AM2R Hard mode update - Final

[xaq_the_aereon]

END RESULT: FAILURE.

My prediction was correct after all; the Zeta Metroids ended my attempt at Hard Mode.

3 attempts to defeat the first one ended in failure; not only did I get killed all 3 times, but approximately 85% of my shots were blocked, including all of my Super Missiles. None of the strategy suggestions I've read have helped. These things are simply beyond my ability and, more damningly, my patience and tolerance.

For now, my AM2R runs are once again over.

Comments

[kjorteo]

You played through this game a lot more than I did--I just had the one normal 1.0 run and one randomized hard run on 1.2.6. You've definitely earned a break by this point!

[xaq_the_aereon]

I just wish I hadn't been right about how it'd end. It's a masterfully done game, and I imagine such challenges are a plus for other gamers, but not me.

In all honesty it's the fact that they block enough of my shots that I can't possibly do enough damage that was the main problem. Damage I can learn to avoid, but when maximum possible ammo doesn't allow for sufficient damage to kill it...yeah, forget it.

Pity, I was looking forward to seeing if Omegas were tougher than before, too.

[kjorteo]

I think the shot blocking is just a behavior they adopt to force you into a sort of Punch-Out dodge and retaliate pattern; it's the dry shots (and by that I mean the ones you initiate out of nowhere while they're in a neutral state) that they block. Shoot during that one or two second recovery right after they jump and land, or while they're breathing fire, and they go right through.

I want to say that even on Hard the Omegas are dramatically easier than they used to be on Normal as far as going down quickly without having an impossible amount of health (six or seven Super Missiles should do it, if memory serves) but that's because my first/normal run was on 1.0. I don't know my version history well enough to know if they'd been nerfed yet by 1.1, which is the one you would know.

[xaq_the_aereon]

The Omega-nerfing was one of the big things 1.1 did. Beyond that I think it just added the tube-chute to the Bio-Engineering Lab.

As for the Zetas...yeah, I suppose that could have worked, but frankly I'm not willing to try anymore. The fact that I took no pleasure from thrashing the Modular Weapon Platform after a number of failed attempts leaves me convinced that finally managing to kill a single Zeta will be just as hollow a victory, especially in light of the fact that I'd have ...what, 3 more I'd have to kill?

Yeah, no thanks, I'm done.