Managed to beat Phantom once, but it was after I wasted all my yellow orbs. Apparently you're not actually supposed to jump on his back like a platform and slash at him.. Not sure why I thought you were supposed to. >_> Don't know how many yellow orbs I should be willing to waste here... but probably not many.
Tried the Critical Hit mission. I'm not really sure how to do it. Hit the scissors with your sword when it tries to attack, then walk up and shotgun it. I suppose that's the process, but there's something I don't "get" about it, I guess. Will just have to keep trying, I guess, though I probably won't try too much.
And "Phantom" definitely doesn't make sense for a giant lava spider.
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http://img.imgcake.com/SonicStacking/dan2jpguq.jpg