Which Is Better For Speedrunning?

2008-02-21 02:24:26 pm

Hey, I'm new to this forum, used to be a part-time SCU user...So hello!
I hope this belongs in this section of the forum.
I just bought a new copy of ZM for £8.50 what a bargain! (My old one doesn't save anymore :()
And need a new GBA so which do you all think is better for speedrunning in the way of comfort, button action etc, SP or Micro?
Jackal

Thread title:

arkarian

2008-02-21 02:53:32 pm

red chamber dream

SP is definitely better unless you have minuscule hands, though an original GBA is best.

But if you have the money, definitely buy a DS–– it blows all the others out of the water.

Azure

2008-02-21 07:23:46 pm

Pi-Face

Actually, I find a DS kind of gets in the way for speedrunning GBA games. The A and B buttons are perpendicular to your thumb instead of parallel, which I find uncomfortable (it's really preference, though). Also, the L/R buttons seem to be slightly harder to press repeatedly, though it wouldn't matter for Zero Mission.

nn12000

2008-02-21 10:13:47 pm

Mister ...

I recommend the original-style GBA. I have the easiest time playing any GBA game with it.

detonator300

2008-02-22 08:31:58 am

Are you ready for some underwear music?

In the original GBA the L and R buttons are faster to use but in SP the control pad is better.

MASTER-88

Edit history:

MASTER-88: 2008-04-22 10:48:50 am

2008-04-22 09:23:31 am

Speedrunner

Oh sorry little bumb, but i see this topic until now.

I want say. GBA orginal is easily best IMO. Amazing controlls locations.

GBA SP is avarage. I still dislike control situations. It is bit hard change super missiles. GBA Sp controlls hurt my hands too. This console is too tiny.

DS totally suck. Your shot button and jump button located totally wrong places. This make that game almost impossible playing. My skills looks like really horrible with DS.

BioSpark

2008-04-22 07:05:43 pm

I prefer sp. The buttons seem fast and they are easy to push. I agree that the a and b buttons on the ds are angled in a weird way, not used to that feel. Also, ds can't be used anyway if you want to record something.

Zelikman

2008-04-23 01:02:43 am

Memorizer of Maps

I actually adapted to the DS buttons and, as a result, both wall- and bomb- jumping became 10x easier for me. I have no real preference, though - things are just easier for me on the DS, which is why I use it more often than the SP or regular GBA.

detonator300

2008-04-23 05:03:31 am

Are you ready for some underwear music?

Well, I guess this is a matter of taste. And you can't argue about taste.

TheGreenManalishi

2008-07-02 02:25:52 pm

i find wall jumping easiest with the SP's d-pad. don't know why, just find it easier.

nate

2008-07-02 02:28:06 pm

it's bigger.

TheGreenManalishi

2008-07-02 02:56:13 pm

that'd be it then :)

TJF588

2008-07-03 05:49:18 pm

once GameFAQs, now Twitch

It's also much closer to its contacts (or whatever actually causes input). The original and DS lite ones suffer the same oddity as the CGN controller in that the buttons seem to have a lot of space between their unpressed and fully pressed positions. That more immediate press of the SP[ee]'s (maybe the origina DS's, too? I dunno) allows faster maneuvers to be pulled off easier, I'd think. Plus, it's easy to slide your thumb back & forth, which seems easiest for actually doing that move (least for me).

playerman1230

2008-07-03 08:48:42 pm

Hated by all

I use my SP though. Has a fast response time, unless you sometimes have unresponsive shoulder buttons.

If the DS had customizable controls, I would pick that. Mario All-Stars style (x/a or y/b) ftw.

Zamus

2008-07-30 05:42:55 pm

GBA SP would be IMO the best control wise. Idk the original is probabley better. If you're going to capture any speed runs I would suggest NOT using a Gamecube controller. You're more likely to screw up on your wall jumps with the damn control stick that the d-pad on your GBA. Hook up your GBA to the gamecube using one of those GBA link cables and play it like that. That's what I would do. 8-)

uNsane

2008-07-30 09:37:08 pm

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I like using the Micro; the buttons are placed just right for me.

nn12000

2008-07-30 10:38:07 pm

Mister ...

I've been wanting to get a Micro, since I keep seeing them for $40 at my local GameCrazy. Just one question though: Does it only play GBA games, or can you play GB:C and older games as well?

Zamus

2008-07-31 01:42:21 am

It should be able to play older games just like all GBA's do. I've been meaning to get one for a while. Next time I see one I really need to get it before it gets bought by somebody else :x

RT-55J

2008-07-31 01:58:15 pm

Armor Guardian

No, the Game Boy Micro does not support GB/GBC games.

Sneaky Paradox

2008-08-23 03:06:25 am

Do not go with a DS Lite. The d-pad is horrible for speed running ZM. A regular DS and SP are the best options in my opinion.

Gu3st

2008-08-23 08:13:01 am

Jagger ftw

ds lite is good if you have thin fingers, because the buttons are easier to press. and some what smaller.

but its hard to wall jump because its TOO easy to press, you can easily tap up or down and mess things up. so regular gba is good, for speed running. but if your just playing, use lite

TheGreenManalishi

2008-08-28 09:51:37 am

sometimes i think "i'll play on a ds lite because of the excellent screen clarity" and then give up because of the shoddy layout

Aegis Runestone

Edit history:

Aegis Runestone: 2008-09-06 08:36:07 pm

2008-09-06 08:29:53 pm

Game Lover

I've found myself doing well with my phat DS at Bomb jumping and Wall Jumping. I also can get pretty fast with running and moving around. I don't have any difficulty with the controls really. I've been playing a lot of MZM recently and I think the DS has actually been no better than my classic GBA for speed runs.

I guess it is a matter of taste, size of fingers, and how your hands work. I dunno how it would work for me with a DS lite though.

Edit: I also think it's a matter of adaption and how well you adapt to the different handhelds' controls.

spidey-widey

2008-09-06 10:17:10 pm

Quote from Aegis Runestone:

I guess it is a matter of taste, size of fingers, and how your hands work.

Indeed. Personally, I can't play with anything but an SP as a controller.

TJF588

2008-09-07 09:05:14 am

once GameFAQs, now Twitch

Quote from spidey-widey:

Quote from Aegis Runestone:

I guess it is a matter of taste, size of fingers, and how your hands work.

Indeed. Personally, I can't play with anything but an SP as a controller.

Alternatively, the GBA-to-GCN connector on an SP makes shoulder button use extremely awkward for me, since I'm used to hitting L and R with the middle of my finger.