Hey fellow speedrunners and Mario fans! Ever scrolled through YouTube or Twitch and stumbled upon a "speedrun" that made you scratch your head and ask, "What am I even watching?" If you've delved into the wild world of
Super Mario Odyssey, you've likely encountered the glorious chaos that are meme speedruns. Forget any% or 100% completion; these runs are all about exploiting glitches, executing nonsensical strategies, and achieving times that are, frankly, absurd. Today, we're diving deep into the weirdest, funniest, and most mind-bending meme speedruns this game has to offer.
What Exactly Are Meme Speedruns?
Forget optimal routing and frame-perfect inputs. Meme speedruns, often called "meme strats" or "joke runs," are a subgenre of speedrunning that prioritizes humor and absurdity over genuine efficiency. The goal isn't necessarily to finish the game as fast as possible in a conventional sense, but to finish it using deliberately silly, impractical, or outright broken methods. Think of it as an anti-speedrun, where the journey is more about making the audience laugh than about setting a new
World Record. It's where the phrase "Deez nuts!" can somehow become a pivotal part of a run, as bizarre as that sounds.
These runs often rely on obscure glitches, unintended mechanics, or simply finding the most ridiculous way to progress. The challenge lies in executing these meme strats consistently, which can sometimes be harder than standard speedrunning techniques. It’s a testament to the creativity and dedication of the
gamer community to find humor in the most unexpected places.
The Rise of Odyssey Meme Strats
Super Mario Odyssey, with its vast open worlds, Cappy mechanics, and surprisingly complex physics engine, has proven to be fertile ground for meme speedruns. The game's sandbox nature allows for a lot of emergent gameplay, and the speedrunning community has been more than happy to exploit it for comedic effect. Early meme runs often focused on simple skips or sequence breaks that were more amusing than game-breaking. However, as players dug deeper, they discovered more outlandish glitches and techniques.
The introduction of obscure movement techs, like unintended wall clips or bizarre interactions with enemies and the environment, opened up a whole new world of possibilities. Watching a runner pull off a seemingly impossible maneuver that results in them bypassing entire sections of a level is both impressive and hilarious. These aren't just random mistakes; they're calculated risks taken for the sake of a good laugh and a potentially faster, albeit unconventional, time.
Iconic Meme Runs and Glitches
What makes a meme run truly iconic? It's usually a combination of a ridiculous strategy and a memorable execution. While specific runs can change rapidly, some recurring themes and glitches stand out in the Mario Odyssey speedrunning scene:
* **The "Nuts" Strat**: Yes, that's right. Some runs have humorously incorporated references to popular memes, leading to bizarre setups and reactions. This often involves achieving a specific, often pointless, outcome just to execute the meme.
* **Glitched Movement Tech**: Players have found ways to manipulate Mario's movement to achieve speeds and trajectories never intended by the developers. This includes things like "out of bounds" exploration or using enemy interactions to launch Mario across vast distances.
* **Absurd Power-Up Exploitation**: Using Cappy in unintended ways or exploiting the properties of certain captured enemies can lead to hilarious situations. Imagine using a possessed Goomba to stack up to impossible heights or using a Cheep Cheep to fly across the screen.
* **The "Chaos Magick" Approach**: Some runners embrace pure, unadulterated chaos. The strategy might be to intentionally cause as many glitches as possible in a short span, hoping for a favorable outcome or just for the spectacle.
The beauty of meme runs is that they constantly evolve. What's a joke strategy today could become a legitimate, albeit still funny, part of a run tomorrow. It's a dynamic and ever-changing landscape of digital silliness.
The dedication required to master these obscure glitches is often staggering. It’s not uncommon to see hours of practice go into executing a single, laugh-out-loud moment. This dedication highlights the passion within the
speedrunning community, even when the goal is pure comedy.
The Community and Creativity
The meme speedrun community is a vibrant and often hilarious corner of the broader speedrunning world. It's a place where experimentation is encouraged, and failure is often as funny as success. Platforms like
Twitch and
YouTube are crucial for sharing these runs. Seeing players like
AllieTheWump edit and showcase these moments adds another layer of polish to the comedic experience.
This creative outlet allows runners to express themselves in unique ways. It’s a way to engage with a beloved game on a different level, pushing its boundaries and finding new, unexpected interactions. The community thrives on sharing these discoveries, whether it's a new glitch, a funny clip, or a particularly impressive (or disastrous) attempt at a meme strat. It's a collaborative effort to find the funnier side of gaming perfection.
These meme runs are a brilliant reminder that gaming isn't always about achieving peak performance. Sometimes, it's just about having a laugh with friends and seeing how absurd you can make things.
The shared laughter and camaraderie are what make these runs so special. It's a space where the pressure of competitive
speedrun times is lifted, replaced by the joy of shared absurdity.
Why We Love Them
So, why are meme speedruns in Super Mario Odyssey so captivating?
* **Unpredictability**: You never quite know what's going to happen next. Will the glitch work? Will Mario fall out of the map? Will the runner suddenly shout something nonsensical? The chaos is part of the appeal.
* **Creativity and Ingenuity**: It takes a special kind of mind to look at a game's mechanics and think, "How can I break this in the funniest way possible?" These runs showcase incredible ingenuity.
* **Relatability (in a weird way)**: While the glitches might be obscure, the humor is universal. We've all had those moments in games where something unexpected happens, and meme runs amplify that experience to the extreme.
* **Community Spirit**: They foster a sense of shared experience and inside jokes within the gaming community. Being "in on the joke" is a big part of the fun.
* **Pure Entertainment**: Let's be honest, they are often incredibly funny to watch. They provide a refreshing break from the intense focus often associated with traditional speedrunning.
How to Get Involved
Interested in diving into the world of Mario Odyssey meme speedruns? Here’s how you can join the fun:
1. **Watch Them**: Check out platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Search for "Super Mario Odyssey meme run," "Mario Odyssey glitch compilation," or follow specific streamers known for this type of content.
2. **Learn the Strats**: Many runners share their techniques. Watch tutorials or breakdowns if you want to understand the mechanics behind the madness.
3. **Try Them Yourself**: Grab your copy of Super Mario Odyssey and start experimenting! Don't be afraid to break the game. Share your own attempts using relevant hashtags like #SMOMemeRun or #MarioOdysseyGlitches.
4. **Join the Community**: Engage in discussions on forums, Discord servers dedicated to speedrunning, or directly in the chat during
streaming sessions. You might find valuable insights or just a good laugh.
5. **Support the Creators**: If you enjoy the content, consider following the streamers, subscribing to their channels, or supporting them through donations or platform memberships. This encourages them to keep creating hilarious content.
The world of meme speedruns is a testament to the boundless creativity and humor within the gaming community. It’s a space where the impossible becomes hilarious and the rulebook is thrown out the window.
Meme speedruns in Super Mario Odyssey are a perfect blend of skill, absurdity, and pure, unadulterated fun. They remind us that at its core, gaming is about enjoyment, experimentation, and sharing memorable moments with others. So next time you boot up Odyssey, don't just aim for the stars; aim for the glitches, the laughs, and the glorious chaos of a truly epic meme run!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of a meme speedrun?
The primary goal is to entertain and amuse the audience through absurd, humorous, or impractical strategies, often involving glitches, rather than achieving the fastest possible completion time in a conventional sense.
Are meme speedruns difficult to execute?
Yes, meme speedruns can be surprisingly difficult. While the strategies might seem nonsensical, executing them consistently often requires precise timing, deep knowledge of glitches, and dedicated practice, sometimes even more so than standard speedruns.
Where can I find Super Mario Odyssey meme speedruns?
You can find them on video platforms like YouTube and live-streaming sites like Twitch. Searching for terms like "Super Mario Odyssey meme run," "Mario Odyssey glitches," or "funny Mario Odyssey speedrun" should yield plenty of results.
Can anyone create a meme speedrun?
Absolutely! The beauty of meme speedruns is their accessibility. While mastering complex glitches takes time, the spirit of experimentation and humor means anyone can try to create their own unique and funny runs.
Do meme speedrunners use glitches?
Yes, glitches are a cornerstone of most meme speedruns. They are often exploited in unintended ways to bypass sections, achieve impossible movement, or create humorous scenarios.
What are your favorite meme speedruns in Super Mario Odyssey, or any other game? Have you ever attempted one yourself? Drop your thoughts, craziest discoveries, and funniest moments in the comments below! Let's keep the conversation going and share the laughter. If you want to connect with fellow speedrunning enthusiasts and discover more about the cutting edge of gaming, join our
Discord channel!
