Here are some general pointers:
Things are much easier to perfect in frame advance, as opposed to 6% speed or whatever speed you are using. You can test things like:
- What is the first frame to press start on the title screen?
- What is the first frame I can roll toward an enemy and not get hit by it?
- What is the first frame I can hold A / let go of A for Rambi's charge?
With frame advance, it is easier for the movie maker to test individual frames at their own pace.
Pointers about this game specifically:
- Spin as much as possible instead of running (where the environment allows). To avoid the delay at the end of the spin, jump at the very end of the spin.
- Spin into as many enemies as possible. This includes enemies on higher/lower levels, if they can be reached and spun without losing time.
- Spin for as long as possible before and after hitting an enemy. This way you are extending the amount of ground coverend by the spin.
- Jump on the first frame available to land on the end-of-level-target. This way, you aren't using any extra forward momentum / time.
- In some cases, hitting enemies may slow the game down...for example, when running with Rambi, enemies do not speed him up, and cause pauses during each hit. Some enemies in the first level are just unavoidable. (This really isn't too important anyway, as the delay is minimal, and hitting enemies quickly can look really cool)
- Don't get Dixie until the second level. This is because she is in a mid-air barrel on the first rope that you must climb anyway, and it is faster than picking up and throwing a barrel on the first level.
- When you get invincibility in the third level, still spin into the enemies for increased speed.
Something you did that was very clever - Jumping off of Rambi instead of running through the sign with him in the first level. That saved a good amount of time.
Here is an example I did of the first level. If you are having trouble following what I'm saying, it may be easier to learn by example (that's how I learn the best). You can turn on "show controller input" with the comma (,) key to study how I did some of the things here.
I hope you continue to work at this game, you seem very dedicated to it. Good luck!
