======================================= STAR WARS RACER ARCADE TATOOINE COURSES FAQ Ver 0.95 (Bantha Track & Boonta Classic) by R-Jay (rjay63@hotmail.com) ======================================= THIS DOCUMENT MAY BE FREELY DISTRIBUTED AS LONG AS IT REMAINS INTACT. IF YOU WHICH TO USE ANY OF THIS INFORMATION FOR YOUR OWN WEBSITE, FAQ ETC PLEASE CONTACT ME, I WILL ALLOW IT IF DUE CREDIT IS GIVEN TO ME. **PLEASE REPORT ANY VIOLATIONS** FAQ IS BEST VIEWED IN MS-DOS EDITOR OR NOTEPAD/WORDPAD. YOU CAN ALSO VIEW IT IN MS WORD BY CHANGING THE MARGINS IN "PAGE SETUP" TO ONE AND TURNING ALL THE TEXT INTO COURIER NEW FONT, SIZE 10. THE FOLLOWING SHOULD BE LINED UP: 0123456789 ********** STAR WARS and all it's licences/trademarks are trademarks of Lucasarts. SEGA and SEGA ROSSO are trademarks of Sega. STAR WARS RACER ARCADE (C) 2000 Lucasarts/Sega. ******** CONTENTS ******** 1.0 HISTORY 2.0 INTRODUCTION 3.0 CONTROLS 3.1 Throttle Sticks 3.2 Counter-Steering 3.3 Air Brake 3.4 Turbo Boost 4.0 ON-SCREEN SYMBOLS 4.1 Speedometer 4.2 Tachometer 4.3 Engine Symbol 5.0 CHARACTERS 5.1 Anakin 5.2 Sebulba 5.3 Ben 5.4 Gasgano 5.5 Time Release System 5.6 Other Racers 6.0 GENERAL HINTS 7.0 VIEWS 8.0 JUMP START 9.0 BANTHA TRACK GUIDE (Easy) 9.1 Starting Out 9.2 First Turn 9.3 Left-Right Turn 9.4 Plane 9.5 Canyon 9.6 Arches 10.0 BOONTA CLASSIC GUIDE (Expert) 10.1 Starting Out 10.2 First Turn 10.3 Second Long Turn 10.4 Third Turn 10.5 Plane 10.6 Canyon 10.7 Arches 10.9 Tunnel 10.10 Dark Cavern 10.11 Raised Turn 10.12 Rocky Planes 11.0 BEST TIMES 11.1 Bantha Track Ideal Times 11.2 Bantha Track Best Times 11.3 Boonta Classic Ideal Times 11.4 Boonta Classic Best Times 11.5 Current Record Holders at www.sega.co.jp/racer 12.0 INTERNET RANKING (www.sega.co.jp/racer) 13.0 WHAT I NEED TO KNOW 14.0 SHOUTS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ======= 1.0 HISTORY ======= Ver 0.95 - Updated on 24 September ---------------------------------- * Managed to completed Bantha Track course in 2.58.1xx. Altered course guide slightly. * Irrelevant I know, but managed 2.38.2xx with Gasgano on Malastare and 3.09.5xx with Gasgano on Etti IV. Ver 0.9 - Updated on 22/23 September (Never Released) ----------------------------------------------------- * Competent on Boonta Classic, manage to obtain a time of 4.38.2xx. Have now expanded FAQ to include Expert course (will need updating). * Sort of found how Gasgano and Ben are released. Ver 0.8 - Updated on 3 September 2000 -------------------------------------- * Corrected some appalling spelling mistakes (hint: don't proof read at 3.00 am). * Changed strategy slightly for taking the corner in the Canyon. * Small GENERAL HINTS section added. * Tweeked various paragraphs (too many to mention). * Gained better times for each character. Also managed to complete The Boonta Classic course in 4.39.5xx. Ver 0.5 - Created between 28 and 1 September 2000 ------------------------------------------------- Star Wars Racer recently arrived in my local arcade. I've gained a few good times (IMO) on the EASY course, so I thought I'd write an small FAQ on the subject. Note: First version contains information that will need updating. ============ 2.0 INTRODUCTION ============ This FAQ was designed to be a stop-gap guide until a full and comprehensive FAQ is released. Its main purpose is to provide a basic guide for the TATOOINE courses (Easy and Expert). It also takes a brief look at the control system along with the 4 selectable characters. The simple reason I'm not covering Etti IV or Malastare because I haven't fully familiarised myself with them yet. ======== 3.0 CONTROLS ======== 3.1 Throttles Sticks ---------------- There are two analogue throttle sticks, each controlling one of the pod's two engines*. Pulling one throttle back while keeping the other forward makes the pod turn, pushing both throttles forward gets you in a straight line for quick acceleration and pulling both throttles back causes you to decelerate rapidly. As steering and speed is controlled by the same peripheral, it takes a few races to get the hang of. Oh, and for those who are wondering, potentiometers are present in each throttle!! * Ben Quadrinaros has four engines, so each throttle stick controls two of his engines. 3.2 Counter-Steering ---------------- An important technique to use when cornering. During some turns you need to push the throttle back a small distance then push it forward again a few times in order to stay low on turns. Avoid doing it too quickly or pulling back too far as you'll end having to 'swim' the pod out of trouble using both throttles together (causes vehicle to rock). Think of it along the same lines of counter-steering in Sega Rally when you move the wheel left and right slightly to prevent the car from crashing during a slide. 3.3 Air Brake ---------- Reduces your speed without having to turn. Never use it on the BANTHA TRACK course myself, however if you find it helpful please e-mail me with your strategy. 3.4 Turbo Boost ----------- Performed by pressing the big blue button. When executed, a spectacular blur effect is produced and your speed and acceleration are dramatically increased. Actual acceleration rate and top speed depends on which pod you're using. During this period your engines become very hot and will sustain more damage if you crash. You only have 3 boosts per race and it takes a while for the button to pop back out again between each press (probably to avoid overheating). ================= 4.0 ON-SCREEN SYMBOLS ================= 4.1 Speedometer (Bottom Right) -------------------------- Self explanatory - shows pod speed. 4.2 Tachometer (Bottom Right) ------------------------- Measures speed and acceleration rate. Acceleration and speed are indicated by the circular red/white line. When the turbo button is pressed, it continues past your normal top speed mark into the turbo section (marked out by a red underline). If one of your engines catches fire, a symbol appears in the middle of the tachometer. Only ever seen it happen to other players, but I think it prevents you operating the damaged engine properly. If you know exactly what it means, please e-mail me. 4.3 Engine Symbol (Bottom Left) --------------------------- Indicates engine condition. If it remains dormant, your pod will function normally. If you crash a few times, the symbol begins to flash yellow and if one of your engines catches fire, it goes red. Engines will repair themselves in time, providing you don't crash again!! 5.0 CHARACTERS ========== Note: Turning, Top Speed, Acceleration and Strength are based upon the on-screen information during the Character Select Screen along with my own personal experience. Subject to constant change, why not write in and tell me your opinions on each character. 5.1 Anakin Skywalker ---------------- Turning: GOOD Top Speed: EXCELLENT Acceleration: GOOD Strength: POOR The young human boy boasts excellent speed, but his pod is very susceptible to damage. Slower acceleration than Sebulba place him as my joint second favourite on these courses. 5.2 Sebulba ------- Turning: FAIR Top Speed: FAIR Acceleration: EXCELLENT Strength: GOOD Reigning champion Sebulba is, in my opinion, the best character for these courses. Excellent acceleration out of the turns make this guy the expert's choice (see www.sega.co.jp/racer for confirmation). The only problem is the weak handling takes a while getting used to, but believe me it's definitely worth the effort! 5.3 Ben Quadrinaros (Time Released) ------------------------------- Turning: POOR Top Speed: EXCELLENT Acceleration: EXCELLENT Strength: FAIR Well at least he left the starting grid this time!! Old Mr 4- Engines has brilliant speed and acceleration, but his handling is little short of appalling! Taking turns earlier and pulling further back on the throttle sticks when cornering provide the key for effective use. My joint second favourite alongside Anakin. 5.4 Gasgano (Time Released) ------------------------ Turning: EXCELLENT Top Speed: POOR Acceleration: POOR Strength: EXCELLENT Excellent turning capabilities and sturdy design are marred by poor acceleration and top speed. Recommended for beginners and in multi- player matches where you enjoy making contact!. Fun to use, but don't expect any spectacular times. My least favourite choice for these courses. 5.5 Time Release System ------------------- According to www.segaarcade.com, Gasgano is released after the machine has registered 700 (?!) and Ben becomes available after the Boonta Classic course has been cleared 50 times. However Gasgano was released about 3 days after the game arrived in the arcade and I'm quite certain it hadn't been played 700 times despite its popularity. Ben became selectable soon after people started completing the Boonta Classic, but again I don't think that course had been played 50 times, perhaps around 30 at the most. Another point mentioned was that both Ben & Gasgano stay unlocked once released. This is misleading because when the game arrived at my arcade, Gasgano and Ben were released, but when the machine was reset they were locked off again. Maybe there is a SAVE feature in the options to keep them unlocked after a score reset? I think if you have linked deluxe machines, Ben and Gasgano will come out on all machines once the total tally of plays hits the mark. 5.6 Other Racers (who may/may not be in the game) --------------------------------------------- Aldar Beedo Ark "Bumpy" Roose Boles Roor Clegg Holdfast Dud Bolt Ebe Endocoot Elan Mak Mars Guo Mawhonic Neva Kee Ody Mandrell Ratts Tyerell Teemto Pagalies Wan Sandage For background information on each of the racers, check out the GLOSSARY section at www.sega.co.jp/racer. You will need to have at least Ver. 3 of Macromedia Flash on your computer. Alternatively you can view the GLOSSARY using a Dreamcast with its Internet Browser. Be warned though, on a TV screen it's quite hard to read small fonts. ============= 6.0 GENERAL HINTS ============= * Learn how to use the controls effectively and memorise the courses. Don't expect spectacular times on your first attempts. * Keeping your pod as straight as possible on the Plane and after exiting the Arches. * Don't use Ben on your first attempt. Gain some experience with the other pod racers before trying him out. * Make each play count!! Even if you mess up, try experimenting with corners to see if you can get better results. ===== 7.0 VIEWS ===== There are two views available in this game. Driver's View is the default selection and places the camera looking out from the driver's seat. Third Person View is obtained by pressing the START button at the start of the game and positions the camera a small distance behind your pod. I find the Third Person View the most effective as I can turn better if the whole pod is visible. However people have gained good results using Driver's View as well, plus you get a better sensation of speed. Try not to switch views during the race as it can be disorientating. ========== 8.0 JUMP START ========== Before the start of a race, pull both levers fully back. At the very moment the announcer shouts "GO", slam both levers fully forward! When done successfully, the screen blurs and your pod flies off the starting line accelerating rapidly. It's very easy to pull off and absolutely essential for good course times!! ========================= 9.0 BANTHA TRACK COURSE GUIDE ========================= Overview ******** To get a time BELOW 2.58.5xx, the trick is to use your Boost on the 1st, 3rd and 4th laps. Why, you may ask as it's the norm never to use a Boost on the first lap as you have a Jump-Start. Well, the reason is this: Your first lap is the slowest even with the Jump-Start. Using the Boost on this lap won't just lower your lap time, it will... and this is VERY IMPORTANT......GET YOU CLEAR OF THE OTHER RACERS!!!. When you start the second lap, you will be going faster anyway and most traffic will be behind you, so a Boost isn't necessary. Just take care to avoid the front-end racers like Anakin and Aldar Beedo & you'll be fine. Use the remaining two Boosts on the 3rd and 4th laps. Do you think this is the best way to use the Boost, do you have a better strategy? Well don't just sit there, e-mail me!!! 9.1 Starting Out ------------ Use the JUMP START to get off the mark quickly. Keep your pod in a straight line for maximum speed until you approach the first turn. 9.2 First Turn ---------- As the first corner approaches, gradually turn left by slowly pulling back on the left throttle. Perform your turn so the pod is hugging the wall. You may need to counter-steer by pulling the left throttle back (about 1/5 of the way) forward a few times to get round the bend. After passing the turn, push the left throttle fully forward to straighten out. Now after gaining some speed, VERY GENTLY begin to steer your pod into a diagonal direction towards the Left-Right Turn. You will need to be wary of the other racers at this point as some may be approaching the bend in the same way. If necessary, steer the pod carefully to the right to avoid any collisions. 9.3 Left-Right Turn ------------------ You will need to take the first bend early as it's fairly sharp. On approach, begin pulling back on the left throttle. Again perform the turn so your pod will hug the wall. Counter-steer by pulling the left throttle back (about 1/5 of the way) and forward a few times. As you pass the corner, head towards the second bend in a slightly diagonal direction. Then start pulling back on the right throttle lever (about 1/4 of the way) to take the next turn early and hug the wall. The moment the pod clears the turn, push both levers forward to straighten out. You may find yourself heading off in a diagonal direction, if so, straighten out once you've dropped down onto the Plane. 9.4 Plane ----- Note: A good indicator of a fast lap is dropping down onto the plane when the lap timer hits 22 secs (first lap) and 21 secs (other laps) with Sebulba. For Anakin and Ben about 23 (first lap) and 21 (other laps) and Gasgano, around 24 (first) and 22 (other laps). After the drop, straighten out and line up with the entrance to the Canyon. You will need to be very wary of the other racers battling for position. Enter the canyon from the middle of the entrance, keeping away from the sides. If you are in a collision at least you'll be inside the Canyon and not splattered against the cliff face outside!! 9.5 Canyon ------ BE VERY CAREFUL INSIDE THE CANYON!! THE PASSAGE IS EXTREMELY NARROW SO TIME YOUR TURNS WITH THE UTMOST PRECISION!! Once inside the Canyon, position the pod so you are next to the right wall. Now as you approach the long turn (use the rock sticking out from the right as an indicator), gently begin pulling back on the left throttle so you take the turn with the pod positioned near the centre of the narrow gap. Don't get too close to the wall, if you do you'll have to do a sharp right when the turn ends. This is quite a hard turn to get through due to it's length. You'll need to turn gradually to avoid a sharp pull of the left throttle to counter-steer (which makes the pod go wide and slow dramatically). You will need to counter-steer CAREFULLY by pulling the left throttle back (about 1/6 of the way) to avoid hitting the rock face. Also if you slow down too much, another racer can fly into you from behind making you lose control momentarily. Now the MOMENT the turn ends, pull back VERY SLIGHTLY on the right throttle to fly next to the right hand wall. Now straighten yourself out as much as possible to leave the canyon from the middle heading under the Arches to the left. 9.6 Arches ------ The moment you leave the canyon, unless it's your SECOND lap, hit the TURBO button. Now head diagonally left under the Arches directly in front of you and begin pulling back on the left throttle to hug the arches as you turn. Once you pass the apex of the left turn, ease the throttle forward to leave the arches from the far right side in a straight(ish) line. As you head up the straight, watch out for the other racers up ahead (especially ones called Anakin and Gasgano) as they have a tendency to steer directly in front of you, causing major headaches!! Try to stay as straight as possible to take full advantage of the Turbo Boost. ================================ 10.0 TATOOINE BOONTA CLASSIC (Expert) ================================ Overview ******** The key to getting a good time rests on the first lap. The trick is to use the TURBO BOOST so you can reach the Canyon before the other racers so you won't have to slow down!! 10.1 Starting Out ------------ Use the JUMP START to get off the mark quickly. Begin turning your pod to take the First Turn after 1.5 seconds of acceleration. 10.2 First Turn ---------- This turn is almost identical to the first turn on the Bantha Track stage except it's slightly longer. As it approaches, gradually turn left by slowly pulling back on the left throttle. Perform your turn so the pod is hugging the wall. You may need to counter-steer by pulling the left throttle back (about 1/5 of the way) forward a few times to get round the bend. After passing the turn, push the left throttle fully forward to straighten out. The MOMENT you straighten out, press the TURBO BOOST button. Now keep the pod straight so you approach the Long Second Turn in a diagonal direction. 10.3 Long Second Turn ---------------- Taking this turn effectively requires you to performing a kind of pseudo-powerslide akin to those seen in Sega Rally. As you approach, pull back on the right throttle so the pod is in a diagonal-right position near the wall. Once the pod is correctly positioned, take the turn by counter-steering the right throttle back (about 1/5 of the way) and forward to pass the apex. The MOMENT you clear the apex, straighten out the pod to approach the Third Turn in a diagonal direction. 10.4 Third Turn ---------- Start turning very early by gradually pulling back on the left throttle. Now once you pass the apex begin counter-steering the right throttle back (about 1/6 of the way) and forward so you leave the turn towards the plane in a straight line next to the left wall. 10.5 Plane ------ After dropping down, steer your pod towards the centre of the Canyon entrance. You will need to be VERY CAREFUL on approach, especially if it's your first lap as you'll be jostling for position. If another racer is directly in front near the entrance, my advice would be to squeeze the air brake VERY SLIGHTLY to prevent a heavy collision and even more speed loss. 10.6 Canyon ------ Once inside the canyon, you will need to hug the left wall as close as possible for minimum speed loss during the long turn. Do this by counter-steering the left throttle back (about 1/6 of the way) and forward. Be extremely careful as other racers will be taking the turn in the same way. If necessary, squeeze the air brake slightly to avoid collisions. Now the MOMENT the canyon winds sharply to the right, quickly pull back about 1/3 of the way on the right throttle. Then quickly push it fully forward and ease back on the left throttle so you can leave the Canyon towards the Arches from the left side. Throughout the canyon, try using your pod to block and stop other racers from passing. If a racer does get passed, they can force you into the walls. 10.7 Arches ------ After leaving the Canyon, begin heading towards the left. Again be weary of other racers and steer away from them if necessary so you don't collide. Once you've dropped down, position your pod towards the left hand side so you go under the arches nearest the wall. Try keeping near the left of each arch (careful not to scrape the sides) Now after you pass the third arch, you will need to pull back on the left throttle to go through the approaching central arch and then counter-steer back by going forward and back a few times (about 1/5 of the way). After passing the next central arch, you have two choices. You can either continue through the next arch or go through the small gap between the arch and the cliff. There isn't much difference in speed between routes but the latter requires exact positioning to avoid scrapes. In any case, you'll need to go through the last arch before the Tunnel. 10.8 Tunnel ------ Once inside the tunnel, you will need to turn VERY CAREFULLY by easing the right throttle back and counter-steering around the apex for minimum speed loss. Try to keep your pod over the white surface in the tunnel and use it as a guide for turning. Again be very careful as other racers will attempt to force their way past, knocking your pod towards the side. Once you've passed the apex, straighten out and exit the tunnel from the far left into the Dark Cavern. 10.9 Dark Cavern ----------- Move in a straight line along the left side of the cavern. Use the rock pillar in the middle as a guide, you should just pass the left of it. Don't go any further off as you'll have a hard time swinging the pod back towards the exit for the Raised Turn. 10.10 Raised Turn ----------- As you exit the cavern, begin pulling back on the left lever to take this turn early. Counter-steer carefully and make sure your pod is positioned about 1/4 of the way from the left cliff so you'll already be heading towards the Sharp Canyon Turn once you clear the apex. 10.11 Sharp Canyon Turn ----------------- WARNING: THE CANYON IS VERY NARROW AND TAKING THE TURN WITHOUT HITTING THE SIDES REQUIRES A GOOD DEAL OF SKILL AND EXPERIENCE. HOWEVER YOUR WORST ENEMY IS THE OTHER RACERS. ONE COLLISION AT THIS POINT CAN SEVERELY RUIN YOUR LAP TIME!!! Enter the Canyon and begin steering carefully towards the right wall. Now JUST before you reach the corner, pull back about 2/3 of the way on the left throttle. THE MOMENT you clear the apex, straighten your pod out immediately and head into the Rocky Planes. 10.12 Rocky Planes ------------ The easiest, but the most important part of the race. Basically stay as straight as possible for maximum speed. Only steer the pod slightly to avoid collisions with the rocks or other racers (like ANAKIN and GASGANO!!!!!). Gradually steer Begin your pod left after you pass the Finish Line. ========== 11.0 BEST TIMES ========== 11.1 Bantha Track Ideal Times ------------------------ Sebulba: First Lap Time - 45 secs (Jump Start) Second Lap Time - 45/44 Secs Other Laps - 43/44 secs *Anakin: First Lap Time - 47/48 secs (Jump Start) Other Laps - 43 secs *Ben: First Lap Time - 47/48 secs (Jump Start) Other Laps - 43 secs *Gasgano: First Lap Time - 48/49 secs (Jump Start) Other Laps - 45 secs * These times are based on the premise that you use the Boost on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th laps. 11.2 Bantha Track Best Times ----------------------- Sebulba: 2.58.1xx (RJAY63 - in the Top 50 at www.sega.co.jp/racer) Anakin: 2.59.9.xx Ben: 2.59.9xx Gasgano: 3.03.xx 11.3 Boonta Classic Ideal Times -------------------------- Sebulba: First Lap - 1.32.9/1.33.5 secs (Jump Start) Other Laps - 1.32.xxx Others: Er.......!! 11.4 Boonta Classic Best Times ------------------------- Sebulba: 4.38.2xx (RJAY63 - in Top 50 at www.sega.co.jp/racer) Others: DON'T ASK!!!!! 11.5 Current Record Holders at www.sega.co.jp/racer --------------------------------------------- Bantha Track: EXCHANGER with 2.56.xxx (Sebulba) Boonta Classic: EXCHANGER with 4.33.xxx!!!! (Sebulba) ======================================== 12.0 INTERNET RANKINGS (www.sega.co.jp/racer) ======================================== Sega have given players the opportunity to display best times on the RANKINGS section of their website. To qualify, you need to finish 3rd or higher on any course. After you've entered your initials, write down/memorise the password displayed on the screen. Now go to www.sega.co.jp/racer and enter the RANKING section. You will need to receive a Confirmation Key (4 letter code) which enables you to enter the time. It is sent via e-mail, so make sure you have an e-mail address available (1 Confirmation Key per e-mail address). Once it arrives, enter your details on the form and that should be it. Remember you can only have one time per course on the list. But then you could always register as a different player.... For Bantha Track, if you wish to get in the Top 50 aim for a time of around 2.59.xxx!!! For Boonta Classic, if you wish to get in the Top 50 aim for a time of around 4.39.xxx!!! P.S When this game first arrived im my arcade, I tried entering my best scores on the website and kept receiving Error Messages, even though everything was done correctly. I think it was just a teething problem because everything seems now be running smoothly now as myself and another guy at my arcade have our best times on the website. ==================== 13.0 WHAT I NEED TO KNOW? ==================== * Have I made any mistakes? * Can you get better results using the Air Brake? * In-game options (Difficulty, Special Effects etc)? * Has anyone else had difficulties with the Internet Ranking System? * I heard that some versions of the game have bugs in the controls. Is it true? * What are YOUR hints and strategies for racing? Send them in and if they are good enough, I'll put them in the FAQ. * Whose that annoying racer with the slanting rectangular blue engines? * Is anyone making a comprehensive FAQ for this game? * HOW DID 'EXCHANGER' GET SUCH OBSCENE TIMES??!!!! If any Japanese Otaku is reading, PLEASE tell me your tips and tactics!!! E-mail Address: rjay63@hotmail.com - Please entitle subject ST RACER ARCADE INFO. Make sure you do this as I don't want to delete your message thinking it's junk mail. Please don't send me irrelevant Star Wars info, send it to mrnice4@excite.com instead!! **It may take a short while for me to respond!!** All comments are welcome, but go easy as I know virtually nothing about STAR WARS and haven't seen EPISODE 1 (it's true!!). I'm just a bored Street Fighter player who fancied a change from my usual fodder!! ====== 14.0 SHOUTS ====== SEGA ROSSO - For making the game and the internet ranking. Visit the website at www.sega.co.jp/racer (and see how awful my times are)!! SEGA AMUSEMENTS AMERICA (www.segaarcade.com) & ART NOXON - Providing clues on how Ben and Gasgano are released. SEGA PARK, SOTON UK - Having two Deluxe versions for link play!! MR NICE 4 (mrnice4@excite.com) - Star Wars Professor!! BEN - We want MVC2 in our arcade!!! HAPREE - See Ya Soon!! MAC - Impromptu World History in an arcade! RJD - English representation in the Hall of Fame. Respect!! This FAQ (C) 2000 R-Jay (rjay63@hotmail.com) (* End of File *)