NES Shadowgate

This is an VERY small (5 frame) improvement to the current published run. The only change is Killing yourself with the hammer is slightly faster than using the spear. This saves having to move the cursor down an extra space to select the spear and a couple inputs getting back to 'SELF' to do the deed.
In addition to the above, other minor improvements were made in movement further optimizing certain rooms. This userfile is the fastest current run of this game.
I don't feel an encode is necessary as this submission is nearly identical to the current publication. I suppose I can add one if the community wants.
I realize this is a minuscule improvement, but it is still a gameplay improvement.

Other thoughts

  • This run does not sync on BizHawk. To get it to sync there requires adding 7 frames back in due to lag differences between the emulators. If it is determined that this run is publication worthy, but the judge/staff prefers the more accurate BizHawk run; here it is.
  • Technically the last necessary input to beat the game occurs at frame 13420 13402 of the .bk2 file. This submission includes extra inputs necessary to progress through the story/epilogue, but the game is beaten at 13420 13402. For publication purposes should that time be used or the final frame of epilogue input(15468) 15450?

Recommended Screenshots

Frame 8191, 8284, or 8301

Masterjun: Judging.
Masterjun: Replaced file with an 18 frame improvement from the original submission.
Masterjun: Accepted to Moons as an improvement to the previous run.
Spikestuff: Publishing.

TASVideoAgent
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This topic is for the purpose of discussing #6293: DrD2k9, Zekna & Randil's NES Shadowgate in 04:17.09
DrD2k9
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Something was nagging at me and I just felt the need to run through this one more time... I saved even more frames mostly through slightly better movement optimization of a few screens. Here's an updated .bk2 of this run. As of this file, the BizHawk version is now faster than the current published run. Therefore I've not redone the inputs in FCEUX opting instead to stick with the more accurate emulator. If I need to cancel this submission and make a new one with this userfile, please let me know. I'll be editing the submission notes and adding an encode as I am able. EDIT: Submission notes updated and Encode added. Once someone with the power to do so replaces the submission file with the above userfile, the emulator used will also need updated to avoid confusion.
Post subject: Movie published
TASVideoAgent
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This movie has been published. The posts before this message apply to the submission, and posts after this message apply to the published movie. ---- [3930] NES Shadowgate "game end glitch" by DrD2k9, Zekna & Randil in 04:17.09
Joined: 8/7/2011
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What's the suicide for?
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Normally, the flame room prohibits entry without the Cloak. If the Hero enters without the Cloak, he is forced back out into the mirror room. However, if the Hero dies and Continue is used, he is placed back into the previous room. If this is done after the Hero has been forced out of the flame room, he is placed back into the flame room when Continue is used. If the hero enters the flame room in this manner, he will not be ejected, even if he does not possess the Cloak. Thus, allowing the Hero to die and using Continue in this situation precludes the need to collect the Cloak, which saves considerable time.
Joined: 8/7/2011
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Thanks. I thought it was something like that but didn't see an explanation in this or any previous comment.