United StatesThere's a game speed bug that was identified in the MS-DOS version of Flashback (original 1993 release) when running via DOSBox. It normally occurs when the game is configured for Roland music & Sound Blaster sfx. When bugged, the game will run faster than normal speed (70Hz vs 60Hz).
*** If you encounter this bug, you must take steps to avoid it. Any run not performed at normal speed (60Hz) will be rejected. ***
I created a video to demonstrate this bugged speed. Please read the full video description for details:
The workaround is to modify your DOSBox config's autoexec script (or batch file) to run the FB executable 2 times in a row. If the bugged speed is observed the 1st time, quit the game from the main menu and the game will restart instantly. Then, verify that the game speed is normal.
If you are having trouble, you can reply here or contact me directly to help work out the issue.
Hi! I'm going to be submitting ILs to the leaderboards, so naturally I was looking into how the runs should be timed. There don't seem to be any rules posted atm, so I figured I would just check how others have timed their runs and follow suit. Unfortunately, this did not go as planned.
I counted 5 individuals that currently have at least 1 IL run posted, and for whatever reason they all seem to use a different timing method! In fact, some of them are a little skewed. For instance, wilderjoe's Normal runs seem to use the YT video length regardless of when the run starts or ends (which makes the Mission 1 time quite inaccurate compared to the others). Even further off the rails is Sinochek's Hard runs which are posted with the official SDA times, and apparently these do not include the time lost to autosave.
I don't think there's any urgency to retime these runs immediately, but I thought I'd mention it just in case it causes any confusion in the future. I'd also like to explain the timing method I've settled on and why I feel it makes sense:
Start: When the screen goes black after clicking the Start button End: When the UI disppears and fade out begins
There's a slight problem with starting time any later than immediately on Start. Basically, the player gains control at different times depending on if they skipped the cutscene or let it play out (see Cyberdemon531's All Cutscenes run for demonstration of this). While deciding when to skip the cutscene could be considered a subtle added element of strategy, it's probably far simpler to oblige the runner to skip the cutscene asap. Also, as a result, all runs started in this manner will begin in the same state, thus making runs more fair and comparable.
As for the time ending when the final fade out begins, this is simply when loss of control occurs. It should be noted that the fade out can be skipped by pressing Esc, but there's no real reason to allow the runner to gain a second by doing so as it has very little to do with actual gameplay. It may also be slightly easier on the runner at the end of a mission to not have to be concerned with this action.
So, I just thought I'd throw this out there so everyone can be on the same page. If anyone has any additional thoughts, feel free to share them. I'm fine with timing my runs any which way so long as everyone agrees. Cheers!
Hi! Thought I'd share what I'm currently working on, in case anyone is interested. It's still a work in progress, but I feel this is a good starting point. I'm currently on emulator with plans to transition to console. This will require a lot of testing and planning, though.
I put a lot of notes in the YT description. I won't repost them all here so as not to clutter, but I will elaborate if there are any questions.
These are the revised any% category rules I'm proposing. If anything here is not clear, needs to be added or rewritten, let me know. Otherwise, we can go ahead and post them up.
Objective: Beat the Game
Rules:
You must start the run using the "New Game" option. (You may choose any character type.)
You are allowed to use the "Save Game" and "Load Game" options during the run. However, you may only use the "Load Game" option on a slot that was saved after the run has started. Loading a previously saved game is not allowed.
Timing:
- starts when the first dialogue with the hotel clerk appears.
- ends when the final dialogue with Licourtrix appears.
Note: for your run to qualify, you must complete the final dialogue with Licourtrix.
Quality Standards:
Game audio must be included in the recording. Other audio (commentary, chat, etc.) may be included as long as game is audible.
Runs may be rejected for poor video quality:
- Please make an effort to record at a decent resolution (>= 240p) and consistent frame rate (>= ~30fps).
- If you're unsure about your video quality, ask in the forum.
I submitted my any% run. It's timed from the start of dialogue w/ the hotel clerk to start of the final dialogue w/ Licourtrix. The end timing isn't indicated by the current rules, but I think it makes sense.
I re-timed the run at 38:53 based on these rules. The time I have listed on YouTube can be disregarded, though I will probably change it soon enough.
