Post subject: Akumajou Special - Boku Dracula-kun
Sir_VG
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Player (40)
Joined: 10/9/2004
Posts: 1913
Location: Floating Tower
Something that everybody wanted I'm finally getting off my duff and working on. Akumajou Special - Boku Dracula-kun (aka Kid Dracula). I'm using the Japanese version because the title loads faster and I noticed a few enemies take fewer hits to kill. Above I've posted my WIP1, which is Stage 1 completed in full. Comments welcome, suggestions are nice, but please be nice...I'm still a rookie to TASing. A few notes so far: Section 1 I jump over both zombies because it takes longer to kill (the 3rd I can kill by shooting without jumping which doesn't cost time). While I can fire while jumping to kill the first one, it throws off my timing on the spikes, costing me a few frames. Section 2 I pause to avoid the spear because it seemed to cost me more time to take the hit than to wait. I didn't try a power shot, but given it takes some time to charge, I don't think it would be beneficial. I may try later (unless somebody else tries for me). Section 5 I have to wait for the zombie to move out of the way before climbing the ladder. Section 6 Faster to take the hit over trying to kill the Frankenstein Section 8 NAZI GHOSTS. WOOO. The 3rd you can't damage, you only need to dodge it. Probably not the most exciting battle, but I hope it was somewhat enjoyable... ---- WIP2 This new WIP now completes the first two levels. Possible improvements: Cut out some of the select switching, as I didn't need the Bat Boomerang in the vine section (I managed to get around it). Notes: The first vertical falling log I can't jump any sooner. The 2nd I somehow missed (gotta love crappy hit detection). Boss fight was awesome. JASONNNNN. ...still wanting to hear from you guys on anything I might have missed. Pretty please?
Taking over the world, one game at a time. Currently TASing: Nothing
Joined: 5/23/2007
Posts: 14
Location: abroad
hi, this is a nice little game (and short), and having in mind, that the gameboy section has only a few entries so far, there's nothing wrong to TAS this one. I encourage you to procede (but I can not give you any hints)-because it looks well and very promising.
Sir_VG
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Player (40)
Joined: 10/9/2004
Posts: 1913
Location: Floating Tower
Going back and doing a little testing, using the powered up blast in the beginning of Stage 1 Section 2, presently I'm 31 frames faster. I'm gonna play around a little more at this one spot to see if I can shave a couple more frames off. I also noticed in stage 2 a little hiccup in my controls just before the boss. Need to fix that too when I get back there. --- WIP3 Stage 1 & 2 improved, Stage 3 cleared. I restarted at Stage 1 section 2. Only thing is that I know I fired too many shots at the Stage 1 2nd boss (he seems to die in 6 normal or 3 power shots) but this doesn't seem to have cost time, and too many shots at the 1st phase of Stage 2 boss (before he gets the hatchet) and this may have cost a few frames. Ah, the downside of frame advance. ^^;; The 2nd section of Stage 4 I know is gonna be a pain in the ass. Wish me luck.
Taking over the world, one game at a time. Currently TASing: Nothing
Sir_VG
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Player (40)
Joined: 10/9/2004
Posts: 1913
Location: Floating Tower
I've got a little time today to work on things, and I've started back at the Stage 1 2nd boss, where I first saw a problem. I managed to beat him before he went into his 2nd hop, which allows a big chunk of time to be saved. Through the 1st stage, just that one minor change saved 167 frames. I might lose a few of those in Stage 2, as I think, based upon what I've played around with Stage 4, that I might need that boxed heart, which increases my HP level by 1, in order to save some time. Not sure at this point. Edit: Through stage 2, even with the detour for the heart, I'm now 207 frames ahead. I picked up a few frames by improving the Stage 2 boss fight by doing some stylized damage, and cutting out the excess I did as he ran to the left. Back to Stage 3 I go. --- Stage 3 is redone. 333 frames ahead of WIP3. ^^ Not sure where I gained all those frames, since most of it is autoscroller. >_>;; WIP4
Taking over the world, one game at a time. Currently TASing: Nothing
Joined: 1/31/2005
Posts: 121
Good process. I wonder: Is it possible to shoot less to save frames in "roller coaster" stage?
Sir_VG
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Player (40)
Joined: 10/9/2004
Posts: 1913
Location: Floating Tower
There's only one spot where I stop for a moment to shoot, and that's to avoid getting hit by the witch, which would cost more frames. All other shots in the level don't cost time. The shooting in the roller coaster portion doesn't cost time because it's autoscroll. I shoot as for something to do. --- WIP5 Managed to complete Stage 4 quite nicely. Now that brings into question my heart pickup way back in Stage 2. Boo hiss. :( Started Stage 5. Since I'll probably have to go back, I just got the heart pickup for the hell of it. I made it up to the top of the tower, but haven't done the ufo/alien fight, nor the boss fight up there. Stage 5 is fricken short... Stage 6 looks like it's gonna be a pain in the rear too.
Taking over the world, one game at a time. Currently TASing: Nothing