Mission 73: Defeat Heartless in the Games

Mission 73 in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days sends Roxas to Olympus Coliseum to defeat Heartless in the Games.

Regular mission
Defeat Heartless in the Games.

Story summary
Phil desperately needs Roxas to fill in as a contestant in the Games. That's great news for Roxas, who's mission is to defeat Heartless in the games.

Mission walkthrough
Enter the Coliseum and speak to Phil. He's desperately in need of a challenger for the Games and Roxas fits the bill. You must survive five rounds in the arena, culminating in a battle against a powerful boss. The first round pits Roxas against a couple of Air Battlers (which should be cannon fodder by now) and a Sky Grappler. Inflict severe damage to the Sky Grappler by knocking the barrels into it from the top of the platforms on either side. In round two there are several cannon Heartless on top of a wall that can only be hit by the barrels that are lined up in front of Roxas. Knock the barrels into the cannons mounted on the high wall to eliminate them. Notice that the Ordeal Badge for this mission is located behind the wall, so take a lap around the ring before destroying the final cannon. revisiting this mission with High Jump lv.3 allows you to jump on to the wall and fight the heartless yourself, a good idea, as they drop rare Ankharites when defeated. Use Fire spells to dispatch the Snowy Crystals and hit the barrels at the Switch Launcher. The latter's projectiles teleport Roxas into the center of the arena with the snowy crystals. Avoid its shot by using Air Slides or well timed Dodge Rolls. Use Thunder spells to eliminate the Watchers as quickly as possible. If Roxas gets inflicted with shoe-glue, use Panaceas to recover. You can't afford to be a sitting duck for the Ice Cannon. When only the cannon remains, ascend to the high platform and use Fire spells to weaken it for the kill. Round five pits you against a single Stalwart Blade on a flat arena. Stay on the defensive.
 * Round One
 * Round Two
 * Round Three
 * Round Four
 * Round Five