While Ninja Gaiden III is not really up to par with the rest of the series, at times it is still a serviceable action game. Also, at least one of you out there will be playing it at some point in your life, so an achievement/trophy guide is probably going to be requested by someone, and I haven’t seen any yet.

So, without further ado, read on for help on the game’s achievements/trophies.

Falcon Dive

Learn the Falcon Dive.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression at the start of the game. You cannot miss it.

Sliding

Learn how to slide.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression near the beginning of the game. You cannot miss it.

Kunai Climb

Learn the Kunai Climb.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression near the beginning of the game. You cannot miss it.

Wall Run

Learn the Wall Run.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression a short while through level 2. You cannot miss it.

Flying Bird Flip

Learn the Flying Bird Flip.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression near the middle of the game. You cannot miss it.

Rope Crossing

Learn how to cross a rope.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression near the middle of the game. You cannot miss it.

Izuna Drop

Learn the Izuna Drop.

This combo is done by pressing X, Y, X, X, X, Y (pop-up then three slashes, then grab). On PS3 this is Square, Triangle, Square, Square Square, Triangle. You can obtain this accomplishment in multiplayer or single player.

Ultimate Technique

Learn the Ultimate Technique.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression near the beginning of the game. You cannot miss it.

Steel on Bone

Cut down 100 enemies with Steel on Bone attacks.

This is done by using normal attacks and then mashing the attack button when the camera zooms in. You learn this technique in-game and you will most likely obtain this achievement in the game’s story. You can obtain this accomplishment in multiplayer or single player.

I Got Your Back

Play a Co-op Ninja Trial with a partner.

You need to utilize the online pass, as the game doesn’t have local coop. Simply complete any Ninja Trial in online coop mode to unlock this. You can play the easiest challenge possible, just try and do it as soon as possible before the community is gone.

Initiation

Play a Clan Battle.

You need to utilize the online pass to play online. Simply compete in Ninja Battle and finish the round, win or lose.

Teamwork

Win 10 team battles.

You need to utilize the online pass to play online. Win ten team matches to unlock this in Clan battle.

One Against the World

Win a battle royale match.

You need to utilize the online pass to play online. Once you do so, you have to wait until you get a match that turns into an FFA at the end – win this FFA. An easy way to get kills in FFA is to use the ninpo blast into a group, or utilize ghost killing (instructions are two achievements below).

Shady

Perform a betrayal.

This one can be both hard to get the opportunity for and achieve. Keep doing contracts in multiplayer until you get the betrayal contract. Once you do, you have to press (left analog stick click – L3 and attack at the same time) — aim at your teammate to switch to the other side. You will either unlock this achievement immediately or after the match is over.

Sneaky

Perform a ghost kill.

You need to utilize the online pass to play online. Eventually you will unlock the ghost kill ability online. To use this ability, slowly walk by moving the analog stick slightly, then press heavy attack when you’re near an enemy to execute them.

An Honorable Death

Perform harakiri.

You need to utilize the online pass to play online. You unlock this ability around level 25. When you’re near death, you can press “B” (Circle) to kill yourself, unlock the achievement/trophy, and deny a kill.

Snowfield

Play the Snowfield stage 10 times.

You need to utilize the online pass to play online. Simply play online on this level and complete the match ten times. Once you start paring down this and the other two level achievements, you can just quit/rejoin clan battles until you get the level you need.

Guardian of the Village

Play the Hidden Village stage 10 times.

You need to utilize the online pass to play online. Simply play online on this level and complete the match ten times. Once you start paring down this and the other two level achievements, you can just quit/rejoin clan battles until you get the level you need.

Observer

Play the Watchtower stage 10 times.

You need to utilize the online pass to play online. Simply play online on this level and complete the match ten times. Once you start paring down this and the other two level achievements, you can just quit/rejoin clan battles until you get the level you need.

The Spice of Life

Get 10 customization parts.

You need to utilize the online pass to play online. Simply play clan battles and you will unlock this in a very short amount of time — you may not even notice the unlock.

Walking Dictionary

Get 100 kanji.

You earn kanji through multiplayer and Ninja Trials. Play a combination of ninja trials and clan battles to earn kanji, and earn this achievement/trophy. Do well in clan battles to have a higher chance of unlocking kanji.

Inferno

Learned Ninpo.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression near the beginning of the game. You cannot miss it.

Steel on Steel – THROUGH - Mentor

Destroyed the Steel Spider – THROUGH - Cleared the game on Hard.

All of these secret achievements are unlocked through normal story progression. If you play your first playthrough on Hard, you will unlock the Hero and Normal achievements as well. During each level, one achievement is earned at the mid-way point, and one is unlocked at the end after a boss fight.

Master Ninja

Cleared the game on Master Ninja.

Beat the game on Master Ninja to unlock this achievement/trophy. In order to obtain Master Ninja difficulty, you must beat the game. Other than the DLC difficulty, this is the hardest mode in the game.

Initiate

Cleared 10 Acolyte Trials.

You do not need the online pass to unlock this, as you can do it solo. Clear the 10 total Acolyte Trials to unlock this. You can also do this through online coop, however, please note the final achievement on this list before you do so (if you clear a trial in coop before you do it solo, it will not count towards the final achievement).

Veteran

Cleared 10 Mentor Trials.

You do not need the online pass to unlock this, as you can do it solo. Clear the 10 total Mentor Trials to unlock this. You can also do this through online coop, however, please note the final achievement on this list before you do so (if you clear a trial in coop before you do it solo, it will not count towards the final achievement).

Prestige

Cleared 5 Leader Trials.

You do not need the online pass to unlock this, as you can do it solo. Clear the 10 total Leader Trials to unlock this. You can also do this through online coop, however, please note the final achievement on this list before you do so (if you clear a trial in coop before you do it solo, it will not count towards the final achievement).

Overlord

Cleared 5 Master Ninja Trials.

You do not need the online pass to unlock this, as you can do it solo. Clear the 10 total Master Ninja Trials to unlock this. You can also do this through online coop, however, please note the final achievement on this list before you do so (if you clear a trial in coop before you do it solo, it will not count towards the final achievement).

Ultimate Ninja

Cleared 3 Ultimate Ninja Trials.

You do not need the online pass to unlock this, as you can do it solo. Clear the 10 total Ultimate Ninja Trials to unlock this. You can also do this through online coop, however, please note the final achievement on this list before you do so (if you clear a trial in coop before you do it solo, it will not count towards the final achievement).

Master of the Katana

Raised the katana to level 10.

When Ninja Gaiden III was released, it only had the katana available — more weapons have shipped via DLC. Each weapon in Ninja Gaiden has a weapon level, outside of single player. Complete trials or clan battles to level up your weapon slowly but steadily. Clan battles level up the katana higher.

Hayabusa Style Grand Master

Reached level 50.

You can earn levels through solo play, trial coop play, or clan battles. This is simply a grind achievement and there is no way around it.

Lone Ninja

Cleared 10 Solo Ninja Trials.

Unlock this achievement by finishing ten ninja trials by yourself. This achievement is glitched at launch: if you clear a trial in coop before you do it solo, it will not count towards the final achievement). To avoid this issue, complete the ten easiest trials immediately.

DLC

Legendary Ninja

Clear the story on the Ultimate Ninja play style and Ultimate Ninja Trials 4 & 5.

This achievement/trophy is unlocked through normal story progression on the Highest DLC difficulty setting and the required trials. The difficulty is free DLC.

Bloodied Talons

Defeat 100 opponents in Clan Battles with the Metal Claws.

Unfortunately you must buy this DLC (Claws separate, or DLC Pack #1) to obtain this achievement/trophy. Simply equip the claws online, and grind multiplayer matches until you earn this achievement. You don’t have to earn them with any special parameters in mind — just grind it.

Grim Reaper

Defeat 100 opponents in Clan Battles with the Great Scythe.

Unfortunately you must buy this DLC  (Scythe separate, or DLC Pack #2) to obtain this achievement/trophy. Simply equip the scythe online, and grind multiplayer matches until you earn this achievement. Ghost killing works well for this. You don’t have to earn them with any special parameters in mind — just grind it.

Warrior

Clear all Ninja Trials included in Ninja Pack 1.

Unfortunately you must buy this DLC (Trials separate, or DLC Pack #1) to obtain this achievement/trophy. There are twenty trials in this pack, and they are as follows – Acolyte 11-15; Leader 6-10; Mentor 11-15; Master 6-10.

Sage

Clear all Ninja Trials included in Ninja Pack 2.

Unfortunately you must buy this DLC (Trials separate, or DLC Pack #2) to obtain this achievement/trophy.

For the next installment of my “Quick Tips” line, I bring you a Mass Effect 3 multiplayer guide, earned through my blood, sweat, and tears after earning a 100% Galactic Readiness Rating for the purposes of my review.

Even on Insanity, ME3‘s campaign is easy enough, but multiplayer, especially on the “Gold” rank setting, can get pretty tough. Read on to find out how to have an easier time raising your Galactic Readiness rating.

Basics

• Always try to queue up for a random arena and a random enemy – you’ll earn more experience and a high overall Galactic Readiness rating.
• That number in the red, next to the N7 logo, in a person’s playercard? That’s their overall level with all their characters combined. If you’re the type of player who only wants to play with experienced people, feel free to quit and come back to another game.
• You will need an online pass to access Galaxy at War and the multiplayer component. The percentages can be raised through multiplayer and two iOS apps. Galactic Readiness affects your ending in Mass Effect 3, and you can earn an achievement/trophy for obtaining 100% overall readiness.

Advanced Tips

• Save one rocket launcher special weapon (up on the d-pad) for Wave 11.  You will fight at least two of the “big” enemies (like Mechs and Banshees). If you can easily take at least one of these out, extraction will be fairly simple.
• The easiest way to level up characters is to keep buying the cheap 5,000 credit boxes after you have bought a few 20,000 or 60,000 boxes. All you really need from the higher level boxes is one good weapon to use for your class of choice. You’ll also have a high percentage chance to earn bulk XP for character classes you already  unlocked.
• You only really need to take one or two weapons with you on each mission, so you can use your abilities more often. As a Soldier, I usually only take a rifle and sniper rifle (mostly for Guardians or other select enemies).
• Infiltrators can cloak to revive allies and tag objectives while invisible. Make sure and utilize that.
• Nabbing objectives faster nets you more credits and bonuses. Simple as that. Don’t take five minutes grabbing the first objective. Run to the objective, bunker there, then move.
• You can grab enemies behind cover and one-hit-kill them. Simply hide, have the enemy approach the other side, then melee.
• If you’re a soldier, be sure and level up grenades quickly, as they are extremely effective. Memorize where ammo boxes are, and make sweeps around to all of them, refilling your grenades constantly as you use them.
• Don’t be afraid to use or equip your power-ups, especially if you’re buying the cheap 5,000 credit boxes. Winning a match and earning that much more credits is always worth it. Except for medi-gel, which I will get to next.
• On the topic of medi-gel, make sure you save your applications for when you’re the last player left, or when you’re near the end of your bleedout session. Also, saving one for Wave 11 works well, as you can waste time before extraction while bleeding out.
• Once you obtain level 20, you can “prestige” your character and promote them to your single player game to earn more war assets. You can do this as often as you want, but it does take some time to reach level 20.
• Multiplayer will always end at Wave 11, with an extraction mission. As long as one player is at the extraction point (the start of the level), everyone wins.

Cerberus Tactics

• Troopers – Cerberus is probably the second easiest enemy arrangement of the bunch. Their diversity attempts to be unique in that you’ll need a variety of tactics to defeat them, but once you get them down, you just rinse and repeat. Troopers are pretty standard fare as far as enemies go. Pretty much any standard tactic above will work on them, as they don’t do anything out of the ordinary.
• Centurions – these enemies are prone to shield damaging powers like Overload, and scopes that see through smoke work well against them when they drop their screens. Centurions can do a decent amount of damage if you let them, so focus fire as long as there aren’t any more high priority targets around.
• Nemesis – these sniper foes can get pretty troublesome as they turtle behind cover at a distance. Soldiers and Krogans can make short work of them, but any class in the game can bum rush them. Infiltrators can also cloak and melee them to death (or out-snipe them). Just be sure and take them out fast.
• Atlas Mechs – the Atlas is probably the easiest “big” enemy in the game. It’s extremely slow and cumbersome, and you can hear it coming from a mile away. Just duck into cover to avoid the missile and you’re good to go, while you’re shooting away at the canopy.
• Guardians – Guardians are another fairly easy enemy. You can use singularity to lift them off the ground and rid them of their shield, or you can simply snipe through the slot and kill them in one shot. Grenades and other high impact abilities will stagger them, allowing you a two second window to fire at their feet or head.
• Engineers – these guys need to be killed as soon as possible. Their job is to build high damage turrets around the map. At first glance this seems useless, as the turrets are stationary, but they are extremely dangerous and can kill you in a few seconds – they can also very easily catch any of your teammates off-guard if they come around a corner.
• Phantoms – these enemies can be stopped through energy drain or overload, which allows you to take off their barrier. Phantoms are the highest priority target that Cerberus has, so make sure everyone is focusing fire. As long as you cooperate in taking them down, and maintain some distance, Phantoms will go down pretty easily. If you let them roam around with their cloaking ability, they will systematically kill all of your team one by one (like the Banshee).

Geth Tactics

• Troops – In my opinion, the Geth are by far the easiest enemy in the game – consider yourself lucky if you randomize a Geth map. To add insult to injury, Disruptor Ammunition will work on all Geth, as will Overload and Sabotage.
• Hunters – Geth Hunters can get the jump on you if you’re not careful, but they need 2-3 shots to kill you, and the AI isn’t aggressive enough to go all out most of the time. When you see a Hunter, try to stun it in any way possible (including grenades or melee) – as long as you disable it before it shotguns you, it will die very quickly. Just keep an eye out when playing against Geth for cloaked Hunters and you will be fine.
• Rocket Troopers – Rocket Troopers, like Nemesis enemies on the Cerberus front, can be deadly if you don’t stay in cover. The solution? Stay in cover when you see them in waves. They die extremely quickly, and can be sniped or shotgunned around a corner before they rocket you. Just imagine them as snipers with slow moving projectiles – the splash damage of their rockets isn’t large enough to be scared of them.
• Pyros – Pyros are probably the most dangerous unit the Geth have – they can surprise you and kill you in a few seconds. Cloaking isn’t particularly effective against Pyros, as they’ll usually just flame you out anyways. The best strategy is to of course stay far away and blast them from a distance, but you can also shoot their tanks to make short work of them. When you’re playing Geth, just keep an eye out for Pyros on the map and be aware of their locations while moving around – you don’t want to get cornered by a Pyro.
• Geth Primes – Primes will deploy turrets and drones in addition to launching some heavy firepower your way – thankfully they have the least amount of health compared to the “big” units of other enemy armies. When a Prime enters the fray, just focus fire on it – you can even kill a Prime by yourself if you use a few abilities (which you should do if possible). You can also shoot their missiles to render them even more ineffective.  As long as you’re paying attention while playing the Geth, every enemy is easily countered.

Reaper Tactics

• Husks – in my opinion, the Reapers are by far the hardest enemy in multiplayer. Husks, however, are extremely easy to deal with. Gun them down while they’re running at you, and be prepared to mash the melee button if they grab you. You can also “save” coop partners from their grabs.
• Cannibals – Cannibals are the standard ranged troops of the Reaper army. You can shoot them in their heads to kill them quickly, but otherwise you can just take them out in any standard fashion. Don’t underestimate them however, as a group of them can gang up on you after a large firefight – especially if they’re buffed by Marauders.
• Marauders – these enemies aren’t dangerous on their own, but they make other units dangerous through their blood bond buff. Gun down Marauders as soon as possible, and use abilities like Overload to take down their shield. These units can also be easily sniped in the head.
• Brutes – Brutes are not particularly difficult enemies on their own in earlier waves, but when you get to later waves, they can be extremely dangerous due to their aggressive nature. Make these your top priority if your group is pinned down in an area, as Brutes will run in and directly ruin your day as the rest of the enemy army slowly makes their way into your foxhole. Brutes can be shot from behind as they aggro on another one of your partners, and blowing all your big-time abilities is a good idea against these units.
• Banshees – Banshees will “aggro” on one unit at a time – use this to your advantage. Make sure that you’re always aware of the Banshee’s location (listen to the screams), so that you’re not instant killed (if a Banshee grabs you, you cannot be revived). Salarian Engineers have decoy, which works well against them. Banshees are probably the most destructive unit in the game, as they can also throw projectiles. Make sure the whole group focuses fire on these units.
• Ravagers – Ravagers are one of the most destructive enemies in multiplayer. If you’re not paying attention, they can take you down from a distance almost instantly. They also have a tough carapace, and send out spider drones to boot.  The easiest way to take them down is to circle strafe them with a melee class (shotguns and Krogans work well).When they die, avoid the green acid where their carcass is and be aware of the spider drones they spawn.

After looking everywhere, I couldn’t find a complete achievement guide for Mass Effect 3 – so I decided to make one.

Mass Effect 3 has some pretty cryptic achievements. Nearly every achievement can be obtained through single player, but some can be unlocked in tandem with multiplayer play. Read on to figure out how to earn that Platinum/1000GS.

* = Missable, before the end of a normal campaign playthrough

[There are minor spoilers here, but I attempt to keep them light]

Driven

Return to Active Duty.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression. You cannot miss it.

Bringer of War

Chase down an assassin.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression. You cannot miss it.

Mobilizer

Bring a veteran officer aboard.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression. You cannot miss it.

World Shaker

Destroy an Atlas dropped from orbit.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression. You cannot miss it.

Pathfinder

Explore a lost city.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression. You cannot miss it.

Tunnel Rat *

Survive the swarm.

This achievement is unlocked through the special optional mission Attican Traverse: Krogen Team. You will obtain this mission through Wreav after the first mission involving the Genophage.

Party Crasher

Sabotage a dreadnought.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression. You cannot miss it.

Hard Target

Call down an orbital strike.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression. You cannot miss it.

Saboteur

Disable a group of fighter squadrons.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression. You cannot miss it.

Arbiter

Win a political stand-off.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression. You cannot miss it.

Last Witness

Extract ancient technology.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression. You cannot miss it.

Executioner

Defeat an old adversary.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression. You cannot miss it.

Well Connected

Send a warning across the galaxy.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression. You cannot miss it.

Fact Finder *

Discover an enemy’s monstrous origin.

This achievement is unlocked through the optional Kallini: Ardat-Yakshi Monastery mission. You should obtain this mission from Liara after the incident with Cerberus at the Citadel.

Liberator *

Stop a Cerberus kidnapping.

This achievement is unlocked through the optional Grissom Academy: Emergency Evacuation mission. You should obtain this mission through talking to the officer next to the Galaxy Map.

Problem Solver *

Evacuate a scientific facility.

This achievement is unlocked through the optional mission Ex-Scientists. You should obtain this mission through talking to the officer next to the Galaxy Map.

Patriot

Make the final assault.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression. You cannot miss it.

Legend

Mission accomplished.

This achievement is unlocked through normal story progression after you complete the game, with any ending.

Shopaholic

Visit a store in the single-player campaign.

The easiest way to do this is on the Normandy itself. Go to the 3rd or 5th floor and access the medical bay or weapon bay systems.

Master and Commander

Deliver most of the Galaxy at War assets to the final conflict.

This achievement requires you to complete the Galaxy at War mini-game within Mass Effect 3 to basically raise your War assets to 4000 or above. Finishing story missions and/or multiplayer can affect Galaxy at War, which affects your war asset value in single player.  You need to basically get all your planetary percentages to 100% (or a high percentage, and do lots of single player missions)- to do this, play random maps constantly to raise percentages on every sector.  Once you hit 4,000 or above (check this value in the War Room in SP), assault the Cerberus base, and the achievement will pop.

Lost and Found

Dispatch 10 probes to retrieve people or resources in Reaper territory.

Once you reach the Galaxy Map, enter a Reaper system (the Reaper is sitting on top of the circle). Fly around and spam LT (or L2) to locate a hidden resource – scan the planet and obtain the resource – do this ten times.

Long Service Medal

Complete Mass Effect 3 twice, or once with a Mass Effect 2 import.

Self explanatory. You need a completed Mass Effect 2 file to import your game into 3. Additionally, Bioware is reporting there are issues with cloud saves for importing – avoid cloud saving for Mass Effect.

Insanity

Finish the game on Insanity without changing difficulty after leaving Earth.

Earth is the beginning of the game, and a tutorial of sorts. It lasts around 10-15 minutes. Change your difficulty in the start menu to Insanity just to be sure, before you board the ship to leave Earth.

A Personal Touch

Modify a weapon.

Simply get any weapon mod item and equip your weapon with it at any weapon table (level 5 of the Normandy), or before any mission.

Paramour *

Establish or rekindle a romantic relationship.

Simply fraternize with any crew member you wish on a consistent basis (in between every mission go to their room). Main crew members that have romance options enabled are Liara, Ashley, Tali, Kaidan, and Cortez (male to male only). The easiest way to do this as a male is to keep going to Normandy level 5 (cargo bay), and talk to Cortez.

Combined Arms

Perform any combination of 50 biotic combos or tech bursts.

This is only difficult for the Soldier class. Simply use any combination of biotic or tech abilities that freeze or cc the enemy (Singularity works best) – then use another ability while they’re cced. You can combo this with your squad mates a la Mass Effect 2.

Focused

Evolve any of your powers to rank 6.

When you level up you will have the opportunity to upgrade your skills. Save your points and upgrade any skill you want to the max level of six.

Recruit

Kill 250 enemies.

You can earn this through all playthroughs and/or multiplayer. You will earn this in one playthrough.

Soldier

Kill 1,000 enemies.

You can earn this through all playthroughs and/or multiplayer. You will earn this in two playthroughs or one playthrough and multiplayer.

Veteran

Kill 5,000 enemies.

You can earn this through all playthroughs and/or multiplayer. This one takes a while – multiplayer grinding is the easiest way.

Bruiser

Kill 100 enemies with melee attacks.

Simply melee enemies to death 100 times. You can use a heavy or normal melee attack. Melee every Husk you see for an easy achievement.

Untouchable

Escape a Reaper in the galaxy map.

Simply enter any Reaper owned part of the Galaxy Map (any circle where a Reaper appears). Spam LT or L2 – Reapers will appear. Fly away outside of the circle or to a Mass Effect relay to pop this easy achievement.

Defender

Attain the highest level of readiness in each theater of war.

This achievement requires you to complete the Galaxy at War mini-game within Mass Effect 3 to 100% for all sectors. Keep in mind the only way to access Galaxy at War is to redeem an online pass, and play multiplayer games until you get 100%. Every 12 hours, your readiness will lower by 2%, so it’s best to grind this achievement when you have a lot of free time.

Overload Specialist

Overload the shields of 100 enemies.

Use overload on 100 enemies in any mode. If you don’t have this ability in Single Player, you can play a class that has it in multiplayer.

Sky High

Lift 100 enemies off the ground with powers.

Throw, Pull, and Singularity both work in this case. If you don’t have this ability in Single Player, you can play a class that has it in multiplayer.

Pyromaniac

Set 100 enemies on fire with powers.

The easiest way to do this is with a Soldier with Inferno Ammo. Just gun down 100 enemies with the ammo. You can also use incinerate.

Eye of the Hurricane

Kill a brute while it’s charging you.

Brutes are the giant hulking enemies, of which you’ll probably find 50 of in one playthrough. Simply have your squad mates hold behind a wall, get the Brute down to almost no health, wait for it to charge, then unload on it. You can also earn this in multiplayer.

Mail Slot

Kill 10 guardians with headshots from the front while their shields are raised.

Guardians are the Cerberus enemies with giant shields. The best way to get this achievement is to use a Sniper Rifle and a Soldier’s  Adrenaline Rush ability to slow time – aim through the slot in the shield at their head. You can earn this in multiplayer.

Hijacker

Hijack an Atlas mech.

Shoot at the Atlas’ cockpit. When it shatters, you can kill the driver with a pinpoint shot (best with a sniper rifle to the head) – walk up and press A or X on the Atlas.

Giant Killer

Defeat a harvester.

You will fight Harvesters in the single player campaign (around ten of them) – they look like blue dragons. Simply kill one to earn this achievement – they’re not too difficult.

Enlisted

Start a character in multiplayer or customize a character in single-player.

Self explanatory. If you use your online pass, you can make a character of any class. By “customize” a single player character, they mean make a new Shepard without the default look. Wait for the intro to end and this achievement will pop as you gain control of Shepard.

Tour of Duty

Finish all multiplayer maps or all N7 missions in single-player.

To complete this achievement you can grind multiplayer or simply choose specific missions to complete. You must beat the mission (even on bronze) to pop this. Additionally you can complete N7 Missions in single player, which are obtained through the officer next to the Galaxy Map, or your personal terminal.

Always Prepared

Obtain two non-customizable suits of armor.

To earn this achievement, simply buy armor sets – the easiest way to buy them are through Citadel terminals (the hospital specifically), or level five of the Normandy.

Tourist

Complete one multiplayer match or two N7 missions.

You must beat the mission (even on bronze) to pop this. Additionally you can complete N7 Missions in single player, which are obtained through the officer next to the Galaxy Map, or your personal terminal.

Explorer

Complete three multiplayer matches or five N7 missions.

You must beat the mission (even on bronze) to pop this. Additionally you can complete N7 Missions in single player, which are obtained through the officer next to the Galaxy Map, or your personal terminal.

Gunsmith

Upgrade any weapon to level 10.

There is more to this achievement/trophy than meets the eye. In one playthrough of the game, you can only upgrade weapons to level five. Once you enter New Game+ and import a ME3 character, you can upgrade them further.

Almost There

Reach level 15 in multiplayer or level 50 in single-player.

Keep playing multiplayer or single player to unlock this. The easiest way to earn experience is to queue random maps and random enemies for an XP bonus. Alternatively, you can import your Mass Effect 2 character to start at level ~30. Otherwise, this will require two playthroughs.

Peak Condition

Reach level 20 in multiplayer or level 60 in single-player.

Keep playing multiplayer or single player to unlock this. The easiest way to earn experience is to queue random maps and random enemies for an XP bonus. Alternatively, you can import your Mass Effect 2 character to start at level ~30. Otherwise, this will require two playthroughs.

Battle Scarred

Promote a multiplayer character to the Galaxy at War or import an ME3 character.

Finish multiplayer (level 20) and “prestige”, or simply beat Mass Effect 3, select the New Game option from the main menu, and select “Import ME3 character” (this is New Game+).

Unwavering

Finish all multiplayer maps on Gold or all single-player missions on Insanity.

Purposefully set all multiplayer missions to Gold and complete them. Or, complete every mission in the game on Insanity in single player. It’s best to write down which maps you’ve done.

DLC

Freedom Fighter *

Find all required intel to help Eden Prime’s colonists.

You need to find the three required pieces of intel in this DLC to pop this achievement. One is in the trailer marked “5″ near the start. One is across from the trailer marked “2″, after you find the coffin, lower in the map. The other is in a trailer in the third and final part of the map.

Prothean Expert

Learn more about the Prothean Empire.

This achievement is earned automatically through completing the DLC.

[Achievements that require no explanation will be branded as such]

A lot of people out there have been having issues obtaining a number of SoulCalibur V’s cryptic achievements, so I decided to share some tips.

There are a number of unlocks that can be obtained simply through completing the game’s single player modes and ranking up online, but a number of them are unlocked through in-game options and through your combat prowess — as well as your general knowledge of SoulCalibur V’s new mechanics.

Hit the jump to figure out how to get every achievement or trophy — if you’re new to the game, you might learn a few things too.

History Repeats

Battle in SOULCALIBUR V for the first time (excluding training and VS battle).

(Self Explanatory)

A Soul Coalesces

Edit a player license.

The easiest way to obtain this is to quickly create a character, then press Start on the main menu and change your license portrait to that character.

Beginning of Destiny

Register 3 rivals.

Every time you play someone online you have a chance to register them as a rival. After completing a match, win or lose, you can register them immediately into one of three slots.

Proof of a Fighter

Win consecutive matches on Xbox LIVE/PSN

Win two matches on Xbox Live/PSN in a row

Mercenary of War

Fight 30 times on Xbox LIVE/PSN

Simply compete in 30 matches on Xbox Live/PSN

Strategist of War

Fight 75 times on Xbox LIVE/PSN

Simply compete in 75 matches on Xbox Live/PSN

Hero Carved in History

Fight 100 times on Xbox LIVE/PSN

Simply complete 100 matches on Xbox Live/PSN

Carry Out Your Beliefs

Win 5 times in one style on Xbox LIVE/PSN

Use one character (or one created character) and win five times. “Style” = character.

Courageous Warrior

Win 20 times on Xbox LIVE/PSN

Simply win 20 times on Xbox Live/PSN

Conqueror of the Arena

Win 50 times on Xbox LIVE/PSN

Simply win 50 times on Xbox Live/PSN

Synchronize DNA

Use Ezio in a player match.

Use Ezio one time in a non-ranked online match

Awakened to Violence

Reach E4 rank in ranked match.

Play enough ranked games to get to rank E4.

Reason to Fight For

Reach E1 rank in ranked match.

Play enough ranked games to get Rank E1.

First Step of a Legend

Reach D1 rank in ranked match.

Play enough ranked games to get Rank D1.

Sings Own Praise

Upload a replay of your win.

This one is tricky. Right after a match, upload a video. Then, go to “replay” in the online play menu (not your player card). Go to the Battle Log section and save one of the uploads. Then, go to the “My Battles” section to complete the requirement.

Notes on Rivals

Play back another player’s replay.

The easiest way to do this is register a rival, press Start and view their player card, then view a replay.

Path to Glory

Quick Battle: defeat 50 warriors.

You must defeat 50 CPUs in the Quick Battle Single player mode. If you’ve already beaten a CPU it will display their name in white. If you haven’t, it will be green. Note that you can sort/flip the quick battle menu with the option at the bottom of the screen. The easiest way to gauge this is to view your “titles earned”, not “wins”.

Road to the Duel

Quick Battle: defeat 150 warriors.

You must defeat 150 CPUs in the Quick Battle Single player mode. If you’ve already beaten a CPU it will display their name in white. If you haven’t, it will be green. Note that you can sort/flip the quick battle menu with the option at the bottom of the screen. The easiest way to gauge this is to view your “titles earned”, not “wins”.

Sudden Temptation

Quick Battle: defeat all warriors.

Quick Battle has 240 total warriors. You must defeat all of them. This is easily the hardest achievement in the game. The easiest way to gauge this is to view your “titles earned”, not “wins”.

Perfect Trainee

Arcade: clear Asia route.

Go to the single player Arcade section. Select the Asia route. You can set this to easy, or if you choose hard, you can get two achievements in one (War Veteran).

Purge of the Holy

Story: clear episode 1.

Self Explanatory – story mode progress. By skipping cutscenes you can complete the story in 30 minutes.

Shields Come Together

Story: clear episode 8.

Self Explanatory – story mode progress. By skipping cutscenes you can complete the story in 30 minutes.

Resurrection of Order

Story: clear episode 16.

Self Explanatory – story mode progress. By skipping cutscenes you can complete the story in 30 minutes.

Home is Faraway

Story: clear final episode.

Self Explanatory – story mode progress. By skipping cutscenes you can complete the story in 30 minutes.

War Veteran

Arcade: clear any route with difficulty set on hard.

Choose any Arcade Mode path and beat it on Hard. All paths offer similar difficult levels.

Mask Another’s Memory

Arcade: clear a leaderboard route with a record better than your rival.

To make this easier on yourself, register all 3 rivals. Go to the Arcade section and select “Leaderboard route”. If your rivals have times, simply beat them to unlock this. If your rivals do not have times, register new ones online — the more rivals that have times, the better. Nightmare and Mitsurugi are particular good CPU bashers.

Usurped True Name

Quick Battle: win against 10 players with titles and use the obtained title on the player license.

Earn this in Quick Battle. After 10 wins, simply switch your title to the last CPU you beat (pay attention to their title). If you go over 10, you can simply switch to the next CPU you defeat’s title.

Pursuit of Obsession 

Quick Battle: defeat Harada TEKKEN.

To find Harada TEKKEN easily, switch the criteria for quick battle search to “Advanced”, “Japan”. Cycle through the list until you find him. He’s fairly hard to beat as he uses cheap tactics. I found Ezio’s crossbow attacks or Yoshimitsu’s spins to be the easiest way to defeat him, as well as constantly attacking low with most characters.

No-hitter 

Ranked Match: win 10 times with Ezio.

Simply win 10 times as Ezio ranked online. Do this sooner than later unless you plan on learning Ezio, because by the time you rank up, everyone else will be more skilled than you.

Skills for Duels 

Legendary Souls: win with brave edge.

After you beat the story, Legendary Souls mode will unlock. It is a boss rush mode. To obtain the achievement, win a match with a brave edge attack (these vary from character to character).

Passionate Artist 

Creation: create a character with full-on coordination (used everything except for height).

Create a throwaway character with every single equipment slot filled. Hats, armor, stickers; everything. To be sure you get it, fill your portrait up entirely and take a snapshot, then save the character. Your creation will look ridiculous, but at least you’ll unlock the requirement.

Colorful Illusion 

Creation: take a thumbnail by manually setting a decoration frame and background.

After creating a character to go the snapshot menu option. Create a full background and both frame options. Take a picture.

Fetal Soul

Player level reaches 5.

“Player Level” is earned through doing everything in the game — not just online ranked play. You can earn points by playing every mode.

Throbbing Soul

Player level reaches 50.

“Player Level” is earned through doing everything in the game — not just online ranked play. You can earn points by playing every mode.

Soul Fulfilled 

Player level reaches maximum.

“Player Level” is earned through doing everything in the game — not just online ranked play. You can earn points by playing every mode.

Stalwart Barbarian 

Perform a wall hit 50 times.

When you knock a player into a wall, whether it’s destructible or not, it’s considered a wall hit. You cannot “cheat” this achievement/trophy by doing it in Versus against a dummy player, but you can boost this in online player matches with a friend.

Adored by Heaven 

Perform 20 grapple breaks.

Press L2 or LT right as a player is going to grab you to break it. Eventually you will easily earn this achievement even by accident. You cannot “cheat” this achievement/trophy by doing it in Versus against a dummy player, but you can boost this in online player matches with a friend.

Like a Flowing Stream 

Successfully perform a just guard 5 times.

Press Guard the moment a player attacks and quickly release it to perform a Just Guard. You cannot “cheat” this achievement/trophy by doing it in Versus against a dummy player, but you can boost this in online player matches with a friend.

Momentary Pleasure 

Successfully perform an impact 100 times.

Impacts have been changed in Soul Calibur V — they are basically obsolete in SCV given how good Just Guarding is. But for the purposes of this achievement, press back or forward, and (A x B x G).

Black Sword of Death 

K.O. with critical edge 30 times.

Simply finish an enemy with a critical edge (super, in other games) 30 times. Press DF, DF A+B+K to execute it with all characters when the enemy has low health.

Hands of the Abyss 

Win by ring out 50 times.

Self Explanatory. You cannot “cheat” this achievement/trophy by doing it in Versus against a dummy player, but you can boost this in online player matches with a friend.

Parrier of Swords

Perfect win 50 times.

Win without taking a hit 50 times. You cannot “cheat” this achievement/trophy by doing it in Versus against a dummy player, but you can boost this in online player matches with a friend.

Wind of Battle 

Reach over 87,600 m in total movement distance in battle.

Self Explanatory. This one could take you a while.  You cannot “cheat” this achievement/trophy by doing it in Versus against a dummy player, but you can boost this in online player matches with a friend.

Alluring Kaleidoscope 

Land a brave edge 100 times.

A Brave Edge differs from character to character, but is executed after certain moves with (A+B+K). Look up your character’s movesets to figure out each Brave Edge. You cannot “cheat” this achievement/trophy by doing it in Versus against a dummy player, but you can boost this in online player matches with a friend.

Gale Forces 

K.O. the opponent 25 times with an attack after a quick move.

Press Up or Down twice to quickly move, then press an attack — KO an enemy 25 times with this ability. You cannot “cheat” this achievement/trophy by doing it in Versus against a dummy player, but you can boost this in online player matches with a friend.

Never Ending Effort 

Land an attack 20,000 times.

Self Explanatory. You cannot “cheat” this achievement/trophy by doing it in Versus against a dummy player, but you can boost this in online player matches with a friend.

Footprints of Soldiers 

Defeat 100 male characters.

Self Explanatory. You cannot “cheat” this achievement/trophy by doing it in Versus against a dummy player, but you can boost this in online player matches with a friend. This is probably easiest attained with defeating all 240 characters in Quick Mode.

Give in to Temptation 

Defeat 100 female characters.

Self Explanatory. You cannot “cheat” this achievement/trophy by doing it in Versus against a dummy player, but you can boost this in online player matches with a friend. This is probably easiest attained with defeating all 240 characters in Quick Mode.

Fancy of a Mad King 

Guard burst 30 times.

When your Life Gauge changes to red, you are suseptible to a guard burst, which means your guard will be broken and you will be stunned for a few seasons. Against turtling opponents, don’t let up when their meter is yellow, and break their guard 30 times to earn this achievement.  You cannot “cheat” this achievement/trophy by doing it in Versus against a dummy player, but you can boost this in online player matches with a friend.

Lively Pub 

Change the BGM in options.

Go to the options menu, and change any stage’s default background music. You can earn this faster than any achievement/trophy in the game.

Well as you can probably tell there was a positive reaction to my first L4D2 scavenge guide, so I figured I better make good on my promise and get going on Part II. If you happened to miss out on Part 1 of my guide, click here.

While my last guide focused on helpful, general tips for beginners, this guide will go slightly more in depth with map specific strategies for three of the most popular maps (Dead Center, Dark Carnival, and The Parish) and more advanced tips and tricks. Like the previous guide, I’ve split this one into three sections: Survivor tips, Infected tips, and map guides.

Survivor Tips

Deny Spawns:

As you probably know, the Infected team cannot spawn when in direct sight of a survivor. Why not take advantage of this and deny prime areas for the Infected team to spawn? Basically, you want to keep common spawn sites in view, so that the Infected team has less freedom to spawn in and attack. An example of a good spot to do this comes from the Dark Carnival level.

If you sit on the white fence that borders the swimming pool, you deny most of the obvious spawn points (top of gas station, various motel rooms, behind the cars in the parking lot). Be careful though, you don’t want to separate yourself from your team just to deny a spawn. There is always going to be a spot the Infected can find; you just want to make them waste time finding it.

Know where your gun is:

Everyone who plays shooters has a favorite gun that they are most comfortable with. In Left 4 Dead 2, mine happens to be the AK-47. In Scavenge mode you are not given all the weapons right off the bat. Instead you are given a few choices, with the rest scattered across the map. Try and remember where your favorite gun spawns on each map.

Then try and work it into your gas can finding path, preferably as early in the round as possible. For example, I know that in Dead Center the AK-47 spawns on the bottom floor by the two cans. The first thing I do is to tell my teammates that I’m going for those two cans and that I’ll need some cover. If all goes according to plan, I’ll have my AK-47 and two gas cans before the Infected team has a chance to strike.

The same principle goes for melee weapons, throwing weapons, and healing items.

Master Melee:

In Left 4 Dead 2, melee weapons play a major role. Nothing clears common infected like a few swipes from a machete. As I’m sure you’ve found out by now, each melee weapon has two variables: reach and speed. If you can find the right rhythm with a melee weapon, common infected will never touch you.

I suggest you pick a common melee weapon, (other than the katana, everyone goes for the katana) like the fire ax or cricket bat, and work on finding the right rhythm. Once you got this down, common infected will never slow you down again.

Think clear instead of kill:

In Scavenge mode each second counts. Nothing slows a team down like shooting all the common infected before filling up the generator. Instead, you just want to help keep the guy(s) with the can(s) clear of common infected with melee weapons. This will cut down on friendly fire, unnecessary reloads, and accidental can explosions.

Infected Tips

Work with a Spitter:

If you are an incap Special Infected (Charger, Smoker, Hunter, jockey) try to hang out with the Spitter. This way you can force a survivor who is carrying a gas can to drop it. While you are distracting the survivor, the Spitter can cover the can with goo causing it to explode, and hopefully do some extra damage to the guy you have incapacitated.

High Pounces:

One interesting thing about the Hunter is that he does more damage the higher he pounces from, dealing a max of 25 damage instantaneously. This makes the Hunter great at picking off already weakened survivors. The only issue is that it takes a little practice to get used to, but it’s a must have skill for any Special Infected player.

Learn death pulls:

There are certain areas where a smoker can pull a survivor that when the he is freed, he will fall to his death, or at the very least, incapacitate him. These pulls are often in very open spots, which allows the survivors to get off a few shots before you drag him to his doom, so timing is critical. I’ve listed a few of these spots in the Map Guide section. The rest you are going to have to find on your own.

Death Charges:

Much like death pulls, a death charge is where you (playing as a charger) run a survivor off a cliff (or some other high area) causing an instant incapacitation or death. I’ve included a few of these in the map guide section, as for the rest, you’ll have to find them on your own.

Death Ride:

Pretty much the same thing as a death charge, except with a Jockey. Again, I’ve listed a few spots in the Map Guide section.

Map Guide

Dark Carnival

Survivor tips

Sit on the Fence:

The white fence that surrounds the pool where the Survivors spawn is a great place to deny spawns. Hop on up there with a scoped rife and provide cover while the rest of the team is hunting for cans. If you get into trouble, the rest of your crew shouldn’t have a problem with picking off the Special Infected from a distance.

Start with the far cans:

I always try to start this map by going for the far cans. Sure it’s where you are most likely to get attacked, but it also has a huge pay off. In one trip you’ll be pulling in 4 cans, which should provide you with plenty of time to scour the rest of the motel. Typically, when going for these four cans, I’ll send two to the far ones by the truck, one on the highway overpass, and one providing cover from the road. This way of organizing helps cut down on common spawns for the Special Infected.

Special Infected Tips

Stack the far cans:

If all four of the Special Infected spawn by the two furthest cans by the truck, you have a good chance at doing some real damage. Wait until they pickup the can before striking. Once they have them, lead in with two incap infected (preferably a Smoker and Hunter). This will cause them to drop the cans, allowing the Spitter to cover them with goo. The last of the four infected should try and distract the other two survivors so that maximum damage can be achieved.

Billboard Pull down:

A great way to deal extra damage to the survivors is to Smoker pull them by the billboard. If you can, try to pull them up the ladder, so that when they are freed, they have a long way down. If they manage to get up before you can spawn, do your best to pull them down from there. This will cause some confusion, and if the survivors aren’t paying attention, separation.

Spit from the motel rooms:

There are plenty of hiding spots in the motel rooms. As a Spitter, try and camp in one of these rooms, so that you have a clear shot to the generator. Now you can help delay the Survivors when they are filling the generator.

Dead Center

Survivor Tips

Camp the information kiosk:

Generally the 2 – 2 split works pretty well on Dead Center. The best place for the two fillers to wait is in the information kiosk right were the Survivors spawn. There are only two entrances, which helps funnel the common infected into two lines. Also, because it is surrounded by half-walls, if one of you gets Smoked, Charged or Jockeyed, there is little chance for separation.

Work your way up:

When playing Dead Center, I always start from the bottom and work my way up. This way you are not wasting time backtracking or scrambling for cans. Also, your teammates in charge of filling will have a general idea of where you’ll be in case you need cover.

Don’t rush your cans:

One common mistake I often see when playing Dead Center is that the Survivors are too eager to throw cans down to the car. Toss them one at a time, making sure your fillers are getting the job done before you throw another. Too often do I see a pile of cans right next to the car waiting for a Spitter to make them explode.

Infected Tips

Boomer Bomb:

I mentioned this in the last guide, but it deserves repeating. Start the round off by Boomer bombing the survivors from the top floor. It takes a little practice, but it’s worth it. The amount of confusion you’ll create will allow the rest of your team to do some significant damage. Also, the swarm of common infected will help slow down the survivors, preventing them from getting the three easy cans on the first floor.

Death Charge:

When the Survivors are on the second of third floor, try and charge them off the walkways. Depending on several factors (angle of charge, height off the ground, obstacles in the way) the charge can result in two outcomes, if done correctly. One of which is you’ll end up charging them off the walkway and continue charging until you hit a wall on the bottom floor.

This will have the unfortunate survivor separated and taking a crap load of damage. The other is you’ll charge them off, they will take fall damage, and ultimately die. The best part about this strategy is that it exploits the Charger stun. When a Charger grabs a survivor, any other survivors around them are knocked back. On the thin walkways, it is real easy for the Charger knock back to push survivors off the ledge, forcing an incapacitation.

Death Ride:

While not as effective as a death charge, a good death ride from a Jockey can force a player off a ledge, resulting in an instant incapacitation. Sure they may have another player to pull them up, but that’s what you have teammates for.

Death Pull:

I found that the best death pulls happen when the survivors are on the second floor. Because the walkways are staggered (the third floor is slight askew from the second) Smokers have a clear shot from the third floor to the second. If done properly, a Smoker can pull a Survivor off of the second floor walkway resulting in an instant incapacitation or a dangling survivor, who will die from the fall if he is freed.

The Parish

Survivor Tips

Stick together:

Because of the map design (the hedge maze around the generator) the Survivor team should not split up. There is no way for the fillers to cover the survivors who are hunting for cans, so don’t even bother with it. Just stick together and you’ll stand a better chance.

Close to Far:

From my observations, it is very rare for a Survivor team to clear all the cans on this map.  There are just too many choke points where a good charge or pull can create separation. Instead of worrying about clearing all the cans, just try to get as many as you can into the generator. The best way to do this is to get the cans in order of distance. Start with the closest cans and work your way out.

Stick to open areas:

This map in particular has very few decent spots for the Infected to spawn at. The ones that are good tend to be in tight areas, like the walkways of the hedge maze. Don’t give the Infected a chance to use these. Stay out in the open so you force them to come to you. Sure you’re going to have to go though these tight spots eventually, but the fewer times you do it, the fewer chances the Infected will have.

Infected Tips

Use the hedge maze:

The Infected have a distinct advantage over the survivors because they are able to climb up and down certain parts of the hedge maze. A good Spitter player will be able to climb up the wall, cover the generator in goo slowing down the Survivors, and then get back down before the survivors have a chance to shoot. Jockeys can also utilize this as a good way to get close to the Survivors as they go though the tight corridors of the hedge maze.

Use choke points:

There are several good choke points on this map, where the Survivors are forced into a tight corridor, limiting their ability to cover one another. An example of one of these choke points is the alley by the highway. A good infected team can set up so that a Charger charges the first Survivor out of the alleyway. A smoker or Jockey can grab the second one out. A good Boomer or Spitter can create some separation by distracting the other Survivors while the Charger and Jockey/Smoker wail on the others.

Well, that’s all for Part II of my Left 4 Dead 2 Scavenge Guide. Hopefully you guys found something useful in here. If you have any other tips or tricks, let us know about them by leaving a comment below.

In a game that essentially has no ending, one of the most sought after achievements in Left 4 Dead 2 is finishing each of the five levels on expert (Still Something to Prove).  While it’s a notable and reasonable accomplishment, achieving that goal is no easy task.

So if you’re tired of dying to the hordes of zombies, tanks nailing you with perfect accuracy, killing Jockeys and Hunters feels like you’re shooting air, and being shot by teammates boils your blood, then read on for a complete guide to getting through one of the most difficult modern day gaming experiences.  Don’t worry baby, Gamer Limit is going to make it all better.

Before I begin dishing out all my secrets to you, you need to realize that if you want to finish each of the campaigns on expert, it means taking advantage of everything you come across.  “Survive all campaigns on Expert” does not mean seeing the sites and trying everything out.  It means, if you want to survive, you need to be like a river and find the path of least resistance.

Group Selection / Your Individual Performance

Since not all of us have the advantage of having three of our best friends with microphones and a local connection available at all times, this guide assumes you’re like me: playing with random people and playing with crappy latency.

What you do have control over is yourself.  How you perform and your attempts to communicate will highly dictate your success.  When you play with random teammates, don’t assume they’re all experts.  More than likely they aren’t.  What you need to do is make attempts at communicating with them, and don’t be the one to physically lead the group.  That’s right, do not ever be the lead man.

Like I said before, you can’t assume your teammates are experts.  You have to assume they’re all mid level players who will shoot at everything.  It may sound illogical, but players will shoot through anything to get an easy kill, even if it means killing you.

This leads me to my next point: don’t be trigger happy.  Your main goal is to finish the campaign on expert.  You don’t receive any benefits for killing the most zombies or annihilating the most special infected.  Whether you have the least or most amount of kills makes no difference on the final outcome.

If you see an attacking zombie about to flank one of your teammates, but you don’t have the right weapon to take it out, just let the zombie hit your comrade.  It is better he takes one hit from a zombie rather than a hit plus a gun shot wound from you.

Weapon Selection

Choosing the right weapon is a matter of personal taste, but I highly suggest first tier and second tier machine guns (Uzi, SMG, AK-47, M4, and the Desert Rifle).  Since being the cover man means preventing the undead from attacking your partners’ blind sides, you need a weapon that will quickly take enemies down without the risk of shooting your teammates.  That is why I do not recommend shotguns.

Similarly, while sniper rifles will pierce through a horde, you need a weapon that has a wide spread that puts a lot of lead.  That is why I do not recommend sniper rifles.

Also, when the Tank shows his face, your goal is to take him out quickly.  The M4 and the AK-47 will kill the Tank the quickest without being close to him.

Melee Weapons

“Rule 9: Guns Are for Hunting, Not for Zombie Killing: When you’re running who has time to stop for bullets… It’s not a proper means for killing zombies as they [Guns] run out of ammo and need reloading. Remember a Cricket Bat or Toilet Lid do not need loading!” (Columbus, Zombieland).

If you want to play like an expert, you need to learn how to use melee weapons.  While double Pistols are fun to use and Magnums are the best way to protect yourself when you’re incapacitated, melee weapons will protect you when you’ve been overrun.

Since you can only push zombies away about five times before fatigue hits, you’re pretty much vulnerable to the horde after that.  But with a melee weapon, you can essentially push and swing in combination an infinite amount of times without ever feeling fatigued.  Trust me, you’ll survive the most dire situations.

While I haven’t been able to figure out if there are any differences between melee weapons, I always feel more confident with the Fire Axe and Katana.  Whichever melee weapon makes you feel like a bad ass, go with that.

Throwable Items

Do not be frugal with your throwable items.  When you hear the music chime in, pull out whatever you have and toss it.  It doesn’t matter if the horde will be attacking you from one direction or multiple directions.  If you have it, use it.

At the same time, you need to communicate with your teammates that you’re throwing an item, so that you and a friendly don’t throw simultaneously.  There’s nothing like a wasted feeling when that happens.

When you’re presented with an option, always go with the Molotov.  Some people will disagree with me here, but I recommend it for a few reasons.  When the horde all of a suddenly rushes you, you need to be able to block them off.  Since a Pipe Bomb only draws them away for a short amount of time, and a Boomer Bile won’t kill anyone, the Molotov is your best defensive item.

When you hear the musical chime, stop for a moment and look at what direction the horde is attacking you from.  If it’s from multiple directions, throw it at your blind side, and focus all your fire power to the horde that is coming straight at you.  You’ll survive nearly every attack when you use everything to your advantage.

Map Tips and Exploits

As I mentioned earlier, while exploiting the game may feel like you’re cheating, you need to take advantage of everything in order to survive.  The following is a comprehensive guide to getting through some of the toughest parts.

Dark Carnival

Concert – Finishing the Concert is extremely difficult because there isn’t really anywhere safely to post up with out being attacked from all sides.  But from trial and error, the most effective spot to camp out is in either corner of the bleachers.

Because you can see the horde coming from a long distance, and your back is protected, this makes it the most ideal spot.  Once the Tank comes, light him on fire and disperse.  Once he is dead, return to your position and resume the killing.

Swamp Fever

1. Swamp – When you come to the airplane in the level, there’s a way to bypass it without having to open the emergency hatch.  If you go to the end of fuselage, you can hop on the seats and jump your way up and over the aircraft.  It’ll save you ammunition and avoid the risk of taking any damage.

2. Shanty Town – One of the most difficult parts of getting through Shanty Town is staving off the horde when you have to lower the bridge.  But thankfully, there is an extremely easy way around it.  When you go to lower the bridge, every team member needs to crowd it.

As it starts to lower, everyone has to run up the bridge and jump onto the adjacent roof.  Go to the opposite end of the roof, and squat down over the ledge.  When the horde goes to climb up, they’ll automatically die when they touch your feet.  Also, with the exception of the special infected, no zombies can come up from behind you.

3. Plantation – The easiest way to get through the Plantation is to post up near the gate where you contact the boat for rescue.  Have one person guard the left side, one person guard the right side, and two people guard the middle.  Gather as many Molotovs and gas cans as you can.

Once the horde starts coming, you’ll be able to fend them off from all directions without them ever getting close to you.  When the Tank comes, light him on fire and disperse from the area until he is dead.  Once he is down, return to your original position and resume the killing until the boat arrives.

Hard Rain

Sugar Mill – The second level of Hard Rain is by far the most difficult of all the stages in the game.  You’re in an enclosed space where zombies can drop down on you from every angle, the sun’s glare blinds you from seeing ahead, the rough terrain and all the debris stall your escape, the 10 or so Witches you have to avoid are a nuance, you have to run through a corn maze where you have zero visibility, and most of all, it’s a very long stage.  Thankfully, I have a few tips to get you through it all.

1. This is the one stage of the game where I recommend a shotgun over the assault rifles.  Instead of avoiding the Witches, crown (Instant kill when shot in the head) every single one you come across with a shotgun.  Chances are, you’ll accidentally disturb at least one Witch when you try to avoid all of them.  Better to take them out before they kill you.

2. When you go to call the elevator, quickly run diagonally to the opposite end of the structure, and inch your way onto the ledge. You’ll avoid contact with all of the zombies, and you’ll be safe from the special infected.

The Parish

1. Quarter – When you go to lower the bridge near the end of the level, the best place to hold out is underneath the stairwell.  Collect as many Molotovs and gas cans as possible and create a wall of flames in front of you.  You’ll be nearly invulnerable as the hordes try to advance on you.

2. Bridge – Once the military starts lowering the bridge, run straight for the goal with a melee weapon in hand and a Pipe Bomb ready.  As the horde comes at you head on, throw your bomb to the side in order to make a clear path.  When you reach the Tank, try to run straight past him.

If you can, light him on fire with a Molotov.  Do not bother to stop and kill him, just run past him and don’t look back.  As you get to the end of the level, shoot yourself with an Adrenaline Shot and fight your way straight to the helicopter.

Dead Center

While playing Dead Center, I was unable to find any exploits that’ll help you get through easily.  But for a comprehensive guide to surviving the last stage, check out Alex Yue’s guide to Scavenge Mode.  It’ll help you effectively collect all the gas cans in an organized manner.

If you find any other exploits, have questions, or have a few other tips to surviving all the campaigns on Expert, leave your input in the comments section below.

UPDATE: Dark Carnival Finale

When playing the finale on Dark Carnival, if everyone in the group jumps from the forklift onto the plywood, the team can avoid ever encountering any infected.  It’s a fairly simple way to get past the finale without ever having to fire a bullet.  Remember though, in order for the exploit to work correctly, everyone still alive has to be standing on top of the plywood.

]]> http://gamerlimit.com/2010/01/left-4-dead-2-guide-finishing-all-levels-on-expert/feed/ 86 http://gamerlimit.com/2010/01/gamer-limits-beginners-guide-to-l4d2s-scavenge-mode/ http://gamerlimit.com/2010/01/gamer-limits-beginners-guide-to-l4d2s-scavenge-mode/#comments Sun, 03 Jan 2010 07:50:23 +0000 Alex Yue http://gamerlimit.com/?p=49392

Without a doubt, one of the hottest games this year is Left 4 Dead 2. Gamers all over the world are fending off the zombie hoards while exploring all the new content, including the popular new game mode Scavenge. Some gamers may be intimidated by such a drastically different game mode, and if you are one of them, don’t fret. I’ve cooked up a basic guide to get you started.

I’ve split this guide up into three easy-to-use sections. First, I’ll discuss the Basics, then I’ll move onto Beginner Survivor Strategies, and after that I’ll finish up with Basic Infected Strategies. If this article gets a positive response, I’ll release a second edition with more in-depth map-specific strategies.

The Basics

Scavenge pits two teams of four players against each other. While one team plays as survivors, the other team plays as the infected. The whole idea of the mode is that the survivors must find gas cans within a 1:20 time limit. There are 16 cans located across each map. Once a gas can has been added to the generator, 20 more seconds are added to the clock. The job of the infected team is to stop the survivors from getting the gas cans into the generator and forcing the time to run out. Because there is a time limit, Scavenge games tend to finished in 10 to 15 minutes.

When a game is made, the lobby creator can choose from a one round game, a three round game or a five round game. The team who gets the most gas cans into the generator wins the round. The team who wins a majority of the rounds wins the game. If both teams use the same amount of cans, the point is awarded to the team who collected the cans faster.

While this may sound straightforward at first, there are little details that make Scavenge more challenging. For example, once a survivor picks up a gas can, the outline turns orange (as opposed to white). An orange can will explode if it sits in the Spitter goo for more than three seconds. Destroyed cans will respawn where they were originally located after the fire dies down. If you’re fast enough, you can jump into the Spitter goo and pick up the can before it explodes.

Another little detail that makes Scavenge more challenging is overtime. If the timer runs out, but a survivor is still carrying a gas can, the game will not end. The Survivors can still fill the generator and gain 20 seconds to get more cans. It is up to the infected to incapacitate the survivor with the gas can in order to end the round.

One thing worth noting is that the Survivors are unable to fill the generator if they are being attacked. This will become important when we get to the infected strategies.

Survivor Strategies

There are several techniques that survivors can use to make getting cans as efficient as possible. One of the most popular is the 2 & 2 split. This strategy requires extreme coordination and communication. Basically, you send two people to fetch cans, while two stay behind to fill up the generator. Obviously a good infected team can destroy this by incapacitating the two hunting for cans.

This strategy is only recommended for experts who know their teammates. If you do choose to follow this strategy, you’ll want to make sure everyone on your team is equipped with long range rifles like the AK-47 or the M16. This will make sure you can provide cover for the other pair if you have line of sight.

Another strategy is the 3 & 1 split. Basically it is the same thing as the 2 & 2, except you send three to hunt for cans. The 3rd player hunting for cans is there to provide cover for the filler, as well as the hunting party. Also the 3rd player is there to prevent the double incapacitate seen in the 2 & 2.

The safest strategy is to have all four players stick together. The only draw back to this strategy is that your team will be slow to load cans, which can bite you in the ass if the other team ties you.

Some tips to help your survivor rounds include:

• Round corners wide and pre-fire: Boomers are usually the key to starting off a good infected assault. Players who spawn as a  Boomer tend to hide behind corners in order to get the jump on the survivors. To avoid this panic, try to round the corner as wide as possible while pre-firing at the wall. If a Boomer spawns in, he should die before you even see him.

• Tossing Cans: Try to look for areas where you can toss a can down/over/through to your partners waiting to fill. Be careful though, a good Spitter will destroy these cans.

• Pay attention to Special Infected kills: When a player on the infected team dies, he/she will be forced to wait 20 seconds until they can respawn. If you kill three or four infected players in rapid succession, you will have 20 seconds free of interference (other than common infected). Toss a pipe bomb or boomer bile and rush for those cans.

• Know where everyone on your team is: With the addition of the Jockey, knowing where your teammates are becomes critical.

• Heal early: Unlike versus mode, health has no bearing on score. Your only focus is to fill the generator with gas cans. Why risk getting incapacitated and inconveniencing your team? Heal early to avoid slowing down your team.

Infected Strategies

With the addition of the Spitter, Charger and Jockey, the Infected team has plenty of new avenues to explore. Your primary goal on the infected team should be to stop the survivors from filling the generator. Incapacitating them is just a bonus, it’s not necessary to winning. Keeping that in mind, here are some basic Infected strategies.

• Communicate: Just like playing as the survivors, communication is key. A well organized Infected team has a much higher chance of taking down the survivors. Try to keep your team informed of where you are and when you plan to attack.

• Be patient: Nothing kills an Infected team’s chance at winning like rushing in and attacking the survivors right off the bat.  As I mentioned under the Survivor Strategies section, “When a player on the infected team dies, he/she will be forced to wait 20 seconds until they can respawn.” If all the Infected team dies right away, the Survivors are able to run freely and collect gas cans. You can prevent this by being patient and striking when the time is right.

• Surprise your enemy: What I mean by this is, don’t spawn in right away. All special infected make noise that allows the survivors to easily detect where they are. If you wait to spawn in, you will avoid getting taken out too early due to sound.

Now that the basics are out of the way, here are some more advanced Infected strategies.

• Bait and Switch: If a survivor sees a special infected, chances are they will try to chase them down in order to force the 20 second respawn timer. You can take advantage of this by luring one survivor away and then double teaming him. This strategy works best with two instant incap infected like the Smoker and Charger. If two survivors come hunting, even better. As long as you have 2 instant incap infected you should be alright.

• Focus on the weak link: As I discussed in the Survivor Strategies section, most teams tend to split up into two group of two; one filling and one hunting. Try to coordinate an attack on the hunting party with all four of the special infected. This will force the filling team to go on the move, allowing common infected to deal some damage, while the special infected clean house on the other two.

• Spit on the generator: A survivor is not allowed to fill the generator if they are taking damage. The easiest way to slow down a team of survivors is to spit on the generator while they are trying to fill it. This will also give the other players on your team a chance to incapacitate the survivors, forcing them to drop the gas can in the Spitter goo, which will explode the can.

• Start with a boom: Most special infected teams try to start their attack with a Boomer because it causes the most confusion. Besides attracting tons of common infected, Boomer Bile clouds the survivors vision making it difficult for them to help out their teammates. The easiest way to get a good boom on the survivors is with a Boomer Bomb. A Boomer Bomb is when a Boomer spawns some place high off the ground (Think top floor above the car in Dead Center) and intentionally commits suicide by jumping off into the middle of the survivors. This minimizes the chance that the survivors will see you coming and maximizes the chance that you will boom more than one player.

Hopefully you guys found this helpful and will now have the confidence to jump into a game of Scavenge. Like I said at the start of this article, if this receives a positive response I’ll make a second guide with more in-depth strategies and map-specific tactics.

Typically during the holiday season, people are scrambling around like busy little ants, trying to buy presents for their family and friends.  If any of these individuals have ended up on your naughty list, it can be difficult to decide what to get them. It’s an unfortunate reality that sometimes you have to buy presents for the people you hate, even if you don’t want to.  Those of you who have big families understand this perfectly.

Well this year, Gamer Limit has decided to help you empty your wallet by providing a list of gifts for those hated gamers in your life.  Givers beware, you should only give these games and gadgets to those who you despise most.  To gift them to someone you actually like would be a cruel act, for these are the worst of the worst the video game industry has to offer in 2009.

Multiple members of the Gamer Limit staff got together to help create this list.  Their hatred for these despicable items literally drips from the page as they describe why these games and gadgets are so bad.  Rest assured, somewhere in this guide is a gift that’s perfect for the gamer in your life you hate most.

We all hope you enjoy reading it, and Happy Holidays!

PSPgo

Gift Giver: Shawn Evans

If you have a lot of money and really want to punish someone you hate, buy them a PSPgo.  Now you might be thinking that this seems like a pretty awesome gift.  Why would you ever want to waste $250 on someone you don’t even like?

Well just watch the disgusted look on their faces as they attempt to buy and download games for this bad boy, and the joy will begin to pour into your heart.  Their frustration will immediately kick in as they realize only 20% of the total titles are available for download, and all of them are extremely overpriced.   Thanks Sony, for creating one of the most expensive lumps of coal available this holiday season.

Darkest of Days

Gift Giver: Shawn Evans

Most of the time you would prefer to give someone you hate a nice kick in the balls for Christmas, but why do that when Darkest of Days essentially provides the same gut wrenching experience.  This single game is the reason why FPSs never take place during World War I or The American Civil War.

There’s just nothing worse than being attacked by ten Confederate soldiers when all you have is a rock to hide behind and a single shot musket that takes between five and eight seconds to reload.  Throw in a completely ludicrous story plus decade old graphics and you have one of the worst games of the year.  Merry Christmas!

Section 8

Gift Giver: Simon Jones

There’s only one gift this Christmas for the friend who has been whooping your gaming ass all year long: Section 8. This polished turd fell right into my lap, and I simply couldn’t wait to flush the proverbial crapper.

As soon as he or she unwraps your generous present they may eye you with a look of uncertainty. If this happens, explain to them that PC Game UK gave the title an 8.5. “An 8.5?” they will gasp. “Why, that’s not half bad!”  Of course, it goes without saying that you should avoid mentioning the fact that it is complete and utter tripe.

Real Kanojo

Gift Giver: Curtis Takaichi

Nothing says I hate you more than getting your foe a virtual girlfriend.  You can play with her, caress her body, create an emotional bond, and dare I say, you can even love her.  But the fact of the matter still remains, she’s virtual and she’s been programmed to respond positively to whatever your commands may be.

What makes this game such a terrible gift idea is that if the person spends more than a few minutes playing it, they just look like a creeper.  And let me tell you, no real girl wants to be with a creeper.  So go ahead friends, get that not so special someone the worst holiday gift of the year, Real Kanojo.  He may even like it, which would be the sad part.

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

Gift Giver: James Pinnell

When it comes to hateful gift giving, are you looking for a slice of evil entertainment? Slip G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra into the stocking of your victim, then sit back, relax, and enjoy the forthcoming carnage. Marvel, as your nemesis becomes slowly frustrated with the awful controls and continuously rolls into enemy fire.

Withhold your inner glee, as your enemy cries out in anguish after yet another cheap death by his robot opponent.  Let forth a slight giggle, when the camera blocks the view and the AI friendly cannot figure out how to navigate past some sandbags. It truly is fun for the whole family, if they aren’t the ones being subjected to it.

The Saboteur

Gift Giver: Paul Clark

My worst game of the year may fall squarely on the good-looking hats of Damnation, but I’m not sure I can bring myself to write about it again without assuming the fetal position. So instead, I present to you my second worst game of the year: The Saboteur.

Maybe what hurt so much about this game was that it looked so good that you know some serious work went into it. Yet despite the work, despite the marketing, despite Tom French’s ludicrously cool hair, the game falls somewhat flat. It stands as an exercise of clichés…Well, a stylish exercise of clichés, I’ll give it that much at least.

Black Sigil: Blade of the Exiled

Gift Giver: Jamie Obeso

If your arch-nemesis is a fan of RPGs – particularly, the old-school variety – then it would be “remiss” of you not to buy them Black Sigil: Blade of the Exiled for Nintendo DS. Upon receiving their gift, tell your nemesis, “It’s basically Final Fantasy VI meets Chrono Trigger!”

Neglect to tell them about the absurdly high random-battle rate; the long and boring battles; the terrible storyline; and the uncountable number of bugs which can freeze the game, or even force the player to start over. And remember, reader: don’t be sad if the object of your animosity enjoys the game; instead, take solace in the fact that they happily played a piece of crap, and that your taste is way better than theirs.

Demon’s Souls

Gift Giver: Andrew Kauz

Here’s the thing about young players–they tend to like things that suck. You may have the worst of intentions when you toss Dream Dance and Cheer at your least favorite niece, yet you risk providing a game that she might actually enjoy. As they say, even the best laid plans can go astray.

So for those people, there’s Demon’s Souls: a game that promises to hate your young nemesis just as much as you do. When you hear the screams of terror and frustration ring out through the house, you’ll know that your gift was a success.

Tony Hawk’s Ride

Gift Giver: Sean Carey

For gamers you hate, why have Santa leave them a lump of coal when you could leave them a lump of plastic instead? Tony Hawk’s Ride is the ultimate revenge gift. Combining an aging franchise with an awkward control scheme and a peripheral that requires Jazzercise experience to operate, Ride is the state of the art in frustration-inducing technology.

Ride is sure to enrage the gamer you hate as much as Tony Hawk was by the reception of his game. With any luck, your nemesis will slip and hurt themselves on the coffee table trying to pull off an ollie. Throw in a Hot Topic T-shirt as a stocking stuffer for maximum irony.

Rainbow Islands: Towering Adventure!

Gift Giver: Nick Simberg

The XBLA “update” Rainbow Islands: Towering Adventure! would be the perfect present for someone you hate.  It will give your worst enemy diabetes with its sick sweetness, and then the flamboyant rainbow barrage will give them the urge to give lap dances to other men while wearing a Mario hat.

They will be tasked with climbing a tower to save a fairy, and then, when they reach their goal, they will be told that their princess is in another castle.  The protagonists can shoot rainbows from their crotches.  All I can shoot from my crotch is urine, but if I gave my enemy their choice of Christmas gift between my urine on their face or Rainbow Islands, the urine would be unanimously voted more humane.

For us older gamers, it wasn’t that long ago that the divide between developer and gamer was significantly more decisive than it has become. Studios like Capcom, Konami, Sega or Atari, would be loathe to talk to anyone outside of the consumer press. They were there to be idolised, viewed through rose glasses as the gaming overlords they were.

The new media landscape that has emerged over the last decade, in particular the last five to six years, has changed everything. No longer can developers hide behind magazines and corporate blocs. Their names are known; they even have blogs, twitters, facebooks and LinkedIns like us commoners.

Scarily enough, they even want to talk to you.

Some quirky news emerged recently when a gaming community attempted to blackmail COD developers, Infinity Ward. Their demands were silly, and their “plan” was ill-conceived and more likely to be ignored then lauded. But why would they even bother? Because, dear reader, developers are probably likely to notice these sort of now common stunts.

The rules have changed in terms of communication; feedback and bug-reporting from a live public test bed have become almost essential parts of game development. Almost every single title is drip fed to salivating gamers, while their responses are analysed, relayed and queried. Betas and previews are applied by millions worldwide, desperate to dive in and provide a service that used to cost money.

But that’s not enough. Once-hidden programmers have emerged and provide inside information in the form of periodic dev diaries, casually written blog entries or passionate responses on forums. They make outlandish claims during interviews with gaming blogs, publicise their side projects, and establish small personality cults around themselves, becoming not part of the company, but THE company.

The gamer, in turn, reciprocates. We comment on the blog posts, follow the tweets, join in on the live chats and Xbox Live events. We give into the element of celebrity, because we want to have a closer relationship with those who make our games. When Miyamoto was once simply an enigma, he’s now the guy playing Wii Sports with you at E3 or replying to your @tweet.

The race is clearly on. Developers who don’t make noise are quickly forgotten, drowned out by the 24 hour news cycle, trailers and PR buried under the next stunt. But we in the media aren’t exclusive, we play our own role as the enthusiast press. We are gamers, thus we find ourselves in the interesting position of becoming the middle man for this unusual new relationship.

Not only that, but it excites us, and the cycle continues. Any journalist would be lying if they didn’t think it was exciting to talk to a successful developer, or learn inside information on an upcoming development. But our job is to tell the world what is happening, to dig through the hype and personality to explain what’s really going on.

But what needs to be asked is this – has this new arena damaged the industry, or improved it? Has deeper interaction with the wider community pushed developers to create better games, or spin their way out of releasing junk? In my opinion, I think it’s a bit of both. Developers and publishers are more likely to rush games to meet increased demand at certain opportunities, but gamers are becoming a lot more clued in on what is acceptable.

It’s not difficult for a bad word to spread, quickly. Social aggregation of news and reviews has propelled bad press across the web, so quickly and so effectively that it’s impossible to control that information. 15 years ago, if you wanted to know something, you read what the developer wanted you to know in a games mag. Nowadays, you can check the RSS feeds of 50 different sites in seconds.

At the same time, bad press can be debunked quickly by the devs. Using twitter, forums or blogs, wrong or hoaxed information can be officially corrected and the record set straight. In any case, it’s a dirty battle. Developers have more to lose and, also, more to gain then they ever had. Their markets have exploded, and thanks to the internet, they are no longer constrained by borders.

What we must wait to see is where this relationship goes. Will the developers continue to bypass the media to a point where gamers prefer to get news direct? Or will they still look to us to cut through the greasy hype machine to say “Hold up, that might be a bit iffy”. Time will soon tell.

Either that, or they might continue to just torture us. *Gulp*

Introduction:

ATTEN-HUT! Gentlemen, welcome to the Armed Forces Handbook. A collection of examples of good soldiery brought to you by the veterans of the gaming world. In this handy handbook you will find a selection of best practices and technical analysis of tactics and special manouevres perfected by the very best soldiers the (virtual) battlefield has produced. It is recommended that you study the following chapters before entering into any combat situation.

You will information ranging from World War One through to the present day encompassing many theaters of war, including World at War, Modern Conflict and futuristic scenarios such as the Halo project and many others.

Part 1: Rules of engagement

All soldiers must abide by the rules of engagement as set down by the relevant authority. It is worth noting however that in most theaters of operations active today, from the Halo theater, through to the Rainbow 6 and COD theaters the only rules of engagement are as follows:

1. Identify enemy and then shoot to kill

2. Identify something that could be an enemy and shoot to kill

3. Vigorously pursue all enemy and destroy with extreme prejudice.

Part 2: Know your weapons

i) Classical weaponry

In the classic theatre of war the soldier must be familiar with several different weapon systems. These can be roughly categorised as follows:

a) Pistols – Basic sidearm carried by most soldiers. Weapon is pin point accurate at most ranges, excellent for head shots on stationary targets. Will only cause minimal damage however and may require more than one head shot to eliminate targets. Ignore enemy helmets, they rarely work and appear to be mostly used as decoration. Most snipers prefer carrying a pistol whilst moving between positions. It is worth noting that all pistols can be fired as quickly as you can pull the trigger, rates of up to 1000rpm are reported to have been seen.

b) Rifles – The M1 Garand is the most prolific weapon in WWI theaters. They are everywhere. Limited rate of fire and poor medium damage causes this to be a 2nd choice weapon amongst soldiers. They are however fairly accurate in most circumstances at medium ranges. You will find that by looking down the iron sights of this weapon your eyesight will improve slightly. This will enable you to see a bit further.

c) SMGs (Submachine Guns) – The Thompson submachine gun is the most well known within this category and is familiar to every soldier to ever pull on khaki pants. High rates of fire but poor accuracy mean that this weapon is best employed at short range. If fired one shot at a time this weapon can be used at longer ranges as required.

d) Sniper Rifles – Featuring slow rates of fire the sniper rifles appear to be difficult to reload also. Some have remarked that they are unsure why they struggle to reload a sniper rifle “it’s not like it’s a shotgun or anything” but the slow reload rate and bolt action make sniper rifles a poor choice for close range combat. Despite firing large calibre rounds that rip large holes through human tissue most sniper rifles only kill in one bullet when successfully aimed at the head. It is not uncommon to witness a soldier take a sniper round to the leg and not be hindered in anyway by the wound whilst walking/running.

e) Browning emplaced machine gun – Soldiers will find these weapons placed at random points on a battlefield. Despite every other (portable) Heavy Machine gun never overheating, these weapons are prone to stopping working after several seconds of sustained fire. All emplaced weapons are however very accurate, often at long ranges, at can fire many rounds due to their unlimited bullet capacity. It is unusual for a weapon not to require reloading, but there has so far been no reported accounts of emplaced machine guns requiring a reload.

f) Heavy Machine guns – Inferior to their emplaced brethren in that they require reloading periodically (but possessing larger ammunition magazines) these weapons are very inaccurate at all ranges. Despite firing a large calibre bullet these weapons bizarrely do not inflict much damage.

g) Grenades – A standard fragmentation grenade or German Stick “Grenade” should be thrown in the general vicinity of oncoming enemy fighters. Despite their small size they are often difficult to fit in pockets due to their unusual shape. This explains why soldiers often carry very few, only one or two. Grenades are ineffective against tanks and appear to seek out and rebound off almost every object/wall/table/street lamp/tree that is in the general vicinity of the thrower. For this reason beware when throwing. Avoid holding the grenade for two long as self immolation might occur. This will prove deadly IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. Grenades will penetrate windows with ease as all windows on the battlefield are pathetically flimsy. Please note, it is an unwritten law to hold onto the grenade for three seconds before throwing.

h) Melee weapons – Mainly a knife, but sometimes a wrench or other implement, this weapon should be employed at close range however you will sometimes be surprised by a reach of up to one metre at times. This weapon will only kill one enemy per swipe but will be deadly in almost all circumstances, including leg/arm damage. The most lethal weapon on the battlefield in terms of hits/deaths. Often employed during chance encounters at doorways and corners. The knife is the official weapon of choice for elimination of snipers.

ii) Modern weapon systems

a) Pistols – Modern Pistols do not appear to have advanced technologically at all since the WWII environment. One area of improvement is the additions of suppressive “silencers” to the pistol to enable covert operations. Employing a silencer will reduce the damage the weapon causes. For some reason snipers are fond of using silenced pistols.

b) Assault Rifle – Modern Assault rifles, such as the M16, M4, Ak47 and G36 are familiar to most modern soldiers. Most have the following characteristics:Medium-High Damage, quick rate of fire, small magazine, under-slung grenade launcher. These are the standard choice for infantry on the modern battlefield.

c) Anti-Tank weapons – Primarily designed to eliminate tanks and armoured vehicles, these weapons are appear to be more effective against enemy troops and light vehicles. Even hits against the weak rear and top of tanks does not destroy the vehicle. It is recommended therefore to avoid using anti-tank weapons against tanks. Several shots are often required. The anti-tank weapon is often highly accurate however and with the explosive rounds are ideal for eliminating enemy troops. Fire at the ground around your target’s feet for best results. Despite their bulk anti-tank weapons can usually be fired while on the move.

d) Sniper Rifles – Modern Sniper rifles only differ from their older counterparts by the inclusion of suppressors and sometimes semi-automatic function. However, semi-automatic sniper rifles always inflict less damage than their bolt-action brethren.

e) Melee – The following are recommended protocol for using melee weapons:

1. Rush into an enemy occupied building and start swiping
2. Aim randomly
3. Target Snipers, they are vulnerable to close quarter attacks
4. If you miss your initial swipe circle around the enemy or jump behind them.
5. Never attack corpses, doing this has no significant value and can only lead to death/increased laundry costs. Some less disciplined conscripts have been known to crouch over the face of the fallen enemy, presumably in a form of debase celebration. This behaviour is frowned upon by soldiers over the age of eight years.

f) SMGs – Dealing low damage but boasting high rates of fire and little recoil SMGs are excellent CQB weapons but are a poor choice for longer ranges.

iii) Advanced / prototype weapon systems

a) Battle rifle

Advanced Battle rifles typically boast high rates of fire and medium damage levels. Often with decent capacity magazines and a scope for better aiming.

b) Alien weapons

It should be noted that Aliens never use solid projectile weapons and always seem to develop laser/plasma based weaponry. These weapons will often boast a similar reloading mechanism to most earth based weaponry.

c) Laser weapons

Laser weapons always fire with pin-point accuracy but normally have low rates of fire. Use these for medium to long range and go for the head.

d) Sniper Rifle

Future sniper weapons seem to be identical in operation to their modern day counter-parts, bizarrely they appear to be improvement proof apart from more zoom on the scope.

Part 3: Vehicular identification and utilization

i) Light transports

a) Jeeps, buggies, quads

These vehicles are often discovered in advanced areas of the battlefield at the very early stages of a conflict and often used as a land grabbing utility during flag based operations. If a vehicle starts to vent smoke from the engine beware, the Army Handbook recommends that the occupants disembark immediately to avoid death.

Anti tank weapons are most effective against these vehicles, as are most high calibre machine guns. Veteran soldiers recommend that you pay attention to explosive devices stuck to the vehicle as this indicates imminent suicide. Additionally beware of passengers suddenly appearing next to the vehicle as most vehicles appear to be built with short range teleporters which save the occupants actually climbing out of the vehicle. Most veterans have never actually seen someone CLIMB out of a vehicle.

ii) Armored Fighting Vehicles

a) Troop Carriers, BMP, Bradley.

iii) Helicopters

a) Transport

b) Attack

Fast moving low-flying rotary aircraft can be effectively used at very low altitude. The Army Handbook recommends this instructional video for examples of low flying at speed and long-range observation.

iv) Fixed wing airborne craft

a) Fighter

b) Bomber

Part 4: Know your enemy

i) General Infantry (meat)

ii) Snipers

Snipers can be found in the following places:

• Behind Trees
• On rooftops

iii) Short range combatants (Run & Gunners)

The Army Ranger handbook lists “Standing Order 5. Don’t never take a chance you don’t have to” which is a blatant double negative. This should be interpretted as “Take chances that you don’t have to.” The average run and gunner will live (and die) by this creed. Regularly electing to sprint across open streets under heavy fire, just to get into a room full of the enemy and engage with a shot gun the Run and Gun soldier will expose himself to the maximum risk for easy results.

Knowledge of the enemy’s location and intended objective are imperative, often effectively deployed in King of the Hill and Capture the Flag missions.

Part 5: Basic Military tactics

i) Stand and fight (and die)

According to the Army Ranger Handbook, Standing Order 18 states: Don’t stand up when the enemy’s coming against you. Kneel down, lie down, hide behind a tree. Basically make yourself as small a target as possible. Kneeling/lying down will give you the added bonus of a better firing base and therefore increases your firing accuracy.

ii) Reserved application of firepower (camping)

iii) Covert intelligence utilisation (cheating and exploits)

iv) Commonly experienced situations

The Ranger Handbook states in standing order 19 “Let the enemy come till he’s almost close enough to touch, then let him have it and jump out and finish him up with your hatchet. When you have fired all of the rounds in your weapon and the enemy is still alive, resort to your close ranged weapon to finish them efficiently. Do not reload.

v) Firing from the hip

It is a commonly accepted fact that firing a weapon without aiming it results in a reduced weapon accuracy. Always fire from a stable firing platform, preferrably in a crouch or prone position and fire short controlled bursts. For an example of how not to do this, and excellent examples of blind firing, suppression fire and firing from the hip, please refer to this training video.

Part 6: Advanced Tactical Manouevres

i) Pincer

ii) Defensive deployment

The U.S Army Ranger Handbook states “Standing Order 6. When we march we march single file, far enough apart to that one bullet can’t go through two men”. It is highly recommended that soldiers avoid bunching up, retain at least the explosive area of a fragmentation grenade at all times to avoid multiple casualties.

Avoid standing too close to a comrade who is at a doorway, they might need to retreat at short notice back inside, you will block their path and get you both killed.

iii) Thoughtful kit selection

iv) Lateral thinking

An example: Enemy appoaches your position and commences firing; consider returning fire and retreating behind cover, deposit a grenade in at the corner of the cover that you are using while retreating further. Enemy will encounter grenade. Enemy will struggle to overcome sudden dismemberment.

v) Enemy movement prediction / Reconnaissance

The U.S Counter Insurgency Handbook states, section 3-139 “Overt area and zone reconnaissances are excellent means for tactical unit to learn more about their area of operations, especially the terrain, infrastructure, people, government, local leaders, and insurgents” and “allows commanders to fill intelligence gaps.” It is a worthwhile endeavour to progress to the expected point of contact with the enemy via an indirect route. Taking time to find a vantage point will help you uncover ambushes and reveal troop numbers. Dense foilage, hills, rooftops etc provide excellent surveillence points. Even if you don’t stay long, make sure you know what’s ahead by using reconnaissance.

Additionally, ensure that you make mental note of places where you encounter enemy vehicles, you will discover that certain enemy soldiers will have preferred routes through the battlefield. Ensure you set up effective ambushes along these routes. WARNING: Advanced Soldiering technique requried:- Patience.

vi) Enemy Base of Operations Siege warfare (Spawn Raping)

Vii) Camoflage

An explanatory video on camoflage can be found by following this link.

Part 7: In conclusion

THE U.S ARMY RANGER CREED:

Recognize that I volunteered as a Ranger.
(YOU got yourself into this. YOU selected your side, YOU chose your guns, YOU didn’t choose another game. You must bear the dangers you will face on the battlefield without frustration, without anger or cussing)
Acknowledge that a Ranger is an elite soldier.
(You must realise that you have skills beyond the average noob and therefore must not become frustrated by their difficiencies and lack of understanding of the game)
Nerver fail your comrades
(Never leave half-way through a battle, never leave your post/joypad during a fight to go to the toilet/eat, never change sides to improve your win/loss ratio)
Gallantly show the world you are specially selected and well trained.
(Offer help to noobs and suggest tactics to your comrades, take leadership in squads)
Energetically meet the enemy
(Be online every hour of every day, give up your job, decline to eat, your virtual country needs you!)
Readily display the intestinal fortitude required to fight.
(Play on past your self imposed play limits, don’t go to sleep at 1am, don’t stop playing because your partner asked you to)

Reference:

THe U.S Army Ranger Handbook