What's up, speedrunning fanatics! EazySpeezy here, and today we're diving deep into something truly wild – a speedrun of "Cursed Mario 64." This wasn't your average run; it pushed my skills, my patience, and maybe even my sanity to the absolute limit. If you're looking for the ultimate flex in the
gaming world, this might just be my greatest accomplishment. Stick around, because I'm breaking down exactly what went down.
What is Cursed Mario 64?
For those not in the know, "Cursed Mario 64" isn't an official
Nintendo release. It's a fan-made, heavily modified version of the original
Super Mario 64, often created using tools like the
Super Mario 64 PC port. The "curse" comes from the deliberate introduction of glitches, altered physics, unfair enemy placement, and generally chaotic level design. Think of it as
Mario 64 on steroids, but the steroids are made of pure, unadulterated chaos. These ROM hacks are designed to be challenging, unpredictable, and often hilarious to watch – especially when a runner is trying to master them for a speedrun.
The Decision to Speedrun It
As many of you know, my channel often delves into the more casual side of
speedruns. I love showcasing cool runs and making them accessible. However, I also thrive on pushing boundaries. When I saw the potential for insane challenges within cursed versions of beloved games like
Mario 64, I was hooked. The idea of taking a game everyone knows and turning it into a nightmare, and then mastering that nightmare? That's the kind of challenge that gets my adrenaline pumping. It’s about testing the limits of skill and breaking down complex, seemingly impossible tasks into manageable segments.
Training and Strats
Mastering a cursed ROM hack for a speedrun requires a completely different approach than a standard run. You can't rely on muscle memory from the original game. Instead, it's about deep-diving into the specific modifications:
- Glitch Exploitation: Identifying and reliably executing new glitches introduced by the hack.
- Pattern Recognition: Memorizing enemy spawn patterns, hazard timings, and unique level mechanics.
- RNG Manipulation (if possible): Understanding and potentially influencing Random Number Generator (RNG) outcomes to favor favorable events.
- Route Optimization: Creating the fastest possible path through the cursed levels, often involving risky maneuvers.
This specific run involved figuring out entirely new movement tech and understanding how the "curses" affected physics. It was a steep learning curve, and some days felt like I was back at square one.
The sheer unpredictability of "Cursed Mario 64" meant that hours of practice could be undone by a single, unforeseen event.
Key Moments and Struggles
There were countless moments during practice where I thought about quitting. The infamous "Tick Tock Clock" in this version was a particular beast. The usual time-sensitive mechanics were amplified with new hazards and physics quirks that made reaching the flagpole feel like scaling Mount Everest. I distinctly remember one practice session where I had a near-perfect run going, only to be taken out by a randomly placed Boo that wasn't there in any previous attempt. It’s those moments that test your resolve.
I also had to work closely with the creator of the Super Mario 64 FPS mod, @MixMorris, to understand some of the deeper engine changes that made this cursed version possible. Their insights were invaluable in developing effective
strats.
Watching the world record run by others in similar mods often provides inspiration, but for a cursed hack, the record is often just whoever can survive the longest without losing their mind!
RNG and Unpredictability
One of the defining characteristics of a "cursed" ROM hack is the reliance on RNG. Unlike a standard speedrun where routes are meticulously planned and executed with precision, here you often find yourself at the mercy of random elements. Whether it's the timing of enemy patrols, the trajectory of projectiles, or even the placement of platforms, you have to adapt on the fly. This makes every run feel unique and adds an extra layer of tension. You can have the perfect setup, but one bad RNG roll can cost you minutes, or the entire run. It’s a constant battle against the game itself.
The Final Run
When the stars finally aligned, and I felt confident enough to attempt a full
speedrun, the tension was palpable. Every input felt critical. The run was a rollercoaster of near-disasters and clutch saves. There were moments where I executed a complex trick flawlessly, followed immediately by a blunder that put me seconds away from failure. It’s this emotional journey that makes speedrunning so addictive. Witnessing the
PB come together after so much struggle is an unparalleled feeling. You can watch the full run here: [Link to EazySpeezy's Cursed Mario 64 Speedrun Video].
This run is a testament to perseverance. It's about embracing the chaos and finding a way to win, even when the game actively tries to stop you.
Why Speedrun This Game?
So, why would anyone intentionally subject themselves to this kind of challenge? For me, it's about:
- Pushing Boundaries: Exploring the extreme limits of gameplay and skill.
- Community Contribution: Showcasing unique mods and inspiring others.
- Personal Growth: Overcoming immense difficulty builds incredible problem-solving skills and mental fortitude.
- Pure Fun: Honestly, mastering something this absurd is incredibly rewarding and entertaining.
My channel generally focuses on a more casual side of speedruns. With these videos, I want to show off cool speedruns, explain how they work, and entertain. Hopefully, you enjoy the content and maybe even take up
speedrunning yourself, because it is truly a lot of fun!
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Preguntas Frecuentes
What is the difference between a normal Mario 64 speedrun and a cursed one?
A normal
Mario 64 speedrun follows the intended game mechanics and established optimal routes. A "cursed" run, however, utilizes heavily modified ROM hacks that introduce intentional glitches, altered physics, unfair challenges, and unpredictable elements, requiring entirely new strategies and a higher tolerance for chaos.
Is "Cursed Mario 64" an official game?
No, "Cursed Mario 64" is not an official game. It refers to fan-made modifications, or ROM hacks, of the original
Super Mario 64, designed to be significantly more difficult and unpredictable.
How long does a Cursed Mario 64 speedrun typically take?
The duration can vary wildly depending on the specific ROM hack and the runner's skill. Some might be slightly longer than a standard run, while others, due to extreme difficulty and RNG, can take significantly longer or be considered "unbeatable" by many.
Where can I watch more speedruns like this?
You can find more speedruns, including those of cursed ROM hacks, on platforms like
YouTube and
Twitch. Following specific streamers or checking out resources like speedrun.com for leaderboards and discussions is also highly recommended.
So there you have it – my insane dive into the world of "Cursed Mario 64." It was a wild ride, filled with frustration, triumph, and a whole lot of laughs (mostly at my own expense). If you've ever attempted a particularly brutal
speedrun or tackled a crazy
gaming challenge, let me know in the comments below! What's the most cursed game you've ever tried to beat?
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