RamblingStating the obvious, but different instructions work for different people. In a written guide then, should there be a distinction between the methods that are essentially the same but worded differently, or stick to one and hope for the best? How can you put yourself back in your own shoes from several months back and understand the train of thought you had back then? You see the randomness of bullets unfolding and determine the path that probably won't wall you in. Okay, how? How do you quantify the capability of breaking down patterns into segments that you can keep track of?
Going into this I realized how many things remain that were routine but I never stopped to question and fully understand. Some methods may very well be the hard way but I've stuck to it until I don't know any other path. So the Yuyuko battle is being put off for a lack of understanding to even give it a short summary, but it probably doesn't matter anyway. I don't think this guide really helps.
PCB Hard...
Stradivarus
Youmu
Spirit Strings "Stradivarius"Honestly, if you're aiming for a 1CC then pick a different sister to shoot down during Live Poltergeist. Otherwise, if you're going for a capture then nothing to do but dodge harder. It may seem overwhelming but it's a very fair spell. Of note:
- You can sit on the notes to prevent the row of bullets from spawning. I'd suggest doing one of the higher ones near the cluster of notes for the most favorable impact.
- You can do this instead. If you go near her too early she'll launch a proximity wave before the actual attack starts so be wary of that.
Stage FiveReplayMidboss OpenerStatic pattern aimed at you. Easiest way is probably to be directly in front of her and use the same set of movements to avoid the attack. The second wave of green/orange bullets shouldn't be much worse because Youmu only has one of two positions to move to when sending that wave, directed by you. After that it can get a little messier but you should be ending the attack by then.
To avoid the first two waves entirely start to the lower left or right near Youmu. Make your way to the top when she starts the attack and misdirect the second wave above her. The same applies for positioning yourself to the upper left or right of her.
Gaki Sword "Storybook of the Gaki Realm"Straightforward enough. Shoot at her for a bit then make your way to the other end of the screen where it's considered consistently easier to dodge the bullets. Unfocused movements during the slowdown are encouraged and be extra careful about avoiding bullets coming at you sideways after the slowdown ends. Don't be too greedy about staying underneath her. The row of bullets right underneath can be doable but better to play it safe.
Very easy to end the spell with Duplex Barrier. Shortly after her first cut to the left side of the screen she'll lose her armor and you're free to drop it then.
Endstage OpenerSame idea as the first attack; learn a general set of movements to handle the spell. It doesn't take much.
The attack is also available for misdirection, but appears to be only possible when directing it to the upper left or right if you're going to successfully manipulate both waves. Simplest way is starting at one of the upper corners.
Hell Flame Sword "Flashing Slash Formation"Constant awareness for open space, and more often than not it'll help to be aggressive with your dodging. Push forward and weave through all those bullets during the slowdown. You'll be pushing the envelope when it comes to testing the actual hitbox of bullets if that's what it takes to get through, but it's just as effective to sit still and wait for the path to open for you. Don't be too suicidal.
Or drop a Duplex Barrier on her when she cuts to the right.
Second NoncardTap over only to avoid the knives.
Asura Sword "Obsession with the Present World"Be on the lookout for nice open areas during the slowdown and move over as soon as it ends. The bullets are aimed at you at the end of the animation, but Youmu won't follow until shortly after. If you wait until the aimed bullets are about to swarm you to move out of the way then you'll be stuck shooting nothing while she remains above the aimed bullet stream.
Easy mode: move up near her side then, you guessed it, drop a Duplex Barrier several seconds into the spell after the spell armor wears off.
Human Era Sword "Approaching Disillusion"Extra slow streaming. If you're streaming to the right and she fires from your right, move down. From the left, up. When changing directions definitely don't do what the replay did which was play with the sound off. Start making distance as soon as she fires but take care not to ram either of the forward bullet arms that come with the aimed shot.
Your attention should be focused on the small bullets slowly creeping up. The aimed shots may be the driving force of the spell, but the fact that they're aimed should place them low on the risk list. Be remotely aware of where Youmu is and the path the aimed shot will cover, and that's all the attention you should give to it.
I don't think it needs to be explained how you're going to drop a Duplex Barrier on her.
Deva Realm Sword "Seven Sins"First part is moving away from the denser areas and then being aggressive during the slowdown. If you can't clear all the bullets before the slowdown ends then play it calm and predict the trajectory of the remaining few. Remember, she always moves after spawning a wave. You shouldn't have problems following. Also, it's a given that you won't always be able to see out the thin areas but even "walls" can be lined up and pass through you. Hold your definition of dense to reasonable standards.
As for the slowdown, I've seen others say that they use the background as an indicator for the length of the effect and when it'll end. You could also get a 'feel' for the duration of the slowdown, or do both. Whatever best prepares you for the change back to regular speed so you don't launch yourself into a mess.
Sort of unrelated, a small collection of screencaps to create a very rough outline for PCB stage five. It was created with Normal in mind and not intended to be proper work given the severely low level of organization with obvious and unnecessary sections (and one typo), but perhaps the visual aid will be of use.
