I've been looking around for a game that's fun to TAS in the past month, and haven't really come across one. So I instead decided to improve the published run of Spider-man vs. the Kingpin, authored by myself and Neofix. This run is 706 frames faster than our previous attempt.
All the same categories apply from the previous run (takes damage to save time, plays at hardest level, etc.). Made using Gens 10a.
Improvements
While there are multiple small improvements due to RAM watching to assist with velocity control and boss HP monitoring, and lag reduction, the majority of time was saved by a new strategy for the 3rd level. Venom makes a mid-level appearance, and the screen will only advance when you've either lost enough HP to drop below 15, or take enough of Venom's HP. Thanks to taking a ton of damage from both Doc Ock in level 1 and Venom in level 2, I was able to get my health below 15 without having to stop at all. The only noticeable slowing of action is a somewhat awkward looking jump used to trigger Venom's appearance.
Level by level savings:
- Level 1: 55 frames
- Level 2: 72 frames
- Level 3: 432 frames
- Level 4: 47 frames
- Level 5: 59 frames
- Level 6: 41 frames
Grand total: 706 frames (169 frames of lag)
And now, the happy family (screenshot not from this run):
Updated file for use with publication (with an increased input time of 6:04.77) can be found here
adelikat: Replaced submission file with the linked .gmv above. Also accepted & processing.