Replay Critique / Analysis Thread

[LHCling]

http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6016
http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6018

While you come off as being "cautious" (I noticed that you did take the "bomb more" advice pretty well), you also seem to be quite an aggressive player. You seem to try to PoC at just about every single opportunity available, which led to some pretty stupid deaths. You also try to stay directly underneath a boss. Now, granted it's the best way to deal damage to a Boss (using a "Forward Type" and all), but there's a certain limit to how much and how long you can do that for.

Some guesswork here (not much evidence in the replays to prove it, but I have a feeling it's true). You seem to be focusing on your hitbox a lot. It was interesting to see you try to navigate your way through a "ring of bullets" before bombing when you could've just circled around the ring and saved that bomb for instance.

The only thing you're actually lacking for a PCB Normal 1cc is the memorizing of "key points" during the stages.
Overall, try not to aggressively move up to the PoC that much, take your time with the bosses if needed, and memorize a bit through watching replays. Expanding your field of vision is optional; I recommend it but it takes a while for it to actually be increased by an amount that actually makes a large difference. Other than that, you seem to be alright for now. The biggest point is memorizing the stages.

(it was hard finding the right words to use without actually insulting your playstyle)
Mystlord's is next.

[Tinari]

(it was hard finding the right words to use without actually insulting your playstyle)

You don't have to worry about that.  I am as accepting of negative critique as I am positive critique.  I am my own worst critic and I am very negative.

And you're right.  I do have a bad habit of trying to watch my hitbox and dodge things rather than look out to see what I can do.  I just get nervous when I look away from myself to try to find a path, even if I know I have some time to look outward.  It's something I am trying but failing to work on successfully for now.

All in all, thank you Baity.

*Ninja Edit!*

I do find it slightly amusing when you say that I come off as being cautious and aggressive in the same sentence.   Heheheee.

[Poochy.EXE]

This one's a bit older, but I figure I'll post it since I've never really played SA all that much and someone might be able to tell me why I suck at SA so much more than any other Touhou game:

http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6022

Please feel free to tear apart everything that I do wrong in this. With the exception of a couple key spots in Stage 5, I'm pretty much winging it on everything else from stages 3 through 6 anyways.

[LHCling]

http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6021

One thing sticks out in your replay that I can see that should be improved. The Survival SC. Most people direct the orb at the start to the top-right corner (you directed it to the top-left).

Only one notable "habit" appeared. You have a tendency to stick to the bottom of the screen / corner ("Silent Selene" and "Catadioptric" come to mind). Try to be a little bit higher on the screen for "Silent Selene" (move down if required, move up carefully when it's safe to do so), and try to move out of the corner when Flandre moves across the screen and fires the pillars of bullets vertically for "Catadioptric".

[LHCling]

http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6022

Stage 3 looks like it has problems, but it's pretty easy to manage. The last non-spell for instance can be dealt with by moving up the screen a bit, or standing a bit off-center in relation to the center of the Boss.

Stage 4 demonstration in the attachment. I sneezed at the end. If you don't want to bomb Mid-Boss!Orin, then I suggest using Water to take out the surrrounding spirits.

Stage 5 was pretty mixed. During the parts where the spirits come in from both sides, with the Yin-Yang orb(s) shooting bullets, you should stop shooting for a few seconds if you feel like you're going to get trapped.

Orin's second non-spell, move up closer (to about halfway). And lastly, "GOAST WHEELS" is a misdirection-dodging exercise. When you hear the sound of the wheels being shot, you move off to the side to "dodge" the wheel.

This replay might be of help as well.

[Zetzumarshen]

Zetsumarshen i actually plan on scoring lunatic too.
but i just thought to score on hard first and then move on lunatic..
should i go straight to lunatic?

There will be similarity between Hard and Lunatic, but later, using only general scoring strategy will only get your score to be capped to some level. I think its around 1.2b - 1.3b. Higher than that, both difficulty will show some differences on scoring route. For example, some bombing instances on Hard won't give you a border, but Lunatic will do. Other, maneuvering at some place is feasible at hard, while on Lunatic is too risky. And stuff like that.

[Laughing Bird]

This one's a bit older, but I figure I'll post it since I've never really played SA all that much and someone might be able to tell me why I suck at SA so much more than any other Touhou game:

http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6022

Please feel free to tear apart everything that I do wrong in this. With the exception of a couple key spots in Stage 5, I'm pretty much winging it on everything else from stages 3 through 6 anyways.

Don't mean to take anything away from Baity's replays but here's a set of Stage 2-5 replays using Marisa B which you might find something useful.

http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6025 Stage 2
http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6023 Stage 3
http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6024 Stage 4
http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6027 SA stage 5
Uhh, Stage 5 is pretty terrible as far as the orin fight is concerned and baity tackles her better, but wood sign is suprisingly good in the stage portions,

If I had any kind of consistency I'd string these together into a single playthrough however...

[LHCling]

Any extra contributions to whatever sparse notes that I've given is always welcome. And if there's something completely wrong in an explanation, feel free to correct it.
Anybody want to give a go at analyzing a recent replay of mine?  :V

[ghost333]

bomb festival ftw!
anyway here it is.
http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6028

[Bananamatic]

http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=5603

What the hell did I do wrong. Except for playing Youmu.

[Chaotic Phoenixma]

So I managed to 1cc PCB Normal with her earlier. Let's do Extra now. Well, it was a lot harder than I thought it'd be, but I eventually got a clear with her. As for why I didn't try to save myself on Kokkuri-san's Contract, that and her final are the 2 cards I have left to capture from it, so I was trying to capture it.

My main problem though is the stage and one thing related to scoring. If I can't do the stage easily without bombspamming while getting lots of point items, my chances of doing Phantasm with her will be very low. With SakuyaB I had great coverage, though I fail with it in Phantasm, and SakuyaA has bombspam. I don't get either of those.

I know I messed up Ran pretty badly at times as well, but I'm mainly looking for help with the stage and any that applies to Phantasm with her as well. Though tips for the spellcards would be nice too.

http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6033

[ふねん1]

Hey Baity, guess what?

http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6034

SA Normal 1cc! Barely made it through (I went into Hell's Artificial Sun with no extra lives), but I'm pretty happy I was able to pull this off so quickly (first try of the day). Now you get to rip it apart, haha.

[ghost333]

i know that this is raelly painfull but if someone can advice me somehow so i can improve i would be really grateful.
forget the other replays i have post so far
 this is a bit more low than my usual self and i berely made it(usually i have 1-2 lifes in stock)
http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6037

[Laughing Bird]

My main problem though is the stage and one thing related to scoring. If I can't do the stage easily without bombspamming while getting lots of point items, my chances of doing Phantasm with her will be very low. With SakuyaB I had great coverage, though I fail with it in Phantasm, and SakuyaA has bombspam. I don't get either of those.

After the first two wave of fairies, you can graze along the PoC line from the opposite end of where the spinning things appear, nets about 1000 graze for the 3 waves if you do it really close.

The next part is basically clearing out the fairies before they can get off any shots, ideally near the PoC line. The wave starts from right to left, left to right, then it repeats. If you happen to miss some of the faires, their bullets are aimed at you so you can just blitz past them. They'll fly over to the side where the next wave appears so dont worry about trying to chase them after they fire their shots

Next segment is the same, just nail the fairies one at a time and there wont be any clutter. When the row of faires drop down start with the one from the edge and work your way in, then repeat from the opposite end. whether you PoC or dodge the next wave depends on if you can get border. If you PoC and can get border, go for it, other wise just hang back and dodge a bunch.

But that's as far as my knowledge goes, I'm not sure how to tackle the part directly after the midboss with a foward type other than streaming

[LHCling]

http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6028

...
Very good use of resources  :V

http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6037

You seem to have just about everything down right.

One common mistake that I found in both replays is doing "unnecessary" shooting during Stage 4. Replay that demonstrates it quite nicely (only the first half needs to be watched, but it's still useful to watch the second half of the stage as well). I'm well aware that it uses a different shot type, but keep in mind that SakuyaB does have the blessing of being a "custom" Spread / Forward Type. The only other thing I can advise you on is to memorize certain parts of other stage portions (Stage 5 comes to mind).

Other than that, the only other improvement that would be needed is to just get better at dodging. By practicing of course.

http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=5603

Too much L2 spam at certain areas. Not enough clever usage of L1. Needs better Focus control. I'm not too proficient in PoFV (seeing as I only play Yuka; that's a start  :V) but I'll see if I can actually 1cc as a demonstration with Youmu. You may or may not get a replay back.

EDIT: First run was a failure because I died 3 times to Shiki. RNG killed by the goddamn backstabbing fairies twice at 2:30. I should've saved that comic when I had the chance.

L2 spam only works when you're scoring. I wouldn't even use it to save yourself unless there was a scoring benefit associated with it.
More to come for those unanswered.

[Rook]

http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6042

PCB Hard 1cc.  I'd try to get a replay with less mistakes, but unfortunately this is genuinely representative of my skill level.

I'm especially interested in strategies for Stage 5.  I'm essentially incapable of capturing any of Youmu's spellcards except Human Sword, and those aren't my only problems there.

[LHCling]

http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6034

Apart from the occasional mistake, I didn't see anything really wrong (unless you were aiming for a 100% stage perfection as well*). I'd probably use a different method for "Midnight Anathema Ritual"; misdirection like that is inefficient and riskier than other methods (e.g. circling around or "streaming"). Don't know what shenanigans you were trying to pull off during "Mega Flare" as well. It's also interesting to note that you were (sometimes) too focused in taking out some of the bosses, which led to bombs used / deaths.

_{*If you're aiming for this then I also suggest memorizing (generally, stalling) Mid-Bosses for a few extra seconds.}

[LHCling]

OP Edited.

http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6042

I have no idea what was with the bomb in Stage 2. I'll just assume you slipped.

Stage 3 demonstration in the attachment. It's self-explanatory. I would advise having a bomb ready for the second half as ReimuB can't cover enough of an area due to being a Forward Type and being slow unfocused. Or, a cleverly timed Border.

Stage 5 demonstration in attachment. The only thing I would ignore is how I went about Mid-Boss!Youmu's non-spell

Spoiler:

Don't stand so close like me. I was having fun

.

Stage 6, I think you just had a bad day for it. Aside, I'm also very surprised at the number of people who take on Yuyuko's 2nd non-spell starting from the center and staying in the center. IIRC, it was possible to just stream from one side to the other with a shot type that did enough damage (e.g. Forward Types) and finish it at around the time you got to the other side.

[DgBarca]

as in the accomplishment thread
http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6043
Don't tell anything about Youmu, I forgot that PCB was the hardest easy so I was : ":V it's easy modo let's original-dodge yo-SPOOOOOOOOON"
1st try doing something no-focus, did that 1cc on 2nd try (first ended with a ragequit on Yuyuko)

[ghost333]

One common mistake that I found in both replays is doing "unnecessary" shooting during Stage 4. Replay that demonstrates it quite nicely (only the first half needs to be watched, but it's still useful to watch the second half of the stage as well). I'm well aware that it uses a different shot type, but keep in mind that SakuyaB does have the blessing of being a "custom" Spread / Forward Type. The only other thing I can advise you on is to memorize certain parts of other stage portions (Stage 5 comes to mind).

Thanks For your time baity, i know how much time it takes to study a replay, and i really apriciate it.

but unfortunately this replay can't really help me for 3 reasons.
the first one is that this is a survival replay of one stage.
i am going for score , so taking down most enemies and going for risky graze is my target (and usually what drives me to mistakes).
the 2nd one is because of marisa's speed and not her shot type, he changes sides very fast.
the 3rd is... i forgot it... 

if i remember well you are very good at replay analysis.
do you mind if i put a "small" task for you?
no matter how manny times i try i can never even get close to border abuse-graze the start of stage4.....and the part after lilly white.(i cant even understand what the hell is going on and scorers take that many border in so much less times, for reference the are a lot of scoring replays that abuse those parts but i always prefer at looking the best AM/HS/SET...)

thank you anyway.

PS: i will take your second advice and practice dodging.

[LHCling]

Thanks For your time baity, i know how much time it takes to study a replay, and i really apriciate it.

but unfortunately this replay can't really help me for 3 reasons.
the first one is that this is a survival replay of one stage.
i am going for score , so taking down most enemies and going for risky graze is my target (and usually what drives me to mistakes).
the 2nd one is because of marisa's speed and not her shot type, he changes sides very fast.
the 3rd is... i forgot it... 

Oh, right. Forgot about that  :V

no matter how manny times i try i can never even get close to border abuse-graze the start of stage4.....and the part after lilly white.(i cant even understand what the hell is going on and scorers take that many border in so much less times, for reference the are a lot of scoring replays that abuse those parts but i always prefer at looking the best AM/HS/SET...)

Ah, I've seen that quite a number of times before. I'm fairly certain it comes down to a few things.

• Number of bullets on-screen (this one is obvious)
• Number of Spell Cards captured
• Graze count

I've tried to replicate their methods before with lower amounts of Graze and Spells captured, but couldn't keep a border up. Instead, I had about 30k Cherry+ Points (give or take a few thousand due to my slight inexperience) towards my next border when I broke the border to convert the bullets to (mini?) Cherry Items.

[Bananamatic]

http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6050

Ignore anything from Air Scroll on.
It was bad. Really bad.

[Zetzumarshen]

@Bananamatic
Go take risks on stage 1, any damage there can be immediately repaired by esc > retry But if the restart count on that stage is over ten... go take a rest well deserved play more carefully. Summoning 2 Red UFOs before midboss Nazrin, make sure you have 2 UFO cache while fighting her, then you are free to choose summon Red/Green UFO.

Be very careful when chasing UFO before Kogasa midboss. Or better yet, pick one then wait until Kogasa arrives. Then you will be able to judge wether it is dangerous or not to pick the hanging UFO.

Do not hesitate to use Reimu A bomb on later part fairies of stage 3.
 
Practice Murasa's last normal pattern. It is doable.

Take calmer approach on Radiant Treasure Gun and Complete Clarification. The bullets were quite slow actually, and give you more time to predict their movement.

I have more luck on dodging "Cloudy Way in Purple" by pushing my hitbox near the glowing bullets rather than get near the rectangular bullets. The true glowing bullets hitbox are easier to predict.

Try to misdirect Byakuren red bubble bullet on her 4th noncard harder. Don't try to shotgun her.

Superhuman Byakuren is easier if done by not following her. Just follow her on her first wave to the left, then stick there, on the left side. Again, those bullets are slow, slower than RTG, and can be read just like it.

If your focus is to capture all the spellcards/generally do well, then you are on the right track. Summon more Red UFO to practice the full run because you have room for error while the difficulty is not toned down because of bombing.

[scherzo]

First 1cc of SA normal: http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6060. This is my third 1cc after IN normal and PCB normal.

I was fortunate in getting to Stage 6 with a large life cushion, as I am terrible at the Utsuho fight. Can anyone offer some advice on how to deal with Utsuho (aside from her third card)? I would also appreciate any general comments about my performance on the other stages/bosses.

Also, should I try to perfect Normal or move on to Hard? Or maybe try a different game (I'm unsure as to how good my danmaku fundamentals actually are)?

[Bananamatic]

stuff

My goal was to 1cc it....it was my first 1cc and I was a bit nervous since that was the first time I've got past Ichirin with more than 4 lives.
I can usually do Murasa's final nonspell, but this time....probably screwed it up. I don't really remember that replay.

The most sensible thing to do against spellcards with a 0/30 history is to autobomb it, especially when you are so close to a 1cc. :V

The finish should have been much better, as Air Scroll was always mine once I've got past the first wave and my LFO history is actually quite decent.

I can probably do better without that 1st 1cc pressure.

[Laughing Bird]

Blahhhh, concentration what is this crap, I dont need it. A generally decent SA run all the way up until I fight Okuu. At that point my mind just couldn't take it any more. What a terrible boss fight.

http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6065

Please dissect

[LHCling]

http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6060

:munch:

I was fortunate in getting to Stage 6 with a large life cushion, as I am terrible at the Utsuho fight. Can anyone offer some advice on how to deal with Utsuho (aside from her third card)? I would also appreciate any general comments about my performance on the other stages/bosses.

I see nothing particularly wrong for Stages 1-5, apart from not enough "experience" in dodging / careless mistakes.

Stage 6.

Also, should I try to perfect Normal or move on to Hard? Or maybe try a different game (I'm unsure as to how good my danmaku fundamentals actually are)?

Perfection is quite time-consuming and usually very frustrating. Up to you though. I think with enough memorization of the stage portions + general outlines of certain Bosses, you can probably 1cc just about any Hard Mode at this point (well, except SA / UFO Hard according to the masses). You can also try handicapping your runs.

http://replays.gensokyou.org/download.php?id=6065

Very good use of MarisaB. I found it interesting that you chose to use Wood during the streaming section of Stage 6.

It's better to just use Fire for "Storm on Mt. Ooe" rather than try to get a few seconds of Wood shotgun in. Lower risk overall.

I (along with many others) would advise to stall Mid-Boss!Orin by using the "standard" Fire Shot Type (or anything else that does lower damage; just don't time anything out) as opposed to shotgunning with Wood initially, as this allows you to spend less time in the much hated, popcorn hell that follows this.

Yeah, your concentration just went "blah" when you were approaching the end from what I saw as well.

Need to touch up on "impromptu" dodging a bit, and you would probably have something pretty close to a perfect run. You also have a tendency to "flail" around occasionally (in Stage 3 most notably), which caused some of the aimed attacks to create sprays of dense bullets as they bounced off the walls.

[Laughing Bird]

Mid-Boss!Orin

Hm. Which stage's midboss Orin are we referring to here?

Shotgunning, ahaha. That is actually a habit I picked up quite recently, of which this replay is the result. My criteria went something like "can I shotgun for a minimum of 3 seconds? No? Shotgun anyways". But yeah, Shotgunning Mt Ooe is pretty pointless so back to fire it is

[Chaotic Phoenixma]

It's referring to stage 5, but you can run the timer down on stage 6 Orin as well to skip part of that stage.

[Laughing Bird]

Now that you mention it... but I suppose I'd rather tackle the popcorn section, as hard as it may be. I know that wood sign once again obliterates that section but only if you set it up fast enough.

I can see how delaying the timer would help though