Umbra-class Defense Stations were large satellites manufactured in the weapons labs on Macbeth and utilized by Andross's army during the Lylat Wars.
Description
Built in the shape of a large wheel with two spikes as spokes, these defense platforms supported a large number of rapid-fire laser cannons used to swat opposing starfighters out of the sky. The defense stations though were weakly-armored and could be destroyed by concentrated starfighter-grade lasers.
Enemy Recon
- “Umbra-class defense stations are worth four hits each, so destroy as many as you can. (if you're not worrying about points, though, you might be better off targeting the swarms of fighters instead.) Hit them with a charged laser and follow with rapid-fire lasers. Be careful, as some of them will turn and bring all of they guns to bear on you.”
- —Official Nintendo Power Player's Guide, pg 101
Taking Umbrage
- “The Umbras can absorb a lot of laser fire before being destroyed. Wait for the "Hit+3" message to appear before you move on to the next target. Even if you're a crack shot, it will be impossible to destroy them all.”
- —Official Nintendo Power Player's Guide, pg 102
Tricky Loop
- “This Umbras seems to be dormant, so you don't have to worry about getting shot at. To collect both the ring and the Laser Upgrade, swoop down toward the ring and then pull a loop just as you reach it. You risk hitting the underside of the station, but the ring should help offset any damage to your ship.”
- —Official Nintendo Power Player's Guide, pg 102
In the games
Star Fox 64/3D
Thirty-one Umbra satellites were used in the defense of Venom during the Battle of Area 6. The Star Fox Team avoided the deadly fire of the Umbras and succeeded in destroying many in their race to reach Venom.
Star Fox Command
In Star Fox Command, there is a enemy very similar to the Umbra-class defense station that was seen on Venom. The only difference is that it is smaller.
Star Fox Zero
In Star Fox Zero', as well as Umbra blockades reappearing, a new ship called the Androsa resembles the Umbras. The differences are that the Androsa is much larger than before, sporting a red/yellow color scheme and features ship-funnel like weak points.
Other Info
- Although not named, a space station similar in design to the Umbra-class defense stations acted as the "boss" of the Space Armada level in the SNES Star Fox game, although the core was fought rather than the ship itself.
Trivia
- Since Area 6 is area of space that has no unusual features, an Umbra-class station represents the location on the Lylat Map, along with some Harlocks.
- Since the end of the Lylat Wars and the decimation of Andross's forces, there is now nothing left to represent the location on a map.
Gallery
.png "Star Fox 64 3DS Lylat System (2011).png (83 KB)")
References
- NINTENDO POWER Starfox 64: Official Nintendo Player's Guide. Redmond, WA, Nintendo of America. 1997.
- http://f.starfox-online.net/archives/starFox64.comReconstructed/area6.html
- http://f.starfox-online.net/archives/starFox64.comReconstructed/minions.html
