                             A I R    T R I X
                         ------------------------
                              strategy guide
                         ------------------------
                           UPDATED:  01/18/2001


===Update List===

01/18/2001 - Added Moves Key, Corrected some things, Moved some stuff
             around, Added specifics about Special Tricks 

01/16/2001 - Lots of changes, Added info on Super Special Jump Trick,
             Message Board info

01/14/2001 - Questions section added, How to do each characters Special Jump
             Trick, Spin Trick info added

01/12/2001 - Created


=====Content=====

(1) The Game
    - History
    - How to Play
    - Scoring
    - Rankings
    - Scoreboard
    - Tricks Key

(2) The Skaters
    - Jake
    - Spidey
    - Kaytie
    - Tony
    - Linda

(3) The Courses
    - Practice
    - Course A
    - Course B

(4) The Tricks
    - Basic Tricks
    - Special Tricks
    - Linking Tricks
    - Failing Tricks

(5) How to Win!
    - Helpful Hints
    - Message Board

(6) ?s Answered

(7) Credits

=================
    THE GAME
=================
Air Trix is a skateboard game which takes place in a half pipe. 

HISTORY
-----------------
This game was released on or around 01/05/2001.
  Air Trix is supposed to be the sequel to Top Skater. But in my
opinion, if a game is a sequel, it would have to play similar to the
original, which Air Trix does not. The only thing similar about these
games is that they involve skateboarding.

HOW TO PLAY
-----------------
You rotate the skateboard side to side, push the board down in the
front or back, at appropriate times in order to pull off different
tricks.

SCORING
-----------------
You score points when you land tricks.
  Points are awarded in the form of 'coins'. You recieve different
amounts of coins based on how amazing you trick was.
  You have a chance to score bonus coins by performing tricks that the
game 'asks' you to perform. Here's how it works; you get the normal
amount of coins you would get for performing the trick, plus the amount
of coins shown under the trick description. The amount of bonus coins
will decerase each time you jump and do not perform the trick. The
bonus trick can change and they won't always be available. If you do
a trick more extreme that what hey ask of you, you will still get the
bonus. Example: They ask you for a 5 foot grind and you do a 10.
  If you do the same trick twice in a run, you'll recieve less points
the second time you do it.

RANKINGS
-----------------
Rankings are awarded based on how many coins you've managed to collect.
Example: Earning 240 coins, will get you an A class ranking. Rankings
start at G and go through F, E, D, C, B, A, S, S2, S3, S4... The game
doesn't seize up after you get S5 class, but it unknown whether an
official S6 class ranking is available, or possible.
G  class =   0 coins "You are so Poser"
F  class =  20 coins "You are so Whacky"
E  class =  50 coins "You are so Decent"
D  class =  85 coins "You are so Challenger"
C  class = 130 coins "You are so Dope"
B  class = 195 coins "You are so Fantastic"
A  class = 240 coins "You are so Amazing"
S  class = 360 coins "You are so Incredible"
S2 class = 460 coins "You are so Master of the World!"
S3 class = 565 coins "You are so Master of the Universe!"
S4 class = ??? coins "You are so Master of the Universe!" 
S5 class = ??? coins "You are so Master of the Universe!"
S6 class = 910 coins "You are so Master of the Universe!"

SCOREBOARD
-----------------
After 'ripping it up on the pipe,' you'll be allowed to enter three
alphanumeric characters of your very own to the top 100 list. You will
get this screen after the ranking screen. If you did so completely
awful that you didn't even make it to the top 100, you will go right
to the game over screen. Each course has its own top 100 list.
  The online scoreboard is something that is still in the works by the
company that programmed the game, Hitmaker. You get a password screen
after you enter your initials. You will be able to use this password
on their website and enter yourself on a world wide scoreboard. The
address for the page is 'http://www.hitmaker.co.jp/AIRTRIX/'
If you were to try it now, you would get a 'page not found' error.
There is no word on when it will be available.
  Have a pen or pencil ready because the password for the online
scoreboard is LONG. 

TRICKS KEY
-----------------
Every guide has a key right? Well here's mine...
  f = forward
  b = backward
  s = spin
  + = and
  , = then
  / = or
 w/ = with
 () = optional
a[] = while riding at an angle
  If a letter is uppercase, it means hold. So if a letter is in lowercase
it means tap. Example: Jake's French Fry Flip = F,s+b This would
translate to holding forward on the board and then spinning and tapping
the board backwards. 

=================
   THE SKATERS
=================
"Here are five boys and girls who are all very good skaters..."
-annoying announcer from game

The only variation between the characters are character models and
special tricks. Although it seems that some might be better at
different normal tricks, this has yet to be proved. Until i find out
what really separates them from one another, this section will be
pretty useless and full of trivial info on each character.

JAKE
-----------------
Jake has quickly become my favorite. I might just be lucky w/him but
I got my highest score on Course A. Anyway, he's Australian or
something. Just thought I'd let you know before you pick him and he
says, "awwriiight." He's not very popular at my arcade for some reason.
**SPECIAL TRICKS**
McTwist = F,b
French Fry Flip = F,s+b
Miami Vortex = b,f,b

SPIDEY
-----------------
Coolest looking character in the game, most popular character in the
game. Coincidence? I used to use him exclusivly, but now I use Jake.
Spidey has some real interesting combos if you stay away from the
simple forward and back.
**SPECIAL TRICKS**
Boneless = f,f
Back Loop = F,b
Air Walk = f,b,f

KAYTIE
-----------------
The course B queen? At my arcade she is. Tom got 800+ points w/her.
She's the only S5 class ranking character. GO TOM! She's not very
interesting though. The noises she makes are pretty annoying.
**SPECIAL TRICKS**
?
?
?

TONY
-----------------
Nice helmet, your mommy make you wear that? This is the only character
we've noticed who doesn't seem to jump as high. I've only seen him do
a 5-combo under normal circumstances. Maybe he spins faster?
**SPECIAL TRICKS**
Niagra Falls = F,b
Spinning Handplant = f,f
?

LINDA
-----------------
Kinda goofy looking. Most people who want to use a girl go with
Kaytie. Probably the least popular character at the arcade.
**SPECIAL TRICKS**
Mixed Juice = b,f,b
Whip Cream = B,f
Back Loop = F,b

=================
   THE COURSES
=================
Three courses are currently available. But I'm guessing one or two more
will be hidden. Course A and B let you have free range of two half pipe
locations each. After you pick a course, you will be led to the first
of two half pipes with a 2 minute time limit. The next half pipe is
more complex, but with the same time limit.

PRACTICE
------------------
Oh how I hate it when people pick this. I want to kick them in the back
of the knees while they play. If you want to learn this game, watch
others, read the instructions on the game, or keep reading my guide!
  Anyway, the first practice stage will give you instructions on how to
perform the three basic tricks in the game. It will first run a demo of
the trick twice and then show you what not to do. Then it lets you try
to perform the trick, with a time limit. If you get the trick right, it
will ask you to perform a harder version of the trick. Example: If you
did a 3-combo trick, it will ask you to do a 4 combo trick. It does this
with each of the three basic tricks.
  The second stage is the halfpipe, from stage 1 of course A.

Course A
------------------
My Favorite! Currently, I have a 512 SS class ranking with Jake here.
 The first stage is a simple halfpipe but isn't very long. It is made for
tricks that involve big jumps.
 The second stage is a series of halfpipes arranged in steps. Big tricks
can be performed by jumping from a higher half pipe to a lower one. But
like the first stage, each segment isn't very long which limits you to
big jump tricks.

Course B
------------------
Tom's favorite. Currently he has 700+, SSSS class ranking with Kaytie.
 The first stage is a simple halfpipe, which is pretty shallow, but it's
very long for grinding.
 The second stage is pretty weird. It has three half pipes seperated by
granite, just waiting for you to screw up a half pipe to halfpipe trick
and bash your skull in. The halfpipes are connected by pipe. So, you can
grind from one to another.

=================
   THE  TRICKS
=================
There are basic tricks that all the characters can perform. But there
are also special tricks that only certain characters can perform.
All tricks can be linked to other tricks for astounding scores.
Remember, if you don't have the board back in a normal position by
landing time, you will fail the trick. If you're trying something
real extreme and fail, you're gunna fall and that means precious
seconds and starting all over again, building up speed and power.

BASIC TRICKS
-----------------
Combo Trick = b,(b/f),(b/f)...
  Jump in the air and press forward or backwards on the
board to add a move to the combo. Make sure you only kick the board
so many times or else your character will fall while executing too many
tricks. Also, release forward or back before you land.
  While in the air, turning the board while pressing forward or backwards
will execute something different from the normal forward or backwards.
  Combo's award points by the number of tricks you get off during a jump.
2, 3, 4, 5, and 'big combo' is awarded after 6. My cousin said he did
a 7 combo, but I've never seen it and he's a big liar. Maybe on Course A.
  You can at least do 3-combo. 

Spin Trick = s+B
  Spin the board 45 degrees while pressing and holding backwards
and holding the board at an angle to perform a spinning jump trick. Put
the board back to its normal position and release forward or back to land.
  The Spin Tricks are awarded from 180, 360, 540, 720, 900, 1080,
1260...etc. I think the highest I've gotten was 1440, which might be as
high as they go because the game has never asked me to do anything
beyond 1260.
  Anyway, the game will give you more coins for every successful
180 degrees you've managed to spin. Example: You won't get more points
for spinning 800 degrees as opposed to 740 because they both count as
a 720.
  You can at least do a 360. 

Grinding = a[F]
Press forward while approaching the halfpipes lip at an
angle. This must be timed like a normal jump. The longer you hold
forward, the longer your grind. Spinning the board while grinding allows
you to perform grind transitions. When you character starts to slow down
while grinding, that is a sign you should release forward and go back
into the pipe.
  Caution, do not grind off the halfpipe. While performing jump tricks,
you basically cannot harm yourself this way. You are unable to jump off
the halfpipe. But you can continue grinding until you are off the side
and laying on the floor. Beware.
  I don't know exactly how grinds are scored. Whether it gives you move
coins per foot, or per 5 foot.
  You can at least do a 5 foot grind.  

Stall Trick = F
  If you press forward on the board while going strait
towards the edge of the half pipe you will do a stall. No big whoop. I
haven't experimented with these too much. Maybe I should.
  Just don't hold this too long or you will fail or fall.

SPECIAL TRICKS
-------------------
Well this section is getting an overhaul. A lot of new info has crossed
my path since I started writting this guide. It now seems every character
has 3 special tricks. Some are ground based, some are done in the air.
Anyway, you can find out how to do these tricks at the end of each
characters profile. 
  Once you enter the command for the special trick, you can't fall from
it. Well, I've never failed while performing one. 
  Like normal tricks, you recieve less points for each special trick you
do in a row.

LINKING TRICKS
-------------------
Here are where the points are scored. Linking tricks allows you to score
more points than you ever thought imaginable.

Spin to Combo = s+B,f,(b/f),(b/f)...
  If you start a spin by kicking and holding back you can interrupt the
spin by pressing forward which will perform a 2-combo. Keep kicking
forward and back to add tricks to the combo.

Jump Trick to Grind = a[Any Jump Trick,F]
  Jump at an angle you would normally grind from and
perform any jump trick (combo, spin, special). At the end of your trick,
just before re-entering the halfpipe, press and hold forward on the board.
This will allow you to begin grinding.

Grind to Combo = a[F,b,(b),(b)...]
  From the grind you can press backwards twice (fast) to perform a
2-combo. I've seen a 3-combo done but you really gotta be moving!

The Barcode Special a[Any Jump Trick, F,b,b,F,b,b,F,b,b,F...]
Jump at an angle you would normally grind from and perform any jump trick
(combo, spin, special). At the end of your trick, just before re-entering
the halfpipe, press and hold forward on the board. This will allow you to
begin grinding. From the grind you can press backwards twice then forwards
and hold (really quick!) to perform a 2-combo and then beginning to grind
again. You can then combo to grind to combo to grind... Just stop before
you run out of steam and fail. (Pre-requisite: You gotta be moving! At
least be able to do a 5-combo.)

FAILING TRICKS
-----------------
I'm sure I don't have to tell you that this is bad. Failing tricks wastes
time that you should be using to score higher!

Simple Fail - If you simply fail to land a trick, you will stay on the
skateboard, recieve no increase in power, and recieve no coins for whatever
you did in the trick before you failed.
  This generally occurs when someone is doing a small trick and doesn't
get the board back to a normal position before they land.

Falling Fail - This is really not good. You will fall to the ground, waste
more time recovering from the fall, have your power reset, and recieve no
coins for whatever you did before your trick failed.
  This happens when someone tries a big trick and doesn't get back in time.
You can also fall by grinding off the side of a half pipe or land on
something in the halfpipe (Course B). 

=================
   HOW TO WIN!
=================
Keep doing different tricks, don't waste time. You might want to create a
routine for yourself. This will keep you from repeating tricks.

HELPFUL HINTS
-----------------
Power - This is what enables you to do better tricks. It makes you
jump higher and grind longer. You gain power each time you land a trick.
If you fail a trick, your power stays the same. If you fall, your power
level goes back to zero. There isn't an official power meter on the
screen. You just have to judge what kind of tricks you can DO by what
tricks you have DONE. Meaning, don't try a 900 if you haven't done a 720.

Jumping - Jumping isn't really that hard, people just make it harder for
themselves. You press back on the board near the lip of the half pipe and
you jump. The timing isn't as important as in Top Skater. You don't have
to wait til the very last second to enter a jump command. Jumping higher
depends on power, not reaction time.
  Time for some poor ascii art! Lets pretend the diagram below is a
halfpipe. I've split the halfpipe's lip into 3 major regions I've called
'areas'. You could probably get away with entering in your trick command
at the end of area b. But do you get what I'm saying? You don't have to
wait until the very last second to enter a jump command and risk not
completing a trick.

Diagram 1.1 
                       __
\                   /  __ Area A
 \                 /   __ Area B
  \_______________/    __ Area C


Grinding - You have to ride at an angle to grind so it's best to plan a
grind one or two steps ahead of yourself depending on how much power
you have.  

MESSAGE BOARD
-----------------
If you'd like to discuss Air Trix with others go no further than:
GameFaqs.Com Air Trix Message Board:
http://cgi.gamefaqs.com/boards/gentopic.asp?board=30566
Gamers.Com Air Trix Message Board:
http://boards.gamers.com/messages/overview.asp?name=airtrix

=================
   ?s ANSWERED
=================

"Is Air Trix harder than Top Skater?"
  No, but this is coming from someone that didn't play a whole lot of
Top Skater. But really, Top skater required a lot more reflex and
intimate knowledge of the course. Air Trix's courses are pretty simple
and playing the game doesn't take being able to catch fly's with
chopsticks.

"Do I get less points if I do Jump Combo's of the same amount, but with
different tricks?"
  Good question. Unfortunatly, we don't know right now. I'll get back to
you.
  If you don't understand the question here's an example: 3-combo of
(Up, Down, Up) after you already did a 3-combo of (Down, Down, Up).

=================
     CREDITS
=================

Author of this strategy guide
     Name: Marc
     Nick: nozedive
     Initials: NOZ
     e-mail: nozedive@jahn.com
     AOL Instant Messanger: nozedive13

Best player
    Name: Tom
    Nick: barcode
    Initials: BAR or G5?

Our arcade
    Cyberstation
    Walden Gallera Mall
    Buffalo, NY
    716-685-6069

Contributors
    Special Tricks submitted by,
    Ugly Kids @ Cyberstation

    Special Tricks submitted by,
    Nick: fortwentea

    Special Tricks submitted by,
    Nick: Zion
    email: Zion33313@cs.com





