GETTING STARTED
Note: Illustration may not match all PlayStation 2 console types. For owners of SCPH-70000 series PlayStation 2 systems, refer to the setup instructions supplied with your system.
Set up your PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system according to the instructions in its Instruction Manual. Make sure the MAIN POWER switch (located on the back of the console) is turned ON.
Press the RESET button. When the power indicator lights up, press the OPEN button and the disc tray will open. Place the TOTAL OVERDOSET™ disc on the disc tray with the label side facing up. Press the OPEN button again and the disc tray will close.
Attach game controllers and other peripherals, as appropriate. Follow onscreen instructions and refer to this manual for information on using the software.
Memory CARD (8MB) (FOR PlayStation®2)
To save game settings and progress, insert a memory card (8MB) (for PlayStation®2) into MEMORY CARD slot I before powering on the console.
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At least 720KB of free space on the memory card is required to save game data.
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This game supports saving (and loading) game data in MEMORY CARD slot 1 only. You can load saved game data from the same memory card or from any memory card containing previously saved TOTAL OVERDOSE games.
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To ensure that another player's game doesn't overwrite your data, we recommend that each player save game data to a separate memory card.
Adrenaline
Adrenaline lets you pull off incredible feats of acrobatic carnage against multiple opponents — if you've got the moves, that is.
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Make sure some bad guys are nearby, then press the L1 button to perform a SHOOTDODGE move. The adrenaline bar activates and time slows down while Ram is airborne.
Health
As Ram suffers injuries, the RED section of the bar shrinks. When the bar is empty, Ram dies.
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Health boosts (page 18) heal Ram. Body armor (page 18) temporarily shields him from losing health.
Reading the Radar
Use the radar to find your way around the game world. Ram is at the center of the radar. The shaded segment of the radar shows Ram's field of vision. Icons show the location or direction of objects or information valuable to Ram.
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STORY MISSION — You must complete story missions (page 11) to advance your adventure.
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POINT CHALLENGE — Complete point challenges (page 11) to gain experience and improve your gun-handling and acrobatic skills. If you score high, you can earn extra goodies and even get extra bonus points.
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TUTORIAL MISSION — Yo pistolero! If you need some training, Tommy's membership in the Pistoleros Asociados will help. Trainers are on hand to guide you through various skills essential for success in the game's many missions.
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ENEMY — A scumbag needs wasting, dude.
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BOSS ENEMY — You must defeat a boss enemy to complete many missions. These madres, denoted on the radar as big RED dots, don't go down in a hail of bullets. Something more like a lead storm is required.
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FRIEND — The GREEN dots are your friends! Make contact with friendly associates — they might be able to help you out, give you advice or advance your mission.
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FRIENDLY OBJECT (vehicle or character) — Approach these GREEN squares for helpful pick-ups, crucial intel, useful gossip and vehicles you need to use.
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COKE AND CHECKPOINTS — This BLUE square represents a package of cocaine or a checkpoint. Either way, get to it!
AREA ICONS
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Central Business District (center)
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Angel's Apartment (hills of the angels)
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Industrial Park (industrial zone)
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Harbor Area (port of the bulls)
Objectives Menu
Press the SELECT button to open the Objectives menu. Use the menu to help advance your adventure through a story mission, or to choose additional side missions, known as POINT CHALLENGES (see below, this page).
From the Objectives menu you can also access the in-game menu to adjust game options and load saved games.
MISSIONS
TOTAL OVERDOSE involves doing more than just sight-seeing. If your radar's edge is covered in icons and yellow stars, this means you have plenty to keep you busy. So focus on the job at hand, hombre!
Press the SELECT button to open the Objectives menu; press the O button to review the missions; select one and press the X button to begin.
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STORY MISSIONS — Completing story missions is crucial to advancing the story and overall game. Use the radar screen to find your way to these missions, or select them quickly from the CHOOSE MISSION section of the Objectives menu.
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POINT CHALLENGES — Point challenges are side missions that help you build skills and gain points, additional experience and street cred. You should complete at least one point challenge after each story mission. Excelling at them could unlock further bonus point challenges.
Special Moves
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EL MARIACHI — Mariachis ply their trade across Mexico bringing sweet music to the masses. El Mariachi promises music but delivers only the final overture in a gangster's life.