ROCKMAN X4 PC: The unofficial guide

ROCKMAN X4 PC: The unofficial guide
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Last update: 21.6.99, v 1.3
(That's 6/21/99, for those that don't like the Day/Month/Year format)

Note: There are several plot spoilers within this FAQ. If you wish to skip over them,
they are located in the areas: Characters, Spaceport Stage, Final Weapon Stage, and Script.

UPDATES
v1.3 --Added the EX-Tank.

v1.2 --Added 'script' area and added a tip for Cyber Peacock. I doubt I'll be able
to do the script for the anime sequences, though.. Just open 'em on Media
Player or something. Oh, my achin' hands..

v1.0 --Original version

CONTENTS
0. Updates
1. Characters
--Rockman X (Megaman X)
--Zero
--Iris
--Double
--Colonel
--General
--???
2. Item Guide
--Energy pellets
--Weapon pellets
--1-Up
--E-Tank
--W-Tank
--Heart Tank
--EX-Tank
3. Capsule Guide (X)
--Leg Armor
--Helmet Armor
--Arm Armor
--Body Armor
--Ultimate Armor
4. Ride Armor
--Eagle
--Ridden
--Land Chaser
5. Weapon Guide
(x) --X Buster
--Aiming Laser
--Double Cyclone
--Frost Tower
--Ground Hunter
--Lightening Web
--Rising Fire
--Soul Body
--Twin Slasher
(Z) --Zero Sabre
--Heinyako
--Hyouretsuzan
--Kuuenbu
--Rakuhouha
--Raijingeki
--Ryuenjin
--Shipuuga
--Tenkuuha
6. Secrets
--Dark X
--Dark Zero
7. Boss/Level Guide
--Web Spider
--Split Mushroom
--Cyber Peacock
--Storm Owl
--Magma Dragoon
--Frost Walrus
--Jet Stingray
--Slash Beast
--Spaceport
--Final Weapon
8. Script
--X
--Zero
9. Credits

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CHARACTER GUIDE
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Rockman X
--Leader of the 17th unit of the Maverick Hunters. X was discovered by Dr. Cain
in the ruins of a long abandoned laboratoy that once belonged to the genius Dr. Light.

Zero
--X's best friend and partner. His sabre is easily a match for any opponent.

Iris
--Zero's earstwhile girlfriend, and also Colonel's sister.

Double
--X's clumsy assistant who just seemed to appear in the HQ one day.

Colonel
--One of the highest ranking officers of the Repliforce. Iris' brother.

General
--The leader of Repliforce.

??? (aka That Shadowy Figure With Odd Eyes That You're Sure You've Seen Before)
--No use getting rid of a good villain, is there?

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ITEM GUIDE
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Energy (small)
--This will increase your life about 1/4th

Energy (large)
--Gives you a powerful charge of life

Energy (huge)
--Gives you full life

Weapon (small)
--Partially refills your current weapon energy

Weapon (large)
--Greatly increases your current weapons energy

Weapon (huge)
--Complete refill of current weapon

1-UP
--An icon shaped like X's or Zero's helmet. Give you one extra life (up to 9)

E-Tank
--Carry around the power of all the energy pellets you don't use.

W-Tank
--Same as an E-Tank, but for weapon power.

Heart Tank
--Increases your life bar a small degree.

EX-Tank (aka 'WTF is this thing??')
--This baby generated more mail than the FAQ itself! Strangely enough, this item
isn't mentioned in the manual at all. All it seems to do is add the letters 'EX'
by your life count on the subscreen. So what does it do? It adds 2 more lives to
your basic amount! IE, instead of starting with 2, you get 4! Unfortunately, it
seems that this item has replaced any Fighting Moves you might have found otherwise.

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CAPSULE GUIDE
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*Note* Onle X can find these items. While Zero can still visit some of the areas
the capsules are, they won't appear for him.

Leg Capsule
Found in: Web Spider stage
Effects: Press Jump while in air to hover for a short period.

This is the simplest armor to find. During your climb down a waterfall near the
beginning of the stage, you'll notice part of the wall is missing on the right
(behind some water). Jump into the hole and continue right until you find it.

Helmet Capsule
Found in: Cyber Peacock stage
Effects: Using special weapons won't decrease weapon energy (powered up
attacks still use the same amount as before)

In the third section of the first area, you must finish with rank 'S'. Simply
do your best at avoiding those &$#% yellow Death Star things, slid under the
warping spike balls, and shoot the triangles if they get in the way. This may
take a few tries.

Arm Capsules
Found in: Storm Owl stage
Effects: 4x X Buster power-up or residual damage

In the final parts of Owl's stage, you'll ride a moving platform over a floor
of spikes. At the ride's end, there is a tall shaft with spikes lining the
walls. Stand on the elevated column and shoot a web onto the left spike wall.
Air dash at it, then wall jump off of it onto the thin bit of wall above the
spikes, then jump into the new room. I personally found these to be the most
difficult enhancements to get to. You now have two arm choices: the first
capsule gives you a powered up X Buster (the pinkish power shot from the original
X). The second will give you 'plasma power'--when you hit an enemy with a powered
up shot, a ball of plasma will remain at the impact spot and continue doing damage
(hurting anything else that touches it).

Body Capsule
Found in: Magma Dragoon stage
Effects: Added protection and the Nova Strike attack

Near Dragoon's lair, you'll find a Ride Armor. Hop in, then leap toward the
overhanging ceiling and jump out and climb up. At the top, switch to Slash
Beast's weapon and power up with the Plasma Arm. Smack the wall with it and enter
to find the capsule.

Ultimate Armor Capsule
Found in: Web Spider stage
Effects: Adds effects of all the other armor, infinate Nova Strikes, and a
groovy look!

Input the Dark X code (see below) and enter the area where you would normally find
the Leg Armor.

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RIDE ARMOR
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Eagle
--This mech will allow you to hover for short periods. It's cross-screen energy
blasts do about the same damage a slightly powered X Buster shot. Unfortunately,
it's attack is painful slow.

Ridden
--The same ride armor as found in several stages of the original X. Designed for
hand-to-hand combat, it's quite capable of smashing rocks and crates with ease, as
well as enemies.

Land Chaser
--A land and water bike, perhaps a remade version of the one originally rode by the
Blue Bomber in Rockman 4.

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WEAPON GUIDE
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X'S WEAPONS

X Buster
--Your initial weapon. The size of the blast and amount of damage depends on how
long you hold down the Attack button (you'll see the power rise when the energy
surrounding X changes color and sound). Two additional upgrades can be found (see
Arm Capsules, above)

Aiming Laser
Gained from: Cyber Peacock
--Creates a half-sphere with a targeting cursor (which locks on). It may be tough
to get used to, but there's no better way to make sure you hit something.

Frost Tower
Gained from: Frost Walrus
--Creates a slab of ice around X when used. Useful when surrounded by weak, gunless
foes.

Ground Hunter
Gained from: Jet Stingray
--Fires a small Search Snake-ish stingray which scours the floor or wall.

Rising Fire
Gained from: Magma Dragoon
--X fires a ball of flame towards the ceiling, taking out airborne foes.

Twin Slasher
Gained from: Slash Beast
--Fires two slashes of energy, one forward and the other at a 45 degree angle.

Soul Body
Gained from: Split Mushroom
--Creates a duplicate hologram of X. Fun for ramming.

Double Cyclone
Gained from: Storm Owl
--Shoots two balls of air sideways, which then float gradually upwards.

Lightening Web
Gained from: Web Spider
--Creates an electric net, usable as a weapon and a stepping stone.

ZERO'S WEAPONS

Zero Sabre
--Your initial weapon. Tap the attack button rapidly to link a single slash into
two or three attacks (the third slash does multiple hits and has a greater radius).
All of Zero's attacks are done with the Sabre, resulting in a fighting-game sort of
play.

Heinyako
Gained from: Jet Stingray
--Air dash. Double tap a direction or press the Dash key while in mid air to use
(doesn't work if you jumped from a dash).

Hyouretsuzan
Gained from: Frost Walrus
--Ice attack. Hold down and press the Ultimate Attack button while jumping to thrust
downward with a spear of ice.

Kuuenbu
Gained from: Split Mushroom
--Double jump and spinning attack. Possibly the most useful of Zero's techniques.
Press Jump while in midair to jump again. Pressing Attack will make Zero whip out
his Sabre and spin with it, creating a devestating attack (I find myself using it
more than normal slashes).

Rakuhouha
Gained from: Cyber Peacock
--Press the Giga Attack button to shoot an arc of energy into the air--very damaging.

Raijingeki
Gained from: Web Spider
--Press Ultimate Attack to shoot forth a spear of lightening. However, the time it
takes to use this attack renders it all but useless.

Ryuenjin
Gained from: Magma Dragoon
--On the ground, hold Up and press Ultimate Attack to leap in the air with the Sabre
aflame--very cool.

Shipuuga
Gained from: Slash Beast
--When dashing, press the Ultimate Attack button to perform a slash that can break
some rocks and crates.

Tenkuuha
Gained from: Storm Owl
--The Sabre can now destroy many energy attacks, plus it looks oh-so-neato.

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SECRETS
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DARK X

On the character select screen, highlight X and hold Down when you select him. X's
armor now has a darker look to it, and you can find the Ultimate Armor.

DARK ZERO

On the character select screen, highlight Zero and hold Up when you select him.
Zero's armor is now black and his hair is a very light blond (I think his Sabre
changes color, too). However, instead of getting the Ultimate Armor, floating
capsules containing energy pellets will occasionally drop by whenever you're running
low on life. It's not as good, but hey, at least you look cool. Besides that, you
automatically start with the Tenkuuha technique.

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BOSS/LEVEL GUIDE
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I personally recommend taking this path through the levels (if you're playing X):
Web Spider, Split Mushroom, Cyber Peacock, Storm Owl,
Magma Dragoon, Frost Walrus, Jet Stingray, Slash Beast

If you're using Zero, you can still follow that road to some extent, but certain
bosses are far too difficult to fight if you don't have the right techniques yet.
Wait awhile to tackle Cyber Peacock, Storm Owl, and Magma Dragoon.

Also, take note--after defeating four bosses (any order), X will have to duel with
Colonel. Battle tips are further below. Zero doesn't have to do this fight; the
altercation is taken care of in a cutscene.

***WEB SPIDER STAGE***

(X) Leg Armor: During your climb down the waterfall in Act 1, look for a break in
the right hand wall. You'll discover the Leg Armor.

Heart Tank: In Act 2, you'll find odd pieces of log that you can strike, but can't
destroy. You'll need Magma Dragoon's weapon to burn them away. Inside one, you'll
find the H-Tank.

Fighting Web Spider:
As you probably don't have any special weapons yet, you need to rely on hit-and-run
tactics. Watch for Spider to drop from the ceiling. When he does, get in a hit, then
dash to the far wall before he can hit you with his electric web. After you get him
down to about half his energy, he'll erect a large web in the center of the arena (you
won't take damage from it). As he scuttles around, watch for his web attack again and
for him to pop open a container and fling four small spiders around the room. If you're
careful, Spider poses little threat.

***SPLIT MUSHROOM STAGE***

Miniboss: This beetle will follow you around for a short period before rearing up and
destroying on of the blocks your near or on. The trick is to make sure you have enough
blocks to stand on to effectively fight. I prefer starting on the left side of the screen
and working him to the right, smacking the hell out of him as I go. It may take a few
tries to beat him.

Heart Tank: This is a tough one to get at first. You need to stand on the pillar just
to the right of the falling section of corridor, then dash and jump onto it before it
gets too far down. The falling driller doesn't make this any easier. Luckily, if you
fall into the pit you'll respawn right there, so it won't take too long before this one
it yours.

The second staircase: Near the end of the stairs, you'll note a shield drone following
you. Pick up the pace and take out the spiked wheels quick enough and it won't pose a
threat.

Rising elevator: Close to the top, you'll run into crumbling floors which the elevator
will destroy (as long as you're not under them when they collide). In one particularly
tight area, a flower vine shoots out of the wall, making it even harder. Though you'll
be tempted to, don't dash! Unless you stop yourself, you'll wind up crushed under the
other block. You'll make it just fine by walking under the flower.

Fighting Split Mushroom:
Anyone remember a little boss called Gemini Man? Split apparently watched his sitcom
when he was knee-high to an oil can. His main attacks consist of hanging on the wall
and throwing holographic doubles at you and splitting himself in two and running in
circles (Little known fact: Capcom had originally considered naming him Bad Acid Man. --ed).
(X) When he initially leaps on the wall, peg Split with the Electric Web. He'll fall
off and jump to the other wall. Repeat as necessary. (Z) As Split is making his glittery
clones, stand nearby and begin using the Raijingeki (electric sword) technique. If you time
it right, Split will drop from the wall right in the midst of it being used. If he manages
to split into two 'shrooms, try and find enough of a gap so that you can effectively use the
attack without getting hit. You may just want to go all-out with your regular attacks.

***CYBER PEACOCK STAGE***

Act 1 is something like a race. The sooner you get to the end of the area, the better.
Getting there with Rank B will make you retry the area. Rank A lets you pass. Rank S will
take you to a special area with a Good Item. (X) For area 1, you'll get a Heart Tank. 2
gives an E-Tank. 3 gives you the Helmet Armor. (Z) Area 1 gains you a 1-Up. 2 gets you
a Heart Tank. 3 means an E-Tank. Take note: Zero's spin attack can dissipate those bloody
yellow spheres!

Fighting Cyber Peacock:
Who named this twit, anyway? I almost feel sorry for him, having such an idiotic name and
being stuck in girly armor (even the guy that reads the boss names sounds like he's trying
not to laugh!). (X) With the Soul Body attack you got from Split, Cyber is a piece of cake.
Dash around the screen until he teleports in, then ram him with your double. Repeat. (Z)
This fight is a LOT harder on Zero if you don't have the Ryuenjin attack. If you do, just
keep dashing around and hitting him when he teleports in. If not, dash around and hit Cyber
with your spinning attack when he enters. If you get 'locked on' by a targetting cursor,
you're in for it! Cyber will fire explosive 'feathers' at you, which are extreamly difficult
to avoid. The best strategy I've found is to wait against the wall until they're close to
hitting you, dash forward, then jump backwards over them. It's a tough thing to do, but
outrunning the buggers is the only way to avoid them. However, if you win, you get Zero's
iga attack (the only one of his to use energy).

***STORM OWL STAGE***

Eagle armor: This mechanoid suit is almost essential to finishing Act 1. With it, you can
fly over pits that would probably do in both X and Zero. The only real problem is that it
fires over certain small enemies. Try to keep from breaking this toy.

Heart Tank: If you hear the sound of an energy pulse charging up and releasing, chances are
that you missed the Tank. It's sitting on a platform that's coincidentally right beneath a
turret ready to blow the platform away. You'll need to make a quick dash with Eagle to nab
it before it falls--and even then YOU might find yourself hanging there. If that's the case,
try and hover over to the other platform; or, if necessary, jump out and try to make it over
there if you fall short.

(X) Arm Armor: In the final parts of Owl's stage, you'll ride a moving platform over a
floor of spikes. At the ride's end, there is a tall shaft with spikes lining the walls.
Stand on the elevated column and shoot a web onto the left spike wall. Air dash at it, then
wall jump off of it onto the thin bit of wall above the spikes, then jump into the new room.
I personally found these to be the most difficult enhancements to get to. You now have two
arm choices: the first capsule gives you a powered up X Buster (the pinkish power shot from
the original X). The second will give you 'plasma power'--when you hit an enemy with a
powered up shot, a ball of plasma will remain at the impact spot and continue doing damage
(hurting anything else that touches it).

Miniboss: This fight is fairly simple. You need to hit the glowing red 'eye' on the right
wall when it's open, but the laser turrets can make things frantic, especially if you're
using the range-impared Zero. With either player, you're bound to do a good deal of dashing
before the fight is over.

Fighting Storm Owl:
Any relation to Storm Eagle? Maybe his brother? (X) Using the Aiming Laser you got from
Cyber, lock onto the birdy and peg him whenever he comes near. It'll be a short fight,
guaranteed. (Z) You need to use your Giga attack at first to soften Owl up a bit. Once you
run out of energy for it, you'll have to resort to the good ol' tactic of Run-In-And-Lay-
Down-Some-Smack. Watch for two of Owl's attacks in particular--during one, he'll fire three
beams of yellow energy. This is easily dodgeable--just get under or over Owl, depending on
where he is on the screen. The other, he'll shoot four globes of energy which then hang
momentarily before homing in on you. I've only successfully dodged this once, by accident.
If you Giga-ed him enough, though, you probably won't have to face these attacks often.

***MAGMA DRAGOON STAGE***

Rolling rocks: Early in Act 1, as you go down a decline, you'll note the screen starts
shaking. You may also note the fact that several rather large flaming rocks are headed your
way. Hop onto one of the overhangs to avoid them--I strongly doubt you can destroy them all
and get away unscathed. This happens twice in the stage.

Heart Tank: In Act 2, you'll find a area with an energy pellet with a Repliforce goon
sitting on a cliff above it. Take out the soldier. Now, either double-jump or air dash to
the overhanging ceiling on the left. Climb up to score the tank.

(X) Body Armor: Instructions covered above.

Ridden: You'll find the fighting mech close to the lair of Dragoon. After crossing several
lava pits, you'll come to a wall you can't quite jump over. Instead of hopping out and going
over, plod on through the lava and smash any rocks that are in the way. The Ridden will make
the Dragoon fight much easier, especially with Zero. Unfortunately, if you're beaten, you'll
respawn at the normal lair entrance without a way to get to the mech.

Fighting Magma Dragoon:
The traitorous Dragoon is finally cornered! This firey renegade has many fire attacks at his
disposal--most of which he apparently learned during his stint in the Street Fighter circuit.
X, of course, also spent some time in it (Remember the hidden capsule in Rockman X1? Nothing
like a houdoken to even the odds!). (X) Keep on your toes and avoid Magma's flame attacks as
much as possible. When you get the chance, peg him with the Double Cyclone attack you nicked
from Owl. It's a tough fight with the lava on both sides, but one you can win. (Z) This is
one of the hardest fights for Zero! If possible, make sure you have at least one full E-Tank
and several Heart Tanks with you. Make sure you get the Ridden armor and use it! If you're
good you can beat Magma with it intact, but chances are you'll lose it around the halfway point
in his life bar. Without the Ridden, you'll have to resort to a lot of dashing in and jumping
out. Be especially careful when he momentarily 'transforms' and opens that big mouth of his--a
giant spray of fire will ensue, and the only way to avoid it is to get to the opposite wall
and hang there until it stops.

***FROST WALRUS STAGE***

Energy pellet bonanza: Waah! It looks like Eddie exploded up here! Climb up the walls at
the starting point and head to the right across the top. You'll find several energy and
weapon pellets. To climb this cliff, either double jump or wall jump off of the Electric
Web weapon. Further along, you'll nab a 1-Up and at least 5 more energy pellets. This is a
GREAT place to come to charge you E-Tanks! Slide down the cliff and you can see an easily
accessable 1-Up in a nearby niche.

Heart Tank: Using the attack you got from Dragoon, toast the block of ice this tank rests
on. Instant HP gratification!

EX-Tank: Halfway through the ice skating competition, you'll have to drop down a level and
continue it while going to the left. Before you do this, though, climb up the wall you run into.
The Fabled EX-Tank is sitting on yonder overhang! As X, fire a web to the left and rebound off
of it to collect the tank. With Zero, you'll need to make a fancy double jump to snag it. Chances
are that you'll land on the edge of the overhang and have to jump again before you fall off.

W-Tank: You'll find this little bugger stuck in the blocks of ice in Act 2. Break your way
over to it and nab the bugger.

Miniboss: The most dangerous part about this boss is the spikes on the ceiling. It's
patterns are simple. When you hit it (while it's open) it'll do one of the following: a) Curl
up into a ball and float to the other wall in a zig-zag pattern, b) curl into a ball, shoot
into the sky and come crashing down, bringing random spikes down, or c) stay open and charge.
The first two you can't do much about but dodge (an easy task), but you can still whack away
at it when it charges. A powered up X-Buster shot will revert it back to normal. After you do
enough damage, it's cover will crack and it'll summon a new spikey coat. Just dodge it and
keep firing. The ice spikes hanging above are also breakable.

Fighting Frost Walrus:
Walrus is cake. Pound cake, I think. 1700 pound cake. Maybe more. I think this guy takes the
prize for "Biggest Rockman Boss" easily. However, he's also one of the easiest. One important
note, though--don't even bother using the attack you got from Dragoon on him unless he jumps up
and is about to crush you. Since the attack goes straight up, you have to get under him to use
it--not a fun prospect. Just wail away on him with your standard attacks. If he rushes you, climb
the wall and jump over him. If he spikes rain from the ceiling, stay by the wall and destroy them
when they land. Simple enough for both X and Zero alike.

***JET STINGRAY STAGE***

Heart Tank: No matter what your Gamer's Instincts tell you to do, do NOT try to jump the
third pit in Act 1. You'll fall onto a lower platform and nab the tank. Just remember to
jump before the NEXT hole!

E-Tank: I hated getting this tank. I really did. Near the end of Act 2 (you'll know you're
almost there because you need to shoot a few crates), there's a jump followed by a platform
followed by a different crate-filled platform on which the E-Tank lies. Hop to the second platform,
wait until the last possible moment, then jump and push right while firing like a madman. If
you're lucky, you'll make it onto the platform and blow the crates away. If you're not, you'll
either miss the platform (most likely) or miss a crate and be crushed against the side of the
screen. Don't feel bad if this one takes you awhile--I used about a dozen lives trying to get
it.

Fighting Jet Stingray:
Ah, Snake Man's long lost brother-in-law. Jet's usual tactics involve either flinging tiny
stingrays at your, swooping down and smacking you, or sucking you closer with a vacuum-type
weapon. (X) You'll need to get real close to Jet to get in the best shots. When he's hovering
above the water and tossing 'rays, jump up to him and fire the Frost Tower right before you
run into him. You should hit him and send him flying away. When he lowers himself back down,
hit him again. Repeat until he goes *kabooshki*. (Z) Zero needs to do the same basic trick,
but with Hyouretsuzan (Ice attack). The only problem is that you'll have to get a bit closer
to hit him.

***SLASH BEAST STAGE***

Miniboss: This is a relatively easy battle for X. Just power up and blast away from the
relative safety of the right car, jumping when necessary. Zero will have to get up close and
personal, however. Double jumps with a spinning attack seemed to work best for me. Keep in
mind that only the heads of the spikes will hurt you--the body of it won't pose a threat.

Heart Tank: This one is the easiest to get in the game. When you find the Ridden armor, you
may note that you can destroy the cars ahead of you by punching the sides. Feel free to do so,
especially at the second car you come to after hopping in. Bust the car and you'll find the
Heart Tank sitting on a pedestle.

Fighting Slash Beast:
This isn't that tough a fight. (X) Try to keep near the walls if you can and peg Slash with
the Ground Hunter whenever you get the chance. You'll be out of here in no time at all. (Z)
Zero will have to take on Slash mano a mano. You'll be doing a lot of dashing and double-jumping
here. Be careful when Slash jumps, though! He'll either do a full jump or he'll stomp down
halfway, and it can be tough to tell which he'll do at first.

***SPACEPORT***
(Spoilers a comin'!)

Death-defying jumps: Near the end of the level, you'll come across an area which features
a platform with another platform over top it. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but as
there is a wall in the way, you need to climb up onto the top platform. Much fun, especially
with a sniper there. Try and take it out with a flame attack or such before making the asent,
and DON'T DASH JUMP whatever you do!

Free energy: Before taking on the boss, take note of the left wall in the first antechamber
(before you go through the doors). That green block on the wall has a hidden barrel of
energy behind it, free for the nabbing.

Fighting Colonel:
If you know what you're doing, this isn't a tough fight. (X) You'll do a lot of hovering
here. When Colonel blinks out, jump and hover! He'll usually appear right next to where
you were standing and slash at you. The best times to hit him are before/during his triple
cut attack or when he is summoning lightening. (Z) Follow the same basic strategy as X--double
jump when necessary and strike when you get the chance. Don't get cocky or he'll take quite
a bit of energy off of you quickly!

***FINAL WEAPON***
(More spoilers!)

Friend to foe:
Your comerade at the stage select area turns on you! (X) Double (who, for whatever reason,
is called 'Jello Man' in this form) is fairly easy to defeat. Avoid his 'Destroy!' attack
(the spheres) by manuvering out of their way. When he starts leaping around, dash to the
farthest wall and climb--he won't be able go higher than about 1/4th of the way up. Hit him
with powered up X Buster shots mainly, though there is rumor that the Double Cyclone attack
works fairly well (further proof that Capcom truly has a bad sense of humor). (Z) You won't
be able to injure Iris directly at first; just keep pushing her mech back and destroy the
mines when they get close. After a period, a purple diamond will appear--Iris' weak spot.
Hit it when you can, but watch out! When Iris powers up for her beam attack, double jump
towards the wall (jump the first time right before she fires). If you were far enough away
from the wall, the diamond (which manuvers beneath you to fire upwards) will miss as well.
Keep it up and get a prize of more sad voice-overs on Zeros actors part (The worst thing
about X4 was the voice acting, I think. The anime was decent, but the dubbing.. Geez..
X sounds like a little girl and Zero apparently is always out of breath..)

The General:
Now you come face to foot with the hulking reploid that is the General. His battle tactics
aren't too tough to get down--ride his hands when he fires them and get in all the head-shots
you can. Occassionally he'll float around the room for no apparent reason--dash and climb
to avoid this. Sometimes he'll try and stomp you. Just dash under him and you'll be fine.
His energy attack is a bit difficult, but it's always in the same place, so just jump through
the opening between the upper and lower parts of the blast. Zero will have a harder time
here since he needs to keep to the Generals hands, but X can cling to the wall, firing powered
shots and come away unscathed.

Rebattle the bosses:
It just wouldn't be a Rockman game without having to fight the robot masters all over again
in the final area, now would it? X shouldn't have that difficult a time with this lot since
you'll have all of the necessary weapons. Zero's fight will be much tougher--make sure you
pick up that energy pellet every time you beat a boss, even if you didn't take damage--you'll
need it to repower your depleted E-Tanks. Just follow the same strategies you used on them
before. It'd be a very good idea to stop by Walrus' stage to fill those tanks before entering
this level..

Sigma (Who did you expect? A funny-haired doctor in a flying pill?):
Sigma's first form is a piece of cake. When he materializes above you, quickly hit him with
your fire attack before he can drop his energy spheres. After hitting him twice, he'll appear
on the far wall with his scythe down. Climb the wall and jump over him as he swoops by.
Continue this--he'll take about 6 hits before his second form. This one is where things start
heating up. Dash under him the first time he throws his weapon and hit him as he catches it.
Now, jump on the wall quickly and drop away from the scythe as it slams into where you hung.
Sigma will drop down and stand in the other corner, firing lasers from his eyes that are tough
to avoid. Before he fires them, jump and air dash over his head and cling to the wall,
hitting him when you get low enough, then jumping further back up the wall. If his weapon gets
stuck in the floor instead of the wall, prepare to take serious damage from the electricity and
the 4 boomerangs that somehow materialize out of his back (Yeah, Capcom is either running out
of ideas or Sigma went back in time and took some lessons from Quick Man). After enough hits,
you'll fall through the floor and fight the third and final form. There are seven forms of
attack here, four where you can damage Sigma. He has two life bars in this section, one for
his giant head on the ground and one on the giant 'bot on the right wall. The other three
attacks are made by freaky colored flying heads. The attacks are listed one by one..
[Blue head] This one is simple to avoid. Just dash to the other two heads and climb up and
wait for the blue head to vanish. [Yellow head] Keep on your toes here--dodge the electric
sparks and the shocks they send running across the floors and walls they hit.
[Red head] These fireballs aren't too terribly difficult to avoid. Climb the heads on your
right slowly and the first two waves will go below you. Drop down after the second and the
next two waves will go above you. [Head suction] I HATE this attack. Sigma will begin
sucking in bits of debris--and you. You could dash away if not for the fact that two
spike-ridden heads appear, blocking the way. (X) Throw powered X Buster shots at Sigma's
mouth--this'll block most of the debris he spits back out and might do some damage to him as
well. (Z) Spin jump as much as you can. Don't worry about hitting Sigma, just try and
minimalize damage. [Head wind] This time, Sigma'll blow a strong wind, trying to knock you
into a wall of spikes. Just keep dashing to the left. You should be able to fully dash three
times before the wind abates. (X) Quickly jump and fire as many Ground Hunters at his mouth
as possible before he vanishes. A powered Double Cyclone is also rumored to work well. (Z)
Spin jump at Sigmas face, but don't land in it! [Mech End] Rarely, Sigma's giant body will
appear and he'll shout 'The end!' and fire a powerful laser across the floor. Quickly leap
onto the floating heads and climb. X might be able to get in a hit if he's careful.
[Mech Blast] Usually, Sigmas mech will appear and fire a few laser blasts around the room at
where you were standing. (X) Jump/climb around and fire powered X Buster shots at his face.
I've heard the Double Cyclone also works here. (Z) Spin jump around, but make sure you don't
come back down into a beam. In general, if you go into the 3rd form with at least half your
original life bar intact, you should be able to do fairly well if you've got both E-Tanks
full. It's a much easier fight on Easy mode, but prepare for trouble on Normal.. Now, just
pop through this final door and prepare for the credits..

---------------------------------------------------------------------
SCRIPT
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Just can't seem to get past an area, despite several days of work and half a dozen 6-packs of
liquid caffeine? Like the plot so much that you want to read it without having to play through
the game again? Well, here you go! Complete scripts for both Xs and Zeros path through the
game. Small note--for those of you not accustomed to fancy words, 'coup' basiclly means to
overthrow a government. Just so you know.

***X PATH***
BEFORE LAGOON
HQ: Mavericks emerged at the point 5567. They've occupied the Sky Lagoon using the most
advanced weapons available. The army appears to be Repliforce!
X: Roger that. I'm on my way now!
LAGOON CORE
X: You're Dragoon from the 14th unit!
Dragoon: This isn't good, X! That Maverick just destroyed the power reactor!
X: What?! Then the Sky Lagoon will come crashing into the groung!
Dragoon: It's too late, X! It's time I made my escape. I suggest you do the same... Don't
do anything reckless on the way out, okay?
[Dragoon exits]
X: The city below will soon be a sea of flames. Many people will perish... I have no choice
but to escape from here and head to the city below!
CITY RUINS
X: ...What?! The city has been completely destroyed. They were innocent people... I won't
forget this!
[Post-boss fight]
X: Who are you?
Colonel: I'm the Colonel of the Repliforce.
X: Has the Repliforce been occupying this area?
Colonel: What are you talking about!? I only came to save my sister. The army responsible
for all the violence in this region is not the Repliforce!
X: Nevertheless, I want you to disarm and follow me back to the HQ.
Colonel: Never! You're asking my soldiers to drop their weapons? The only time we drop our
weapons is when we aren't able to fight any longer!
X: But you will be regarded a Maverick and treated as such.
Colonel: Do as you will! The Repliforce would sooner fight and die than discard our pride!
Consider us Mavericks if this is what you wish!
X: Wait! Calm down Colonel!
[Colonel exits]
X: What the...! Something's got to give. Otherwise the entire Repliforce will be considered
to be Mavericks!
HQ, PRE-STAGE SELECT
X: Who are you?
Double: Call me Double, the rookie hunter. My liege, the Repliforce has begun it's coup!
X: ...Wait! ...Colonel you're jumping to conclusions here!
Double: Sir, you're been given the order to scramble!
X: Right. I'm leaving now!
WEB SPIDER STAGE
[Pre-boss fight]
Web: You've labelled us all Mavericks! I won't let you pass. Turn back now!
SPLIT MUSHROOM STAGE
[Pre-boss fight]
Split: Are you X? I'm under orders to terminate you.
X: What?! Who's orders?
Split: Take a wild guess. (Such an irate pizza topping... --ed)
CYBER PEACOCK STAGE
[Pre-boss fight]
Cyber: His potential...is limitless?! ...Not possible.
X: Who are you? Why are you doing this to me?
Cyber: I was ordered to test your abilities. It's quite simple.
X: What?!
Cyber: Prepare yourself!
STORM OWL STAGE
[Pre-boss fight]
Owl: How dare you destroy my unit! You'll pay for this with your life!
AFTER FOUR BOSSES BEATEN (HQ)
Double: Sir, it's a messgae from the Colonel!
Colonel: X! I'll wait for you at Memorial Hall. Make sure you show up on time!
Double: Sir, this must be a trap!
X: ...Perhaps. But I won't run this time!
MEMORIAL HALL
[Pre-boss fight]
X: Colonel! Stop this foolishness now!
Colonel: Never!
X: Colonel, please! Think this over!
Colonel: The Repliforce must be independant! Our battle will determine this!
[Post-boss fight]
Colonel: Impressive! But the result won't be the same next time. Until then...
X: Colonel!
MAGMA DRAGOON STAGE
[Pre-boss fight]
Dragoon: X... You've arrived.
X: Dragoon! Why did you betray the HQ!?
Dragoon: Heh... You'll have to defeat me first.
X: But... We're allies!
Dragoon: ...You're so naive. ...Listen closely. I let the Sky Lagoon fall! And I'd do it
again! Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
X: No! Those were innocent people! You're not Dragoon! Just a Maverick!
Dragoon: You got that right! Power up X! It's time you showed me what you can do!
[Post-boss fight]
Dragoon: ...You...are...strong...X...
X: Such a waste... Why Dragoon?
Dragoon: ...Always...wanted...to fight...you. ...Then...he...appeared...and...
X: He appeared? Who?!
Dragoon: ...told me to work for Repliforce. To goad you into fighting...
X: You did it just so you could fight me?
Dragoon: ...Was worth it...for a final duel...
X: Dragoon!!!
FROST WALRUS STAGE
[Pre-boss fight]
Walrus: They sent a kid like you after me? I promise to end this quickly...
JET STINGRAY STAGE
[Pre-boss fight]
Jet: I'm impressed that you found me... But your search is over. Get ready X!
SLASH BEAST STAGE
[Pre-boss fight]
Slash: Challenging my unit was both foolish and reckless! You are nothing more than my
prey... One that is soon to be retired! (I hate watching nature specials only to
have the antelope retire right before the tiger gets 'em... Damn pensions.. --ed)
SPACE PORT
[Pre-stage]
Double: The Repliforce has begun assembling!
X: Where are they?
Double: The space port! They plan to take off into space!
X: Hurry! We have to stop the Colonel!
[Pre-boss fight]
X: Colonel, step back!
Colonel: I'll stop anyone who tries to interfere with our independance!
X: Enough of this! It's only an illusion!
Colonel: ...You hunters will never be able to understand us! Get ready, X!
[Post-boss fight]
Colonel: ...Impressive... But... It's too late!
X: What? (This is becoming a common sentiment for robotic heros. --ed)
Colonel: The Repliforce... Already left for space! ...I'm beaten... But the Repliforce
will be born in the vastness of space!
X: Colonel!
FINAL WEAPON, ACT ONE
[Pre-stage]
Double: Repliforce has flown off into space...
X: ...Double, watch the ship for me. I'll go after them!
Double: Sir! Reconsider what you're doing, it's far too dangerous!
X: We don't have any other option! I'm leaving you in charge here, Double!
[Pre-boss fight]
X: Double! What... Why are you here!?
Double: ...Hee hee hee. Ha ha ha ha ha ha! The Mavericks, Hunters, and Repliforce...
Idiots, all of them. They're making my job too easy!
X: ...W...what are you talking about? Double, what are you saying?!
Double: Think it over in heaven! Die, X! (There's a heaven for machines? News to
me. --ed)
[Post-boss fight]
X: Double!
Double: ...Damn! ...How could I lost to a weakling like you...
X: Double, tell me! Why did you do this?
Double: ...Hee hee hee. Ha ha ha! You're so naive, X! I was sent as a spy from the very
beginning to keep an eye on you!
X: ...Double! I... I trusted you!
Double: Ha ha ha ha! That naiveness may be your fatal flaw! Good bye, X! See you in the
after life!
X: Double!
FINAL WEAPON, ACT TWO
[Pre-boss fight]
X: General! What are you planning to do?
General: ...We're going to build a nation for the Reploids. That's our ultimate goal.
We'll fight anyone who tries to interfere with our independance.
X: There must be alternatives to this mindless fighting!
General: ...We were called Mavericks without justifiable reason. What outher choice did
we have than to fight?
X: ...But...
General: It's too late now! Get ready, X!
[Post-boss fight]
X: ...What? What happened!?
General: ...It can't be... This weapon must be malfunctioning...
X: General! What do you mean?
General: Someone else is controlling it! ...You must hurry X. The Earth is in danger!
X: Alright. I'll stop the weapon myself!
FINAL WEAPON, ACT THREE
[Pre-boss fight]
Sigma: This is amusing... It really is X...
X: You're... Sigma! (Took the old boy long enough to figure it out... --ed)
Sigma: Hee hee hee. My plan to keep Repliforce and the Maverick Hunters at each others'
throats worked perfectly! ...Double did a good job as a spy!
X: Why you...!
Sigma: Hee hee hee. Repliforce are the fools this time! Now all that's left is to destroy
Earth with the very weapon they made.
X: No! I'll never let you do that!
Sigma: Try hard X. Your life depends on it!
[Mid-boss fight]
Sigma: Hee hee hee. You are very good, X! But not for long. You won't be able to evade
this attack!
[Mid-boss fight]
Sigma: Ha ha ha ha ha! Feel my incredible power! Drown in the empty vastness of space!
[Post-boss fight]
Sigma: ...Hee hee hee.
X: What's so funny?
Sigma: This weapon is aimed straight at Earth already...
X: Damn!
Sigma: Ha ha ha ha ha! Good bye, X!
[Pre-ending]
X: General!
General: ...The weapon can be stopped with my body.
X: But then you'll...
General: ...Many of my men have died. As their leader, I must leave with them... X,
please forgive our foolishness...
X: General!

***ZERO PATH***
BEFORE LAGOON
HQ: Mavericks emerged at the point 5567. They've occupied Sky Lagoon! This looks like
Repliforce's doing!
Zero: Repliforce? ...OK. I'm on my way!
LAGOON CORE
Zero: Dragoon! You're in the 14th unit. Why...?
Dragoon: This doesn't look good, Zero! That Maverick took out the power!
Zero: What! Then the Sky Lagoon will come crashing into the ground!
Dragoon: Yes... And destroy the entire city.
Zero: We have to do something!
Dragoon: It's too late. I must escape now. You'd best do the same Zero.
[Dragoon exits]
Zero: Damn! If the Sky Lagoon falls it will be disastrous! There's no time... I'm
going down!
[Zero exits]
CITY RUINS
Zero: The carnage... It's... Horrible... Those Mavericks will pay for this!
[Pre-boss fight]
Zero: Iris! What are you doing here? Are you OK?
Iris: Zero... Did you come to save me?
Zero: Yes. Hang on!
Iris: A huge Maverick appeared and...
Zero: Stay here Iris. I'll handle it!
[Before boss fight]
Zero: Is this really one of Repliforce's? I don't have a moment to spare! I must defeat
him or else...
[Post-boss fight]
Colonel: Zero! Long time no see!
Zero: Colonel... What are you doing here?
Colonel: I've come to save my sister Iris. I only hope she's okay...
Zero: She's fine! I just rescued her.
Colonel: Oh? Thanks Zero! I owe you one...
Zero: ...Colonel. I have a question for you. ...Did your unit attack this place?
Colonel: What are you talking about? Repliforce came here for help. We weren't involved
in the attack!
Zero: They suspect you've become a Maverick.
Colonel: What!?
Zero: Disarm and come with me to the H.Q.
Colonel: I'm afraid I can't. Soldiers never drop their weapons! I won't do it, not even
for you Zero!
Zero: Then they'll think you're a Maverick!
Colonel: So be it! The Repliforce prefers war over dishonor and shame! Good bye, Zero!
Zero: Wait! Colonel! Listen to me!
[Colonel exits]
Zero: Damn! This isn't good Colonel! They may decide the entire Repliforce is a group of
Mavericks!
HQ, PRE-STAGE SELECT
Zero: Iris! What are you doing here?
Iris: My brother Colonel started the coup!
Zero: I know...
Iris: Please don't fight against him! This must be some kind of mistake!
Zero: They've occupied several cities already. As a hunter, I must stop them!
Iris: Zero...
Zero: I must go now!
WEB SPIDER STAGE
[Pre-boss fight]
Web: Ah... Zero. I've been expecting you.
Zero: Spider! You work for repliforce?!
Web: Yes... I lead a renegade unit now.
Zero: There's still time, call off the coup!
Web: No. I know where my loyalties lie.
SPLIT MUSHROOM STAGE
[Pre-boss fight]
Split: You made it this far. I'm impressed! You interested in a real challenge?
Zero: Who's your commanding officer?
Split: Never mind that. It's time to fight!
FROST WALRUS STAGE
[Pre-boss fight]
Walrus: What's that blonde kid up to? I don't have time for you Junior!
Zero: Hey! Shut up and fight already!
Walrus: Oh... That does it, you're goin' down!
SLASH BEAST STAGE
[Pre-boss fight]
Slash: You dared to attack my unit?! I'm gonna enjoy fighting you! (Not a 'bot of many
words, is he? --ed)
JET STINGRAY STAGE
[Pre-boss fight]
Jet: Argh! He's still after me! Enough already. We settle this now!
AFTER FOUR BOSSES BEATEN (HQ)
Iris: I've got a message from Repliforce...
Colonel: Zero! I'll be at the Memorial Hall! Be there!
Iris: Don't go Zero! Don't fight him!
Zero: This is a matter of personal pride now. There's no avoiding this... I must go.
MAGMA DRAGOON STAGE
[Pre-boss fight]
Dragoon: Zero... It's really you!
Zero: Why did you betray us!
Dragoon: .........
Zero: Answer me, Dragoon!
Dragoon: I have no answer for you my friend.
Zero: Dragoon!
[Post-boss fight]
Dragoon: ...I...wanted...to...defeat...you... ...Then...he...appeared...
Zero: He? Who?!
Dragoon: ...He...told me...he'd give me power only if I worked...for Repliforce...
Zero: What!?
Dragoon: I couldn't...refuse the offer... Sorry Zero...
[Dragoon dies]
Zero: Dragoon!
CYBER PEACOCK STAGE
[Pre-boss fight]
Cyber: I'm impressed you made it this far! But you can't beat me! Get ready!
STORM OWL STAGE
[Pre-boss fight]
Owl: Why did you judge us as Mavericks!?
Zero: Wait! Stop the coup!
Owl: No. We're justified in doing this!
SPACE PORT
[Pre-stage]
Iris: Repliforce is at the space harbor...
Zero: I have to go.
Iris: No! ...Please wait Zero! I don't want to see you two fight!
Zero: Someone has to stop your brother. I'm leaving...
[Pre-boss fight]
Zero: I don't want to fight. Step back.
Colonel: I'm sorry. I can't let you through...
Zero: Iris will be sad if she loses you...
Colonel: Don't be so presumptuous Zero! Save it until after you've defeated me!
[Post-boss fight]
Colonel: ...Impressive Zero! But it's too late!
Zero: What!? (Zeros way of dealing with surprises the rest of us saw coming. --ed)
Colonel: Repliforce has left for the space! Even if I perish, Repliforce lives.
Zero: ...Colonel.
Colonel: ...Zero. Tell Iris that her brother died happily! ...Good bye Zero!
[Colonel dies]
Zero: Colonel!
FINAL WEAPON, ACT ONE
[Pre-stage]
HQ: They've left for outer space! Scramble all Maverick Hunters!
Zero: Iris? Where are you? Iris! She left with them? No!
HQ: Maverick Hunters! Scramble!
Zero: I'm on my way! Don't do this to me Iris...
[Pre-boss fight]
Zero: Iris!
Iris: So you fought with my brother...
Zero: I'm sorry...
Iris: Then it's over. Everything...
Zero: Wait Iris! Listen to me!
Iris: Good bye Zero...
Zero: Iris!
FINAL WEAPON, ACT TWO
[Pre-boss fight]
Zero: General! Many died because of you! Those lives are on your concience!
General: Independance always has a high price...
Zero: What about Iris?! Did you forget her?
General: I have no regrets. Come on, Zero!
[Post-boss fight]
Zero: What is this?! What happened!?
General: No! This weapon can't be working...
Zero: General! What's wrong?
General: Someone else is controlling it!
Zero: Then.. Earth's in grave danger.. It must be stopped! I'll handle this!
FINAL WEAPON, ACT THREE
[Pre-boss fight]
Sigma: Hee hee hee... Good work, Zero!
Zero: You're... Sigma! ...So it was you!
Sigma: Hee hee hee, yes! Simply brilliant! You even defeated Colonel and Iris!
Zero: ...You made me do it!
Sigma: No. You wanted to destroy them! Allow me to remind you that I was once the
leader of the Maverick Hunters.
[Anime sequence]
Sigma: Zero! You were a Maverick?!
Zero: What's your point?! Are you that surprised?
Sigma: Ah... Zero! You're most impressive!
Zero: Sigma... I will defeat you!
[Mid-boss fight]
Sigma: I've been waiting for you Zero! It's time for us to settle this!
[Mid-boss fight]</pre><pre id="faqspan-2">
Sigma: Ha ha ha! You're finished Zero! Iris is waiting for you!
[Post-boss fight]
Sigma: ...Hee hee hee.
Zero: What's so funny?
Sigma: This weapon is aimed at Earth... No one can stop it...
Zero: No!
Sigma: Ha ha ha ha ha! Good bye, Zero!
[Pre-ending]
Zero: General!
General: ...Zero...I was...wrong. Sigma... He blinded me to the truth...
Zero: It's okay... Rest...
General: ...With my body I can stop the weapon.
Zero: But then you'll...
General: It's over for this soldier. Farewell!
Zero: General!
[Credits/ending]

---------------------------------------------------------------------
CREDITS
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Author of this FAQ, rom hacker, and over-all Rockman freak: Codeman ([email protected])
Many many thanks go out to Davio for his awesome site dedicated to this game--it's where
I got the info for the Dark Armors and several boss tricks I didn't know. Thanks also go
out to the crew of The Man In Blue website, the Callus programmers (on which I played
Rockman: The Power Battle waaay too much), and obiviously to Capcom, for making a excellent
game series (and a 'Right Smashing' line of customizable toys--I'm gonna get all the X
armors one of these days..).

---------------------------------------------------------------------
INFO AND DISCLAIMER
---------------------------------------------------------------------

AUTHOR: Codeman
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEB: http://come.to/herosoft
WRITING TIME: Approx. 1 week

This FAQ may not be distributed or sold (either singly or as a collection) for any profit
without prior consent by me, Codeman ([email protected]). If the above email address is
ever nullified, it may be taken as permission to distribute this FAQ freely (with credit),
but never sold or altered in any way.