They're sinking cities with a GIANT WORM!
Plug Man
25 September 2008
S.A. Renegade
Plug Man is definitely the hardest robot master. Mainly because the terrain gives his weapon a huge advantage while putting yours at a disadvantage. But also because you have to be paying attention to a lot of things at once. Oftentimes he sends out 2 shots at once, and that actually translates to 4 things you have to worry about, since they come back to hit you, plus with him jumping around that makes 5 things. Finally he can use some pretty cheap tactics every once in a while which can be pretty annoying. Oh and also he's batshit crazy.
His weapon sends a ball of electricity across the floor, which goes all the way to the end of the room, up the wall, across the ceiling, and falls down on your current position. Because of this, it's important not only to jump over the shots but also to make them fall down in a place where they won't hit you.
Notice that Plug Man's hand flashes when he's about to shoot a ball of electricity. Learn to use this to your advantage so you know when one is coming. This is especially useful when he's got your cornered, since there is hardly any room to see the shot coming in this situation.
One of the most dangerous parts of the battle is when he's about to corner you on either side of the room. In my opinion, the most important tip here, and probably the one that really turned the tide for me once I figured it out, is this: regarding both ends of the room, there are two "safe spots" on each of them where you can stand and Plug Man will not be able to damage you with his body when he stands there. This is important because the fight consists in moving back and forth from one end of the room to the other, and being able to do this without getting damaged when you pass each other is crucial. When Plug Man jumps and lands on a corner of the room, realize that if you hug the nearest block as much as you can, he will land but miss you by millimeters. You will not be damaged. Then you can simply jump over the block and run to the other end of the room. By the same token, if you hug the wall as much as you can, you will ALSO not be damaged when he lands. Then, you can actually jump OVER him without being damaged and run to the other end of the room. Of course, you also have to watch out for his electricity so as always, it is quite a bit easier said than done.
As for whether you should hug the block or the wall, I'd say use your judgement. Generally speaking though, try to always be hugging the wall when you're anticipating his jump. If you see that he makes a huge jump, try to move over to the block before he lands and then just jump over it and run to the other end of the room. If, however, you see him make a small hop, stay hugging the wall and jump over him instead.
When you're on either side of the room and he's shooting at you, after you jump over a ball, try to stay near the center of that space or near the block so that the ball falls down there. Not near the wall. This is because this is where you will generally be standing when you're about to jump over a sphere. It will come towards the wall and you will jump AWAY from the wall. Of course, this is only a recommendation, and the actual best course of action may change depending on exactly what is happening. Again, use your judgement when it comes to this.
If Plug Man stands on top of one of the highest blocks and starts shooting you when you're in the corner nearest to him you'll have your work cut out for you, but it is very possible to avoid damage. You'll want to stay close to the wall, watch for his flashing hand, and after you jump over the sphere, stand near the center so that it falls down there and you can move back to the wall in anticipation of the next shot.
However, Plug Man is also a very cheap boss, and once in a while, he will stand on top of the block nearest to the corner and start shooting you. He will be at almost point blank range in this situation, and you can't jump over him. Suffice it to say, it's a pretty bullshit situation to find yourself in. Escaping damage here is almost impossible as far as I'm aware. I think I've only walked out from it unscathed once. I think you're better off just jumping towards him and taking the damage. Fortunately this situation doesn't happen too often.
Previous: Concrete Man | Next: Hornet Man