Spiral Knights - Not playing Lockdown! (Video thread)

Not playing Lockdown! (Video thread)

155 replies [Last post]

Sat, 09/21/2013 - 08:25

Blue-Flood

Blast from the past. Only a miraculous update will ever bring me back. One that gets rid of the garbage that is competitive LD.

Also, thanks to Jester-Gtr for providing me with an awesome custom avatar to use on my page.

Bonus videos (The more subs and comments the channel gets, the more these show up for fun :))
Charity Event, Spiral Lights! (An hour of good fun)
Performance Tweaks
A suspensful 1v1 with Sky-Bluex
A video of you guys being awesome
Here's a montage to celebrate 200 subs!!!

Regular matches with commentary

Ep 167 - Challenge - Healthy

Ep 166 - Fat Finger
Ep 165 - Challenge - The Golden Gun
Ep 164 - Oracion vs Aurum pt 1pt 2
Ep 163 - Oracion vs Promise
Ep 162 - Challenge - Burning Snowman pt 1 pt 2
Ep 161 - The Grenade
Ep 160 - Challenge - Hazard
Ep 159 - Guarded
Ep 158 - Challenge - Namewithnumbers
Ep 157 - InvisiBlue
Ep 156 - Challenge - Fire the torpedoes!
Ep 155 - No Comment pt. 1 pt. 2 (Featuring Cubanito, Darkcub, Techno-Green, Jumazo, Daddy-Feller)
Ep 154 - Biology
Ep 153 - Challenge - FoV Death
Ep 152 - Another Day, Another Way
Ep 151 - Challenge - The Horned Gunner
Ep 150 - A Fausting we will go!
Ep 149 - Challenge - Nethrom's Titanic
Ep 148 - Learning
Ep 147 - Challenge - Alchemist Survivor
Ep 146 - All Smiles (Face Cam!)
Ep 145 - A Stunning Challenge
Ep 144 - Challenge - No AT Brandish (with a little Bio)
Ep 143 - Too much Avenue + Challenge
Ep 142 - The Pony God
Ep 141 - Challenge (Messed up)
Ep 141b - Oracion vs Terminators
Ep 140 - Set Sail
Ep 139 - Triple Threat
Ep 138 - Afterburn
Ep 137 - Ups and Downs
Ep 136 - Challenge (Dueling Freeze)
Ep 135 - Point or Pointless
Ep 134 - (Challenge) Graviton Power!
Ep 133 - Hug for Buia
Ep 132 - Hail Chain
Ep 131 - (Challenge) T2 in a T3 world
Ep 130 - Good Guys Wear Hats
Ep 129 - Challenge (Hail + Triglav Charge)
Ep 128 - Challenge (Death by puppy)
Ep 127 - Healthy
Ep 126 - Challenge (Striker no dashing!)
Ep 125 - Challenge (Attacking on points)
Ep 124 - Challenge (GF only)
Ep 123 - Warmup
Ep 122 - Hypnosis
Ep 121 - Luke and Anakin
Ep 120 - Football
Ep 119 - Smart Play
Ep 118 - Refreshing
Ep 117 - AWAKE
Ep 116 - Alaskanian
Ep 115 - Poopin on Avenue
Ep 114 - Fodder
Ep 113 - Flipped
Ep 112 - War of the Leavers
Ep 111 - Hell's Kitchen
Ep 110 - Grand Flourish/Final Faust
Ep 109 - Adaptation
Ep 108 - The Bounty
Ep 107 - Tipped Scales
Ep 106 - Bleeding Bullets
Ep 105 - Miracle
Ep 104 - Overconfident
Ep 103 - Sprunket Says
Ep 102 - Red Mage at point 2
Ep 101 - Late Night with a Slow Start
Ep 100 - Bombing Muscle

For episodes 1-99, visit my Youtube page here.

Sat, 09/21/2013 - 12:09

Krakob

Looks to me like you're discussing actually interesting things there. I can't listen to it at the moment but I should be able to within a couple of days. May I suggest you link directly to the videos rather than your channel? People might find it hard to find mentioned videos.

Sat, 09/21/2013 - 13:19

Feyi-Feyi

I actually enjoyed this.
It's not HD (unless youtube's being difficult) but your commentary makes up for it.

/applaud

Sat, 09/21/2013 - 16:35

Blue-Flood

Thanks

Right now I using Fraps to record this video which usually give me about an 6-8 GB file, then use a program called Handbreak to condense it to around 60-80 MB. The audio quality seems to stay at 100% which is why I'm running with this method for now.
My PC allows me to run the game at a very decent framerate, but the payoff for the framerate is having to run with graphics in low which I am cool with.

I'm also using advice to enhance java found on this thread.

http://forums.spiralknights.com/en/node/62691

It might be an old post, but it's quite effective and worth a look if you're trying to reduce your own framespikes.

If you guys have any advice as to what programs would or might be better let me know. I want to try to enhance the visual experience if you think it's worth it.

Sat, 09/21/2013 - 19:49

Feyi-Feyi

I think most people who used the java tweaking went back and undid it.
OOO implemented some of these changes themselves in the standard config if I'm correct.

As I said: your commentary is what makes it different from other LD/sk vids, so the visual part is of lesser importance imo.

Sun, 09/22/2013 - 22:02

Blue-Flood

Agreed

I did undo my tweaking for a few updates, but I'm finding that as long as I dont allocate more then like 2GB to Java plus add most of the items in Timbalero's post the game runs a LOT smoother. Using Java 64 is crucial.

(Adding more then 2GB seemed to make the game just stick at 0% between area changes so I'd have to relog.)

The other big difference I noticed is that if you have a slow or old hard drive, allocating nothing to the Paging File and forcing everything to be pushed through RAM might improve performance quite a bit. I'm pretty sure my hard drive is coming up on it's 10th birthday (send money and cards, no gifts please :))

So how much further can we veer off topic? GO!!!

Sat, 09/28/2013 - 08:09

Narfle

Keep these comin', Blue. I'm really digging them.

Tue, 10/01/2013 - 14:27

Jawny

@blue
all you need is 1g and timba's code without the redundant parts. dogrock fixed the code.

Tue, 10/01/2013 - 16:04

Feyi-Feyi

@Jawny: Could you link me that post if possible? I trust Dogrock 's fix.

Tue, 10/01/2013 - 17:35

Jawny

comment 23 is dogrock's comment to timba. #26 is the fixed code.
http://forums.spiralknights.com/en/node/62691

Tue, 10/01/2013 - 19:24

#10

Feyi-Feyi

A nice forumer? yaaaaayyyyy
Thanks a lot :)

Tue, 10/01/2013 - 22:40

#11

Blue-Flood

Perhaps I should move this to the General Discussion forum? The actual topic discussion on the thread kinda veered off course.. which is cool. Smoother gameplay for all! And ya that 2nd post by Timb is what I was using. It helps a lot.

Wed, 10/02/2013 - 06:12

#12

Feyi-Feyi

"So how much further can we veer off topic? GO!!!" You asked for it :D

They'll probably start complaining about moving it back to Coliseum if you do.

Wed, 10/02/2013 - 07:46

#13

Blue-Flood

I suppose I did :). It's

I suppose I did :). It's cool though. If at least one person has a smoother game of LD because of the previous posts then it was worth it.

FYI When trying to decide what to post, I usually don't even bother unless the teams are a bit balanced (one sided victories are always kinda boring to watch... no struggle etc.). I'll record like 4 or 5, then post the best one for that day. If I don't have time the following day then I'll try to sort through post the 2nd best and so on. I'll mention in game after the recording is finished, but won't answer if people ask if I am. Always play your best!

Ok, back off topic again!

Mon, 10/07/2013 - 19:11

#14

Blue-Flood

I tweaked some settings and am trying to have the quality improve as of 10/7... let me know what you think.

bumpity bump bump bump

Mon, 10/07/2013 - 20:20

#15

Feyi-Feyi

Glad to have a feature on

Glad to have a feature on your show :D
Had a good laugh at you confusing me and Hadn so much!

as always, good things Bueflood, keep em coming.

Edit: 720p just makes it that much better

Tue, 10/08/2013 - 06:50

#16

Jawny

@blueflood
to get the quality better, i use fraps to record at (at least) 1280x720 (the 720p resolution). Any resolution with ratio 16:9 higher than 720p will work too.
one match is around 10GB, because fraps only outputs raw files.
I use handbrake to change it to mp4 with these settings:
Width: 1280
Height: 720
filters: Decomb - fast
Video Quality - 10

Tue, 10/08/2013 - 08:41

#17

Blue-Flood

Nice I'll give that a shot then Jawny, thanks.

Tue, 10/08/2013 - 09:11

#18

Jawny

You're welcome, and best of luck with your series. Great gameplay and commentary (:
-Redblades

Fri, 10/11/2013 - 21:30

#19

Parasthesia

( º_>º )

I really like your commentary and enjoy watching you play these games. I haven't been around the community for long but all the other videos I've seen have been kill compilations with disgusting video editing over them. I enjoy these full matches with commentary of tactics and what you're trying to do much, much more.

Sat, 10/12/2013 - 10:17

#20

Jawny

glad to see my recording tips worked. Better quality = more enjoying for me!

Tue, 10/15/2013 - 09:37

#21

Blue-Flood

They did! The tipping point was reducing Fraps record speed to 30 fps instead of 60. Still plenty of frames to see what's going on.

Back from visiting with the family. Ep 26 go!

Wed, 10/16/2013 - 15:41

#22

Vokster

Awesome games, Blue, and great commentary. I could never play LD and commentate at the same time...

Wed, 10/16/2013 - 21:42

#23

Joseanand

But the music you pick for your video is really awesome vokster.

Thu, 10/17/2013 - 07:10

#24

Momofuku

This is good commentary and provides great insight on tactics--I never fully understood the concept of de-capping but not going for the complete re-cap.

Also I think half of these videos are just to advertise using Biohazard :o

Thu, 10/17/2013 - 11:40

#25

Blue-Flood

Good point! I'll try to switch it up. The slow moving bullets are great for agressive players. I gota practice a bit first...

Fri, 10/18/2013 - 12:23

#26

Retequizzle

Aw those were fun matches I

Aw those were fun matches I was in.

Remake your slug set and don't make it a glass cannon, I wanna see more people using slugs mayng.

Fri, 10/18/2013 - 15:49

#27

Narfle

+1 for Bowie.

Mon, 10/21/2013 - 15:56

#28

Blue-Flood

Apologies for Ep 31 (and possible Ep 32). The Youtube filter caught some of the music I was playing in the background... which doesn't affect the video itself too much, but makes it unavailable for mobile devices. My fault for thinking they wouldn't pick up the background music. I'll attempt to stay with Ocremix or similar musics.

Mon, 10/21/2013 - 23:09

#29

Parasthesia

Again, really enjoying your

Again, really enjoying your videos and it makes me want to transition into gun/sword hybrid.

I would love to see some magnus-line weapon action, it seems too clunky compared to the other guns for so few returns.

Mon, 10/28/2013 - 09:48

#30

Blue-Flood

Haven't had time to get or see the new guns/swords. Maybe people are still heating them.

Anyway, shameless bump since i've been slacking this past week. Enjoy Episode 33!

Fri, 11/01/2013 - 15:28

#31

Jungle-Sword

great vids!

applaus,i really enjoy them!
could any1 do vids for T2?
that would be great!

Sun, 11/10/2013 - 17:19

#32

Playerman

---

Looks like the Episode 40 link goes to Episode 39.

Sun, 11/10/2013 - 17:37

#33

Offense-Armor

These are some awesome

These are some awesome gameplays! It would be interesting to hear more on what you think of different maps (You've said that your home point is the worst point to try to recover). I dunno maybe try to incorporate tips for being more useful to the team and the like? It would also be cool for you to try out different classes more often (I know you've done at least one video on recon and guardian, but I want more >:D). Keep it up!

Sun, 11/10/2013 - 21:51

#34

Blue-Flood

@Playerman
Fixed the link for EP 40, sorry bout that.

@Offense-Armor
I do need work on my guard game. Striker is by far the most fun to watch because the high risk/high reward that goes with it. As for recon...
Nitronome makes all recon better :) No such thing as knockback immunity! (besides going guard obviously)

@Jungle-Sword
I'll dive into T2 here shortly. Been having more fun in T3.. and the T2 matches I have gone in lately have been difficult to find balance - mostly because there have been like 2-3 leavers per team. I'll keep trying though.

Mon, 11/11/2013 - 13:36

#35

Parasthesia

Way better than the high-vfx

Way better than the high-vfx one-kill "frag vids" that some people try to make of lockdown. Made me start learning how to gun.

Tue, 11/12/2013 - 16:15

#36

Rezzler

Hey blue, great vids. Ill b

Hey blue, great vids. Ill b joining the friendly T3 lockdown community soon.

Just a random thing, i notice you use /clear alot. You can just press /cle and it will clear as well. If it helps :)

Keep it up!

Mon, 11/18/2013 - 14:42

#37

Blue-Flood

I need an icon for my

I need an icon for my page!

2K CE in it for you if you can make me a good one :)

More details here
http://forums.spiralknights.com/en/node/93147

Mon, 11/25/2013 - 20:26

#38

Rezzler

To the TOP Blue, you should

To the TOP

Blue, you should totally do a 1 hour marathon like Minimetaknight did. But filled with less rage, of u want.

Or not. Watever u wanna do. Keep it yp, your vids are quite enjoyable. Its fun to see a smart player crap on all of the people who spam like there is no tomorrow.

Tue, 11/26/2013 - 09:33

#39

Blue-Flood

I was actually toying with the idea of an interactive live stream type deal, but time is never on my side and I'm worried about lack of interest. This way I can just slap one here on youtube and people can watch it at their convenience.

Tue, 11/26/2013 - 20:01

#40

Leekcoco

Good stuff as always, Blue. :) Just curious as to what you mean by 'ghost range'? I hear the term often, but haven't managed to piece a definition together yet.

/e is slow. :<

Wed, 11/27/2013 - 05:58

#41

Blue-Flood

When the opponent seems to swing at air and you still manage to get hit.

Tue, 12/03/2013 - 10:09

#42

Blue-Flood

Back from some time well spent with the family over vacation.

Just wanted to take this moment to say thanks to Jester-Gtr for winning first place in the icon contest and providing me with an awesome custom avatar to use on my page. Props bro, no homo.

Tue, 12/03/2013 - 08:23

#43

Dutch-Oven

YAY I got featured! lol

Strategically we think quite alike which is why you didn't see me that whole match. I was trying to avoid having to chase you. :D

Knowing your play-style (from your vids, which are always a pleasure to watch I might add) and knowing you have the speed and range advantage, my usual anti-gunner tactic of feigning hesitation to get them to do something lazy then muller them with my drivers wouldn't work so well. I'd end up playing keep-away with the pola and vali, which kinda sucks, so better to just focus on holding down points and drawing fights to me and let you do your own thing.

If you haven't tried guardian gunning yet give it a go, it's tons of fun and there's a bit more strategy involved with it:

You can't rely on AT since you're constantly being circled so that's out the window. Gotta be good at predicting your enemies.

Slower shooting so you can't spam all over the place like with striker and if you miss you'll likely pay for it.

Slows down the pace so you have to think about your position a bit more and you can't chase people down or likewise run away.

The more you survive the more useful that health regen becomes. You can hold points instead of running to base after every fight.

Shielding is awesome! Keeping your teammates alive is awesome. Not giving a fook about haze bombers is awesome.

Speaking of which, it's easier to make a haze-walker set as a guardian. Can potentially be immune to fire+shock+freeze+stun (IQ+Divine & +1UVs).

At first you feel like a sitting duck but once you figure it out you start feeling more like an armour plated duck with side-mounted howitzers.

Keep up the awesome vidyas blue.

Tue, 12/03/2013 - 09:28

#44

Tenkii

VAH-lee-ants

Valiance :P

@blue
I've never actually watched your vids (sorry, haha) til ep52. Almost makes me want to try striker, except I actually don't like playing that class.
Interesting how you use biohazard as an I'm-out-of-boost bullet shield :3

@dutch
Haha, I've noticed those same things whenever I've played guardian gun. Though, coming from a recon standpoint, it's a little weird not being able to really run away. I did notice that it seems to be strangely easier to completely just run and sidestep swordsmen as a guard, which you can kind of use as a yoyo to pull people into bullets. I'm strongly considering throwing damage boost out and making an overkill max ASI bullet shield set, haha.

Do you see yourself shielding and countering attacks, or more of pre-emptively shooting people instead as a guardian?

Tue, 12/03/2013 - 13:12

#45

Dutch-Oven

@ Seiran

Mostly it's pre-emptive because if you're relying on countering 1: you've only got so much shield 2: the blocking messes up your timing 3: once they're in striking range you're vulnerable and they're faster than you.

So while it's good to shield bullets and charge attacks you need to save that shield from breaking as much as possible so you can use it when you need to (healing the party, assisting worthy teammates, undodgeable stuff that will kill you etc). There's no 1 catch-all tactic for every situation though as I'm sure you're aware. Some people require you play aggressively and just try to dominate them. Some you have to just back off and get them to slip up using a couple fakes, kiting and AoD shots.

Basically if you know what someone's gonna do it's no good waiting for them to do it because it's already too late by then, you have to take control of the situation.

Tue, 12/03/2013 - 13:49

#46

Tenkii

Gun Guardian

ah... I guess I was hoping that guns could pull a tap-counter (Kind of the way Badworm/other skilled guards would just take a ping on the shield and instantly slash back). The gun ASI decrease definitely doesn't help that :\

Before, when Recon had an OHKO shield, I considered Gun Guard as a way to have unlimited weapon switch/shield-cancelling lol. If you often find yourself attacking pre-emptively, that's kind of walking into recon's strength.

From your descriptions, I guess you use shield more for its bomb/team use/post-fights than a staple move mid-fight then (?).

Tue, 12/03/2013 - 16:19

#47

Dutch-Oven

Well you don't have any

Well you don't have any knockback like with ff or ss, and if you get into that kind of slugging match with swordies its not gonna end well seeing as you do half as much damage. The "tap-counter" really doesn't work with guns, it's just too slow and less chance of it hitting. Also you have to be careful of accidental reloading. Obviously as guardian you're gonna shield as many hits as you can and countering is instinctive, but if you're going to use guns I find it useful to keep my shield unbroken and rely on evasion, area denial and keeping it aggressive. Best defensive is a good offence right?

When I play recon I really miss having that little bit of health regen you get with guardian. It can make a big difference if you try to keep your health topped up between skirmishes. Like I said in my first post the better you get playing guard the longer you live for and the more useful healing becomes. You can go from one more hit and you're dead to two more plus shield blocks. With striker and recon I feel like I lose my attacking power once I'm on my last few bars.

Having said that I wouldn't say guard gunning is superior, it's a challenge, but we play this game for the challenges right? I think if you practice enough with a weapon or class you can make it work competitively against the usual suspects.

Wed, 12/04/2013 - 20:36

#48

Rezzler

Faced Dutch Oven, definitely

Faced Dutch Oven, definitely a decent guard gunner.

Also, Blue. EXcellent use of the t bag against the poalaris guy. Lovin it

Sun, 12/08/2013 - 17:48

#49

Rezzler

Silly Blue, Y u know bump ur

Silly Blue, Y u know bump ur thread?

Also, SK servers = hamsters on wheels? Eh, cardboard sounds more like it...

BUMP for the friendly gunner

Sun, 12/08/2013 - 22:00

#50

Blue-Flood

I feel it's a bit over the top to constantly bump my own thread... if you guys like the vids or have any suggestions/feedback, feel free to lay it on!

Edit: Appreciate the friendly remark, but I have my moments. Swords swinging at air and hitting me causes me to /yawn in a very disrespectful manner!

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Not playing Lockdown! (Video thread)