Tips - RefRain Manual

Tips for Playing the Game

The key to progressing through RefRain is to continually fire your super weapon--the M.E.F.A2--in tandem with your main shot and Concept Reactor.

This page goes into further depth on how to use the M.E.F.A2.

M.E.F.A2 Cycle Image

How the M.E.F.A2 Works

Here we will cover some important points about the M.E.F.A2.

Charging up the M.E.F.A2 Gauge: One level or higher of the M.E.F.A2 Gauge (shown at bottom-left of screen) is required to use the M.E.F.A2. The M.E.F.A2 Gauge charges up when a target is shot or destroyed. Attacking targets from a closer proximity charges the M.E.F.A2 Gauge up faster. Also, the higher the level of the M.E.F.A2, the harder it is to raise.
Use in Rapid Succession to Unleash a More Powerful Attack: If you have any M.E.F.A2 Gauge levels in reserve, you can activate the M.E.F.A2 multiple times in succession. This requires you to fire the next blast within a time window from the last. Starting from Level 1 to Level 4, up to a total of 4 levels of bursts can be fired. Also, the time period for the M.E.F.A2 to transition to the next level is 0.5 seconds (30 frames) between each burst.
A Good Offense is the Best Defense: Your character becomes invincible for a brief period of 0.25 seconds (15 frames) immediately after the M.E.F.A2 is fired(up to 1 second, 60 frames). Also, the M.E.F.A2 is able to clear out enemy bullets. Find ways to use this data to your advantage.

When in Doubt Use the M.E.F.A2

The following is a specific example of how to use the M.E.F.A2.

---　Quickly Wipe Out Pesky Enemies　---

Fire a level 1 burst of the M.E.F.A2 to immediately destroy any tough enemies that would otherwise take a while to destroy with your main shot. This will help you get the jump on your enemies.

Destroying tough enemies can take a while with the Main Shot, making it difficult to deal with the next wave of enemies.
So if you see any pesky enemies, then let 'em have it with a blast of the M.E.F.A2 (Level 1).
Using the M.E.F.A2 consumes a level of the gauge, so use the Main Shot to destroy the next wave of enemies and charge it up again.

---　Averting Disaster　---

Here is an example of how you would avoid attacks with the M.E.F.A2.

Use the M.E.F.A2 if you are in danger of getting hit.
Destroying enemy bullets and using the invincibility period can help you survive dangerous situations.

---　Boss Counter Attacks　---

The boss may have something up its sleeve... Uh oh! It could be setting up a dangerous attack!
If you can predict when enemies are going to unleash a dangerous attack and have 4 or more M.E.F.A2 Gauge levels in stock, then repeatedly press the M.E.F.A2 button!
Not only will this help you survive dangerous enemy attacks, but it will also inflict major damage!

---　Linking Attacks with the Concept Reactor　---

Linking the M.E.F.A2 with the Concept Reactor unleashes your true power.

Here's an example on how you can charge up the M.E.F.A2 from level 1 to level 4 almost immediately after firing a level 3 burst.

When the screen is covered in enemy bullets, fire off the M.E.F.A2--all the way to level 3.

After making sure that the level 3 shot has hit its target, unleash the Concept Reactor.
Since enemies will be knocked back, destroy enemy bullets with the main shot to charge up the M.E.F.A2 Gauge to level 4.
Once the gauge is charged up, fire off a level 4 burst of the M.E.F.A2.

Use the M.E.F.A2 in tandem with the Concept Reactor to inflict critical damage on enemies.

The strategic key lies in finding the optimal way to cycle your weapons for each enemy type.

*Be sure to keep an eye on how much gauge remains when linking attacks, as running out will leave you wide open to attack.

Earning Points

Your points increase by performing the following actions:
- Shooting/destroying targets
- Shooting/destroying destructible bullets
- Picking up items
- Earning bonuses

Bonuses

This section details the types of bonus points in the game.
Please note that not all bonuses in the game are described below.

Prism Count

The Prism Count is a value that raises/lowers depending on a player's actions in the game.
The Prism Count greatly influences your score, so if you are going for a high score,
raising it should be one of your highest priorities.

- Examples of Actions that Raise the Prism Count -: - Shooting targets
- Destroying targets
- Shooting knock-backed targets
- Destroying enemy bullets transformed by the Concept Reactor
- Picking up items
- Examples of Actions that Lower the Prism Count -: - Unable to destroy targets
- Not playing RefRain the way its supposed to be
- Losing a life

Picking Up Items

The faster items are picked up, the more points they are worth.

Knockback Bonus

A bonus is awarded depending on the number of hits made when shooting knocked-back enemies.

Destroying knocked-back targets with the M.E.F.A2 while the hit counter is shown multiplies points earned depending on the level of the M.E.F.A2 fired.

Points scored for total hits during knockback are also multiplied depending on the level of the M.E.F.A2 fired.

Clear Bonus

Bonuses are awarded when you successfully clear a Central.

Phase Skip Bonus

By inflicting a great amount of damage on a boss with the M.E.F.A2, or through other means, you can sometimes force the boss to skip its attack phase (cancel its attack).

The bonus for skipping a boss' attack will be added to your score as a Skip Bonus.

System Tips

The following is an in-depth look at the various systems of the game.

Lock-on State Duration: The lock-on state is not deactivated as long as the shot or low-speed key are pressed. Even after both keys are released, the lock-on state is still active for a period of 20 frames. Also, the lock-on state stays active while the M.E.F.A2 is unleashed.
Enemies Impervious to Regular Attacks: There are enemies in the game that can nullify some of your attacks. Enemies denoted with an "ABSOLUTE DEFENDER" label when shot can only be destroyed with the M.E.F.A2. Also, enemies that deflect shots cannot be destroyed. Both types of enemies are indicated by a high-pitched metallic sound when shot.
The M.E.F.A2 Gauge: Shooting knocked-back targets makes the M.E.F.A2 Gauge rise 300% faster than normal. Also, the closer you are to targets when shooting them, the faster the M.E.F.A2 Gauge rises.
Play Rank: In addition to multiple difficulty levels, there is also a Play Rank system that marginally adjusts the game's difficulty depending on actions players take in the game. If a player loses lives or makes multiple rookie mistakes, the game will become a little easier. On the other hand, if a player earns a certain score, or generally plays as a seasoned player would, the game will become a little more difficult. In general, however, play rank's effect on the game is quite marginal, so there isn't much reason to willingly change it.
Knockback Resistance: Knockback duration decreases depending on the number of repeated knockbacks a target has endured in a short span of time. This resistance resets when a certain amount of time passes after the target's recovery.
Invincibility Period for the Concept Reactor: Your character becomes invincible for a brief period of 1 second (60 frames) immediately after the Concept Reactor is fired. While brief, this invincibility period allows you to survive otherwise dangerous situations.
How Invincibility Works: - Players that have spawned after losing a life are invincible for 180 frames
- While big bosses are exploding
- For 15 frames immediately after each shot of the M.E.F.A2
- For 60 frames immediately after firing the Concept Reactor
Counter Limits: Prism Count : 999999
Total Items : 999999
Total HITS : 999999
Number of items in each central : 999999

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