This video is based on the decompiled code By CircleShootApp on GitHub and the original game assets, I asked Claude to rebuild the game and write a TAS tool.
I also had him study and compare the times by referencing the world record video by @DadoYep and @quocquoc444 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vhNcWftR3Q
On his first attempt, Claude iterated through three versions on his own, which were 10% slower than the current record. I gave him some hints and encouragement (for real), and then he calculated for a few more hours and broke the record right away.
In-game time (IGT): 9:38
Real-time (RTA): 17:18
When I first watched this video, I found it hard to believe. Why would this playstyle be faster? Why not long combos? Why not collect the coins? So I had him write a project document explaining everything. After reading it, I understood—this method is truly impossible for a human to pull off.
Finally, I’d like to thank the video creator as well as everyone in the Zuma gaming community.
