BLINDFOLDED 120 Star Speedrun World Record in Super Mario 64 Achieved by Bubzia

Hello fellow speedrunners and Super Mario 64 enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into a monumental achievement that pushed the boundaries of what we thought was possible. We're talking about the world's first and, to this day, only blindfolded 120-star speedrun world record in Super Mario 64, accomplished by the incredible Bubzia. This isn't just a record; it's a testament to dedication, memory mastery, and sheer willpower. Let's break down this insane run and the journey behind it.

The Unbelievable Feat

Bubzia's blindfolded 120-star Super Mario 64 speedrun is more than just a speedrun; it's a feat of human memory and execution. Imagine navigating the intricate levels of Peach's Castle, collecting all 120 stars, without ever seeing the screen. This monumental task was completed in an astonishing 11 hours, 22 minutes, and 43 seconds on May 8th, 2022. This category requires absolute reliance on muscle memory, audio cues, and an unparalleled understanding of the game's mechanics. It's a true display of hardcore gaming at its finest.

The Grueling Journey to the Record

The path to this WR was far from easy. Bubzia began this ambitious project in March 2021, dedicating over a year and two months to practice. The total time invested amounted to approximately 700 hours. This wasn't a quick grind; it involved numerous failed attempts, moments of doubt, and immense perseverance. This dedication showcases the true spirit of a dedicated gamer pushing their limits in speedrunning.

"This run is done single-segment and without outside help, which means that I have no other information available then my own memory and the game audio. There were also no unblindfolded breaks taken during the entire run."

The commitment to a single-segment run, meaning no breaks or external aids, amplifies the difficulty exponentially. Every input, every movement, had to be perfect, relying solely on internal knowledge and the game's sound design. This is the kind of POG moment that defines the speedrunning community.

Breaking Down the Blindfolded Run

The sheer scope of a 120-star run in Super Mario 64 is daunting. Doing it blindfolded elevates it to another level entirely. Bubzia meticulously planned and executed the route, navigating through iconic worlds like Bob-Omb Battlefield, Hazy Maze Cave, and the treacherous Tick-Tock Clock, all while blind. The provided timestamps offer a glimpse into the immense length and complexity of the run, detailing the progression through each level and boss encounter.

This is where the true mastery of Super Mario 64 mechanics comes into play. Players rely on precise movements, wall kicks, ledge grabs, and enemy patterns, none of which can be visually confirmed during a blindfolded run.

Key Strategies and Challenges

Executing a blindfolded speedrun requires a deep understanding of several key areas:

  • Memory Palace: Creating a mental map of every level, star location, and enemy placement is paramount.
  • Audio Cues: Listening intently to the game's audio for sound effects indicating star collection, enemy proximity, or environmental hazards.
  • Muscle Memory: Developing flawless execution of jumps, movements, and interactions through thousands of hours of practice.
  • RNG Manipulation (Subtle): While less about glitches, understanding and adapting to the game's random elements (like enemy spawns) is crucial.

Bubzia noted personal remarks about the run, acknowledging two major mistakes in SSL (Shifting Sand Land) and SL (Snowman's Land). Despite these, the run was described as "incredibly good," with many of the hardest stars being completed on the first try or "decently fast." This highlights the high level of consistency required for such a demanding challenge.

"Most of the hardest stars in the run were first try or at least decently fast."

Bubzia's Personal Reflections

Beyond the technical execution, Bubzia expressed immense gratitude for completing the project. The journey was filled with hardships, but also significant learning experiences and invaluable support from the community. This sentiment underscores the passion and camaraderie often found within the speedrunning world. The achievement is not just personal but also a contribution to the Super Mario 64 speedrun history.

Bubzia is now looking towards new projects, hinting at future challenges that the community can follow. This forward-thinking approach is characteristic of top-tier speedrunners always seeking the next boundary to push.

Support the Speedrunner and Join the Community

If Bubzia's incredible feat has inspired you, consider supporting their future endeavors. Following them on social media platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Twitter is a great way to stay updated on new records and challenges. For those who wish to provide more direct support, Patreon offers a way to contribute financially to the creation of more awesome content.

The speedrun community thrives on shared passion and support. Engaging with the runner and other fans on platforms like Discord or checking out their website can deepen your connection to the gaming world.

A special shoutout was also given to Bubzia's Patreons for their month-to-month support, demonstrating the power of community backing in the speedrunning scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a "blindfolded speedrun"?
A1: A blindfolded speedrun is a challenge where the player attempts to complete a game or a specific category without looking at the screen, relying entirely on memory, audio cues, and muscle memory.

Q2: How long did Bubzia practice for this run?
A2: Bubzia dedicated approximately 700 hours of practice over 1 year and 2 months to achieve this world record.

Q3: What is the significance of a "single-segment" run?
A3: A single-segment run means the entire challenge is completed in one continuous playthrough, without saving, loading, or taking breaks, making it much more demanding.

Q4: Are there other blindfolded categories in Super Mario 64?
A4: While other categories exist, the 120-star blindfolded run is considered one of the most difficult and has been achieved by very few players, with Bubzia setting the current world record.

Q5: Where can I watch the full run?
A5: You can typically find full speedrun VODs (Video On Demand) on the runner's Twitch channel or uploaded to their YouTube channel. Check the links provided in the article to find Bubzia's content.

This record is a monumental achievement in the Super Mario 64 speedrunning community and a testament to what dedication and skill can accomplish. It’s runs like these that push the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming and inspire aspiring speedrunners worldwide. What do you think of this incredible feat? Let us know in the comments below or join the discussion on our Discord server!