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Author Topic: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart  (Read 8176 times)

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quarterstringer

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Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« on: September 10, 2009, 06:05:33 am »
The last 26 competitions:

#1 - Shinobi - Winner: Destructor
#2 - Jungle Hunt - Winner: CrazyKongFan
#3 - Zoo Keeper - Winner: DeLuSioNal29
#4 - Q*Bert - Winner: quarterstringer
#5 - Robotron 2084 - Winner: (+_+)
#6 - Joust - Winner: Shoegazer
#7 - Elevator Action - Winner: FrontyDev
#8 - Mr Do - Winner: DeLuSioNal29
#9 - Hyper Sports - Winner: drawfull
#10 - Wonder Boy - Winner: DrFrag
#11 - Bubble Bobble - Winner: mrclean
#12 - Gun.Smoke - Winner: isucamper
#13 - Ghouls 'n Ghosts - Winner: Ginsu Victim
#14 - Ms Pac-Man (with speedup hac) - Winner: CrazyKongFan
#15 - Frogger - Winner: CrazyKong Fan, Second: Jasonbar
#16 - Grobda - Winner: Mimic, Second: Cornchip
#17 - Bank Panic - Winner: ahofle, Second: Jasonbar
#18 - Juno First - Winner: RayB, Second: Shoegazer
#19 - Rolling Thunder - Winner: DrFrag, Second: isucamper
#20 - Terra Cresta - Winner: isucamper, Second: Jasonbar
#21 - Gladiator - Winner: Jasonbar, Second: Hewskie
#22 - Alcon (Slap Fight) - Winner: DrFrag, Second: Bender
#23 - Galaga - Winner: quarterstringer, Second: ToddH
#24 - Defender - Winner: quarterstringer, Second: tcleary
#25 - Klax - Winner: CrazyKongFan, Second: TAG
#26 - Funny Mouse - Winner: quarterstringer, Second: Epyx

My pick for the new competition is Rampart by Atari.

Rampart is a game where you build forts around your castles and cannons using Tetris-like pieces.
You must defend your castles against the grunts that the ships drop off when they reach land.
There are alternating rounds where you shoot the ships and grunts with your cannons,
then you must build and repair forts around your castles and cannons.

I won't be competing because I'm a MARP competitor on this game.

Since not everyone has a trackball, I am allowing both the trackball
and joystick versions of this game for the competition.
I find the joystick version is easier to get higher scores.

Tip - It is easier to build a whole new fort than to try and fit pieces
       to repair a broken fort. Sometimes I will destroy my own fort to
       build a whole new fort.

Competition Rules:

- You can use the ramprt2p.zip ROM Rampart (Joystick version) with default MAME settings,
  or the rampart.zip ROM Rampart (Trackball version) with default MAME settings.
  Do not use rampartj.zip (Japan version) because it allows extra time for building and repairing.
  If you see Japanese writing during the game then you are using the wrong version.
 
- No continues allowed for this competition.
  Rampart allows continues, so only one credit scores are permitted.

- You may begin on any level - Beginnner or Advanced.

- No MAME cheats! 

- Last day is Wednesday, September 23rd (11:59:59pm Pacific Daylight Time), 2009.
 
- High score wins (if tied, winner will be chosen by which player progressed further in the game).

- No savestates, savestate practices, etc during the round.

- MAME INP recordings are optional, but encouraged!

- A screenshot is required to enter a score (press F12 to save screenshot showing your final score) or take a photo of the screen if playing on a real machine.

- If you're a MARP competitor on this title, keep in mind this is just a friendly competition amongst forum members, so maybe you shouldn't enter. However, if you're a forum member and this is a game you're good at and nobody knows about it, this is your time to shine!

KLOV entryMAWS entry.

CrazyKongFan

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #1 on: September 10, 2009, 10:16:16 am »
Never played this one, but the concept sounds interesting. I'll definitely try a few games :)

Epyx

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #2 on: September 10, 2009, 11:04:47 am »
Sounds good and I believe I actually tried this in the day although by that time I was pretty heavy into my computers (C64/Amiga).

If you have a trackball do you recommend starting with that or is the joystick more enjoyable (scoring aside)?
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quarterstringer

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #3 on: September 10, 2009, 12:24:56 pm »
I don't play the trackball version anymore. It's too hard to maneuver the pieces to build the forts. The trackball version gives you 20 seconds to build, the joystick version gives you 22 seconds. Those extra 2 seconds help make the joystick version easier. I eliminated the Japan version from the competition because it gives 30 seconds.

john_abey

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #4 on: September 10, 2009, 09:26:13 pm »
statrting with the joystick is the way to start.

Me and my brother play this game every time he is over so i will post some score for this one :cheers:

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #5 on: September 10, 2009, 11:03:09 pm »
Wow this game's got a tough learning curve. I've been playing for an hour or 2 and have only been able to rack up 11,000 points or so. Can't seem to get passed the 2nd stage, lol.

I am enjoying it though!
I was hoping somebody would have a huge score up by now so I'd have something to shoot for so hurry up!

Good luck everyone,
Hewskie

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #6 on: September 11, 2009, 07:46:42 pm »
This was one of my favorite games growing up. Track ball is definitely the way to go, but you really have to tweak the trackball settings to get the right feel. If I remember right, I had to almost inverse the sensitivity and speed settings on the trackball.
You need the fine movement to build the walls, but you need to be able to whip the track ball to quickly move between ships. I've tried the joystick and it takes way to long to go ship to ship with a joystick.

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #7 on: September 11, 2009, 11:50:50 pm »
I always wanted to learn how to play this one.

Here's a start:

11,149

I'm definitely having an easier time with the joystick version.

Exactly what are the criteria for winning a level?  Seems like I'm getting the crap bombed out of me and just as the ships are all swarming down I win the battle. 

have INP but i'm betting this score won't last long
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Epyx

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #8 on: September 12, 2009, 12:51:00 am »
Quote
Exactly what are the criteria for winning a level?  Seems like I'm getting the crap bombed out of me and just as the ships are all swarming down I win the battle.

Lol no doubt, I was wondering the same thing. I think I will watch some .inp because as is I don't have the slightest clue what im doing.
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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #9 on: September 12, 2009, 01:10:48 am »
Heh, first game I played, I got invaded on the 2nd set of forts...my score? 356  :embarassed:

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #10 on: September 12, 2009, 01:51:44 pm »
15,647 Keep Playing

Surround the cannons to get rid if them within the castle walls.

Don't shoot the ships that are blocking the others from moving.

The score was from about round 5 on level 2

Playing two players is way more fun :cheers:
« Last Edit: September 12, 2009, 01:53:59 pm by john_abey »

isucamper

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #11 on: September 14, 2009, 08:32:20 pm »
limp

15,995

THE SYSTEM          Popeye

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #12 on: September 19, 2009, 12:53:47 pm »
Sorry about the photo little drunk last night.  :cheers:

17,862

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #13 on: September 19, 2009, 04:50:42 pm »
Sorry about the photo little drunk last night.  :cheers:

17,862

John.  The high scores on your cabinet give me the feeling that you are just toying with us newbs here.

Is your true high score in the 30,000s?
THE SYSTEM          Popeye

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #14 on: September 19, 2009, 08:04:07 pm »
isucamper

That's with continues and most of the scores are two player games.
Never played 3 people.
This is my favorite game in Mame.
I believe i am the noob here. My brother and I play for hours cannot see how quarterstinger scored
56,727  :dunno   that would be fun  i would like to how many levels that took

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #15 on: September 19, 2009, 09:04:41 pm »
Ah I see.  I'm struggling to keep up with you and I just wanted to be sure you weren't casually stringing me along. 
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quarterstringer

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #16 on: September 20, 2009, 02:16:46 am »
i would like to how many levels that took

There are 5 levels, after beating the 5th level the game ends. One tip is to try and build 4 cannons around one castle in the beginning (see screenshot) The grunts will be attracted to that castle and then you can focus on building the forts around the other castles. I'm not competing so the screenshot is not an entry. Have fun!

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #17 on: September 21, 2009, 10:09:57 pm »
I believe I've made a break through in playing this game.

19,336

INP recorded with 32 bit mame version .129 + high score/no nag patch.  I've been playing with the ramprt2p rom set.
THE SYSTEM          Popeye

Ummon

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #18 on: September 22, 2009, 06:36:31 am »
.....I actually decided to try this game out....and it blows. Not only does it take forever to get between 'scenes' or whatever, and it doesn't allow you to forego them by pressing the place button, but the trackball performance sucks ---my bottom---. And I progressively set the sensitivity up to 200. The joystick rom obviously changed sometime after .104, so I ain't tried that one, but....I dunno.....
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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #19 on: September 22, 2009, 01:52:27 pm »
Quote
I actually decided to try this game out....and it blows. Not only does it take forever to get between 'scenes' or whatever, and it doesn't allow you to forego them by pressing the place button, but the trackball performance sucks ---my bottom---.

I normally love Real time strategy games but ya I have to agree tough to get into this one and I suck...badly hehe.
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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #20 on: September 22, 2009, 05:07:38 pm »
Quote
I actually decided to try this game out....and it blows. Not only does it take forever to get between 'scenes' or whatever, and it doesn't allow you to forego them by pressing the place button, but the trackball performance sucks ---my bottom---.

I normally love Real time strategy games but ya I have to agree tough to get into this one and I suck...badly hehe.

I'd give you guys some tips that really opened the game up for me (I am quite addicted right now), but I keep checking this forum a few times a day in constant fear that John is going to swoop back in and squish me like a bug.  I'm afraid if he knows what I know (and maybe he does already) then he will triple my score.  Maybe, that's not very sporting of me... hmm. 
THE SYSTEM          Popeye

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #21 on: September 23, 2009, 11:07:58 am »
I haven't really got the hang of this one...sure will be glad when it's over ;D

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #22 on: September 23, 2009, 11:14:22 am »
Quote
Maybe, that's not very sporting of me... hmm.

Lol nah it is perfectly acceptable...I did the same last game...only I got squished :(
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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #23 on: September 23, 2009, 05:18:07 pm »
I agree with Ummon.  I used to play the PC version of this and it was actually fun.  The arcade version isn't, imo.

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #24 on: September 23, 2009, 07:27:40 pm »
Looks like i am going ti have to hold up the white flag here you got us isucamper

i did enjoy playing the game with you it has been fun fighting back and forth

also do enjoy your work on the system cab you made

 Thanks John

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #25 on: September 24, 2009, 12:29:56 am »
Aww but I was just getting good.

25,515

INP recorded with 32 bit mame version .129 + high score/no nag patch.  I've been playing with the ramprt2p rom set.

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #26 on: September 24, 2009, 08:27:45 am »
isucamper  :cheers:

What tips led to your big increase in scores?

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #27 on: September 24, 2009, 10:40:04 am »
Congrats isucamper! So what's the next game ;D

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #28 on: September 24, 2009, 12:14:53 pm »
Whatever game isucamper picks, I'm sure you'll get more than 356 points. ;D

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #29 on: September 24, 2009, 12:18:44 pm »
isucamper  :cheers:

What tips led to your big increase in scores?


Well, for the longest time, I couldn't break 16K.  That was about the point on level 2 where the infantry swarms your castles if you don't know what your doing.  

Then, a realization hit me... and maybe it's obvious to everyone and I'm just stupid.  Even though all the ships shoot at you, only the lighter colored, double masted ships can actually land infantry on the shores.  So, if you concentrate your fire on just those ships and keep them away from the shores, then they can't land any infantry which makes it about 100 times easier to build your castles back up in between rounds.  Even if you can just limit the infantry they deploy, it makes things much easier.

The first game i realized this, I got to level 3.  I haven't had a ton of time to play since then, but even on my high score game, I didn't feel like I was running up against a wall.  I feel like I could probably score into the 30,000s with a little more practice.  

I think I know what game I want to pick next (it's something circa 1982), but I want to think it over the rest of today.  I'll get the thread up tonight after dinner.  

Out of curiosity... Ummon.  You seem to complain in ever single one of these compititions.  What game would you suggest?
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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #30 on: September 24, 2009, 12:22:11 pm »
Whatever game isucamper picks, I'm sure you'll get more than 356 points. ;D

Not if he chooses Capcom Bowling :laugh2:
Anyway, I actually did do a little better than 356. I didn't start on the training level, and did clear a couple of rounds, I think I ended up with about 7K. I couldn't get it to play back though, and since others had a higher score, I didn't bother posting my score here :P

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #31 on: September 24, 2009, 11:07:09 pm »
I like the graphics and opened myself up to the concept. But the scene lag really annoys me.


Quote
Out of curiosity... Ummon.  You seem to complain in ever single one of these compititions.  What game would you suggest?

Hahahaha. Ah don knowww. I can get off on others bitching about things, so I don't think of it as negative when I do it. I've been wondering about a game I would pick if I happened to win a comp. There's games I'm pretty good at, but why pick those?  There's games I ain't good at, but mostly I don't really like those. Hrrmmmmm.  Moust Trap I've scored high on (assuming fifty grand is hard for the average player), but am not great at necessarily. Pretty fun game.
« Last Edit: September 25, 2009, 12:26:54 am by Ummon »
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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #32 on: September 25, 2009, 02:27:07 pm »
I get tempted to pick horribly unplayable games that no one likes, just to see who sticks with it.  >:D

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #33 on: September 25, 2009, 06:58:35 pm »
I think almost everyone wanted to kick me off here for choosing Funny Mouse a few competitions ago :lol I didn't pick it to frustrate everyone though, even though I know it's a frustrating game (heck, most games have some level of that). Was glad to see 1 or 2 people actually liked it.

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Re: Hi Score Competition #27: Rampart
« Reply #34 on: September 27, 2009, 03:19:48 am »
I get tempted to pick horribly unplayable games that no one likes, just to see who sticks with it.  >:D

That's called being an incorrigible bastard, hahn-hahn-hahn-hahn.
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"Theoretical physics has been the most successful and cost-effective in all of science."

Stephen Hawking


People often confuse expressed observations with complaint, ridicule, or - even worse - self-pity.