X-WING

　The Pilot Proving Ground (THE MAZE)

　I was sent to a secret training area the next morning. I have no idea where it was. and I'm sure that it isn't there anymore. Rebel facilities have a way of changing locations frequently, for obvious reasons.
　The Maze was a series of gates and targets designed to familiarize pilots with the basic operation of their craft. I spent two days flying the Maze and learning how to manage different starfighters.
　There was no real danger. The Maze is designed so that nothing you do can really hurt you. The damage is simulated. But the effect is real enough. My shoulders ached after the first few hours of concentrated effort. I did pretty well my first run, but Hamo flew up next to me as I ran out of time and told me to keep trying.
　Eventually I got the knack of flying the Maze and could keep going all the way past the eight main levels. On the third day of training, we all realized that I couldn't really learn anything more from the Maze. Next stop: the simulators!

　Here's some of what I learned in the Maze:
　・Different ways of controlling my energy and speed settings. For instance, I learned that I could slow down at times by increasing laser or shield recharge rates instead of changing throttle settings.
　・To fly most of the time with full throttle, full power directed to lasers, and shield recharge rates set to normal.
　・To look ahead, anticipate the next set of gates, and use my maneuvering thrusters to angle my fighter into position for an easy Pass.
　・To redirect laser energy to my shields to recharge them when they get low.
　・To balance my shield coverage so that I am covered both in front and in back.
　・To aim quickly and shoot accurately because each target I hit gains me some time.
　・Not to crash into anything, which stops my fighter and loses precious time.

　More Maze Tips

　Here are a few less common tips:
　・You don't have to fly through every gate. You can get credit for gates if you just clip them with a wing or any part of your fighter. Knowing that, I was able to take different angles to fly through some gates.
　・Sometimes you can slow down and shoot the targets at the next platform before you get there. Control speed and get the targets. and then zoom through the gates.
　・If you miss a gate, you can sometimes loop around and go back for it. Some pilots never do this. Others say that they can loop back around faster than the 15 seconds they would lose if they skipped the gate.
　・Speed isn't really the key. Accurate shooting and conservation of energy are more important.
　・You can shoot targets from odd places. For instance, you can shoot right through raised platforms. You can even shoot targets from underneath the main platform!
　・If you get in real trouble in one of the later levels, you can hide under the platforms to recharge your shields and lasers. Although this strategy may take some time, it is still possible to complete the course if you've been able to move quickly through the gates, you hit the targets. and you don't crash into anything.