Zombies Ate My Neighbors

Edit history:

gia: 2007-04-08 04:24:27 am

2007-04-07 10:22:36 pm

I love YaBB 1G - SP1!

I've been practicing for this run a long time and today I finally got the snes cart. On practice/planning runs i've gotten 1:30ish hours with ten victims rescued on every level: here.

Since that run I made several adjustments, now, with some luck I would finish the game without any (or very very few) items left. I die a lot since its faster than picking medikits so I would end with just one life too. The time saved is minimal (some seconds) but it makes possible sub 1:30 by a couple of minutes.

One thing that bothers me is the first bonus level, its extremely annoying having to reset a thousand times to get the bazooka. I will use the BCDF password, not only because its easier to get to but because BCDF is a different map (100%+1?): If you use zamn-edit (a program to edit map data on the rom) you can find two maps with the first bonus layout, Level 0 (BCDF) and level 51 (Bonus 1). This extra map adds less than 2 minutes to the time so it can stay under one hour and a half.

Download zamn edit

I only have a VCR (cheapest DVD-R is 130$, too expensive for me), and doing a test record I noticed quality loss in the video when played back, like some blur was added, is that ok?

Thread title:

I've been practicing for this run a long time and today I finally got the snes cart. On practice/planning runs i've gotten 1:30ish hours with ten victims rescued on every level: [url=http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=A7579CC873EA7B45]here[/url].

Since that run I made several adjustments, now, with some luck I would finish the game without any (or very very few) items left. I die a lot since its faster than picking medikits so I would end with just one life too. The time saved is minimal (some seconds) but it makes possible sub 1:30 by a couple of minutes.

One thing that bothers me is the first bonus level, its extremely annoying having to reset a thousand times to get the bazooka. I will use the BCDF password, not only because its easier to get to but because BCDF is a different map (100%+1?): If you use zamn-edit (a program to edit map data on the rom) you can find two maps with the first bonus layout, Level 0 (BCDF) and level 51 (Bonus 1). This extra map adds less than 2 minutes to the time so it can stay under one hour and a half.

Download [url=http://rapidshare.com/files/24849121/zamn-edit.rar.html]zamn edit[/url]

I only have a VCR (cheapest DVD-R is 130$, too expensive for me), and doing a test record I noticed quality loss in the video when played back, like some blur was added, is that ok?

nate

2007-04-07 11:10:10 pm

depends on how much. some blur is normal for vhs as it's crap no matter what. as for the password, will have to wait for other zamn players and see what they think.

Lucid Faia

Edit history:

Lucid Faia: 2007-04-08 01:59:54 am

2007-04-08 01:56:34 am

Yeah, I said it.

Translation:

By getting "ten victims on every level," gia also wants to visit every bonus level, not just the standard 48. One bonus level, "Day of the Tentacle," is accessed by destroying a hedge in Level 1. Problem is, you need either a Red Potion or a Bazooka to take down that hedge, and there are no static drops of either of those in Level 1. You have to rely on a random drop from one of the trash cans or cabinets. If you open every cabinet and trash can, and don't get a bazooka or a potion, you have to reset.

Inputting BCDF at the password screen, rather than starting a new game, will start you on the "Day of the Tentacle" bonus level, and after it's finished, THEN you'll be taken to Level 1... where it's actually possible to blow up that hedge and visit that bonus level for a second time.

I know it's annoying, but I vote No Password. You're technically not starting from a new game, and you're even altering the level order.

AjAX

2007-04-08 02:22:10 am

I tried to watch it but it told me "You do not own this playlist.".

gia

Edit history:

gia: 2007-04-08 05:48:45 am

2007-04-08 05:27:30 am

I love YaBB 1G - SP1!

oops fixed

I sent something like this to nate, didn't know it was on the community hands, so let's type again.

From my purist point of view bcdf is the correct 100% since it IS another level in rom data. My problem is convincing others, since the level looks the same, if it was missing an item it would be easier.

By thousand resets I'm being literal, the trash can is the optimal spot, the first cabinet (next to baby) is meh acceptable despite you lose a little time, but the second cabinet is just outside the route.

Potions are suboptimal as well, even worse if it is a potion from the second cabinet (The current run does that, I suppose he just gave up). Even if I could stand resetting for half an hour until (if) I got the bazooka I would be burning tapes for nothing.

The BCDF pass makes you start at level 0, its rom data is in a separate address to bonus 1 which is level 51. Using zamn edit you can edit level 0 and the changes won't affect bonus 1. So they are two maps, twin maps.

Why? well I suppose the programmers hacked that so the level order wasn't altered, although its weird because there would be easier, hackier ways to hack that. The level order is not altered, you start on Level 0 (BCDF), then continue to level 1 and do the bonus 1 (level 51) which takes you to level 2 etc.

And you do start from a new game :), unlike every other password, this one doesn't start the game, you have to select start in the main menu manually.

oops fixed

I sent something like this to nate, didn't know it was on the community hands, so let's type again.

From my purist point of view bcdf is the correct 100% since it IS another level in rom data. My problem is convincing others, since the level looks the same, if it was missing an item it would be easier.

By thousand resets I'm being literal, the trash can is the optimal spot, the first cabinet (next to baby) is meh acceptable despite you lose a little time, but the second cabinet is just outside the route.

Potions are suboptimal as well, even worse if it is a potion from the second cabinet (The current run does that, I suppose he just gave up). Even if I could stand resetting for half an hour until (if) I got the bazooka I would be burning tapes for nothing.

The BCDF pass makes you start at level 0, its rom data is in a separate address to bonus 1 which is level 51. Using zamn edit you can edit level 0 and the changes won't affect bonus 1. So they are two maps, twin maps.

Why? well I suppose the programmers hacked that so the level order wasn't altered, although its weird because there would be easier, hackier ways to hack that. The level order is not altered, you start on Level 0 (BCDF), then continue to level 1 and do the bonus 1 (level 51) which takes you to level 2 etc.

And you do start from a new game :), unlike every other password, this one doesn't start the game, you have to select start in the main menu manually.

getter77

2007-04-08 02:41:38 pm

100% runs=great to watch

I'd think it could be interesting to see.

Why not just count it as a separate category if nothing else? So long as the play woudl be skillful and such it could be interesting as a 100% run of sorts.

VincentAC

Edit history:

VincentAC: 2007-04-08 02:46:32 pm

2007-04-08 02:45:25 pm

Oh Crumbs! Oh Crikey! Oh carrots!!

I've played zamn on and off for a few years and I'd say no password.

Other runs have been done 100% that start off with level 1 then go to the bonus level. That's the way it's meant to be when starting a completely new game.

Having to put in a password which doesn't automatically start the game doesn't mean that as soon as you start the game it's a "new game". Technically it's not as you've put in a password to start from a different level to level 1.

Starting a new game means switching on the game and selecting new game. That's it unless you change the controls.

Still, I'd love to see it done that quick Grin

gia

Edit history:

gia: 2007-04-08 10:41:11 pm

2007-04-08 10:34:12 pm

I love YaBB 1G - SP1!

I see it as inserting a button combination to unlock a secret level that happens to be before the first level and not after the last one or whatever.

This is the beta (Monsters (Beta)) version of zamn, and it has a different level for BCDF (bonus 1 is still DOTT), popsicles are bananas, the 6 monsters on screen "bug" doesn't work, etc. Why it was replaced with a copy of DOTT I'm not sure, they could have removed some items and leave it in.

rdrunner

Edit history:

rdrunner: 2007-04-09 09:25:42 pm

2007-04-09 05:30:22 pm

As long as using the password would constitute a separate category, then I don't see the problem.

I believe that a perfect "no password" run is the "pure" way to play. However, I can definitely sympathize with anyone trying to reach Day of the Tentacle like this. The biggest reason I never tried to improve my time here is because I didn't see the point in trying risky tactics when you get so few opportunities to attempt the run. On average, I would get the necessary items to enter Day of the Tentacle once every 2 hours!

Bottom line: It would be very nice to see this game done perfectly AND fast, but without allowing passwords, it will not likely happen.

Here's a thought: How fast can this game be completed in an "Any%" run? I thought about trying one when I did the 100%, but I was too burned-out try it (sound familiar?).

Lucid Faia

Edit history:

Lucid Faia: 2007-04-09 05:38:01 pm

2007-04-09 05:37:50 pm

Yeah, I said it.

Quote:

On average, I would get the necessary items to enter Day of the Tentacle once every 2 hours!

Note to self: If you ever try another ZAMN run, make it a minimalist run.

gia

Edit history:

gia: 2007-04-10 06:51:57 am

2007-04-09 06:42:33 pm

I love YaBB 1G - SP1!

I believed it was the pure and only way until I found out it is another level in memory, so 10 more victims which redefines 100%. Anyway, a bcdf run will always be faster (ok, not, but you'd need a miracle) than one that starts on level 1 simply because the latter is contradictory to getting records at all.

It's not only risky tactics but bad moments in general, Red Potion from second cabinet is the slowest way to start level 1, and its the first level. On level 25 the character was standing there waiting for the giant baby, more attempts would have allowed for a run where that fight was done much much quicker.

With any% you can skip all bonuses (I would still do Mushroom Men, but after planning maybe not), bosses, paths, etc, it should be close or even below an hour, but that run would be cake. I'd be more interested to do/watch a no damage run. I can plan and upload an any% test run if someone wants to do it, I do enjoy planning.

EDIT: Couldn't resist : Any% 40:14 and can be improved (ie pick those 3 gold on level 14 so you can skip tonguestein and belmont on level 44).

I believed it was the pure and only way until I found out it is another level in memory, so 10 more victims which redefines 100%. Anyway, a bcdf run will always be faster (ok, not, but you'd need a miracle) than one that starts on level 1 simply because the latter is contradictory to getting records at all.

It's not only risky tactics but bad moments in general, Red Potion from second cabinet is the slowest way to start level 1, and its the first level. On level 25 the character was standing there waiting for the giant baby, more attempts would have allowed for a run where that fight was done much much quicker.

With any% you can skip all bonuses (I would still do Mushroom Men, but after planning maybe not), bosses, paths, etc, it should be close or even below an hour, but that run would be cake. I'd be more interested to do/watch a no damage run. I can plan and upload an any% test run if someone wants to do it, I do enjoy planning.

EDIT: Couldn't resist : [url=http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=C59C0BDE3A635F37]Any%[/url]  40:14 and can be improved (ie pick those 3 gold on level 14 so you can skip tonguestein and belmont on level 44).

gia

Edit history:

gia: 2007-04-15 11:04:20 pm

2007-04-15 08:14:38 am

I love YaBB 1G - SP1!

I did some more runs today and taped a 36:17 on any% style, from system turn on until the high score table faded out. The video quality is the best I could get (new tape and everything) yet it looks awful to me, i'll compare to other runs here...

From my runs there are about 4 main points that can break the any% run and force you to restart. The first being the first level, the zombie that should kill the last three victims may decide not to spawn (it usually does spawn).

The second on level 8, if you fail to defeat the giant baby with the items you had for him -I get 4 pandora boxes for him, usually you use 5, in theory he can be defeated with just 3 but thats quite hard to achieve (could be skipped if you get a skeleton key from random drop).

The third on level 30, if your victim gets killed by random spiders.

The last one is until level 35/36/37, you have to hit 40k points on level 37 (or on level 35, although its harder and level 37 leads to faster times anyways), not before, not after. However the only point source there is a baby(700) and its victim bonus when the level is completed (50), so your window of error is 750 points.

I did some more runs today and taped a 36:17 on any% style, from system turn on until the high score table faded out. The video quality is the best I could get (new tape and everything) yet it looks awful to me, i'll compare to other runs here...

From my runs there are about 4 main points that can break the any% run and force you to restart. The first being the first level, the zombie that should kill the last three victims may decide not to spawn (it usually does spawn).

The second on level 8, if you fail to defeat the giant baby with the items you had for him -I get 4 pandora boxes for him, usually you use 5, in theory he can be defeated with just 3 but thats quite hard to achieve (could be skipped if you get a skeleton key from random drop).

The third on level 30, if your victim gets killed by random spiders.

The last one is until level 35/36/37, you have to hit 40k points on level 37 (or on level 35, although its harder and level 37 leads to faster times anyways), not before, not after. However the only point source there is a baby(700) and its victim bonus when the level is completed (50), so your window of error is 750 points.