Hi!

As there is now a verified run I'm thinking about getting into running this game again. @Cha0smagick thanks for giving me the motifation by doing a run and creating this leaderboard!

I already started routing this game a few months ago, as it was one of my favorite games of my childhood. The last quest stopped me though, because I always hated that one. But with this verified run I'm going to give it another shot!

I need some rule clarifications though:

• I do have the 2011 Attic re-release CD-ROM version of the game, but with a full install on my PC, which removes the loading screens. I also have the Steam version, which still contains loading screens. I didn't see any loading screens in the current verified run, so I assume, that the re-release version with full install is valid, correct?
• The rules state "Reload is OK", does that mean that saving and loading is allowed? The current verified run does it, so I assume that this rule is for that?
• What does the rule "Glitches may appear, max 2 game resets if theres any glitch." mean? Only glitchless is allowed currently, but glitches can occure without provoking them. Does that mean I need to reload the game if a glitch occures? I'm quite confused by this one.
• Could you clarify in the rules when the timer starts and when it ends?
• Would it be ok to run the german version of the game?
• Also it seems you didn't import characters from the previous games, could you clarifiy in the rules, that importing characters is not allowed and using newly created characters which where created prior to the run is allowed?
• Why did you end the timer on the queen kill? Wouldn't it be better to end the timer when the screen turns black when using the amulet?

Also do you have a guide or notes (preferably in english)?

How very you able to remove the loading screens from the steam version?

Thanks again for the run, looking forward to your answers and to trying my luck on running this game!

Hello tyrol, and thanks you for you interest in the game. This game was also a great part of my childhood. I always dream with have the WR.

About the clarifications:

• You can run the steam version or the CD ROM version, better if you don´t have loading screens for the time save (i made it on the steam version). i dont know a way to eliminate the loading screens in steam.

• Reload is ok mean that you can save and reload (in some points its neccesary unless you are a very lucky guy, do the run in one shot without deaths its a epic quest, but possible, i can tell you).

• there is 2 points in which the game crashes: First is when you want to enter the bride of the winds, the other when you are in the final fight against the hive queen. Both glitches crashes the game and to resolve it you need to apply a DOSbox patch (im making a guide about that right now, plz have some patience). BUT the DOSbox patch may cause another unsuspected crashes ( thats why reloading is ok). Max 2 glitches per run. if you have 3 glitches or more, better restart the run, cuz the integrity of the gamesave is not secured.

• The timer starts when you load the newgame.sav file

• Any language is OK.

• You can create the characters before the game starts, but only if are new characters. this is only for time save.

• Usually, an speedrun ends when you kill the final boss. In this case, you can finish with the hive queens death cuz the other actions counts as credits. BUT its a discussion i need to have with other players. as you. final fight or amulet? we need a 3rd opinion.

• I am making a guide here in speedrun.com, but there is a couple of good guides online:

https://ag.ru/games/realms-of-arkania-shadows-over-riva/cheats/5768 https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/pc/198611-realms-of-arkania-iii-shadows-over-riva/faqs/1748

Finally Keep an eye on the Bottlenecks of the game (there are 3 bottle necks) this points are the most time consuming parts of the game. First is when you meet tarik and do the pirates quest. second when you meet the feylamia vampire in the sewers. Third is when you are wrongly blamed for murder. Thast could add not minutes, but hours of game if you dont know what to do.

Finally thanks for you interest in the game. Lets go for that WR!

Plz if you

I just did a full run and it was awesome :)

I was using the steam version with the Jemmex fix. This also removed the loading screens. There were two chrashes though, one trying to re-enter the Feylamia hideout and another one where the game froze, I can't remember the place where it happened though. Also I randomly found a skip for the water elemental fight. It seems to be a glitch, although it happened without me knowing about it. I suggest allowing this, as it isn't a major glitch as I see it. I also think having the Any% category be glitchless (which isn't even possible with this game ;) ) is unnecessarily restrictive, I suggest switching it to no major glitches, as getting a run without happening a minor glitch randomly is nearly impossible.

I started the timer on loading the START save file. As I think it's more meaningful to stop the timer when the game turns black after using the amulet, I did that. If you think it makes more sense to end the timer on the queen kill then please add it to the rules. Otherwise I think spliiting like I did makes more sense (for me at least), so I would suggest this splitting method.

The run was pretty fast, although I had a lot of huge mistakes, some random crashes, a lot of problems remembering the correct route (or reading it from my notes). Sub 3 is definitely possible! I also did help Stipen, as it allows me to get Thorgrim, so I have an easier time in the dwarven mines and the mage's tower. Also the potions help a bit for those portions of the game.

If you want to talk about my strats, setup, ideas for rules or anything about this game please contact me via Discord, my username is in my profile.

Hello and thanks for the clarifications. Im waiting your run. Plz lets talk in discord. i send you and invitantion already there.

Hi!

The rules for 100% state 'You need to get at least 992 points of 1000 (Never ever anyone got the 1000).' which isn't true, as it is easily possible to get the full 1000 points. My suggestion is to change the rules accordingly, so a 100% run needs to reach the full points possible.

Also I'm going to update my Any% guide in a bit and will add a 100% guide so everyone interested can have a look at my current routs.