All I can say if you've never played this game (especially with these rules) is good luck!
 

Tier 2 201,300. I'll throw up an early score for tier 2 before I head out for work.  Played this one alot. It's just timing when and which enemies to kill. I ran through this the first time thinking it was going to be enough but kept dying on the 4th stage making a stupid error towards the end. This score can be beaten since I killed a few more enemies than I would've liked but played it safe. 

I'm managing 14,300 for the first stage on a consistent basis.  I'm basically only killing 1 runner and the 2-3 jumpers bvefore the stage 1 boss rush, plus all the boss rush jumpers of course.  I've played this game quite a bit actually, but I've never attempted a pacifist route before.
 

It's been a while since I've played this, so I guess I'm a bit rusty. I've managed to get my first stage score down in the 15k range, but it sounds like I need more practice.

 

Not going to know what to do with myself this week after getting knocked out in the first round

Still play along & have fun. Maybe post scores for all three tiers to beat.

Spent some time with this game tonight. Never played it pacifist style before so I'm retraining myself to kindly refrain from killing every Communist that crosses my path. I think I have the first level sorted out.

I was able to play test this yesterday and I don't want to spoil it, but the minimum amount of points that you can clear level 1 with was nothing short of amazing.

The funny thing is, last year I decided to play this game trying to get the lowest score possible.
After awhile, I was able to get a pretty low score.
You might think this makes me an expert... but no not really. Pushing up to jump sucks so hard.

I was able to beat the game last year and having to push up to jump was really annoying since you automatically grab the ladders if you're near one. I don't know why they didn't use the A button for jumping and use select to switch to the special weapon. This game could've been so much better if they just fixed the jumping mechanics.

Yep, I figured out the trick to getting past the jumpers too.

Yeah, I was able to clear level 1 with 600 points. Unfortunately, my cart isn't scheduled to be delivered until Monday.

Emulators aren't banned,so you're good

I'd still prefer to play on actual hardware. Hopefully my cart will get here before the end of the week.

(Tier 1) 78800

The End

Exact same thing.

I'll get Tier 3 started; I really don't like this game, and fear that I will get eliminated this week (in full disclosure, I just scored Arkanoid + working Vaus for $9.99 at a local game shop, and that's been consuming my gaming time)

Tier 3 - 16,700 - L2

Also, if anybody's been wondering... I prop up my SNES mini with the 2 VHS set of NIN's "Closure". No longer own a VCR but I have fond memories. Also, they look great.

I'm not asking for hints or secrets to be given away, but I can't manage to get through the first stage with less than 3,000 points. I know about running under the jumpers, but I personally can't figure out how you guys are getting past the second wave of enemies at the end without killing the three jumpers. If you run under them and stab the regular runner, the pause from your knife attack gets you killed. Oh well, after Sunday passes maybe someone can elaborate for me?

I like to compete fair and in good form.

youve got the idea. Just need a lil better execution.

(Tier 1) Completed - 69,300

Loved Closure. Before youtube, that was the best source for NIN music videos. I think Gave Up was my favorite video on Closure

Oh, why not...

Tier 3 - 19,200 - Level 3
Tier 3 - 21,800 - Level 3
Tier 3 - 30,700 - Level 3 (1st checkpoint?)
Tier 3 - 7,600 - Level 2


 

What happened to the toploader? You using something else? Just fyi,changing your setup during a contest is frowned upon (especially if going from cart to emulator) and could invalidate your scores.
 

I checked the tracking number and mine should get here today. Hopefully I already own the next game if I manage to get to the finals.