This is a 646 frame improvement over my previous submission and about 5 seconds faster than hisatoki's TAS.
Improvements come from various small optimizations and some large route changes in level 9 (turns out the maps are a bit wrong, and a key is not even required)
I was inspired to do a TAS of this game when I watched the Angry Video Game Nerd's Transformer review. As he describes in the video, this game notoriously difficult to play. Poor hit dection, 1 hit and you are dead, awkward controls, and very little in the way of power-ups make this game frustrating for the average player.

Summary

  • Emulator used FCEUX 2.1.0a
  • Aims for fastest time
  • Uses Warps
  • Robots in disguise

Notes

  • One hit and you are dead, period. And many enemies are designed/placed to make sure that happens, a lot. There are a number of awkward looking moments in the run as a result. Each situation is the fastest method (that I was able to come up with).
  • I use warps in level 2 & 7 to skip levels 3 & 8
  • Level 9 one is a lot like smb 4-4 where you have to pick the right path... Except in the most assiest example in gaming history!
Here is a map of the route that should be taken: http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/nes/file/578338/47897 And of course this route is the hardest way to get through the level.
I guess that is it. Enjoy.

Updating the submission file with a movie that does not miss a shot at frame 4831. The final time is not affected by this.

mmbossman: Transform and roll out! Accepting.
ShinyDoofy: Processing...

Editor, Publisher, Player (46)
Joined: 10/15/2021
Posts: 371
4K 60 FPS YouTube encode: Link to video