Bridge descent guide

Posted March 28th 2011, expanded later

Associated movies

  • BCM7 - Heroic; Descent trick at the first bridge (1:34)
  • BCM11 - Heroic; Two methods using the far right ledge (4:06)
  • BCM12 - Heroic; Two methods using the near right ledge (4:15)
  • BCM13 - Heroic; Two fast descents to greet the Pelican (3:10)
  • BCM27 - Heroic; Descent via gold Elite (5:29)
  • BCM28 - Heroic; Descent via Hunter (5:29)
  • BCM29 - Heroic; Descent via patrolling Elite (5:33)
  • BCM30 - Heroic; Two fast descents via patrolling Elite (3:09)
  • BCM33 - Heroic; Five descents via Shade riding (5:07)
  • BCM57 - Heroic; Descent via frozen Hunter and gold Elite (5:42)
  • BCM61 - Heroic; Two methods using the plateau base - plus PAL speed run showdown (6:35)
  • BCM75 - Heroic; Descents with Banshee destruction (5:11)
  • BCM136 - Heroic; Descent via Shade stop (6:17)
  • BCM172 - Heroic; Two more methods using the plateau base (6:04)
  • BCM173 - Heroic; Refined Shade riding for easy descent (6:39)
  • BCM180 - Heroic; Surefire descent via refined V-clip Shade riding (5:50)

But see also BCM8, 40, 41, 48, 174 plus Banshee grab movies

A parachute would've been handy

This is my guide to single-player methods of descending from the first bridge in 'Assault on the Control Room'. It's a project I started after releasing BCM7 and BCM8 featuring one such method. I figured it was time I learnt about others and tried them out. I've done a lot of archive trawling to find all I can, and a number of folk have provided useful material along the way; thanks again to them.

Most methods never really had an established name, though reference by originator was sometimes used. In a change to the guide, I've now (March 2016) adopted the use of short names with a descriptive aspect, for easy reference, both within the guide and elsewhere.

Method descriptions are written in general terms rather than trying to describe exactly how things were done originally, as those particulars are usually not critical and there's often a good deal of variation possible. Checkpoint advice is separated out, as the use of checkpoints to ease the work is never necessary, though typically a great help.

Many methods are only suitable for PAL Xbox (the platform I've got), while some are only suitable for NTSC and PC (and Anniversary, being based on NTSC). In the contents list below, I've indicated the systems to which methods are well suited, to the best of my knowledge. With some methods you might also be able to use an 'unsuitable' system, though it would likely be problematic. You'll find greater detail on the pages themselves, although in many cases I haven't really had enough reports from NTSC/PC users to be sure of the situation.

Ledge fall methods (falling to the ledge)

Bounce methods (bouncing off the ledge to a cushioned landing)

Stop methods (getting stopped on the ledge by something)

Shade ride methods (falling in a Shade)

Miscellaneous methods