Introduction: The Enduring Allure of SM64
Cast your minds back, gamers. Twenty-five years. That's a quarter of a century! In the fast-paced world of video games, that's an eternity. Yet, here we are, still talking, still playing, and most importantly, still *speedrunning* a game that first graced our consoles in 1996:
Super Mario 64. The question isn't *if* SM64 speedruns are in a golden age, but rather, how did we get here, and what does this renaissance signify for the broader
speedrunning community? As a passionate speedrunner myself, I've witnessed this evolution firsthand, and let me tell you, it's been nothing short of spectacular.
This isn't just about chasing records; it's about innovation, dedication, and the sheer joy of mastering a beloved classic. We're talking about pixel-perfect maneuvers, mind-bending glitches, and strategies that continue to push the boundaries of what's possible. If you're looking to understand the current state of SM64 speedrunning, why it's experiencing such a boom, and what the future holds, you've come to the right place.
The Unprecedented Golden Age: 2021 and Beyond
The year 2021 was a watershed moment for
Super Mario 64 speedrunning. It wasn't just one record broken; it was a clean sweep across nearly every major category. We saw new
World Records fall in
0 Star,
1 Star,
16 Star,
70 Star, and the notoriously demanding
120 Star categories. This sustained period of record-breaking isn't just a fluke; it's a testament to the depth of the game and the relentless ingenuity of its player base.
This "golden age" isn't solely defined by the top players. It's amplified by a vibrant community that constantly shares new ideas and techniques. The discovery and optimization of new
skips and
exploits, combined with a deep understanding of the game's engine, allow for continuous time saves. It’s a fascinating cycle: a new strategy is discovered, refined, and then adopted by the community, leading to faster times and setting new benchmarks.
Evolution of Strategies: From Blips to BLJs
When
Super Mario 64 first released, speedrunning was in its infancy. Early runs were a far cry from today's lightning-fast attempts. The infamous
Backwards Long Jump (BLJ), a glitch that allows Mario to gain impossible vertical height by performing a long jump backward against a wall, wasn't even fully understood or utilized to its potential initially. This single exploit alone drastically changed optimal routes, allowing players to skip entire levels or reach objectives much earlier.
Over the years, the community has meticulously dissected the game's code and physics. We've seen the development of:
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Object Clipping: Manipulating objects and Mario's collision to pass through walls or geometry.
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Frame-Perfect Inputs: Executing commands with absolute precision to gain minuscule advantages that add up over a run.
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Specific Movement Techniques: Mastering techniques like the
Sword Flying (a form of flight using specific object interactions) or the "
moonjump skip" in certain levels.
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RNG Manipulation: While less prevalent in SM64 than some other games, understanding and sometimes influencing random number generation can be crucial for specific strats.
The continuous discovery and refinement of these techniques are what keep
Super Mario 64 speedruns feeling fresh and exciting. Each new strategy is a puzzle piece discovered, meticulously fitted into the grand picture of a perfect run.
The depth of Super Mario 64's mechanics means that even after 25 years, new discoveries are still being made, pushing the boundaries of what players thought was possible.
Key Categories and Record-Breaking Feats
The beauty of
Super Mario 64 speedrunning lies in its diverse categories, each offering a unique challenge:
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0 Star: The ultimate test of movement and glitch mastery. Players aim to collect zero stars and beat the game, requiring complex
out of bounds strategies and BLJs to reach Bowser.
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1 Star: A slight increase in complexity, requiring just one star to progress, opening up new routing possibilities.
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16 Star: A popular category that involves collecting 16 stars to unlock specific doors, demanding a balance of efficient movement and targeted star collection.
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70 Star: Requires collecting 70 stars, which opens up the path to the final Bowser fight without relying on as many extreme glitches. This category often focuses on precise execution of common tricks.
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120 Star: The pinnacle of SM64 speedrunning, demanding the completionist approach of collecting every single star. This category is incredibly long and tests endurance, consistency, and mastery of every trick in the book.
In 2021, the pace of improvement in these categories was astonishing. Records that stood for years were shattered, and new runners emerged to challenge the established elite. This competitive environment is a hallmark of a healthy speedrunning scene. The constant pursuit of a
Personal Best, let alone a
World Record, drives this incredible evolution.
A significant factor contributing to
Super Mario 64's current golden age is the increased visibility brought by popular streamers and content creators. Figures like
Mizkif,
Emiru, and
Ludwig have, at various times, brought massive audiences to watch SM64 speedruns, either live or through highlight reels. This exposure introduces the game and its speedrunning potential to a new generation of players who might not have otherwise discovered it.
This influx of attention is incredibly beneficial. It fuels interest, encourages new runners to pick up the game, and often leads to faster innovation as more minds work on the same problems. It’s a virtuous cycle where popularity breeds more content, which in turn drives more popularity. The
gaming community benefits from this renewed energy, creating a more dynamic and engaging landscape for everyone.
The accessibility of watching speedruns on platforms like Twitch and YouTube has demystified the process for many, inspiring countless new players to give it a try.
What Comes Next for SM64 Speedrunning?
Predicting the future of speedrunning is always a challenge, but for
Super Mario 64, the outlook is incredibly bright. We can expect:
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Continued Optimization: Even with current records, runners will undoubtedly find ways to shave off milliseconds through micro-optimizations and new strats.
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New Discoveries: The game is still being explored. It's not impossible that a completely new major
game-breaking glitch or skip could be found, reshaping the routing for entire categories.
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Emergence of New Talent: As older records are set, new speedrunners will rise, bringing fresh perspectives and unique skills.
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Expansion of Niche Categories: Beyond the main categories, more obscure or challenge-based runs (like
Blind Speedruns or specific
challenge runs) will continue to grow in popularity.
The passion for
Super Mario 64 is clearly as strong as ever. Its timeless design, combined with a dedicated and innovative community, ensures that its speedrunning legacy will continue to thrive for years to come. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when a classic game meets an enthusiastic player base.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest speedrun category for Super Mario 64?
The fastest category is typically the 0 Star category, which relies heavily on complex glitches like the Backwards Long Jump (BLJ) to skip large portions of the game and reach the final boss as quickly as possible.
How long does it take to become proficient at Super Mario 64 speedrunning?
Proficiency varies greatly depending on the category and individual dedication. Mastering basic movement and common strats for a category like 16 Star might take weeks or months, while competing for world records in 120 Star can take years of dedicated practice.
What tools are used for Super Mario 64 speedrunning?
Common tools include a
LiveSplit timer to track progress, practice ROMs or save states for honing specific tricks, and video recording/editing software to submit runs for verification.
Are there any major controversies in Super Mario 64 speedrunning?
Like many competitive scenes, SM64 speedrunning has seen its share of controversies, often related to disputed
speedrun records, cheating allegations, or community drama. However, the focus remains largely on genuine skill and discovery.
Where can I find resources to start speedrunning Super Mario 64?
The best resources include the
Super Mario 64 leaderboards on speedrun.com, which provide guides, videos, and community forums. Dedicated SM64 speedrunning Discord servers are also invaluable for learning strats and connecting with other runners.
The journey of
Super Mario 64 speedrunning is far from over. It’s a living, breathing testament to the enduring power of great game design and the incredible creativity of its player base. Whether you're a seasoned speedrunner aiming for a new
PB or a newcomer curious about the magic, the world of SM64 speedrunning offers endless excitement and discovery.
What are your favorite SM64 speedrun moments or strategies? Share them in the comments below or join our
Discord to discuss!
