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EarthBound Help: Beating the Bosses
written by Paul Kuliniewicz
version 1.0
*** Feel free to distribute this help file for the Super ***
*** Nintendo game EarthBound. However, you may not edit ***
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Overview
So, you're having trouble with some of EarthBound's bosses?
Well, you're reading the right file. Even with the tip book
included with the game, bosses can be tough. Even in the
Nintendo section in America Online (Keyword: NOA), their
"beat the bosses" file is packed with errors. Whether it's
Frank Fly or Gigyas who's driving you batty, you can find
refuge in this file. So, sit back, relax, and be amazed how
simple even the toughest bosses can become simple. However,
don't think you'll always win with this file; it just takes
experience with some enemies.
"It's Greek to Me!"
Due to the limitations of ASCII files, those Greek letters after
psychic powers cannot be displayed. However, here is a listing
of what they are called in this file:
Alpha: looks like an oc glued side by side
Beta: looks like a B
Sigma: looks like a backwards E
Gamma: looks like a curly-que
Omega: looks like an upside-down U
A Few Notes
Remember to be patient whenever fighting a boss; they can be
brutal! Follow the general strategies, but don't be scared
to try out a new idea. After all, this is what I think works
best.
Sometimes the levels of the psychic power is shown. When it is,
use that level is you have the PP. If no power level is shown,
use whatever level you wish, but it's best to use the most
powerful level you have.
The Bosses
Starman Junior: 200 HP, 999 PP, no shields
Don't get cocky with this boss, because this is the only
freebee you'll get! After all, Buzz Buzz protects you from
PSI Freeze Alpha and PSI Fire Alpha. Just keep attacking or turn on
Auto Fight and watch the outcome. This is meant for you to
see what lies ahead.
Frank Fly: 63 HP, 0 PP, no shields
This guy is your "reality check" after the first boss. Make
a trip into the Arcade and thrash the Sharks before battling
Frank. Stock up on Hamburgers before the battle. Attack
repeatedly and eat a Hamburger if you're feeling weak. If
you're really low on HP, go ahead and use Lifeup Alpha. Frank
isn't too tough to beat.
Frankystein Mark II: 91 HP, 0 PP, no shields
After you defeat Frank, he'll sic his home-maid robot on you.
It's poorly built and has to release steam between each
attack. Treat him just like Frank, but recharge your HP in
between Frankystein's attacks to escape retaliation.
Titanic Ant: 235 HP, 102 PP, can cast Shield of Light Alpha
This ant is tough to stomp. Make PSI Special Alpha your first
attack to dispatch of his toadies. After that, the Ant will
occasionally suck your PP, so use most of it in the
beginning. It's a good idea to use Hypnosis Alpha to save
yourself from attack a few turns. Use mainly Bash attacks,
and save PP for healing and hypnotizing the huge Ant.
Onett Police Officers: 75 HP, 0 PP, no shields each
Before you visit the Police Station, stock up on Hamburgers
and Lucky Sandwiches. Unfortunately, you don't get a chance
to refill your HP in between battles. Never let your HP drop
below 30! I usually Bash the first two officers, PSI Special
Alpha the third, and Bash the fourth. Chomp a Hamburger or, if
you need lots of energy, a Lucky Sandwich or use Lifeup Alpha.
Captain Strong: 140 HP, 0 PP, no shields
Strong doesn't live up to his name very well. Try to keep
your HP above 40. Start with a PSI Special Alpha, followed by
Bash attacks. Refill your energy whenever necessary. He
isn't so tough by himself, but he can be brutal after fights
with four police officers.
Al Everdred: about 170 HP, 0 PP, no shields
The crime boss of Burglin Park is a wimp. The worst thing
he'll do is to steal your items. Bash him regularly, with a
PSI Special Alpha once if you want. For added protection, bring
along a Teddy Bear.
Mr. Carpainter: 262 HP, 70 PP, can cast Shield of Light Alpha
This guy may look like he took one too many whiffs of that
blue paint, but he'll paint you if you're not careful. Don't
bother wasting PP except to refill your energy. He deals the
most damage to himself with Lightning deflected by the
Franklin Badge. One hint: don't ever give the Frankin Badge
away!
Mondo Mole: 498 HP, 161 PP, can cast Psychic Shield Alpha
This guy is very powerful and can deal mortal damage to Paula
easily. Use Paralysis Alpha on him immediately! Then, he can
only use Offence Up Ó and PSI Shield Ó. Use psychic attacks
unless he has his shield up. After that, repeatedly Bash him
for an easy victory.
Boogey Tent: about 500 HP, 0 PP, no shields
This apparition isn't anything to worry about. Be sure to
have a Vial of Serum in case he poisons you. Use PSI Fire
and PSI Special to dispatch of this maniacal tent. A regular
Bottle Rocket also works nicely.
Mini Barf: about 550 HP, 0 PP, no shields
This little pile of pond scum is tougher than he looks.
Focus on Bash attacks until he makes you cry. Then, use a
combo of PSI Freeze and PSI Special. You should also throw
in a Bomb or two.
Master Belch: 650 HP, 0 PP, no shields
This slime's looks are the worst things about the Belcher.
Use the Fly Honey immediately so Belch won't attack. After
that, use a nice combo of Bash, PSI Freeze, and a PSI Special
for variety. Don't waste any Bombs or Bottle Rockets of him;
he's too easy.
Trillionage Sprout: 1,048 HP, 240 PP, can cast Psychic Shield
Alpha
Be sure no one in your party is Mushroomized when you go up
against the Sprout. Hi him immediately with your most
powerful PSI Fire and PSI Special attacks to get rid of his
helpers. Use PSI Fire and regular attacks throughout the
battle. A Bomb or Bottle Rocket will also help. Don't spare
any PP getting rid of this guy, unless he has his shield up.
Guardian Diggers: 386 HP, 110 PP, starts with & can cast
Shield of Light Beta each
One note about these guys: never use a Bash or Item attack!
Some of that damage will be delivered back to you. Use PSI
Flash and a strong PSI Freeze to dispatch of each Digger.
You may have to exit the cave once or twice to refill your HP
and PP. Don't forget to bring Items that replenish PP, and
take an Exit Mouse from the cave for a quick exit.
Department Store Spook: about 800 HP, 200 PP, no shields
The kidnapper of Paula is not a wimpy enemy! It can and will
throw almost every psychic attack in the book at you.
Counter with PSI Special and Bottle Rockets and Super Bombs.
Don't buy any Big Bottle Rockets until you're ready to leave
Fourside; the regular ones are powerful enough.
Evil Mani Mani: 860 HP, 88 PP, can cast Psychic Shield Alpha
Finally it's time to wreck this focus of Giygas's evil!
Don't spare the PSI Special and throw a Super Bomb or two.
You should also try the Counter-PSI Device once or twice.
Once you crack the bronze idol, you'll end the illusionary
Moonside for good.
Clumsy Robot: 962 HP, 0 PP, starts with Psychic Shield Alpha
Try as you might, you'll never beat him. It's a good idea to
use Shield Ó on both Ness and Jeff. Repeatedly Bash the bot,
but don't bother with any Bombs or Bottle Rockets. After a
while, Eagleland's #1 band will flip the bot's power off.
Schroom!: 1,700 HP, 112 PP, no shields
This vile vegetable's most dangerous attack is the incurable
Mushroomization. If one of your characters is hit with this,
don't use any strong attacks with that person. A fast and
furious volley of PSI Special, PSI Fire, and a Big Bottle
Rocket will make this fungus among us wilt.
Plague Rat of Doom: 1,827 HP, 60 PP, no shields
Almost every one of the rat's attacks is a SMAAASH attack.
Use Shield Sigma to protect your party quickly. The rodent hates
getting burnt by PSI Fire! PSI Special and some Big Bottle
Rockets work well too. A shot of Defence Down Alpha will also
help the weaker Poo help Bash. Heal injured members quickly!
Thunder & Storm: 2,065 HP, 70 PP, no shields
Don't forget to wear the ever-useful Franklin Badge when
fighting these Lightning Elementals! The duo likes to zap
you with lots of lightning bolts. PSI Freeze will but these
guardians on ice for good. Be ready to heal soon when they
take deep breaths for their next assault -- that attack is
brutal!
Kraken: 1,097 HP, 176 PP, no shields
The Kraken is a formidable beast, but nothing a high dosage
of PSI Freeze can't rid of. He uses Lightning and the
equivalents of both the Neutralizer and PSI Flash. Don't
bother with any shields, because they won't block anything.
Like all classic monsters, he breathes fire. Just attack him
fast and attack him hard.
Guardian General: 831 HP, 6 PP, no shields
This stone warrior hates the icyness of a PSI Freeze
onslaught. A quick lash with a Mummy Wrap will also greatly
damage the living statue. Otherwise, use a Big Bottle Rocket
and Bash Attacks, but don't drain too much PP; you don't get
a free refill until you exit the pyramid!
Master Barf: 1,319 HP, 0 PP, no shields
This pile of God-knows-what is just Master Belch with some
more putridness than before. Too bad he just filled up on
Fly Honey and won't take any more. Again, PSI Freeze is your
best weapon, along with PSI Special and a good Bash attack.
After you deal so much damage to him, Poo will come back and
demonstrate PSI Starstorm Alpha on your opponent!
Starman Deluxe: 1,400 HP, 418 PP, starts with & can cast
Shield of Light Beta
The Starman Deluxe is one of Gigyas's favorite robots. It's
capable of using PSI Starstorm Alpha, which will be devastating
to your party's current status! Start with PSI Shield Alpha to
save you. Attack using only psychic attacks, and have Jeff
use Shield Killer on the boss. If the robot is joined by
more Starmen, ignore them. They will disappear once their
leader is scrapped.
Electro Specter: 3,092 HP, 80 PP, starts with Psychic Shield
Beta
This guardian's shield is no problem. He often uses a
Neutralizer, which will wreck his shield as well as yours.
Once he does, try using a strong PSI Freeze on him. Using a
Multi-Bottle Rocket will also help wear him down. If he
doesn't drop the shields after a while, go ahead and use the
Shield Killer.
Carbon Dog: 1,672 HP, 0 PP, no shields
This hot dog can't stand a good PSI Freeze Omega or two. Focus
on beating him quickly. It's a good idea to launch a Multi-
Bottle Rocket to end the battle against him. But wait!
There's more!
Diamond Dog: 3,344 HP, 154 PP, starts with & can cast Shield
of Light Beta
It makes sense; diamonds are made of almost pure carbon.
Enough with the science lesson, though. Don't bother with
Shield Killer because he'll make a new shield soon. Although
no psychic power works especially well on him, try a good
blast of PSI Special, PSI Freeze, and PSI Starstorm. It will
also help to cast Shield Sigma to protect you from his fierce
attacks. It takes time to beat him -- he's tougher than
diamonds.
Ness's Nightmare: 1,654 HP, 882 PP, starts with Psychic
Shield Alpha, can cast Shield of Light Beta
Is it any real coincidence that the Nightmare looks just like
the Mani Mani statue? Be sure to have plenty of PP-
replenishing items on hand. Use Bash attacks until he
changes shields. Then use PSI Special Beta or Gamma, but not
Omega! The Û level drains more PP than you can afford to lose.
Heal whenever you're hit with a strong psychic attack. After all,
he is your evil side; he can do anything you can. It may
take a few tries to topple him once and for all. Be sure to
equip an item that repels Flash attacks to avoid Crying.
Don't waist time and PP with a shield; you can't block any of
his attacks.
Heavily Armed Pokey: limitless HP, limitless PP, no shields
Gigyas (phase 1): limitless HP, limitless PP, Super Shield that
never disappears and deflects everything
Get ready -- it's going to be a long battle. Immediately
cast three or four PSI Shield Sigma to block Gigyas's PSI Special
attacks. Don't dare use Omega level, because it will bounce off
you, bounce off Gigyas, and hurt you! Focus entirely on
Pokey. Use PSI Brainshock Alpha on Pokey to make him attack
himself. Launch Bash attacks and Multi-Bottle Rockets at
him. Eventually, Pokey will leave, turn off the Devil's
Machine, and reveal the true form of Gigyas!
Gigyas (phase 2): limitless HP, 0 PP, no shields
Gigyas now appears as an undulating background. Don't bother
with shields, because you can't comprehend his attacks. Go
ahead and show off with your PSI Special Omega, PSI Freeze Omega,
PSI Starstorm Omega, and any Multi-Bottle Rockets you may have left.
His attacks have the effects of either Lightning, PSI Flash,
or a PSI Freeze that hits everybody. Heal up and don't let
anyone die! After a while Pokey will taunt you about calling
for help.
Gigyas (phase 3): limitless HP, 0 PP, no shields
Gigyas's previous form now becomes more furious and
tumultuous. Don't bother with any attacks -- they won't help
you now. Save PP for Lifeup and Healing. Use Poo's
Brainshock Alpha to make Gigyas attack himself. It doesn't make
the battle faster, but it saves you from a round or two of
damage. Use Paula's Pray command repeatedly to spell
Gigyas's doom. The hope of the Mr. Saturn, the Runaway Five,
Paula's friends, Jeff's friends, Poo's girlfriends, Frank
Fly, Ness's Mom and sister, and finally you, the one staring
at the computer screen, will destroy Gigyas!
Mail
If you have any corrections or new ideas for how to beat a
boss, I'd love to hear it. You can also ask me about a
particular area you just can't get through. If you have e-
mail, send it to Borg953@aol.com with the subject "About
EBBOSSES.TXT". Who knows; your idea may be put in a future
version of this file! Be sure to include your e-mail address
for a response in a week or two.
If you have any ideas for the possible sequel, I don't want
to hear it. But Nintendo might! Send them to
Nintendo@nintendo.com with your idea and e-mail address. I
don't know when a reply will come, but they love to hear from
Nintendo fans!
Thank you for reading EarthBound Help: Beating the Bosses.
Good luck!
Nintendo, EarthBound, and all those character names are the
property of Nintendo of America Inc. To experience Nintendo
Power in cyberspace, link up to http://www.nintendo.com/ any
time.
America Online is a trademark of the America Online computer
network system. For a free 10 hour trial, call toll-free
1-800-827-6364 ext. 12386.
FAQ contributed by Gabriel Teodorescu - gabiteo@bx.logicnet.ro
