Viewtiful Joe/Episode 6: The Magnificent 5



You'll start off this stage in an eerily familiar area. Head left towards the wall and leap up, grabbing the five reels. Fall down the first cliff to get another three. The first platform has four, then the leap from first to second contains seven. There's three in between platforms two and three and another seven that lead to the final platform where you can find five reels up in the right corner. Two columns hang suspended high up in the air, one on the second and third platforms, containing seven reels each, totaling 51 reels; you'll have to come back for them in a bit. Run to the far right to begin the fight with the stone version of Charles.

Charles
Use the same tactics as you did in the original fight. The only things you'll want to do differently is hit Charles while he's on the ground. First of all, wait in the right corner so that he drops stalactites on the platform. Knock one into him, then use Mach Speed to open the pink chest in the background to capture a red reel. Lead him left to the two platforms with the reels suspended in the air. Wait for him to drop stalactites, then knock one up into the column to acquire them all. From now on simply knock him down; use Slow Mode, Zoom and then let loose Red Hot One Hundreds (hold Punch) until you run out of juice. Know that every attack of his can be Uekami'd (unless you fall into the acid water at the bottom of the area) so be on your toes to save health and get a good rank.

Fire Leo

 * Attacks: Fireballs, rocks, running, claws, spinning claws.
 * Health: Around 30 Red Hot One Hundred punches.

Phase One
A massive fiery feline, Fire Leo is going to put your skills to the test. He'll start the fight by jumping into the lava in the middle of the area, leaping out, and then running around the outside of the ring firing rocks out of his head. When he reaches a stopping point he'll turn and begin launching groups of fireballs in each direction.

In a few moments the area will be swamped with projectiles, so get to work! Begin by using Mach Speed punch and kick combos on the closest rock until you catch on fire. While still burning, make your way towards Fire Leo along the path that he ran. Use your best judgement as to when the fire around you will stop, because this is what protects you from taking damage and allows you to reduce Fire Leo's flames to nothing. If need be, build up your flames just before you reach him, then hop right up close and give him a good slow punch.

Phase Two
Fire Leo's fire fury will stop and he'll focus directly on trying to claw you. Avoid his attacks, using a slow punch or kick after every one. Continue to do this until his shield breaks. Be careful of potential fireballs still flying around, if a set gets too close while you're not covered in flames, jump between the bottom two fireballs.

After his shield breaks, run up to him and hit him with two Red Hot One Hundreds. Even if he's about to strike you (skull symbols have appeared) just hit him to stop his attack. As you come out of performing RHOH's, use Slow Mode to dodge his follow up attack (it's usually really soon after).

Phase Three
He'll then start his final attack phase where he spins like the ballerinas you've previously faced, covered in pink energy. Fire Leo will then attempt to strike you; know that this comes in a set of five hits. If you accidentally get hit by one (even if you dodge) you'll end the set and have to endure another five. His attacks are easy to identify, since they show up as skull marks, and they come in two forms: high and low. Additionally Fire Leo will give you an audial clue by growling a different way for each one. Dodge a set of five and he'll get dizzy. Unleash your own set of five Red Hot One Hundreds to knock him down a bar. He'll move backwards a bit, attack the air once (he won't be anywhere near you), and then leap into the lava to begin phase one again.

When you get him down to about a single, red health bar, he'll speed up considerably in his first phase. He'll run at about twice the speed, fire rocks out twice as fast, and run an even farther distance (running a full lap around the ring). You shouldn't have to adjust much; just stay on fire like usual and be ready to leap over him at any given time. When you get to phase two and three again, things will be normal speed.

Rankings
A: 9000V