Castlevania: The Adventure Rebirth

2009-10-30 12:04:47 pm

Fucking Weeaboo

Just in time for Halloween, it's Castlevania!

This is suppose to be a remake of the original GB game, Castlevania: The Adventure. It's a LOT better, mainly thanks to greatly improved controls. I've been fooling around with it since Satoryu pointed it to me that this existed.

Things to note:

6 levels.
3 difficulty levels. I don't know what they all do differently, but I believe they change the starting heart values and in Easy you don't have damage recoil.
Two "Player Styles" - Normal and Classic. I don't know the difference between them yet.

Notes about the game play:

Unlike the GB game, weapons exist besides the whip.
Whip powerup lasts on a timer and doesn't disappear when you get hit.
No stair jumping.
Jumping is pretty loose. Even whiping while jumping and not getting landing recoil is pretty damn generous.

Bosses (I'm pretty liberal with the names here, except the obvious ones)
Stage 1 - Darkwing Bat (mini-boss), Peeping Big (boss)
Stage 2 - The Blob (mini-boss), Brusing Giant (boss)
Stage 3 - Bone Dragon (mini-boss), Sword Monster (boss)
Stage 4 - Dark Succubus (mini-boss), Rock Golem (boss)
Stage 5 - The Monk (mini-boss), Death (boss)
Stage 6 - Dracula (who else?)

Game works with Wiimote, Nunchuck, Classic Controller, and GC controller.

In an early playthough on Easy, I've done it in 34:39. Given that it was pretty sloppy overall with some deaths, I'm thinking a sub-30 time is possible.

Thread title:

Just in time for Halloween, it's Castlevania!

This is suppose to be a remake of the original GB game, Castlevania: The Adventure.  It's a LOT better, mainly thanks to greatly improved controls.  I've been fooling around with it since Satoryu pointed it to me that this existed.

Things to note:

6 levels.
3 difficulty levels.  I don't know what they all do differently, but I believe they change the starting heart values and in Easy you don't have damage recoil.
Two "Player Styles" - Normal and Classic.  I don't know the difference between them yet.

Notes about the game play:

Unlike the GB game, weapons exist besides the whip.
Whip powerup lasts on a timer and doesn't disappear when you get hit.
No stair jumping.
Jumping is pretty loose.  Even whiping while jumping and not getting landing recoil is pretty damn generous.

Bosses (I'm pretty liberal with the names here, except the obvious ones)
Stage 1 - Darkwing Bat (mini-boss), Peeping Big (boss)
Stage 2 - The Blob (mini-boss), Brusing Giant (boss)
Stage 3 - Bone Dragon (mini-boss), Sword Monster (boss)
Stage 4 - Dark Succubus (mini-boss), Rock Golem (boss)
Stage 5 - The Monk (mini-boss), Death (boss)
Stage 6 - Dracula (who else?)

Game works with Wiimote, Nunchuck, Classic Controller, and GC controller.

In an early playthough on Easy, I've done it in 34:39.  Given that it was pretty sloppy overall with some deaths, I'm thinking a sub-30 time is possible.

Persona

2009-10-30 12:21:48 pm

Castlevania?

As far as I know, classic style is the stiff control of the hero just like the NES games (making the game harder). Speedrun should just use normal style mode in my opinion.

Sir VG

Edit history:

Sir VG: 2009-11-01 01:14:27 am

2009-10-30 01:29:02 pm

Fucking Weeaboo

Ran it again just now, managed 31:00 on Easy. With 2 or 3 deaths in Stage 5 (2 stupid ones near the beginning), I definitely say sub-30 is possible on Easy at least. I'm having a blast with this.

We will need to test some of the levels, as they have alternate routes involving keys.

Stage 1: Key is below the cross to the left in the crow room. Door to route is just past the mini-boss, don't go up the long stairs after it.
Results: In testing, they're about the same time. The lower route is possibly a second or two faster if you do the level perfectly.

Stage 2: MULTIPLE paths here all over.
Path 1 - Get the key from before the drawbridge (just after the statue). Gate is up high.
Path 1a - Follow the cavern down. Fights the mini-boss.
Path 1b - Get a key before the cavern, open a door on the right wall. Skips the mini-boss.
Path 2 - Skip the drawbridge and go down through the waterways. Skips the mini-boss. This route is the toughest of the 3, IMO.
Results: 1a is the slowest due to the mini-boss. 1b is second. 2 is the fastest by a noticeable margin. It's a tough route, but is still fairly easily doable.

Stage 3: There's a hidden route in the spike crushing room on the right wall. Taking this will allow you to skip the mini-boss if you stay up. It is possible to fall all the way down and wind up back on the mini-boss route.

Stage 4: Get two keys in the messed up rooms before the mini-boss. There's two locked doors that need to be opened. This skips the mini-boss fight.

Stage 5: Minor route split at the elevator. Key is on the left side, locked door at the top on the right.
Results: The lower route is probably a hair slower, since you have to climb stairs. Just take the top door.

Stage 6: This level is straight forward. Nothing to evaluate here.

Update: sub-30 is done. New goal: sub-25. I managed 27:02 this time around, still on Easy.
Update 2: Well, there goes sub-25. How LOOOOOW can I go?! ^^
Update 3: Sub-23. 1 Death. Not counting the Death of Death. Just Death. Heh. (22:43 on Easy)
Update 4: Sub-22 on Easy, no deaths! (21:51). Damn slick performance. What's funny is that I'm so fast, I finished the run before I started! (Thank you DST.)

Ran it again just now, managed 31:00 on Easy.  With 2 or 3 deaths in Stage 5 (2 stupid ones near the beginning), I definitely say sub-30 is possible on Easy at least.  I'm having a blast with this.

We will need to test some of the levels, as they have alternate routes involving keys.

Stage 1: Key is below the cross to the left in the crow room.  Door to route is just past the mini-boss, don't go up the long stairs after it.
Results: In testing, they're about the same time.  The lower route is possibly a second or two faster if you do the level perfectly.

Stage 2: MULTIPLE paths here all over.
Path 1 - Get the key from before the drawbridge (just after the statue).  Gate is up high.
Path 1a - Follow the cavern down. Fights the mini-boss.
Path 1b - Get a key before the cavern, open a door on the right wall.  Skips the mini-boss.
Path 2 - Skip the drawbridge and go down through the waterways.  Skips the mini-boss.  This route is the toughest of the 3, IMO.
Results: 1a is the slowest due to the mini-boss.  1b is second.  2 is the fastest by a noticeable margin.  It's a tough route, but is still fairly easily doable.

Stage 3: There's a hidden route in the spike crushing room on the right wall.  Taking this will allow you to skip the mini-boss if you stay up.  It is possible to fall all the way down and wind up back on the mini-boss route.

Stage 4: Get two keys in the messed up rooms before the mini-boss.  There's two locked doors that need to be opened.  This skips the mini-boss fight.

Stage 5: Minor route split at the elevator.  Key is on the left side, locked door at the top on the right.
Results: The lower route is probably a hair slower, since you have to climb stairs.  Just take the top door.

Stage 6: This level is straight forward.  Nothing to evaluate here.

Update: sub-30 is done.  New goal: sub-25.  I managed 27:02 this time around, still on Easy.
Update 2: Well, there goes sub-25.  How LOOOOOW can I go?! ^^
Update 3: Sub-23.  1 Death.  Not counting the Death of Death.  Just Death.  Heh.  (22:43 on Easy)
Update 4: Sub-22 on Easy, no deaths!  (21:51).  Damn slick performance.  What's funny is that I'm so fast, I finished the run before I started!  (Thank you DST.)

KefkaMayDie

Edit history:

KefkaMayDie: 2010-03-05 02:23:45 am

2010-03-04 12:04:13 am

Planning a Cave Story

I just picked this up and may end up doing a run on normal or hard difficulty. Just gotta plan, plan, plan! Great game!

Here's my route for level 1 :

Better boss behavior on both of those fights would be fantastic.

Otticon1121

2010-03-05 08:52:57 am

My picture looks weird on here..so...

Just watvhed the posted level run and looked up a few videos, and this game looks awesome!
^.^
I'm currently playing Order of Ecclesia, just got a strategy guide the other day, but it's out of my league for a speedrun..I was never good doing Metroidvanias quickly..too many glitches I don't know about, not to mention my lack of real skill in them.
^.^;
I'm looking forward to seeing both of your runs! Keep up the good work!!

Sir VG

2010-03-05 10:03:33 am

Fucking Weeaboo

Quote from KefkaMayDie:

I just picked this up and may end up doing a run on normal or hard difficulty. Just gotta plan, plan, plan! Great game!

Here's my route for level 1 :

Better boss behavior on both of those fights would be fantastic.

Minor mistakes I noticed:
1. Don't fall off of a platform unless you need to turn around immediately. So like the platform after the rosary is a no-no, but the one where you get the key is ok.
2. You can whip immediately to the left after you fall off to get the key. You don't need to move, stop and whip, then move again.
3. You can whip that statue in the way from the jump.
4. You can jump over both flying birds just before Darkwing Bat. Getting hit, even to the right, isn't the best option.
5. Speaking of which, you can get 3 hits off when he first appears.
6. Take the axe after the water slug room. It's helpful here and in later stages.
7. Use the axe on the boss. Don't let it get over/behind you...ever.
8. Speaking of the axe, kill your heart count by having it, or get it as low as possible. The heart counter kills time, especially the more hearts you have.

Overall pretty good, but still needs some work.

[quote="KefkaMayDie"]
I just picked this up and may end up doing a run on normal or hard difficulty.  Just gotta plan, plan, plan!  Great game!

Here's my route for level 1 :

[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaWLZpf8gqs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaWLZpf8gqs[/url]

Better boss behavior on both of those fights would be fantastic.
[/quote]

Minor mistakes I noticed:
1. Don't fall off of a platform unless you need to turn around immediately.  So like the platform after the rosary is a no-no, but the one where you get the key is ok.
2. You can whip immediately to the left after you fall off to get the key.  You don't need to move, stop and whip, then move again.
3. You can whip that statue in the way from the jump.
4. You can jump over both flying birds just before Darkwing Bat.  Getting hit, even to the right, isn't the best option.
5. Speaking of which, you can get 3 hits off when he first appears.
6. Take the axe after the water slug room.  It's helpful here and in later stages.
7. Use the axe on the boss.  Don't let it get over/behind you...ever.
8. Speaking of the axe, kill your heart count by having it, or get it as low as possible.  The heart counter kills time, especially the more hearts you have.

Overall pretty good, but still needs some work.

KefkaMayDie

Edit history:

KefkaMayDie: 2010-03-05 06:48:27 pm

2010-03-05 11:23:37 am

Planning a Cave Story

I was considering skipping the axe due to needing to pick up a key in level 2, but I'll do some runs where I pick it up and see what happens.

Yeah, the boss wasn't a highlight :-[

And after I watched my vid last night I noticed that I could have whipped to destroy that statue, but thanks for pointing it out as well!

I'll take all these to heart and produce another vid for some much needed constructive criticism.

-EDIT- Updated level 1, less errors, but a couple late jumps cost a couple frames, and some better boss behavior still needed.

Sir VG

2010-03-05 09:58:21 pm

Fucking Weeaboo

Quote from KefkaMayDie:

I was considering skipping the axe due to needing to pick up a key in level 2, but I'll do some runs where I pick it up and see what happens.

Yeah, the boss wasn't a highlight :-[

And after I watched my vid last night I noticed that I could have whipped to destroy that statue, but thanks for pointing it out as well!

I'll take all these to heart and produce another vid for some much needed constructive criticism.

-EDIT- Updated level 1, less errors, but a couple late jumps cost a couple frames, and some better boss behavior still needed.

You don't need the key in Level 2. If you take the route that I do (go down instead of over the drawbridge) you'll skip the miniboss in Stage 2...which is considerably faster.

I suggest watching the easy mode runs on my YouTube account. The route will be same - you just may have to collect more hearts in the levels since you only start with 5 on Normal and 0 on Hard.

I've tried doing Normal, but right now Stage 5 is kicking my ass.

[quote="KefkaMayDie"]
I was considering skipping the axe due to needing to pick up a key in level 2, but I'll do some runs where I pick it up and see what happens.

Yeah, the boss wasn't a highlight  :-[

And after I watched my vid last night I noticed that I could have whipped to destroy that statue, but thanks for pointing it out as well!

I'll take all these to heart and produce another vid for some much needed constructive criticism.

-EDIT- Updated level 1, less errors, but a couple late jumps cost a couple frames, and some better boss behavior still needed.

[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fyGepg7O-U]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fyGepg7O-U[/url]
[/quote]

You don't need the key in Level 2.  If you take the route that I do (go down instead of over the drawbridge) you'll skip the miniboss in Stage 2...which is considerably faster.

I suggest watching the easy mode runs on my YouTube account.  The route will be same - you just may have to collect more hearts in the levels since you only start with 5 on Normal and 0 on Hard.

I've tried doing Normal, but right now Stage 5 is kicking my ass.

KefkaMayDie

2010-03-06 04:46:45 pm

Planning a Cave Story

What are your thoughts on picking up the stop watch in level 2 VG? I'll get a video up shortly of my run through level 2 using it.

Sir VG

2010-03-06 10:49:28 pm

Fucking Weeaboo

Quote from KefkaMayDie:

What are your thoughts on picking up the stop watch in level 2 VG? I'll get a video up shortly of my run through level 2 using it.

My thoughts are you don't need it. A properly thrown axe or properly timed whip can take down about anything. And the few places it can't you can do some nice damage boosts.

The only time I've ever used the pocket watch is in Stage 1 on Easy, only to burn hearts. I use Axe in Stages 1-4 (axe is dropped for the key in Stage 4), Cross for 4's boss and in Stage 5, then back to the Axe for Death and Dracula.

KefkaMayDie

2010-03-06 11:11:41 pm

Planning a Cave Story

Yes but it's used when you go underneath the castle. I watched your runs and you take quite a few hits down there. Not so bad on easy, you have no knock back. But normal and higher that's gonna take some time. 1 stop watch used and that section is super quick.

And the axe won't be needed again until level 3's boss anyway. Comparing level 2 boss fights also, my normal one obviously takes more time since he has more health, but is a lot cleaner than the one I saw on your vid (Not knocking your vid, its a nice run! Just pointing some stuff out). And I used 1 axe on him, which is picked up after the stop watch, which is conveniently picked up as I kill a jellyfish underground.

I'll upload the level tonight hopefully and have you take a gander.

Sir VG

2010-03-06 11:24:58 pm

Fucking Weeaboo

While my videos up on YouTube are on Easy, I have done most of the game on Normal as well (Stage 5 is what always trips me up). I should put up a recording at some point of even a partial run on Normal for you as a reference.

The axe is actually more effective on the Stage 2 boss then I think you give credit for. If you time it right when he's going into the air (when he smashes the ceiling then falls back down), you can get 2 hits with 1 axe. Plus it can also block any rocks thrown at you.

Stage 3 boss - axe is absolutely necessary. And get a bunch of hearts - 20 at a minimum. If you don't have the axe for him or run out of hearts, you might as well end the run - he takes WAY too long without the axe.

Stage 4 boss works best with the axe actually, but since the shortest route forces you to ditch it, you can always get a boomerang just before the boss, which is also effective.

Death can take two hits most of the fight from the axe, making it the weapon of choice.

Dracula's first form can take 3 hits with the whip, but to make the 3rd hit connect, you have to be fight in front of him, facing away. The whip coming back will hit him. Otherwise, you generally don't have enough time to hit him if you're facing him.

Dracula also can be hit twice in his 2nd form from the axe if positioned properly.

I've yet to face his 3rd form, so I can't give tips there.

While my videos up on YouTube are on Easy, I have done most of the game on Normal as well (Stage 5 is what always trips me up).  I should put up a recording at some point of even a partial run on Normal for you as a reference.

The axe is actually more effective on the Stage 2 boss then I think you give credit for.  If you time it right when he's going into the air (when he smashes the ceiling then falls back down), you can get 2 hits with 1 axe.  Plus it can also block any rocks thrown at you.

Stage 3 boss - axe is absolutely necessary.  And get a bunch of hearts - 20 at a minimum.  If you don't have the axe for him or run out of hearts, you might as well end the run - he takes WAY too long without the axe.

Stage 4 boss works best with the axe actually, but since the shortest route forces you to ditch it, you can always get a boomerang just before the boss, which is also effective.

Death can take two hits most of the fight from the axe, making it the weapon of choice.

Dracula's first form can take 3 hits with the whip, but to make the 3rd hit connect, you have to be fight in front of him, facing away.  The whip coming back will hit him.  Otherwise, you generally don't have enough time to hit him if you're facing him.

Dracula also can be hit twice in his 2nd form from the axe if positioned properly.

I've yet to face his 3rd form, so I can't give tips there.

KefkaMayDie

Edit history:

KefkaMayDie: 2010-03-07 12:43:43 am

2010-03-06 11:45:21 pm

Planning a Cave Story

When he goes up to the ceiling, jump towards him and whip, you won't be hit and you'll be whipping again as you both fall in the same direction. I have a recording of this fight, I'll upload it now.

Here's the level 2 boss with 1 axe :

And I just ran level 1 on Easy, skipping the axe entirely, not using it on the boss, and some major mistakes and came out 3 seconds ahead of the 20:25 run's level 1. And all the time was saved on the boss :/

I will say that yes, the axe will be very handy for Drac's 3rd form, as most of the fight you cannot reach his damage point, so the axe will do its job. But the main point is perhaps you can get in multiple axe hits a TAD quicker than multiple whip hits on these bosses, but the whip is strong enough to out weigh using them most of the time, especially on level 1's boss.

Edit again, just ran level 2's boss on easy using no axes to see the outcome, and twas 5 seconds faster than with.

When he goes up to the ceiling, jump towards him and whip, you won't be hit and you'll be whipping again as you both fall in the same direction.  I have a recording of this fight, I'll upload it now.

Here's the level 2 boss with 1 axe : [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H52arqhXDbg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H52arqhXDbg[/url]

And I just ran level 1 on Easy, skipping the axe entirely, not using it on the boss, and some major mistakes and came out 3 seconds ahead of the 20:25 run's level 1.  And all the time was saved on the boss :/

I will say that yes, the axe will be very handy for Drac's 3rd form, as most of the fight you cannot reach his damage point, so the axe will do its job.  But the main point is perhaps you can get in multiple axe hits a TAD quicker than multiple whip hits on these bosses, but the whip is strong enough to out weigh using them most of the time, especially on level 1's boss.

Edit again, just ran level 2's boss on easy using no axes to see the outcome, and twas 5 seconds faster than with.

Sir VG

2010-03-07 01:10:09 am

Fucking Weeaboo

Pretty good fight (not perfect, given that you took some hits and only got 1 hit with that axe...barely). Whatever route ends up being fastest (whip or axe), ALWAYS burn off your extra hearts. Granted 3 hearts doesn't take much time to count down, but it still takes some time.

I'm sure my boss strat for Peeping Big isn't the best - I mean, I'm bouncing him around like a ping pong ball. But the one thing that's important is that you do NOT let him get behind you. It's a run killer.

KefkaMayDie

2010-03-07 01:21:27 am

Planning a Cave Story

Is Peeping Big his real name? If not, it needs to be, I like it Smiley

Sir VG

2010-03-07 06:26:19 am

Fucking Weeaboo

I've never seen an official list of names. I just made most of them up based upon other appearances in CV games. Stage 3 is most likely what I've listed, since it appeared in SotN. Stage 5 and 6's bosses are kind of a given. ^^;;

Satoryu

2010-03-07 12:33:48 pm

Visually Appealing

Except that thing's not a Peeping Eye, though. Peeping Eyes fly and have tails.

Sir VG

2010-03-07 11:06:53 pm

Fucking Weeaboo

Well, you come up with a better name then, sir. It can fly...when I whip it's stupid ass! And it high 'tails' it out of there when I've bounced it around enough. Tongue

Thank you, thank you. I'm here all week.

Satoryu

2010-03-07 11:24:25 pm

Visually Appealing

Remind me to get you better jokes for your birthday next year.

Happy Delayed Birthday, by the way.

Sir VG

Edit history:

Sir VG: 2010-03-08 05:57:39 am

2010-03-08 04:50:10 am

Fucking Weeaboo

Thanks. I like how the Sony PS3 thought it was my real birthday this year. Oh you silly Sony programmers. How I love you so.

But back on topic, I should at least put up a partial run on Normal...and Hard just to show how difficult Hard mode is. I've made it to Stage 3...somehow. Hard fills the game with tons of Goddamn Bats, Mermen, and ups the skull heads usually to 5 tall when you get to them. It's a nightmare.

Also, I found out there's a stage select code and our beloved secret stairs in Stage 6, per CV standards. It's just...very well hidden.

I can confirm that unlike Contra Rebirth's hidden Debug code, this indeed works on the US version. Hold Right on the D-Pad for about 2 seconds. This also answers my long standing question of why the game prompts you to save a lot, yet every time now that I beat it on Easy, I never see it. It's saving your level progress for the stage select code.

BTW, it does keep track of Easy/Normal/Hard levels separately. So if you can get to Stage 6 on Easy, don't expect to suddenly swap to Normal/Hard and go right to Stage 6.

Thanks.  I like how the Sony PS3 thought it was my real birthday this year.  Oh you silly Sony programmers.  How I love you so.

But back on topic, I should at least put up a partial run on Normal...and Hard just to show how difficult Hard mode is.  I've made it to Stage 3...somehow.  Hard fills the game with tons of Goddamn Bats, Mermen, and ups the skull heads usually to 5 tall when you get to them.  It's a nightmare.

Also, I found out there's a stage select code and our beloved secret stairs in Stage 6, per CV standards.  It's just...very well hidden.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG3309Zf_-4

I can confirm that unlike Contra Rebirth's hidden Debug code, this indeed works on the US version.  Hold Right on the D-Pad for about 2 seconds.  This also answers my long standing question of why the game prompts you to save a lot, yet every time now that I beat it on Easy, I never see it.  It's saving your level progress for the stage select code.

BTW, it does keep track of Easy/Normal/Hard levels separately.  So if you can get to Stage 6 on Easy, don't expect to suddenly swap to Normal/Hard and go right to Stage 6.

KefkaMayDie

Edit history:

KefkaMayDie: 2010-03-08 11:48:15 pm

2010-03-08 11:10:00 am

Planning a Cave Story

Yeah, I've known about the stage select and secret stash, but good idea to post it for those not in the know.

And yes, hard is brutal! I'm on level 4 currently, which is a lot easier than the horror that was level 3.

Persona

2010-03-26 01:09:31 pm

Castlevania?

Question, does anyone have a strategy for the Stage 5 mid boss? All I do is attack and trade hits with him until he falls. Undecided

Sir VG

2010-03-26 10:34:02 pm

Fucking Weeaboo

The only way to avoid the attack is to duck the ball and jump the flame, since they run at different speeds. But for a speed run, that's probably gonna be hard to do. I think Stage 5 is a good time for death abuse.

Persona

2010-03-27 01:29:40 am

Castlevania?

Hmm, usually during the first two attacks of his, he either does a high or low then after that he starts combining both. The fastest way to avoid that is to keep distance and wait for the high and low attack to spread apart right?

I'm stuck on Stage 5 since I can't afford to get hit 1-2 times (on accident) since I use up most of my health to save time. I do get one piece of meat in the wall on the right side but are there other meats in stage 5? I know there is another one but it's not in the route.

Sir VG

Edit history:

Sir VG: 2010-03-27 07:23:03 am

2010-03-27 07:13:45 am

Fucking Weeaboo

Heh. I didn't even know that there WAS a meat hidden anywhere. I knew there was one in Stage 1, but that's all I ever found... ^^;;

Here's an idea if you're wanting to avoid damage:

Skip to about 3:15