Is it worth practicing Olmec without bombs?

[Hardûn]

It seems at the moment that the only way to beat him is to use lots of bombs - is it worth practicing the boss without many bombs (via shortcuts) in order to be able to save bombs, or is the bombless method simply too difficult to bother trying?

I don't want to waste my time practicing running under him a million times if, in full runs, I'm only ever going to be spending bombs.

[Zind]

Yes, I'd say it's worth it. Even if you aren't planning to do speedruns (where killing him with bombs isn't an option), you'll get to save 10+ bombs which can be very valuable in Hell.
Besides, it is much simpler than you think. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Efcfimi_sZI to get the gist of it.

[Jakkauli]

I made the mistake to try the faster method while trying to get the Speedlunky achievement... I would've had plenty of time to bomb the floor, but I didn't.

~~6 minutes in, Olmec had crushed 2/3 off the floor, suddenly I just blew up. I'm not completely sure if Olmec moved slightly and it was enough to crush me, or did he touch my jetpack slightly.

I think it's worth practicing if you use the temple shortcut, but doing a full run and then trying it is a terrible idea IMO. I learned the hard way :D

I think it looks way easier than it actually is on that video. If your timing is off even slightly, Olmec will move right next to the wall and you don't have that safe spot to sit in, so he crushes you.

[MazLad]

I find the super speed method really tricky, although I've only had the sack to try it about 4 times. He seems to bash me when he's on the way up sometimes, even when I hadn't moved. I'll give it another go sometime but it really stresses me out!

In answer to the question, I think a good approach to start with Olmec is to do him without bombs, or, at least certainly less bombs. That way you can knock the ground out reasonably evenly so the terrain is level even as you get further down. It may take some time on the first few attempts but it's certainly useful for getting used to the way Olmec bounces about, while still giving you small enough gaps to jump so you can still have the free movement of the whole level. Not speedrunning but it's great just for generally learning and making you more prepared for future runs.

[Steven of Astora]

My only problem with this technique is that sometimes enemies just fall into the crevasses and you will HAVE to whip them or you will run into them, get stunned and get squished by Olmec. Unless you've spent a lot of time getting use to doing it then i would not suggest it on a hell run at all. Its just too damn risky. If you're doing a casual/speedrun then by all means go for it.

[Jakkauli]

Originally posted by Sunbro Steven:

My only problem with this technique is that sometimes enemies just fall into the crevasses and you will HAVE to whip them or you will run into them, get stunned and get squished by Olmec. Unless you've spent a lot of time getting use to doing it then i would not suggest it on a hell run at all. Its just too damn risky. If you're doing a casual/speedrun then by all means go for it.

You don't need to whip them, use ropes instead.

[Steven of Astora]

Originally posted by Jackayl:

Originally posted by Sunbro Steven:

My only problem with this technique is that sometimes enemies just fall into the crevasses and you will HAVE to whip them or you will run into them, get stunned and get squished by Olmec. Unless you've spent a lot of time getting use to doing it then i would not suggest it on a hell run at all. Its just too damn risky. If you're doing a casual/speedrun then by all means go for it.

You don't need to whip them, use ropes instead.

Its kind of hard to whip an enemy that has already fallen down the hole. It fine to deal with them while your to the left of right of Olmec. Im saying enemies are falling into the sides while im running under Olmec.