Golden Axe 3: Triggering true final boss

[aaronlg]

Hey, I'm playing "Golden Axe 3" on this software, and trying to trigger the true final boss/good ending. According to GameFAQs, I've already scored well within the requirements. Specifically, these were the stats from my most recent playthrough:

Criteria listed on GameFAQs:

Credits - Continued twice, so two credits remaining = 2 points
Partners rescued - All three plus the griffin = 3 points
No level select or other cheats

Things that allegedly don't matter:

Character - Ax Battler
Difficulty - Normal
Civilians rescued - All ten that I know of

By my count, I scored 5 points and only needed 4. Does anyone know what I'm missing?

[aaronlg]

For anyone who's interested, I eventually got it. The GameFAQs criteria are complete rubbish. My hypothesis is that it's based solely on your Grade. When I finally triggered the true final boss, I had a "B" going into the last level and ended the game with an "A".

Also, if you're going for it, I'd definitely recommend experimenting with alternate level paths. Not only is it one of the game's best features, but some paths are way easier than others (read: fewer four-armed minotaurs).

[nmnd14]

aaronig, you're almost got the truth. You just need to earn 500 score pts.