Hey fellow Samus fans and speedrunning addicts! If you're here, you're probably staring in awe at a new record, and trust me, this one is a game-changer for the
Super Metroid speedrun community. We're talking about a mind-blowing 1:16:39 finish for the 100% category, clocking in at an astonishing 0:45 in-game time (IGT). This isn't just a slight improvement; it's a testament to years of dedication, route optimization, and frankly, some insane execution.
This run signifies a massive leap forward, pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible in Zebes. For those of you who want to dissect every pixel and frame, you can check out the full VOD with chat, timer, and all the juicy details right here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnBvlfl3sJU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnBvlfl3sJU).
Welcome to the New Era of Super Metroid
It's hard to overstate the significance of this 1:16:39 100% run. The 0:45 IGT is the cherry on top, showcasing incredible efficiency. This isn't just another
WR; it's a paradigm shift in how we approach this classic
game. The dedication poured into achieving this level of mastery is truly inspiring for any aspiring
speedrunner.
Context: The Runs That Paved the Way
Before diving into the specifics of this record, it's crucial to acknowledge the runs that came before it. This new route builds upon the legacy of giants like dessy, whose previous record runs set the standard for years. To give you a full picture, the run leading up to this one, the first
1.16 100% record (1:16:47), is also a must-watch. You can find that incredible performance here:
- Twitch VOD: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XFND_EYuDA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XFND_EYuDA)
- Direct VOD: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqmMJrn0nEY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqmMJrn0nEY)
The Genesis of a New Route
This record-breaking run introduces a significant route change, diverging from the established meta that dominated after dessy's runs. The strategy employed here closely mirrors the route used by hotarubi in his Super Snow World (SS 50 IGT) and behemoth's segmented PAL run on SDA. The key alteration? Executing the gauntlet section *after* the Wrecked Ship, rather than placing it at the end of the run before Tourian. This seemingly small tweak unlocks a cascade of new optimizations and stratagems.
Unpacking the Game-Changing Stratagems
While the entire run is a symphony of precise inputs, a few specific strats stand out as particularly innovative and crucial to achieving this record time. These aren't just minor adjustments; they represent genuine breakthroughs in
gaming technique.
The Spring Ball Ice Clip: A Stroke of Genius
In my
opinion, the most significant innovation in this route is the new setup for the Spring Ball ice clip. Previously, executing this clip relied on precisely timing a beam shot to freeze the leech. The problem? It was incredibly finicky. Freezing the leech a single pixel too high or low meant failure, leading to significant time loss. It was a consistency nightmare.
The breakthrough came from leveraging a mechanic familiar to anyone who's stored a charge shot by holding the shoot button during a spinjump. Here's how the new strat works:
- Store a charge shot.
- Perform a specific spinjump towards the leech.
- As Samus takes damage from the leech, she automatically releases the stored charged shot.
- This release happens at the *perfect* moment, freezing the leech reliably and allowing the clip.
This method removes the guesswork and makes a formerly inconsistent obstacle a consistent part of the route. It’s a perfect example of how understanding game mechanics can lead to incredible advancements.
Navigating Wrecked Ship with Less Room for Error
Another crucial element of this new route involves resource management, particularly with E-Tanks in the Wrecked Ship area. The original route allowed for a more forgiving approach, but this optimized path significantly tightens the margin for error.
The Bomb Jump for the Wrecked Ship ETank
Accessing the E-Tank in the Wrecked Ship normally requires either High Jump or a precise morph ball jump. While the morph ball jump is manageable without High Jump, it's notoriously slow due to the pause mechanic. This is where another clever strat comes into play, developed by the community member Twocat.
- Twocat devised a bomb jump strategy.
- This bomb jump is significantly faster than the traditional morph jump.
- Crucially, it's also much easier to execute than trying to navigate the gap with High Jump.
This small optimization, when combined with others, adds up to substantial time savings.
The Gauntlet: Increased Difficulty, Higher Stakes
The trade-off for implementing these faster strats earlier in the game is a more demanding Wrecked Ship segment. Specifically, you'll find yourself with one less E-Tank between acquiring the Wrecked Ship E-Tank and reaching the E-Tank before the Gauntlet.
This means that any mistakes made in the Wrecked Ship section, particularly during energy-draining encounters, become much more costly. You simply cannot afford to take many hits or waste resources. The pressure is on, and the execution needs to be near-flawless. It elevates the challenge and makes completing the run feel even more rewarding.
Where to Watch the Magic Happen
If you haven't already, I highly recommend checking out the full run. Seeing these strats in action is truly something else. You can find the complete video documentation here:
- Full VOD (with chat): [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnBvlfl3sJU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnBvlfl3sJU)
Witnessing these incredible feats of skill and dedication is what the
speedrunning community is all about.
Preguntas Frecuentes
What is the In-Game Time (IGT) for this Super Metroid speedrun?
The In-Game Time (IGT) for this specific 100% run is an incredible 0:45.
What is the main difference in the route compared to previous records?
The primary route change involves performing the gauntlet section after the Wrecked Ship, instead of near the end of the run before Tourian.
What is the "Spring Ball Ice Clip" and why is the new strat significant?
The Spring Ball Ice Clip is a technique used to pass through a specific ice wall. The new strat uses a stored charge shot mechanic, releasing it upon taking damage from a leech, which provides a much more consistent freeze than timing a beam shot.
How does the route change affect resource management in Wrecked Ship?
The new route means players have one less E-Tank available between the Wrecked Ship E-Tank and the E-Tank before the gauntlet, increasing the difficulty and requiring more precise execution.
Where can I find more Super Metroid speedrun content?
You can find more content on GamingSpeedrun.com, Speedrun.com, and by following top runners on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. The links provided in the article also offer access to previous records and detailed VODs.
This run is a testament to the persistent innovation within the Super Metroid speedrunning community. It shows that even in a game as thoroughly explored as this, there's always room for discovery and improvement.
The dedication to finding new strats, refining execution, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible is what makes speedrunning so compelling. Every frame saved, every trick perfected, contributes to these amazing records.
Join the Community!
This record is more than just a number; it's a celebration of the
Super Metroid community and the relentless pursuit of perfection. What do you think of this new route? Are there other strats you're excited about? Let us know in the comments below! We'd love to hear your thoughts and discuss the finer points of this incredible run.
If you want to connect with fellow speedrunners, share your own attempts, or just talk about gaming, join our official Discord server! We're always active and welcoming new members.
Keep practicing, keep optimizing, and happy speedrunning!
