Yorogaton Chimera

Yorogaton Chimera
Yorogaton Chimera as it appears in Gradius IV
Japanese name	ヨロガトンキメラ Yorogaton Kimera
Alternate name(s)	Chimera
Abilities	Adopts four different forms, each with its own offensive set
Location(s)	Liquid Metal
Appearances	Gradius IV
Theme	"Titans"

The Yorogaton Chimera (ヨロガトンキメラ, Yorogaton Kimera) is the first boss in Gradius IV.

Description

As with the mythical Chimera beast, it has three heads. It can morph into four different forms, the second form being based off which head is dealt more damage. Upon defeat of each form, it converts into the same gooey substance previously found throughout the stage. As it dies, it makes one final roar and dissipates.

Attack patterns

First form

Each head fires in either spreads or single fireballs. The fireballs can be destroyed.

Its weak points are the heads.

White head

The easiest of the three forms. The turtle heads occasionally fire lasers from their mouths and the whole monster launches spores from its back. The spores can be destroyed by the turtle's beams or by the player - the former causing them to explode in a six way spread. They can also explode by themselves.

Its weak points are the heads.

Blue head

The hardest form to trigger (due to the blue head being the middle head). This form is predictable. Its three eyes can fire slow moving and destructible projectiles, and can occasionally try to grab you.

Its weak points are the eyes.

Green head

This form is the most unpredictable. It constantly spawns indestructible insects that rotate around the boss and spread out, depending on the direction the boss is spinning. They change direction with the boss and the player must also be wary of insects that have left the screen. This form is strangely mechanical in comparison to the other forms.

Its weak points are the wings.