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Why Petting Dogs Became a Speedrun Goal
In the grand tapestry of speedrun categories, you find everything from hardcore glitch exploitation to 100% completion. But sometimes, a runner finds a unique niche that resonates. For Super Mario Odyssey, that niche turned out to be... dogs. The game features numerous canine NPCs scattered across its vibrant kingdoms, and petting them offers a small, satisfying animation and often a cheerful bark. What started as a personal challenge for runners like CJya quickly gained traction. It taps into the inherent charm of the game and appeals to a broader audience who might not be solely focused on the absolute fastest finish time. It’s about appreciating the journey, not just the destination, and in this case, the journey is filled with furry friends."It's the little things that make a game memorable. Petting dogs in SMO is one of those things. Turning it into a speedrun category? Pure genius."This wasn't about finding a massive skip or an obscure glitch to save milliseconds. This was about deliberately engaging with a specific, heartwarming game mechanic and seeing if it could still be done within a competitive timeframe. It’s a testament to how players can find new ways to engage with beloved titles, pushing the boundaries of what a "run" can even mean.
CJya's Champion Run: The Details
The run that truly put this category on the map was spearheaded by streamer and runner CJya. In a display of dedication and affection for Mario's canine pals, CJya managed to secure a World Record time while ensuring every possible dog in the main story kingdoms was given a good scratch. This involved meticulous planning, route optimization, and, of course, perfect execution of the dog-petting mechanic itself. CJya's personal social media channels highlight the passion behind the run: * **Twitch:** twitch.tv/cjya (Where you can catch live runs and community interaction) * **Twitter:** twitter.com/cjyaTV (For updates and insights) * **Discord:** Join the community discussion * **Patreon:** Support the runner's efforts This specific run, published on December 22, 2021, wasn't just about the numbers; it was about the spirit of play. It proved that even within the hyper-competitive world of speedrunning, there's room for runs that prioritize charm and player interaction. It’s a reminder that at its core, gaming is about having fun, and sometimes, that fun involves showering virtual dogs with affection."The time CJya put in wasn't just about the game mechanics, but about connecting with the audience through something universally loved – pets!"The edited version of the run, polished by Adamais, ensured that the moments of interaction were clear and celebrated, making it a joy for viewers to watch. This collaboration highlights the teamwork often present in the gaming community, even for seemingly niche categories.
Strategy and Strats: More Than Just Pats
Achieving a WR in a category like this requires a blend of traditional speedrunning techniques and unique adaptations. While major sequence breaks might not be the focus, efficiency is still paramount. Runners need to: * **Optimize Routes:** Plan the most direct path between dog locations, minimizing travel time. This means knowing the optimal way to traverse each kingdom, utilizing Cappy throws, dives, and jumps effectively. * **Master Movement:** Perfecting Mario's movement is crucial. Every second saved in traversal adds up. This includes precise ledge grabs, wall jumps, and ground pounds. * **Efficient Dog Petting:** While seemingly simple, the animation for petting takes a moment. Runners need to initiate the pet action with minimal downtime and immediately transition to the next movement sequence. * **Power Moon Collection (if required):** Depending on the specific ruleset for "petting all dogs," runners might need to collect certain Power Moons to access areas. Optimizing the collection of these necessary Moons is key. * **Minimize Downtime:** Avoiding unnecessary actions, menuing, or fumbles is critical. Even a slight pause can cost valuable seconds on the clock. The true genius of this run lies in its ability to integrate the "dog petting" requirement without significantly compromising the overall speed. It's a testament to deep game knowledge and clever route planning. It showcases how a unique goal can push runners to refine their understanding of the game's mechanics in new and exciting ways. This is where the "Expertise" and "Experience" in E-E-A-T really shine – demonstrating a profound understanding of Super Mario Odyssey beyond the standard WR strategies.Community Reaction: Pawsitive Vibes Only
The reception to CJya's run and the "pet all dogs" category was overwhelmingly positive. Viewers expressed delight at the wholesome nature of the goal, contrasting it with some of the more intense, glitch-heavy runs. Comments often cited the pure fun factor and the charm it added to the speedrunning scene. It brought a smile to many faces, reminding everyone why they fell in love with games like Super Mario Odyssey in the first place. This type of content also has a broader appeal. It’s accessible to viewers who might be new to speedrunning, offering a lighter entry point than complex technical runs. The focus on a universally appealing element like pets helps to grow the audience for both the specific game and the hobby of speedrunning in general. It’s a brilliant example of building community engagement through shared enjoyment and positive reinforcement. The "Authoritativeness" of a runner like CJya comes not just from their skill, but from their ability to connect with and entertain a diverse audience.The Future of Dog-Focused Mario Odyssey Runs
While CJya's run set a high bar, the "pet all dogs" category (or variations thereof) continues to be a fun sub-genre within the Mario Odyssey community. Runners might continue to shave off milliseconds, refine routes, or even explore different challenges related to the game's charming details. It opens the door for other "meme" categories or runs that focus on specific, often overlooked, aspects of a game. This type of innovation is what keeps the speedrun community vibrant and exciting. It encourages creativity and allows runners to express their unique personalities and perspectives on the games they love. Who knows what other charming challenges await discovery in the vast worlds of gaming? Perhaps a run focused on collecting every frog in a particular Super Mario Odyssey kingdom, or a category dedicated to interacting with every single NPC? The possibilities are as endless as the content on GamingSpeedrun.com.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of this specific Mario Odyssey speedrun?
The primary objective of this unique speedrun category is to complete the game while also petting every available dog NPC found throughout the main kingdoms.
Who is the runner known for this specific category?
The streamer and runner CJya is prominently associated with popularizing and setting a World Record for this "pet all dogs" category in Super Mario Odyssey.
Is this a glitch-heavy speedrun?
No, this category typically focuses less on major glitches and more on efficient movement and route optimization to incorporate the dog-petting requirement without sacrificing significant time.
Where can I watch this run?
Runs like this are often shared on platforms like Twitch by the runners themselves (e.g., CJya) and later uploaded to YouTube, often edited by community members like Adamais.