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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: RayB on May 19, 2009, 09:49:37 pm

Title: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: RayB on May 19, 2009, 09:49:37 pm
The competition so far:

#1 - Shinobi - Winner: Destructor (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=83244.0)
#2 - Jungle Hunt - Winner: CrazyKongFan (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=83889.0)
#3 - Zoo Keeper - Winner: DeLuSioNal29 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=84546.0)
#4 - Q*Bert - Winner: quarterstringer (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=85225.0)
#5 - Robotron 2084 - Winner: (+_+) (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=85787.0)
#6 - Joust - Winner: Shoegazer (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=86303.0)
#7 - Elevator Action - Winner: FrontyDev (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=86740.0)
#8 - Mr Do - Winner: DeLuSioNal29 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=87233.0)
#9 - Hyper Sports - Winner: drawfull (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=87601.0)
#10 - Wonder Boy - Winner: DrFrag (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=88085.0)
#11 - Bubble Bobble - Winner: mrclean (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=88621.0)
#12 - Gun.Smoke - Winner: isucamper (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=89193.0)
#13 - Ghouls 'n Ghosts - Winner: Ginsu Victim (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=89684.0)
#14 - Ms Pac-Man (with speedup hac) - Winner: CrazyKongFan (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=90149.0)
#15 - Frogger - Winner: CrazyKong Fan, Second: Jasonbar (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=90774.0)
#16 - Grobda - Winner: Mimic, Second: Cornchip (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=91316.0)
#17 - Bank Panic - Winner: ahofle, Second: jasonbar (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=91747.0)
#18 - Juno First - Winner: RayB, Second: Shoegazer (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=92149.0)


For this competition I am picking one of my favorite side-scrollers from the late 80's: Rolling Thunder ! Since I'm pretty darn good at this game too, my score will not count in this competition.  ;)

(http://maws.mameworld.info/maws/img/shots/progettosnaps/ingame/rthunder.png)

Rules:

- You can only use rthunder.zip, on these (easy) settings:

3 lives
easy difficulty
150 seconds
free man at: 70k, 200k
1 credit, no continues
no cheats!


- Use any mame version or variant you wish.

- Last day is Monday, June 1st (11:59:59pm Pacific Daylight Time), 2009.
 
- High score wins (if tied, a tie-breaker game will be chosen at random).

- 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!


Playing tips posted below:


GOOD LUCK!

Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: Ginsu Victim on May 19, 2009, 10:11:29 pm
I was just thinking the other day that someone should pick this game!  :cheers:

Quote
(if tied, a tie-breaker game will be chosen at random).

Wow, I made that up for competition #14. I wonder if it will ever get used.
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: geocab on May 19, 2009, 10:24:58 pm
Ah, sweet game.  Very cool game for its time.
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: Ginsu Victim on May 19, 2009, 10:56:19 pm
I remember getting in trouble at a grocery store that had this game. You could hit the coin door with your knee and get free credits. My mom was mad when she found out.
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: RayB on May 20, 2009, 11:28:23 am

PLAYING TIPS:
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: jasonbar on May 20, 2009, 11:45:05 am
Played 5 games last night.  Best I could do was 53k.  Won't bother with a snap, b/c I'm sure that won't last long!

It sure seems as if Namco concentrated on style & graphics more than gameplay.  It seems awkward to not be able to shoot while jumping in the air, & using a 4-way joystick makes it hard to change directions while you're crouching.   :soapbox:

What's the downside of running out of bullets?  When I did, they kept getting replenished as I used my last one, and at a rate fast enough to keep shooting the bad guys.  I don't see a bonus for having bullets remaining at the end of a level.

What almost kills this game for me is the jump from catwalk to another on level 2, just after ascending a pile of boxes.  I miss that about 5 times out of 6, so most of my games end there.   :badmood:  I did get far past that spot once & died when 3 ninjas materialized on top of me.  Then the game put me back to 3 inches before that darn catwalk jump for my next guy.  That's just mean.   :badmood:  Oddly, on that game where I got the farthest, my score was much lower than my other attempts, so I think the points are to be had from the time bonus not from killing guys...

-Jason
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: RayB on May 20, 2009, 01:05:50 pm
Like Shinobi, it's a very pattern based game. Enemies always appear in the same spots, provided you play the same way. Having finished the game back in the 80's, the patterns all come back to memory while playing... like riding a bike. Hence my recusal from participating in this one.  ;)

To turn while ducking you have to be shooting.
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: 1UP on May 20, 2009, 02:36:13 pm
Ahhh, need to get my cab running again so I can participate in these!  :'(
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: Ummon on May 22, 2009, 12:40:25 am
Hey, all of us NOT in EST are getting screwed on a night. The time was Pacific.


I was just thinking the other day that someone should pick this game!  :cheers:

Quote
(if tied, a tie-breaker game will be chosen at random).

Wow, I made that up for competition #14. I wonder if it will ever get used.

That must've been MSsuck....I mean pac-man speed hack, hence I didn't notice. Not that I care, I guess. The succeeding comp won't wait for it, so whatever.
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: Minwah on May 22, 2009, 04:38:06 am
Tough game this, a cool one too  8)
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: Ummon on May 22, 2009, 05:24:09 am
...Oh, right. No screenshots. Well. Anyways, token first effort of 43 grand. Controls juked, me, though. First time playing it. I'll be back.
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: Ginsu Victim on May 22, 2009, 08:33:53 am
That must've been MSsuck....I mean pac-man speed hack, hence I didn't notice. Not that I care, I guess. The succeeding comp won't wait for it, so whatever.

I was just being nice to DeLuSioNal29. He wanted it in the competition, so I was the one to finally do it (plus, I couldn't pick a game). Maybe someone will do regular speed Pac-Man one of these days and you can finally shut up about it ;D
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: sham69 on May 22, 2009, 09:33:34 am
One of my favourite games of all time...
112040 Area 4.
I can do better though
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: isucamper on May 23, 2009, 01:16:59 am
a mere 88 g's is my best so far

what's the difference between easy and hard?  I can't tell a difference.

(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f298/isucamper/0002.png)
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: Ummon on May 23, 2009, 08:49:17 pm
That must've been MSsuck....I mean pac-man speed hack, hence I didn't notice. Not that I care, I guess. The succeeding comp won't wait for it, so whatever.

I was just being nice to DeLuSioNal29. He wanted it in the competition, so I was the one to finally do it (plus, I couldn't pick a game). Maybe someone will do regular speed Pac-Man one of these days and you can finally shut up about it ;D

I know, I'm such a ---smurfette---, huh? Hmhmhm. Actually, I prefer MsPac to Pac - just no speed hack! (---smurfette--- an moan, ---smurfette--- an moan)
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: Bender on May 23, 2009, 09:19:29 pm
I think I might have played this once or twice in the arcade
but never really got into it
But after playing a few times I really like it great choice
I'm up around 60,000
still a ways to go to catch you all

I hate the freekin trolls though!
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: Ginsu Victim on May 24, 2009, 01:30:40 am
That must've been MSsuck....I mean pac-man speed hack, hence I didn't notice. Not that I care, I guess. The succeeding comp won't wait for it, so whatever.

I was just being nice to DeLuSioNal29. He wanted it in the competition, so I was the one to finally do it (plus, I couldn't pick a game). Maybe someone will do regular speed Pac-Man one of these days and you can finally shut up about it ;D

I know, I'm such a ---smurf---, huh? Hmhmhm. Actually, I prefer MsPac to Pac - just no speed hack! (---smurf--- an moan, ---smurf--- an moan)

I actually agree (with the "preferring Ms Pac-man (regular speed) over Pac-Man" part, not that you're a ---smurfette---).
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: CrazyKongFan on May 24, 2009, 08:28:00 pm
You really want frustration? Try a game of Jr. Pac-Man at regular speed ;D
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: tommyinajar on May 25, 2009, 12:55:10 am
Never heard of this game before, is it any good ?
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: hypernova on May 25, 2009, 10:30:11 am
Heck, I didn't know finishing was possible.  I just thought levels recycled every time with harder and harder enemies or whatever.
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: RayB on May 25, 2009, 10:56:28 am
Heck, I didn't know finishing was possible.  I just thought levels recycled every time with harder and harder enemies or whatever.
There are 5 areas, then the 5 areas repeat but with enough variance and new features to feel new. At the end of this second 5 areas is a boss battle.
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: Ummon on May 25, 2009, 08:28:01 pm
You really want frustration? Try a game of Jr. Pac-Man at regular speed ;D

Jr Pac is actually my favorite of the set.
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: isucamper on May 25, 2009, 11:42:04 pm
Let it be known that I was winning this one at one point.

114700.

Haven't got those lava guys figured out yet.

(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f298/isucamper/0004.png)
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: sham69 on May 26, 2009, 06:53:59 am
good score, lava guys got me too...
Will have to try to beat this when I get home, iphone pics will have to do as can't do a screen grab.
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: Bender on May 26, 2009, 10:38:19 am
got 100,000ish at level 4, man those bats and lava men are rough

I'm now officially addicted to this game!

MUST... get... to.... level...... 5
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: Bender on May 26, 2009, 09:24:42 pm
AARRRRRRRGGGGGG!!!! I made it to control room on level 5 with 2 guys and got ambushed by a bunch of guys with guns and grenades  :'(

got 143,860 though!
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: isucamper on May 27, 2009, 08:01:42 pm
Control room conquered (there's nothing left after that barrage of guys... wait till you can drop down, then just lead the screen with a few bullets and walk forward). 

213820

I kinda get the feeling this game actually starts at level 6. 

(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f298/isucamper/0006.png)

INP was recorded with MAME .129 + high score / no nag patch
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: Ummon on May 28, 2009, 04:35:18 am
God, I guess it's not QUITE as bad as Shinobi, but the whole start back there thing sucks my ---smurfin--- dick. My patience has been exceeded. Otherwise, it'd be an okay game.
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: RayB on May 28, 2009, 12:04:40 pm
How do I add someone to my ignore list?
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: Bender on May 28, 2009, 01:41:48 pm
Control room conquered (there's nothing left after that barrage of guys... wait till you can drop down, then just lead the screen with a few bullets and walk forward). 

213820

I kinda get the feeling this game actually starts at level 6. 

(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f298/isucamper/0006.png)

INP was recorded with MAME .129 + high score / no nag patch

Yeah, I got past the control room last night and got wiped out by lazers on level 6.
177,000 something was my best yet

I can see how with patience and practice you coud beat this game

I'm coming after you Isucamper


Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: isucamper on May 28, 2009, 04:01:18 pm
Aw great.  I knew I should have waited until 11:58 on Monday to post my score.

Level 6 presents a whole new set of challenges, the worst of which is running out of ammo.  I kept getting to the very end of it and I couldn't get through the last set of guys with the pea shooter.  Now that I've got some practice on it, I should be able to get there with a stockpile of ammo and get through it.
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: DrFrag on May 28, 2009, 04:48:50 pm
Argh, I come back with a record and the field has already moved ahead.

160,340 fwiw
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: RayB on May 28, 2009, 05:44:50 pm
And now a tip to help with the final home-stretch sprint!

You can ramp up more ammo by "reseting" ammo doors. You do this by walking far enough so the door has moved off screen far enough to "reset" it. You then walk back and collect more ammo from it. I don't know if this is a bug or intentional. It does affect your strategy since you're faced with getting more ammo VS less time to complete the level. When playing on a machine with only 120 seconds, you can usually only do this ONCE!

One good spot I remember always going for the extra ammo is on level 1 and 6, at the very end before you take the leap down the "giant stairs" to the warehouse. Walk all the way to the very edge of that first area (green walls) then turn back to the left to the ammo door.
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: Bender on May 28, 2009, 06:09:47 pm
And now a tip to help with the final home-stretch sprint!

You can ramp up more ammo by "reseting" ammo doors. You do this by walking far enough so the door has moved off screen far enough to "reset" it. You then walk back and collect more ammo from it. I don't know if this is a bug or intentional. It does affect your strategy since you're faced with getting more ammo VS less time to complete the level. When playing on a machine with only 120 seconds, you can usually only do this ONCE!

One good spot I remember always going for the extra ammo is on level 1 and 6, at the very end before you take the leap down the "giant stairs" to the warehouse. Walk all the way to the very edge of that first area (green walls) then turn back to the left to the ammo door.


 shhhhhhhh!


I figured that out on level 1

but the time issue in levels 6 makes it hard to do and finish the level
On level 7 I always seem to run out of ammo on the stairs
though still have plenty of time so just need a little more practice and have to go back for the ammo door once I think there's only one at the beginning of the level
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: sham69 on May 29, 2009, 09:20:17 am
Spent the morning playing this just got 183,500 (pic on iphone)
I won't post pic unless I beat the current high score.
This was the only game in the arcade that I was any good at so huge pressure on me
Shame I missed shinobi last time pretty good at that too.
got 194,000 about half an hour ago but my 2 yr old son pressed the credit button 3 times.
He has since been put up for adoption..... (joke)
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: DrFrag on May 31, 2009, 04:24:05 am
231,180.  Typed my initials in wrong, but whatever.
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: DrFrag on June 01, 2009, 04:01:10 am
238,580.
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: DrFrag on June 01, 2009, 04:23:23 am
Sorry about the multiple posts, it's not letting me edit them.

251,840.
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: DrFrag on June 01, 2009, 07:02:45 am
264,740.

Just learnt that continue games don't reset the score, so here's my latest with an inp file so you know it's all above board. :-)  Recorded in Mame32 v0.129.
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: isucamper on June 01, 2009, 08:27:35 am
264,740.

Just learnt that continue games don't reset the score, so here's my latest with an inp file so you know it's all above board. :-)  Recorded in Mame32 v0.129.

I feel like I'm being kicked while I'm down.
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: RayB on June 01, 2009, 12:16:08 pm
Saint, what time zone is this board set to?

 :applaud:
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: Ginsu Victim on June 01, 2009, 12:26:00 pm
That's midnight tonight.

Quote
- Last day is Monday, June 1st (11:59:59pm Pacific Daylight Time), 2009.
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: RayB on June 01, 2009, 12:27:53 pm
That's midnight tonight.

Quote
- Last day is Monday, June 1st (11:59:59pm Pacific Daylight Time), 2009.
:laugh2:   :laugh2:   :laugh2:


<---- Tool !
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: Ginsu Victim on June 01, 2009, 12:46:38 pm
11:59 PM on Monday, June 1st is TONIGHT, not last night.
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: RayB on June 01, 2009, 02:48:27 pm
11:59 PM on Monday, June 1st is TONIGHT, not last night.
Yes, you pointed that out already. Trying to make me feel even dumber?  ;)
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: Ginsu Victim on June 01, 2009, 03:02:53 pm
Well, I'm the dope that didn't pay attention to the arrow and got pissed because I thought you were calling me a tool. ;D
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: DrFrag on June 01, 2009, 09:22:56 pm
Way to confuse me guys ... like it's not bad enough over here being 17.5 hours ahead of PST.   :P ;D
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: RayB on June 02, 2009, 01:25:57 pm
Congrats DrFrag !
 :applaud:
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: Ginsu Victim on June 02, 2009, 01:51:39 pm
Congrats.....again! What's next?!?!??!?!??!?!
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: DrFrag on June 02, 2009, 07:11:20 pm
Woohoo!  ;D

The next game will be Terra Cresta.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=92941.0
Title: Re: High Score Competition #19 - Rolling Thunder
Post by: Ummon on June 02, 2009, 08:24:12 pm
264,740.

Just learnt that continue games don't reset the score, so here's my latest with an inp file so you know it's all above board. :-)  Recorded in Mame32 v0.129.

I feel like I'm being kicked while I'm down.

Hehn hehn hehn hehn.