Okay, unlocking this thing now and taking suggestions until next Thursday. The opening post has been updated with the new video.
And... now for a CT Forum exclusive! The
script for the original walkthrough video! I had silly plans for it, but it turned out to be more trouble than I wanted to put out for it. But you at least get the script.
((For future reference, "Nonnie" is my character. It's his/her "real name" and what I always use in reference to myself in scripts such as this.))
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((
Serenade sits at desk. *footsteps* Serenade looks left, eyes go wide. Nonnie runs in, crashes into Serenade, and lands under the desk.))
Nonnie: Ow.
((
Serenade and Nonnie pull up))
Nonnie: Sorry, sorry... Wow, I'm late. *
looks at Serenade* Um... what are you doing here?
(
Serenade shrugs)
Nonnie: Ehh... might as well let you stick around. Anyway, today's topic of discussion. I actually have my list... and there's no tie this time! The people of the Challenge Takers forum and my YouTube viewers have chosen...
Nonnie: Serenade's Time Trials? *glances at Serenade* You didn't rig this, did you?
(
Serenade shakes head)
Nonnie: Well, in any case, let's get this thing started. It's a pretty big topic to cover, after all.
(
screen shift)
Nonnie: The premise of the Time Trials is a simple one. You have to beat the Alpha-level versions of all the bosses of Battle Network 3 within a certain time limit... with an Extra Folder of your choosing.
(
Serenade holds up a no Punk sign)
Nonnie: Oh. Right. You don't have to deal with Punk.
Nonnie: Anyway, I'll start with the biggest part of the Time Trial: the folders. There are nine to choose from, some good, some bad. Remember: we're running for speed, so fluidity could be the difference between beating the target time or coming up a few seconds short, which means I'll be making a lot of references to the number of codes or chip copies in a folder.
XtraFolder - This is the first Extra Folder you ever get, so it's not much different from the starter folder. It may be sporting the second fewest codes of any BN3 Extra Folder, but the power of the chips themselves aren't quite enough to manage a speedy win.
PrelimFolder - This folder has a fairly high ratio of area-of-effect attacks and a pair of wide-area Program Advances. It seems better suited for virus busting, though.
HadesFolder - While the chips it has are fairly potent, they're pretty tricky to hit with. Like PrelimFolder, it has quite a few area-of-effect chips, but the range on most of them only makes them feasible against enemies in close quarters. It'd be better if it had AreaGrab.
N1Folder A - This folder seems to rely purely on power. It's the only one that carries second-level non-Navi chips if you don't count the -V and -Side chips. Unfortunately, power is all it's got going for it. Try it only if you're feeling very lucky. Note that this is the only Extra Folder to use non-recovery defensive chips.
N1Folder B - All the * codes you see in the folder are just bait. The chips in that code are weak and the rest of the folder's codes are all over the place. In fact, the entire folder is composed of weak chips, with Yo-Yo1 being the strongest at 120 potential damage. ZetaYo-Yo1 is probably the best this thing has for speed.
N1Folder C - Carrying one code less than XtraFolder, N1Folder C has the smallest code count of any of the Extra Folders. It's also the most fluid and focused of all the N1-series folders, its biggest damage outlet being Snake. Just make sure you're confident with throwing chips in the event you run out of those.
N1Folder D - Probably the least fluid and focused of the N1-series folders. The whole thing is a big grab bag with lots of one-ofs and very few matching codes. Ick.
ApprenticeFolder - This folder is combo central. RockCubes and plenty of things to launch them with, both -Spread PAs and Prism... This has a lot of damage potential, even if the codes are a little scattered. Bug a WeaponLevel+ piece for even more RockCube madness. White version players may want to invest in SetGreen while using this one...
FamousFolder - This folder seeks to always have the elemental advantage. It makes up for its general lack of ranged chips with MetaGel: the AreaGrab with teeth. Be mindful of the floor if you wind up using this one. Blue version players will probably find FloatShoes useful while using this folder.
Nonnie: And that's all of those. Now since you can't edit an Extra Folder, all the situational tuning you can do is in your Style and Customizer.
Nonnie: FastGauge is a virtually essential piece of equipment in the Customizer since, as stated before, you'll be running for speed. A couple of Custom-plus parts will probably be just as useful, especially with folders that hinge on combos or Program Advances.
Nonnie: Since it's a pretty painstaking process to Style Change, I can only suggest you go in with what suits you best. Nevertheless, I'll point out the more ideal Styles to fight the individual Navis with in the next section.
Nonnie: Okay. Now that we've covered the tools, we'll move on to the opponents. I won't give detailed run-downs of each Navi like I would for a normal walkthrough. Instead, I'll point out the main things to look out for and the folders, Styles, and Customizer pieces I'd recommend.
Nonnie: Generally, folder-wise, I'd probably wind up suggesting N1Folder C, FamousFolder, and ApprenticeFolder for the majority of these and thus wind up repeating myself, so it probably won't be mentioned unless it actually WOULDN'T be a good idea to use. Now... I'll start in Secret Area 1. These are all the WWW Navis.
(
FlashMan - HP: 500 - Time: 10 seconds)
N1Folder C, with the right opening draws, can end the battle in far less than the target time, so don't be intimidated by the ten second timer. ApprenticeFolder's RockCubes can make short work of him as well with a good aim.
Be wary of his paralyzing flash attack. It can cost you valuable time. For this reason, I highly recommend WoodShield or WoodBug styles for their built-in Barriers, which completely negate the attack, and for their elemental advantage.
In the Customizer, I've found from personal experience that Reflect can be extremely helpful in the frantic sprint to five hundred damage.
(
BeastMan - HP: 700 - Time: 30 seconds)
BeastMan hops around like a flea on expresso, so not many folders will be able to hit him reliably. N1Folder C's Snakes aren't likely to miss and a well-placed Prism and a Spread PA from ApprenticeFolder can do a number on him as well. FamousFolder seems to have plenty of stuff to hinder movement, provided the first shot hits.
Keep in mind that BeastMan tries to avoid the row you're on, so direct attacks aren't entirely feasible. Custom styles will probably be the way to go here for the extra chip. Quick Wood-style users may be able to take advantage of the brief recovery period after each attack with a charged shot followed up by strong chip.
SuperArmor is the only situational Customizer piece that I can suggest, especially if you're going for the Tornado strategy I mentioned.
(
BubbleMan - HP: 800 - Time: 40 seconds)
We all hate this guy. You do, too, I know it. Don't deny it. *
Serenade nods* ApprenticeFolder's Program Advances can take full advantage of that boulder BubbleMan likes to hide behind, though the hole in the middle might make it tricky to get a Prism into a favorable position what with the bubbles herding you into the back column.
The recommended Style is all a matter of personal preference. There's no one Style that's better than the others in this fight. The same goes for Customizer parts, though SuperArmor can be handy if you find yourself trapped by bubbles in the middle of an attack.
(
DesertMan - HP: 1200 - Time: 45 seconds)
N1Folder C can't function at its full potential in this fight as DesertMan's front column is always occupied and thus can't be taken. Your best bet is probably to rely on ApprenticeFolder's RandomMeteors and Spread PAs.
Remember: water makes sand stick together. Aqua styles are the best for a speedy run against DesertMan since it causes him to stall for several seconds before he blows away to another position after getting hit, allowing multi-hit chips to hit for maximum damage... especially useful with FamousFolder's Tornadoes since, as you can see, DesertMan's side of the field is completely sand.
There aren't any situational Customizer parts to note.
(
PlantMan - HP: 1300 - Time: 30 seconds)
ApprenticeFolder is hands-down the best for the job here, since it's packed with plenty of fire chips... and one combo that has his name all over it.
PlantMan obviously has a glaring weakness to fire, so Heat styles are ideal here. Just don't hit him too hard when his leaf shield is up as that heals him for the amount you would have hit him for.
White version players will probably have good reason to use SetGreen if they plan on exploiting PlantMan's fire weakness. Since he very clearly signals when he's going to use his linear spike attack, Reflect may be a good choice for a secondary damage outlet.
(
FlameMan - HP: 1400 - Time: 30 seconds)
Remember... FlameMan can't enter his back column. N1Folder C is again held back from its maximum potential, though not by much and its SingleBombs are admittedly handy for putting out the candles. ApprenticeFolder may be a better option here with BubbleSpread and, of course, the RockCubes.
The candles will be the biggest obstacle to your speedy run, thus Guts styles will be ideal for their superior candle-snuffing ability. The especially daring Wood style users can take advantage of the fairly long delay before FlameMan attacks to hit him with a charged shot and use a chip while he's stunned, much like what was described for BeastMan.
If you can't seem to get to the yellow candles in time, SuperArmor in the Customizer can be useful to keep you from getting interrupted.
(
DrillMan - HP: 900 - Time: 45 seconds)
If you're good with WideSword-type chips, then give HadesFolder or N1Folder A a shot against this guy. They have plenty of chips that can slip by his protective drill. Of course, N1Folder C's Snakes can get by just as easily.
You'll probably want to take a Guts style into this fight... but only if you came equipped with BreakBuster. A Heat style's charged shot can do some damage as well, though it's a very risky maneuver.
AirShoes is a useful piece to have in this battle in addition to BreakBuster.
Nonnie: And that's it for them. In Secret Area 2, you'll find scattered all over the place the neutral Navis. *
Serenade holds up a ProtoMan sign* No, he's in the next area. Apparently, he's too cool to be seen with these guys. *
Serenade sweatdrops*
(
GutsMan - HP: 700 - Time: 15 seconds)
Another seemingly daunting time. The usual recommendations will do well enough, especially N1Folder C as GutsMan will spare you the trouble of breaking your panels.
There's no real good or bad style to use against GutsMan, so just use what you want to. In the Customizer, however... AirShoes is your best friend.
(
MetalMan - HP: 800 - Time: 20 seconds)
Barring the usual folder recommendations, there really isn't anything major to note. No particularly useful styles, though BreakBuster will be handy for taking care of the gears.
(
KingMan - HP: 1000 - Time: 40 seconds)
You'll want to pick a folder with plenty of obstacle-ignoring attacks. While N1Folder C's Snakes fit the bill, it'll be difficult getting enough holes open to do optimal damage with the Pawns in the way.
Early in the match, a Heat style can reach KingMan with its charged shot if you keep to the front column. This will probably trigger a Plan-B after a while, so stay alert. There aren't many Customizer pieces I can recommend here.
(
BowlMan - HP: 1300 - Time: 45 seconds)
This will be MistMan if you're playing White version and I'm afraid I won't be able to help you there.
Like MetalMan, there aren't any particularly useful styles or notes about the usual folders for this battle. SuperArmor in the Customizer will keep you from breaking your rhythm in dodging BowlMan's pin gatling.
Nonnie: Aaaand finally, we move on to Secret Area 3. ProtoMan hides out here along with the two hidden Navis of Secret Area.
(
DarkMan - HP: 1600 - Time: 45 seconds)
For this one, you'll definitely want a folder with some kind of AreaGrab, though I personally have done this one with ApprenticeFolder.
Elec styles, though low on the brute power scale, don't have any form of elemental disadvantage against DarkMan and they also have the capacity to stun the non-flinching Navi, making it easier to land a more powerful attack.
SuperArmor can be useful if you wind up getting stuck in the streams of bats and need to get some attacks going without getting interrupted.
(
YamatoMan - HP: 1800 - Time: 40 seconds)
In my experience, I've only been able to beat this time with N1Folder C, though I've come pretty close with ApprenticeFolder. Granted, I haven't tried in a while, so it could very well be easier with the latter.
By sticking to the front two columns, you'll get YamatoMan to move into perfect range for a Wood style's charged shot, making that element ideal for the fight.
Since you only have forty seconds to tear down 1800 HP that you can't always hit, alternate damage sources are always welcome. If you're careful, Reflect can fill that role.
(
ProtoMan - HP: 1300 - Time: 45 seconds)
Remember that ProtoMan likes to respond to AreaGrab effects with his own AreaGrab, so choose your folder accordingly. Of the three usual recommendations, ApprenticeFolder is probably the best bet here.
There isn't any particular style that would be optimal, though I would probably recommend a Shield or Bug style if you're not sure you can survive the match.
If you're good with shield-type parts, then Reflect would be a good idea as it makes for a good damage output if ProtoMan decides to go heavy on the FighterSwords. Doubly so in Shield style since a well-timed shield will heal you.
Nonnie: Hoo... and that's all of them. Yeesh, this is almost as bad as a long multibattle challenge... *
Serenade glares and holds up a "ontopic plz" sign* Ah, heh.
Nonnie: Well, anyway. Send your suggestions for the next topic through PM or in the video comments. Suggestions are also taken at the Challenge Takers forum at
challengetakers.proboards62.com . If your question wasn't answered, feel free to resubmit it for the next guide or PM it to me for a personal answer.
Nonnie: Well, until next time, practice, stay sharp, and most importantly, have fun!
Kayorei's Time Trial RecordsFlashMan - 00:08:16 (HadesFolder)
BeastMan - 00:12:93 (ApprenticeFolder)
BubbleMan - 00:39:59 (ApprenticeFolder)
DesertMan - 00:29:03 (ApprenticeFolder)
PlantMan - 00:22:89 (ApprenticeFolder)
FlameMan - 00:38:51 (ApprenticeFolder)
DrillMan - 00:43:73 (FOLDER UNKNOWN)
GutsMan - 00:09:14 (ApprenticeFolder)
MetalMan - 00:17:34 (ApprenticeFolder)
KingMan - 00:29:01 (ApprenticeFolder)
BowlMan - 00:37:73 (ApprenticeFolder)
DarkMan - 00:39:78 (ApprenticeFolder)
YamatoMan - 00:37:54 (N1Folder C)
ProtoMan - 00:38:29 (ApprenticeFolder)