Hey fellow speedrunners and Mario 64 enthusiasts! If you've been following the competitive scene, you know that even after decades, the legendary Super Mario 64 community is still unearthing revolutionary techniques. Today, we're diving deep into a newly discovered skip that could potentially shake up the world of 16-star and 70-star speedruns. We're talking about the Bob-omb Battlefield (BoB) Koopa Race route, and it’s a big deal!
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The Discovery: A New Path Through Bob-omb Battlefield
This isn't just any minor tweak; it's a completely new way to approach a classic level. Shoutout to the incredible @circumark994 (also known as 宇佐美まさむね) for their groundbreaking work in finding and documenting this innovative route. For years, speedrunners have optimized every possible frame, but this find proves there's still magic to uncover in this N64 masterpiece.
The new strategy focuses on the Koopa the Quick race within Bob-omb Battlefield. By expertly chaining together advanced movement techniques, players can now shave precious seconds off their RTA (Real-Time Attack) runs. This is the kind of discovery that reignites passion within the SM64 speedrunning community, pushing boundaries and inspiring new attempts at personal bests (PBs) and even world records (WRs).
Breaking Down the Strategy: Framewalk, Chip Clip, and Beyond
So, what exactly makes this skip so special? It’s a masterful combination of existing high-level techniques, woven together with a new insight. We're talking about the precise execution of framewalking, where players manipulate Mario's movement frame by frame to gain subtle advantages. Then there's the chip clip, a glitch that allows Mario to clip through certain surfaces under specific conditions.
When you combine these with established strategies like the HMC (Hurt Mario Climb) 100 coin strategy and the Koopa SM64 balls route, you start to see the potential. This isn't a simple button press; it requires near-perfect execution and a deep understanding of Mario's physics engine. The goal is to create a smoother, faster path, bypassing the usual slower sections of the race.
"This skip is a testament to the enduring depth of Super Mario 64. Even after all these years, the community continues to find ways to break the game in the most ingenious ways. It’s pure speedrunning artistry."
The exact implementation involves a series of precise jumps, wall kicks, and sometimes even strategic use of the environment itself. It's about finding the shortest possible path, not just the intended one. This often means exploiting the game's engine in ways the developers never anticipated, which is the essence of cutting-edge speedrunning.
Impact on Speedrunning Categories
The implications of this new skip are massive, particularly for the 16 Star and 70 Star categories. These categories rely heavily on efficient movement and exploiting major glitches or shortcuts. A consistent, reliable skip that saves significant time could drastically alter the current world records. We might be looking at a new era of SM64 speedrunning, where runners will need to master this technique to even be competitive.
Even in the highly optimized 120 Star category, where every second counts, new routing possibilities could emerge. While the core route might remain the same, this skip could offer a faster alternative for specific segments, potentially leading to a new World Record. It’s exciting to think about how this discovery will ripple through different categories and challenge established strategies.
Consider the potential for personal bests. For many players, shaving even a few seconds can be a monumental achievement. This new route offers a tangible goal and a new frontier for runners to explore. It’s this constant innovation that keeps the speedrun gaming scene so dynamic.
The Community's Reaction and Future Implications
The SM64 speedrun community has always been incredibly active and collaborative. News of this skip has spread like wildfire, with runners already dissecting the video, practicing the inputs, and discussing its potential. It’s inspiring to see so many people come together, sharing knowledge and pushing the limits of what’s possible.
Will this lead to a "cheese WR" (a world record achieved through a dominant, perhaps less skillful but highly effective strategy)? Or will it be a true testament to skill, requiring immense practice? The debate is already underway.
We've seen legendary runners like Karl Jobst and others analyze major speedrunning breakthroughs, and this discovery is certainly on that level. It’s a reminder that no game, no matter how old, is ever truly "solved." The pursuit of perfection is endless in the world of speedrunning.
The discovery also highlights the importance of documentation and community sharing. Without @circumark994’s detailed breakdown, this skip might have remained an isolated trick for a select few. This collaborative spirit is what makes the speedrunning community so special.
"Every new skip is a puzzle. Some are simple, some are complex, but they all add a new layer to the strategy. This BoB race skip is definitely on the complex side, but the reward is immense."
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a "skip" in speedrunning?
A skip is a technique or glitch that allows a speedrunner to bypass a section of the game that was intended to be played through, saving time.
How much time does this new Mario 64 skip save?
Early estimates suggest it can save around 1.7 seconds in RTA (Real-Time Attack) runs for the Koopa the Quick race in Bob-omb Battlefield, which is significant in competitive speedruns.
Is this skip difficult to perform?
Yes, this skip requires mastery of advanced techniques like framewalking and chip clipping, demanding precise inputs and a deep understanding of the game's mechanics.
Which speedrun categories will this affect the most?
The most significant impact is expected in the 16 Star and 70 Star categories, but it could also influence routing in other categories, including 120 Star, potentially leading to new world records.
Where can I learn more about this skip?
You can find detailed breakdowns and demonstration videos from the discoverer, @circumark994, and discussions within the SM64 speedrun community on platforms like YouTube and Twitch.
This discovery is a thrilling reminder of why we love speedrunning. It's a constant evolution, driven by passion, ingenuity, and the relentless pursuit of the fastest possible time. The world of Super Mario 64 speedrunning just got a whole lot more interesting!
What are your thoughts on this new skip? Do you think it will lead to a new WR? Share your opinions and your own speedrunning achievements in the comments below! We love hearing from the community.