I finished X-2 a couple weeks ago with 87% completion. I'm currently playing through again (it's sooo addictive!!) on New Game+ and I've once again reached the dreaded Gunner's Gauntlet, dreaded for me anyway. I hate this thing with a passion. Is it necessary to complete the gauntlet with 500+ points for the perfect ending or can you just muddle your way through it once? I got the sphere from Beclam the first time I played without beating his record but I'm not sure if the kicking of Beclem's is trivial to 100% completion.