FAQ And Walkthrough - Guide for Battle Engine Aquila

Battle Engine Aquila : FAQ and Walkthrough
by adam23x
version .06b (03/01/03)

VERSION HISTORY
===============

.07b (03/02/03) - continued Episode Guide, began Walkthrough
		   - Episode One completed, began Two

.06b (03/01/03) - began working on Episode Guide

.01b (02/28/03) - outlined topics to be covered, About This Guide, Basics,
Cheats (courtesy of Al Amaloo, gamewinners.com)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
=================

- To Do
- About this Guide
- Basics
	- Controls
	- Special Maneuvers
- Battle Engines Database
	- Weapon Database
- Forseti Units Database
- Muspell Units Database
- Misc. Database
- Battle Tactics and Tips
- Episode Guide / Walkthrough 
- Cheats, Secrets, Glitches, etc.
- Contact Information
- Contributors
- Thanks

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TO DO
=====

Denotes sections incomplete, parts that need fleshing out, or rough ideas.
This is mostly for my benefit or for someone who wants to contribute.

- In-Game info (e.g. HUD, scanner, Battle Line Indicator, etc.)
- Battle Engines Database, Weapon Database, Forseti Units, Muspell Units
- Misc. Database, Battle Tactics and Tips, Episode Guide, Walkthrough
- Secrets/Glitches



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ABOUT THIS GUIDE
================

Realize this, noble pilot - I may not be the most qualified person to do this,
but I am the only one as of now who is willing to take on this tremendous
project.  If someone else with more time and skill contacts me, the job is 
yours. If someone else releases a more comprehensive guide, I will contact them 
(or they can contact me) and I'll gladly let you absorb my guide into yours.  
Don't bother me by asking when it will be updated because if i'm not at the 
computer to work on it, i'm not there to check your emails, either.  That being 
said, on with the guide.


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BASICS
======

Your battle engine is the pride of the Forseti military.  Coated with 
Plasteel Armor, it is both lightweight and extremely resistant to damage.  In 
walker mode, your Shield Generator is active - allowing you to absorb most 
impacts before they reach your battle engine.  Jet mode allows you quick access 
deep into enemy territory.  While in jet mode, energy is diverted away from your 
shield generator to power the Lift Unit, making your battle engine more 
vulnerable to attack.


CONTROLS
--------

-Walker Mode:

Left Analog Up - Move forwards
Left Analog Down - Move backwards
Left Analog Left - Strafe left
Left Analog Right - Strafe right
Right Analog Up - Look down
Right Analog Down - Look up
Right Analog Left - Look left
Right Analog Right - Look right
R1/R2 - Fire current weapon
L1/L2 - Cycle through weapons
Square - Transform to jet mode
X - Activate Retro Thrusters (hold button down)
Triangle - Cloak (available in BE:A Unit-04S "Sniper")
D-pad Up - Zoom in
D-pad Down - Zoom out
Start - Pause (push Select at "Paused" to Quit current mission)

-Jet Mode:

Left Analog Up - Accelerate
Left Analog Down - Decelerate (slow down too much, you will stall)
Left Analog Left - Strafe left
Left Analog Right - Strafe right
Right Analog Up - Nose down
Right Analog Down - Nose up
Right Analog Left - Bank left
Right Analog Right - Bank right
R1/R2 - Fire current weapon
L1/L2 - Cycle through weapons
Square - Transform to walker mode
Triangle - Cloak (available in BE:A Unit-04S "Sniper")
Start - Pause (push Select at "Paused" to Quit current mission)


SPECIAL MANEUVERS
-----------------

JUKING:
In the tutorial mission, you're taught how to juke to one side in the walker.  
What they don't tell you is that this maneuver can be done in any direction.  
For example, to juke forward, you would push Up on the Left Analog, then 
immediately pull it back to the Down position, then slam it to the Up position 
again.  Your walker will take a much larger step.  If you already walking forward 
(holding Up), you would simply slam the Left Analog down, then back up.  When I 
first started, I couldn't consistently do this fast enough, but the key is to 
listen for the sound of your Left Analog stick smacking into the black body of 
the controller.  You should hear three clicks distinctly.  If you were to time 
this maneuver, I'd say it must be accomplished in under 2 seconds.

This tactic is useful in dodging missiles and other incoming fire.  With heat-
seeking missiles, the best time to juke is right before it hits you, when your 
Threat Circle displays the orange warning triangle.  Once you master this, you'll 
find yourself juking all over the place.  Realize that you cover much more ground 
when juking, so it's important to do this when you're in a hurry and can't jump 
to jet mode.


ROLLS:
These maneuvers are not taught to you at all.  I stumbled upon them during one of 
the
early dogfights in jet mode.  The first one is a barrel roll.  Remember to listen 
for the clicks on these, too.  To barrel roll to the left, slam the Left Analog 
stick right, then immediately left.  To barrel roll to the right, slam the Left 
Analog stick left, then immediately to the right.  Mastering this maneuver is 
important in avoiding air-to-air missiles.  Use the same timing as you would use 
in walker mode:  roll when the Threat Circle shows orange.

I know there's a name for this, but I don't know it.  Instead of rolling 
left/right, your jet "rolls forwards".  Think of it this way.  You have a
Muspell fighter tailing you, firing missile after missile.  You roll forwards,
heading straight up.  The fighter zips past you, continuing straight.  You
return to your original space in the sky, but now you're behind the fighter.
To do this, slam Left Analog Down, then Up, then Down.  Doing this will
immediately put you in danger of stalling, so begin accelerating as soon as
the maneuver is over to avoid this.  Accelerating during the maneuver doesn't
make you complete it faster.  Using this tactic is important during dogfights,
when multiple enemy units are tailing you and obviously locked on.  You roll
forwards, then engage them from behind.  Niiiice.


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BATTLE TACTICS AND TIPS
=======================

(paraphrased from instruction manual:)

- Jet mode weapons are less effective than walker mode weapons.  Also, your
shield generator doesn't function in jet mode.  So it's best to use jet mode
primarily for quick transport and to use walker mode for devastation.

- Keep your eye on the Battle Line Indicator.  When you're in the red, don't
expect help from your fellow troops.

- Try not to use up all your energy flying to a destination.  Remember, in 
walker mode, your shield is powered by this same energy.  If you run out of
energy flying to the battle, you'll have no shields when you land there.

- Firing energy-based weapons (e.g. Pulse Cannon, Beam Laser) taxes the Shield
Generator, causing your energy to replenish slower.

- Before engaging the enemy, note where the Repair Pad is.  Use it.

(end instruction manual contents)

- DIVE BOMBING:
Take a hint from the Artificial Intelligence in this game.  If you're about to 
fly past a large target, head straight up in the air - fast.  When you're 
significantly far into the air, slow down and swing the nose of the jet towards 
the ground so you can see your target.  Begin firing upon it.  When you're 
getting close to sea level again, accelerate away, and repeat if necessary.  
I'll frequently see Forseti bombers doing this in the distance.


- PARATROOPING:
Like dive bombing, ascend straight up directly over your intended target.  At
the height of your climb, switch to walker mode and activate the retro
thrusters to slow your descent to a crawl.  Begin decimating your target from
the air.  I've been able to do this over groups of Landers, tanks, or buildings,
completely wiping them from the map before I even touch down.



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EPISODE GUIDE / WALKTHROUGH
===========================

-----------
-EPISODE 1-
-----------

---
- 1.00 TRAINING LEVEL
----
Basic movement in walker and jet modes.  Weapons use.

BATTLE ENGINE(S):
-BE:A Unit-00 "Prototype"

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
-Movement tutorial
-Weapons tutorial
-Evade tutorial
-Combat tutorial

WALKTHROUGH:
Speed and accuracy.  Once you're familiar with the map and
the objectives, move through as quickly and accurately as you can.  You will get
the "S".  Do not hit any structure - a tank blowing up inside a building counts 
as damage to the structure.    


---
- 1.10 BLACKOUT
---
Communications are down.  Defend the R1-04 base from enemy invasion.

BATTLE ENGINE(S):
-BE:A Unit-00 "Prototype"

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
-Research Center survived

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
-All enemy units destroyed

WALKTHROUGH:
Jump immediately into jet mode and head north.  You'll see several landers full
of tanks approaching the shoreline, as well as five Muspell fighters.  Switch to
Micro Missiles and fly towards the landers.  Don't be too concerned with shooting 
down the fighters.  Engage the lander closest to the shore.  As soon as you have
a lock-on, begin firing several fully-charged volleys of missiles.  When you're
within range, switch to walker mode and actually land on the lander itself.
Now use your pulse cannon to destroy it.  If you time it right, you can jump
into jet mode just before the lander explodes.  Fly over to the next lander and
repeat.  No enemy units even make it to the shore and you get the "S".


-----------
-EPISODE 2-
-----------

---
- 2.00 INTERCEPTION
---
Protect the transport convoy from the enemy fighter ambush, then defend the
firebase from the Muspell invasion force.

BATTLE ENGINE(S):
-BE:A Unit-00 "Prototype"

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
-50% of transports safe
-Enemy forces destroyed

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
-100% of transports safe

WALKTHROUGH:
You begin in jet mode heading west.  South (to your right), you'll see the end of
the island.  Begin heading this way and you will see multiple enemy fighters.
They see you, too; they just don't care.  Their primary goal is destruction of
the transports.  Each fighter is preparing to fire one missile and then swing
around to line up for another shot.  Their first volley -will- take out the Alpha
transport.  When heading towards the fighters, have your Vulcan Cannon ready.
As soon as you're tracking one, take it down.  Get as many as you can before they
reach the lead transport.  They'll fire their missiles and then break formation,
scattering all around the transports.  Engage the closest fighter.  If you've
got several of them in your sights, ignore the closest one and get missiles going
on the tails of the ones you're not going to chase down.  Now open fire on the
closest fighter.
Muspell fighters know when you have a radar lock.  They will begin performing
evasive maneuvers to avoid the missiles.  The goal here is to keep the enemy
fighter group on the defensive, either dodging your bullets or running from your
missiles.
There is no second wave of fighters, so if all the transports survived the
attack, consider them safe.  Turn your attention to the shore, where you'll see
many a landing craft.  Your energy is low or empty now, so land on the beach
and focus on the lander closest to deploying.  If some ground units made it out,
ignore their fire, juking often, and destroy the next lander closest to 
deployment.
Worry about the ground units when you know you have time.  If all the transports
made it, you stand a good chance of getting the "S".


---
- 2.11 ASSAULT ON APOLLO
---
Protect the four main base buildings from the Muspell offensive until your air
support arrives, then assist the air support.

BATTLE ENGINE(S):
-BE:A Unit-01 "Pulsar"

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
-Enemy bombers destroyed
-Base buildings survived

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
-All enemy units destroyed


---
- 2.12 ASSAULT ON APOLLO (EVO)
---
Protect the four main base buildings from the Muspell offensive until your air
support arrives, then assist the air support.

BATTLE ENGINE(S):
-BE:A Unit-01 "Pulsar"

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
-Enemy bombers destroyed
-Base buildings survived

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
-All enemy units destroyed


---
- 2.21 ESCORT DUTY
---
The support frigate Marshall is escorting a civilian convoy away from Apollo.
Ensure the convoy survives.

BATTLE ENGINE(S):
-BE:A Unit-01 "Pulsar"

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
-Convoy reached destination

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
-All transport ships survived
-Muspell battleship destroyed


---
- 2.22 ESCORT DUTY (EVO)
---
The support frigate Marshall is escorting a civilian convoy away from Apollo.
Ensure the convoy survives.

BATTLE ENGINE(S):
-BE:A Unit-01 "Pulsar"

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
-Convoy reached destination

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
-All transport ships survived
-Muspell battleship destroyed


---
- 2.31 COUNTERSTRIKE
---
Assist the aircraft carrier Venturer in clearing Apollo of the Muspell.

BATTLE ENGINE(S):
-BE:A Unit-01 "Pulsar"

WINGMEN:
-Major Lorenzo

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
-Liberate Apollo
-Venturer must survive


---
- 2.32 COUNTERSTRIKE (EVO)
---
Assist the aircraft carrier Venturer in clearing Apollo of the Muspell.

BATTLE ENGINE(S):
-BE:A Unit-01 "Pulsar"

WINGMEN:
-Major Lorenzo

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
-Liberate Apollo
-Venturer must survive


-----------
-EPISODE 3-
-----------

---
- 3.00 LIBERATION OF RUSSO
---
A Muspell outpost on Russo is being used to stage assaults on the final
Forseti base.  Destroy the outpost and protect your base.

BATTLE ENGINE(S):
-BE:A Unit-01 "Pulsar"
-BE:A Unit-02 "Blazer"
-BE:A Unit-03 "Lancer"

WINGMEN:
-Lieutenant Fox
-Lieutenant Casbah
-Major Lorenzo

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
-Protect Forseti base
-Destroyed the outpost forces
-The Muspell outpost has been destroyed

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
-All Forseti buildings survived


---
- 3.11 MUSPELL COUNTERATTACK
---
A Muspell counter-offensive is pounding the base.  Help the Forseti
forces hold out until the reinforcements arrive.

BATTLE ENGINE(S):
-BE:A Unit-01 "Pulsar"
-BE:A Unit-02 "Blazer"
-BE:A Unit-03 "Lancer"

WINGMEN:
-Lieutenant Fox
-Lieutenant Casbah
-Major Lorenzo

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
-Defend the Forseti base
-No more than two Forseti Turrets destroyed

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
-All Forseti forces survived
-All Forseti buildings survived


---
- 3.12 MUSPELL COUNTERATTACK (EVO)
---
A Muspell counter-offensive is pounding the base.  Help the Forseti
forces hold out until the reinforcements arrive.

BATTLE ENGINE(S):
-BE:A Unit-01 "Pulsar"
-BE:A Unit-02 "Blazer"
-BE:A Unit-03 "Lancer"

WINGMEN:
-Lieutenant Fox
-Lieutenant Casbah
-Major Lorenzo

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
-Defend the Forseti base
-No more than two Forseti turrets destroyed

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
-All Forseti forces survived
-All Forseti buildings survived


---
- 3.21 THE WAKE OF THE VENTURER
---
Help the Forseti units liberate Russo.  The Venturer has arrived to assist
the ground forces.

BATTLE ENGINE(S):
-BE:A Unit-01 "Pulsar"
-BE:A Unit-02 "Blazer"
-BE:A Unit-03 "Lancer"

WINGMEN:
-Lieutenant Fox
-Lieutenant Casbah
-Major Lorenzo

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
-Captured the island
-No more than two Forseti turrets destroyed
-Protected the Forseti base

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
-All Forseti turrets survived
-All the Forseti buildings survived


---
-3.22 THE WAKE OF THE VENTURER (EVO)
---
Help the Forseti units liberate Russo.  The Venturer has arrived to assist
the ground forces.

BATTLE ENGINE(S):
-BE:A Unit-01 "Pulsar"
-BE:A Unit-02 "Blazer"
-BE:A Unit-03 "Lancer"

WINGMEN:
-Lieutenant Fox
-Lieutenant Casbah
-Major Lorenzo

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
-Captured the island
-No more than two Forseti turrets destroyed
-Protected the Forseti base

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
-All Forseti turrets survived
-All the Forseti buildings survived




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CHEATS, SECRETS, GLITCHES, ETC.
===============================

CHEATS 
------

All cheats are accomplished by starting a new game and entering the following 
letter combinations as your name (what you save your game as):

- Level Selection - !EVAH!
- Invincibility - B4K42
- Unlock All Goodies - 105770Y2

*To use multiple cheat codes simultaneously, combine the seperate codes into one
long string, without spaces, ex: B4K42105770Y2

(courtesy of Al Amaloo, gamewinners.com)

SECRETS
-------

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CONTACT INFORMATION
===================

Questions?  Comments?  Submissions?

wish23x at yahoo dot com

Please don't email me asking questions about gameplay, only questions
regarding this document.  If submitting something for inclusion herein, title
it "SUBMISSION - " and some sort of description denoting section placement, 
or if it's a correction, etc.

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Copyright 2003 Adam Gornell