BizHawk TAS: Tool-Assisted Speedruns Guide

by Jhon Lennon 43 views

So, you wanna get into Tool-Assisted Speedrunning (TAS) with BizHawk, huh? Awesome! Buckle up, because it's a wild ride, but super rewarding. Basically, TAS is all about creating the perfect playthrough of a video game, frame by frame, using tools to manipulate the game and achieve things that are humanly impossible in real-time. And BizHawk? It's one of the coolest emulators out there for making it happen. Let's dive into what makes BizHawk the go-to for TAS and how you can get started.

What is BizHawk and Why Use It for TAS?

BizHawk, at its heart, is a multi-system emulator. That means it can emulate a ton of different consoles, from the old-school Atari and NES to the slightly-less-old-school SNES, Sega Genesis, and even some handhelds like the Game Boy Advance. But what sets it apart for TAS is its robust set of tools designed specifically for manipulating gameplay. Think of it as having a super-powered remote control for your games.

Why BizHawk though? There are other emulators out there, sure. But BizHawk is like the Swiss Army knife of TAS. Here's why:

  • Frame Advance: This is the bread and butter of TAS. You can advance the game one frame at a time. This is crucial for making precise movements and actions. Forget mashing buttons; you're surgically inserting inputs.
  • Save States: Messed up? No problem! Save states are your best friend. You can save the game at any point and reload it instantly. Experimentation is key in TAS, and save states let you try out crazy ideas without penalty.
  • Input Recording: BizHawk records every single input you make, frame by frame. This is what creates the TAS movie. You can then go back and edit these inputs, optimize them, and create the perfect sequence.
  • Lua Scripting: This is where things get really interesting. Lua scripting allows you to write custom scripts that can do all sorts of things, like display game variables, automate tasks, and even create custom tools. It's like having a programmable game genie.
  • Debugging Tools: BizHawk has built-in debugging tools that let you peek under the hood of the game. You can view memory addresses, examine game code, and figure out exactly how the game works. This is invaluable for finding glitches and exploits.

So, BizHawk isn't just an emulator; it's a complete TAS environment. It gives you the tools you need to dissect a game, understand its inner workings, and then manipulate it to create something truly amazing. For us TASers, that's pure gold.

Setting Up BizHawk for TAS

Okay, so you're sold on BizHawk. Now, let's get it set up. Don't worry, it's not too complicated, but there are a few steps to follow to make sure everything is working correctly. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Download BizHawk: Head over to the official BizHawk website (usually found with a quick search) and download the latest version. Make sure you get the correct version for your operating system (Windows is most common).
  2. Extract the Files: BizHawk comes as a compressed file (usually a .zip or .7z). Extract the contents of this file to a folder on your computer. I recommend creating a dedicated folder for BizHawk to keep things organized.
  3. Get the Necessary ROMs: This is important: BizHawk doesn't come with any games. You need to provide your own ROMs (game files). Make sure you legally obtain these ROMs. Owning the original game cartridge is generally considered the legal way to do this. I cannot tell you where to find the ROMs, so do your own research.
  4. Configure BizHawk:
    • Run BizHawk: Open the BizHawk executable file (BizHawk.exe).
    • Load a Core: Go to File > Open ROM. This will prompt you to choose a "core," which is basically the emulator for a specific system. Select the core that corresponds to the ROM you want to play (e.g., "SNES" for Super Nintendo ROMs). Then, select your ROM file.
    • Configure Controllers: Go to Config > Controllers. Here, you can map your keyboard or gamepad buttons to the in-game controls. I highly recommend using a gamepad if you have one, as it gives you more precise control.
    • Set Up Hotkeys: This is crucial for TAS. Go to Config > Hotkeys. Here, you can assign hotkeys to various TAS functions, like frame advance, save state, load state, and more. I recommend setting these up to keys that are easily accessible.
  5. Test Your Setup: Load a game and make sure everything is working. Can you move your character? Can you save and load states? Can you advance the game one frame at a time? If everything is working, you're ready to start TASing!

A Few Extra Tips for Setup:

  • DirectX: BizHawk relies on DirectX. If you're having trouble running BizHawk, make sure you have the latest version of DirectX installed.
  • Firmware: Some cores (like those for handheld systems) may require firmware files. BizHawk will usually prompt you if you need to provide these. Again, you'll need to legally obtain these files.
  • Google is Your Friend: If you run into any issues, don't be afraid to Google it! The BizHawk community is very active, and there are tons of resources available online.

Basic TASing Techniques in BizHawk

Alright, so you've got BizHawk up and running. Now, let's get into the fun stuff: the actual TASing! Here are some of the basic techniques you'll be using:

  • Frame Advance: As mentioned before, this is the most important tool. Use your assigned hotkey to advance the game one frame at a time. This allows you to make incredibly precise movements and actions.
  • Save States and Load States: Save states are your safety net. Save often, especially before trying something risky. If it doesn't work out, just load your save state and try again. Experimentation is key!
  • Input Recording: BizHawk automatically records your inputs. Just start playing, and it will capture everything you do, frame by frame. You can then go back and edit these inputs.
  • Input Editing: This is where you refine your TAS. BizHawk has a built-in input editor that allows you to view and modify your inputs. You can delete frames, insert frames, change inputs, and more. This is where you optimize your movements and actions.
  • Rerecording: This is a fundamental concept in TAS. Rerecording means going back to a previous point in the game and redoing your inputs. This allows you to correct mistakes, optimize your movements, or try a different strategy. TASing is an iterative process, and rerecording is how you improve your TAS over time.
  • Luck Manipulation (if applicable): Some games have elements of randomness. TASers often use save states and rerecording to manipulate these elements to their advantage. For example, you might reload a save state until you get a favorable enemy pattern or a lucky item drop.

Tips for Basic TASing:

  • Start Simple: Don't try to do anything too crazy at first. Focus on getting a basic playthrough down. You can always optimize it later.
  • Plan Your Route: Before you start TASing, it's helpful to plan out your route through the game. This will save you time and prevent you from getting lost.
  • Watch Other TASes: One of the best ways to learn TASing is to watch other people's TASes. Pay attention to their techniques, their routes, and how they optimize their inputs.
  • Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: TASing is all about experimentation. Try different things, see what works, and don't be afraid to fail. The more you experiment, the more you'll learn.

Advanced Techniques and Tools

Once you've mastered the basics, you can start exploring some of the more advanced techniques and tools that BizHawk offers. These can take your TAS to the next level.

  • Lua Scripting: Lua scripting is a powerful tool that allows you to automate tasks, display game variables, and create custom tools. Here are some examples of what you can do with Lua scripting:
    • Displaying Game Variables: You can write a script that displays the player's health, score, or other important game variables on the screen. This can be helpful for monitoring your progress and optimizing your gameplay.
    • Automating Tasks: You can write a script that automates repetitive tasks, such as collecting items or performing a sequence of actions. This can save you time and effort.
    • Creating Custom Tools: You can write a script that creates custom tools, such as a frame counter or a hitbox viewer. This can help you analyze the game and optimize your inputs.
  • Debugging Tools: BizHawk has built-in debugging tools that allow you to peek under the hood of the game. You can view memory addresses, examine game code, and figure out exactly how the game works. This is invaluable for finding glitches and exploits.
  • RAM Watch/Search: These tools let you monitor and search the game's memory. This can be useful for finding variables that control things like enemy behavior, item locations, or even hidden secrets.
  • Trace Logger: This tool allows you to trace the execution of the game's code. This can be helpful for understanding how the game works and finding vulnerabilities.
  • Finding Glitches and Exploits: One of the most exciting aspects of TAS is finding glitches and exploits that can be used to speed up the game. These glitches can range from simple sequence breaks to complex code execution exploits.

Tips for Advanced TASing:

  • Learn Lua Scripting: If you're serious about TASing, learning Lua scripting is essential. There are tons of resources available online to help you get started.
  • Study Game Code: If you really want to understand a game, studying its code is the way to go. This can be a daunting task, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.
  • Join the TAS Community: The TAS community is a great place to learn from other TASers, share your knowledge, and get feedback on your TASes.
  • Be Patient: Advanced TASing takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results right away. Just keep learning, experimenting, and practicing.

Sharing Your TAS and Contributing to the Community

Once you've created a TAS, you'll probably want to share it with the world. Here's how:

  • Encoding Your TAS: BizHawk allows you to export your TAS as a video file. You can then upload this video to YouTube or other video-sharing sites.
  • Submitting to TASVideos: TASVideos is the most popular website for sharing TASes. If you want your TAS to be seen by a wide audience, submitting it to TASVideos is a good idea. However, TASVideos has strict quality standards, so make sure your TAS is polished and optimized before submitting it.
  • Contributing to the Community: The TAS community is a collaborative effort. You can contribute to the community by sharing your knowledge, creating tutorials, or helping other TASers.

Conclusion: The Art of Tool-Assisted Speedrunning

TASing with BizHawk is more than just playing a game; it's an art form. It's about pushing the boundaries of what's possible, exploring the inner workings of a game, and creating something truly unique. It takes time, patience, and dedication, but the results can be truly amazing. So, dive in, experiment, and have fun! Who knows, maybe you'll be the next TAS superstar!