What does "assist malus" mean?

[Cargo]

Was playing the final level online with a friend. He focused on Ms. Y while I concentrated on Mr. Y's mecha leg. He ran out of lives and I finished the game. When the tally screen came up it showed the words "Assist Malus -75%" and docked off that percentage accordingly from our combined score. What's up with that?

[fuggles2k]

You must have turned on an assist from the pause menu

[Blazikenowen]

it means you used assist using assist lowers your score

[Cargo]

I wasn't hosting the game.

[fuggles2k]

Doesn't matter, you benefitted.

[fuggles2k]

Also, don't bother with the leg, take out ms Y then hang out in the top left where it can't really hit you.

[fuggles2k]

The host must have turned it on.

[Cargo]

I was hoping for a clear explanation but I guess I'll have to figure it out on my own. Thanks.

[fuggles2k]

What more do you want? Several people have explained it. Your game had assists on.

[Hoshi]

Originally posted by Cargo:

I was hoping for a clear explanation but I guess I'll have to figure it out on my own. Thanks.

While starting a level your host has chosen an option that gives more life but decreases the amount of score at the end. If you join someone's game and they have this option on, you won't get good score at the end. That's what this assist is. It makes the game easier but takes away score.

[Cargo]

Thanks Hoshi. I've yet to host a game myself so I wasn't aware of this option.

[Hoshi]

No problem. ^^ It's not only about hosting but it can be done if you're doing it solo too so you can try it if you want on harder difficulty, it may be a life saver with an extra life if you're playing first time on Hardest for example.