The New Spellcard Help Thread

[hiddenryuu]

VoWG any tips to surviving that card?

I'm expecting a no trick just l2dodge better, but seriously it seems like this card owns me on hard more than any other card ever.

[Zengeku]

It is basically read n' dodge.

Its a spellcard combining reflexes and reading. You have to think fast in order to beat it. Most of the waves you should be able to get around by just moving around them but sometimes the waves might come from directions that walls of the possibility of going around them. If that's the case you have a few split-seconds to find a way through the waves. I'd say this is by far the hardest part of VoWG. When you have to go through the waves. The gaps are usually reasonably big but the speed they come with are usually what kills.

[Formless God]

• Watch your own replays
• Watch other peoples' standard / ordinary replays
• Watch superplays / scoreruns (this is a personal favorite of mine)*

*_{Protip: "Record" the replay and open up the raw video file (e.g. with VirtualDub) and forward the frames slowly to see what they do if you can't see it quick enough. This is one of the methods that I used to learn LLS / MS stages.}

Hmm, I admit I haven't done this regularly.
Are superplays those replays with lower score than the rest ? (on Royalflare, for example)

• Formulate a plan to "attack" the game (this normally comes with revising things over and over until there are no major problems left)

Yes, did it in class a couple of days ago. It helped immensely with my MoF 1cc :V

...This?

Yes, thanks (um ... what does each lines and crosses represent, again ? )

[Menreiki]

Depths "Genetics of the Subconscious", please.

I have actually capture this spell card twice. The problem is that I always keep failing at the very end (less than 1/4 of health).

And Subconscious "Rorschach in Danmaku".

This one is impossible for me. The hitbox for the bullets is way too big. I'm always fine until the pink bullets show up, they are a pain in the ass.

[Zengeku]

Depths "Genetics of the Subconscious", please.
And Subconscious "Rorschach in Danmaku".

Genetics: You have to get a feel for Koishi's pattern. Someone can probably supply you with her pattern in detail but once you've played against it you don't need it. What i do actually is a lot more reading than memorization. Basically just keep an eye out on Koishi's position and only look at the bullets when you need to dodge them. Dodging the bullets themselves aren't too hard. That of course is subjective.

Rorschach: You'll want to go through the gaps as they appear rather than hugging the bottom of the screen. It can be rather tough but its not too complex to understand.

[LHCling]

Are superplays those replays with lower score than the rest ? (on Royalflare, for example)

Superplays I guess would just be defined as replays done by much better people, normally with handicaps. They can have higher / lower scores than the rest, or even just an "ordinary" score. It's actually quite hard to find them if you don't know where to look. Some examples would include AMs MoF and UFO Extra No Vert (of course, both could theoretically be improved slightly from what I've noticed). This page contains a few (Note: It should've updated by now, though I don't see it yet). Following other players on their blogs is another. If possible  :V

Yes, thanks (um ... what does each lines and crosses represent, again ? )

Ignore the red-brown line. Blue line represents the true fluctuation of my skill (as an estimate). Green crosses were the special points such as starting Spell Card Theory. Oh and the bottom is number of months.

Depths "Genetics of the Subconscious", please.

I have actually capture this spell card twice. The problem is that I always keep failing at the very end (less than 1/4 of health).

A replay would actually help here. Though, micromemorization would help a bit in terms of knowing when Koishi will try and body slam.

And Subconscious "Rorschach in Danmaku".

This one is impossible for me. The hitbox for the bullets is way too big. I'm always fine until the pink bullets show up, they are a pain in the ass.

Off the bottom of the screen. Oh, and it's possible to micromem this too. Like where you move for each of the waves of bullets and such.

[Zengeku]

Does anyone know a way to handle Parasol Star Memories Lunatic with ReimuA? It doesn't give me a chance... and its a Stage 2 boss, damn it.

[LHCling]

You're "blessed" with ReimuA; with the High Power Forward Shots. ReimuA is the 3rd best Shot Type for this out of 6. The last 3 dance on "unplayable".

There are some interesting points when using ReimuA against this Spell Card:

• Assuming that you can stay underneath Kogasa 75+% of the time, this Spell Card will end very quickly
• ReimuA's shots will destroy umbrellas rather quickly
• ReimuA's unfocused shots will destroy umbrellas swinging in from the side
• ReimuA focused while firing does give you a (very contrasted) visual cue as to where your hitbox is; you can use this to your advantage if you wish

Best way to handle it is to get a really good feel of when to destroy umbrellas, and when to just stay put underneath, etc. I will point out that the first cycle will always unfold out the same way each time (if not, then at least similarly).

[Chaotic Phoenixma]

How do you vertically stream Hourai Jewel anyway?

I know the timings for horizontal streaming since I've almost managed to time the thing out, but I can't even get close to a capture using vertical streaming.

[Lybydose]

How do you vertically stream Hourai Jewel anyway?

I know the timings for horizontal streaming since I've almost managed to time the thing out, but I can't even get close to a capture using vertical streaming.

I'm assuming that you mean YOU will be moving vertically, which means the bullets move horizontally.  Replay of this technique.  The timing is simple.  Look at the familiars in the middle of the screen and time your quick movements (for switching directions) by watching them shoot bullets.  You want to move at the same time they stop firing.  This also lets you keep the timing correct if you are using a character that kills the familiars.  This only applies to Lunatic.

[Fightest]

I don't understand Yuyuko's last spellcard. Those butterfly bullets target something, but it sure as heck ain't my hitbox, so they always throw me off. Any pointers?

[Helion]

How do I stop autobombing Busy Rod lunatic.

EDIT: Nevermind, I just needed to play it lower.

[Chaotic Phoenixma]

Merlin Prismriver Hard mode

Also Lunasa Prismriver on Hard mode.

I have to bomb spam either of these. Marisa has too few bombs, so it doesn't matter that Lyrica is easy outside of the second solo part of the fight. I'm decent at that one against Merlin or Lyrica. Lunasa's is ridiculous though.

It'd also help if I wasn't completely useless at this stage, even on Easy and Normal.

[Heartbeam]

Merlin Prismriver Hard mode

Also Lunasa Prismriver on Hard mode.

I have to bomb spam either of these. Marisa has too few bombs, so it doesn't matter that Lyrica is easy outside of the second solo part of the fight. I'm decent at that one against Merlin or Lyrica. Lunasa's is ridiculous though.

For Merlin's opener I like to start at either side of her, let's say the right, and misdirect the two blue shots + double spirit lasers.  Then run over to the left side and slowly stream to the center.  As Sakuya B you may want to make a quick unfocused movement to the right then lock the shot in place to make it a little faster (all before streaming obviously).  Repeat for going in the opposite direction.  It may also help to visualize how much space the aimed shots are going to take up, being slightly spread and all.  Then you can worry more on dealing with the red bullets.

That attack also speeds up near the end?  I never knew.

Misdirection for Lunasa's opener.  The violin always starts on the right so you can be somewhere on the far left, or in front of her.  Then it's just alternating between sides so the bullets spreading out aren't putting pressure on you.  After the fourth bubble shot by the violin it'll be firing too rapidly to misdirect across the entire screen, making it important that you aren't at the bottom or you'll be boxed in pretty soon.

Oh no, more replays!

Lunasa

Merlin

It'd also help if I wasn't completely useless at this stage, even on Easy and Normal.

On the bright side, once you have it down the stage will be a small bump in the road because the only random element of concern should be Lily White's bullet clusters.

[Hyperbole1729]

Does anyone have tips for the green phase on Hourai Elixir Hard? ITried handling them like I did on Suwako's last spell card but for some reason it doesn't work  :V
I managed to capture it on normal with the "sit there and pray" startegy but it doesn't go so well on hard.

[Chaotic Phoenixma]

Go to the left or right side of the screen. Makes it easier.

[ebarrett]

Youmu's Triple Pain on lunatic. AAAGGHGHGAGHAGGHHHH halp

I'm using Alice by the way.

edit: and Yukari's Infinite Superspeed Flying Object

[Lybydose]

Legendary Flying Saucer Lunatic.

Seriously, there's no point in even attempting a Lunatic 1cc solely because of this card (and also because there are only 2 cards in the entire game that I can capture).  On my last try I died 4 times and bombed like 6 times, 3 of which were deathbombs.  I think I once managed to reach it in practice mode with a full stock of lives and still game over.

[Hyperbole1729]

Go to the left or right side of the screen. Makes it easier.

Didn't think it was as simple as that... Thanks that worked great!

[LHCling]

Legendary Flying Saucer Lunatic.

I think it would be best if you could show a replay of a "standard" run first so "we" can see what's going on.

Though, I will admit that it's easy to clip on. Seeing as I can only capture this oh so often; my record for Byakuren's First probably.

And, I'll state the usual. It's composed of aimed elements (the circles are aimed, not the amulets themselves) and can be taken on with minimal movement, or careful directing of the circles such that you don't get 3 rings intersecting at the most inconvenient time.

[Lybydose]

I think it would be best if you could show a replay of a "standard" run first so "we" can see what's going on.

Though, I will admit that it's easy to clip on. Seeing as I can only capture this oh so often; my record for Byakuren's First probably.

And, I'll state the usual. It's composed of aimed elements (the circles are aimed, not the amulets themselves) and can be taken on with minimal movement, or careful directing of the circles such that you don't get 3 rings intersecting at the most inconvenient time.

Where exactly am I supposed to direct them?  I can't come up with anything resembling a strategy because all I see are LOLAMULETS EVERYWHERE.

Anyway, two replays:

Actually shooting.
Timeout in which I didn't shoot at all and STILL died like 3 times to the blue waves.

Actually yeah I suck at the entire Byakuren fight, but at least I can bomb everything else.

[Kasu]

DX

Does anyone have any tips on Stage 5's Midboss Sakuya on Normal?

The non-card and the spellcard screw me over constantly...

[ebarrett]

Stage 5's Midboss Sakuya

If the card is anything like the lunatic version: choose one side, go there before the card really starts, and stay there. The knives are aimed, so just go back and forth between the kunai while giving yourself enough room to get out of the way of the next wave of knives, all while staying to one side, roughly under where Sakuya appears after "misdirecting".

Oh, and if you wait for Sakuya to move (and shoot) before going to the side, you're pretty much screwed, so don't do it.

[Sen]

How are you supposed to do Murasa's third spellcard on Hard, exactly? I've only reached it twice, both resulted in game over (I only had one bomb and no lives in stock both times). I'd rather not doublebomb something that's not Lengendary Flying Object D:

[Chaotic Phoenixma]

I've timed that one out once while shooting and didn't save the replay. Haven't captured it yet either.

Well, you want to stay off the bottom. There's more than enough time to read which way to dodge then move out of the way of the anchors. The main problem is clipdeath.

[Hyperbole1729]

DX

Does anyone have any tips on Stage 5's Midboss Sakuya on Normal?

The non-card and the spellcard screw me over constantly...

For the spell card everything is aimed. Don't move until she shoots the kunai and after she does move a bit but make sure you stop moving before she throws the kinves because they are aimed too. Unlike hard or lunatic you won't have to dodge kunai coming from the sides

[Kasu]

Ah, thank you both!

[LHCling]

Where exactly am I supposed to direct them?  I can't come up with anything resembling a strategy because all I see are LOLAMULETS EVERYWHERE.

With SanaeB, you have a few options.
1. To the top of the screen "Shotgun" measures
2. Alternate between the top and the bottom (or as far as you can move)
3. All to the bottom of the screen
4. To the side of the screen (which is actually possible, but it makes things look pretty weird)

The safest choice is 2.

With SanaeB, 1 is also a good choice but only and only if you can do it right. Which basically says that you shouldn't do it unless you've practiced the method more; one incorrect misdirection will mean a completely solid wall forms.

Actually shooting.
Timeout in which I didn't shoot at all and STILL died like 3 times to the blue waves.

This is interesting. Every time you try and charge through a ring, you always get hit. I'd probably attribute this to bad timing itself.

Oh yes, to trivialize "Magic Milky Way", shotgun. If you're at 4.00 Power, this Spell Card should end in about 12 seconds. If you're at any other Power, unfocus and do the same thing. It still should take only 13-18 seconds. "Cheap" as it may be, it's the best way to approach this when you have the potential to do a lot of damage.

[Chaotic Phoenixma]

Is there any way I should be dealing with movement on Ooe. I feel as if I'm doing something wrong when I've only captured it once over 40 attempts for just one of the shottypes and none over I'm not sure for the others. My best on a timeout run is 2DnB.

[ebarrett]

Ooe

Staying too long in the center is a bad idea, for me at least; dodge to the right when a left->right wave appears, and to the left when a right->left wave appears; this reduces dramatically the amount of "leftover" bubbles you have to deal with at any moment. Vertical movement is your friend, as is being as aggressive as you can. Stay as far away from the bottom as you can, you'll want some room to back off while looking for an opening, and there's plenty of room to move up on the sides anyway. Don't be afraid of charging between two bubbles; there's tons of space at any time as long as you're comfortable with the bubbles' hitboxes.

Of course, I have seen people just take it from the bottom center with success and without going through great trouble to do so, but I find it very uncomfortable and would advise against it since it requires much better reflexes and reading, even though, of course, it ends the card much faster.