Hi everyone, this post marks my debut here at TASVideos. I've been using this site for a few years now, and I've become accustomed to most terms/methods for TASing. Anyway, I've finally decided to formally join the community.
For my first run, I decided to do Darius Twin. For those unfamiliar with the title, it is an auto-scrolling shooter like the gradius series. Now before anyone makes a comment about it being boring, I would like to say that this run can have more entertainment value than Gradius. With the use of 2-ship co-op, you can really do some fun stuff while TASing this game. I feel that this will be difficult for me as a first run, but I have practiced some and feel that with enough motivation, I will be able to see this run to fruition.
I would like to share some of my notes with everyone. Hopefully, I can get some good feedback about this one.
First, the route I've planned for this game: A-B-D-E-H-J-L. This is one of two routes that gives you the most primary weapon power-ups.
Second, I definitely plan to run this game doing co-op. I will control both ships. It would be great to have someone to help, but I know no one who even understands was TAS means. So I'm flying solo on this one.
Third, I'm taking a page from the 100% kill Gradius run. Utilizing two ships will certainly make this within the realm of possible. I don't know yet, but I'm going to see if I can speed up mini-boss/boss fights by alternating shots every frame.
Speaking of shots, I have a dilemma. There is an upgrade in the third stage that looks like a red octagon. It changes your weapon from a laser to a wave. The wave is stronger than the laser, but it goes through enemies. I think for this run, I would like to stick with lasers for the simple need for precision. It would make the run less interesting, IMO, if all of my shots just blasted through all enemies in it's path. No skill involved. That also brings me to the missiles. They start out as missiles, but eventually change into a 4-way laser. This laser pierces, I believe, so it would also go through enemies (another no-no for me). Also, since it's 4-way, that hinders my goal for perfect precision. I don't want to have any wasted shots. So either I only use it when I can kill 4 enemies, or I simply ignore the wasted shots for that weapon. This is where I would like input. I need to have everyone's opinion on this.
I think that just about covers it. Sorry about such a long post. I've been holding onto this information for a while, and needed to finally get it all out. I'm really excited about this run. I think if/when I finish this project, it will be exactly what a TAS is all about. Anyway, I'll quit for now. I appreciate any feedback.
Thanks!