Quoted from Erik:I still don't have a big problem with Gem, it's that dadgum LCMB. I feel like I must be missing something because it's rarely mentioned. Tips for the challenged?!?
I feel your pain. I can't tell you how many times I have had everything else solidly lit in SOS except for Light Cycle. And, trying to complete Light Cycle during SOS is a pain in the ass! My old strategy was trying to get LCMB and Clu at the same time and then focus on Clu now that I would have two balls. Instead, now, as soon as the ball comes out of the scoop after activating LCMB I catch the ball on the right flipper then go for the left ramp right away. After that, then hit Quorra and finish it off with on the right ramp to solidly light Light Cycle...all this while ball two is being automatically plunged into play. BEST TIP -------- If you fail to do this on the first try then try to catch one of the balls on the left flipper and hold it constantly while attempting to complete it with just the right flipper. You need the playfield clear so you can make the 3 clean shots.
Another way to get LCMB solidly lit is to try to get it and Quorra at the same time. Get all of the balls in Quorra and focus on Light Cycle. You'll probably get Gem on accident from all of the chaos therefore you'll get Quorra solidly lit. I have had this happen many times.
I reached Portal twice in yesterday and in one of those games I went straight to Portal without having to go through SOS. It was beautiful!!!
Good luck!