2 replies to this topic

[babyfacenc]

I used to play Galaga for hours and would start out lower levels left hand joystick right on fire button, then switch cross-handed as things got faster and I really needed to bear down and get to business. I'm a righty and wondered how many people do a cross-handed technique while playing? Love to hear about any techniques of holding home controllers, or fuel of choice (Mountain Dew), while playing. Thanks in advance!

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[mr. toast]

Don't know what marathon game it is and how long it will be, so I'll try and write stuff I already know. I personally don't marathon games (yet), so this is just from interviews on the web (mainly John McAllister of Joust and Asteroids fame) and whatnot, mainly for those going at games for longer than about 8 hours.

Beforehand-Get a decent sleep. Get just enough rest so that you feel ready to play. Do some light exercise to get the blood flowing well and energy levels warmed up.

Food-If the game session requires a meal, make it more on the light side. Fruits and veggies work fine, but remember those carbs and other energy sources.
(I forget who said this )-Don't overdo the food. More food means more energy needed to digest it, resulting in a lethargic feel. Try to start off on a slightly empty stomach.
(John McAllister)-"I ate the whole time." Basically just consume small portions at a certain rate to maintain energy levels and not go dead.

Drinks-NO SUGAR. Try to stay away from it. Sugar is notable for its sudden burst of liveliness, then a massive crash afterwards.
(John McAllister)-Mix Gatorade with water (about half-half) (he also took some 5 hour energy near the end of his Joust marathon)

Posture-Maintain a good posture. Slouching gives way to that lazy feel.
(John M.)-Get different chairs for different moods, such as barstools, dining chairs, etc. but no really comfy chairs.

Support-It's nice to have support around while playing, mainly to keep from getting bored watching a screen for 48+ hours.
(John M.)-Playing without friends is hard since there's no one to talk to, and if you happen to crash and fall asleep, no one's there to wake you up.

Of course, some others take desperate measures. At the Ironman 100-hour tournament, the player on Q*Bert removed the control panel, sat in a reclining chair, and played with the joystick and wiring on his lap. The "winner" had to blast his face with Freon (a refrigerant in many older model fridges; overexposure could mean dizziness, lack of concentration, and some serious heart problems) to stay awake near the 67 hour mark.

Hope this helps!

[Cynicaster]

mr. toast, on Sun Apr 3, 2011 5:40 AM, said:

The "winner" had to blast his face with Freon (a refrigerant in many older model fridges; overexposure could mean dizziness, lack of concentration, and some serious heart problems) to stay awake near the 67 hour mark.

I like gaming as much as the next guy but geeze... how far is too far? Some people need to get a grip.