This demo shows how I defeated the Vertigo Research Station (level 20) boss, on ACE difficulty.

The final Vertigo boss is very similar to the final Counterstrike boss (master of Tycho Brahe) in that he is vulnerable to damage only on his butt. Also like the Tycho Brahe boss, there is a glowing green target there.

You might think that a similar tactic is used to tackle this boss, and you'd be right! Once you realize the similarity, you just adopt the "shoot-Shakers-at-the-wall-behind-him approach. Compared to Tycho Brahe, there are fewer (but still ample) invulnerability powerups available, and the boss seems to be a litte more difficult to locate, due to the layout of the room. So, it is important to avoid wasting time while you're invulnerable.

The demo begins outside the red door. I first take out a few of the more visible minions, while the boss slumbers. Once the near part of the room is secure, I use guided missiles to trigger two switches in the far part of the room. These triggers remove the walls protecting cloak and invulnerability powerups.

Although there are a couple more secrets to be found, that is enough preparation to turn the boss into shrapnel. So, I head back to grab one of the available invulnerabilities and proceed to awaken him. What remains should be familiar to you if you've also viewed my Tycho Brahe demo -- firing 'Shakers at the wall behind the boss while invulnerable. At one point, though, I do manage to sneak up behind the boss while cloaked, and I score a direct hit on his butt with a 'Shaker!

My trip to the exit is a bit clumsy but not really damaging. The path to the red door has been mined by the boss's minions, and I have a great deal of difficulty hitting the Smart mine closest to the door to clear the path. Eventually I do, but on the way out, I trip one of the other Smarties, and it homes in on me while I 'burn to the exit. I just do get around the corner in time.