Hypothetical help on Claymore ;-)

Okay... this is beginning to look like one of the (many, many, many) games that are somewhat beyond my reach, in terms of skills. But, just assuming I ever manage to whittle my 4-point-something minutes down to anything resembling the required 2.50, what exactly am I supposed to *do* to activate the machines? Because there doesn't seem to be any way to interact with them when I press D...

Also, is there a fun way to practice the skills required for the speedrun without, y'know, actually repeating the speedrun itself three thousand times? (I've done it a dozen times or so now.) Are there, for example, planet systems accessible at this point in the full version that would allow me to get better at the controls while actually doing some exploring? I'm currently playing the demo version.

(I think the only reason I got moderately good at KS is that you can distribute the learning curve over so many different levels there... That way, you don't run into the same brick wall all the time.)

Who was it that managed to beat this on the second try, with around ~30 seconds left? Anyway, this particular challenge seems to be very easy for some players, while being really hard for other. The main suggestions I can give are:

* Memorize carefully where the checkpoints are, and try to plan a fast way to go between them.
* Remember that whenever you collide with a wall, if you hold Up Arrow, you'll get a vertical boost. This will enable you to navigate the level a whole lot faster.

* Whenever the fly power is on the way to the next checkpoint, use that!

If you get the full version and want to do the speedrun challenges last, you should avoid these stars:

Who was it that managed to beat this on the second try, with around ~30 seconds left?

Wait, what? Second try? 30 seconds left? Pfff...

what exactly am I supposed to *do* to activate the machines? Because there doesn't seem to be any way to interact with them when I press D...

I believe simply bringing up its window with D is enough.  If you need reassurance, then after you close out, try taking another look. The text should be different.

Quote from: Nifflas on December 23, 2009, 02:36:44

Who was it that managed to beat this on the second try, with around ~30 seconds left?

Wait, what? Second try? 30 seconds left? Pfff...

First try, about 60 seconds left. 

For me it was helpful to draw a sketch of the area on paper so I could see where to go next. Muting the sound during the timed run may also help. That music fits the mood, but it's also more likely to make mistakes during the adrenaline rush!

Quote from: LimeLemon on December 23, 2009, 02:54:42

Quote from: Nifflas on December 23, 2009, 02:36:44

Who was it that managed to beat this on the second try, with around ~30 seconds left?

Wait, what? Second try? 30 seconds left? Pfff...

First try, about 60 seconds left. 

0th try, over 9000 seconds left.

O ya, I totally believe than.

For me it was helpful to draw a sketch of the area on paper so I could see where to go next. Muting the sound during the timed run may also help. That music fits the mood, but it's also more likely to make mistakes during the adrenaline rush!

isn't the opposite true? i always thought the point of an adrenaline rush was to be "in the zone" so to speak. thought turns off.. instinct kicks in. less likely to make a mistake, imo.

I suspect the game does not cause an actual adrenaline rush, but if it does the problem is that more blood is sent to the heart and skeleton, while less blood goes to the rest of the organs (which is a bit bad since you use a keyboard with your hands). Adrenaline is mainly designed to help you fight or escape actual threats, but it doesn't work that well for precision based computer games that requires accuracy. For that, it's a lot more effective to be very relaxed but still entierly focused. It's only under those conditions I can get anywhere in Spelunky

Thanks for all the advice! I'm afraid I still get frustrated a bit too easily, though - I tried again, today (from the beginning, but this time with the full version), avoiding Claymore, but got pretty frustrated on what's-the-planet-with-the-poisonous-atmosphere-and-flowers instead... I think I'm going to have to play Saira in tiny doses...

Thanks for all the advice! I'm afraid I still get frustrated a bit too easily, though - I tried again, today (from the beginning, but this time with the full version), avoiding Claymore, but got pretty frustrated on what's-the-planet-with-the-poisonous-atmosphere-and-flowers instead... I think I'm going to have to play Saira in tiny doses...

The first time I hit that planet I got destroyed in seconds... xD After that I spotted the tree and how that affected the health-bar. Once you've got that, just focus on dashing between trees and recognise that they're your "base points". Once I'd figured out how the planet worked I managed to step through the level ^^

I hadn't checked your site in months, but I came back this week and found Saira--beautiful!

Right now I'm trying to keep my cool as I get through the 2:50 trial on Claymore. I am finding I have better luck when I use my BF's expensive keyboard instead of my cheap-o one. It just seems more responsive when I am trying to jump + go sideways + hit 'up' so I can get the speed boost. I am probably lacking finesse, but I find the controls really challenging on this game. Sometimes it seems like it doesn't recognize the 'up' speed boost on my cheap keyboard.

Anyhow, I'm sure I just need to do a few more runs and I'll get it. I had 4 seconds left at 'h' when I ran into the laser like an idiot  a couple of tries ago.

Nice job on the new game! Once I finish this level I'll buy the full version.

I never posted it on the forums, but I did it on my second try with 30 seconds left, I remember clearly. I was very proud. =]

Then

the flowers always get ya on the first try