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Dr. Mario's Medical Malpractice

By CtrlAltDestroy
Tetris spawned a whole new genre, the "manipulate falling stuff" puzzle game, including other classics such as Puyo Puyo and Columns. Among them all, Dr. Mario is probably the 2nd most well-known and most popular of them, only next to Tetris itself.
The game mechanics are nothing like Tetris. At the beginning of the game, the bottle is filled with floating "viruses" of 3 different colors, arranged randomly so that no three of the same color viruses coincide horizontally or vertically. The higher the level number, the more viruses appear. From there, you are given a series of capsules, each containing a combination of 2 colors, and you must manipulate them to clear the viruses. Form a row or column of 4 or more of the same color, and it vanishes, clearing any pill-half or virus involved. The level ends when all viruses are clear, and you can rack up lots of points by forming complex combos or chains. Pills will drop faster on a harder skill level, and the drop speed increases every 10 pills. Back up the pills to the top center of the bottle, and you die.
But you already knew that. Everybody knows Dr. Mario. Just watch the movie!
  • Emulator: FCEUX 2.1.0a
  • Primary Objective: Aims for fastest completion of Level 20, Speed Hi
  • Secondary Objective: Aims for highest score
  • Beats Baxter's old rejected run by a long shot.
  • Movie file does not start from Reset / Manipulated memory
  • Manipulates Luck
  • Uses a Reset Sequence
  • Uses Up+Down and Left+Right
  • Abuses Programming Errors

Notes:

  • If you haven't seen the videos I've been posting in the NES forum, I won't spoil the movie for you.
  • The pill sequence cannot be manipulated like Tetris. You can only vary the frame on which you start the stage to get a different level layout and different pill sequence.
  • Flipping a pill twice while moving it to the left lets you get it into the leftmost position faster.
  • I use a Reset a few frames into the movie, and I also stall for a few frames on the menu screen. Both are for manipulating the level.
  • Don't ask me what happened at the end of the movie. I don't know, exactly... But I did exhaustive experimentation trying to make it happen like that, and it finally paid off.
  • Don't ask me how score is calculated. I haven't figured that out, either.
  • If the game freezes due to a really complicated combo, you can press a button combo, usually on Player 2's controller, to unfreeze it and keep the game going. I had to do this once in the movie.
  • I have no doubt this movie can be improved, either by getting a better stage and pill sequence, or understanding the "trick" better. But for now, this was the best level I came across.
If you enjoy this movie, I invite you to check out these other movies, which gradually led to the making of this TAS:
Enjoy! I had fun fooling around with Dr. Mario in order to finally make a TAS like this.
mmbossman: Looks like we have a winner here. Accepting.
ShinyDoofy: Claiming.

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Posted: 5/18/2009 7:40 AM
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moozooh
Senior Moderator
Joined: 8/4/2005
Posts: 5770
Location: Away
Haha, wow. Just when I thought it wouldn't get more interesting, that thing happened and it was over. :D Yessing.
Warp wrote:
Edit: I think I understand now: It's my avatar, isn't it? It makes me look angry.
Posted: 5/18/2009 7:59 AM
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Randil
Skilled player (1885)
Joined: 4/20/2005
Posts: 2160
Location: Norrköping, Sweden
Thanks for the encode. I can only agree with what the rest have said. Nicely done, here's another yes vote!
My own page on this site.
Posted: 5/18/2009 8:37 AM
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Bisqwit
Editor, Active player (296)
Joined: 3/8/2004
Posts: 7469
Location: Arzareth
Transcript of the movie.
#marioisajerk wrote:
<^\^dirty^/^>   man those pills r killing me
<_||blueftw||_> lol ur right
<`-_doom_-^>    srsly whats gotn into mairo
<`-_doom_-^>    he used 2b slower
<^\^dirty^/^>   yah
<^\^dirty^/^>   o crap i lost one
<`-_doom_-^>    arrg teh pain
<_||blueftw||_> u guys suck lol!!!!
<`-_doom_-^>    no im tellig u somethings wrong w/ mario
<`-_doom_-^>    look at that mountain of pills
<^\^dirty^/^>   crap crap crap crap
<_||blueftw||_> WTF
<`-_doom_-^>    no no no no no
<_||blueftw||_> screw this im going home
<^\^dirty^/^>   kthxbai
* `-_doom_-^ has left the building
Posted: 5/18/2009 8:39 AM
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ShinyDoofy
Former player
Joined: 12/5/2007
Posts: 716
I luv hwo they talk lol!!1 So epic n shit y no?
Posted: 5/18/2009 8:52 AM
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Flygon
Joined: 11/4/2007
Posts: 1772
Location: Australia, Victoria
Screw this, I am impatient about waiting for confirmation, will remove the video offa youtube if requested. Dr. Mario, in pixel perfect youtube edition!
Posted: 5/18/2009 9:44 AM
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nineko
Banned User
Joined: 8/2/2008
Posts: 420
Location: italy
For the record, did you notice that when the glitch occurs, some letters appear in the score? I think one of those screenshots should be used: Or, since Mario and the viruses disappear during the glitch, I thought to edit the screenshot to preserve them (though this is against the policy I think since I altered a screenshot): /me exits NesVideoAgent mode
Gone.
Posted: 5/18/2009 10:10 AM
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Bisqwit
Editor, Active player (296)
Joined: 3/8/2004
Posts: 7469
Location: Arzareth
nineko wrote:
Or, since Mario and the viruses disappear during the glitch, I thought to edit the screenshot to preserve them (though this is against the policy I think since I altered a screenshot):
I think it's an acceptable presentational edit though. I did the similar here three years ago and nobody has complained so far.
Posted: 5/18/2009 2:58 PM
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BigBoct
He/Him
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Joined: 8/9/2007
Posts: 1692
Location: Tiffin/Republic, OH
I was very entertained by this one. Easy yes vote, but I would say to publish it as a concept demo since you only play one level. A full 21-level run would be awesome to watch, if a little slow.
Previous Name: boct1584
Posted: 5/18/2009 5:04 PM
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DarkKobold
Skilled player (1637)
Joined: 11/15/2004
Posts: 2202
Location: Killjoy
Arcade TASer of 2010 PCE TASer of 2010 Arcade TAS of 2010 Lucky TAS of 2009 Lucky TAS of 2007
Real quick - did you have to hit start on player 2 to make the game continue to the level 20 screen? If so, could it stay on longer, to show the glitch? I may be in the minority, but it happened so fast, I couldn't tell what happened, the first watch.
Sage advice from a friend of Jim: So put your tinfoil hat back in the closet, open your eyes to the truth, and realize that the government is in fact causing austismal cancer with it's 9/11 fluoride vaccinations of your water supply.
Posted: 5/18/2009 5:36 PM
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Sir_VG
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Joined: 10/9/2004
Posts: 1911
Location: Floating Tower
DarkKobold wrote:
Real quick - did you have to hit start on player 2 to make the game continue to the level 20 screen? If so, could it stay on longer, to show the glitch? I may be in the minority, but it happened so fast, I couldn't tell what happened, the first watch.
Looks like he hit Up/Down/Left/Right all at the same time to get around the glitch stopping the game, from what I saw with the key input display.
Taking over the world, one game at a time. Currently TASing: Nothing
Posted: 5/18/2009 6:40 PM
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Ferret_Warlord
Skilled player (1404)
Joined: 10/27/2004
Posts: 1977
Location: Making an escape
It's a rare treat seeing a game actually wince.
A hundred years from now, they will gaze upon my work and marvel at my skills but never know my name. And that will be good enough for me.
Posted: 5/18/2009 7:35 PM
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ugetab
Emulator Coder
Joined: 1/12/2007
Posts: 95
I've never seen this trick in Dr. Mario, and to have it go off in such a way as half the screen of them disappears forced me to take a closer look at your movie description. I was quite astounded that it was possible to do that in Dr. Mario, and having the fullest possible version of this trick be my first exposure to it was suitably entertaining. Definitely deserves a spot with the rest of the site's movies.
Posted: 5/18/2009 7:45 PM
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Baxter
Skilled player (1402)
Joined: 5/31/2004
Posts: 1821
TAS of 2013 SNES TAS of 2013 Speedy TAS of 2007 Innovative TAS of 2007
Very nice... the glitch was even more useful than I expected. Definate yes vote. I think the game has more to offer, and I would still like to see a vs mode movie... but I doubt a Dr. Mario movie could be more popular than this 1p version... so maybe it's better this way. This game was on list of TASes I wanted to eventually make, as the game is certainly publishable, as you showed... but I'm actually quite glad I won't have to TAS this game anymore :P. Good job.
Solon wrote:
I would say to publish it as a concept demo since you only play one level
I would say no. This is just starting at the hardest difficulty, and completes it as fast as possible.
http://tasvideos.org/Baxter.html
Posted: 5/18/2009 8:37 PM
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Kejardon
Joined: 8/9/2004
Posts: 123
Baxter wrote:
the game has more to offer, and I would still like to see a vs mode movie...
Unfortunately, TASさん takes the alternative method of winning vs mode. http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm5969879
kwinse wrote:
Kejardon wrote:
Kriole wrote:
Samus is damaged by a Rinka in the opening.
That's a script action; no damage. ... it just dawned on me I know way too much about SM.
It took THAT to make you realize?
Posted: 5/18/2009 8:45 PM
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moozooh
Senior Moderator
Joined: 8/4/2005
Posts: 5770
Location: Away
Kejardon wrote:
TASさん
Haha. Japanese people are so used to good players they mistake TASes for unassisted play.
Warp wrote:
Edit: I think I understand now: It's my avatar, isn't it? It makes me look angry.
Posted: 5/19/2009 7:46 AM
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KennyMan666
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Joined: 8/24/2005
Posts: 375
Location: Göteboj
That goes both ways, unassisted Japanese plays have been suspected for TAS's. I'm looking at you, Super Metroid. (also, will check this run out after getting a little more sleep.)
Det man inte har i begåvning får man ta ut i energi. "I think I need to get to Snoop Dogg's level of high to be able to research this post." -Samsara Read my fanfic, One Piece: Pure Corruption
Posted: 5/19/2009 8:01 AM
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Baxter
Skilled player (1402)
Joined: 5/31/2004
Posts: 1821
TAS of 2013 SNES TAS of 2013 Speedy TAS of 2007 Innovative TAS of 2007
Kejardon wrote:
Baxter wrote:
the game has more to offer, and I would still like to see a vs mode movie...
Unfortunately, TASさん takes the alternative method of winning vs mode. http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm5969879
That was very nice... it would also be good if the garbage actually completed the opponents level.
http://tasvideos.org/Baxter.html
Posted: 5/19/2009 12:03 PM
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Sticky
Joined: 2/26/2007
Posts: 1360
Location: Minnesota
I enjoyed it. I voted yes. I wonder who voted no. I can't think of another I statement.
adelikat wrote:
I very much agree with this post.
Bobmario511 wrote:
Forget party hats, Christmas tree hats all the way man.
Posted: 5/19/2009 12:42 PM
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klmz
Editor, Emulator Coder, Expert player (2105)
Joined: 5/22/2007
Posts: 1134
Location: Glitchvania
NES TASer of 2018 GBA TASer of 2018 GBA TAS of 2016 Lucky TAS of 2016 GBx TASer of 2008 NES TAS of 2007
Bisqwit wrote:
nineko wrote:
Or, since Mario and the viruses disappear during the glitch, I thought to edit the screenshot to preserve them (though this is against the policy I think since I altered a screenshot):
I think it's an acceptable presentational edit though. I did the similar here three years ago and nobody has complained so far.
I will then.
<klmz> it reminds me of that people used to keep quoting adelikat's IRC statements in the old good days <adelikat> no doubt <adelikat> klmz, they still do
Posted: 5/19/2009 10:27 PM
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p0rtal_0f_rain
Banned User
Joined: 12/5/2007
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Location: Gone
Voting yes.
Posted: 5/20/2009 2:08 AM
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Kyman
Editor, Active player (429)
Joined: 9/29/2008
Posts: 706
Location: Canada
TAS of 2012 Speedy TAS of 2012 3D Platforms TAS of 2012 N64 TAS of 2010 Speedy TAS of 2010
There's two things that describe this movie: WTF, and YES.
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Posted: 5/20/2009 3:55 AM
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DonamerDragon
Player (104)
Joined: 6/7/2005
Posts: 290
Location: New York
Okay I have to admit at first I was like "oh boy, he's gonna beat it really fast and get some credit action" But then...it...happened. That glitch is so awesome. It seemed like when I was watching it that if you could break the score you automatically win the game. Hehe. Very nice and of course I voted yes.
Soft Blue Dragon
Posted: 5/20/2009 9:11 AM
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MUGG
Editor, Expert player (2313)
Joined: 5/15/2007
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Location: Germany
Gameboy TASer of 2015 NES TAS of 2013 Gameboy TASer of 2011 Gameboy TASer of 2010
After further thinking about this submission, I came to the conclusion I'd better have voted meh on it. While the glitch is cool, there isn't much comboing going on. Your first combo challenge video on Youtube was really impressive. And this submission is merely a glitch demonstration in my eyes... IMO, a TAS of this game should also be longer than just one minute. I've checked out the gameboy version (one of my first gameboy games). The pills can be manipulated there. Just thought, I'd inform you. I haven't checked the GBA version.
Youtube • Livestream • Progress 11th TASer of the Decade 2010-2019 !
Posted: 5/21/2009 4:00 PM
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CtrlAltDestroy
Active player (325)
Joined: 2/23/2005
Posts: 786
Publication already? Wow, that was quick! Possible publication text:
Tired of being mocked by the viruses, Dr. Mario switched to his "fast-acting" and "extra strength" medication. The viruses never knew what hit them. This video beats Level 20, Speed Hi of Dr. Mario in record time. Don't blink, or you might miss the twist ending.
--
MUGG wrote:
After further thinking about this submission, I came to the conclusion I'd better have voted meh on it. While the glitch is cool, there isn't much comboing going on. Your first combo challenge video on Youtube was really impressive. And this submission is merely a glitch demonstration in my eyes... IMO, a TAS of this game should also be longer than just one minute.
I do think you were spoiled by the previous movies. I submitted this movie because its short length gives it wide appeal (who can grow bored in 1 minute?) and the WTF-factor is priceless. It is not advertised as a combo video, but just as a straight completion video like Baxter and ziplock attempted years ago, which I think it beats with flying colors. Oddly enough, I was planning on submitting a "Combo Challenge" video as a concept demo, but I could never get past level 05. Actually, after that first video on YouTube, I could never beat level 03 again. So I just gave up.
Posted: 5/21/2009 4:17 PM
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BigBoct
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Posts: 1692
Location: Tiffin/Republic, OH
Oddly enough, I was planning on submitting a "Combo Challenge" video as a concept demo, but I could never get past level 05.
I think clearing a level in as few combos as possible would be a worthy goal to attempt for another run, once the levels get too complicated to clear in one combo.
Previous Name: boct1584
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