Monday, February 11, 2013

Delfino Pier

History:

Off the coast of Delfino Plaza, adjacent to Delfino Square on the Isle Delfino lies the Delfino Pier. Yeah, they aren't very creative at naming things. With both Princess Peach and Princess Daisy making significant investments in race courses throughout the Isle, Mario felt slighted. He was unable to push through another Racing Course, but did secure a large tract of land to create a Battle Course. The result was more exploitation of the Piantas people, but they were just honored to have the presence of the Hero Mario on their Isle.

Wii:

The Delfino Pier is a unique Battle Course in that the fighting area shifts as time progresses throughout the battle. There is no way to alter these shifts. The battle begins atop this giant roof surrounded by water that rolls in and out with the tide. There are some hidden sneaky areas but they are rarely traversed by the enemy and not worth exploring. There are some dash panels to pull of some sick jumps that will also get rid of any Blooper Ink. As time goes on though, new areas open up, including a large indoor area that also gradually fills with water, becoming a certain way to die. Finally, the drawbridge drops and battlers finish the fight atop a higher, pyramidal roof. This usually is a decently high-scoring match, although it is actually large enough and contains enough obscure areas that players can easily hide and regroup. What's the fun in that, though?

For strategy, try to maintain the high ground and be aware when things start to change on the course, signified by the donging of bells. The course is simultaneously expansive, yet enclosed by tight corners and isolated confined spaces. Avoid the corners and dash when you can to soar to other parts of the course. Also pay attention to when players fully diffuse to other areas. Oftentimes someplace new will open up but battlers won't journey there. Stick where the action is and rack up those points.