Nearly three years ago now, there was ample discussion in this thread: http://forums.the-elite.net/index.php?topic=19147.0 on whether or not Duel PA 0:09, or the Duel level all together should count as a WR or even be on the rankings in the first place. Given how in the past couple of years public opinion has shifted completely on things like Marc's converter or Berube's 53, I think now is a good time to revisit the argument for Duel being or not being on the world rankings.
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Here are some arguments for Duel REMAINING on the rankings:
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It's always been that way since 2001
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Some ppl who worked hard for the Duel WRs would feel sad because their records would be removed
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Here are some arguments for Duel BEING REMOVED from the rankings:
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Duel is unlike other missions in either GE or PD in that it is not unlocked by progressing through the game. It is unlocked by playing a training exercise outside of the missions of the game. This indicates Duel is more of an external training exercise than it is an in game mission.
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Duel was never ¤intended¤ to be played through as a distinct mission with its own story. It is a bonus stage. Every other level in GE/PD are part of the big story, or their own unique one. Duel is not.
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There is no cheat unlocked for beating Duel in a fast manner. Every other of the 40 stages in GE/PD do have a cheat unlock. Duel doesn't. If anything, the reason we began speedrunning these games was to unlock the cheats. Duel is unique in that it doesn't have this same quality.
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Since Duel has hundreds of ties, it no longer serves the ability to effectively rank anyone. A world rankings requires definition and difference between competitors in order to effectively rank its competitors. Since Duel is so full of ties, it is useless in this regard.
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Removing Duel would give Perfect Dark a 6000 point ceiling, in line with Goldeneye, improving consistency across both games.
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Feel free to discuss your views on either side of the debate. I might update some points in the OP as they are brought up. Also I may add a poll in a few days but not until people have had time to discuss and debate before voting.
Not really wanting to add to the debate other then I'm one of the it's a mission so it counts people but I do want to point out one thing and that is that the other bonus missions do not have a cheat to unlock. Not adding that as a point in keeping the duel just wanted to point it out so you don't have false info.
