Working Patterns for Amidar?

[StanJr]

Does anyone have any working patterns for Amidar that they would be willing to share? (Yes, I know the game sucks and is too slow, etc.)

 

I checked the High Score club entry, didn't see any patterns, but I did see some high scores that blew my mind.

 

I know the baddies have a set pattern and it can be learned, but I'm having trouble mapping out a pattern that utilizes that and accounts for the speed increases.

[Vic George 2K3]

Most of the enemies basically just turn wherever there is a junction or corner, except for one enemy that simply travels around the outside track.

[StanJr]

more than basically turn, they must turn and they must turn at the next available junction and continue in the direction (L/R) that they were originally heading unless that direction is unavailable (ala corner) at which time they must take whatever direction is available and continue. Eventually this must generate a reliable pattern, even if you squish them by covering the corners (the ghosts maintain the path).

 

Questions: Does the overall pattern of the baddies ever repeat (ala from the start position) during a level?

If so how long does a pattern sequence for them take?

And most importantly can you exploit that pattern and play forever?

 

I have noticed that zones will open where the baddies are mostly absent for a brief period making it easy to clear large areas without worry.

[+Omegamatrix]

The thing that always pissed me off with Amidar was how long it took before you could move after you die. Is there a technical reason for it? Thomas did a nice hack for increasing the speed of movement, but it still has the long wait periods. I would love it if someone with hacking skills could change Spider Droid to have double speed like TJ's hack, and then take out the long wait periods after you die. I say Spider Droid because the graphics are a lot better.

 

@ Stan sorry to derail your topic too, Stan. I have no idea of the patterns of the baddies myself.

[Lord Thag]

My favorite pattern involves plugging in another cart

 

I'll pop it in this evening and see if I can't figure out some patterns. I honestly haven't given this game much of a shot due to the speed issues.

[StanJr]

I'm less worried about baddie patterns and more interested in patterns that get around them effectively.