Todo as of August 1

This month I puzzled out a few more of the background removal codes and then returned my attention to the hitbox scripts. I've gotten better at reading disassembly to the point that I can figure most things out the right way instead of the more fallible intuitive way. The result is increased accuracy, and with the help of debugger breakpoints, bringing out otherwise inaccessible boxes.

I still believe someday the Lua engine will be expanded so you won't have to use the MAME debugger. When that happens, it won't take much work to convert the scripts to use internal Lua functions, so I try not to feel bad about requiring such an inconvenient setup for the user.

Next month I plan on upgrading the NeoGeo script and getting MotW working—something I was supposed to get done this month. I'd also like to get on with some planned improvements on Macrolua, and if I can find the time to study C++, an overhaul of Transcripter.

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July's banner was from Pocky & Rocky, the well-regarded walk & shoot title for SNES. It was the first of the Kiki Kaikai games ported outside of Japan and the most popular of the series.

Taito + cutesy characters = really hard game. Actually, the development of the two SNES games was handed over to Natsume, who are not known for their shooters, but they were really hard anyways.

You have shots that can be upgraded on one of two tracks, a projectile negation swipe, and limited bombs. You're up against enemies spawning all over the place, paths with restricted mobility and environmental hazards, bosses that just won't stop shooting, and a really slow walk speed. There is a dash maneuver, but it leaves you vulnerable, and dashing into the partner causes them to take damage. The invuln period is tiny and getting hit or even picking up the wrong weapon upgrade drops shot power, so the difficulty is totally unforgiving.

Tip: When playing a shmup on an emulator, try setting the controls for both players to the same keys. The extra firepower can be well worth the control chaos.

Comments

[dammit]

So right now I'm working on the Garou series hitboxes, including MotW. It's being difficult and it's gonna take some time.