Just came across this game on here. One thing I've noticed is none of the runs here use the shortcut start of the game. It's precise, but it's no big deal if you mess up as you can keep reseting until you get it. Admittedly, I do divert time in the WIP for mana and bombs. As you'll need them later in the game. The boss fight could most definitely be improved upon. Don't know if you have to get rid of all the little pumpkins at the start of the battle before the boss appears. Also running diagonally and hugging walls doesn't slow you down. So you can zig-zag all you want.

Here's a discord link for anyone who wishes to discuss this game

https://discord.gg/kr2whXh

Skipping the Cardio cutscene in level 4 saves 30 seconds, but to do it requires beating the section prior, which sets a flag which allows you manually skip the lengthy dialogue . Initially, I thought it required having a pre-made file. However, that didn't work. Which made me realise that the cutscene flag is stored in the games RAM, and not save file. Similar to what the options for text speed and control schemes are for MKR. So prior to any attempt you would need to go into or play up to level 4. Beat the Cardio section and soft reset out.

I created a discord channel should anyone need to ask for help in relation to speedrunning this game https://discord.gg/Tmnu7Z

For those who want to ask questions or discuss speedrunning activity related to this game.

https://discord.gg/gxGYPe

I want to give this game a go at some point. However, there is a distinct lack of information when it comes to speedrunning this game. I wouldn't mind if there were resources added for this game.

For the majority of Neo Geo library there is no difference that effects gameplay. However, there is notable differences in the case of Magician Lord, because the AES and MVS are separate versions.

1. MVS has longer invulnerability times upon gaining control of Elta. This makes sense in the arcades because Elta respawns from where he last died. Whereas the AES version makes you start the stage or guardian boss fight over again. In terms of speedrunning, this helps during some of the guardian boss fights

2. AES version has more health, allowing the possibility of damage shortcuts. There's a shortcut in the first level that saves about 10 seconds, which can't be taken advantage of in the MVS (using stock arcade settings) version.