[State 1000, Button Detect]
type = VarSet
trigger1 = !Time && !AILevel
var(1) = ifElse((command = "x" || command = "rlsx"), 0, ifElse((command = "y" || command = "rlsy"), 1, 2))
[State 1000, ChangeAnim]
type = ChangeAnim
trigger1 = !Time
value = 1000+var(1)
[State 205, Time Offset]
type = VarSet
trigger1 = moveContact = 1
var(x) = Time
ignorehitpause = 1
persistent = 0
[State 205, Play Anim]
type = ChangeAnim
triggerall = AnimElemTime(y) >= 0 && AnimElemTime(z) <= 0
trigger1 = hitPauseTime = [1,{pausetime} - ({total number of frames up until the end of the first frame of animation} - Var(x))]
value = anim
elem = z
ignorehitpause = 1
value = ifElse(var(1) = 0, 1000, ifElse(var(1) = 1, 1001, 1002))
1. Don't use a variable if you don't have to. Using many variables could get confusing to you and it's just not even worth wasting them. If you need to use variables, make sure to jot down their usage for yourself and others who might want to edit your character.Basically I should try to use the non helper variables for in fight stuff that needs 1 tick precision and I should use helper variables for anything that doesn't have to be that precise in battle. So all system related things should use a helper variable.
2. Helpers have their own variables! Don't be afraid to use helpers for variables. If you know how to use redirection triggers, then using helpers to harness variables is not only convenient, you essentially have tons more variables at your disposal. Remember, though, just because you can, doesn't mean you should, and reading helpers' variables is slow by 1 tick in some cases, so it might not work as best as you may want.
Are there any other tips to help me conserve variables early on so I do not mess myself up later? Besides don't use any that I don't have to use
First you need to ask yourself, why do I need more than 60 vars for a Street Fighter based game?Getting ready for work so I don't have a lot of time to look and see all the variables. I might not need over 60 at all. I'm just looking at various tutorials for specific things. Off memory Rolento's focus attack coding requires 4 variables by itself. Basically it's all the different types of mechanics from various SF games that worry me. Just looking through tutorials a lot need 2 or more variables. It feels like they will add up fast. But it might not be as bad as I'm making it out to be. Once I start using them I may see that in the end all of it still doesn't amount to 60 variables. Byakko mentioned that one user than ran out of variables real quick for their full game. So I'm just trying to prepare for the worst case scenario!
It would be a good idea if you post the list of variables being used. I'm sure that some of them are either redundant or can be grouped into a single variable.