Ninja Gaiden: Hurricane Pack Volume 1 MYSTERIOUS POWER OF THE MOON - Hurricane Pack Volume 1 FAQ Authored by VampireHorde MM MM MM MM MMMMMM MMMMMM MMM MMMMMM MMM MM MM MMMMMM MMMMMMM MM MM MM MMM MM MMM MMM MMM MM MM MMMM MM MMMMMM MM MM MM MM MMMMM MMMMM MMM MMM MMMMMMM MM MMMM MM MM MM MMMMM MM MMM MM MMM MMM MMMMMM MMM MMM MM MM MMMMMM MMMMMM MMM MMMMM MMM MMMM MM MMM MM MM MM MMMMMM MMMMMM MMMMMMM MM MMM MMM MMM MMM MM MMMMM MMM MMM MMM MMM MMMMM MM MM MM MM MM MMMMMM MM MM MMM MM MM MM MM MM MMM MMM MMMMMM MMMMM MM MM MM MM MM MM MM MM MM MM MM MM MMM MMMMM MMMMMM MMMM MM MM MM MMMMMM MM *********************** INTRODUCTION *********************** Thanks for clicking on the FAQ. This FAQ will focus solely on the Hurricane Pack Volume 1. Only new content will be discussed and described in as much detail as possible. If you aren't sure whether to download the Hurricane Pack, read the FAQ all the way down and then make your decision. I will NOT explain in full detail how to defeat every enemy, complete objectives, storylines, or comparisons to the original game. Please refer to other walkthroughs and FAQs for that information. What is the Hurricane Pack? It is the rumored "new downloadable content" that had been flying around since the game had been released. It is new content for Rounds 2 & 3 of the Master Ninja Tournament. LET'S BEGIN! ********************** HURRICANE PACK DOWNLOAD INFORMATION ********************** --To download the Hurricane Pack, simply go to the Master Ninja Tournament option in the menu screen. Sign on to XBOX Live and you'll see a "NEW NOTICES" screen. Select this option and choose the Round 2 download. The connection should take less than ten minutes to load. If you do not see any notices or the Hurricane Pack option, then you must go to the official Ninja Gaiden website and register your GamerTag information. --To start a Hurricane Pack game, simply go to the Master Ninja Tournament option in the menu screen and sign on to XBOX Live. Go to the MNT option and choose the Round 2 trial mission. --To play the Hurricane Pack offline, simply start a new game from the XBOX Live option and choose Round 2 Trial mission. Choose a costume and "accept" the Trial Mission. When you reach any Save Point in the game, save the game to any save slot. Once that is done, you can then play the game offline by going to the "Load Game" screen. --The Hurricane Pack is over 2000 blocks long and cannot be transferred from XBOX to XBOX. --WARNING: Once you post your scores on XBOX Live, you CANNOT use the same Save File for Successive Play anymore. Once you've finished the Hurricane Pack, THAT'S IT! *********************** THE CAMERA SYSTEM *********************** Team Ninja "listened" to the complaints of the fans and went ahead and re-tuned the biggest flaw of the game: --THE CAMERA SYSTEM The camera in Ninja Gaiden is a "third-person" automatic view with "first-person" free form view. Team Ninja re-tuned the camera by giving both perspectives their own "free form" view. By a simple click of the Right Thumbstick (accompanied by a "swooshing" sound), any view can be chosen. The new camera system isn't really much use if you already know what to do in the game. How do you ask? First of all, the 360-degree camera can't move any faster than Ryu. In enclosed spaces such as hallways or small rooms, the camera view closes in on Ryu WAY TOO CLOSELY. And when rotating the camera view to any direction, the camera will ALWAYS slowly rotate itself behind Ryu AFTER you move it. The camera never stays static for any reason. Certain boss fights have fixed camera angles and the combat engine is too fast for the camera to keep up. Pressing of the default Camera Trigger is the much faster and better way to go. Try it for yourself and make your own decisions. *********************** COMBAT ENGINE *********************** Press notes revealed a new revamped combat engine had been developed. This is only half-true. The combat engine has been made faster for the Lunar weapon and the new enemies only. Every other weapon and enemy from the original iteration (Dragon Sword, soldiers, etc.) still has the same animation speed and don't look any different than before. As far as I can see, the new combat engine doesn't accommodate a Save File from the original game. BOOOO!!! --Notice when equipping the Lunar in the HP that Ryu swings it around twice as fast than any other weapon in his inventory... --The new enemies move faster and are quick to counter. --Also the new engine accommodates the use of the Intercept. *********************** THE WEAPONS *********************** All weapons will be discussed here. Weapons with an asterisk indicate a brand new weapon. --DRAGON SWORD DESCRIPTION: A Japanese Sword handed down in the Hayabusa Ninja Clan. It is carved out of the fang of a dragon. WHERE TO FIND: In Ryu's inventory in Chapter 1. MAX UPGRADEABLE: LEVEL 3 WEAPON UPGRADE COST: -Level 2 5000 -Level 3 20000 NEW MOVES LIST: No additional moves have been added in the HP. --NUNCHAKU DESCRIPTION: A weapon made by joining two sticks together with a chain. It is very suited to free-form combo attacks. WHERE TO FIND: In Ryu's inventory in Chapter 1. MAX UPGRADEABLE LEVEL: NONE WEAPON UPGRADE COST: NONE NEW MOVES LIST: No additional moves have been added in the HP. --VIGOORIAN FLAIL DESCRIPTION: A weapon used by Medieval Vigoorians. It can be swung like Nunchaku in combat. WHERE TO FIND: Give Muramasa 15 or more Golden Scarabs to obtain this weapon. MAX UPGRADEABLE: LEVEL 2 WEAPON UPGRADE COST: -Level 2 10000 NEW MOVES LIST: No additional moves have been added in the HP. --WARHAMMER DESCRIPTION: Rachel's War Hammer. A Fiend Hunter's weapon, it is suitable for taking the heads off of fiends. WHERE TO FIND: In the Altar Hall in Chapter 8. MAX UPGRADEABLE: LEVEL 2 WEAPON UPGRADE COST: -Level 2 5000 NEW MOVES LIST: No additional moves have been added in the HP. --DABILAHRO DESCRIPTION: A two-handed sword used by ancient Vigoorian berserkers. Due to its 100-pound heft it is very powerful. WHERE TO FIND: Give Muramasa 25 or more Golden Scarabs to obtain this weapon. MAX UPGRADEABLE: LEVEL 3 WEAPON UPGRADE COST: -Level 2 10000 -Level 3 20000 NEW MOVES LIST: No additional moves have been added in the HP. --SPEAR GUN DESCRIPTION: An auto-reloading spear gun. It is not of much use outside water. WHERE TO FIND: Next to Muramasa's statue on dead body in first hidden alcove in the Moats. MAX UPGRADEABLE LEVEL: NONE WEAPON UPGRADE COST: NONE NEW MOVES LIST: No additional moves have been added in the HP. --WOODEN SWORD DESCRIPTION: A sword made from wood. It is used mainly to practice sword fighting and is incapable of cutting attacks. WHERE TO FIND: Give Muramasa 5 or more Golden Scarabs. MAX UPGRADEABLE: LEVEL 7 (Unlabored Flawlessness) WEAPON UPDGRADE COST: Refer to my Unlabored Flawlessness FAQ for prices and additional essence farming tips. NEW MOVES LIST: No additional moves have been added in the HP. --UNLABORED FLAWLESSNESS DESCRIPTION: The true form of the Wooden Sword. Containing an ethereal sense of weight, its impacts are incredibly powerful. WHERE TO FIND: Upgrade the Wooden Sword to Level 7 WEAPON UPGRADE COST: NONE NEW MOVES LIST: No additional moves have been added in the HP (unfortunately). --KITETSU DESCRIPTION: The weapon used by Doku, it is a cursed Japanese sword that feeds on the souls of those it slays. WHERE TO FIND: In Zarkhan Stadium after defeating Doku in Chapter 11 MAX UPGRADEABLE LEVEL: NONE WEAPON UPGRADE COST: NONE NEW MOVES LIST: No additional moves have been added in the HP. --DARK DRAGON BLADE DESCRIPTION: It is an evil blade that has been sealed away by the Hayabusa Ninja Clan. Chaos brings out its hellish power. WHERE TO FIND: Give Muramasa all 50 Golden Scarabs WEAPON UPGRADE COST: NONE NEW MOVES LIST: No additional moves were added in the HP. --LUNAR DESCRIPTION: A weapon said to obtain mysterious power of the Moon. It's made of a strong willow tree. WHERE TO FIND: In the Ninja Fortress. It is in the room where you find the first Lives of the Thousand Gods chest. MAX UPGRADEABLE: LEVEL 3 WEAPON UPGRADE COST: -Level 2 5000 (before to Chapter 8) -Level 3 15000 (after Chapter 8) MOVES LIST: Raven Strike X, X, X Dragon's Claw Level 2 X, X, X, Y Raven Light X, X, Y Twilight X, Y Infinite Fury X, Y, Y Arc of the Moon Y Soul of the Crescent Hold Y Shrouded Crescent Hold Y w/ one essence Raven's Veil Hold Y w/ MAX essence Lion's Rage Right, X Lion's Rage Level 2 Right, X, X Lion's Rage Level 3 Right, X, X, X Black Widow Right, X, Y Black Widow Level 2 Right, X, X, Y Black Widow Level 3 Right, X, X, X, Y Crescent Strike Right, Y Full Moon Strike Right, Y, Y Lunar Explosion Right, Y, Y, Y Purgatory's Rivet X, while running Twin Serpent Strike Y, while running Concealed Thrust X or Y while blocking (Counter Scroll) Raven Stream Rotate analog stick, Y Nirmanakaya Y, next to a downed enemy Tempest X, while jumping Izuna Drop X, Y while jumping Phantom Moon Y while jumping Gibbous X or Y during Flying bird Flip --SHURIKEN DEFAULT: In Ryu's inventory from the start. --INCENDIARY SHURIKEN WHERE TO FIND: Archive Room in the Monastery --WINDMILL SHURIKEN WHERE TO FIND: Hidden alleyway near Han's Bar --BOW WHERE TO FIND: Near the exit of Muramasa's shop in Hayabusa Village --STRONGBOW WHERE TO FIND: Room with blue-colored window at the Military Gate area --APFSDS CORES WHERE TO FIND: In the Supply Warehouse in Chapter 9 --EXPLOSIVE ARROWS WHERE TO FIND: Near the Supply Warehouse entrance ********************** ENEMIES ********************** All enemies attack in packs and can interrupt you in mid-combo (like that isn't already the case in the original version). It's going to be a fascinating romp through frustration HELL! == ENEMY DELETIONS == --BROWN NINJA They've been completely removed and replaced with the white ninjas meaning...the Black ninjas take the higher rank. --PURPLE ZOMBIES You only saw these enemies once in the original game and they were completely removed for the HP. == ENEMY AI ADDITIONS == --BLACK SPIDER NINJA ADDITIONAL MOVES: -Back stab These guys can now grab you! They perform a side flip and try to land behind Ryu. If successful, they grab him by the neck and stick their sword in his back. HOW TO COUNTER: When they do the side flip, immediately roll away! WHERE TO FIND THIS ENEMY: -Ninja Fortress -Drawbridge Hill -Near the Dworku Monastery --SAMURAI ADDITIONAL MOVES: -Guard break The samurais can now break Ryu's defense with a simple attack! HOW TO COUNTER: INTERCEPT. If you block the attack, Ryu will be pushed back. If this happens, just roll away. WHERE TO FIND THIS ENEMY: -Mountain Path -Hayabusa Village --WARLOCK ADDITIONAL MOVES: -Volley fire When they shoot a fireball, they shoot over half a dozen in one shot instead of a single shot. HOW TO COUNTER: INTERCEPT. Another way to avoid damage is to roll jump out of the way. WHERE TO FIND THIS ENEMY: -Mountain Path -Hayabusa Village -Chapter 2 boss fight --MSAT SOLDIER/ARMORED MSAT SOLDIER ADDITIONAL MOVES: NONE Chapter 3 is the only time you'll ever see these guys so enjoy their company while it lasts. WHERE TO FIND THIS ENEMY: -Chapter 3 only --RED-DINO FIEND ADDITIONAL MOVES: -Breath of Fire -Cannonball Roll They can also curl up into a ball and torpedo you down. HOW TO COUNTER: No need to use Intercept. Simply roll jump out of the way for either attack. WHERE TO FIND THIS ENEMY: -Chapter 5 sub-boss fight -Fiendish Depths fiend challenge --SCYTHE-WIELDING FIEND ADDITIONAL MOVES: -Teleporter These fiends tend to teleport faster than before. The Flying Swallow is completely USELESS against these enemies. HOW TO COUNTER: To attack them, do a Helmet Splitter to stop them from teleporting. WHERE TO FIND THIS ENEMY: -Archives, downstairs (Chapter 6 only) -Archives, upstairs (Chapter 6 only) -Monk's Room (Chapter 6 only) -Altar Hall (Chapter 6 only) --BROWN FIEND ADDITIONAL MOVES: -Guard break A simple swipe from these fiends can now break Ryu's defense! HOW TO COUNTER: INTERCEPT. If they break Ryu's guard simply roll away to avoid damage. WHERE TO FIND THIS ENEMY: -Econtra Babel Specus -Tomb of Eons rotating platform -Hidden Underground -Stairway to the Imperial Palace --GHOST FISH ADDITIONAL MOVES: -Mid-air lunch The fish can now bite you in mid-air! HOW TO COUNTER: The Dragon Sword trick no longer works on these fish meaning you have to rely on the "jump-and-attack" combo with the Flails to rack up the combos and essence (not that it's hard to do). WHERE TO FIND THIS ENEMY: Look further down the FAQ. --ZOMBIES/ZOMBIE ARCHERS ADDITIONAL MOVES: NONE These creatures have been left mostly untouched. They still do the same swings and swipes and still try to "fondle" you. These zombies can be so perverted. WHERE TO FIND THIS ENEMY: -Ritual Room -Tomb of Eons -Econtra Babel Specus -Hidden Underground -Near the Chamber of Everlasting Sleep --ARMORED MILITARY SOLDIER ADDITIONAL MOVES: -Grab-slam-and-kick The soldiers now have a second grab move. (It's an embarrassing grab if you ask me.) HOW TO COUNTER: You cannot Intercept this grab. Just keep a good distance away when attacking and roll away if they do a guard break. WHERE TO FIND THIS ENEMY: -Throughout Chapters 8 and 9 --ARMORED RPG SOLDIER ADDITIONAL MOVES: NONE They appear more frequently in Chapter 8 and 9. Other than that, they remain the same. WHERE TO FIND THIS ENEMY: Same as above --LASER MINI-COPTER ADDITIONAL MOVES: NONE Nothing was touched with these guys (THANK YOU!). WHERE TO FIND THIS ENEMY: -Supply Warehouse -Outside the Control Room near the Rooftop -At the Moats --PINK FIEND ADDITIONAL MOVES: -Guard break Just like their brown brethren, their swipe attacks can break Ryu's defense. HOW TO COUNTER: INTERCEPT. Or just roll away to avoid damage. Other than that, nothing has changed with these guys. WHERE TO FIND THIS ENEMY: -Aquaducts -Peristyle Passage -Stairway to the Imperial Palace -Ice Caverns --WASP FIENDS ADDITIONAL MOVES: NONE These "Metroid" rip-offs are more aggressive with their tail attacks but it doesn't break Ryu's guard. WHERE TO FIND THIS ENEMY: -Ritual Room (before obtaining the Holy Grail) -Econtra Babel Specus -Underground Waterway -Outside the Hall of the Flame Dragon -Near the Blue Tablet of the Stream chest --LARGE GREEN FISH Still the same fish from the original game. WHERE TO FIND THIS ENEMY: -At the Moats -Near the elevator to the Monastery --ZOMBIFIED SOLDIER ADDITIONAL MOVES: NONE They're still the same zombie soldiers from the original game. WHERE TO FIND THIS ENEMY: -Great Bridge Square (after Chapter 11) -Outside Muramasa's shop in Tairon -Fiendish Depths (where you obtain the Griffon Key) -The Core Second and Third Floor --LARGE DUNG BEETLES ADDITIONAL MOVES: NONE The beetles can still break Ryu's guard but are less aggressive. Believe it or not, the Dabilahro is twice as useful against these fiends. WHERE TO FIND THIS ENEMY: -Aquaducts 3 -Second hidden alcove in the Moats (where you place both Medallions) -Inside the Pyramid --LASER CRABS ADDITIONAL MOVES: NONE (WHEW!) Still the same laser crabs from the original game. WHERE TO FIND THIS ENEMY: -In the Labyrinth -Outside the Imperial Palace -The Core Second and Fourth floor == BRAND NEW ENEMIES == --ROBOTIC MSAT SOLDIERS-- DESCRIPTION: These are faster and smarter versions of their human counterpart (well, sort of anyway). ENEMY TACTICS: -Flip kick WHERE TO FIND THIS ENEMY: -Throughout Chapters 4 and 5. --CATWOMAN-- DESCRIPTION: Feline enemies that attack in a trio; prone to breaking your combos in mid-air. ENEMY TACTICS: -Paw strike -Jump attacks -Spinwheel WHERE TO FIND THIS ENEMY: -Clock Tower Base -Near Great Bridge Square (until Chapter 11 only) -Past the Moats before the Pegasus Door -Outside the Monastery Annex (past Muramasa's statue) -Archives, downstairs -Archives, upstairs (Chapter 6 only) -Monk's Room -Altar Hall (Chapter 6 only) -The Core First floor -Fiendish Depths boss fight at the Core --MACE-WIELDING OGRE FIENDS-- DESCRIPTION: These large enemies wield giant wooden maces and wear a protective mask that has to be destroyed in order to kill them. BTW, these enemies are technically NOT sub-bosses because you can completely avoid these fights! ENEMY TACTICS: -Mace swipe -Baseball practice -Pogo stick -Ogre slap WHERE TO FIND THIS ENEMY: -Underground Sanctuary -Zarkhan Stadium, after solving the platform puzzle -Ice Cavern aka The Great Hall -Magma Caverns -The Core Third and Fourth floor -Fiendish Depths fiend challenge *********************** BOSS FIGHTS *********************** Most boss fights have essentially changed (tactics-wise, that is). You'll be in a hell of a lot of trouble if you haven't figured out the boss patterns by now. CHAPTER 1 MURAI NEW ATTACKS: NONE NEW BOSS TACTIC: He still fights the same but tends to use his "charge rush" move more often. TIME LIMIT: 65 seconds CHAPTER 2 HORSEMEN SUB-BOSSES NEW ATTACKS: NONE Still the same guys, still the same attacks. What a waste of Hurricane Pack space that was! TIME LIMIT: 80 seconds CHAPTER 2 SAMURAI HORSEMAN NEW ATTACKS: NONE NEW BOSS TACTIC: The Warlocks tend to shoot a volley of fireballs resulting in constant left and right dodging. TIME LIMIT: 90 seconds CHAPTER 3 DYNAMO NEW ATTACKS: NONE NEW BOSS TACTIC: This boss uses his "force field" attack more often than usual. He's also immune to the Flying Swallow so be cautious! TIME LIMIT: 60 seconds CHAPTER 5 RED-DINO SUB-BOSSES NEW ATTACKS: -Fire breath -Cannonball roll TIME LIMIT: 60 seconds CHAPTER 5 TENTACLE BOY NEW ATTACKS: NONE NEW BOSS TACTIC: It's still the same gooey monstrosity. This boss uses his "wiggle one tentacle" attack more often than before so be cautious. TIME LIMIT: 65 seconds CHAPTER 6 DINO-BOSS NEW ATTACKS: NONE NEW BOSS TACTIC: It tends to use its "Bite" attack more often so stay away from the center! It also will occasionally swipe its tail three times but not too often. **Also, the Windmill Shuriken no longer damages this boss. TIME LIMIT: 70 seconds CHAPTER 7 TENTACLE BOY NEW ATTACKS: NONE Do I even need to say anything about this bogus boss? TIME LIMIT: 65 seconds CHAPTER 7 ALMA NEW ATTACKS: NONE NEW BOSS TACTIC: NONE Alma has pretty much been left alone for the HP. She still does the same attacks and hurls the same amount of projectiles as she usually does in Normal mode in the original game. TIME LIMIT: 75 seconds CHAPTER 9A TANKS X2 NEW ATTACKS: -Dual fire The tanks can now both shoot bullets and fire cannons multiple times. NEW BOSS TACTIC: Ryu can no longer shoot arrows up close. The tank will keep moving around and firing cannons even if the gunner hides inside the tank. This fight heavily permits using Intercept. TIME LIMIT: 80 seconds CHAPTER 9B TOMAHAWK HELICOPTER NEW ATTACKS: NONE NEW BOSS TACTIC: NONE The fight has been left unchanged. The chopper still fires the same amount of missiles and still retains its pattern of flight. TIME LIMIT: 50 seconds CHAPTER 9C COMMUNICATIONS TOWER This fight has been virtually untouched. Can be completed the usual way. TIME LIMIT: 109 seconds CHAPTER 10A FLAME WORM NEW ATTACKS: NONE NEW BOSS TACTIC: NONE The Electric worms have been replaced with their fire brethren. All of its attacks are the same. **The Vigoorian Flail multi-combo glitch is no longer possible here. The worm will pull back during mid-combo if you attempt it. TIME LIMIT: 60 seconds CHAPTER 10B FLAME WORM X2 If you had a difficult time with the first Flame Worm then you've got your work cut out for you. TIME LIMIT: 100 seconds CHAPTER 10C BONE-WING DRAGON NEW ATTACKS: NONE NEW BOSS TACTIC: NONE This boss has been left untouched. It still fires lasers from left to right, up and down and jumps from the north area to the south. **The "behind-the-ass" trick is still useable here so slash away at it. TIME LIMIT: 120 seconds CHAPTER 11 DOKU NEW ATTACKS: NONE NEW BOSS TACTIC: Doku reacts faster to bigger weapons like Dabilahro or the UF. He can block them faster and counter with a Dead Soul Bind or sword swipe before Ryu can successfully roll away. Other than that, he still performs the same attacks. TIME LIMIT: 90 seconds CHAPTER 12A ICE FIEND NEW ATTACKS: NONE NEW BOSS TACTIC: NONE It's still the same boss from the original game. TIME LIMIT: 45 seconds CHAPTER 12B ELECTRIC WORM NEW ATTACKS: NONE NEW BOSS TACTIC: NONE The electric worm returns! Still the same boss from the original game. TIME LIMIT: 80 seconds CHAPTER 12C FLAME DRAGON NEW ATTACKS: NONE NEW BOSS TACTIC: NONE It's still the same boss from the original game. TIME LIMIT: 140 seconds CHAPTER 13 ALMA NEW ATTACKS: -Psycho ball Alma shoots her fireball without charging it anymore and her multiple fireballs shoot faster. NEW BOSS TACTIC: NONE Other than her newer, faster fireball attacks she is still essentially the same boss. TIME LIMIT: 75 seconds CHAPTER 14 DOKU NEW ATTACKS: NONE NEW BOSS TACTIC: Doku is still weak against the True Dragon Sword but the Blade of Nirrti attack is no longer effective. If the B.O.N. is attempted he'll be pushed back. TIME LIMIT: 85 seconds CHAPTER 15A THE PALACE CORE --FIRST FLOOR: CATWOMEN This floor shouldn't be too hard if you made it this far TIME LIMIT: 60 seconds --SECOND FLOOR: LASER CRABS AND ZOMBIE SOLDIERS Stay evasive and use the Flying Swallow on the crab TIME LIMIT: 60 seconds --THIRD FLOOR: ZOMBIE SOLDIERS AND OGRES Kill the soldiers then use the essence to make the fight less stressful TIME LIMIT: 75 seconds --FOURTH FLOOR: LASER CRABS AND OGRES Kill the crabs first then focus on the ogres with leftover essence and stay evasive! TIME LIMIT: 90 seconds **IMO, if you die in the Palace Core more than once, then you should reconsider completing the game at all. The Core shouldn't be that difficult to complete. CHAPTER 15B FIENDISH DEPTHS --ARENA #1: TENTACLE FIEND Sigh... TIME LIMIT: 75 seconds --ARENA #2: ICE FIEND NEW BOSS TACTIC: This boss now summons pink fiends to help him out. This makes the fight VERY intense. TIME LIMIT: 90 seconds --ARENA #3: SUPREME FIEND NEW BOSS TACTIC: This boss summons catwomen to assist him. He also is more prone to doing his cannonball attack more often so damage him as much as possible when he does! All these fights aren't too tough but can be very nerve-racking! TIME LIMIT: 180 seconds CHAPTER 15C HELL --VIGOOR EMPEROR FORM #1 Still the same boss from the original game. --VIGOOR EMPEROR FORM #2 Still the same boss from the original game. NEW BOSS TACTIC: If you don't want to waste any Ninpo, just Intercept (MASH THAT BLOCK BUTTON!) his multiple flying skull attack and roll jump out of the way when its head closes in on you. TIME LIMIT FOR BOTH FIGHTS: 180 seconds CHAPTER 16 EVIL MURAI NEW ATTACKS: NONE NEW BOSS TACTIC: NONE Murai is just a faster version of his original self. The Flying Swallow is useless in this fight so you'll need to stick with up close melee combat in order to finish him off. I suggest you use up all your Elixirs and Talismans if you absolutely need to. TIME LIMIT: 90 seconds CONGRATULATIONS, YOU'VE BEATEN THE HURRICANE PACK! ************************ KUNAI SCROLL ADDITIONS ************************ Half of the kunai scrolls in the game have either been changed in location or have a brand new message. Here are the new kunai messages: --Beware! Wickedness has covered the world causing new fiends to be born. Your way will be obstructed by these unknown fiends. They're extremely violent so please be wary! --A new mode of camera control has been added. You can toggle between 1ST and 3RD person camera control by pressing in the Right Thumbstick. With this new 3RD person camera mode, moving the Right Thumbstick gives you a whole new perspective of the world that surrounds you. (You can also see this text in the scroll, "Camera Control," in Archives.) --New Ultimate Techniques have been added. You'll be able to execute these techniques without any of your essence being absorbed, by simply pressing down the "Y" Button. *********************** KARMA SCORING *********************** I'm no expert with the Karma scoring phase of Ninja Gaiden but it's easy to tell that the Karma system has been revamped. -The timer is more lenient. It will usually give enough time to eliminate all enemies in the area (sometimes). -Kill scores are 100 times more even if you didn't get the time limit. -Time limit scores are 5 times more than usual for beating it. -An additional 1000 to 2000 extra points for Intercepts. It is not a wise idea to skip fights. If you skipped a fight, you just lost any chance of regaining those karma points. You don't have to make the time limit but you'll get an extra 10,000 points or more just for winning the fight. Take advantage of every situation and get those points! **For a more in-depth look at the karma system for the HP, please refer to the HP Karma System FAQ by aaxe. ************************ FIEND CHALLENGES ************************ --60 Fiend Challenge: ARCHIVE ROOM Scythe-wielding fiends and catwomen WHEN TO ATTEMPT: Anytime after retrieving the Book of the Eons or before fighting Alma in Chapter 7 PRIZE: SPIRIT OF THE DEVILS TIME LIMIT: 600 SECONDS --60 Fiend Challenge: RITUAL ROOM Zombies and zombie archers WHEN TO ATTEMPT: Anytime after obtaining the Holy Grail PRIZE: LIVES OF THE THOUSAND GODS Simply have a fully powered Unlabored Flawlessness equipped for this challenge and you'll make the time limit easily. TIME LIMIT: 550 seconds --60 Fiend Challenge: PERISTYLE PASSAGE Pink fiends WHEN TO ATTEMPT: Anytime after placing the Blue Tablet of the Stream PRIZE: LIVES OF THE THOUSAND GODS Use whatever weapon you want in this challenge. TIME LIMIT: 200 seconds --60 Fiend Challenge: AQUADUCTS 3 Large dung beetles WHEN TO ATTEMPT: Anytime after retrieving the Jewel of the Demon Seal PRIZE: TALISMAN OF REBIRTH Equip a Level 3 Dabilahro and use the UT. Stay evasive and the beetles won't harm you EVER. In the HP, they are less aggressive making this challenge a little easier. TIME LIMIT: 100 seconds --60 Fiend Challenge: ZARKHAN STADIUM Mace-wielding ogre fiends WHEN TO ATTEMPT: Anytime after solving the Zarkhan Stadium platform puzzle PRIZE: SPIRIT OF THE DEVILS (this is a bogus prize for such a frustrating fight) TIME LIMIT: 900 seconds --60 Fiend Challenge: STAIRWAY TO THE IMPERIAL PALACE Pink and brown fiends WHEN TO ATTEMPT: Anytime after leaving Zarkhan Stadium PRIZE: LIVES OF THE THOUSAND GODS Simply equip the Unlabored Flawlessness or Dabilahro for this fight. The fiends will only do guard breaks 30% of the time meaning you can just use the counter attack like crazy! TIME LIMIT: 500 seconds --60 Fiend Challenge: CAVERN PASSAGEWAY Wasp fiends WHEN TO ATTEMPT: Anytime after Chapter 12 PRIZE: TALISMAN OF REBIRTH Use whatever weapon you find useful here. TIME LIMIT: 120 seconds --60 Fiend Challenge: FIENDISH DEPTHS (NEAR GREAT BRIDGE) 50 Red dino fiends and 10 ogres WHEN TO ATTEMPT: After activating the portal in Twin Serpent Plaza PRIZE: LIVES OF THE THOUSAND GODS Use the TDS or UF for this challenge. Focus all your attention on killing the red-dinos first. Each dead dino ALWAYS leaves double essence for an ultimate! Stay evasive and keep using ultimates on all dinos and the occasional ogre and the fight will be over before you know it. IMO, this is one of my favorite challenges in the whole game. TIME LIMIT: 400 seconds --3 Fiend Challenge: DRAWBRIDGE SQUARE Mace-wielding ogre fiends WHEN TO ATTEMPT: Anytime after Chapter 12 PRIZE: TALISMAN OF REBIRTH Intercept your way through this challenge. BTW, if you lose a Talisman in this challenge, you get another one back! TIME LIMIT: 80 seconds ************************ GHOST IN THE SHELL ************************ Most of the chests in the game have trick items inside. It can be a swarm of bats or a school of ghost fish. These are their locations: == GHOST FISH == --Chapter 9: In the chest across Muramasa's statue after the helicopter fight --Chapter 11: In the chest next to the Save point in the second hidden alcove in the Moats --Chapter 12: In the chest in the hidden room above the giant seesaw in the Magma Caverns --Chapter 13: In the chest located in the enclosed gated area after Ryu teleports from the Hayabusa Graveyard --Chapter 13: In the chest located across from the chest above --Chapter 14: In the chest at the very end of the Labyrinth --Chapter 15: In the chest at the top of the Imperial Palace == BATS == --Chapter 1: In the chest where you find the Fangs of the Samurai --Chapter 6: In the chest next to the Monastery Annex --Chapter 6: In the chest next to the Save point after the boulder rush --Chapter 12: In the chest near the audience seating above Zarkhan Stadium --Chapter 12: In the chest right next to the chest above The following areas replaced the bats with ghost fish: --Chapter 7: Near the Chamber of Everlasting Sleep --Chapter 10: Path to the Underground Waterway --Chapter 10: Underground Waterway near the worm bosses --Chapter 10: In the cave before finding the Blue Tablet of the Stream --Chapter 10: In the room before the Underground Sanctuary --Chapter 12: Near the entrance to the Ice Caverns --Chapter 12: In the walkway before the melting pot near the giant seesaw in the Magma Caverns. --Chapter 14: Everywhere --Chapter 15: Everywhere ************************ ENERGY ENHANCEMENTS ************************ == LIFE OF THE GODS == Try and find all 45 of them! Chapter 1: The Way of the Ninja -Zero LOTG in this chapter Chapter 2: The Hayabusa Village #1: In chest in the Mountain Path (before sliding down the hill) #2: In the shack beneath the broken bridge (use water run) #3: Place the Jizo head on the statue #4: Defeat the Chapter 2 boss Chapter 3: Skies of Vengeance #5: In the room on the left side of the Main Deck #6: Next to the Control Room (where you find the ID Card) Chapter 4: Imperial City Infiltration #7: In hidden alcove near Kunai scroll about using Blue Lines Chapter 5: City of Fiends #8: On the stairs past the Lily Door (use continuous wall run) #9: On the right side of Drawbridge Hill past the Save Point Chapter 6: The Monastery #10: Beginning of Chapter 6 #11: Above the Altar Hall on the right balcony area #12: Econtra Babel Specus (where you encounter Wasp Fiends) Chapter 7: Hidden Underground #13: Near the Save Point in the Suspension Bridge Room #14: In the Blue Chamber Room #15: In the Monk's safe (second time) Chapter 8: Tairon Under Alert #16: Next to the Skull Door near the Military Gate Chapter 9: Military Supply Base #17: In a crate in the middle of the Supply Warehouse #18: First chest on stairs (before the lasers-copters arrive) #19: In a chest in the room with three RPG soldiers #20: Next to the Control Room (before escaping the base) Chapter 10: The Aquaducts #21: Next to the Train crash site #22: In the chest in the Red Water Reservoir #23: After defeating the Flame Worm bosses (on right alcove) #24: Upper area before the cave with the Blue Tablet chest #25: In the walkway after placing the Blue Tablet of the Stream #26: On a hidden balcony just before the Underground Sanctuary Chapter 11: The Path to Zarkhan #27: In the other chest in the second hidden alcove in the Moats #28: In underwater maze (where you find the Silver Medallion) Chapter 12: The Caverns #29: At the top of Zarkhan Stadium #30: Near the Stairway to the Imperial Palace #31: Destroy one of the stone-heads near the Zarkhan Waterfall #32: Inside building with the cracked door near Great Bridge #33: In the chest underwater at Zarkhan Falls #34: In the chest after the Ice Fiend fight #35: In the chest before the Electric Worm fight #36: In the chest after defeating the Electric Worm Chapter 13: A Fiendish Awakening #37: Outside the Hall of the Flame Dragon (Cavern Passageway) #38: In gated area after teleporting from Hayabusa Graveyard #39: Same as above #40: In a chest inside the Pyramid Chapter 14: Vengeful Spirit #41: In the alcove near the first gang of fish #42: In the chest below the Lion Key Chapter 15: The Core #43: Outside Labyrinth (past the Save Point outside the Palace) #44: The Core stairway Second Floor #45: The Core stairway Fourth Floor Chapter 16: The Dark Dragon Blade -Zero LOTG for this chapter Congratulations, you found them all! **BTW, for full bragging rights, I give myself full credit for finding all LOTG locations and listing them all in text format. If any FAQ or guide lists all the locations (and descriptions) in the same order as my list, it was taken directly from here. == JEWEL OF THE DEMON SEAL == --JEWEL OF THE DEMON SEAL #1: Hidden Underground; on the throne across the bridge from the Save Point --JEWEL OF THE DEMON SEAL #2: In the Monk's Room inside the safe (third time) --JEWEL OF THE DEMON SEAL #3: In the chest in Aquaducts 3 --JEWEL OF THE DEMON SEAL #4: Give Muramasa 40 Golden Scarabs --JEWEL OF THE DEMON SEAL #5: Hayabusa Village; break open the stone in the upper part of the village with a blunt object --JEWEL OF THE DEMON SEAL #6: In the bottom of the Pyramid; light the torches with an Inferno Ninpo == LIVES OF THE THOUSAND GODS == --LIVES OF THE THOUSAND GODS: In the fourth chest in the Ninja Fortress --LIVES OF THE THOUSAND GODS: defeat the Chapter 6 boss --LIVES OF THE THOUSAND GODS: Defeat the Chapter 7 sub-boss --LIVES OF THE THOUSAND GODS: Defeat the Flame Dragon in Chapter 12 --LIVES OF THE THOUSAND GODS: Defeat the 60 Fiend Challenge in the Ritual Room in the Tomb of Eons --LIVES OF THE THOUSAND GODS: Defeat the 60 Fiend Challenge at the Stairway to the Imperial Palace in Zarkhan --LIVES OF THE THOUSAND GODS: Defeat the 60 Fiend Challenge in Peristyle Passage in the Aquaducts --LIVES OF THE THOUSAND GODS: Defeat the 60 Fiend Challenge in the Fiendish Depths near Great Bridge Square == SPIRIT OF THE DEVILS == --SPIRIT OF THE DEVILS: At the Altar near the Ninja Fortress; free with the Fire Wheels Scroll --SPIRIT OF THE DEVILS: In a chest at the base of the Clock Tower in Tairon --SPIRIT OF THE DEVILS: Defeat the 60 Fiend Challenge in the Archives --SPIRIT OF THE DEVILS: In a chest inside the Hall of Balance in the Aquaducts --SPIRIT OF THE DEVILS: Defeat the 60 Fiend Challenge in Zarkhan Stadium == TALISMAN OF REBIRTH == --TALISMAN OF REBIRTH: In a chest in the back of the Airship in Chapter 3 --TALISMAN OF REBIRTH: Defeat the 60 Fiend Challenge in Aquaducts 3 --TALISMAN OF REBIRTH: Defeat the 60 Fiend Challenge outside the Hall of the Flame Dragon --TALISMAN OF REBIRTH: Defeat the 3 Fiend Challenge at Drawbridge Square ************************ THE ESSENCE CHEST ************************ Need money? Got to get paid? Visit the following chests for free money. CHAPTER 1 --Any of the pots in this chapter --In the first chest inside the Ninja Fortress CHAPTER 2 --In the chest across the Hayabusa Village entrance --In the open area next to Muramasa's shop, shoot an arrow into one of the targets for free essence CHAPTER 3 --In a chest at the other end of the Aft Cabin --In the room across the Aft Cabin; break open the crates --In the back of the Storage Room (after all emergency doors open) CHAPTER 4 --In a chest near Clock Tower area, cross the zipline to the other side --In a chest in the area past Great Bridge Square, do a Bird Flip to enter (where the portal is for the Fiendish Depths Fiend Challenge). This is the only chest in the game that contains all three colors of essence inside. CHAPTER 5 --In a chest on the second floor of Han's Bar --In a chest in an alleyway between the Monastery entrance and the Monastery Inner Clearing (where you encounter a gang of Black Ninjas). CHAPTER 6 --Past the Monastery Annex (across Muramasa's statue) --In the first chest in the Altar Hall --In a chest near the rotating platform in the Tomb of Eons CHAPTER 7 --In a chest inside the Blue Chamber of the Eye CHAPTER 8 No free essence in this chapter. CHAPTER 9 --In a chest in the Supply Warehouse; upper floor near the Control Room --In a chest on the Rooftop (where you destroy the Communication Tower) CHAPTER 10 --In a chest next to the Save Point across the Hall of Balance --In a chest across Muramasa's statue --In a chest in the Hall of Balance upper floor (accessed only after defeating the first Flame Worm) --In a chest in the area after the dual Flame Worm fight CHAPTER 11 No free essence in this chapter. CHAPTER 12 --In a chest on top of the ledge of the exit in Zarkhan Stadium --In a chest inside the building with the cracked door near Great Bridge Square --In a chest next to the Save Point in the Path of Flame CHAPTER 13 --No free essence in this chapter. CHAPTER 14 --In a chest next to the only Save Point in this chapter CHAPTER 15 --No free essence in this chapter. CHAPTER 16 --No free essence in this chapter. ************************ INVENTORY & MURAMASA'S SHOP ************************ Three Key Items from the original game have been switched around. -FANGS OF THE SAMURAI This item has been moved to the chest where you find the Talisman of Rebirth. -KEY OF THE INSECT This item has been moved to the chest where you originally find the Spirit of the Devils item in the Aquaducts. -KEY OF THE LIONESS This item has been moved to the second to last chest at the end of the Labyrinth. == PRICES == ELIXIR OF SPIRITUAL LIFE 500 ELIXIR OF THE DEVIL WAY 5000 GREAT SPIRIT ELIXIR 5000 TALISMAN OF REBIRTH 15000 ARROWS 100 EXPLOSIVE ARROWS 100 APFSDS CORES 200 INCENDIARY SHURIKEN 100 TECHNIQUE SCROLL: IZUNA DROP 10000 TECHNIQUE SCROLL: COUNTER ATTACKS 10000 TECHNIQUE SCROLL: GUILLOTINE THROW 10000 ART OF THE INFERNO 20000 ART OF THE ICE STORM 20000 ART OF THE INAZUMA 20000 **Notice that there is no more Great Devil Elixirs! ************************ GOLDEN SCARAB GOODNESS ************************ Luckily, Team Ninja has not moved any of the Golden Scarabs from their original locations. Please refer to the Scarab Location Guide by Johanass to find them all. Here is a list of the prizes from Muramasa: 01 Golden Scarab: TS: INTERCEPT (if you missed it in Chapter 1) 05 Golden Scarabs: WOODEN SWORD 10 Golden Scarabs: ARMLET OF FORTUNE 15 Golden Scarabs: VIGOORIAN FLAILS 20 Golden Scarabs: ARMLET OF THE MOON 25 Golden Scarabs: DABILAHRO 30 Golden Scarabs: ARMLET OF THE SUN 35 Golden Scarabs: ARMLET OF BENEDICTION 40 Golden Scarabs: JEWEL OF THE DEMON SEAL 45 Golden Scarabs: ARMLET OF TRANQUILITY 50 Golden Scarabs: DARK DRAGON BLADE **Enjoy the Dark Dragon Blade while you have it in your inventory, because you'll never get to use it ever again once you've beaten the game. ************************ UNLOCKABLES ************************ -- COSTUMES -- Ryu now has two more costumes added into the mix. These two costumes are available anytime: WHITE NINJA: Ryu's costume from DOA3 returns once again. Free-flowing hair included. To activate this costume, simply press and hold the WHITE BUTTON when choosing a new game. You'll hear Rachel say "It's gonna be a busy night..." Oh yeah, that's as dirty as Ryu will ever hear from her. BLACK DRAGON SKIN: Now THIS costume is WAY better looking than the Evil Ryu and Ninja of the Future costume. Way to go Team Ninja! To activate this costume, simply hold the BLACK BUTTON when choosing a new game. You'll hear Muramasa say "Welcome". **You can also use Ryu's previous three costumes (Blue outfit, Ninja OTF, Evil Ryu) from the original game for use in the HP. But you CANNOT use the two new costumes in the original game. BOOOOO!!!! MISCELLANEOUS: -All three of the original Ninja Gaiden NES versions CANNOT be unlocked in the Hurricane Pack. -The "Evil Ryu" and "Ninja of the Future" costumes CANNOT be unlocked in the Hurricane Pack. -You CANNOT choose a difficulty in the Hurricane Pack. -You CANNOT start a "SUCCESIVE PLAY" file in the Hurricane Pack. Once you finish the game and upload your score on XBOX Live, that particular saved game is "COMPLETE". *************************** THE ART OF THE INTERCEPT *************************** --TECHNIQUE SCROLL: INTERCEPT Team Ninja also revealed a new Technique Scroll called "INTERCEPT". This helps players counter those unblockable cheap shots (except for grabs) with the right timing. Here's the description: --INTERCEPT The technique lets you execute an action immediately after blocking an attack. It's an advanced technique that, if executed successfully, will increase your Karma score. While the enemy is attacking use split-second reflexes to block and guard yourself. If successful, immediately execute your next action when the lightning is flashing. Blocking with the Intercept method is very affective (**yes it's spelled that way) against strong attacks. Also when the Intercept is used with "Y", the Ultimate Technique will be unleashed instantly. For smaller and faster enemies, the Intercept can be less useful for safety (but good for your Karma score). On bigger enemies, the Intercept is a blessing. Powerful attacks are no match for it and Ryu can attack mid-Intercept. ************************** SARYAH'S SECRETS ************************** I had the opportunity to interview SARYAH after the close of the Round 2 Master Ninja Tournament. In case you don't know, SARYAH was the front-runner to win the 2ND Round. Listed below are few of his "revealed" tactics at gaining higher karma points for the HP. (He had 34 1/2 million karma points!) **WARNING: These tactics are NOT for beginners or intermediate players! If you haven't figured out the INTERCEPT technique by this time, YOU WILL NOT MAKE IT THROUGH THE HP! ++Chapter 1++ --The best weapon for the Black Spider Ninjas is the Lunar. INTERCEPT all their attacks and counter with Raven Light or Twilight. --The best weapon to use against Chapter 1 Murai is the Lunar. INTERCEPT all his combos (for max karma points) and use the Gibbous or Phantom Moon attack as a counter. You will make the time limit with this tactic and gain over 1 million karma for Chapter 1. ++Chapter 2++ --The best weapon of choice against all enemies in Chapter 2 is the Lunar. Use it against the Samurais and warlocks. --During the Horseman boss fight, use arrows against warlocks. One arrow will instantly kill them (DO NOT use first-person mode!). ++Chapter 3++ --The best weapon of choice on Dynamo is the Nunchakus. Get up close and whack him with a continuous Wide Heavens combo and INTERCEPT his counters. ++Dynamo will tend to use his force field attack ONLY if you are to his left or right side. BE AWARE OF THIS! Use of this attack WILL WASTE precious time from the clock. ++Chapter 4++ --It is recommended that you purchase Art of the Inazuma Ninpo by the end of the level. ++Chapter 5++ **The Art of the Inazuma is your friend. Use it as much as possible in this chapter to gain the time limits in (almost) all encounters. --For early max karma points, equip the Inazuma Ninpo and jump straight down from the roof of Han's Bar. Unleash one Ninpo (you should have two Ninpo slots by now) on the three Robot soldiers to kill them in one go. Wait for the other three robots to jump down the window and repeat. BOOM! You just got the time limit! Replenish your Ki at the silver XBOX and head inside Han's Bar and unleash Inazuma on the soldiers waiting in the hallways. --Use Inazuma in the following places: -Drawbridge Square -Drawbridge Hill -Monastery Plaza -Monastery Inner Clearing ++Chapter 6++ --When fighting the catwomen and scythe-wielding fiends, do not hesitate to unleash Inazuma. One Inazuma attack will kill the Scythe fiend easily. Equip and use a Level 2 Lunar on the catwomen and INTERCEPT their attacks. **After Chapter 7, the Lunar is practically useless for time limits. Stash it away for the rest of the game. **Spend time essence farming at this point. It is recommended that you have the Unlabored Flawlessness by Chapter 8. ++Chapter 7++ --For the Archives challenge, equip Inazuma Ninpo, Vigoorian Flails, and Lunar. Use the Vigoorian Flail UT on the catwomen (it kills them instantly). With this tactic (and a couple of Inazuma's later), all you'll be left with is Scythe fiends. --For the Scythe fiends, use the following Lunar tactic: -Attack them with a Tempest or Phantom Moon to knock them down -Chain the attack with a Dragon's Claw or Raven Light and then follow up with a Nirmanakaya finisher. ++Chapter 9++ **Chapter 9 hint: first thing you should do is go to Muramasa's statue outside the Military Gate area and buy a full set of Explosive Arrows. They're very useful for the encounters where you obtain the Warehouse Key. --For the Tanks X2 fight, the closer Ryu is to the tanks, the more damage is inflicted when using APFSDS Cores. Get in close and shoot Cores at the tank BUT NOT IN THIRD-PERSON! ++Chapter 10++ --For Mace-wielding ogre fiend tactics, look in the Chapter 12 section. ++Chapter 11++ --(Editor's tactic): Immediately at the beginning of Chapter 11, equip the Strongbow and start shooting arrows in first person at the fish below. Kill all three and you'll make the time limit without getting wet. **DO NOT go inside the Underground Sanctuary to get arrows or you WILL LOSE the time limit! --For getting the time limits on most encounters with the fish and laser-copters, equip the Spear Gun for the fish and use the Dragon Sword for the copters. Here are a few examples: -For areas with fish and copters, use the Spear gun to take out the fish and have Ryu swim up close to the copter. Destroy it with the Dragon Sword when Ryu is on the surface. -For the copters next to the sunken ship (where you find the Crank) either unleash one Inazuma to take them all out or use regular arrows (from third person NOT FIRST!). ++Chapter 12++ --For the Zarkhan Stadium Challenge, equip the Unlabored Flawlessness at low health. The best tactic is to isolate each ogre and unleash a UT on them from the corners. As soon as their masks break, IMMEDIATELY follow up with a jump attack to finish them off. If you can pull this off for the whole fight, you'll finish in less than 400 seconds. **As an aside, unleashing one Level 3 Inferno Ninpo on an unsuspecting ogre WILL KILL them in one hit. --The best weapon of choice against the Zombified soldiers is a Level 2 Inazuma. It will kill them instantly and under the time limit. --The best weapon of choice against the Flame Dragon is a fully powered Unlabored Flawlessness. ++Chapter 15++ --When fighting the Supreme Fiend, you have two choices for karma points: making the time limit or getting the bonus for kills. Here's the breakdown: -KILL BONUS: The Supreme Fiend will summon 108 catwomen total for the fight. INTERCEPTING and killing all the catwomen can garner MAJOR points for the entire fight. -TIME BONUS: Focusing on the Supreme Fiend while unleashing Inazuma on the catwomen is the fastest way to go if aiming for the time limit. --For the second form of the Emperor, you'll have to sacrifice your Talismans and Devil Elixirs for max points. Here's how: -KILL AND TIME BONUS: Equip a Level 3 Inazuma and run underneath the Emperor! Start unleashing 7-8 Inazuma from underneath him to strip MAJOR health while replenishing health and Ki (the casting delay allows more skulls to respawn). Once all the Ninpo is gone, head for the platform and start shooting all the projectiles to finish the fight. ++Chapter 16++ ---How to beat the Dark Disciple with 70+ seconds left by Saryah--- --Suppose you have 2 Talismans left (and, even better, a Devil Elixir also). Jump into the lava, purposely lose a Talisman, and take your health down to about the 5th Ki slot (assuming you have a fully expanded life bar). --Equip the Firewheels Ninpo and the True Dragon Sword and save your game. The Dark Disciple has 3 opening moves, two of which are time wasters. The two bad openings are: A) When he casts magical shurikens. Time waster. B) When he walks towards you. Time waster. The good opening: when he does his INTERCEPTABLE charge move. --The key to getting a good time on this fight is making him miss his throws, which seems to do good things (from our perspective) to his AI. When he is about to go for a throw, cast Firewheels (which makes you invulnerable to his cheap grabs while casting. And it toasts him a little bit too.) It's also handy to make him miss throws with the XYY aerial attack with the True Dragon Sword. --Ah, but how to get the Ninpo bonus at the end of the fight? That's simple too. We're low on health remember? Let him whack you a couple of times, and ta dah! You have full Ninpo AND, while you're getting reincarnated and you're invulnerable (unthrowable, un-hittable, etc). Unload the Blade of the Dragon's Tail, Blade of the Twin Dragons, and the Dragon's Tear on him and watch as he dies. Takes practice and luck. --Why have only one Talisman for this fight? That way, when you know you're not going to get an acceptable time, you can let him kill you and, that way, all you have is get the Dark Dragon Blade to do to fight him again. After all, if he has enough time to kill you 3x, you aren't getting a good time. You might also get lucky on him with a continuous use of the Level 3 Lunar Explosion attack, which might (just might) make him perpetually miss his throws. **Also, when the Dark Disciple summons the Dark Dragon, you can shoot him with arrows projectiles he's on the hill. (Projectiles won't inflict much damage but can kill him if his health is low enough while he's on the hill). MISCELLANEOUS TIPS: --You CANNOT receive INTERCEPT points after the time limit is expired. --The max amount of INTERCEPT points you can garner in one encounter is 70,000 points (that's 70 INTERCEPTS!) whether or not the timer has expired. --When you begin chapter 9 with the Strongbow, shoot any available wall full of normal Arrows without changing where you're aiming. They should cluster. Draw a dot over the cluster with a piece of chalk or crayon on your monitor. Ta Dah! Never miss a bowshot again! ************************** HURRICANE PACK REVIEW ************************** The Hurricane Pack is a great way to compliment Ninja Gaiden players who have beaten the original version numerous times. After playing this newer version, you'll have a better appreciation for the original's difficulty. The HP is an intense test of your reflexes and skills. It isn't too tough than it looks but will definitely grow on you. The newer and faster enemies will definitely frustrate you to a certain breaking point. But as always, the HP rewards players for their skills. The graphics and sound remain the same. But all that really counts is the change in scenery. Certain areas of the game now contain enemies that normally wouldn't appear in the original making it a little heart pounding at first. But once players are accustomed to the new mechanics, it'll be like fitting into an old shoe. To sum it up, the HP is a good download for players who have at least beaten Very Hard difficulty once. Anyone up for an intense challenge should try Very Hard mode in the original game before attempting anything in the Hurricane Pack. I guarantee mass frustration. ************************* ++HURRICANE PACK VOLUME 2++ ************************* The HP Volume 2 will focus solely on a new Battle Arena (similar to the Onimusha series) in the Fiendish Depths with brand new enemies (and old ones) exclusive to the Battle Arena only. MY OPINION: Team Ninja has officially run out of ideas, SERIOUSLY. I enjoyed the HP Volume 1 but to rip-off the Onimusha games for Volume 2? ************************* This FAQ is complete. Expect the most complete information here and ONLY here! ************************ This FAQ is only for use on GameFAQS and Ninja Fortress. You may not copy, link, or reproduce this FAQ to your publication or website without permission. If you want to use this FAQ, please e-mail me at kroqjock@charter.net. I have no problems with anyone who asks. June 2004.