Hello again.
So I've been running some tests lately, and here's an infodump about an improvement:
Regardng the save/load used to manipulate the chest that contains the KEY; there is one slightly closer chest. I am still uncertain if there is a useful frame on which to save/load to get the KEY into that chest.
Initial tests indicate that if you pause briefly while walking across terrain that normally damages you, you will be damaged less than if you simply hold a direction down--
possibly taking no damage at all if used correctly?
The overall item collection route should be the same as the published run, with the inclusion of the shield. It's gotten by killing 3 LADYAMs in the same cave where the RING is.
As few enemies before getting both of these items should be confronted as possible, since attacking and defending slow you down (I believe it costs 2 frames).
All level building to get the WAVE spell should be done on EELs. Even though they take 7 hits at level 1 with the sword, they net a whopping 50 EXP compared with the HYPERs, which give 10 (3 hits). At level 2, EELs take 5 hits, and still give 50 EXP.
At level 5 (the level on which you learn WAVE), EELs take 3 hits and give 5 EXP. If two levels are gained, you won't have to wait for your MP to recharge to cast FIRE on the bust outside the castle.
I'm not sure if the EEL regeneration rate is sufficient to make this a better option or not.
It
may be beneficial to level up to the maximum level before facing the dragon.
Wait until your HP is full before attacking VARALYS, use defend mode until your HP is almost empty, switch to attack for one hit, let the medicine fill you up, then finish him on defend mode. With the shield, this should kill him in 1 attack round.
And of course, improve on the enemy manipulation.
Useful monster info (at level 1, equipped with sword):
SLIME - 1 hit, 1 EXP
ROPER - 2 hits, 2 EXP
KOBOLD - 1 hit, 1 EXP
WORM - 4 hits, 5 EXP
ZOMBIE - 3 hits, 2 EXP
WISP - 3 hits, 7 EXP
LADYAM - 2 hits, 5 EXP
GOLDAM - 3 hits, 5 EXP
HYPER - 3 hits, 10 EXP
EEL
(level 1) - 7 hits, 50 EXP
(level 2) - 5 hits, 50 EXP
(level 3) - 4 hits, 10 EXP
(level 4) - 3 hits, 10 EXP
Ideal leveling strategy:
LADYAM (x3) = 15 EXP
GOLDAM (x3) = 15 EXP
EEL (x21) = 370 EXP
then max out on BLACKAMs and SKELETONs
Useful addresses:
x037 Jim's position
x036 Jim's position
x038 health
x039 strength
x03a experience
x03b magic
x03c level
Game FAQs Overworld map
Game FAQs Underworld map
Route:
Set speed to high
Get fairy 1
Get sword (save/load)
Get pot
Get key
Get jewel
Get shield! (kill 3 ladyam)
Get ring (kill 3 goldam)
Get fairy 2
Level on eels for the wave spell
Kill wizards/get fairy 3
Burn tree
Level on blackam/skeletons/break grave
Kill dragon
Get ruby
Level to max if needed
Kill boss (1 round)
Get laid
I am uncertain of what the overall savings would be over the published run, but it should be fairly substantial even with just the shield and EEL leveling strategy.
My only question left is, who wants to make this run? I sure don't.
