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Metal Saga [US NTSC]
Copyright 2005 by SUCCESS and Crea-Tech
Licensed to and published by Atlus
Metal Saga Number Hunter Guide
By: Bobu44
Contact Me Via:
[email protected]
Version 0.50
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SECTIONS
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To jump to a particular section:
Simply Ctrl-F/Run a find for the section ID number e.g 0001
I. Legal Issues ..................................................0010
II. Introduction - About Guide ....................................0020
About Game .....................................0021
III. Basic Information - Getting Started ...........................0030
Need Money ................................0031
Number Hunter Rules .......................0032
IV. Strategies - Foreword .........................................0040
FALSE ............................................0041
HIT ..............................................0042
BLOW .............................................0043
HIT BLOW .........................................0044
V. General Questions .............................................0050
VI. Version Control ...............................................0060
VII. Copyright Information .........................................0070
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I. Legal Issues 0010
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Disclaimer:
This guide was written by myself Robert Huynh.
No information was copied from other sources.
This guide and myself are in no way affiliated with SUCCESS, Crea-Tech
or Atlus. No one may sell, edit or steal this guide, which is currently
available on:
http://www.gamefaqs.com
This guide may not be placed on any other website or distributed publicly
without advance written permission or reproduced except for personal/private
use. Not complying with the above terms is a violation of copyright.
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II. Introduction 0020
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About this guide:
-----------------
First and foremost this is my very first guide and I hope it will be useful
and enlightening. This is a solo effort so open comments and suggestions are
more then welcome, and can be made via email to my address shown above.
This guide will serve to explain and help you win in the casino mini-game
Number Hunter. Some warnings before playing Number Hunter:
-Depending on how far you go, you will win a lot of money
which can make Metal Saga a great deal easier.
-I am not guaranteeing absolute and quick results so be a bit
patient, although you would almost certainly gain a large profit,
much faster then simply grinding enemies, especially at the beginning
of the game.
-My strategies are what I applied upon first playing the game,
improvements will be made if necessary and suggestions are welcome
and will be fully credited.
So please, enjoy this guide and use it at your own discretion.
About this game: 0021
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Metal Saga is an open ended game which barring obvious enemy difficulty
problems, allows the player to freely roam wherever they wish and progress
the story however they see fit. I've grown to like this game quite a lot
and hope that it is successful enough to warrant an official release in
Europe and Australia.
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III. Basic Information 0030
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What you need to start playing Number Hunter:
---------------------------------------------
Number Hunter can actually be accessed quite early due to the open
nature of the game. You simply need to reach East Zero, the town toward
the centre of the world map on the sitcom and north-west of Junkyard,
where the game begins. However for several reasons, you should travel
to East Zero on a natural progression in the game.
The first reason being obvious -
It is extremely difficult to survive your way to East Zero too early
in the game.
The second reason -
There is a recommended amount of base capital to really get things rolling.
You have to spend money to make money and this time is no exception.
Upon reaching East Zero you simply need to catch a train to Alice One and
you will be traveling on the Continental Railroad, inside of which on the
third floor and toward the centre of the train is a world class casino,
featuring Number Hunter! The electronic gambling machine which loves to give.
They are the purple machines on the far corner of the car next to the poker
machines. Just hit X while facing the machine and confirm your choice to play.
You will also need money: 0031
--------------------------
At the very least you must have 2500G in order to travel third class on the
Continental Railroad. All classes will allow you access to the casino.
The amount of money you have left over is what you have to start your Number
Hunter career. To give yourself more initial chances to make some returns,
I recommend at least 5000G, a total of 7500G to start. For your convenience
the Continental Railroad has a memory center on the second floor toward the
conductor end of the train, a mere 4 screens away. This makes starting out
with less money and reloading after taking losses a viable alternative.
Onto the rules!
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Number Hunter Rules: 0032
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
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It is a number guessing game, basically three single digit numbers will be
randomly generated and it is your job to guess what they are. The faster you
guess them the more your winnings. Your only allowed 5 guesses. Upon
guessing the number successfully the amount you bet will be multiplied by
up to 250 times!
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I will now walk you through the rules and in-game interface at greater
detail:
The in-game help menu can be accessed by hitting triangle, you can exit any
time except while playing a game by hitting circle and X is used to confirm
choices.
..........
First Step
'''''''''''
Placing your bets, push the up button to increase your bet and the down
button to lower it, holding down either button will speed up the process.
You can bet anything from 1G to 999G and of course to maximize your winnings
I recommend placing the 999G bet. Hit X to confirm
..........
Second Step
'''''''''''
Selecting your level, push the left or right direction buttons to highlight
the level you want and hit X to confirm.
The differences between the levels are that in the lower levels it is easier
to win since there is a lower amount of numbers being used to generate the 3
digits, however the winnings are also much smaller so I recommend playing
level 3 in order to earn money faster.
Game Level 1 2 3
____________________________________________________________________________
Digit Range 0-7 0-8 0-9
Multiplier if correct on
- First guess X150 X200 X250
- Second guess X50 X80 X100
- Third guess X5 X10 X30
- Fourth guess X2 X5 X10
- Fifth guess X1 X2 X5
.........
Third Step
''''''''''
Put your brain to work, now we finally hit the meat of it, the up and down
direction buttons will scroll up or down on the currently selected digit for
you to choose your number. The left and right direction buttons will
highlight the other digits. When your choices have been made hit X to confirm
and repeat if necessary for up to 5 guesses or you get it correct.
Upon confirmation several messages can be displayed
__________________________________________________________________________
If all your guesses were incorrect you will be met with a *FALSE*.
If 1 or 2 digits are correct and in the correct position it will display
*1HIT* or *2HIT* respectively
If 1, 2 or 3 digits are guessed correctly but in the wrong position you'll
see *1BLOW*, *2BLOW* or *3BLOW*
Of course if there is a combination of the above two examples the display
message shall combine the two with hit before blow e.g:
You guessed 3 digits correctly but only 1 is in the correct position
You'll see *1HIT 2BLOW*
And finally if all 3 digits were guessed correctly and in the correct
position the message will display a *TRUE* and a rather satisfying boldly
fonted *WIN* message will flash on screen and your winnings are calculated.
__________________________________________________________________________
Although I wont get into the technical statistics, if you are sensible in
your guesses and don't treat this as a simple lottery you will be making
decent returns at a reasonable rate, but you can keep holding out until a
lucky break in which your first guess will be correct or close to it for
mega earnings. Once again a higher level and larger bet is recommended as
even a fifth guess correct on level 3 would win you 5000G.
Finally the juicy stuff, some strategy!
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IV. Strategies 0040
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Just a few basic outlines to explain my actions before we get started:
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I'll begin by re-iterating that the maximum bet on level 3 is the way to go.
Although it is easier to win on level 1 you'll regret it when you get your
lucky first, second or even third guess success when comparatively a third
guess on level 1 will yield 5000G whilst level 3 will net you a nice 30000G!
In the end it will get you richer quicker.
My system of play is based on efficiency, as such my first guess will
always be the default 0 1 2 since the odds of it being any other combination
is the same why waste time selecting numbers on the first guess? Unless you
have your lucky numbers or get a tingling instinctual epiphany of what
the numbers are (in which case you're clairvoyant and should be out playing
the stock markets) then it's just faster to go with the default.
Something probably fairly important: although I am aware that strategy for
Number Hunter is logical elimination this guide aims to help, not patronise
so please if you feel that my strategies are needlessly complex put it up
with me through constructive criticism. I'll ignore any mail claiming faults
without backup. Sharing your insight is more then welcome and as stated,
you will be fully credited. On that same note my level of explanation and
style is based on what I feel is necessary using my experience reading other
people's faqs.
My strategies will be listed out in order of what strategies to employ
to adapt to what message has been displayed after guessing. Example scenarios
will be included to make my point clear.
Finally! Onto the show!
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---FALSE scenario--- 0041
Upon your first guess nothing has turned up correct, so the best thing to do
is to make your next guess a completely different set of numbers, which isn't
bad at all considering now you have eliminated 3 out of 10 digits if you
were playing level 3.
i.e change all 3 numbers to something completely different
e.g
1st Ans. 0|1|2 FALSE
2nd Ans. 3|4|5* <---- second guess totally different
3rd Ans.
*notice also for efficiency yet again I've simply scrolled to the next 3
digits. The likelihood of it being anything else is just as high
---HIT Scenario--- 0042
*Note: this is when things can get hairy and it might not be such a bad*
*idea to have a pencil and paper ready in which you cross out or list *
*the numbers which have been eliminated thus far and help take a load *
*off your brain *
In this scenario the game can become unforgiving and thought must be taken
to maximize the winning potential. But I will add that unless luck is on
your side 5 guesses is just not enough to get the final combination a good
amount of the time.
-1HIT
Since it is unclear which of the three you have picked was the hit, you have
no choice but to test them out one at a time.
i.e keep one of your numbers exactly where it is and change the other 2,
e.g
1st Ans. 0|1|2 1HIT
2nd Ans. 0|3|4 1BLOW <---- second guess
3rd Ans. 4|1|5 1HIT 1BLOW
This way if the result follows that there are no longer any hits then the
number you kept the same was incorrect and you should re-assign one of the
other numbers from your original guess and so on in that fashion which
guarantees you'll figure out the HIT in 2 guesses. In the example 0 was
incorrect and 1 is most likely the initial HIT.
HOWEVER, this is where chance can play evil tricks on you where your random
extra guesses may turn up confusing results, like a completely new HIT. In
this case the basic strategy still applies, there was still a hit somewhere
in your original guess, just keep the possibility of future hits coming in
mind and play it out as best as you can referring to your pencil and paper
if things get hairy.
Example scenario
1st Ans. 0|1|2 1HIT
2nd Ans. 0|3|4 1HIT 1BLOW <---- Note at this point 0 OR 3,4 can be HIT
3rd Ans. 0|4|5 1BLOW <---- In thinking the 0 was the hit and 3 or 4
the BLOW I've kept the 4 and changed
its position (my BLOW strategy later)
however the hit has disappeared showing
I was hasty in assuming the 0 was the HIT.
Now I must determine what the new HIT and
old HIT digits are. Thus for my next
4th Ans. 6|1|4 2HIT guess I will be going back to 1
I hope you get what I'm babbling about.
-2HIT
A blessing in disguise, though it may seem like it's all in the bag unless
you've eliminated numbers to get to this point or your good at guessing, it's
possible to lose this scenario.
Your first job if you don't already know, is to find out which numbers are the
2 HITs, by changing one of them at a time your guaranteed to figure this out
in a maximum of two guesses, of course the number you change them to should
also be in attempt to figure out what digit the third and final HIT is.
e.g
1st Ans. 0|1|2 2HIT
2nd Ans. 3|1|2 1HIT <---- Tip: It is now clear that 0 is a HIT so we
may use this slot to guess a new number
3rd Ans. 4|1|6 1HIT 1BLOW <-- Thus in 2 guesses we now know the 2HITs
are 0 and 1 in that order
---BLOW Scenario--- 0043
A BLOW gives you more to juggle on top of your head, you need to figure both
which of your numbers is correct and then of course where is the correct
position. The strategy involved of course is totally subject to the scenario
but generally the most efficient way to deal with a blow is to not put too
much time into pondering and just test out an elimination by changing
numbers.
Unless there are 3 BLOWs the results are just not definite enough to warrant
strenuous thinking.
1BLOW: Arbitrarily choose 2 numbers to change, whilst changing the position
of the number you left behind. As a result there are so many possible
outcomes that all you can do is hope for a good one.
If you the one you left behind was the BLOW due to the position change
it could end up becoming a HIT or stay a BLOW, also there is a chance
your new changes could turn up BLOWs or HITs as well, adapt as changes
occur.
e.g
1st Ans. 0|1|2 1BLOW
2nd Ans. 2|3|4 1BLOW <---- I've put 2 elsewhere and changed the others
The result was rather unlucky as now all 3
numbers may actually be BLOWs, however just
in case move the 2 to the last position for
at least some clarity.
3rd Ans 5|2|6 <--- If we're lucky the 2 may be the HIT and more BLOWs will
have surfaced by the 3rd guess. This was an unfortunate
scenario.
2BLOW: In an attempt to turn this to a 2HIT scenario we should only change 1
number at a time and re-position the others. This way we're still
attempting to find the third HIT whilst determining which numbers were
the original BLOWs
e.g
1st Ans. 0|1|2 2BLOW
2nd Ans. 3|2|1* 1HIT 1BLOW <---- With this result we're getting somewhere
Most likely the 1 and 2 were the BLOWs
and due to the position change one has
become a HIT, whilst continually
repositioning the 1 and 2 change the 3
to get to a 2HIT scenario
*Note: there is a low chance that the 3 is a new BLOW and the
changed 0 was one of the original, in which case we have
3BLOWs and it will be clear after the third guess.
3BLOW: with this scenario 2 guesses will guarantee the WIN, simply change the
number positions to make them all HITS, you'll need only 2 guesses, a
trick is to just slide each number to the left (bringing it to the
right when there's no space left)
e.g
1st Ans. 0|1|2 3BLOW
2nd Ans. 1|2|0 3BLOW <---- Shifting left, it is now 1 2 and 0 after
3rd Ans. 2|0|1 TRUE
---HIT BLOW Combo--- 0044
What you will be dealing with when the numbers start rolling, although the same
basic elimination logic is there, once your into the mix of things your most
likely into your third guess. So the biggest tip is to follow strategy and keep
track of your paper/mind juggling of numbers and don't waste opportunities to
maximise on how much you can learn from one guess.
1HIT 1BLOW: Change numbers one at a time and since there is still a blow in the
mix, remember to change the position of the numbers as well.
Carefully analyse the result of the guess to determine which number
HIT or BLOW.
e.g
1st Ans. 0|1|2 1HIT 1BLOW
2nd Ans. 3|2|1 1HIT <---- 1 BLOW went missing which means the 0 was right
3rd Ans. 4|5|1* FALSE <---- Thus we have determined the 0 and 2 were HITs
*Note: although we might not know which position 0
belongs to we know it is correct so we can
use its slot to keep searching for the third
HIT
4th Ans. 0|2|6 2HIT
5th Ans. 0|2|7 TRUE
2HIT 1BLOW: ....not actually possible... think about it.
1HIT 2BLOW: if you already know which one is the HIT then the next guess has
decided it, if not, switch any two numbers around, this will
provide a one third chance of winning on the next guess. If you
have made wrong switch then they should become 3BLOW meaning you
should then follow the 3BLOW strategy of shifting all positions
until it clicks.
e.g
1st Ans. 0|1|2 1HIT 2BLOW
2nd Ans. 1|0|2* 3BLOW <---- I choose to re-arrange the 1 and 0
Now we can finish this, if we're lucky it would take only 1 more guess.
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V. General Questions 0050
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Just a few things which didn't quite belong anywhere
Q: I've seen this somewhere before!
A: Well, lets not get picky about statements and questions but if something
of a similar nature is already out, then I have not been able to find it.
Q: How do I build up money as early as possible?
A: Some small tips depend on where your currently at, but there is a locked
safe in the junkyard stage at the opposite fork just before the first
outlaw. You will find the combination as you venture out to other towns
but it never changes so you can actually open it as soon as you find it so
long as you know the combination which is 2946. Inside is a lump of gold
you can sell for 5000G. Apart from that just fight enemies until you have
enough, this will help you level up too. The desert enemies are especially
alright once you reach Newfolk.
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VI. Version Control 0060
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v0.50 Guide has started awaiting feedback and amendments
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END
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