NOVICE=NOGLORY

[mdsfx]

Or you could just use practice mode and study replays.

I kind of feel like studying replays is *somewhat* cheating. I feel like the sense of accomplishment doesn't just come from good execution, but figuring out how to get past each part of the game yourself. I don't know, just my take on it....

[gray117]

novice=perfectly fine if you got a kick out of it.

I've never 1cc'd a cave game. So whilst I'm probably the target audience for novice modes in terms of 1ccing a game, ironically I rarely ever touch them. The thing is I typically get a kick out of the intensity and challenge of these games, and whilst I'm sure novice would be enough of challenge to 1cc for me, I don't feel that challenge moment to moment like I do with the regular difficulties. The beauty of design in good shmups imho that they don't just degenerate into unfair/cheap bullshit ... except perhaps for the odd final boss

Perhaps it's just a lack of attention span that prevents me from finding the same thrill in chasing the 1cc; but if novice mode lets you do this, whereas regular/god modes just lead to frustration for you, then all power to you

[Gus]

Or you could just use practice mode and study replays.

I kind of feel like studying replays is *somewhat* cheating. I feel like the sense of accomplishment doesn't just come from good execution, but figuring out how to get past each part of the game yourself. I don't know, just my take on it....

Do you also consider it cheating to go to an arcade and watch someone else play while waiting?

[Deca]

People seem to be under the misconception that once you watch a replay it turns a shooter into bemani or something. Even after observing an effective route there will be a lot of little things you need to work out on your own that aren't blatantly apparent while watching, and you'll likely end up altering the routes here and there to suit you better.

All methods of practice and studying are steps toward fully understanding a game. I'm sure you could grab any number of replays from any number of games and fail miserably at recreating them even if they don't involve much straight up technical dodging. Studying a replay is less "ok if I mimic this 100% I will be successful" and more "holy shit I never thought of approaching that section like that."

Think of it like this, you can watch someone do a heelflip on a skateboard all day and memorize exactly what it looks like. That will get you past the bare bones basics of learning how to do it but it isn't really going to make learning how any easier in the long run, and odds are when you finally learn how to do it your approach will alter in some small way from the person you originally observed.

[RNGmaster]

Nothin' wrong with using replays, especially if you want a new idea of how to approach a section, but there's something wrong with treating them as the gospel and trying to follow them exactly. I just find it boring, and not necessarily very efficient. Here, let me try to explain.

I'm a fan of the spontaneity that comes with shmups. My proudest and happiest moments don't come when I've perfectly mimicked a superplayer and hyperoptimized my scoring, they come when I mess up and still manage to survive with reflexes and skill. If you just mimic replays and don't spend time trying to learn the game on your own terms, sure you'll get a high score faster, but your play is brittle - if you mess up during a particularly difficult maneuver you have a more difficult time recovering.

[mdsfx]

Or you could just use practice mode and study replays.

I kind of feel like studying replays is *somewhat* cheating. I feel like the sense of accomplishment doesn't just come from good execution, but figuring out how to get past each part of the game yourself. I don't know, just my take on it....

Do you also consider it cheating to go to an arcade and watch someone else play while waiting?

No, it just feels like finding a solution to a puzzle instead of figuring it out yourself i guess. however, i know there are many solutions to this puzzle. i suppose i don't want to give up my "aha!" moments when i figure something out just for the sake of faster progression. those are the most rewarding times when i play shooters.

[Gus]

No, it just feels like finding a solution to a puzzle instead of figuring it out yourself i guess. however, i know there are many solutions to this puzzle. i suppose i don't want to give up my "aha!" moments when i figure something out just for the sake of faster progression. those are the most rewarding times when i play shooters.

Good luck figuring out shit like this entirely on your own.

[mdsfx]

No, it just feels like finding a solution to a puzzle instead of figuring it out yourself i guess. however, i know there are many solutions to this puzzle. i suppose i don't want to give up my "aha!" moments when i figure something out just for the sake of faster progression. those are the most rewarding times when i play shooters.

Good luck figuring out shit like this entirely on your own.

Thanks for the encouragement, Mr. Sunshine.

[Illyrian]

No, it just feels like finding a solution to a puzzle instead of figuring it out yourself i guess. however, i know there are many solutions to this puzzle. i suppose i don't want to give up my "aha!" moments when i figure something out just for the sake of faster progression. those are the most rewarding times when i play shooters.

Good luck figuring out shit like this entirely on your own.

I can figure out how to bomb spam a boss for no reason like a moron perfectly well for myself thanks!