Big Boss Breakdown #2: Pooka (Super Fantasy Zone)

I'm switching it up and moving onto Super Fantasy Zone for this week's BBB. Overall, I consider Super Fantasy Zone to be the most difficult game in the series and while it does have some relatively easy bosses, there are some that can pose quite a challenge for the uninitiated.

Pooka is the first of those, presenting a wind suction hazard to overcome during the fight and a offering a relatively small moving hitbox. The key to beating our fishy friend, who looks like an extra from Darius, is finishing him off quickly and utilising a technique I'm referring to as 'bomb arcing'.

So what is bomb arcing? 

A technique that is probably used by most FZ players, Bomb arcing is the act of propelling your bombs forward towards enemies in order to maximise your damage output. This technique is particularly useful against bases and bosses alike, given bombs are the strongest 'permanent' weapon in your arsenal. The attack can be used when equipped with either the standard single bomb or after purchasing the twin bomb which further increases the amount of damage you inflict, because of its improved rate of fire.

So how do you perform it?

Opa-Opa's movement is quite unique when compared to ships from other shooters. When stationary, you'll notice that there's some inertia that carries him forward ever so slightly. If you manually move your directional pad/stick forward, Opa-Opa's momentum increases (the speed of which is governed by the wing or engine power up up currently equipped) and it's at this point where you release your bomb(s). Regardless of the speed item is you have, it's this increase of momentum from forward movement that is fundamental to effective bomb arcing usage.

So, we understand that while moving Opa-Opa forward in conjunction with firing your bomb, the bomb arc is significantly wider than when Opa-Opa is stationary. Arcing the bomb in this fashion can be controlled even further during the Pooka fight by quickly facing Opa-Opa left (this is forced when avoiding his suction attack), then switching right and firing off the standard or twin bombs (see below).

As you can see in the above video, I'm arcing the bomb directly towards Pookas mouth (his only weak spot) at every opportunity using the method described above. This allows me to maximise damage and speed up a fight that can prove to be particularly tricky the longer it goes on.

Beating Pooka efficiently will require a combination of concentrated fire, the aforementioned bomb arcing mechanic and smooth navigation of his bullets while being drawn in by the suction from his fan, which is a constant problem during the fight. His fan is particularly hazardous during his second attack phase, where you are forced to remain relatively still while circumventing through a wall of bullets and attacking his weak spot all at the same time. His colour changes as he continues to take damage and once these techniques are mastered he can be dispatched relatively quickly. 

The key is to strike fast and strike hard, while making as little vertical movement as possible.