I guess I could do that...But I don't play for score; there's no real point in it for me, since A- someone's already gotten a high score already, B- it's very hard to get high scores to begin with, C- high score charts are overrated to me. Another thing that makes it hard is that you have to maintain your concentration for about 30 minutes per touhou game (give or take), and it's hard to maintain that level of concentration near the end when the games get to be their hardest. I just feel bad about failing and that de-motivates me.
score in well-made shmups isn't a minor feature (like in, for example, Super Mario Bros); said well-made shmups are made with the scoring mechanic in mind. It helps measure your current abilities better than 1ccs imho.
A ) when most people play for score, most of the times they will try to reach and surpass their own current highscore. When they get experienced enough, then they may try to compare their abilities with other people's.
B ) it may be difficult, but there are many shmups with lenient scoring mechanics, where intermediate players can score decently without risking themselves too much (Touhou examples: some easy places to graze, or some easy spellcard captures that usually don't make you bomb). However, more rewarding tricks would also be equally more risky.
C ) not only does scoring high demand deeper knowledge about the game, following scoring strategies and using the game's system to your advantage is very rewarding and fun. Personally, when I feel I'm gaining a lot of points, I think that very few things in the game I'm playing (at my current gameplay level) could top that feeling.
about the "endurance" factor, that would be similar to me trying to play Phantasm Romance 2.5 Plus to see how far can I go without dying (just to train myself). I don't play with the intention of really 1lc-ing the game, but to try to push my best marks further and further. Persistence will help you improve, but willpower alone, without learning from previous failures, will most of the times lead to further frustration. (which, as I like to say, can result from the player knowing that there's something wrong with how he/she's playing the game, but not being able to see how this problem could be solved or how he/she could minimize the chances of failure)
and it's hard to maintain that level of concentration near the end when the games get to be their hardest.suggestion: Play Varth (the non-japanese version, which is check-point based) for survival, and try to push yourself further and further into the game (I strongly recommend that you use Autofire). You'll actually get to like the anxiety and try to see the later stages again. (another suggestion would be Thunder Dragon 2, however this game's not as intimidating/intense as Varth)
I just feel bad about failing and that de-motivates me.with more practice, you'll start to foresee the game you're playing, and instinctively learn how to keep yourself alive, without realizing it. (the so-called "memory muscles".. or
brick wall of bad habits)
Or, perhaps you're following a
riskier gameplay, without realizing that there are easier solutions that would give you the same rewards. In this case, it's totally okay to look for help and even copy their tactics. Copying doesn't make you a bad player, as long as you understand what you're doing.
