Valkyria Chronicles

2013-04-23 12:50:02 am

Ok, so I finished typing up the comments and sent the message to Puwexil about it. I must have been tired when I made the post before, because the final time is actually 2:21:10 instead. Give me a break though, because I think I had just come off a 4-6 hour session of very tedious attempts. Tongue

The YouTube playlist is here and it includes all the remaining segments I didn't link earlier, so check it out if you're interested. Or better yet, sign up to verify or something. That'd be pretty cool too.

Tigger77

2013-04-23 10:50:19 am

I survived MIKE-Fest 1

wow that escalated quickly Cheesy

good job I will watch the whole thing later.

Amazing time!!!!

Nitrodon

Edit history:

Nitrodon: 2013-05-03 03:59:29 am

2013-05-03 03:45:08 am

I somehow got it into my head to do a single-segment run of this. I got my first completed run just now in about 3 hours realtime (with 2 deaths on turn 3 of chapter 8-1, among smaller errors). Game time for the save after Maximilian was 2:45:15, probably indicating that restarting missions does not cost game time (Edit: confirmed). I'm currently aiming for sub-2:35, but I don't know if that's realistic yet.

Characters needed: a female scout, Mica/Jane/Nina (might not be needed), a second shocktrooper, Theold/Yoko (preferably both), an engineer, Marina
Final levels: Scout 12, Shocktrooper 11, Lancer 8, Engineer 3, Sniper 16
Final equipment: Gallian-4, T-MAG 20, Lancaar M2, GSR-2, Combat Suit BD-4 (one of these is not like the others)

Before 3: form squad, level to 2/1/3/3/1, get Gallian-2 and Combat Suit BD-2.
Before 7: level to 7/4/8/3/3, get Gallian-4, Mags M3, Lancaar M2, GSR-2, Combat Suit BD-4, Additional Armor, Increased Payload mortar, Extra Magazine (equip)
Before 10-2: level to 12/8/8/3/8.
Before 14: level to 12/11/8/3/15, get T-MAG 10, equip the Shamrock's gatling gun.
Before 18-2: level snipers to 16, get T-MAG 20.

Prologue: duh
1: I use Molotov's 1-hit kill grenade toss, but run behind the tank.
2: Do nothing until turn 3. Edelweiss continues moving forward on the third action to compensate for horrible accuracy.
3: Same as Molotov's run.
4: Grenade the wall and let the shocktrooper kill the ragnite crate as in Molotov's run, and the rest is the same as Tigger77 and -M2-'s run.
5: I use a mine boost to ensure that Alicia is close enough to hit the scout enough. Otherwise, basically the same as Tigger77 and -M2-'s run
6: Just a Defense Boost rush.
7: Four-turn clear.
8-1: I play a bit safer than usual (read: no mine boost) for now, but I may just be paranoid.
8-2 (safe strat): Deploy a scout in the rear right (southwest) slot. On turn 1, hide Welkin in a grass patch and end turn. On turn 2, reach the Edelweiss, smash the wall, and mortar the shocktrooper guarding the base. The scout then uses the path near base to safely get past the first tank, and proceeds to occupy the enemy's base camp.
9: To be safe, I deploy 3 leaders and use Defense Boost and Damage Boost, then get right behind the APC's radiator.
10-1: Don't attack the last tank on turn 3. Instead, end turn after killing the lancers, then force your way through in 7 actions on turn 4.
10-2: Basically the same as Tigger77 and -M2-'s run. I currently use Defense Boost on the scout, but that might not be needed.
11: Same as both runs really.
12: Same as Molotov's run.
13: The single-segment strategy Molotov posted in this thread.
14: Deploy a scout and send her to the far Dromedarius. With Demolition Boost and Penetration, she should kill it by attacking the body once and the radiator twice.
15-1: Same as Molotov's run.
15-2: Same as Molotov's run.
16: Deploy Alicia to hit the first two ragnite crates, then let her die in a rockslide. Otherwise, mostly the same as Molotov's run.
17: Same as Molotov's run.
18-1: Mostly the same as in Tigger77 and -M2-'s run, but without killing the shocktrooper. I also try the heatsink double kill.
18-2: Deploy Alicia, Rosie, shocktrooper A, shocktrooper B, Largo, Marina (changing Marina's deployment position, though that may be just personal preference). Penetration on Rosie, who kills the right tower and charges toward Max. Aim Boost on Rosie. Shocktrooper A goes near Rosie and attacks the left tower with a team attack. Marina kills the rear tower in two shots. Shamrock initiates a 3-way team attack on Max with the Erma T1 to avoid any chance of triggering his teleport. All Units Attack, then shocktrooper B gets behind the Shamrock, manipulates Fearless Will (maybe), then initiates a 4-way team attack to finish the battle.

I somehow got it into my head to do a single-segment run of this.  I got my first completed run just now in about 3 hours realtime (with 2 deaths on turn 3 of chapter 8-1, among smaller errors).  Game time for the save after Maximilian was 2:45:15, probably indicating that restarting missions does not cost game time (Edit: confirmed).  I'm currently aiming for sub-2:35, but I don't know if that's realistic yet.

Characters needed: a female scout, Mica/Jane/Nina (might not be needed), a second shocktrooper, Theold/Yoko (preferably both), an engineer, Marina
Final levels: Scout 12, Shocktrooper 11, Lancer 8, Engineer 3, Sniper 16
Final equipment: Gallian-4, T-MAG 20, Lancaar M2, GSR-2, Combat Suit BD-4 (one of these is not like the others)

[spoiler="HQ visits"]Before 3: form squad, level to 2/1/3/3/1, get Gallian-2 and Combat Suit BD-2.
Before 7: level to 7/4/8/3/3, get Gallian-4, Mags M3, Lancaar M2, GSR-2, Combat Suit BD-4, Additional Armor, Increased Payload mortar, Extra Magazine (equip)
Before 10-2: level to 12/8/8/3/8.
Before 14: level to 12/11/8/3/15, get T-MAG 10, equip the Shamrock's gatling gun.
Before 18-2: level snipers to 16, get T-MAG 20.[/spoiler]
[spoiler="Chapter plans"]Prologue: duh
1: I use Molotov's 1-hit kill grenade toss, but run behind the tank.
2: Do nothing until turn 3.  Edelweiss continues moving forward on the third action to compensate for horrible accuracy.
3: Same as Molotov's run.
4: Grenade the wall and let the shocktrooper kill the ragnite crate as in Molotov's run, and the rest is the same as Tigger77 and -M2-'s run.
5: I use a mine boost to ensure that Alicia is close enough to hit the scout enough.  Otherwise, basically the same as Tigger77 and -M2-'s run
6: Just a Defense Boost rush.
7: Four-turn clear.
8-1: I play a bit safer than usual (read: no mine boost) for now, but I may just be paranoid.
8-2 (safe strat): Deploy a scout in the rear right (southwest) slot.  On turn 1, hide Welkin in a grass patch and end turn.  On turn 2, reach the Edelweiss, smash the wall, and mortar the shocktrooper guarding the base.  The scout then uses the path near base to safely get past the first tank, and proceeds to occupy the enemy's base camp.
9: To be safe, I deploy 3 leaders and use Defense Boost and Damage Boost, then get right behind the APC's radiator.
10-1: Don't attack the last tank on turn 3.  Instead, end turn after killing the lancers, then force your way through in 7 actions on turn 4.
10-2: Basically the same as Tigger77 and -M2-'s run.  I currently use Defense Boost on the scout, but that might not be needed.
11: Same as both runs really.
12: Same as Molotov's run.
13: The single-segment strategy Molotov posted in this thread.
14: Deploy a scout and send her to the far Dromedarius.  With Demolition Boost and Penetration, she should kill it by attacking the body once and the radiator twice.
15-1: Same as Molotov's run.
15-2: Same as Molotov's run.
16: Deploy Alicia to hit the first two ragnite crates, then let her die in a rockslide.  Otherwise, mostly the same as Molotov's run.
17: Same as Molotov's run.
18-1: Mostly the same as in Tigger77 and -M2-'s run, but without killing the shocktrooper.  I also try the heatsink double kill.
18-2: Deploy Alicia, Rosie, shocktrooper A, shocktrooper B, Largo, Marina (changing Marina's deployment position, though that may be just personal preference).  Penetration on Rosie, who kills the right tower and charges toward Max.  Aim Boost on Rosie.  Shocktrooper A goes near Rosie and attacks the left tower with a team attack.  Marina kills the rear tower in two shots.  Shamrock initiates a 3-way team attack on Max with the Erma T1 to avoid any chance of triggering his teleport.  All Units Attack, then shocktrooper B gets behind the Shamrock, manipulates Fearless Will (maybe), then initiates a 4-way team attack to finish the battle.[/spoiler]

Nyasupan

2014-05-06 08:38:25 am

I've decided to try and speedrun this as my first game 'cause I love it and I found it easy to learn. I've just finished my first complete run following the route explaind by Nitrodon (litterally above this) and I got about 3 hours realtime due to some errors in menu and deaths in mission 13 and 18-1. I got a 2:47:12 in game time. The only thing it's really frustrating it's the over the bridge tank shot in mission 10-1 because it can miss also if you're perfectly alligned. If that's the case it's better to destroy the enemy tank and wait the next turn to continue moving or there will be high chances to get destroyed by enemy fire.

Ghoul02

2014-05-06 06:44:10 pm

www.twitch.tv/ghoul02

Solid time! Destroys my PB by quite a fair bit, granted, I started focusing on the sequel pretty soon after and haven't gone back to optimize my stupid mistakes.

Do you happen to stream by any chance? I'd love to check it out if I get a chance.

Nyasupan

Edit history:

Nyasupan: 2014-05-07 04:03:36 pm

Nyasupan: 2014-05-07 03:48:34 pm

2014-05-07 01:39:26 am

Sadly I still can't stream. I Had a capture card I thought it could work but it turned out it doesn't. I asked a friend if I could borrow his and he should give it to me later this week. That said, I live in Italy and internet connection is kinda bad for streaming here, and with "kinda bad" I mean REALLY BAD, but I will try to do it anyways if the capture card works!

About the time, I don't think it's that solid. I was very lucky because I didn't save my game during the run and all the rng were fairly good but I had 2 more runs after that were I got wrecked in mission 13 or in mission 16 'cause the tank trolled so hard. Game time doesn't count failed missions so I don't feel comfortable in using it, I prefer to watch my real play time and for now it goes in range from 3 hours to 3 hours and a half.

Nitrodon

2014-07-24 12:40:44 am

Someone requested my current notes, so here they are. The description of the grenade rifle shot in chapter 13 may be a bit off, since I failed it in my last few run attempts.

Attachment:

VC notes.odt

PX_

2014-07-25 12:40:11 am

twitch.tv/pxmacaiah

Thanks for the notes Nitrodon, very useful and easier than watching 3 separate runs at the same time :\

PX_

Edit history:

PX_: 2014-08-13 08:19:05 pm

PX_: 2014-08-13 08:16:47 pm

PX_: 2014-08-13 08:12:09 pm

PX_: 2014-08-13 08:11:53 pm

2014-08-10 03:03:17 am

twitch.tv/pxmacaiah

~~Just got a 3:12:40 RTA with some terrible mistakes second run, aiming for that sub 3 tomorrow.~~

Forget that, just got 2:46:47 with a few deaths. 2:38:09 IGT for hilarity sakes (Beats Nitrodon's WR IGT) WR attempts soon
http://www.twitch.tv/pxtfd/c/4900970

PX_

Edit history:

PX_: 2014-11-20 07:59:52 pm

2014-11-20 07:49:16 pm

twitch.tv/pxmacaiah

2:28:32 new WR, PC version OP
http://www.twitch.tv/pxtfd/c/5537147

Overall, I estimate the PC version to save from 10-15 minutes from load times alone, and mouse targeting possibly saving another minute overall.

TactileDactyl

Edit history:

TactileDactyl: 2015-01-17 06:00:40 pm

TactileDactyl: 2015-01-15 12:48:16 pm

TactileDactyl: 2015-01-14 11:43:52 pm

2015-01-14 11:38:40 pm

twitch.tv/Cadarev has the new RTA Any% WR at 2:13:54

His timing is from "New Game" to the final "Operation Complete".

TactileDactyl

2015-01-17 05:54:18 pm

twitch.tv/Cadarev with a new WR at 2:12:36

PX_

Edit history:

PX_: 2015-01-18 02:28:53 am

2015-01-18 02:28:39 am

twitch.tv/pxmacaiah

The thing is that he runs the game at Refresh Rate (60fps), and I have 2 problems with that.
1) It kind of messes some core mechanics of the game, as this webm shows. Basically, turrets intercept fire a lot faster, enemy tanks actually use more movement when turning, so they can't move as far, and probably a few other minor things but yeah. It basically changes the game.
2) Since there is either 30fps or refresh rate, nothing is stopping someone to just buy a 120fps monitor and run the game at 120fps, which will make the game run at 4x speed as opposed to 2x on 60fps and 1x on 30fps. Essentially, you can buy yourself a WR.

TactileDactyl

Edit history:

TactileDactyl: 2015-01-18 04:45:44 pm

2015-01-18 04:42:05 pm

I agree that there should be a standard framerate for this run. However, the game isn't running at 2x speed at 60fps and 4x speed at 120fps. If that were the case, the animations would appear comically sped-up. If a game offers a dynamic framerate, this is how it's usually implemented:

Code:

repeat (forever) {
  time_since_the_last_frame = now() - last_frame_time;
  move_objects_given_time_passed(time_since_the_last_frame);
  last_frame_time = now();
}

What this means is that anything that's updated on each frame of the game is scaled to the amount of time that passed since the last frame. So, when the game is running at a higher framerate it's not running "faster", it's simply running with a higher resolution in time. This can affect the systems of the game, depending on how the time scaling was implemented for each system. These effects could be positive or negative for a speedrun, system by system. Cadarev has noted that for the grenade bounce in Mission 13, he had to find a different setup when running at 60fps.

With that said, I would vote for a standard of 60Hz/60fps as the framerate for PC runs for the following reasons:

1. The refresh rate is clearly indicated in the launcher of the game, which can be used for verification.
2. The game feels much smoother running at 60fps, and we should enjoy this benefit when doing runs.
3. This port is very well optimized, so it can run at a stable 60fps even on lower-end hardware.

I agree that there should be a standard framerate for this run. However, the game isn't running at 2x speed at 60fps and 4x speed at 120fps. If that were the case, the animations would appear comically sped-up. If a game offers a dynamic framerate, this is how it's usually implemented:

[code]repeat (forever) {
  time_since_the_last_frame = now() - last_frame_time;
  move_objects_given_time_passed(time_since_the_last_frame);
  last_frame_time = now();
}[/code]
What this means is that anything that's updated on each frame of the game is scaled to the amount of time that passed since the last frame. So, when the game is running at a higher framerate it's not running "faster", it's simply running with a higher resolution in time. This can affect the systems of the game, depending on how the time scaling was implemented for each system. These effects could be positive or negative for a speedrun, system by system. Cadarev has noted that for the grenade bounce in Mission 13, he had to find a different setup when running at 60fps.

With that said, I would vote for a standard of 60Hz/60fps as the framerate for PC runs for the following reasons:

1. The refresh rate is clearly indicated in the launcher of the game, which can be used for verification.
2. The game feels much smoother running at 60fps, and we should enjoy this benefit when doing runs.
3. This port is very well optimized, so it can run at a stable 60fps even on lower-end hardware.

Ghoul02

2015-01-19 06:00:49 pm

www.twitch.tv/ghoul02

The downside is that the game was clearly not intended to be run at 60FPS, hence all the problems relative to the PS3 version with physics.

I'm not arguing it's correct or not, but the in game options also only show 30 FPS and Refresh Rate, meaning that 30 is considered standard and you could call "refresh rate" experimental.

We have a VC skype group now btw if people would like to discuss it some. Feel free to add me, dghoul2, and I'll pop you guys in there.

PX_

Edit history:

PX_: 2015-01-21 02:25:35 am

2015-01-20 07:59:15 pm

twitch.tv/pxmacaiah

It's also a thing to note that 30fps resolutions have a choice between 15fps and refresh rate

InfiniteSheldor

2015-03-16 03:14:20 pm

The name's Sheldor. InfiniteSheldor.

I love this game. Since the Steam release, will anyone be running PC too?

PX_

2015-03-16 09:59:04 pm

twitch.tv/pxmacaiah

Everybody runs the PC version now since it's a lot faster, easier to run, and smoother in general. That said, I reclaimed the WR a while ago that I can easily save 3 minutes on, sub 2 hours actually seems possible with godly rng and maybe one or 2 new strats

WanderingMind

2015-08-12 08:29:12 pm

Stay chill, be cool.

First day I learn how to run the PC version, I found a much better setup for the radiator shots in Chapter 7. This new strat only requires going up halfway up the slope, rather than going all the way up and firing from a cliff.

Back when I tried to do the old method, I noticed that I wasn't damaging all three radiators when aiming at what I thought was the center. However, when I fired at the radiator on the Batomys' left side, I would damage the other two radiators. This realization gave me the idea to try out a new strat, as seen in the following video.

WanderingMind

2015-08-19 09:47:28 pm

Stay chill, be cool.

I discovered another strat, this time in Chapter 15b. All I do is fire a smoke round, go through it, go outside to spot Selvaria, go back in, and fire at her for the 3 available actions I can do during Turn 1. As long as I stay in the smoke, she won't be able to dodge my shots.

The old strat involved going in and out of the smoke round.

This video shows the Smoke Round strat in action:

Molotov

2015-08-20 03:33:12 am

Nice optimization, but are you sure that's not a version difference? I remember doing this sort of thing with snipers a long time ago, but she starting dodging after the first shot if the same person fired at her consecutively. This was on the Playstation 3 version, and I know some of Busard's posts (at GameFAQs) mention how the PC version screwed up evasion. Specifically, this one. I don't know if they patched it at some point.

(Not sure why I felt the need to bring this up, since nobody runs the Playstation 3 version anymore anyway... :P)

WanderingMind

Edit history:

WanderingMind: 2015-08-20 11:08:26 pm

WanderingMind: 2015-08-20 10:56:03 pm

2015-08-20 08:37:28 pm

Stay chill, be cool.

I never realized that it could be a version difference since I only started running this game on the PC version, and not too familiar with how it was on the PS3. I want to try some things out tonight and then update this post.

Edit:

It looks like it's another thing the PC version broke more than a version difference, just like how 60 FPS messed up enemy tank movement. Selvaria still couldn't dodge anything when I tested out the chapter tonight. This means we no longer have to use the smoke rounds, and we can just move the Shamrock close enough to fire at Selvaria.

Looks like the best strat for this chapter now is to use Attack Boost on the Shamrock, move into range, and fire at Selvaria. She should go down in 1 to 2 actions with the Gatling Gun.

PX_

2015-09-08 11:17:57 am

twitch.tv/pxmacaiah

Well it turns out that strat works due to TWM running at 800x600 resolution, it doesn't work at 1280x720. So basically running this game is one giant race. Also, trying for sub 2 runs, but I need to figure out where I can save more time

PX_

Edit history:

PX_: 2016-02-01 07:19:23 pm

2016-01-30 02:15:02 am

twitch.tv/pxmacaiah

I've modified Nitrodon's notes to accompany the new route. Most of the old notes are intact, just striked out the old route in case people want to revisit it. Also screw writing down the chapter 13 set up.

And now I have a (bad) video tutorial https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZmGDNELeDdQkTtDE2uqRkgevg5n1SMty

Attachment:

VC Notes.odt

CosmykTheDolfyn

2016-02-07 05:44:26 pm

NowOwnsAFreaking Plane

I found a new spot to fire from for all three radiators being hit in chapter 7 during my 12 hour challenge of this game. I guess it will save a little time because it's less movement required. I swear I'll get a full run in, but this is kind of cool. It was me honestly forgetting where to go since I was just learning the chapter 7 strats and finding out a lower shot still works.
http://www.twitch.tv/cosmykthedolfyn/v/42087555