I’ve marveled at CarcinogenSDA’s gaming prowess every time we’ve spoken. Every time, he’s referred me to MattDaRoc. Matt went from viewer to streamer to Carci’s lab partner. He played a major role in helping Carci prepare for his no-damage attempt in Resident Evil 2 Remake at AGDQ ’24, so I caught up with Matt to learn more about his friendship with Carci, his history with Resident Evil games, what he’s up to on his Twitch channel, and more.
David L. Craddock: What was your introduction to the Resident Evil franchise?
MattDaRoc: My introduction to the series was when my brother and I rented the very first RE game back in ‘96.
Craddock: What has kept you invested in the franchise?
Matt: What's kept me invested in the series is mainly the challenge of doing no damage for as many of the games in the franchise I can do.
Craddock: What is your favorite RE title?
Matt: My favorite is RE1 Remake for the simple fact it kept everything from the original game and expanded upon it by adding new things and enemies like Crimson Head zombies.
Craddock: You recently completed a laundry list of RE titles in a row without taking damage. What started you on such an arduous journey?
Matt: My journey for doing No Damage runs in the RE games started about 15 years ago. I’d seen playthroughs on YouTube where people went through without taking a hit and I thought that was pretty awesome so I wanted to try it. Now, here I am.
Craddock: Which RE title gives you the most trouble during a no-damage attempt, and why?
Matt: Out of all the games I've done, I'd definitely say RE4R on professional. Not because it's hard but I think the gameplay mechanics in that game are very poor and disappointing. I think that game needed more time in QA. Everything else about the game is amazing, though.
Craddock: How did you meet Carci?
Matt: I met Carci on his stream like 7 years ago. He was just starting his no damage journey and I remember he was playing RE1 classic Chris. I gave him some strategies for certain sections of the run and we've been working together ever since.
Craddock: Carci heaped praise on you for your help in routing and labbing RE2 Remake. Before we talk routing specifics, Carci has said RE2R is one of the most consistent RE games in terms of mechanics. Would you agree?
Matt: I would very much agree that it is one of the most consistent runs in the series. I think the gunplay and the balancing of enemies was really well done.
Craddock: What part of the game did you find most difficult to route, and what was the process of labbing it until you had it down to a science?
Matt: Ah, probably the RPD because you come back to it on multiple occasions. The process I like to take is make a save for each section and practice it over and over until I can basically auto-pilot thru it. Obviously, the more consistent the game, the easier it is.
Craddock: What was the process of joining Carci on comms for his AGDQ ’24 run?
Matt: Carci just happened to DM on Discord and asked if I'd like to do commentary with him and I was more than happy to help. He's helped me get started in streaming so it was the least I can do.
Craddock: How did you keep tabs on the run? By watching the stream while chatting with him?
Matt: I was in the GDQ Discord channel on voice chat with Carci and the other couch members Ecdycis and Katlink. I had his run on a live video feed so I could watch it in real time.
Craddock: Take me back to the moment Carci succeeded. What were you thinking and feeling?
Matt: I was just so happy for him. He practiced his ass off for a couple of months to nail that run. Whether it was the Leon or Claire run. Honestly, when he was celebrating everything felt like it was going in slow motion with that song "Chariots of Fire" playing in the background.
- Craddock: part of RE2 would you say gave Carci the most trouble while you were labbing the game with him ahead of GDQ?
Matt: I would say when we were practicing Leon's run. Particularly the G3 and Super Tyrant fights at the very end of the run. Claire's kit is way better at controlling G3 by using acid rounds to stun him and G4 isn't that tough as long as you keep your distance and use your hand grenades to pop the eyes. For Leon, you really have to read and react to G3's mannerisms and with Super Tyrant he can be a pain if you mess up your rhythm with the grenade tosses.
Craddock: Were you happy the crowd voted for Claire? Or would you have preferred to see Leon?
Matt: I was happy he got to play as Claire because that's what he wanted and was more confident in. Me personally I would've liked to see him play as Leon because I want him to always be confident in his ability no matter who he plays as or what games he plays. I'm not saying he wasn't confident to do Leon but he was more comfortable with Claire's run.
Craddock: Carci says he was showboating when he tried to skip by Mr. X too quickly on the rooftop shortly after he appeared. Would you agree? How should Carci have handled that situation differently?
Matt: I'd agree but Mr. X's AI can be messed with. I think what almost got him in trouble is the movement in that game isn't very good. It's like controlling the warthog in Halo. That's why he almost got stuck at the door and Mr. X could've ended his run.
Craddock: RE5 is my favorite co-op game of all time. Is there a chance we could see you and Carci share the stage at GDQ for a no-damage attempt?
Matt: We have done RE5 co-op No Damage years ago for YouTube and I'm not sure if it would get into GDQ because it's a long game, but I think it we would nail it. We might do it again on our Twitch channels, so stay tuned.
Craddock: What are you working on now, and where would you like to see your channel go in the future?
Matt: So right now, I'm working on a No Damage Run called the “Primordial Run.” It comprises eight RE games and 20 scenarios on the highest difficulty. The goal is to beat all 20 scenarios in a row without taking a single point of damage. I take damage at any point no matter the scenario, I go all the way back to the 1st scenario. The games are RE1, RE2, RE3, RE1R, RE2R, RE3R, RE0 and CVX.
As for where I'd like to see my channel go in the future—I haven't really thought about it. I like to take it day by day and see the growth. I mainly do this to see others accomplish their goals for no damage.
