_____    _____    _____    _____    ______   _____     _      _____    _____
_|  ___| _|  __ \ _| ____| _| ____|  /  ___/ _|  __ \ __/ \    /  ___\ _| ____|
\   __/  \   _  / \  ___/  \  ___/   \____ \ \   ___/ \  _ \  <   \___ \  ___/
|_|      |_| \_\  |_____|  |_____|  /_____/  |_|     /_/ \_\  \_____/  |_____|
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *    _ _    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *     //^\\     * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * *       _//     * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * *      //       * * * * * * *
* * * *   //__]   * * * *
GUIDE v 1.0
__________________________________________________________________________________________
_
Written by Tim Wuyts (December 25th 1999 - January 17th 2000)
E-mail: tim.wuyts@planetinternet.be
The author is also the webmaster of The Cheat Empire:
http://home.planetinternet.be/~twuyts
where you can always find the latest cheats & walkthroughs for PC Games.
For the latest version of this Guide, check his website!
--> COPYRIGHT notice at the bottom
__________________________________________________________________________________________
_
1.   GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1  Guide Information
1.2  Introduction
1.3  Update Information
1.4  Freespace 2 System requirements
3.   GENERAL TACTICS
3.1  Preparations
3.2  Know the Controls
3.3  Flying
3.4  Favorite Ship
4.   MISSION OVERVIEW (Single Player)
4.1  Information
4.2  Mission 1 - Training 1
4.3  Mission 2 - Training 2
4.4  Mission 3 - Training 3
4.5  Mission 4 - Surrender Belisarius!
4.6  Mission 5 - The Place of Chariots
4.7  Mission 6 - The Romans Blunder
4.8  Mission 7 - Training 4
4.9  Mission 8 - Training 5
4.10 Mission 9 - A Lion at the Door
4.11 Mission 10 - Mystery of the Trinity
4.12 Mission 11 - The Great Hunt
4.13 Mission 12 - Slaying Ravana
4.14 Mission 13 - Training 6
4.15 Mission 14 - The Sixth Wonder
4.16 Mission 15 - Into the Maelstrom
4.17 Mission 16 - Feint! Parry! Riposte!
4.18 Mission 17 - Rebels & Renegades
4.19 Mission 18 - Love the Treason ...
4.20 Mission 19 - ... But Hate the Traitor
4.21 Mission 20 - Battle of the Wilderness
4.22 Mission 21 - A game of TAG
4.23 Mission 22 - Proving Grounds
4.24 Mission 23 - The King's Gambit
4.25 Mission 24 - The Sicilian defense
4.26 Mission 25 - Endgame
4.27 Mission 26 - The Fog of War
4.28 Mission 27 - A Monster in the Mist
4.29 Mission 28 - Speaking in Tongues
4.30 Mission 29 - A Flaming Sword
4.31 Mission 30 - Bearbaiting
4.32 Mission 31 - High Noon
4.33 Mission 32 - Return to Babel
4.34 Mission 33 - Straight, No Chaser
4.35 Mission 34 - Argonautica
4.36 Mission 35 - As Lightning Fall
4.37 Mission 36 - Into the Lion's Den
4.38 Mission 37 - Exodus
4.39 Mission 38 - Dunkerque
4.40 Mission 39 - Their Finest Hour
4.41 Mission 40 A - Clash of the Titans II
4.42 Mission 40 B - Incoming Transmission
5.   THE WEAPONS
5.1  Information
5.2  Guns
5.3  Missiles
6.   THE SHIPS
6.1  Information
6.2  Shivan Ships
6.3  Terran Ships
6.4  Vasudan Ships
7.   OTHER GAME RELATED INFORMATION
7.1  Information
7.2  Ranks
- LEGAL NOTICE -
__________________________________________________________________________________________
_
=========================
1.   GENERAL INFORMATION
=========================
1.1 Guide Information
______________________
This is the text version of the the Freespace 2 HTML guide - also made by Tim Wuyts.
Please keep in mind that the HTML guide is the primary guide: all updates will first be
made in the HTML guide, it has some pictures of the spacecraft and weapons and it does
contain some extra information here and there.
The author is the webmaster of  The Cheat Empire (URL see top of document), where you can
find the latest cheats & walkthroughs for PC Games. Including the latest version of this
guide.
I wrote this guide because I like to help people. I don't pretend to know everything there
is to know about the game and I'm certainly not the best pilot out there. I would like to
label myself an "average" pilot, who has tons of single player experience, but with minor
multiplayer experience. I also believe a guide is never complete, so you can always help
me
by sending tips to me (don't add them yourself).
1.2 Introduction
_________________
I've been playing space sims since I was a small boy. When I think about space sims, I
think about the legendary series like Wing Commander (Including Privateer) and X-Wing. No
space sim could rival these titles ... up till now.
Although the first Freespace couldn't appeal me, Freespace 2 turned out to be a
magnificent
piece of art. The story is dragging you to the finish line and has a lot of (unsuspected)
plots. The sound creates just the right atmosphere: music, voices and effects are all high
quality. But probably the most stunning feature are the graphics ... that is, if you have
a
"mean machine". I was able to run Freespace 2 at a very high detail level in 1024x768.
Words cannot describe the magic Volition created.
On top of the superb single player campaign, you also have a lot of multiplayer options.
Team vs. Team, Dogfight and co-operative. On top of that we have the squad wars, which
sounds very attractive to me. I say sounds, since I have never tried the on-line
multiplayer capabilities (yet). I hope to test them out at my friends house, who has cable
connection with the internet.
1.3 Update Information
_______________________
Version 1.0 - The original works
1.4 Freespace 2 System Requirements
____________________________________
Required:
---------
* Pentium 200Mhz
* Windows© 95/98/NT with DirectX 6.0
* 32 MB RAM
* 400MB Hard drive space
* 8x CD-ROM
* DirectSound certified sound card
* Hardware accelerated card (with newest drivers); G200, G400, Banshee, Voodoo 1, Voodoo
2,
Voodoo 3, Savage 4, TNT, TNT2, ATI Rage Fury, ATI Rage 128 or ATI Rage
Recommended:
------------
* Pentium 266Mhz
* 64 MB RAM
* Harware accelerated card with 8MB VRAM (see chipsets above)
* Joystick
* 3D Sound Card (A3D or EAX)
__________________________________________________________________________________________
_
=====================
3.   GENERAL TACTICS
=====================
3.1 Preparations
_________________
Before you start doing some fancy dogfighting, it's necessary to make the proper
preparations. This includes ship, gun and missile selection. This seems obvious, but I
know
quite a lot of friends who make a selection based on the name of the ship/weapon or
whether
it looks cool or not.
It's important to know what kind of weapons work best in certain situations. The
Prometheus
S for example is an extraordinary weapon, but because of it's slow refire rate, I'm not
able to use it properly. This makes the weapon useless for me, since I prefer guns with a
high refire rate which may lack the punch of the bigger brother.
It's also important to pick a ship where you are comfortable with. The GVF Serapis is an
excellent interceptor with high speeds, but it's light armor do not fit the profile of my
'ideal' ship. Although not an interceptor, I prefer to take a ship with less
maneuverability and more armor like the myrmidon.
If you know what you are going into, try to pick your most favorable ships, guns and
missiles for that situation! The default selection of the computer is not bad, but don't
be
afraid to change it.
3.2 Know the Controls
______________________
Also obvious and simple. Just keep in mind that you don't need to know every key to be a
good pilot. I know the keys which allow me to play comfortably and relaxed, e.g.: I never
use the M key (auto adjust speed to target). Why? Because I think it's annoying. I want to
go full speed ahead and I'll adjust my speed with the A/Z temporary speed adjust keys.
When I see a friend goofing up because he can't find the gun/missile selection key while
flying, I have an urge put my head in the toilet and flush. Things like that shouldn't
happen, they can mean the difference between life and death.
Most of you will be flying this space sim with a joystick (you have to be nuts if you
don't). Well, don't forget to adjust the sensitivity of the joystick to your liking.
Maximum sensitivity is not always the best option, since it has a big influence on your
aim. To those who want to use the rudder but can't: you can install the rudder in your key
assignment screen. Select absolute positioning if you install your rudder.
3.3 Flying
___________
There are lots of different flying styles, but I'm going to explain mine. This might help
newbies a bit in developing their own style.
First of all adjust your weapon settings. I always tend to set my guns in dual fire mode
(this already explains why I can't use 2 guns which drain power very fast). This gives me
max. damage with the least effort. Once my gun energy is running low I switch back to
single fire mode (but that almost never happens). For the missiles it depends on the type
of missile and the type of target. Against fighters I use single/dual launch mode,
depending on the rocket. Trebuchets shouldn't be launched to a fighter in dual launch mode
... it has sufficient power to knock a fighter down by itself. Dumbfires, on the other
hand, are always launched in dual fire mode ... they lack punch against both fighters as
capital ships. Against capital ships I always fire missiles in dual mode. There are only 2
exceptions: the Cyclops and the helios missile.
An important aspect of flying is being capable of dodging incoming fire (guns or
missiles).
Gunfire can easily be evaded by a simple maneuver. However, if the attacker is flying on
your tail, you'll need to shake some fancy flying out of your sleeve in order to dodge the
incoming fire. The best thing to do in such a situation is to stop focusing on your
current
target and trying to evade the hostile fighter completely, preferably in a position which
allows you to take him out!
Evading missiles might seem easy ... you have the countermeasures for something right?!
Wrong! In single player missions, you usually have enough countermeasures to finish a
mission, but in the few multiplayer missions I have flown, you'll notice that they are
depleted pretty fast. You need to learn how to evade missiles without countermeasures. If
you are flying a fast agile fighter you have 2 possibilities. If you are flying a bomber,
only 1. The first possibility for the fighter is to let the missiles get real close to you
(mind the beeping noise). Once the missile is extremely close, you have to pull up (or any
other direction) fiercely, in combination with a speed boost with the afterburners. This
can't be applied by bombers, since they lack maneuverability and the speed to evade the
missile. The second possibility works for both the fighter and the bomber. You should fly
head on with the missile and just before impact you should pull up (or down). The missile
will fly right past you ... This can be used bythe bombers too, since the missile has less
time to correct it's path once the evasive maneuver starts. The second way of evading
missiles is more efficient (if you follow the same path as the missile, it has more time
to
adjust it's flying path), but also harder (since the missile is closing in on you at a
very
high speed (missile speed + your own velocity). Nonetheless, both methods require
extensive
training, since timing is an extremely important factor.
The easiest way to take out a target it to fly behind it and follow it, preferably from
close range. Head-to-head situations are not healthy for your own fighter, so don't do it
too often. Attacking a fighter from the side is also a possibility. This means that the
target is no threat to you, but the target is much harder to hit, since small changes in
speed result in a miss (this isn't the case when you tail your target). Also, don't be
afraid to use your missiles ... if the banks get depleted, so what?! You can rearm
yourself
in most missions and by not using missiles you're making everything more difficult for
yourself. This often results in finished missions with almost all missiles in the banks,
that's not why they are there! Furthermore you should make a difference between the ships
you are attacking:
Bombers
-------
Bombers aren't a real threat to a fighter, unless you are heavily outnumbered (this means
that you get a rocket behind your tail every 5 seconds). Bombers lack maneuverability,
which usually make them easy targets for your guns. If the need is high, you should fire
missiles to speed up the job, otherwise your guns will be sufficient.
Remember however that taking a bomber out with your guns might take a while, because of
their heavy hull and shielding. Therefore it's not wise (certainly in multiplayer) to
hover
behind a bomber for a longer period of time. This makes you the sitting duck, since your
fighter isn't heavily armored and you are flying at slower speeds.
Fighters
--------
Fighters can be annoying from time to time. With their excellent maneuverability and often
high speeds, they tend to be a more difficult target. I thought the SF Dragon was the
hardest target to destroy: it outmaneuvered and outran you easily, but once you were able
to hit it a few times they were spacedust. This is also the biggest drawback of the
fighter, lack of shielding and hull plating. It doesn't take much to take out an enemy
fighter (there are some exceptions like the SF Mara), but also remember that you are
flying
a similar craft and also are lightly armored. That's why I like the GTF Erinyes most. It
has good speed, maneuverability and plating, combined with a large number of gun mounts
and
missile banks.
Warships
--------
It's not recommended to attack warships with a regular fighter. It's not fit for the job
and usually does minor damage because of it's unadapted payload. If you want to take out
multiple capital ships, make sure you pick a bomber.
While attacking a warship, always try to hit one of it's weapons or subsystems. This does
damage and if you destroy a laser turret, that's one less thing to worry about. What
should
you target first? This depends on the urgency of the matter. If you notice one of your
capital ships is being torn apart, head for the beam turrets. Otherwise I recommend to
take
out laser turrets or missile launchers first. You might also target one of the subsystems:
engines if you don't want the target to get in close range of a certain ship, sensors or
weapons - can't remember exactly - if you want to make the targeting system less
accurate.
3.4 Favorite Ship
__________________
SHIP: GTF Erinyes
GUNS: GTW Subach HL-7
GTW UD-8 Kayser
MISSILES: GTM-19 Harpoon (2x)
Why is this my favorite ship and weapon loadout? Simple, the Erinyes is an excellent ship:
it's sturdy, has an average flying speed and average maneuverability. Combine this with
the
high number of gun mounts and 2 missile banks and you have the perfect dogfighter. Some
will say, what's the difference with the Myrmidon ... I don't know! I tend to perform
better with the Erinyes than with any other ship.
Why do you put a Subach HL-7 gun on the ship? There's this thing called energy management
... I don't like to toy around with the engine/shield/gun recharge levels and this solves
my problem. If you want to pack a good punch, dual fire mode gives you the solution. I
tend
to fly with only the Kayser on-line ... once my energy levels become critically low, I
switch to the Subach. This allows me to continue firing at the enemy, while the energy
level has the opportunity to recharge (the Subach hardly drains any power).
The Harpoons are also an obvious choice, since this is my favorite dogfighting ship. No
need for heavy trebuchets, cyclops or helios missiles. If you are fighting against the
odds, speed is of the essence. The harpoon with his fast lock gives me the speed. Cripple
the shields with the guns, fire the harpoon for the kill. The great thing of it is ... it
works!
__________________________________________________________________________________________
_
=======================================
4.   MISSION OVERVIEW  (Single Player)
=======================================
4.1 Information
________________
This is merely an overview of the single player missions, since I haven't played much
multiplayer missions yet. Single player missions are also easier to write about, since you
have total control over the success/failure of a mission.
I divided the missions just by numbers, not by category (SOC, Vasudan, Terran, ...). I
suggest you read the general tactics section before going over the different missions. I
was able to complete these missions with the tactics explained there!
The first missions are all very easy, but from level 20 and higher, you can notice a
gradual climb in difficulty (some missions are more difficult than others). Strangely
enough, the first missions weren't a high success (statistical wise - I didn't have a lot
of kills), while in the latter missions I tend to be flying through enemy debris. Maybe it
took some time to get used to the controls, or maybe I just had to get into berserk mode
... I don't know. When I replayed the missions, I did get a lot of extra kills.
This mission overview includes all training and SOC missions. If you decide to skip one of
them, you should recalculate the missions numbers.
The missions themselves contain the following information:
* Primary objectives
* Secondary objectives
* Default ship and loadout
* Possible ships and loadouts
* Overview of the mission
Keep in mind that the primary and secondary objectives given in the mission overview are
the ones at the beginning of the the mission. During the mission, extra objectives may be
added. You can view them by pressing the F4 key!
If some of the information mentioned here is incorrect or incomplete, please contact me.
I'm only human and bound to make a mistake here or there!
4.2 Mission 1 - Training 1
___________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    None
Secondary Objectives:  None
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTF Myrmidon
Guns:      GTW Subach HL-7
Missiles:  None
Possibilities:
Ships:     None
Guns:      None
Missiles:  None
Mission Overview
----------------
You'll train basic targeting, throttle and weapon systems. Just do as you're told.
4.3 Mission 2 - Training 2
___________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    None
Secondary Objectives:  None
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTF Myrmidon
Guns:      GTW Subach HL-7 (2x)
Missiles:  GTM MX-64 Rockeye (2x)
GTM MX-6 Tempest Missile
Possibilities:
Ships:     None
Guns:      None
Missiles:  None
Mission Overview
----------------
You'll train advanced targeting, weapon systems and rearming procedures. Just do as you're
told
4.4 Mission 3 - Training 3
___________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    None
Secondary Objectives:  None
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTF Myrmidon
Guns:      GTW Subach HL-7 (2x)
Missiles:  GTM MX-64 Rockeye (2x)
GTM MX-6 Tempest Missile
Possibilities:
Ships:     None
Guns:      None
Missiles:  None
Mission Overview
----------------
You'll train your dogfighting skills with this training. Just do as you're told.
4.5 Mission 4 - Surrender Belisarius!
______________________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    Protect IOTA until you are relieved of duty
Secondary Objectives:  None
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTF Myrmidon
Guns:      GTW Subach HL-7 (2x)
Missiles:  GTM MX-64 Rockeye (2x)
GTM MX-6 Tempest Missile
Possibilities:
Ships:     None
Guns:      GTW Akheton SDG
Missiles:  None
Mission Overview
----------------
* Escort IOTA
* Destroy Leo
* Destroy Cancer
* Destroy Gemini
* Destroy Aquarius
* Destroy Aries
Escorting IOTA isn't that hard. The only opposition you'll get in this mission are some
GTF
Hercules (usually in pairs). Once all fighters have been taken out a friendly warship will
arrive ... a few moments later the NTF Corvette Belarius. You can engage it, but it'll get
blown away by the friendly warship, so why bother.
4.6 Mission 5 - The Place of Chariots
______________________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    Destroy all NTF Fighters
Secondary Objectives:  Destroy all freighters and sentry guns
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTF Myrmidon
Guns:      GTW Subach HL-7 (2x)
Missiles:  GTM MX-64 Rockeye (2x)
GTM MX-6 Tempest Missile
Possibilities:
Ships:     None
Guns:      GTW Akheton SDG
Missiles:  None
Mission Overview
----------------
* Destroy Cancer
* Destroy Sentries
* Destroy Aquarius
* Destroy Aries
* Investigate Asteroid
* Destroy Installation
* Destroy Pisces
* Destroy Virgo
You'll be dealing with a few GTF Hercules' here, but you'll encounter more GTF Loki's.
Once you start the mission, take out the fighters first, followed by the sentry guns. Once
that's done, wait for more fighters to jump into your system.
After a while command will give you the order to investigate the asteroid (blinking red
dot
on radar). Do it and take out the turrets as you move closer to the asteroid. Once it has
been ID'ed, you should destroy it. The ICENI goes into hyperjump though, and you won't be
able to destroy it in time. While attacking the asteroid/installation/ICENI, some new
fighters will appear. Take them out when you see fit (when they annoy you).
4.7 Mission 6 - The Romans Blunder
___________________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    Destroy the NTF ICENI
Secondary Objectives:  None
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTF Myrmidon
Guns:      GTW Subach HL-7 (2x)
Missiles:  GTM MX-64 Rockeye (2x)
GTM MX-6 Tempest Missile
Possibilities:
Ships:     None
Guns:      None
Missiles:  None
Mission Overview
----------------
* Destroy the ICENI
* Destroy Freighters
* Destroy Gemini
* Destroy Leo
* Destroy Aquarius
* Destroy Scorpio
You'll never reach the ICENI in time, so don't bother. You'll be reassigned to stop any
enemy ship that comes through the system.
First 2 freighters will enter the system, together with a fighter escort. Needless to say,
take out the fighters (GTF Loki I believe) first followed by the freighters (which are an
easy target).
Once this job is done a few warships jump in ... also with a fighter escort. Concentrate
on
the fighters first, once they are blown out of the sky, concentrate on the warships. They
should have sustained quite a bit of damage by now (because of the Psamtik), so finishing
them off should be easy by now.
4.8 Mission 7 - Training 4
___________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    None
Secondary Objectives:  None
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTF Hercules Mark II
Guns:      GTW Subach HL-7
GTW-5a Prometheus (R) Cannon
Missiles:  GTM-19 Harpoon (2x)
Possibilities:
Ships:     None
Guns:      None
Missiles:  None
Mission Overview
----------------
You'll train communication systems, countermeasures and aspect-seeking missiles. Just do
as
you're told.
4.9 Mission 8 - Training 5
___________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    None
Secondary Objectives:  None
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTF Hercules Mark II
Guns:      GTW Subach HL-7
GTW-5a Prometheus (R) Cannon
Missiles:  GTM-19 Harpoon
GTM-4 Hornet Swarm Missile
Possibilities:
Ships:     None
Guns:      None
Missiles:  None
Mission Overview
----------------
You'll train shield management and the energy transfer system. Just do as you're told.
4.10 Mission 9 - A Lion at the Door
____________________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    Neutralize all hostiles
Secondary Objectives:  None
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTF Hercules Mark II
Guns:      GTW-5a Prometheus (R) Cannon (2x)
Missiles:  GTM-19 Harpoon
GTM-4 Hornet Swarm Missile
Possibilities:
Ships:     None
Guns:      GTW Subach HL-7
GTW Akheton SDG
Missiles:  GTM MX-6 Tempest Missile
GTM MX-64 Rockeye
Mission Overview
----------------
* Destroy BEHEMOTH
* Destroy SEMYAZA
* Destroy Virgo
* Destroy MAUL
* Destroy Cancer
* Destroy NEQAEL
* Destroy Leo
* Destroy Aries
* Destroy Aquarius
* Destroy Scorpio
* Destroy GOLIATH
* Destroy Libra
There's a lot to be done in this mission. Quite a lot of Shivan fighters and smaller
warships have to be destroyed. Basically you have to take it as it comes. Take out the
fighters first, but if you notice that a fighter is a few 1000m away and you're flying
past
a warship, try to take out the warship first.
Since the warships aren't that big, your hornets (if these are the missiles you picked) do
quite a bit of damage (dual fire mode = 8 missiles). Combined with a good old fashioned
energy weapon, it will be creamed in no time.
You'll meet 2 Shivan fighters: SF Mara and SF Astaroth. The Mara has good plating and
speed
but only a reasonable maneuverability. It's also quite big and therefore easy to hit. The
Astaroth is more maneuverable and also has a higher speed, but it's fragile. You might
miss
it a few times, but once you hit it ... it'll be out of the sky in no time.
4.11 Mission 10 - Mystery of the Trinity
_________________________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    Patrol nebula with Zeta wing
Secondary Objectives:  None
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTF Hercules Mark II
Guns:      GTW Subach HL-7
GTW-5a Prometheus (R) Cannon
Missiles:  GTM MX-64 Rockeye
GTM MX-6 Tempest Missile
Possibilities:
Ships:     None
Guns:      None
Missiles:  None
Mission Overview
----------------
* Follow Zeta 1
* Destroy Leo
* Destroy Aries
* Protect DISCOVERY
* Destroy TRINITY
* Destroy Virgo
* Destroy Aquarius
* Destroy Cancer
* Destroy Libra
At first everything is very quiet in this mission. All you have to do is follow Zeta 1
until you notice some enemies on your radar. Once that happens, move in to destroy them.
You'll encounter some SF Manticores. A little bit later, you'll notice another wing of
Manticores. Once they are taken out, continue your patrol.
You'll encounter the NTF Trinity, protect it and the repair team they send to recover it.
Once the repair team has jumped in, more Shivan fighters will appear, including: SF
Manticores, SF Basilisks and SF Dragons. Fight them off at your best ability, but once the
Dragons jump in, the mission is over. The Trinity and the Discovery will be destroyed
(they
went from 96% health to 0% in a matter of seconds ... don't ask me how). GTVA command will
announce that you have to return to base. Do so, or you'll have to deal with 2 wings of
enemy Dragons and that usually isn't too healthy.
4.12 Mission 11 - The Great Hunt
_________________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    Protect ACTIUM and LYSANDER
Secondary Objectives:  Destroy ASURAS
Destroy IBLIS
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTF Hercules Mark II
Guns:      GTW-5a Prometheus (R) Cannon (2x)
Missiles:  GTM-4 Hornet Swarm Missile (2x)
Possibilities:
Ships:     GTF Myrmidon
Guns:      GTW Subach HL-7
GTW Akheton SDG
Missiles:  GTM MX-6 Tempest Missile
GTM MX-64 Rockeye
GTM-19 Harpoon
Mission Overview
----------------
* Protect Corvettes
* Destroy Taurus
* Destroy Pisces
* Destroy Libra
* Destroy Virgo
* Destroy ASURAS
* Destroy Scorpio
* Destroy Gemini
* Destroy Aquarius
* Destroy IBLIS
* Destroy Cancer
Since protecting the Corvette is you primary objective, always make sure that you return
to
it once you've taken out the fighters. That way you are always on time to intercept the
next wing of enemy fighters.
First you'll get a wing of Astaroths and Maras to hold off. This shouldn't be too hard.
The next time the Asuras an 2 fighter escorts will jump in. First take out the fighters
(Astaroths and Basilisks), since they pose the biggest threat to you (although I wouldn't
call a Basilisk a big threat). The Asuras isn't a big to the Corvettes in the beginning
(unless it takes you 1 hour to take out the fighters). Once the fighters are goners, fire
some hornets at the Asuras, taking it down shouldn't take too long.
The next wings contain of Maras and SB Seraphims, needless to say that the Seraphims,
should be engaged first. They are extremely dangerous for the Corvettes, so try to take
them out before they can launch their bombs. Proceed with the Maras.
Now the Iblis will jump in, together with a Mara wing. Same procedure as with the Asuras.
Suddenly an unknown ship will appear on radar. Upon investigation you come to the
conclusion that it's a destroyer and it will cream the Corvettes no matter what you do.
Jump out of the system, once you are told to do so.
4.13 Mission 12 - Slaying Ravana
_________________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    Destroy RAVANA
Secondary Objectives:  None
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTB Boanerges
Guns:      GTW-5a Prometheus (R) Cannon
Missiles:  GTM-4 Hornet Swarm Missile GTM-12 Cyclops (2x)
Possibilities:
Ships:     GTB Medusa
GTB Ursa
Guns:      GTW Subach HL-7
GTW Akheton SDG
Missiles:  GTM MX-6 Tempest Missile
Mission Overview
----------------
* Destroy Virgo
* Destroy Taurus
* Destroy RAVANA
* Destroy Cancer
* Destroy Aquarius
* Destroy Saggitarius
* Destroy Gemini
* Destroy Scorpio
* Destroy Leo
I didn't fly this mission with the Boanerges, but with the Medusa. Mainly because of the
maneuverability (the boanerges can't even follow a ship if it flew past him at 1 mps -
making it a terrible ship for dogfights).
Although your job is to take out the Ravana, don't forget about the fighters either. If
you
let them alive too long, all of your wingmates will be dead and they will all come after
you - so this is a definite no, no. Before heading for the Ravana take out the Basilisks
(they are closer than the Ravana).
Now head for the Ravana and launch your Cyclops missiles at a range of 1 km (it takes a
while to acquire a lock. If you launch from too far, the Cyclops can be destroyed before
impact. If you launch too close, you'll get hit by the blast radius.) I tend to target the
sensors or weapons systems, first (whatever the bombs can hit from my current fly path).
Once the cyclops' have been launched (dual fire mode) occupy yourself with the fighters
again. It's wise to engage the fighters away from the Ravana (if it starts shooting it's
flak guns, your shields and hull might get creamed), but this isn't always possible. Once
you've taken out a few fighters head back for the Ravana. This will avoid getting a bunch
of fighters behind your tail while paying enough attention to crippling the Ravana.
Repeat until the mission is finished.
PS. If you want to fire the Cyclops 2x you have to keep in mind that it needs a reload
time
of 20 seconds. If you have 2 banks with Cyclops missiles, just change the bank you are
firing from to speed things up.
4.14 Mission 13 - Training 6
_____________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    None
Secondary Objectives:  None
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTF Perseus
Guns:      GTW Subach HL-7
GTW Akheton SDG
Missiles:  GTM-4 Hornet Swarm Missile
GTM-19 Harpoon
Possibilities:
Ships:     None
Guns:      None
Missiles:  None
Mission Overview
----------------
You'll train to target bombs, turrets and subsystems. Just do as you're told.
4.15 Mission 14 - The Sixth Wonder
___________________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    Protect ENIF Station
Secondary Objectives:  Protect transports
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTF Perseus
Guns:      GTW Subach HL-7
GTW-5a Prometheus (R) Cannon
Missiles:  GTM-4 Hornet Swarm Missile
GTM MX-6 Tempest Missile
Possibilities:
Ships:     None
Guns:      GTW Akheton SDG
Missiles:  GTM MX-64 Rockeye
GTM-43a Stiletto II
GTM-19 Harpoon
Mission Overview
----------------
* Protect Transports
* Destroy CATO
* Destroy Pisces
* Destroy Leo
* Destroy Virgo
* Destroy HAWKWOOD
* Destroy Aries
* Destroy Taurus
First take out the GTF Hercules', followed by the Cato. Once the bombers jump (GTB Zeus)
in
redirect yourself to these and let the Cato alone for a while. Since you have to protect
the station, you have to act swiftly. Intercept the bombers as fast as you can, if they
are
able to launch missiles take them out first and afterwards the bombers. Once the first
wing
of bombers is destroyed, go back and finish off the Cato.
By that time a second wing of bombers will fly in, followed shortly by the Hawkwood.
Concentrate on the bombers (and bombs) for now, only if there are no more bombers left, go
back to take on the Hawkwood. Don't just fire to do damage, try to destroy weaponry or
subsystems. The same rule applies here, once more bombers fly in, divert your attention.
Eventually the GTVA Colossus will jump in to finish the Hawkwood (that's why it's
important
to take on it's weapons and subsystems - so it can only do minimal damage to the
station/transports - the Colossus will destroy it for you)
4.16 Mission 15 - Into the Maelstrom
_____________________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    Protect the PARACOMBE, JOOYUN and AVILA
Secondary Objectives:  None
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTF Perseus
Guns:      GTW Subach HL-7
GTW-5a Prometheus (R) Cannon
Missiles:  GTM-4 Hornet Swarm Missile
GTM-19 Harpoon
Possibilities:
Ships:     GTF Loki
GTF Ulysses
Guns:      None
Missiles:  GTM MX-64 Rockeye
GTM MX-6 Tempest Missile
Mission Overview
----------------
* Defend Convoy
* Destroy Libra
* Destroy Pisces
* Destroy Gemini
* Destroy Aquarius
* Destroy Capricorn
* Destroy Aries
* Destroy Cancer
* Destroy MAELSTROM
Head for the flashing red dots in the radar and take out a few sentry guns. Don't keep on
destroying sentry guns, since there are bombers flying towards the convoy. It's more
important to intercept them. Once the bombers (and bombs) are destroyed, take on the
fighters and then concentrate your fire on the remaining sentry guns.
Nothing will happen for quite a long time now. Suddenly some fighters and the Maelstrom
will jump in ... first try to take out the beam weapon of the Maelstrom, it does a lot of
damage to the convoy if you don't take it out. This is one of the crucial factors to
complete the primary objective. Once that's done, kill the fighters (if any are left) and
make scrap out of the Maelstrom.
4.17 Mission 16 - Feint! Parry! Riposte!
_________________________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    Destroy the cruisers' fighter escort
Help destroy Koth's battle group
Secondary Objectives:  Defend the RAMPART
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTF Perseus
Guns:      GTW-5a Prometheus (R) Cannon
GTW Subach HL-7
Missiles:  GTM-4 Hornet Swarm Missile
GTM-19 Harpoon
Possibilities:
Ships:     GTF Hercules Mark II
Guns:      None
Missiles:  GTM MX-6 Tempest Missile
Mission Overview
----------------
* Destroy Escort Fighters
* Protect the RAMPART
* Destroy Libra
* Destroy Aries
You'll be confronted with a few Hercs and 2 GTC's (Majestic and Refute). These can be
destroyed quite easily. Afterwards, multiple GTF Loki's will jump in. They are fast and
agile, but can't take a beating. Just concentrate on all new fighter wings that jump in.
If the destroyer jumps it, leave it be. The Colossus will jump in to help you, but they
will collide with each other. You can't stop it, so why bother attacking the GTD (unless
you want to improve your stats)
4.18 Mission 17 - Rebels & Renegades
_____________________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    Escort the ICENI to the Regulus jump node
Secondary Objectives:  None
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTF Myrmidon
Guns:      GTW Subach HL-7 (2x)
Missiles:  GTM MX-6 Tempest Missile (3x)
Possibilities:
Ships:     GTF Hercules
GTF Loki
Guns:      None
Missiles:  GTM-19 Harpoon
GTM-4 Hornet Swarm Missile
GTM MX-64 Rockeye
Mission Overview
----------------
* Scan Iceni
* Destroy YAARU
* Protect ICENI
* Protect HINTON
* Destroy Libra
* Destroy Gemini
* Destroy Scorpio
* Destroy Virgo
* Destroy Leo
* Destroy Sagittarius
This is definitely the most difficult mission up till now. First go and scan the Iceni
(600m) and then go and scan the Hinton (200m - bonus objective). Now some bombers and
fighters will enter the system. Forget about the fighters, head straight for the bombers
and deal with them swiftly. Speed of execution is very important ... a little screw up
here
or there usually results in failure.
Like I already said, bombers are a priority, no matter which wings jump in. Let the
Taurets
toy a bit and destroy them once you have the time. There will also be 2 warships: a GVC
and
a GVCv. The first is pretty easy to destroy, the second is a nightmare (esp. to the
Iceni).
Once it flies in, try to destroy all the beam turrets first. At approximately the same
time, you'll get orders to intercept any incoming asteroids, do this once the turrets have
been taken out. The asteroids have a higher priority than fighters which might harass you.
If a lot of them impact the Iceni, it's history too. Only engage fighters if you have a
short break!
If you want to know the damage the asteroids do in combination with the GVCv, I suggest
you
stand down and watch the Iceni health indicator diminish rapidly.
4.19 Mission 18 - Love the Treason ...
_______________________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    Escort the SUNDER
Secondary Objectives:  None
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTF Hercules Mark II
Guns:      GTW-5a Prometheus (R) Cannon
GTW Subach HL-7
Missiles:  GTM MX-6 Tempest Missile
GTM-19 Harpoon
Possibilities:
Ships:     GTF Hercules
GTF Loki
GTF Ulysses
Guns:      None
Missiles:  GTM MX-64 Rockeye
Mission Overview
----------------
* Protect SUNDER
* Destroy NTF Fighters
* Protect HAMAKO
* Destroy Kappa
* Destroy Iota
* Destroy MYLAE
* Destroy Leo
* Destroy Gemini
* Destroy HELLESPONT
* Destroy Taurus
* Destroy Pisces
* Destroy Aries
* Destroy Aquarius
Suddenly, the rest of the fighter escort discovers that you are a traitor. Take them out
with the help of the lieutenant. They are all Hercs Mark II, but they are pretty easy to
defeat.
Then additional NTF Fighters will jump in, but they won't attack you. Once the GTVA
Fighters jump in, the NTF's will become hostile. So kill them too.
A little while later the Mylae will jump in with a Herc Fighter escort. First take out the
fighters, the Mylae doesn't do a lot of damage. The Hercs shouldn't take too long with the
help of the other GTVA fighters. Then take out the Mylae ... also pretty easy.
Then the Hellespont will jump in, together with a fighter escort which consists of Hercs
and Hercs Mark II. I suggest you leave the Hercs alone for the moment and concentrate on
the Hellespont, it does a lot of damage to the Sunder if you intercept it too late.
Prioritize the beam turrets, once they are take care of ... go for the kill. A friendly
Corvette will jump in to assist you. If there are any fighters left after the destruction
of the Hellespont, engage them too.
Once all friendly ships have jumped out of the area, wait for the NTC rendezvous ships and
then return to base.
4.20 Mission 19 - ... But Hate the Traitor
___________________________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    Destroy targets of opportunity
Secondary Objectives:  None
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTF Myrmidon
Guns:      GTW Subach HL-7 (2x)
Missiles:  GTM MX-6 Tempest Missile
GTM MX-64 Rockeye (2x)
Possibilities:
Ships:     None
Guns:      GTW-5a Prometheus (R) Cannon
Missiles:  GTM-4 Hornet Swarm Missile
Mission Overview
----------------
* Destroy Alastor
* Destroy Beta
* Destroy Alpha
* Destroy Gemini
* Destroy Cancer
* Destroy SAHARAN
Start by taking out the sentry guns. Once that's done a transport (Elysium) will jump in.
Don't engage it! After a few warnings the NTF Fighters will turn hostile. This is the most
difficult part of this mission. Take out the Myrmidons as soon as possible ... don't be
afraid to use missiles to take out the first targets in a few seconds. Otherwise you'll
get
a bunch of fighters behind you and that's not recommendable.
Once they are taken care of, a little while later, more Myrmidons will appear. Luckily
additional fighter wings will jump in to help you. First take out the cruiser then
concentrate on the fighters. Once they all are destroyed, return to the GTVA base ... Your
undercover SOC missions are over.
4.21 Mission 20 - Battle of the Wilderness
___________________________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    Escort the VAUBAN to the WARSPITE
Escort the ERINPURA to the WARSPITE
Secondary Objectives:  Protect the LUCIDITY
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTF Perseus
Guns:      GTW-5a Prometheus (R) Cannon
GTW Subach HL-7
Missiles:  GTM-19 Harpoon
GTM-4 Hornet Swarm Missile
Possibilities:
Ships:     None
Guns:      GTW ML-70 Morning Star
GTW-19 Circe
Missiles:  GTM MX-6 Tempest Missile
GTM MX-64 Rockeye
Mission Overview
----------------
* Destroy Scorpio
* Destroy Libra
* Destroy MALOR
* Destroy Cancer
* Destroy Virgo
Wait until the ships you need to escort to jump in. Once they do, just wait for the first
enemy wing to jump in. Once they do, take them (SF Manticores) out. Later on, you'll get
some Maras on your back, but they shouldn't pose a problem either.
Once the cruiser jumps in, call in Zeta wing. They are more fit to take out cruisers, I
wouldn't worry to much about the cruiser if you called in Zeta. They can take care of it
pretty fast. You keep your eye on new incoming wings of fighters and bombers. Once the
bombers (SB Nephelims) arrive, make sure you take them out first. The freighters and the
Lucidity have a real lowthresholdd for damage so ...
Overall, this mission was pretty easy to complete. There are lots of dead moments in
between the different wings, giving you plenty of time to recover.
4.22 Mission 21 - A game of TAG
________________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    Test the TAG missile system
Destroy all Shivan fighters
Protect the WARSPITE
Protect the LUCIDITY
Secondary Objectives:  None
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTF Ulysses
Guns:      GTW-5a Prometheus (R) Cannon
GTW Subach HL-7
Missiles:  GTI TAG-A Missile
Possibilities:
Ships:     None
Guns:      None
Missiles:  None
Mission Overview
----------------
* TAG Cancer
* TAG Scorpio
* Destroy Leo
* Destroy Virgo
* Destroy Libra
At first you'll encounter some Basilisks. You can either tag them or destroy them, it
doesn't really matter, as long as they get destroyed. But, as expected, something goes
wrong: an (unexpected) wing of Shivan fighters jump in ... including bombers!
Once this happens, TAG as many different targets as possible ... once this is done, you
can
easily finish them off with your guns. Remember that the TAG-A is a dumbfire missile, so
try to get in close before you fire it. You'll notice that your target is tagged by the
yellow (instead of red) brackets around them. The tag will wear off after a few seconds.
Also keep in mind that the target should be within 3000m of the capital ship ... otherwise
it's useless.
Just make sure you intercept the bombers in time. Once they are gone, you'll surely be
able
to finish the mission without any further complications.
4.23 Mission 22 - Proving Grounds
__________________________________
Objectives
----------
Primary objectives:    Test the Pegasus stealth fighter
Secondary Objectives:  None
Ship and loadout
----------------
Default:
Ship:      GTF Perseus
Guns:      GTW ML-70 Morning Star
GTW Subach HL-7
Missiles:  GTM MX-6 Tempest Missile (2x)
Possibilities:
Ships:     GTF Hercules Mark II
GTF Myrmidon
Guns:      GTW-5a Prometheus (R) Cannon
GTW Akheton SDG
Missiles:  GTM-14 EMP Adv.
GTM-19 Harpoon
GTM-4 Hornet Swarm Missile
GTM-43a Stiletto II
GTM MX-64 Rockeye
Mission Overview
----------------
* Protect OBERON
* Destroy Virgo
* Destroy Taurus
* Protect AQUITAINE
* Destroy TIAMAT
* Destroy Cancer
* Destroy Pisces
* Destroy Libra
You'll have to test the stealth abilities of the Pegasus (unfortunately, you are not
allowed to fly it in this mission). They call in the Oberon, an old cruise, which you have
to defend. You'll notice that it's pretty hard to fly without a lock on your target. But
once you have visual contact, you won't lose track of the Pegasus easily. I think you have
to keep the Oberon for at least 20% healthy in order to protect it successfully. I really
don't see the point of this, because you can fire as much as you want (and hit the target
of course), the Pegasus will continue it's standard attack/retreat routines. It doesn't
matter one bit if you hit it or miss it. Don't waste your missiles on them!
Once the second part of the test is about to begin, a group of Shivan fighters (Mara) will
jump in ... time for some real action. A bit later the Taurus group will jump in. These
are
bombers, so intercept them and their bombs first! They pose a serious threat to the
Aquitaine. By the time you have taken them out a corvette will jump in (Tiamat) ...
destroy
it first! Target the beam turrets, so it doesn't inflict much damage to the Aquitaine.
Then
go for whichever weapon system you want ... I usually go for the flaks or missile
launchers
first, but tend to pick off a laser here and there as the opportunity arises. Remember
that
you have to keep close to the Tiamat in order to Get Cheats & Help from the Aquitaine.
Your sensors
allow the Aquitaine to open fire. Once the Tiamat is destroyed (or jumped out) take care
off the remaining fighters.