2025-11-18 12:01
I remember the first time I encountered that damage-sponging mini-boss in TIPTOP-Fortune Ace - what a frustrating experience that turned into one of my favorite gaming revelations. There I was, pouring round after round into this seemingly invincible enemy, watching them finally stagger toward that mysterious circle on the ground, completely clueless about what to do next. I must have died at least seven times trying different approaches before I accidentally discovered the solution while reloading and happened to glance upward. That's when I noticed the chandelier swaying gently above the combat area, and everything clicked into place.
The process goes like this - first, you need to survive the initial assault while conserving about 60% of your primary ammo. The mini-boss has three distinct attack patterns before entering the dizzy state: a rapid-fire projectile spread, a charging lunge, and an area denial attack that covers roughly 40% of the battlefield. I've found that staying mobile and using the pillars for cover works best during this phase. After what feels like an eternity - probably around 90 seconds of sustained damage - the enemy will finally begin staggering toward that glowing circle. This is where most players get stuck, including myself during my first several attempts. The key realization came when I stopped focusing solely on the enemy and started examining the environment more carefully. Looking directly upward reveals the elaborate chandelier mechanism, though it's easy to miss if you're not specifically checking the ceiling.
Here's what you need to do differently - once the enemy reaches the circle and begins their dizzy animation, quickly aim upward and put two precise shots into the chandelier's mounting mechanism. I prefer using the precision rifle for this, though any weapon with decent accuracy will work. The chandelier comes crashing down in spectacular fashion, stunning the enemy again but this time leaving them completely vulnerable to melee attacks. This environmental interaction is what makes TIPTOP-Fortune Ace's combat system so brilliant when it works properly. However, I've noticed the mechanic has some significant balancing issues that the developers should probably address in future patches.
While the initial discovery felt incredibly satisfying, the execution quickly became almost too straightforward. The enemy just stands there motionless for a solid 8-10 seconds while you whale on them with melee attacks. I've counted - you can land between 15-20 hits during this window, which completely trivializes what should be an engaging combat encounter. The first time I pulled it off, I actually laughed out loud at how absurdly long the beating sequence lasted. It transforms what could be a tense, strategic fight into what feels like hitting a training dummy. I've started experimenting with different approaches to make it more interesting, like using only heavy attacks or trying to position myself for perfect counter opportunities during the initial phase.
What's particularly frustrating is that the game clearly has the mechanics for more dynamic interactions - I've seen similar environmental hazards used much more effectively in other sections. The solution here feels like the developers ran out of time or ideas partway through implementation. My personal preference would be to shorten the stun duration to about 3-4 seconds or make the chandelier only partially damage the enemy, requiring follow-up actions. As it stands, this particular encounter becomes more of a repetitive chore than an exciting challenge after the first couple of victories.
Still, mastering this technique is essential for progressing efficiently through TIPTOP-Fortune Ace, especially if you're aiming for better completion times. I've shaved nearly two minutes off my best run through that section by optimizing the approach. The trick is to position yourself during the initial phase so that when the enemy staggers toward the circle, you're already lined up for the chandelier shot. I typically stand near the western pillar while maintaining awareness of the ceiling sightlines. It's these little optimizations that separate decent players from truly skilled ones in games like this.
What I appreciate about this mechanic, despite its flaws, is how it teaches players to think beyond just shooting enemies. TIPTOP-Fortune Ace is filled with similar environmental interactions, though this particular one could use some refinement. The game wants you to observe your surroundings and experiment rather than just relying on pure combat skills. Once you internalize this approach, other sections become much more manageable as you start automatically scanning for interactive elements during combat encounters.
So while this specific mini-boss fight might not be perfectly balanced, the lesson it teaches about creative problem-solving is invaluable. That moment of looking upward instead of focusing solely on the immediate threat represents a fundamental shift in how you approach challenges throughout the entire game. It's these strategic insights that truly unlock your winning strategy with TIPTOP-Fortune Ace, transforming frustrating obstacles into manageable puzzles waiting for the right solution. The expert tips you develop through these experiences become tools that serve you well beyond this single encounter, making you a more adaptable and observant player throughout your gaming journey.