to elaborate a bit on what Barry said:
1. .nv (NVRAM) files are not allowed because they modify playback--we want everyone to start from the same position, so that only the player's actions influence the game. Some games create them after you've played them once, and store them in the NVRAM directory.
2. Level 8 is legal because it is harder than the MAME/MARP default (level 4). You can always submit for a game at harder-than-normal settings if you'd like. Easier than normal settings will be score-blocked.
3. To ensure your recording doesn't get blocked (w/ regards to leaderboard points) please use AlphaMAME or AlphaMAME32 to record your game. These are secure recording versions of MAME that allow us to make sure that you haven't cheated in your .inp. (sounds bad, but it happens). You can find these versions at:
http://marp.retrogames.com/exe/alphamame-070-1.zip (Win32 console)
http://marp.retrogames.com/exe/alphamame32-070-1.zip (Win32 GUI)
you'll have to manually copy the link you want into your browser.
4. Twinkle Star Sprites has a split, meaning you can record on the game either under twinspri-cm (character mode) or twinspri-sm (story mode). Both categories are worth leaderboard points and the scores are kept individually. Just be sure to upload to the appropriate one.
5. Barry is King Of Twinkleland. so beware his wrath
6. Last of all, from those of us who work and play at MARP, thank you for having read the rules in advance.
Have fun! We'll see you in the uploads log.
cheers,
Q.T.Quazar
Perhaps I should start playing it again.
