Custom Map #9385: Variant of 9261 Cursor-15. By: Shatterstep

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This topic is for discussion of map #9385: Variant of 9261 Cursor-15


Author: Shatterstep
Size: 128x128

Desc:
Variant of map #9261 Cursor-15 created by TrickyCorp (with permission). Your cursor emits AC while in AC. Takes 5 sec at the start before emitting. Highly replayable. Try different paths as you speedrun to your best time. High ground is your friend for threading AC around faster. Emitters usually emit AC quicker than creeper so you don't have to protect once taken. #speedrun #variant #highreplayability

[Shatterstep]

I think that the max rate for AC is 420. Since that is based on area, that means everything would have been covered.

Easiest way to up your emit rate is to maximize area covered. Sometimes skipping some areas until later is best.

The flowers (totems) do nothing. They are just for decoration.

Much thanks to TrickyCorp for creating such a fun map mode and for giving permission to create this variant.

[TrickyPlayer]

I do have some questions, but overall I would say this is a pretty good level, visuals included. I like the change to the Cursor's text so imma copy that from you if you don't mind.

[Shatterstep]

I like the change to the Cursor's text so imma copy that from you if you don't mind.

It is text from one of your other maps, 9347. I replaced some of the text with blank new lines is all. The emit display is a nice feature you added.

Might be worth mentioning is I'm a computer programmer, so I'm comfortable with code.

[Shatterstep]

General Tips

• Height - You can thread AC much quicker along higher areas since you aren't shoving as much creeper out of the way. Raised areas near emitters make it quicker to get AC where it needs to go. Also, try using the border of the map to reach other areas quickly.


• Order - There isn't a specific order to do things. I find myself taking different paths each time.


• Coverage - Take areas that give a good return on effort, that let you cover large areas, which powers up how much AC you emit.


• Self Clearing - Once you take an emitter, you can let it clear its own area while you continue on. Later you can return to help things along when the creeper is almost gone.

TLDR; feel free to skip the rest.

Frame Advancing

I couldn't figure out why some of the completion times were so insane without cheating, then someone explained it to me. A limited number of players are using frame advancing.

Frame advancing is pausing the game, then pressing the 'N' key repeatedly to move a fraction of a second at a time. This allows you to spread the AC much faster and more precisely than would be humanly otherwise.  The problem with this is their scores get mixed in with everyone else's. Like comparing apples and oranges you might say.

At Your Own Pace

Frame advancing isn't an exploit, but it feels like it is different to how most will play the map. After thinking about it, I realized that it still takes skill to properly use, and if it brings them joy, isn't that the purpose of the map anyway?

I just hope people don't get discouraged by seeing others with insane times. And if you take an 30 min or even more than an hour, what matters is if you enjoyed it. There are so many ways to solve this map, so competing with yourself and your own best times seems to be the most fulfilling.

BTW, I'm pretty sure this technique is used on most maps for CW3, so this is a long-standing issue. I guess it gives me a little peace of mind to know what is going on, so I thought I would share.

[Riskbreaker]

i didnt even know frame advance was a thing in game hahaha

i guess this put maps where pause is disabled on equal footing for us lazy folks (aka me)

[D0m0nik]

I love this but I need to work on my strategy, well off the pace!

[Shatterstep]

i didnt even know frame advance was a thing in game hahaha

i guess this put maps where pause is disabled on equal footing for us lazy folks (aka me)

I knew about it, but it never occurred to me how much a difference it can make. In the past I would rarely use it on CSM maps to move a terp from spot to spot without it dying in creeper.

Using frame advance can be handy for tricky parts, but so boring if you use it all the time.

[D0m0nik]

Just read the frame advance thing. That is not cheating in my book, it is using a standard control feature. If you have the patience, good luck to you!!

[Twi]

I don't know anything about exploits, but I had a good time doing this 'the normal way' :)

[Shatterstep]

I don't know anything about exploits, but I had a good time doing this 'the normal way' :)

Using frame advance isn't an exploit, just a technique that most don't use and what I find personally boring.

Awesome that you found it enjoyable :D

[Johnny Haywire]

Yeah, this is a great addition to an already fantastic game!

The time advance thing is essentially continuously pausing. Like Dom said, if you are meticulous enough and enjoy being ultra-efficient in-game, then that's the way to go and it's definitely not cheating.

Some people take an hour playing to post a 4-minute score, others (like me) prefer to spend less real-time and maybe even use a game mod to speed up the map when possible (most maps are too laggy though  :P). I appreciate the comments that support whatever a player's gaming preference is... it's all good.  ;)

I greatly appreciate all the work you guys put into making maps like this - I know it's enjoyable for you but it still take a lot of time and effort. This is a highly enjoyable mod and I look forward to seeing more maps like this!  :) :D ;D

Thanks for the map!  ;D ;D ;D

Edit:

I think that the max rate for AC is 420. Since that is based on area, that means everything would have been covered.

Actually, once you cover everything in AC you can get over 450. Maybe even 500 with enough patience. I'll let ya know.  ;)

[Johnny Haywire]

491.52 is the absolute max as far as I can tell. Not that you need to know that. But maybe you're curious.  :P

[Helper]

491.52 is the absolute max as far as I can tell. Not that you need to know that. But maybe you're curious.  :P

Hmmm....I thought 451 (Fahrenheit) was the maximum.
;)

For TC and Shatterstep,
Thanks for the fun.
Always great to find a new/different approach to maps that gives us more variety to enjoy.
H

[Shatterstep]

For TC and Shatterstep,
Thanks for the fun.
Always great to find a new/different approach to maps that gives us more variety to enjoy.
H

Kind words. Glad you liked it.