Using SDLPop would greatly simplify our work, as we already have developed tools to feed it frame-by-frame commands and produce replays that can be played by SDLPop everywhere else. That would relieve us from painstakingly inputting the commands into JPC-RR and also solve the sound emulation/jittering issue.
If we are allowed to submit these movies under Linux/SDLPop, then I'll start working on it immediately. I would note in the submission though, that these runs can be proven to be reproducible in the original DOS game.
I think we have a problem with the game files used in this one. So this run uses a cracked version of the 1.3 PRINCE.EXE file that skips a copy protection sequence. The copy protection is a mini-level that appears after level 1 where you have to look up a letter in the manual and drink the corresponding potion. It looks like this:
Link to video
Our movie rules state:
- Do not use fan translations, cracked game versions, or otherwise hacked ROM images — translators do not want you to use obsolete versions and we prefer non-hacked games. Hacked versions are labeled [h] and [t].
- Exceptions may be made for bad or cracked ROM images only if no good ROM images exist, or are not obtainable.
From what I can tell, this is a very common game and the second point does not apply here.
We have certain standards for game authenticity. If the copy protection was simply a password screen, maybe we could let it slide with a warning to use the untouched version next time, but this is skipping gameplay in a mini-level that can be TASed and optimized. What is the reasoning for RTA runners using this version, and why should we make an exception here?
A similar objection was made in my submission but I guess we should follow the discussion here. Here are my arguments for the acceptance of this version:
- The binaries used in my submission and this one are the gold standard for RTA runs (see https://www.speedrun.com/pop1/guide/r6nek). They can easily be considered the 'official' versions, as they are widely available and agreed upon by the speedrunning community.
- The copy protection screen does not count towards the IGT, therefore they serve no purpose other than wasting time in runs.
- From a spectator point of view, this interruption serves no entertainment purpose, as it requires no skill.
- Once the copy protection screen is passed once, it does not repeat upon restarting the game with CTRL+R. Although this argument may not be relevant here because you measure time since boot up.
If these arguments are not sufficient, I won't complain. But I wanted to put them there in case you hadn't considered them. Thanks for reviewing both entries!
After completing the first level in the DOS version of Prince of Persia, the game asks the player to drink a potion which corresponds to a certain letter found in a particular area of the game's manual. How was this skipped?
We use (for TAS and for RTA speedrunning) a version of the game that has this screen disabled.
Edit by Nach: Please do not post illegal links to games.
Having watched the previous entry I Yes voted this instantly even without watching. Should be a total pleasure to see how it looks : )
As a burning side question - is it possible to drink the +1 HP potion on Level 5? ; )
Hi Planet,
Thank you for your vote :)
Regarding your question, no, it's not possible. However, we haven't proved this categorically yet. I'm planning to make some improvements to the bot to have a wider search and see if in some strange way this could be done.
Here are the timestamps for the so-considered major skips in this run:
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIEG42RMt_I
Level 4 Door Skip - 3:21
Level 5 Door Clip - 4:25
Level 7 Door Clip - 5:18
Level 8 Wall Clip - 6:18
Level 9 Door Clip - 8:48
Level 10 Overflow Glitch - 9:13
Level 10 Door Clip - 9:35
Level 12 Overflow Glitch - 11:50
These tricks skip significant parts of the level. The ones market with * are especially notable. In addition to these, a multitude of guard skips (see 0:15) and other minor glitches are performed throughout the run which are not allowed in the No Major Glitches run.
