You’ll need to outrun chain reactions of explosions on several occasions, so the Speed Gear Booster can help turn close calls into serene walks in the park. Tundra Storm and Blazing Torch get plenty of use throughout the stage, but you’ll pick up a free Weapon Tank along the way, so don’t stress about being too trigger happy.
A Fire Server is just ahead on an elevated platform. Fire Servers launch fireballs at Mega Man, but these are relatively easy to dodge. They can, however, ignite explosive crates, which are everywhere in Torch Man’s stage. When Fire Servers are destroyed, their tank flies upward and then falls in an arc, exploding upon impact. Using Blazing Torch or Chain Blast (which you don’t have yet) causes Fire Servers to explode immediately, while Tundra Storm prevents them from exploding at all.
Stage Gimmick: Exploding Crates
Torch Man’s stage has numerous sections with exploding crates lined up and ready to go off. Anything that explodes (Shimobeys, Fire Servers, Blazing Torch, etc.) can set them off, as can stepping through a trigger laser.
Achievement/Trophy
Explosions? What Explosions?
Avoid all exploding boxes and reach the boss. (Excludes Challenge Mode)
Head toward the crates and a Shimobey drops from the top of the screen. You can one-shot Shimobeys with any weapon, including the Mega Buster; this makes them rebound backward and explode upon contact with anything, including other enemies. Like Fire Servers, Shimobeys can be instantly detonated with Blazing Torch or Chain Blast or nullified by Tundra Storm. Shimobeys typically respawn endlessly.
Use the Mega Buster to knock the Shimobey into the crates, clearing the way.
When Mega Man passes through the red laser, it triggers a chain reaction explosion, starting with the four smaller crates.
Proceed quickly and use the Speed Gear if needed.
A Fire Server awaits above. Take him out and you’ll come upon a Fire Server on a stack of explosive crates and a Shimobey jumping toward you. Shoot the Shimobey into the creates and watch the ensuing destruction.
More Shimobeys appear. Grab the items below if you need them and escape the room.
Reach the 1UP by using Rush Jet or by activating the Speed Gear Booster, running across the room as the lasers trigger explosions, and quickly using Rush Coil. Additionally, use Pile Driver to get from the left side of the room to as far right as possible before triggering the explosions.
Head down when ready.
A Sniper Joe guards the way forward. However, if you stand just beneath him, the Fire Server above sets off the explosive crates, clearing a path and disintegrating Joe.
A Sniper Armor D guards the lower level. You can avoid him by destroying the Fire Server and going high, or fight him head-on. Sniper Armor Ds are weak to Scramble Thunder. You can also shoot the Sniper Joe piloting the mech directly, taking him out that way and collecting the Catch ’Em Off Guard trophy/achievement.
As you ascend the ladder, a Propeller Eye T accosts you. Wait for the mouth to open and blast it.
As you drop down, use Pile Drive to avoid the trigger laser. If you want the item at the end of the room, set off the crates with Blazing Torch, or trigger the laser and stand atop the van until the explosion launches it into the air.
Shimobeys drop down and attack. Take them out and proceed past the van. Don’t stand on it or the explosion pushes you into the spikes above.
You’ll now have to deal with Shimobeys, Fire Servers, and a Propeller Eye T. Consider a blast of Tundra Storm to take them all out quickly.
Instead of jumping down, take out the two large explosive crates on the upper level and jump across to find a 1UP and safe passage to the mid-boss.