-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- AN AMAZING FASCINATING IMPRESSIVE PRODUCTION! -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Guide type: FAQ / Walkthrough / Item, Monster & Boss Guide For game: Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus (all versions) Platform: Playstation 2, Xbox 360, Windows PC Version: 0.7.5, released on the 14th of April, 2008 Author: Ivo Emanuel Gonçalves (Saoshyant) License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do _not_ email me without reading the Contact Info at the bottom. If this guide helped you somehow and you want to thank me, please link to http://spreadopenmedia.org from somewhere. Really, I'd appreciate that. Warning: The following guide MAY have some sarcasm and mild swearing, as well as the occasional spoiler. If you are easily offended, please do not read it. Thank you, and have a nice day. ============================================================================= ============================================================================= 01.) LEGAL INFORMATION - G0100 ============================================================================= ============================================================================= Except where otherwise noted, this work, Copyright © 2008 by Ivo Emanuel Gonçalves. Some rights reserved. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 543 Howard Street, 5th Floor, San Francisco, California, 94105, USA. Thus, you are free: * to copy, distribute, display, and perform the work * to make derivative works (commercial or not) But only under the following conditions: * Attribution. You must give the original author credit. * Share Alike. If you alter, transform, or build upon this work, you may distribute the resulting work only under a licence identical to this one. For any reuse or distribution, you must make clear to others the licence terms of this work. However, any of these conditions can be waived if you get permission from the copyright holder. Your fair use and other rights are in no way affected by the above. All trademarks and copyrights contained in this document are owned by their respective trademark and copyright holders. ============================================================================= ============================================================================= 02.) TABLE OF CONTENTS - G0200 ============================================================================= ============================================================================= If you need to find something quickly, press and hold CTRL (Command in Mac), then press the F button. This will bring up the "Find" box. In it type the word you're looking for, and you should be taken to it immediately. This is much faster than scrolling through the entire guide. For your convenience, there are special search codes near every section to help you easily hop on to that section by using the search code provided. Each search code appears only twice in the whole guide -- thus, getting stray hits will be unlikely. Damir Kolar deserves credit for this idea and the layout used in this document. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION NUMBER AND NAME | CODE | WHAT'S IT ABOUT? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 01.) Legal Information | G0100 | Copyright and license info. 02.) Table of Contents | G0200 | Sections of this guide. 03.) Latest Updates | G0300 | Check what's new in this revision. 04.) Introduction | G0400 | Self-explanatory. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 05.) FAQ | G0500 | Frequently Asked Questions. 06.) Exchange Items | G0600 | What you need to get them. 07.) Rare Monsters | G0700 | Where to find them. 08.) Bosses | G0800 | Strategies to defeat them. 09.) Synth System | G0900 | How does it work? 10.) PM Evolution | G1000 | How does it work, indeed? 11.) Shop Search | G1100 | How to get better results? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12.) Walkthrough | G1200 | Mostly spoiler-free guide. Chapter 1 | G1C01 | Some beast girl is shouting you orders. Chapter 2 | G1C02 | Pink haired cyborgs, you underling! Chapter 3 | G1C03 | Don't look now, but there's a gay man here Chapter 4 | G1C04 | Quistis Trepe wannabe with big breasts. Chapter 5 | G1C05 | Why does Laia steal all my screen-time? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13.) Past Revisions | G1300 | A change log can be found here. 14.) Honour Roll | G1400 | List of contributions goes here. 15.) Contact Info | G1500 | Find out WHEN you may contact me. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ============================================================================= ============================================================================= 03.) LATEST UPDATES - G0300 ============================================================================= ============================================================================= - Version 0.7.5 (14th of April, 2008) # Added a bunch more questions/answers to the FAQ. # Covered Story Missions 4-1, 4-2, 5-1 and 5-2 in the Walkthrough. # Started the Shop Search section. For your online shopping queries. ============================================================================= ============================================================================= 04.) INTRODUCTION - G0400 ============================================================================= ============================================================================= This is an attempt at making a proper compendium of FAQs and a guide on the different aspects of PSU: AOTI. It's an ongoing work, so please help by pointing out any errors or topics you would like to see covered here. ============================================================================= ============================================================================= 05.) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - G0500 ============================================================================= ============================================================================= Main issues addressed in this section are: ============================================================================= How far can I go in offline mode? ------------------------------------- G0501 Would that be episode 3? How do I get that? -------------------------- G0502 So, how much is the monthly fee? -------------------------------------- G0503 I hear I can get access even after I stop paying. True? -------------- G0504 Copy protection? ------------------------------------------------------ G0505 Are the servers connected? Can I play with PS2/PC/360 gamers? -------- G0506 And can I play with PSU 1 gamers? ------------------------------------- G0507 Do I need to own PSU 1 to play AOTI? ---------------------------------- G0508 Why can't I find Illuminus for the Xbox 360 in any shop? -------------- G0509 Can I import my PSU 1 character? -------------------------------------- G0510 Can't I import more than just the character? -------------------------- G0511 Pray tell, where is this Extra Mode you speak of? --------------------- G0512 Can I bring my offline character to online mode? ---------------------- G0513 Why do I have to be online to start Story Mode? ----------------------- G0514 Are there different character classes in online mode? ----------------- G0515 What are the differences between online and offline modes? ------------ G0516 So, what else is new in AOTI? ----------------------------------------- G0517 Still no PvP? --------------------------------------------------------- G0518 Is the story any good? ------------------------------------------------ G0519 I can't pause the game even in offline mode! -------------------------- G0520 What happens to my character if I stop paying the monthly fee? -------- G0521 Okay, but I can't even cancel my account! ----------------------------- G0522 Does the European version have a frequency selector? ------------------ G0523 How do I get online on the PS2? --------------------------------------- G0524 How do I chat on the PS2? --------------------------------------------- G0525 How much free space do I need in my memory card? ---------------------- G0526 Is the game compatible with the PS2's Datel Mega Memory? -------------- G0527 I have a PS3 and I can't save! ---------------------------------------- G0528 I'm playing the 360 version and I didn't get achievement points! ------ G0529 How many achievements are there? -------------------------------------- G0530 What is the level cap for offline and online modes? ------------------- G0531 And the level cap for types? ------------------------------------------ G0532 What is a decent AI in the game? -------------------------------------- G0533 Partner Cards? -------------------------------------------------------- G0534 Is Karen worth playing PSU 1 to transfer her over to AOTI? ------------ G0535 What about MAGs? ------------------------------------------------------ G0536 Are there new nanoblasts? --------------------------------------------- G0537 How do I use them nanoblasts? ----------------------------------------- G0538 Hey, I got a SUV but can't equip it. What gives? --------------------- G0539 Yeah? But where do I buy more of them? ------------------------------- G0540 Is any of my teammates able to use SUVs or nanoblasts? ---------------- G0541 Are Crea weapons that good? ------------------------------------------- G0542 How do I get a Rappy Suit? -------------------------------------------- G0543 How do I make S-rank twin daggers? ------------------------------------ G0544 Why can't I synthesize Tiga De Ragan in offline mode? ----------------- G0545 What weapon boards are NOT available in offline mode? ----------------- G0546 Do traps get stronger as I level up? ---------------------------------- G0547 How do I get to the Casino? ------------------------------------------- G0548 How do you get permission for special flights? ------------------------ G0549 HELP! I can't beat Ethan! -------------------------------------------- G0550 I can't start the mission to protect the Maiden on Neudaiz! ----------- G0551 When do I get missions from Ohtoku City?------------------------------- G0552 Can I get Laia's outfit? ---------------------------------------------- G0553 How do I get blackheart from Tylor? ----------------------------------- G0554 Where is the easiest place to find rappies? --------------------------- G0555 What's a good level to have a go at Mother Brain? --------------------- G0556 So I need to level up a lot. Where do I go? -------------------------- G0557 How do I get lots of mission points? ---------------------------------- G0558 What's a cool tip to get lots of molla? ------------------------------- G0559 Incidentally, how do I transfer money to another character? ----------- G0560 How do I open my own shop? -------------------------------------------- G0561 Can I buy/sell meseta? You know, for real money? --------------------- G0562 Yeah, okay, but banning is not permanent, right? ---------------------- G0563 I can't find anyone online! Where's everyone? ------------------------ G0564 How do I move my room to another planet? ------------------------------ G0565 What's better: SUV or nanoblast? -------------------------------------- G0566 HELP! I can't install this game! ------------------------------------- G0567 Hey, is it true you can use the Wiimote with this game? --------------- G0568 PSU Portable?? -------------------------------------------------------- G0569 What is your favorite class? ------------------------------------------ G0570 How do I counter attack? ---------------------------------------------- G0571 What's the difference between C, B and A rank missions? --------------- G0572 Why do people keep telling me to sign up for A Story Missions? -------- G0573 What's the point of Photon Art Fragments? ----------------------------- G0574 Where do you get a Svaltus Edge? -------------------------------------- G0575 ============================================================================= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. How far can I go in offline mode? - G0501 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Up to Chapter 10. I hear there will be an offline expansion that will let you go further. True or not, time will tell. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Would that be episode 3? How do I get that? - G0502 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Episode 3 is only available in Network mode, so to finish the story you do have to open your wallet for the monthly fee. Is it worth it? That depends on your priorities. Speaking of episode 3, there is a rumor around that it's not available in all versions. That is one hundred percent wrong. All versions can access episode 3. In Network mode, that is. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. So, how much is the monthly fee? - G0503 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- $9.99 US. You can also pay $50 for six month access. Except for the Xbox 360, you need to register at http://playsega.com. You can also "convert" the ID from PSO:BB if you have one. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. I hear I can get access even after I stop paying. True? - G0504 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Well, apparently your card will be unsuccessfully billed for the following three months after its credit drops to zero. During that period, your network access will remain enabled. However, if you cancel your account (by phone, read more details below) your access is zapped in the same day. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Copy protection? - G0505 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Not in the Windows PC version, though you will need to pay the online fee if you plan to go further than what offline offers you. Cheating protection exists, though. Please do not screw everyone's fun just to try cheating. It's stupid. It's immature. It's lame. Like piracy, hurr hurr. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Are the servers connected? Can I play with PS2/PC/360 gamers? - G0506 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The PS2 and PC gamers are linked, but at a regional level. The 360 gamers are on their own, but linked across the world. According to recent statistics, the 360 server is the most populated one. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. And can I play with PSU 1 gamers? - G0507 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Yep, but you are unable to use any of the new items nor access any of the new mission fields. Also, the party has to be started by the PSU player or s/he won't be able to join. Other restrictions may apply. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Do I need to own PSU 1 to play AOTI? - G0508 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- If you own a 360, skip to the next question, otherwise nope. You can start from scratch. It works as a standalone game. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Why can't I find Illuminus for the Xbox 360 in any shop? - G0509 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The 360 version really behaves like an expansion as opposed to a standalone game. To play Illuminus, you need the original PSU disc and around 1.75 GB of free space in your HD. Then, download it from the Xbox Live Marketplace for 1600 Microsoft points. By the way, as you'll find out, to reduce the download size, the offline mode was wacked off from the expansion, thus forcing 360 gamers to play in Network Mode only. A few people are (understandably) quite pissed about this. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Can I import my PSU 1 character? - G0510 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Yes, but only from Extra Mode, I reckon. And it appears you will be unable to use that character on PSU 1 again after importing it. You may keep a copy of the older data in a separated memory card and that will still work. On the Xbox360, however, the character is tied to your gamertag, so I guess no dice. And no, you cannot transfer a PC character to the 360 or vice-versa. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Can't I import more than just the character? - G0511 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- I have confirmed with the community that when you do a transfer from Extra Mode, everything carries over. Meseta, items, weapons, etc. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Pray tell, where is this Extra Mode you speak of? - G0512 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Finish Chapter 4 and you'll unlock it. In Extra Mode you can create a character similarly to how you do it in AOTI. Gain some levels and cool weapons, and then bring them into AOTI. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Can I bring my offline character to online mode? - G0513 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Unfortunately, no. I don't like it but, hey, it keeps the cheaters away. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Why do I have to be online to start Story Mode? - G0514 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- This only applies for the Windows PC version. Even though you are playing offline, the game wants to check for updates, and likely verify if you are not cheating. It's a piece of software called GameGuard, nightmare of every player who has to deal with it. And, indeed, many are those annoyed by this behavior; after all, not everyone can be online all the time. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Are there different character classes in online mode? - G0515 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Yes. Acrofighter, Acrotecher and bunch of others, which do not exist in offline mode. Sucks. Offline only allows you to use the three basic types. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. What are the differences between online and offline modes? - G0516 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Besides the different level caps, there's a huge difference in the ammount of mission and experience points you receive. Online mode is actually (much) harder than offline. Certain items and missions only appear in online mode, as well. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. So, what else is new in AOTI? - G0517 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Well, new missions, higher level cap, new hair styles, new clothes, new rooms (with more freedom on how you interact with them), four new weapon types, two new classes, new weapons, a casino, and quite a lot of tweakings in the game engine (for instance, shop search works much better and certain classes are better balanced). -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Still no PvP? - G0518 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Still no PvP. This is usually a much debated topic with opinion equally divided between both pro and anti sides. I am for PvP, by the way. I figure some different action other than the constant hack 'n slash of random monsters won't hurt anyone. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Is the story any good? - G0519 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Overall, I have seen (much) worse and I kinda like it, but I think you should judge it by yourself. Me, I say I'd rather spend time reading a great fantasy book, like say The Dark Tower, than spend much time pondering how many plot holes and idiotic twists AOTI has. It's an online game, for heaven's sake! They are not known for the beauty of their plots. That said, if you are looking for a neat plot in a Phantasy Star game, try to get hold of Phantasy Star IV. It's cute and a classic. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. I can't pause the game even in offline mode! - G0520 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Yeah, we kinda noticed that, too. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. What happens to my character if I stop paying the monthly fee? - G0521 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- According to the manual of the PS2 version, it's likely to be erased in three months, so be careful if you want to keep it. I have heard that, in some cases, while the characters are not erased, the items are. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Okay, but I can't even cancel my account! - G0522 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Yeah, they apparently decided it would be a good idea to make it as hard as possible to stop leeching your credit card. You have to call customer support to cancel the account. In case you are playing through Live you'll have to call Microsoft. I realize I should be making some joke about call center people outsourced from India, as that's what you'll find, but decided against it. It's not their fault English is not their native tongue. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Does the European version have a frequency selector? - G0523 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- At least the PS2 version does feature one. PAL 50hz and 60hz modes are available. I'm not sure about the 360. PC (obviously) does not shove you the horrible 50hz PAL gamers are used to. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. How do I get online on the PS2? - G0524 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- You need a real modem, not one of those USB ones. Then, if you have a slim PS2, it's just a matter of connecting the Ethernet cable and following the intructions in the manual. If you have an old model (AKA fat, classic, non-slim) PS2, you will need the Network Adaptor. You can get one from the Final Fantasy XI pack, or you can try acquiring it by itself. The Network Adaptor has the Ethernet port you need to connect to your modem. Gorre5, from the community, reports that you can get a wireless adaptor, too, but "those are really confusing to install". -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. How do I chat on the PS2? - G0525 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Just plug-in a USB keyboard. Sure, you can use the gamepad, but why would you want to do that? -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. How much free space do I need in my memory card? - G0526 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- For the PS2 version, 3166 KB at the very least. The manual states, however, that you'll likely need more while playing, because the system file will be "frequently updated" and "the file size may become larger". -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Is the game compatible with the PS2's Datel Mega Memory? - G0527 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Nope. The game won't even boot if the memory manager software is loaded. I'm starting to see a pattern here. See, of all my PS2 game collection there's only another one which doesn't work with Mega Memory either: Sonic Heroes. They both come from the same company. Some silly dumb company which doesn't bother testing their products against common hardware. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. I have a PS3 and I can't save! - G0528 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- According to what I have read around, AOTI has compatibility issues in the 80 GB PS3. I don't think there's a way around this since people have reported that installing newer firmware isn't helping. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. I'm playing the 360 version and I didn't get achievement points! - G0529 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Yeah, it's a known glitch where your gamerscore total isn't updated. According to a community tip, you should recover your gamertag, which will delete your achievements. Why? Because you want to unlock them again and get the points this time. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. How many achievements are there? - G0530 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Three. Defeat Alterazgohg to gain Alterazgohg Slayer, which equals 40 points. Defeat De Rol Le to gain De Rol Le Slayer, which equals 40 points. Defeat Mother Brain to gain Mother Brain Slayer, which equals 50 points. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. What is the level cap for offline and online modes? - G0531 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 200 offline, and 130 currently for online. The online level cap is expected to increase soon. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. And the level cap for types? - G0532 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 30 offline, 15 online. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. What is a decent AI in the game? - G0533 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- PM 420 is useful for battle. 450 will keep you and the group healed even when you are in a hurry. Check G1000 for more information. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Partner Cards? - G0534 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Aye. New Curtz, Laia, Ethan and Tylor cards, plus all those from PSU 1, though you will miss Karen if you don't do the character transfer. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Is Karen worth playing PSU 1 to transfer her over to AOTI? - G0535 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Heck no. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. What about MAGs? - G0536 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Ah, an old-timer! The MAG system is gone, but there are these off-handed weapons, TCSMs and RCSMs that kinda resemble it in what they do. They are only available in AOTI, though; not in PSU 1. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Are there new nanoblasts? - G0537 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- No. They're the same four basic types from PSU 1. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. How do I use them nanoblasts? - G0538 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- If your character isn't a beast, no dice. In the Guardian Colony, buy a beast tattoo on the makeover shop. There are four badges: attack, speed, defense, and invincibility. Each costs 10.000 meseta. To use them, wait until the yellow bar becomes blue and press Attack + PA. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Hey, I got a SUV but can't equip it. What gives? - G0539 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- You need to be at least Lv. 20 to equip those. On a CAST, of course. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Yeah? But where do I buy more of them? - G0540 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- You can buy SUV weapons on the second floor of Clyez City. A few S-rank weapons are available as well. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Is any of my teammates able to use SUVs or nanoblasts? - G0541 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Laia, Leo and Tonnio can nanoblast. Lou and Curtz can use SUVs. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Are Crea weapons that good? - G0542 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Afraid not. Crea weapons are special equipment available only for Humans and Newmen. With them, you can hit an extra target for each attack of yours, which is pretty cool... except its attack power is dwarfed by other weapons of the same type. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. How do I get a Rappy Suit? - G0543 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Just beat Electronic Brain S mission. You do not need an S-rank. Beating Electronic Brain S will also unlock all the final items in the shops. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. How do I make S-rank twin daggers? - G0544 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- You don't. Apparently, the only S-rank twin daggers available in AOTI are Gizaha-zashi and Dagger of Serafi, and they are drops. No synth boards are available. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Why can't I synthesize Tiga De Ragan in offline mode? - G0545 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Because one of the materials is unavailable. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. What weapon boards are NOT available in offline mode? - G0546 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- S-rank Dagger and Knuckles. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. How do I get to the Casino? - G0547 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Do the following missions in Moatoob: * System Defense * Desert Terror * Tunnel Recapture * Caves of Ice * Awoken Serpent Then, you'll be able to access it. Talk with the assistant to take a shuttle to one of the lobbies. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. How do you get permission for special flights? - G0548 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- If one of your party members is in a lobby, you've permission to go there. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Do traps get stronger as I level up? - G0549 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Yes, they do. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. HELP! I can't beat Ethan! - G0550 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- You're not supposed to. Whatever level you are, you can't hurt him or Liina. Just get the hell out of there. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. I can't start the mission to protect the Maiden on Neudaiz! - G0551 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Just disband your party. You'll be able to select missions again. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. When do I get missions from Ohtoku City? - G0552 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- You don't. As stupid as it sounds, the mission counter is only there for plot purposes. All missions you can sign in are only available in the GUARDIANS Headquarters. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Can I get Laia's outfit? - G0553 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- No. All NPCs wear unique outfits which we can't acquire. Sucks. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. How do I get blackheart from Tylor? - G0554 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- In Episode 3, Chapter 2, you can fight him again. If you beat him before the time limit, he may drop a blackheart. It's a rare drop, though, so if you don't get it, you'll have to keep trying. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Where is the easiest place to find rappies? - G0555 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Lightning Beasts. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. What's a good level to have a go at Mother Brain? - G0556 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- I personally haven't even tried to beat the thing. According to the community, Lv 110 is too low. Have fun. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. So I need to level up a lot. Where do I go? - G0557 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Scarred Planet would be a good place. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. How do I get lots of mission points? - G0558 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Do story missions. They provide more points than free missions. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. What's a cool tip to get lots of molla? - G0559 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Meseta, you mean. "Fight For Food" A or S rank will provide lots of materials for Crea Doubles. Synth. Sell. Profit. Careful that the boards don't always synth. I learned this neat tip from the community. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Incidentally, how do I transfer money to another character? - G0560 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Put all of it in the common storage box. Log out, log in with your other character, and take out the meseta. Said box is in your room by the way, and, according to the official site, your online account can hold up to four characters with which you can share money and items. If you mean, however, transfer Meseta to another player, just drop it near him/her. Beware of scammers, though. Never, ever give money to another player without a very good reason. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. How do I open my own shop? - G0561 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- On the second floor of the GUARDIANS Colony, buy an Open Shop ticket. Then go to your room and choose redecorate. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Can I buy/sell meseta? You know, for real money? - G0562 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- As of the time of this writing, it's not illegal to buy meseta. There are even some sites that supposedly make it easy for you, but I'm not linking to them. Selling, on the other hand, is a completely different matter. If you are caught selling, you are banned. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Yeah, okay, but banning is not permanent, right? - G0563 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Yes, it is. As of a recent decision, every ban counts as permanent. You can't appeal, either. If you're banned, then you're banned. Don't cheat. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. I can't find anyone online! Where's everyone? - G0564 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- You need to switch universes. Use one of those orange cubes lying around. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. How do I move my room to another planet? - G0565 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- In Parum, just outside the GRM Shop, there's an open bar with juice machines. The girl there will give you moving tickets in exchange for different items. Check G0600 for more details. Note that as soon as you enter your new room, the old one vanishes. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. What's better: SUV or nanoblast? - G0566 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Undoubtely, nanoblast. It can cause a long fury of hits without (and this is important) hinder the rest of the team. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. HELP! I can't install this game! - G0567 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- *insert Windows joke here* You need to install DirectX 9.0c from Microsoft's site. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Hey, is it true you can use the Wiimote with this game? - G0568 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Sure is. Flick from the PSO-World community created a guide on to this for the Windows version. Check it out at http://www.pso-world.com.nyud.net/viewtopic.php?topic=171593&forum=22&3 Be sure to inform me if the link dies permanently. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. PSU Portable?? - G0569 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Yeah, for the PSP. According to Wikipedia, "what is currently being called 'Phantasy Star Portable' will be based on Phantasy Star Universe and its latest expansion, Ambition of the Illuminus." The screenshots released so far look neat, but all preliminary information seems to point that it won't be released in the West. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. What is your favorite class? - G0570 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The Force. They're not as powerful as in PSO (balance is fair, 'k), but they were my favorite class back then, and I love the complex strategies. It may be lame, sure, but to each its own. And that's the best tip for when choosing a race and class: use whatever works better for you. It's all fairly balanced, though truth be told, Beasts make better Hunters, CASTs make better Rangers and Newmans make better Forces, while Humans don't excel in anything specifically, but aren't afflicted by any weakness either. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. How do I counter attack? - G0571 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- You already know you can boost your attack by pressing Attack just at the right time. Well, countering works basically the same way. It's all about timing. You have to pay attention, because when you evade an attack it's when you may counterit. Press the Attack button about one second after the evading animation. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. What's the difference between C, B and A rank missions? - G0572 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- For starters, you need to be at least a certain level to sign up for the different ranks. The difficulty will, of course, be adjusted accordingly. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Why do people keep telling me to sign up for A Story Missions? - G0573 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- In online mode, you will be able to obtain items called Photon Art Fragments, or PA frags, as they are commonly called. For every S-rank you obtain out of an A-class Story Mission you will obtain one of those. It's a one time only award, though. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. What's the point of Photon Art Fragments? - G0574 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- They are used to obtain Photon Arts (e.g. TECHs) that you cannot buy from NPC shops. Really powerful stuff, but needs to be leveled a lot to be useful. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Q. Where do you get a Svaltus Edge? - G0575 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Get an S-rank on "What is in the Ruins" (Parum mission) and one may drop from the Svaltuses. ============================================================================= ============================================================================= 06.) EXCHANGE ITEMS - G0600 ============================================================================= ============================================================================= Just outside the GRM Shop in Parum, there's an open bar and a maid. The lady's name is Yokus Melton, and a special mission will allow you to exchange items with her. Here's a list of the items you can get from her, which includes everyone's favorite room transfer tickets. a) Bio Panic Remodling Ticket You need: * 1 Mushroom Light M * 2 Mushroom Light S b) Mushroom Light M You need: * 15 Balji Truffle * 15 Mad Truffle * 15 Moatoob Truffle * 15 Rotten Truffle c) Mushroom Light S You need: * 20 Baji Truffle * 20 Mad Truffle * 20 Moatoob Truffle * 20 Rotton Truffle d) PM Bullgroll, Defgroll, Fighroll, Techgroll You need: * 5 Omega Acid Warning! According to a February 22 announcement, you should not get any of those PM items, as a bug in the PS2/PC versions may wipe out all your other items! e) Transfer: Moatoob You need: * 1 Lapucha Figure * 1 Moatoob Kazla * 1 Moatoob Sotets * 1 Vanda f) Transfer: Parum You need: * 1 Airboard * 1 Beetle * 1 Sunflower ============================================================================= ============================================================================= 07.) RARE MONSTERS - G0700 ============================================================================= ============================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAME | WHERE TO FIND IT | KNOWN TO DROP THESE ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Darbelan | HIVE | Black Heart, De Colte Line, Ank Buti Delnadian | Electronic Brain | Shato, Sonichi, Dark Wing Grinna Bete S | Endrum Remenant | Grinna Bete S Jago | White Beast | Loveheart Line, Robopitch Grenade Jigo Booma | Hill of Spores | Rabbit Wand, Whitill Wing, Falclaw Lutus Jigga | Holy Ground | Svaltus Edge, Secret Cross Orgdus | Sleeping Warriors | Svaltus Edge, Secret Cross ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ============================================================================= ============================================================================= 08.) BOSSES - G0800 ============================================================================= ============================================================================= Main issues addressed in this section are: ============================================================================= Maggas Magahna -------------------------------------------------------- G0801 Tylor ----------------------------------------------------------------- G0802 ============================================================================= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- A - MAGGAS MAGAHNA - G0801 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The following strategy was completely written by libram of the community. Reproduced and licensed here with the author's permission. The best thing to do here is play like a Ranger no matter what class you're using. Take a ranged weapon and shoot him from as far away as you can. This will help you avoid his close quarters attacks that can kill just about anyone outright. As for individual strategies: Hunter To deal the most damage the easiest target to hit is his base. After a while, however, it will be destroyed. Once this happens Maggas will become much faster and can hurt you with the blades that have now appeared. You have two options to continue attacking. First, you go after the hands. This will cause more damage since you're a Hunter, but Maggas moves around a lot, and tracking a hand can be a bit difficult. If this becomes a bother than just switch to the Ranger tactics. Ranger This method may take longer, but it is far safer. For guns there are two points of interest. The first is Maggas's upper arms. Those areas take the most damage from Bullets. Just remember to be ready to move at a moment's notice. Missiles and Sword Cleaves can hurt you pretty bad. The other area of interest is the stomach. It's a bit hard to hit when the base is still intact, but once that is destroyed your fire should be focused there. It will do as much damage as hitting the upper arm, is a little easier to target when Maggas is moving around, and will cause him to stumble and interrupt any of his attacks if he's hit there enough times. Just be careful when he starts rushing around. I've seen him dash into me and smack me with the blades before he uses his rotation attack to finish me off from full health. Force Diga is great. It has the highest TECH multiplier and is the opposite element of Maggas, making it that much more powerful. The problem here is that it's slow. Firing one off at the base will usually result in a hit, but once that's gone you'll need to focus on the hands, and hitting them is a giant pain. If you're having trouble with this then switch to a Bow and use the Ranger tactics. It may take a while to beat the robot, but you should be able to avoid any real damaging attacks. Maggas Attacks Sword Cleave - This is an overhead swipe that is designed to fall and split your character in two. At higher levels this can kill most characters outright, but asimple run to the side will get you out of harms way quite easily. Sword Swipe - A quick horizontal slash that attacks the area in front of him. It's a little harder to avoid than the Cleave, but it is nowhere near as damaging. Machine Spray - Usually done when Maggas takes a quick step back, this is just a small spray of bullets that will hit once for little damage. Nothing really to worry about. Machine Fire - This is a concentrated stream of bullets that is slowly swept in front of Maggas with a pretty large area of effect. One hit will usually lead to a series because the bullets will cause you to slightly flinch while more smack you. If you can avoid the initial hit Maggas will be open to attack. Missile Pod - Both shoulders open to reveal a number of missiles that start flying off and targeting your character. One missile doesn't do much damage, but there are far more than one missile. Each can hit, and in a few hits they can kill you, especially if you're a Force. This can also cause Burn, and that just adds to your troubles. The best bet to avoid this is to be constantly moving. Grenade - Maggas opens a small compartment in the gun arm and fires a large photon grenade in your direction. This attack can hit twice, once for the initial strike and again for the blast. Both parts are hard to avoid, and they can also cause the DEF Down status. The only way to avoid this is to be far enough away while running straight to the right that the grenade is shot at a less steep angle and lands some distance behind you. Rapid-Fire Cannon - Maggas starts glowing while gathering energy before he starts firing a number of large black orbs at the ground in a large sweep. Very strong, but also the most easily avoidable attack in his arsenal. Pretty much some free hits. Shield - Not a true attack, but far more annoying than anything else. Maggas charges for a moment before releasing some generators that create an impenetrable shield that reduces all damage to zero. This can be interrupted with enough attacks. Warp - Almost an annoying as the shield, Maggas simply vanishes are reappears somewhere else in the arena. This can make him hard to track. Base Blades - Not an attack. This is what remains once the base is destroyed. He will practically double in speed, and if you happen to be standing anywhere near his body when he zooms around the blades can hurt you for a medium amount of damage. This works with any number of attacks he has going. Charge - Maggas reels back for a second before dashing forward with his sword extended. At times he'll just keep doing this over and over, especially when the base is destroyed. He covers a lot of ground, and the increased speed also applies here. To dodge this just keep running to the right. Running to the left will just put you in the way of the sword. This attack will cause ATP Down. Pound - Maggas lifts his hands over his body and holds them there before he smashes the ground to release a shockwave. The area for this attack is huge, and when it hits it has a high chance of causing Stun. To avoid this either run to the side or run behind Maggas. Most of the attack area is in a large circle in front of the main body, and it only extends so far behind him. Rotation - This is his most dangerous move. Maggas gets close before spinning in place with both arms held out. One hit will take off a huge amount of damage, and it can hit twice if you're close enough. Count in the blades when his base is gone and it'll outright kill you no matter what class you are. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- B - TYLOR - G0802 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- You should be around Lv. 100 or up. Tylor wears an ice armor, which makes him vulnerable to fire. If you have Har/Quick, Foie is a good choice to spam large amounts of fire damage during AT. If you manage to burn him, it will make things even easier. If your type allows, Burn EX traps are also one of the best thing you could use in this fight. Basically, if you are really fast and keep using fire attacks (weapons, bullets, techs) you'll nail him down. Be too careful, however, and you may meet defeat, but let that not prevent you from buffing ATP/DFP. The more damage you can do while taking as little as possible can only be an advantage. ============================================================================= ============================================================================= 09.) SYNTH SYSTEM - G0900 ============================================================================= ============================================================================= You can synthesize items through your PM. All you need is a synth board for the item you want and the right amount of items required to proceed. The list of requirements, of course, changes from board to board. One thing you need to know is that the required items have to be stored with the PM. Be careful that storing items is not the same thing as giving them as a snack to the little bot. I'm not sure if I'll expand this section. Most synthesizing information, especially lists, are already available in places like PSO-World. I'm adding information on how to upgrade weapons, though, since Glocker134 kindly contributed said information to this guide. So, you can upgrade your weapons to increase both their attack and PP stats. To do this you need a grinder. You can buy one of those from the Synthesis Shop, but you need to be careful to buy only a grinder of the same class as the weapon you wish to upgrade. For instance, a C+5 grinder for Crimson wouldn't work, because Crimson's an S-rank sword. After buying the grinder, go to your room, put the items on storage, activate the board, and have your PM synthesize. You'll end up with a Grinder X+Y, where X is the class and Y the modifier points. +1 is common, +5 is rare. Now, you need to go to the weapon's manufacturer. If the color is: * gray, go to the 2nd floor of Clyez City * green, go to Yohmei Shop * orange, go to TENORA WORKS Shop * blue, go to GRM Shop Make sure the weapon is not in your palette and be ready to restart the game if the process goes wrong. You can improve your chances mightly by using an S+5 grinder. The highest the number the higher the chances. If the process goes well, your weapon gains a level. If it fails, you lose one. You can fail up to nine times. It's recommended that you save the game every time you succeed. ============================================================================= ============================================================================= 10.) PARTNER MACHINE EVOLUTION - G1000 ============================================================================= ============================================================================= As you may have heard at some point from your fellow teammates, you can raise your PM to become a powerful ally, always 10 levels above your own. It is, however, a tedious long (long) process, and you cannot bring her ("it" usually becomes a "she") with you in online missions unless you lead the group, so you should consider if you really want to spend time and effort on this. There's also a catch: if you are a ranged character like a Force or a Ranger, the game's poor AI is not going to make your PM much useful in battle, because you need to be near your enemies for the AI to register the enemy's presence. Also, healing PM, while invaluable for other classes, is next to useless when you are a Force. You can provide your own healing. Now, then, let's start. The evolution process works by feeding your PM with items. Specific items raise different stats. You need to raise specific stats to evolve your PM into a unique model. Different models have different abilities. That's the gist of it. There's differences in how this works in online and offline modes. On online, you need to reach a much higher level to evolve the PM. On the other hand, further evolution stages exist. In offline mode this is not the case, and the only advantage is that it is much faster to raise your PM. GH-410 is a melee attacker. Her Striking stat needs to be above 30 in online and 15 in offline. GH-420 is a melee attacker, too, but more autonomous making her actually useful. Her Striking and Ranged stats need to be above 30 in online and 15 in offline. GH-430 is a ranged attacker. Her Ranged stat needs to be above 30 in online and 15 in offline. GH-440 is a ranged attacker, too. Her Ranged and TECH stats need to be above 30 in online and 15 in offline. GH-450 is a TECH user. Her TECH stat needs to be above 30 in online and 15 in offline. People seem to love the 420 series. I recommend you a 450. To evolve your PM to a GH-450, you'll need to raise a lot her TECH stat. That means giving her TECH-related items, so instead of giving your excess items, just sell those and buy the appropriate ones. The cheapest way to raise her stat is by buying W'ganba for 3000 Meseta and Megid for 450. W'ganba raises TECH by 12, and Megid by 5. If you want to spare your money, use Megid discs. They are cheap. If you want to spare your time (like me) use W'ganba, instead. It's a more expensive method than Megid's, but it works faster. If you just want to raise all stats, I recommend using Dimates instead. It's cheap and efficient. Now you may be wondering why I said the process is heavily tedious. Why, that would be because you have to feed the PM one item at a time... and the menu doesn't even record the last position, so you have to keep pressing buttons to reach the feeding item. And then, you'll have to confirm that you do indeed want to give the item. Tedious, alright. Finally, you should know that, if you don't like how the PM turned out, you can buy an item (the "PM Device ZERO" on the 2nd floor of Clyez) that will reset it back to its original state. A lot more information on PMs may be found at the following article, http://psupedia.info/Partner_machines ============================================================================= ============================================================================= 11.) SHOP SEARCH - G1100 ============================================================================= ============================================================================= Shop search is a really cool feature, but if you haven't got the hang of its mechanics, you'll be frustrated by not finding what you are looking for. The first thing you need to know is that using the right keywords usually do the trick. The second thing you need to know is that sometimes it's better to further filter the results by applying a negative, or in other words a "-" sign together with the word you do not want to show up. I will provide examples below, but essentially, there are many times you will need to be creative. Keywords are reserved words for certain types of items. Use one or more of the following to narrow down the search results or, sometimes, to even make them show up at all. Weapon Types * Claw * Dagger * Handgun * Knuckle * Riffle * Rod * Saber * Twin Claw * Twin Dagger * Twin Handgun * Twin Saber Elemental Attributes * Dark * Fire * Ground * Ice * Light * Lightning * No attribute Examples: Ice Claw Fire Saber Brand Names * GRM * Kubara * Tenora * Yohmei Equipment Types * Line * Ranged * Striking * Technic Examples: GRM Line Yohmei Technic Unit Types * Head * Arm * Body * Extra Synth Items * Wood * Ash * Ebon * Walna * Grinder * Base * Material Examples: Material -Photon Grinder S+9 Crimson +8 -Fire Dark Durandal +7 As you can see in the above example, you can look for +X, where X is the number. Also, avoid using the word Photon when possible; it shows everything from Techs, to Skills and materials. ============================================================================= ============================================================================= 12.) WALKTHROUGH - G1200 ============================================================================= ============================================================================= Main issues addressed in this section are: ============================================================================= Chapter 1 ------------------------------------------------------------- G1C01 The Mask 1 ------------------------------------------------------------ M01-1 The Mask 2 ------------------------------------------------------------ M01-2 Chapter 2 ------------------------------------------------------------- G1C02 Desert's End 1 -------------------------------------------------------- M02-1 Desert's End 2 -------------------------------------------------------- M02-2 Chapter 3 ------------------------------------------------------------- G1C03 HIVE Clean-up 1 ------------------------------------------------------- M03-1 HIVE Clean-up 2 ------------------------------------------------------- M03-2 Chapter 4 ------------------------------------------------------------- G1C04 Shadow Conspiracy 1 --------------------------------------------------- M04-1 Shadow Conspiracy 2 --------------------------------------------------- M04-2 Chapter 5 ------------------------------------------------------------- G1C05 Valley of Suspicion 1 ------------------------------------------------- M05-1 Valley of Suspicion 2 ------------------------------------------------- M05-2 ============================================================================= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ----------------------------- CHAPTER 1 - G1C01 ----------------------------- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- You'll start in your room. Welcome to the world of PSU. That floating thing is your Partner Machine (PM). It will ask if you want to watch a tutorial. It's long, but you can skip it now and watch it later. Note that you'll get Rising Strike by playing the tutorial mission. When you are in control, you'll notice the camera is a bitch to get hold of. If you have just came in from FFXII like I did, you'll be displeased by how ackwardly it works. You'll get used to it. For reference, you may want to note that your PM starts as GHX005. Your character starts at Lv.1 and without any Meseta. The following items are available in your inventory: * Monomate x 10 * Dimate x 5 * Sol Atomizer x 5 * Scape Doll x 1 * Photon Charge x 5 * Damage Trap G x 5 * Goggles Your initial equipment will be different depending on what race you chose. You'll notice that there are "room decoration spaces" around you. If you have started from scratch instead of importing your character, you have a statue of Sonic and Tails you can use here. If you are playing offline, I recommend you not to bother with decorating at all. What's the point? Go out and you'll be in the first floor of Clyez City. Walk around, moving through the ghost army of badly programmed NPC characters, and you'll eventually reach a ramp and an elevator. Take the elevator to the 4th floor and from there you can save your game and then go up the ramp to the floor above. Speaking of saving your game, here's a tip: keep more than one save file, just in case you find yourself stuck just before a powerful boss and unable to go back. So, you reached the GUARDIANS Headquarters. Here you can sign up for missions, and acomplishing missions is what this game's all about. There's a lady at the counter and another one further inside. Talk with the latter if you'd like to learn more about GUARDIANS and missions. When you are ready, speak with the lady at the counter to sign up for your first mission. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STORY MISSION 1-1 *M01-1* The Mask 1 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- A beast girl shows up. She's your intructor. She's also supposed to be an interesting character-- oops, I meant important character! Silly me. Oh, it's not just the camera that is ackward. Seems like every character came straight from 2001. And they move like it, too! Why am I mentioning this? Because we just came out of a FMV and that makes the bad stuff more obvious. Anyhow, your assignment is to examine 5 infected plants with your goggles. If this is your first time playing, be sure to read the instructions on to use the goggles, or else you'll be stuck without knowing what to do. Basically, press and hold the Action Pallete button (Circle in PS2), click left, up, and let go of the button. If you press the Attack button (Square in PS2), you'll examine your surroundings with the goggles. Repeat the sequence to equip a weapon again. The infected plants are easy to spot, but the paths are not. The map doesn't help much either, unless you open it fullscreen, which is not advisable. It also doesn't point where the exits are, so there will be times you'll get lost and your partner will loudly remark you are going the wrong way. Well, sis, I blame the map! There's 53 monsters in the area. You have to kill them all and examine the 5 plants within 7 minutes if you want to get an S-rank. This is hard, indeed, especially if it's your first try. Let's roll. You have to kill every enemy to proceed through the laser fence, and then kill everything again to unlock a door. In this area you'll find two plants. Don't proceed without examing them. In the new area, you'll find a few more fiends. The next two plants are easy to spot. The last one is somewhat hidden in the Southwest behind a rock. If you still have time, you can find a red key in the floor which opens the last locked fence and spawns a few more fiends. After the mission is over, you'll have to go to the next area. If your HP is low, heal, because you'll soon get into your first boss battle. Monomates are the healing items, by the way. You and Laia will come across an unconscious masked girl. Soon after, you'll be assaulted by three clowns and Laia's wit. Er, yeah. Here's what you should know: the red afro guy is a Force, the other two are melee characters. If you are a low level newman, you'll die if you are not careful. Keep your HP over 70 at any time and don't let them close on you. Whatever the case, use your most powerful weapon and take them on one by one, starting with the leader. Don't just attack randomly. You win! Collect the spoils before a scene starts. Not two minutes pass and here comes a new challenger: Zoal Goug. This dragon-like creature is only hard if you let it land near you. From the distance, its attacks are easy to avoid. Laia will do most of the work if you focus on dodging incoming attacks. In the end, you may have more trouble with the three stooges than with the Zoal Goug. After the battle, you'll be on a camp. You can save your game, recharge your weapons, and buy some items from some random dude who's working at night in the middle of nowhere. Because that's what salesmen do. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STORY MISSION 1-2 *M01-2* The Mask 2 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- On to mission 2. Those pricks have spread a large bunch of traps around the area. You can spot them with the goggles, and if you hear the beep you have marked them visible. If you are hit by two or three traps at once, you are likely to die, so be careful. You can trigger their explosion by approaching slowly and, with care, they will explode without harming you. You can also shoot them from afar. If you are aiming for an S-rank, you'll have to very very quick. You need to finish the mission within 2:30 minutes. The first area isn't so bad. It's when you get to the fire traps that it starts to get tough, but not that much if you are careful. Attention that Laia can get hit by the fire traps, too, and she will. If she dies, don't worry as she'll respawn in a minute or so. The path will be blocked by a laser fence. The key is on one of those boxes, but beware: most of them are trapped and will explode when hit. Use a gun to blow them from afar. A second laser fence will block your path ahead. The switch to turn it off is on the path to the right, slightly hidden by the scenery. Keep your health up, and you'll reach the stooges again. This time they won't fight you. No, they will send a bunch of machines to do it. One suggestion is to avoid hit-and-run strategies as the machines look all alike and then you won't be able to identify which one you were attacking. If you are still reading, note that when they start beeping they will explode and cause damage if you are near them. Run as soon as they emit those beeps. That wasn't so hard. Oh, here comes a new challenger! And a dangerous one at that. You can't defeat them. Just run around, dodge as many attacks as possible, and heal when necessary. Eventually a scene will occur, and they'll leave the premise. Well, that was unexpected, wasn't it? It's just a shame it's hard to care for any of those people. Especially when you are just a supporting character with no influence whatsoever in the plot. Cannon fodder, much? You now have Laia's card, access to Neudaiz, and three free missions. Free missions, if you don't know, are independent from the story. Usually, they are good for hanging out with other people. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ----------------------------- CHAPTER 2 - G1C02 ----------------------------- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Now that you are back in Clyez and with some Meseta in your wallet, go shopping. If this were a normal RPG, I would tell you to go buy a decent piece of armor and some healing items, but since it's PSU, you should go buy some new clothes instead, or maybe do a nose job in the Makeover shop. After all, this game is not about becoming the strongest, but being the prettiest. Never forget. If you still have some spare money, then and only then, go buy yourself a proper piece of armor. Be sure to look into the stats to see if you can equip it, or otherwise you are wasting money. If you are a Force, buy Resta for the healing magic. To use it you'll have to link it with your weapon, which you can do by selecting the weapon on your inventory and choose the appropriate option. On the fourth floor you can now leave to different locations to access free missions. If you want to level up a bit, you could try the lowest rank of "Fight For Food". Unless you are playing online, though, I recommend that you go on with the story. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STORY MISSION 2-1 *M02-1* Desert's End 1 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- There isn't much to tell about this mission. Kill anything that moves and do it really quick (i.e. in less than 15 minutes) and you get an S-rank. You have a new ally. That, together with a good piece of armor as recommended above, will make this mission easy as pie. A good advice is to prevent yourself from being surrounded by a large group of enemies, but when you are trying to hurry up, sometimes that doesn't seem like a priority. You'll nail the balance with practice. If you are wondering why you should care about the rank you obtain, the reason is the items you get at the end of a mission. Different ranks mean different rewards. Finally, save the PP of your most powerful weapon for the boss. If you are a Force that would be the Rod that let's you cast Rafoie. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STORY MISSION 2-2 *M02-2* Desert's End 2 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- One word of caution is that enemies in the second part of Desert's End are more powerful than what you have met before. While you should be able to survive easily with a good armor, if you still haven't found any weapon stronger than your original equipment (check your inventory), maybe you should retreat back to Clyez while in camp and there buy (or even synth) a new weapon. If you went back to Clyez, it's also a good time to give your PM any unecessary items. You'll likely have a ton of them by now. However, every weapon you found that is incompatible with your type/race, just sell it. If you are playing online, you can even sell or give it to one of your teammates. If you still haven't open your own shop, look in the FAQ section under G0561. Just don't forget that if you go over your inventory capacity, you won't be able to pick up any items during missions. If you retreated, you'll have to start the mission all over again. If you did not, you can go on into part 2 of Desert's End. Assuming you are here, let's proceed. The first thing you'll notice is that you'll be occasionally under gun fire. There are gun turrets spread throughout the area, and you can destroy them. Further within there will be others which fire much faster, but you cannot destroy those. There is no timer for most of this mission, so take your time and investigate every little corner. You won't be able to do it later. If you are still using your initial weapons, you should attack the bigger enemies from behind the laser fences. You can hit them, but most of the time, they can't hit you. Soon, you'll witness a new scene and, when it's over, be attacked by a big machine. It isn't as powerful as it looks. It has about 500 HP in the lowest difficulty level. Now, you'll have a timer. You need to escape in less than three minutes, while killing everything you see. Use your most powerful weapons here. If you are a Force that means Rafoie as soon as you get three enemies together. Got the S-rank? Good. Enter one of the big battles. The Boss section has a very through guide on how to defeat Magahna. Basically, use a gun and telescopic sight (R3 in PS2) to aim for the shoulders. He's very annoying as he'll be teleporting from one place to another, and you'll have to give chase. To make matters worse, Laia and Lou will be unreliable in this fight as, due to game glitches, most of the time they will be attacking the air. And I wish was kidding about that. By the way, if you see their names in yellow that means their HP is low. If you have Resta, approach them and cast it for some healing. Mission accomplished. You get Lou's card, access to Moatoob, and two new free missions: "Goliath in the Desert" and "Awoken Serpent". If you haven't noticed yet, there is a communicator in your room which lists all the free missions you have access to. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ----------------------------- CHAPTER 3 - G1C03 ----------------------------- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- If you have been doing free missions, you won't be able to sign up for HIVE Clean-up without first disbanding your party. Hope you like that FMV. Yes, this is the third time we are seeing it, and yes, you can skip it. Thank goodness for that. Unfortunately, you cannot skip some/most events, and you'll be forced to watch reruns when you are playing Story Missions under the same or harder difficulty level. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STORY MISSION 3-1 *M03-1* HIVE Clean-up 1 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beware, you'll be paired with a new ally and that annoying brat, Laia. Actually, it's not just her. Half the cast in this story seems to have some kind of emotional issue. Even your character... S/he never says a word! All right, start! The first area is pretty straight forth, but you'll have to keep a lookout for gun turrets and a sort of giant flying bat wizard monster. If you and your party are surrounded by gun turrets and don't act fast, you'll lose a tremendous amount of HP. So, ignore any monsters and destroy the guns first. Then you should be on your toes for those TECH-caster monsters I just mentioned. Sometimes, three of them will appear at once. If you do not take them down really fast before they combo blast you with Barta, you will die. Next area, things start getting a little more complicated. You need to find four key cards to proceed, and three of them are hidden under what we should call item boxes, except here they look like large camouflaged eggs. The final key is available near the exit after you kill every enemy and find the other three first. Since you need to finish the mission in less than 15 minutes to get an S-rank, you should avoid going North without first exploring that corridor to the East. Mission acomplished. Finally, the plot thickens! And yes, that's a salesman in a dangerous place where people have died. Because that's what salesmen do When you are ready, proceed to the second part of the mission. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STORY MISSION 3-2 *M03-2* HIVE Clean-up 2 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here's your first big puzzle. You'll need to activate five terminals, but if you are not fast enough the earlier ones will disconnect and the power level will go down. Each terminal provides 20% of power level. Every time you try to examine a terminal, Laia will ask you if you want her to stick there and keep it on all time. You'll have to use her help to finish the mission. The problem is, you have to put her just in the right spot or you won't have enough time to activate the others. Start by killing every monster to unlock all doors and -- why not-- get familiar with the entire area. Do not examine any terminal during this period nor touch any of those teleport pads on the floor. Now, when the place is quiet, head Southeast to the room with a terminal. On the fullscreen map that would be on the lower right corner. Here, examine it, leave Laia and step in the teleport pad. You'll be activating the terminals in a sequence. Some of the terminals have a teleport pad nearby, so it's just a matter of turning it on and jump into the next area via teleport, but sometimes you'll have to run all the way over to the next terminal. Any slow down, and you'll have to start the process all over again, so try to get it right at first try. Success! Cut scene (it's Kryten from Red Dwarf!), and boss. It's a monster by the name of Dulk Fakis. It will continuously cast a shield over itself, negating all damage. The trick is to wait for the shield to wear off and hit with your most powerful attacks at close range for that one brief moment. Even then, sometimes your attacks will cause 0 damage. Just keep hitting it while it's possible. On occasion, Dulk Fakis will also use his big arms. When they are exposed like that, they can be hit, so hit them bloody things! You win! Curtz card is yours. "The Dual Sentinel" and "The Dark Satellite" missions are now available. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ----------------------------- CHAPTER 4 - G1C04 ----------------------------- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- If you already reached Lv.35, you should select Rank-B missions from now on. You should also have enough money to buy some new clothes. You wanna look pretty, don't you? Oh, and while you are at it, make sure to buy all the Monomates you can carry. That's always a good thing to do before starting a mission. If you have money for new equipment, knock yourself out. If you are over Lv.20 and a CAST, you should buy a SUV weapon. If you are a Beast, you should get a tattoo on the Makeover shop. Let's go on with the story. You should be getting a new ally any time n-- Boobs alert! Boobs alert! And your obnoxious friend is being nasty again: "Oh, you are dying of a horrible disease? Poor you. Maybe you should have prayed more to the Holy Light. Isn't life a bitch? Next time you want to be sarcastic with me, think again! Oh, that's right: you don't have a next time. Ha ha ha!" Disturbing. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STORY MISSION 4-1 *M04-1* Shadow Conspiracy 1 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ahem, mission time. This is one of the easy ones. There are flames all over the place. Do not let yourself (or your allies for that matter) touch them. If you are burned use a Sol Atomizer or Reverser to heal the status. You have to kill every enemy in less than 10 minutes to get an S-rank. Some enemies are within the containers, so be sure to destroy those. Really, that's about it. Just beware of the flames and those Kog Nadd beasts (they are tough), and you should get through the mission with ease. You can only get the last key card (out of four) by getting a single key card that opens the door to the Northeast. And, yes, even in a hospital under attack you will find a salesman. Because that's what salesmen do. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STORY MISSION 4-2 *M04-2* Shadow Conspiracy 2 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- You have to rescue 6 survivors in less than 15 minutes. This is hard to do in a first try, so if you are forced to repeat the mission, don't feel bad. None of the survivors will be in clear sight. No, they will be hidden underneath those rubble stacks all around you. So, how will you locate them? Why, with your goggles. You'll occasionally hear a beep, which gets louder as you approach a survivor. Equip the goggles and glance into the nearby rubble. Sometimes you'll find a blue globe, sometimes a red one. Blue is a survivor. Red is a trap. And sometimes you'll need to blow up the traps to go further. So, start! Right in this big hall, kill the monsters and look for the beeping. Use the goggles to track the survivor and blow the rubble with either a sword or a gun. That's your first one. Hurry North, and you'll find the path blocked, but to your right there is a trap which you can blow up to proceed. Monsters will spawn. When you kill them, a key card will appear. Go back to the hall and walk towards the farthest locked door, which is the only one where you can walk into. Use the key card and, in the next area, walk towards the locked door in the middle. There is a survivor just before it. That makes two. Proceed and go down the stairs. Blast every monster that shows up and, don't worry about your PP. You have to kill every monster you find as fast as possible, so use your most powerful weapons and attack precisely. Don't walk away from the stairs, and you'll find another survivor nearby. That's three, so far. Now, from here, walk North towards the large corridor. The path will be blocked by rubble. There's a bunch of traps and a key card. Blow it all until you find the card. Now go back to where you came from and up the stairs. Remember the third locked door? You can open it from this side with the key card you just found. Go there and, on the other side, you'll find another survivor. That's four; only two more to go. Go down again and cross the entire lenght South until you reach another staircase. One side has some crappy items, the other will you let you go further. You probably heard a beeping already, but you can't reach the survivor because the path is blocked. You can walk around the rubble by taking the other path near the open door. Locate the survivor and blow the rubble. Only one more to go! Go across the door you just passed, kill every monster inside, get the key card and go back. Just a bit to the South there's the last locked door. Use the key card to open it, kill the remaining monsters, and follow the beeping to locate the last survivor. Enjoy your S-rank! But not so fast! Here comes a new challe-- Oh... There isn't one... just a few more monsters. The oversized ones are strong, but slow enough for you to kill them with ease. Since there's no time limit, there's really nothing to worry about. The only place where you may get stuck is in how to get that key card behind the laser fence. You probably figured it out already, but if you did not, you'll have to locate green globes among the rubble around you using your goggles. There's three floor buttons that you will need to step on to disable the laser fence. Mission accomplished. You get Maya's card (Boobs!) and access to the "Endrum Remnants" mission. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ----------------------------- CHAPTER 5 - G1C05 ----------------------------- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STORY MISSION 5-1 *M05-1* Valley of Suspicion 1 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'm afraid there isn't much to say about this mission. There really isn't anything hard or complicated to cause you any problem. Not traps, not puzzles, not even a boss. And it doesn't help that Nav keeps saying: "What a waste of time". Thanks for reminding us! The only real issue is obtaining the S-rank. You need to find every single monster, and some of them are hidden in odd places. To make matters worse, after you leave the first area, Laia won't let you go back. Which is not good if you missed a foe back there. If you end up the mission with an A-rank, it's because you missed a monster. And yes, that's a salesman in a middle of a remote mountain. Because that's wha-- oh, you know the drill by now. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STORY MISSION 5-2 *M05-2* Valley of Suspicion 2 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Finally things start getting tougher. Monsters are far stronger and there's a lot of traps, including poisonous floors and different types of gun turrets. Some of the turrets are quite powerful and can overwhelm you if you are not careful. Always destroy them all first. Then go for the enemies. Don't forget you can hit the turrets from a distance with a gun (useful for when they are located in tight corners) and a sword/claw/whatever in close-range. Actually, most of the key cards in this mission can only be found by destroying the gun turrets, so don't miss any. While there's no real boss in this mission, you'll have to face De Vears near the end, and they are really tough to take down. Just don't get in their way when they leap forward and you'll be fine. Finally, kill everything in less than 20 minutes for the S-rank. This mission's map is quite large and the trail sometimes isn't very obvious. That's the only thing between you and the S-rank. Success! Nav's card is yours (he's a CAST, did you know that?), and "Mine Defense" mission is now available. ============================================================================= ============================================================================= 13.) PAST REVISIONS - G1300 ============================================================================= ============================================================================= - Version 0.7 (12th of April, 2008) # Updated some information in the FAQ section. # Expanded the Exchange Items section. # Covered Story Missions 2-2, 3-1 and 3-2 in the Walkthrough. # Changed the Story Mission index for the better. # Started the Partner Machine Evolution section. Useful stuff. - Version 0.6.1 (9th of April, 2008) # Removed the entire Offline Cheat Codes section per policy. # Corrected the information on how to get an S-rank in "The Mask 2" mission. # Covered Story Mission 2-1 in the Walkthrough. - Version 0.6 (7th of April, 2008) # Corrected some information in the FAQ. # Added search codes to the FAQ section for easier navigation. # Added strategy to defeat Tylor in the Bosses section. # Finally started the Walkthrough section. # Covered Missions 1 and 2 in the Walkthrough. # Started section on the Synth System. # Added information on grinders to said section. - Version 0.5 (3rd of April, 2008) # Expanded Section 11 with Action Replay 2, MAX, and Xploder codes. # Added a few more questions/answers. # Started section 8, Bosses. # Added strategy to defeat Maggas Magahna written by libram. - Version 0.4 (31th of March, 2008) # More questions and answers added. # Corrected some of the information in the FAQ. # Started section 11, Offline Cheat Codes. Currently, PS2 Code Breaker only. - Version 0.3 (29th of March, 2008) # More questions and answers added. # Created a sub-index for the FAQ. Search codes to be added later. # Started section 7, Rare Monsters. - Version 0.2 (25th of March, 2008) # More questions and answers added. # Started section 6, Exchange Items. - Version 0.1, (23th of March, 2008) # Initial release. Still a lot to do, but might as well get out what's done already to help those who need information. ============================================================================= ============================================================================= 14.) THE HONOUR ROLL - G1400 ============================================================================= ============================================================================= Displayed alphabetically. - Creative Commons feature on this list due to all their work towards the creation of a world of Free Culture. A very important consideration, if we are to make the world a better place. - Glocker134 for contributing information on how upgrading weapons work. Useful since I hadn't really looked much into the process yet. - libram for writing the very detailed strategy to defeat Maggas Magahna. Reproduced and licensed here in its entirety with permission. - Onewinged Angel, Glocker134 and libram from the community for very precise information in some of the game aspects, which led me to correct a few mistakes in the FAQ - Tamashi from the Sega Boards for pointing out that 360 gamers do indeed need the original disc. If you want to see your name here feel free to help improve this document. ============================================================================= ============================================================================= 15.) CONTACT INFO - G1500 ============================================================================= ============================================================================= If you want to contact me, spend a day or two thinking about it. After that, think some more. Still want to send in something? Are you sure? Then, read the following guidelines: - The subject of the email must include "Illuminus" or "AOTI" or "PSU". - Make sure your email is readable, as in proper English and an actual message. Flaming and other crap will be blocked without a second thought. I accept messages in Portuguese and Ido, too. - Don't ask me to send updates of any guide, because I won't. - Don't ask me if you can post this document on some web site. Instead, read the license of this document. It's a legal contract and, in most cases, you are completely allowed to do whatever you want without further permission from my part. That is, if and only if you accept the two established conditions set above: give credit where credit is due and allow the same freedom I give you to other people. Overall, my work gives you more freedom on what you can do with it than 99% of the stuff out there, so don't bother me with useless messages asking if you can have permission to do this and that. You probably have it, already. - Make sure you've read the guide before asking any question. You'll probably find your answer here or in another guide, so please don't waste your time and mine. It's for the best. - And, of course, if you want to provide some help or contribution to improve this guide, you'll be more than welcome to. Yes, I mean it. Email/Jabber: justivo [at] gmail [dot] com Criminal sends off to SEGA: "You owe me Thailand!" /* EoF */