I can run Super Mario in an emulator, at 320x240, and use about 40% of my processor. I can also run Raiden Fighters in Mame, at 240x320, and have it take 90%. I conclude that Raiden Fighters and Mame together have bad code.

You're doing something wrong if CC takes 60 percent of your cpu power without some major physics going on. Also the argument that 2d games take little processing power is ridiculous. That's like saying that it's tons harder to make a great 3d model than to make a great painting. CC would take almost no processing power without terrain deformation.

Then an option to remove terrain deformation should be added. I've seen games where there are options to make the terrain unchangable/locked. Would this not be possible?

I think it might be possible, but imo it would ruin the point of Cortex. All the gibs would pile up and not be diggable, doors would remain entirely impassable.

Actually, from what I understand of the engine, that would be really ♥♥♥♥ hard to do. I mean really, for one thing you're changing literally the oldest part of the engine; the one thing Data would pretty much never change. And not just changing it, you're removing it entirely. It's also the most basic feature of gameplay; what would CC be without diggers?

Plus it'd require major engine reworking which I'd rather he do optimization on than change for the whim of a fan or two.

1. Open every single terrain .bmp in Base.rte using Paint.
2. Select the color Red (R255 G0 B0).
3. Select the paint bucket tool.
4. Color EVERYTHING except the PINK/PURPLE parts with the selected color.
5. ???
6. Viola, 99.8% indestructible terrain.
7. Profit.

Pretty much the only way to do it.

note: Maxim's way of making terrain really tough also makes it look like ass.
i was thinking more add 1904892 to every structuralintegrity line, however it doesnt reduce lag at all, just saying.

that and i agree with grif, terrain deformation is kind of integral to CC.