Castlevania SoTN for PSP - 100% run completed

xarugas

Edit history:

xarugas: 2010-09-18 05:27:17 pm

xarugas: 2010-09-08 10:46:03 pm

xarugas: 2010-09-02 06:25:53 pm

xarugas: 2010-08-20 04:16:50 am

xarugas: 2010-08-20 04:15:45 am

2010-08-20 04:12:19 am

PSP zealot

I'm not sure if i should revive the 3-5 year old threads on SoTN, so i'm making a new one for the PSP. Firstly, a short "cool story bro" moment for you all. Cheesy

I watched Satoryu's amazing SoTN run a few months ago, found out about the PSP version included in DXC and got that. After beating the game to death, i decided to try speedrunning it. At first i basically mirrored Satoryu's route (even execution) and got around 39:xx on the 2nd try. After i read about a few PSP-only glitches from the older threads and around 20 or so evening practice runs later, i got 31:xx.

Finally i was able to reach a sub-30 time of 29:49, right after dealing the final blow to Drac. Of course this was in-game time so this didn't include menus. Also, after reaching the Colosseum save-point at 9:37 (the time shown in the loading screen) i kept doing test runs starting from that save point (5secs just from loading the file) to refine my IC route. Here's a list of the time attack menu:

0:36 Dracula
1:46 meeting Death (well, skipping him)
3:14 G/S
4:14 meet Maria
5:54 Doppleganger

4 test runs starting from Colosseum save:
10:07 mino-werewolf
10:32 - 10:33 - 10:32 - 10:31 Librarian
11:18 - 11:18 - 11:17 - 11:17 Lesser demon
14:02 - 13:57 - 14:01 - 13:57 Karasuman (i really prefer Malphas)
15:51 - 15:45 - 15:50 - 15:43 Save Richter
18:36 - 18:24 - 18:30 - 18:19 Darkwing Bat
20:48 - 20:36 - 20:37 - 20:26 Creature
24:21 - 23:45 - 23:41 - 23:37 Death
25:50 - 25:07 - 25:08 - 25:04 Medusa
27:38 - 26:47 - 26:43 - 26:30 Akmodan II

The 26:30 Akmodan is the run that lead to 29:49.

Taking into consideration menu time and that 5sec loading time from the Colosseum, i reckon the final time is around 29:5x. There were a couple of mistakes during the Creature fight (he rolled) and a really bad 10sec-ish mistake in the Gaibon room before Death, so it could even be 29:3x. Anyway, my route is as follows:

-Keep alucard equips by skipping Death (PSP glitch, not luck mode)
-Same route as Satoryu's all the way to soul of wolf, though i don't get the Leather Shield, i own G/S and Dopple with Al sword, and do that thru-the-floor glitch after enter-exitting the CD room right above the elevator in Outer Wall.
-get the Shield Rod
-Alucard Shield combo for W/M, warp to library and buy Mana Prism+2 library cards
-wolf+mist jump, kill Lesser Demon with sword.
-grab the onyx and Soul of Bat, Heart Refresh->Library card
-buy another Mana Prism and go to clock tower
-kill Karasuman, grab Leap stone
-enter-exit Lion warp room, take the save above then head to Richter.
-Library card out after beating Richter
-head to scorpion warp back to Richter and warp to IC.
-In the IC the route is the same again with a few differences
-don't use the Outer Wall save point, instead i use a Mana Prism.
-don't take the save before Medusa as well as the mana prism after. (i use my 2nd one instead)
-grab the Mana Prism after Akmodan (don't take the final save point)
-Wing Smash trick to skip Shaft, use Mana Prism at the start of Drac, then Alucard shield him to death.

Lack of wolf dash makes certain paths in the IC a bit problematic with just Wing Smash (no idea how to do the Infinite Wing smash thing) but i got around it after a few runs. I just gotta practice around 20 more sub-30 runs to get the execution downpat.

Now here comes the problem. I only use Remotejoylite for PSP-recordings, as some may already know. I tried it with SoTN and there's still a bit of choppiness, but it's definitely tolerable. The REAL issue is the sound. Audio gets desynched really early and gets worse. I've always had the problem of Hypercam2 becoming crap when it records for more than 10minutes, so i'm not even sure if i can submit a proper run. If ever i can (life's been a bit busier lately) then great. If not, i hope i can build interest so someone can take up the PSP run as i'd LOVE to see one. That and i'm sure someone else is a better shield-dasher than i am. *points to Satoryu* Tongue

I can make short video-clips of how i execute my route if needed. At least there's a starting point of sub-30. I'm sure there's room for improvement or even a route change given my relatively newbie-knowledge about the game. I know i'm pretty late into SoTN, i should've played this game years ago >_>

Thread title:

I'm not sure if i should revive the 3-5 year old threads on SoTN, so i'm making a new one for the PSP. Firstly, a short "cool story bro" moment for you all. :D

I watched Satoryu's amazing SoTN run a few months ago, found out about the PSP version included in DXC and got that. After beating the game to death, i decided to try speedrunning it. At first i basically mirrored Satoryu's route (even execution) and got around 39:xx on the 2nd try. After i read about a few PSP-only glitches from the older threads and around 20 or so evening practice runs later, i got 31:xx.

Finally i was able to reach a sub-30 time of 29:49, right after dealing the final blow to Drac. Of course this was in-game time so this didn't include menus. Also, after reaching the Colosseum save-point at 9:37 (the time shown in the loading screen) i kept doing test runs starting from that save point (5secs just from loading the file) to refine my IC route. Here's a list of the time attack menu:
[spoiler]
0:36 Dracula
1:46 meeting Death (well, skipping him)
3:14 G/S
4:14 meet Maria
5:54 Doppleganger

[b]4 test runs starting from Colosseum save:[/b]
10:07 mino-werewolf
10:32 - 10:33 - 10:32 - 10:31 Librarian
11:18 - 11:18 - 11:17 - 11:17 Lesser demon
14:02 - 13:57 - 14:01 - 13:57 Karasuman (i really prefer Malphas)
15:51 - 15:45 - 15:50 - 15:43 Save Richter
18:36 - 18:24 - 18:30 - 18:19 Darkwing Bat
20:48 - 20:36 - 20:37 - 20:26 Creature
24:21 - 23:45 - 23:41 - 23:37 Death
25:50 - 25:07 - 25:08 - 25:04 Medusa
27:38 - 26:47 - 26:43 - 26:30 Akmodan II

The 26:30 Akmodan is the run that lead to 29:49.[/spoiler]

Taking into consideration menu time and that 5sec loading time from the Colosseum, i reckon the final time is around 29:5x. There were a couple of mistakes during the Creature fight (he rolled) and a really bad 10sec-ish mistake in the Gaibon room before Death, so it could even be 29:3x. Anyway, my route is as follows:
[spoiler]
-Keep alucard equips by skipping Death (PSP glitch, not luck mode)
-Same route as Satoryu's all the way to soul of wolf, though i don't get the Leather Shield, i own G/S and Dopple with Al sword, and do that thru-the-floor glitch after enter-exitting the CD room right above the elevator in Outer Wall.
-get the Shield Rod
-Alucard Shield combo for W/M, warp to library and buy Mana Prism+2 library cards
-wolf+mist jump, kill Lesser Demon with sword.
-grab the onyx and Soul of Bat, Heart Refresh->Library card
-buy another Mana Prism and go to clock tower
-kill Karasuman, grab Leap stone
-enter-exit Lion warp room, take the save above then head to Richter.
-Library card out after beating Richter
-head to scorpion warp back to Richter and warp to IC.
-In the IC the route is the same again with a few differences
-don't use the Outer Wall save point, instead i use a Mana Prism. 
-don't take the save before Medusa as well as the mana prism after. (i use my 2nd one instead) 
-grab the Mana Prism after Akmodan (don't take the final save point)
-Wing Smash trick to skip Shaft, use Mana Prism at the start of Drac, then Alucard shield him to death.[/spoiler]

Lack of wolf dash makes certain paths in the IC a bit problematic with just Wing Smash (no idea how to do the Infinite Wing smash thing) but i got around it after a few runs. I just gotta practice around 20 more sub-30 runs to get the execution downpat.

Now here comes the problem. I only use Remotejoylite for PSP-recordings, as some may already know. I tried it with SoTN and there's still a bit of choppiness, but it's definitely tolerable. The REAL issue is the sound. Audio gets desynched really early and gets worse. I've always had the problem of Hypercam2 becoming crap when it records for more than 10minutes, so i'm not even sure if i can submit a proper run. If ever i can (life's been a bit busier lately) then great. If not, i hope i can build interest so someone can take up the PSP run as i'd LOVE to see one. That and i'm sure someone else is a better shield-dasher than i am. *points to Satoryu* :P

I can make short video-clips of how i execute my route if needed. At least there's a starting point of sub-30. I'm sure there's room for improvement or even a route change given my relatively newbie-knowledge about the game. I know i'm pretty late into SoTN, i should've played this game years ago >_>

Satoryu

2010-08-20 10:52:55 am

Visually Appealing

It's been in the back of my mind for a long time to do a PSP version run. Considering I'd probably be playing it during downtime at the marathon, maybe I'll be able to do a run afterwards. Although shield dashing isn't as easy on a PSP, at least not for me.

Skipping Shaft, I don't remember how to do that. Is that the one where you wingsmash into the room and touch a corner that somehow loads the Dracula fight?

RaneofSOTN

2010-08-20 01:44:54 pm

I want off the ride....

I dash the same on either, but yeah that looks psuedo solid as long as your making the 9 minute Clock room which it seems like you are. Also btw, all loading times between zones are counted for in your timer, rom figured this out. Which makes Satoryu's run probably impossible to do on a ps1 since he used faster loading times (yeah aint it a bitch? Always wondered how I could never catch him... it was them loading times!).

So realistically whatever you get you get. If you are sure of practice runs for better accuracy step into the final save It goes on your Time Attack there (first access). As for the skip Shaft, I think thats correct Satoryu. I just never got it working cause I never cared to try. If you do your job right Shaft falls very quickly either way. (Alucard or Iron).

xarugas

2010-08-20 06:31:13 pm

PSP zealot

Quote from Satoryu:

Although shield dashing isn't as easy on a PSP, at least not for me.

It's probably because the PSP buttons rise higher from the surface compared to the PS2 buttons. I have an easier time doing the movement in PS2 as well, (not that i've played it on the PS2 yet) though after some warm-ups i can do fine on the PSP, though just not as fast.

Quote from Satoryu:

Skipping Shaft, I don't remember how to do that. Is that the one where you wingsmash into the room and touch a corner that somehow loads the Dracula fight?

Yeah you start at the left side of the room, wing smash along the ceiling so you hit that tiny slope, causing you to fly diagonally and ram the right side of shaft's room's ceiling entrance. There are some points where it won't work (wing smashing too close or too far) which is a definite run-killer, but i'm testing out different positions to see which one is consistent. So far staying directly above the 2nd block of the ceiling (the white one) then wing smashing seems to work. Farther than that is risky, while closer than that is a bit inconsistent.

The simpler way is to use wolf and unmorph at the right spot near the edge of the entrance, but it's slower than wing smash.

Quote from RaneofSOTN:

I dash the same on either, but yeah that looks psuedo solid as long as your making the 9 minute Clock room which it seems like you are.

Yep, i get to the clock room at around 8:28 as my fastest. Though i could use some more practice in the outer wall platforming/shield-dashing

Quote from RaneofSOTN:

Also btw, all loading times between zones are counted for in your timer, rom figured this out.

I'm worried about this as well. It's no secret that i'm using an ISO, so the loading times might be a bit faster, especially during the Bloodlines intro stage. Hopefully it doesn't penalize my run >_>

Quote from RaneofSOTN:

If you do your job right Shaft falls very quickly either way. (Alucard or Iron).

Yeah but if i don't skip shaft i usually end up with something silly like 30:05. xD Shaft's death sequence and Drac's intro scene takes a while, so at least for me, skipping shaft is key to ensuring sub 30. It's really too bad you can't skip on killing Death even though the game is based on the JP version.

I'll try to make a couple video clips later on showing my shield dashing speed as well as how my load times are.

[quote="Satoryu"]Although shield dashing isn't as easy on a PSP, at least not for me.[/quote]

It's probably because the PSP buttons rise higher from the surface compared to the PS2 buttons. I have an easier time doing the movement in PS2 as well, (not that i've played it on the PS2 yet) though after some warm-ups i can do fine on the PSP, though just not as fast.

[quote="Satoryu"]Skipping Shaft, I don't remember how to do that. Is that the one where you wingsmash into the room and touch a corner that somehow loads the Dracula fight?[/quote]

Yeah you start at the left side of the room, wing smash along the ceiling so you hit that tiny slope, causing you to fly diagonally and ram the right side of shaft's room's ceiling entrance. There are some points where it won't work (wing smashing too close or too far) which is a definite run-killer, but i'm testing out different positions to see which one is consistent. So far staying directly above the 2nd block of the ceiling (the white one) then wing smashing seems to work. Farther than that is risky, while closer than that is a bit inconsistent.

The simpler way is to use wolf and unmorph at the right spot near the edge of the entrance, but it's slower than wing smash.

[quote="RaneofSOTN"]I dash the same on either, but yeah that looks psuedo solid as long as your making the 9 minute Clock room which it seems like you are. [/quote]

Yep, i get to the clock room at around 8:28 as my fastest. Though i could use some more practice in the outer wall platforming/shield-dashing

[quote="RaneofSOTN"]Also btw, all loading times between zones are counted for in your timer, rom figured this out. [/quote]

I'm worried about this as well. It's no secret that i'm using an ISO, so the loading times might be a bit faster, especially during the Bloodlines intro stage. Hopefully it doesn't penalize my run >_>

[quote="RaneofSOTN"]If you do your job right Shaft falls very quickly either way. (Alucard or Iron).[/quote]

Yeah but if i don't skip shaft i usually end up with something silly like 30:05. xD Shaft's death sequence and Drac's intro scene takes a while, so at least for me, skipping shaft is key to ensuring sub 30. It's really too bad you can't skip on killing Death even though the game is based on the JP version.

I'll try to make a couple video clips later on showing my shield dashing speed as well as how my load times are.

romscout

Edit history:

romscout: 2010-08-21 08:46:45 am

romscout: 2010-08-21 08:46:12 am

2010-08-21 08:45:11 am

that Metroidvania guy

So this basically looks like the J version route except you keep your Alucard equipment and have to kill all the necessary inverted castle bosses. Is Shaft skip PSP-specific? I really haven't heard about it. XBLA run's looking to drop to sub-32 whenever the game starts running properly again, and any trick that can be added is practically necessary at this point. :p

And yea, just sit down and practice infinite wing smash for a while. It's really, REALLY huge. Those little transformations add up fast. It's all about timing.

xarugas

2010-08-21 06:03:25 pm

PSP zealot

^i'm not sure if the Shaft skip is PSP-specific, coz accdg to arukado from TASvids it uses the same exploit that the Richter-Shaft skip does. As for the infinite wing smash, when exactly do you input the 2nd command within the first smash? The videos of it just show seemingless smashes and i don't know when to time the commands. (also, is it the full command with the X button inputs or just the D-pad rotation?)

The trick will definitely help during the IC marble gallery and in the IC caves heading to death (those rock throwers and blue alraunes are EVIL)

I did a new test run last night, i made 29:26. It's probably the run with the fewest mistakes in the pre-Olrox part, since for some reason i got to the clock room in 8:18. :O

romscout's 2 lazy 2 log in

2010-08-21 07:57:11 pm

You must be at least very good at shield dashing even if you have no loading times at all and you're making it to the clock room in 8:18... unless the screen scaling is different for PSP version (I don't remember this being the case) or something weird like that.

As for infinite wing smashes, you hold the button and do the full input in the direction you're heading just like any other wing smash. All I can say about timing is you should find a big open space like the leap stone area or the clock tower, clear the flea men or other enemies, and just get the timing down. I could try and give you an exact time frame to start the input, but it's a very small window that still varies from person to person depending on how fast you do the input. When I'm doing it on my XBLA runs, I tend to do the input, then lift my thumb off the button for a brief instant and immediately start the input again. I know that's a pretty vague description, but it's really something you'll get down easy if you just spend some time on it.

You must be at least very good at shield dashing even if you have no loading times at all and you're making it to the clock room in 8:18... unless the screen scaling is different for PSP version (I don't remember this being the case) or something weird like that.

As for infinite wing smashes, you hold the button and do the full input in the direction you're heading just like any other wing smash. All I can say about timing is you should find a big open space like the leap stone area or the clock tower, clear the flea men or other enemies, and just get the timing down. I could try and give you an exact time frame to start the input, but it's a very small window that still varies from person to person depending on how fast you do the input. When I'm doing it on my XBLA runs, I tend to do the input, then lift my thumb off the button for a brief instant and immediately start the input again. I know that's a pretty vague description, but it's really something you'll get down easy if you just spend some time on it.

RaneofSOTN

2010-08-21 08:34:39 pm

I want off the ride....

The best way to do this is, you just have to finish the input a few frames before Alucard un-morphs. The trick to doing that is just know that a full wingsmash normally goes 2 screens wide! (open the map) so its going to go about 1.5 screens when you infinite per wingsmash. Sooooo yeahh.... go with that.

xarugas

Edit history:

xarugas: 2010-08-22 05:29:51 am

2010-08-21 09:15:07 pm

PSP zealot

Quote from romscout:

You must be at least very good at shield dashing even if you have no loading times at all and you're making it to the clock room in 8:18... unless the screen scaling is different for PSP version (I don't remember this being the case) or something weird like that.

Well, the Alucard sword definitely helps in the first half of the game with the Diplocephalus and Stone Rose, the rooms before Leather Shield, Gaibon/Slogra (4-5 sec kill?) and the Outer Wall treck. I think i'm good with shield dashing, just not as fast as Satoryu.

I tried recording from my colosseum save. It desynced as expected, but with some tinkering i was able to eliminate it. It's easier on a 20min video but it might be way harder to fix on a full 30min run. @_@

I'll work on doing the infinite wing smash. Those pointers will definitely help, thanks guys. Cheesy

xarugas

2010-08-22 02:26:42 am

PSP zealot

Here is a vid of the start->clock room execution. 8:06 in-game time when i reach the clock room. There are a couple of blunders early on so yeah, needs more practice. I'll post up a vid of the colosseum save->end of game after i upload it.

Infinite wing smash is hard @_@

RaneofSOTN

2010-08-22 02:48:29 am

I want off the ride....

1. use roms method for killing dracula its faster. Activate Hydro Storm sooner, hit dracula1 with holy water, this will drop him instantly. Then nail the holy water instant drop again. I can explain why this happens, and its engine specific. It should work just fine on the psp.
2. work harder on your shield dashing. Its pretty good so far, but what I can say is. make sure you go dash -> shield. There seems to be a few times where you try the reverse. remember you are canceling the dash not the shield animation.
3. what method do you use for getting the shield rod (since its not covered here?) Rom and I have been taking to using the potion to ensure escape from the dreaded room since any potion used provides invulnerability... The potion is in the alchemy lab -> marble gallery room. But depending on what you are using to exit.. (i figure Alucard + Shield to exit) this isn't necessary. I hope you are using Alucard + shield on every boss after here, as no matter what happens its faster. its 255x3/sec damage. You can't top this no matter what you do with the sword. If you are having troubles in hitting the bosses list them, and I can tell you tips to help you. All bosses are exploitable! Hell some are soo stupid you can shield dash through them (yes the combo still drains mana while you shield dash... and its active as long as the shield is "out" ).

thats about all i can see this late. Solid early game... if you go with rom's method, until you get both quick kills down. 33 hearts is standard.d

1. use roms method for killing dracula its faster. Activate Hydro Storm sooner, hit dracula1 with holy water, this will drop him instantly. Then nail the holy water instant drop again. I can explain why this happens, and its engine specific. It should work just fine on the psp.
2. work harder on your shield dashing. Its pretty good so far, but what I can say is. make sure you go dash -> shield. There seems to be a few times where you try the reverse. remember you are canceling the dash not the shield animation.
3. what method do you use for getting the shield rod (since its not covered here?) Rom and I have been taking to using the potion to ensure escape from the dreaded room since any potion used provides invulnerability... The potion is in the alchemy lab -> marble gallery room. But depending on what you are using to exit.. (i figure Alucard + Shield to exit) this isn't necessary. I hope you are using Alucard + shield on every boss after here, as no matter what happens its faster. its 255x3/sec damage. You can't top this no matter what you do with the sword. If you are having troubles in hitting the bosses list them, and I can tell you tips to help you. All bosses are exploitable! Hell some are soo stupid you can shield dash through them (yes the combo still drains mana while you shield dash... and its active as long as the shield is "out" ).

thats about all i can see this late. Solid early game... if you go with rom's method, until you get both quick kills down. 33 hearts is standard.d

xarugas

2010-08-22 03:16:03 am

PSP zealot

Yeah i should try modifying my alchemy lab route to grab that potion since my Hellfires aren't the fastest/most accurate ones. Yeah i get stuck up alot at shield dashing right after landing from a jump. I'll fix that.

I use Alucard Shield for all the bosses after getting the Shield Rod, though i'm kinda hesitant against Lesser Demon coz it dies fast enough even with the Sword. Shield combo animation+quick kill+open menu (to cancel the effect) takes more time than using the sword to kill him, though i suppose it's much more reliable to just shield him instead of risk messing up sword hits. The only other boss i don't use alucard shield against is Richter's 2nd phase, coz i need a hand for the library card.

Here is the route starting from colosseum save all the way to killing drac. There are ALOT of mistakes here, cuz i did it first thing in the morning. (and mostly to just test my recording setup) This is just to see if there are possible route improvements; like where/when to use the Mana Prisms, or which save rooms to take/skip. (the one before Death seems like a time waster) Also, i was wondering if 2 dashes+dash->bat morph is just as fast/faster than shield dashing through a CD room. >_>

Finally, i can skip getting the Mana Prism after Akmodan. As long as i don't mess up the next few rooms heading to the clock room, i should have regenerated enough MP during the lengthy clock opening and while waiting for Drac.

Yeah i should try modifying my alchemy lab route to grab that potion since my Hellfires aren't the fastest/most accurate ones. Yeah i get stuck up alot at shield dashing right after landing from a jump. I'll fix that.

I use Alucard Shield for all the bosses after getting the Shield Rod, though i'm kinda hesitant against Lesser Demon coz it dies fast enough even with the Sword. Shield combo animation+quick kill+open menu (to cancel the effect) takes more time than using the sword to kill him, though i suppose it's much more reliable to just shield him instead of risk messing up sword hits. The only other boss i don't use alucard shield against is Richter's 2nd phase, coz i need a hand for the library card.

[url="https://rcpt.yousendit.com/932465269/f6bebad12e0942446d662586c883402a"]Here[/url] is the route starting from colosseum save all the way to killing drac. There are ALOT of mistakes here, cuz i did it first thing in the morning. (and mostly to just test my recording setup) This is just to see if there are possible route improvements; like where/when to use the Mana Prisms, or which save rooms to take/skip. (the one before Death seems like a time waster) Also, i was wondering if 2 dashes+dash->bat morph is just as fast/faster than shield dashing through a CD room. >_>

Finally, i can skip getting the Mana Prism after Akmodan. As long as i don't mess up the next few rooms heading to the clock room, i should have regenerated enough MP during the lengthy clock opening and while waiting for Drac.

Satoryu

Edit history:

Satoryu: 2010-08-22 02:56:21 pm

2010-08-22 02:07:41 pm

Visually Appealing

That looked really good. Just a couple things I noticed. You used my way of navigating Reverse Outer Wall. Just flying up as a bat is probably better. I think you can put off the first Mana Prism for a little bit. At least so you can get some free bat time while the Mana Prism is in effect. And if you don't take the Death save point, you probably won't have enough MP for Medusa so you'll likely have to visit her save point.

I'm not even sure if Remotejoy is SDA legal, by the way.

::edit:: Oh, and here's something that works for me when Infinite Wing Smashing (yes guys, I can finally do it now): make full circles at a slow pace, release X and immediately hold it again when you hit forward.

xarugas

2010-08-22 05:18:33 pm

PSP zealot

My Prinny and Half-Minute Hero run were done in RJL and both were accepted (though mike hasn't posted the verifier responses for HMH yet) so i think RJL's ok...unless the faster loading times would be considered an advantage/cheating especially for SoTN which uses manual timing. I'll have to talk to mike about that.

Hmm i think i'll try skipping Death's save point and take Medusa's instead, since it's faster to get to and you can Wing smash out of there and onto the next corridor.

Satoryu

2010-08-22 06:14:59 pm

Visually Appealing

Idunno. I remember reading that it was okay for ILs but not for full game runs. Perhaps that's changed. Some of the loads in your run are abnormally quick, but not as much as I would've thought.

xarugas

Edit history:

xarugas: 2010-08-22 10:47:05 pm

xarugas: 2010-08-22 08:35:10 pm

2010-08-22 08:27:10 pm

PSP zealot

the load before Bloodlines shouldn't matter, though everything else after that should be up to mike. Thanks to the new Dracula method Rane mentioned as well as grabbing the potion for the shield rod room, i got to the colosseum save around 5 secs faster than my previous best....though the cave path towards death REALLY messed me up this time, so i finished at 29:27.

In the cave path to death I usually dash->bat morph through the first rock thrower, wing smash all the way past the 2nd blue alraune, then divekick->bat morph->wing smash out of there, but sometimes after i bat-morph, i get hit randomly out of thin air. >_> This is the hardest place to get through without wolf dash so yeah, i need to at least do the infinite wing smash here.

EDIT: in the entrance, is breaking the rock walls (where you get the pot roast) faster than just jumping over them? Since i won't be coming back to that place anyway, it may be slightly faster to jump on it and shield dash away.

EDIT2: mike said ISO is okay.

the load before Bloodlines shouldn't matter, though everything else after that should be up to mike. Thanks to the new Dracula method Rane mentioned as well as grabbing the potion for the shield rod room, i got to the colosseum save around 5 secs faster than my previous best....though the cave path towards death REALLY messed me up this time, so i finished at 29:27.

In the cave path to death I usually dash->bat morph through the first rock thrower, wing smash all the way past the 2nd blue alraune, then divekick->bat morph->wing smash out of there, but sometimes after i bat-morph, i get hit randomly out of thin air. >_> This is the hardest place to get through without wolf dash so yeah, i need to at least do the infinite wing smash here.

EDIT: in the entrance, is breaking the rock walls (where you get the pot roast) faster than just jumping over them? Since i won't be coming back to that place anyway, it may be slightly faster to jump on it and shield dash away.

EDIT2: mike said ISO is okay.

xarugas

Edit history:

xarugas: 2010-08-25 06:55:31 am

xarugas: 2010-08-25 06:55:01 am

xarugas: 2010-08-25 05:48:35 am

xarugas: 2010-08-25 05:46:20 am

xarugas: 2010-08-25 05:42:32 am

2010-08-24 09:06:51 pm

PSP zealot

This is insane, i got 28:57 (i estimate around 29:1x real-time) on a run last night, but whenever i actually try recording i never get past the colosseum save without resetting because of some ugly errors.

As for flying up exclusively for the reverse outer wall, isn't it slower especially when the last 3 sections can be double-jumped?(unless you meant flying only until i get to the double-jump area) I also find it risky to fly around with the bones being tossed all over the place. Yep, it's faster by around 3 seconds. (if i can pull it off properly that is)

I'm rather busy this week so i'll only get to do some quality recording over the weekend. @_@

EDIT: scratch that, i actually recorded today and got 1 attempt completed. I got a near-perfect attempt around 30 runs before the completed one, but my PC went to sleep mode 20 minutes into the game and pissed me off since i thought Hypercam would capture the black screen, but apparently it didn't.

It messed up my momentum so my final run looks quite hideous. Granted, it's still 29:47 but with a bunch of "d'oh" mistakes that shouldn't be happening. Here's the vid. I want your opinions if i should scrap this one and attempt for a faster time, or submit and just improve on it in the (near) future.

P.S. apparently using wolf for the shaft skip is MUCH simpler and more consistent. You wolf morph near the left-side edge and simply walk towards it. The game will automatically unmorph you and voila, Shaft skip when you touch the left wall.

This is insane, i got 28:57 (i estimate around 29:1x real-time) on a run last night, but whenever i actually try recording i never get past the colosseum save without resetting because of some ugly errors.

[s]As for flying up exclusively for the reverse outer wall, isn't it slower especially when the last 3 sections can be double-jumped?(unless you meant flying only until i get to the double-jump area) I also find it risky to fly around with the bones being tossed all over the place.[/s] Yep, it's faster by around 3 seconds. (if i can pull it off properly that is)

I'm rather busy this week so i'll only get to do some quality recording over the weekend. @_@

EDIT: scratch that, i actually recorded today and got 1 attempt completed. I got a near-perfect attempt around 30 runs before the completed one, but my PC went to sleep mode 20 minutes into the game and pissed me off since i thought Hypercam would capture the black screen, but apparently it didn't.

It messed up my momentum so my final run looks quite hideous. Granted, it's still 29:47 but with a bunch of "d'oh" mistakes that shouldn't be happening. [url=https://rcpt.yousendit.com/934529783/6477c3d2c967e58a919c40237df4d88c]Here's the vid[/url]. I want your opinions if i should scrap this one and attempt for a faster time, or submit and just improve on it in the (near) future.

P.S. apparently using wolf for the shaft skip is MUCH simpler and more consistent. You wolf morph near the left-side edge and simply walk towards it. The game will automatically unmorph you and voila, Shaft skip when you touch the left wall.

Satoryu

2010-08-25 01:54:57 pm

Visually Appealing

Have you tried Infinites yet? Cause at this point, it's probably required a run uses it. Your run does look very good. I say hold on to the run for a little while and try to get a better time. If you can't get anything else, you could submit.

A very small improvement you can make: on your first visit to the Librarian, don't sell the Garnet. Just buy the two Library Cards. After getting bat, sell the Garnet and Onyx at the same time and buy 2 Mana Prisms.

xarugas

2010-08-25 04:46:58 pm

PSP zealot

Quote from Satoryu:

Have you tried Infinites yet? Cause at this point, it's probably required a run uses it

Dang, that's gonna push back the run for a while, as i still can't pull off even just 1 extra smash. It's like i'm trying to activate something that isn't there lol. I'll see what i can do about it. I believe that the trick will drop the run down to the sub 29 range especially if i can pull it off constantly. Thanks for the input and that extra time saver. Smiley

romscout's not logged in

2010-08-25 07:30:54 pm

i will make sure to watch the run this weekend when i am back home

as for load times, if it's really that big a deal they could just be subtracted from run timing. that'd actually make things a lot simpler for categories because that'd forcibly throw PSN and the original PS1 disc into the same category and you won't have the potential for everyone running the game on a different version and cluttering the hell out of that page. i'd assume if xbla is the only console release that saves in-game timer, it'd still be separate but whatever. getting rid of load times in RTA timing for this game is something that can be discussed later.

and yea, in a run where you don't get the better wolf dash, not having a single infinite wing smash will look pretty bad. i wouldnt recommend submitting a run without one either, like satoryu said. it really shouldnt push your run back that much if you just sit down and practice it for a bit. it's pretty lenient with timing for a speed running trick, or at least is easy.

i havent actually had a chance to watch your vids yet but i can comment on something satoryu said: flying as a bat as much as you can without wasting too much MP is optimal in the reverse outer wall because each transformation/jump wastes about half a second versus continuing to fly (according to Lenophis's rigorous testing, anyway).

look forward to seeing the progress you made/will make!

i will make sure to watch the run this weekend when i am back home

as for load times, if it's really that big a deal they could just be subtracted from run timing. that'd actually make things a lot simpler for categories because that'd forcibly throw PSN and the original PS1 disc into the same category and you won't have the potential for everyone running the game on a different version and cluttering the hell out of that page. i'd assume if xbla is the only console release that saves in-game timer, it'd still be separate but whatever. getting rid of load times in RTA timing for this game is something that can be discussed later.

and yea, in a run where you don't get the better wolf dash, not having a single infinite wing smash will look pretty bad. i wouldnt recommend submitting a run without one either, like satoryu said. it really shouldnt push your run back that much if you just sit down and practice it for a bit. it's pretty lenient with timing for a speed running trick, or at least is easy.

i havent actually had a chance to watch your vids yet but i can comment on something satoryu said: flying as a bat as much as you can without wasting too much MP is optimal in the reverse outer wall because each transformation/jump wastes about half a second versus continuing to fly (according to Lenophis's rigorous testing, anyway).

look forward to seeing the progress you made/will make!

xarugas

2010-08-25 10:17:08 pm

PSP zealot

I reread that old SoTN thread and i watched that JP version run. (i couldn't load it a few weeks back due to sucky internet) The runner's movements across the IC were interesting, namely:
-exit-entering Darkwing Bat's room to grab the relic, saves around 1-2 secs (i think)
-ALOT of divekick-bat morphs, some of which make the path to Medusa pretty fast (as well as going through CD rooms, i'll definitely practice that)
-wing smash positioning in the Reverse Castle keep and Clock Tower

I'll be incorporating some of those fancy moves in my attempts from now on. God i'm such a leech. xD

The guy also got to the clock room at around 7:58. I was only able to do that once, (got there right at 8:00) but i should probably aim for that speed on my next attempt.

I think my problem with the infinite is that there's no visual cue if i got it right UNTIL i get it right. At first i tried counting until the smash ended, then input the command right before that point, to no avail. IF i somehow get the 1st extra smash downpat, the subsequent ones will be harder since there's no telling when the extended one will end. (unless i get the rhythm for it) Am i worrying about nothing here? I mean, it's starting to feel like i have to be doing just-frame inputs @_@

The only video source i can find for the trick would be the old marathon vid on your YT channel rom, and Satoryu's JPTDG vids. (part 4) As i observed, it's like you do the inputs almost right after the smash starts. >_>

I reread that old SoTN thread and i watched that JP version run. (i couldn't load it a few weeks back due to sucky internet) The runner's movements across the IC were interesting, namely:
-exit-entering Darkwing Bat's room to grab the relic, saves around 1-2 secs (i think)
-ALOT of divekick-bat morphs, some of which make the path to Medusa pretty fast (as well as going through CD rooms, i'll definitely practice that)
-wing smash positioning in the Reverse Castle keep and Clock Tower

I'll be incorporating some of those fancy moves in my attempts from now on. God i'm such a leech. xD

The guy also got to the clock room at around 7:58. I was only able to do that once, (got there right at 8:00) but i should probably aim for that speed on my next attempt.

I think my problem with the infinite is that there's no visual cue if i got it right UNTIL i get it right. At first i tried counting until the smash ended, then input the command right before that point, to no avail. IF i somehow get the 1st extra smash downpat, the subsequent ones will be harder since there's no telling when the extended one will end. (unless i get the rhythm for it) Am i worrying about nothing here? I mean, it's starting to feel like i have to be doing just-frame inputs @_@

The only video source i can find for the trick would be the old marathon vid on your YT channel rom, and Satoryu's JPTDG vids. (part 4) As i observed, it's like you do the inputs almost right after the smash starts. >_>

Satoryu

2010-08-25 11:19:28 pm

Visually Appealing

You actually watch my Let's Plays With a Funny Name? You poor thing.

In that video, I was flailing around and got lucky. As I said before, I like to do full circle motions when IWSing. So yeah, you do start the input immediately. Just don't put it in too fast.

xarugas

Edit history:

xarugas: 2010-08-26 12:46:44 am

xarugas: 2010-08-26 12:19:20 am

2010-08-26 12:14:52 am

PSP zealot

Quote from Satoryu:

You actually watch my Let's Plays With a Funny Name? You poor thing.

Yeah, i was bored and quite frankly, that's where i discovered the Alucard shield combo's purpose. (was a newb on SoTN around 3 months ago lol) Also, i find the vids quite entertaining..."i'm coming mother!"

Quote:

In that video, I was flailing around and got lucky. As I said before, I like to do full circle motions when IWSing. So yeah, you do start the input immediately. Just don't put it in too fast.

That's probably where i do it wrong: i WS pretty fast (err, whenever i don't botch the command) and the PSP d-pad has VERY bad sensitivity when it comes to qcf/hcf movements, especially when facing the right.

Improvements update: no need to grab the Onyx, apparently i can make do with just 1 mana prism. (used right after entering Reverse Outer Wall) If i replicate the JPN-version run's path after Medusa (mostly just divekick+bat instead of WS when exitting boss rooms) i'll have enough MP to reach the prism after Akmodan, where i use it on the spot. It's a few seconds faster than having to visit the librarian again.

Doing the divekick+bat inside a CD room isn't as easy as it looks, i think i'll stick to 2dash+dash->morph instead. >_>

Although difficult, I think 28:5x is a possibility if i don't get hit alot and if i can pull off the IWS constantly for the 3-4 rooms i'll be needing it. My immediate goal is still 29:3x-4x though, to keep my sanity.

EDIT: just to throw it out here, is your 100% route still the fastest or did someone else make a better one? Since i enjoy segmented runs i reckon i might as well try for the 100% category.

[quote="Satoryu"]You actually watch my Let's Plays With a Funny Name? You poor thing.[/quote]

Yeah, i was bored and quite frankly, that's where i discovered the Alucard shield combo's purpose. (was a newb on SoTN around 3 months ago lol) Also, i find the vids quite entertaining..."i'm coming mother!"

[quote]In that video, I was flailing around and got lucky. As I said before, I like to do full circle motions when IWSing. So yeah, you do start the input immediately. Just don't put it in too fast.[/quote]

That's probably where i do it wrong: i WS pretty fast (err, whenever i don't botch the command) and the PSP d-pad has VERY bad sensitivity when it comes to qcf/hcf movements, especially when facing the right.

Improvements update: no need to grab the Onyx, apparently i can make do with just 1 mana prism. (used right after entering Reverse Outer Wall) If i replicate the JPN-version run's path after Medusa (mostly just divekick+bat instead of WS when exitting boss rooms) i'll have enough MP to reach the prism after Akmodan, where i use it on the spot. It's a few seconds faster than having to visit the librarian again.

Doing the divekick+bat inside a CD room isn't as easy as it looks, i think i'll stick to 2dash+dash->morph instead. >_>

Although difficult, I think 28:5x is a possibility if i don't get hit alot and if i can pull off the IWS constantly for the 3-4 rooms i'll be needing it. My immediate goal is still 29:3x-4x though, to keep my sanity.

EDIT: just to throw it out here, is your 100% route still the fastest or did someone else make a better one? Since i enjoy segmented runs i reckon i might as well try for the 100% category.

romscout again

2010-08-26 12:47:50 am

This talk of reaching the clock in sub-8 is making me feel really inadequate. >.> I'd be happy just having an 8:20 there (granted, without the Alucard equipment, but still), yeesh.

and yea, there are a lot of tiny optimizations i've found in my most recent mess-arounds with the game for a bunch of rooms that involve jump kicks, i dont remember watching but im sure it's a lot of the same ones. try chaining some jump kicks off the skeleton guys in reverse marble gallery for sure before heading to inverse caverns and then saving the bat transformation for when you're on your way up to the next room. another one i can think of is in the reverse chapel, instead of turning into a bat right away, just jump kick your way to the save point or ledge heading to medusa (whichever you're doing in the route, i forgot). are those in that run already? :s

xarugas

Edit history:

xarugas: 2010-08-26 06:25:24 am

xarugas: 2010-08-26 01:07:58 am

2010-08-26 01:07:02 am

PSP zealot

the jump kicks to Medusa's save isn't in the linked video, but i included it in my actual route now. In the reverse marble gallery (the long hallway with stone roses in the normal castle) i do 4 dash->wing smashes then 1 divekick->wing smash to clear the room. From there it's Satoryu's method of getting up to the next room. I think i'll unmorph and kill the nitesco-shooting skeleton as i think it's faster than just flying all the way up.

Quote from romscout:

This talk of reaching the clock in sub-8 is making me feel really inadequate. >.> I'd be happy just having an 8:20 there (granted, without the Alucard equipment, but still), yeesh.

well i only got sub-8 clockroom once. My usual time is sub 8:10 if my shield-dashing is good. Seriously, the Alucard equips make that much of a difference. >_> Try doing it in luck mode and i'm sure you can easily hit 8:10 or better. (getting 2 big tosses in the warg rooms saves around ~15 seconds alone)