount of damage. Also, keep
shooting charged shots, forget about missiles as they don't do as much damage.
Shoot him as much as you can to defeat him. Don't forget about the Core-X.
-------------------------
Final Stage-Main Sector
-------------------------
You're mission now is to fight the SA-X. Take the save point right in the
middle of the Main Sector. Then, go to the Operations Deck. Jump all the way to
the top to the hatch to the Operations Room. When you hear an explosion, jump
all the way back down to the entrance you came in. Charge your beam.
)))))))))))))))))))))))))
Boss 11-SA-X
)))))))))))))))))))))))))
You think that after everything you went through, things would seem to be at
their worst. Luckly for you, the SA-X has an easy pattern and can be easily
defeated. 2 hits in the new meter, but it doesn't matter, you shouldn't get
hit.
Phase 1
By now you should be back near the entrance of the Operations Deck, charging
your beam and facing left. The SA-X will appear right in front of you. Shoot it
and immediately space jump over the SA-X to the other side. The SA-X will
always space jump whenever it gets hit by one of your beams. Always. After it
finishes space jumping, shoot it again with a charged shot and space jump over
it. It'll start space jumping again. When it lands, shoot it again. Repeat
Phase 2
Not hard at all. Just stay close to it and shoot it with charged shots. It'll
jump, but if you're close by, it'll jump over you. Shoot with charged shots and
repeat till the Core-X appears.
Phase 3
Missile like there's no tomorrow. Fair warning, though, as the ice beams the
Core-X shoots out will do a LOT of damage.
When you finish, go to the Operations Room and go back to your ship.
]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
Final Boss-Omega Metroid
]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
Get hit. Speed up the process and grab your ice beam. Now listen carefully. One
hit from the Omega Metroid will kill you indefinately. Don't get hit in this
fight. Get up close and fire with ice beams, no charging is necessary. When it
lifts it's arm, run. Kill it with a couple of shots to complete the challenge.
Whew! That wasn't hard was it? Congrats!
One more thing, if you wonder. I got 1:46 at the end of the challenge. Want
another challenge? Beat my time!
This document is copyright 2002 R. Ke a.k.a Super Saiyan Zero
You are not authorized to take, use, give, distribute, rewrite, reproduce,
display, publish, ripoff, sell, or anything else that may come to mind to this
faq without permission. To violate any of the above is a serious crime and you
will be dealt swiftly by the law. This is a free faq that is open to the public
and is meant for personal use only.
