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What Exactly IS the Sunglasses% Speedrun?
Forget your typical Any% or 100% runs. The Sunglasses% category in Super Mario Sunshine focuses specifically on acquiring the iconic sunglasses for Mario as quickly as humanly possible. This means the entire objective of the run is to reach the point in the game where Mario dons those stylish shades and finishes the sequence. It's a shorter, more focused category that really highlights specific game mechanics and routes designed solely for speed and that single, crucial objective. For many, it's the ultimate way to see Mario at his absolute coolest, hence the "make Mario cool as fast as possible" mantra. This run epitomizes the dedication of the speedrun community to finding the fastest routes for even the most niche objectives.Why the Obsession with Sunglasses?
In the context of Super Mario Sunshine, the sunglasses aren't just a cosmetic item; they represent a turning point in the narrative and a significant moment for Mario's characterization within the game. After being wrongfully accused and tasked with cleaning up Delfino Plaza, Mario finally gets a moment of personal style. It's a visual gag that resonates with players, making Mario seem more self-assured and, frankly, cooler. The speedrunning community, with its love for optimization and unique challenges, latched onto this moment. It's a contained, achievable goal that allows for intense route planning and execution, perfect for both showcasing skill and providing a fun, thematic run. It’s this blend of narrative relevance and speedrunning potential that makes the Sunglasses% run so compelling.The pursuit of speed is often about achieving seemingly small goals in the most efficient way possible. The Sunglasses% run is a perfect example of this, turning a simple cosmetic acquisition into a competitive challenge.
Key Strats and Tricks for Maximum Coolness
Executing a fast Sunglasses% run requires mastering several key techniques and understanding optimal routing. The initial segments of the game are crucial, as any time lost early on significantly impacts the final time. * **FLUDD Optimization**: Your trusty F.L.U.D.D. is essential. Knowing exactly when and how to use its various nozzles (especially the initial Hover Nozzle and later the Spray Nozzle) is paramount. Efficiently moving across the environment using hover jumps and precise water streams can save valuable seconds. * **Glitches and Skips (Route Dependent)**: Depending on the specific ruleset of the category (e.g., glitches allowed or not), runners might employ certain glitches to skip sections or perform advanced movement. For instance, understanding frame-perfect inputs for certain jumps or finding ways to clip through specific geometry can shave off significant time. However, for a category focused on a specific narrative point like Sunglasses%, often the focus is on optimized movement rather than major sequence breaks that bypass the objective entirely. * **Precise Platforming**: Super Mario Sunshine is known for its sometimes-frustrating platforming. Mastering the timing and positioning for jumps, wall kicks, and navigating hazardous areas without falling or taking damage is critical. Every missed jump or unnecessary recovery adds up. * **Menuing and Inventory Management**: While not as extensive as in some other games, quick menuing to switch nozzles or access items efficiently can be a small but important time-saver. * **Route Memorization**: The absolute key is knowing the fastest path from the start of the game to the point where the sunglasses are acquired. This involves understanding the most direct routes through each area, minimizing backtracking, and planning movements to chain actions seamlessly.Category Breakdown: The % Difference
When we talk about "Sunglasses%", the "%" symbol usually refers to the percentage of game completion. However, in this specific context, it's more of a thematic identifier for the "Sunglasses" objective. Unlike a standard Any% run where the goal is to beat the game as fast as possible regardless of completion percentage, or a 100% run requiring all collectibles and story events, Sunglasses% is a custom or niche category. Its primary goal is to trigger the cutscene where Mario puts on his sunglasses as quickly as possible. This typically involves completing specific story missions or reaching certain points in the game that unlock this event. The "completion" aspect is defined by reaching this specific narrative beat, not by a traditional in-game percentage counter. This allows runners to focus their efforts on the fastest path to that single, stylish outcome. Many such categories evolve organically within the community, driven by a shared appreciation for specific game moments or challenges.Niche speedrun categories like Sunglasses% demonstrate the incredible creativity and dedication within the gaming community, finding new ways to challenge beloved titles.
Challenges and RNG: The Unpredictable Elements
Even in a category as seemingly straightforward as obtaining sunglasses, challenges and elements of Random Number Generation (RNG) can play a role. * **Enemy Placement**: While not a major factor for this specific objective, the placement and behavior of certain enemies can sometimes disrupt a runner's planned path or force them to take evasive maneuvers, costing precious seconds. * **Physics Quirks**: Super Mario Sunshine has its own unique physics engine. Sometimes, slight variations in how Mario interacts with the environment or F.L.U.D.D. can lead to slightly different outcomes in jumps or movements. While most core mechanics are consistent, small variances can occur. * **Loading Times**: On older hardware or even certain PC setups, loading times between areas can be a significant factor. Runners often optimize their routes to minimize the number of area transitions. * **Execution Consistency**: The biggest challenge is often the runner's own consistency. Executing precise inputs, especially under pressure, requires immense practice. A single mistake can mean the difference between a personal best (PB) and a failed attempt.Impact on the Community and the Future
The Sunglasses% speedrun, while perhaps not as widely known as the main Any% or 100% categories, holds a special place in the Super Mario Sunshine speedrunning community. It represents a more lighthearted and thematic approach to speedrunning, focusing on a specific, iconic moment. It serves as an excellent entry point for newer runners who might find the main categories too daunting. The shorter nature and clear objective make it more accessible for practice and learning. Furthermore, the existence of such categories encourages creativity, potentially inspiring the creation of even more unique challenges within the game. It highlights how the community constantly finds new ways to engage with and master their favorite games, pushing the boundaries of what's possible and celebrating specific aspects of game design and narrative. This run is a testament to the enduring appeal of Super Mario Sunshine and the ingenuity of its player base.Tips for Aspiring Runners
If you're inspired to take on the Sunglasses% challenge, here are a few tips to get you started: 1. **Watch Existing Runs**: Study the world record (WR) and other top runs on platforms like speedrun.com. Pay close attention to the exact movements, jumps, and nozzle usage. 2. **Practice in Sections**: Don't try to do the whole run at once initially. Break it down into smaller segments (e.g., the opening sequence, reaching a specific point) and master each part before linking them together. 3. **Master F.L.U.D.D.**: Get comfortable with precise F.L.U.D.D. control. Practice hover jumps, strafing, and using the spray efficiently. 4. **Understand the Objective**: Know exactly what triggers the sunglasses cutscene and what path is needed to reach it fastest. 5. **Join the Community**: Engage with the Super Mario Sunshine speedrunning community on Discord or forums. They are often the best resource for learning advanced techniques and getting advice. 6. **Be Patient**: Speedrunning takes time and dedication. Don't get discouraged by failures. Every attempt is a learning opportunity. Celebrate your personal bests (PBs) along the way!Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the Super Mario Sunshine Sunglasses% speedrun?
The primary goal is to reach the in-game cutscene where Mario puts on his sunglasses as quickly as possible from the start of the game.Does this category require collecting any specific items?
Generally, no. The focus is solely on reaching the trigger point for the sunglasses cutscene in the fastest time, not on collecting Shines or other items beyond what's necessary for progression to that point.Are glitches allowed in this run?
It depends on the specific ruleset defined by the community or the runner. Some versions might allow certain glitches if they aid in reaching the objective faster, while others might focus purely on optimized gameplay without exploiting major bugs.How long does a typical Sunglasses% run take?
Times can vary significantly based on the runner's skill and whether glitches are used, but they are generally much shorter than Any% or 100% runs, often clocking in at just a few minutes.Where can I find leaderboards for this category?
You can typically find leaderboards and watch runs on sites like speedrun.com, specifically on the Super Mario Sunshine page, where niche categories are often listed.This run is a fantastic example of how the gaming community finds unique ways to celebrate beloved titles. By focusing on a single, stylish moment, the Sunglasses% speedrun offers a fresh and exciting challenge for fans of Super Mario Sunshine and speedrunning alike. Whether you're aiming for a new world record or just want to see Mario at peak coolness speed, this run delivers!
What are your favorite speedrun categories? Did this Sunglasses% run inspire you to pick up a controller? Let us know in the comments below, or join the conversation on our Discord server!