Ready to dive back into a classic that defined a generation of platforming? New Super Mario Bros. Wii isn't just a nostalgic trip; it's a treasure trove of insane glitches, clever skips, and mind-bending strategies perfect for any aspiring speedrunner. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the core elements of a successful NSMB Wii speedrun, from essential techniques to route optimizations that will shave precious seconds off your time. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just dipping your toes into the world of speedrunning, prepare to be amazed by the depth and potential hidden within this beloved title.
Introduction: Why New Super Mario Bros. Wii?
New Super Mario Bros. Wii (NSMB Wii) holds a special place in many gamers' hearts. Its intuitive controls, vibrant world, and accessible yet challenging gameplay make it a perfect candidate for speedrunning. Unlike some titles that require obscure knowledge, NSMB Wii's speedrun potential lies in mastering fundamental movement, exploiting well-known glitches, and executing precise platforming under pressure. The community has developed incredibly creative strategies, turning seemingly simple levels into complex puzzles of timing and execution. My own journey into speedrunning this game was a revelation; the sheer number of ways to shave off time in familiar environments was astonishing. This guide aims to unlock that potential for you.
Core Speedrun Techniques
Before diving into specific levels, mastering a few core techniques is crucial for any NSMB Wii speedrunner. These are the building blocks upon which all advanced strategies are built.
- Fast Running & Jumping: Obvious, but essential. Constant forward momentum is key. Learn to chain jumps, utilizing the full jump arc for maximum distance and speed.
- Wall Jumps: Essential for vertical traversal and sometimes for sequence breaks. Practice wall jumping quickly and efficiently without losing forward momentum.
- Spin Jump: This move not only allows for a controlled descent but can also be used to extend jumps slightly or break through certain blocks. Mastering the timing of the spin is vital.
- Ground Pound: Useful for breaking blocks quickly or activating certain mechanisms. Learn to execute it immediately upon landing.
In my experience, the most overlooked skill is simply maintaining constant forward momentum. Even tiny pauses add up significantly over a full run.
Major Skips and Glitches
The magic of speedrunning often lies in finding shortcuts, and NSMB Wii is full of them. These are some of the most impactful:
- Flagpole Glitch: In certain levels, it's possible to grab the flagpole mid-air or at an angle that triggers the end of the level without needing to touch the ground below it. This saves a significant amount of time.
- Pipe Clips: By performing precise jumps and sometimes utilizing enemy positioning or specific item effects, runners can clip through the geometry of pipes to bypass sections of levels.
- Enemy Manipulation: Using enemies like Goombas or Koopa Troopas strategically – either by jumping on them in specific ways or by manipulating their pathing – can open up new routes or allow for faster progression.
- World 7-1 Skip: One of the most famous skips in the game. By performing a complex series of jumps and utilizing the cannon at the beginning of the level, runners can bypass a large portion of World 7-1, saving critical seconds. This requires immense practice.
Level Breakdowns and Strategies
Let's look at a few key levels and the strategies commonly employed:
World 1-1: The Basics
The opening level is all about establishing momentum. Focus on running continuously, performing precise jumps over small gaps, and grabbing the flagpole as high as possible. There aren't major skips here, but clean execution sets the tone.
World 1-2: The First Pipe Clip
This level introduces the concept of clipping. Early in the level, after the first few pipes, there's an opportunity to perform a wall-kick into a pipe, bypassing a section. Mastering this specific clip is a good indicator of your potential for more complex glitches later on. This ties into learning early
PB strategies.
World 4-2: The Mushroom Platform Glitch
A notable glitch involves the mushroom platforms. Under specific conditions, you can trick the game into thinking you've landed on a platform you haven't, allowing you to pass through it or reach areas otherwise inaccessible. This requires precise timing and positioning.
World 7-1: The Infamous Skip
As mentioned, this level is defined by its major skip. The strategy involves using a cannonball launch to propel Mario over a massive section of the level. This is arguably the most difficult execution in a standard any% run and requires dedicated practice. The skill required here showcases excellent
speedrun execution.
The World 7-1 skip is a rite of passage. Seeing it done perfectly is exhilarating, and finally nailing it yourself is one of the most rewarding feelings in NSMB Wii speedrunning.
Route Optimization and Practice
The "best" route can sometimes vary depending on the runner's strengths and the specific category (e.g., Any%, 100%). However, some principles remain constant:
- Minimize Backtracking: Always aim for forward progress. Any movement that takes you backward, even slightly, is usually time lost.
- Aggressive Movement: Don't hesitate. Commit to jumps and actions. Hesitation is a speedrunner's worst enemy.
- RNG Exploitation (or Mitigation): Some elements, like enemy spawns or item block contents, are subject to Random Number Generation (RNG). While you can't control it, learning optimal paths that work *most* of the time, or paths that mitigate bad RNG, is key. Understanding the world's patterns helps immensely.
- Consistent Practice: Speedrunning is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistent, focused practice on difficult sections is essential. Break down the run into segments and perfect each one before stringing them together. Utilize resources like speedrun.com for leaderboards and discussions.
Regularly watching top runners is also invaluable. Observing their movements, their decision-making in tricky situations, and their execution of glitches can provide insights you might not discover on your own. This is part of the continuous learning in
speedrunning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current World Record for New Super Mario Bros. Wii?
The World Record changes frequently as runners discover new strategies. For the most up-to-date information, please check the official leaderboards on speedrun.com for New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
Is New Super Mario Bros. Wii a difficult game to speedrun?
It strikes a good balance. While the basics are accessible, mastering the advanced glitches and optimizations requires significant practice and precision, making it challenging yet rewarding.
What is the difference between Any% and 100% speedruns in NSMB Wii?
An Any% run aims to complete the game as quickly as possible by any means necessary, often utilizing major glitches. A 100% run requires completing every level, collecting all Star Coins, and achieving specific in-game milestones, making it a much longer and more complex challenge.
Are there any specific controller settings recommended for speedrunning NSMB Wii?
Most runners use a Wii Remote and Nunchuk combination for optimal control and button access. Experiment to find what feels most comfortable and allows for the fastest execution.
Where can I find communities or resources for NSMB Wii speedrunning?
The best places are the dedicated pages on speedrun.com, official NSMB Wii Discord servers, and by watching top runners' streams on platforms like Twitch. These communities are usually very welcoming to new runners.
In conclusion, New Super Mario Bros. Wii offers a rich and engaging speedrunning experience. Its blend of classic Mario platforming with exploitable mechanics provides endless opportunities for optimization and personal bests. Whether you're aiming for a world record or just want to shave a few minutes off your personal time, the journey of mastering this game is incredibly fun and rewarding. So, grab your controller, dive into the Mushroom Kingdom, and start practicing those skips! We'd love to hear about your progress and any crazy strats you discover in the comments below. Join our Discord to connect with fellow speedrunners!
