Table of Contents
Introduction: The Allure of Any%
The "Any%" category in speedrunning is pure, unadulterated speed. It means finishing the game as quickly as possible, with no regard for collecting items or defeating optional bosses. For Super Metroid, this translates to a brutal, optimized path through Zebes, utilizing every trick in the book. The 40:46 WR is a masterclass in efficiency, showcasing how players have pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible. It’s this relentless pursuit of the fastest time that defines the #speedrunning spirit.Mastering the Metroid: Core Strategies
Achieving a run like 40:46 isn't just about memorizing a path; it's about mastering Samus's core abilities and movement. In Any%, every frame counts.- Early Morph Ball Access: Getting the Morph Ball as quickly as possible is paramount. This allows access to tight passages and sets up crucial tech.
- Power Bombs and Super Missiles: Efficient use of these weapons is key for clearing obstacles and dealing damage quickly. Knowing exactly when to switch and fire is vital.
- Grapple Beam and Speed Booster: These upgrades are typically obtained later in a full playthrough, but in Any%, they are acquired at precisely the optimal times to facilitate sequence breaks and high-speed traversal.
Glitches and Skips: The Speedrunner's Toolkit
Super Metroid is infamous for its deep roster of glitches and exploits that speedrunners have meticulously discovered and refined. These aren't bugs to be patched; they are tools of the trade.- Wall Jumps and Wall Kicks: Advanced techniques to gain vertical height using the environment.
- Bomb Jumping: A fundamental technique to ascend areas without specific upgrades, often used in sequence breaks.
- Out of Bounds (OOB) Glitches: These are the holy grail. Carefully executed OOB maneuvers can allow players to skip entire sections of the map, bypassing bosses and critical path elements. The 40:46 run undoubtedly leverages some of these intricate OOB strategies.
- Damage Boosts: Intentionally taking damage from enemies to gain invincibility frames and speed boosts.
"You have to be willing to fail hundreds, even thousands, of times to nail a single tricky glitch. That's the dedication required for a WR."
Deconstructing the Route: Level by Level
While the exact route is a closely guarded secret for many top runners, a general Any% path for Super Metroid involves a specific order of acquiring abilities and navigating the map to trigger the game's end as fast as possible.- Brinstar: Early Power-ups: Focus on obtaining the Morph Ball and Bombs quickly, often using bomb jumps to bypass intended paths.
- Maridia: Gravity Suit and Other Essentials: Navigating the treacherous Maridia region is crucial. Key items like the Gravity Suit are acquired here, often with significant sequence breaks.
- Wrecked Ship and Norfair: Speed Booster and Screw Attack: These late-game abilities are acquired strategically to enable high-speed movement through previously inaccessible areas.
- Tourian: The Final Confrontation: The path to Mother Brain is heavily optimized, utilizing every trick to minimize travel time and damage taken.
The RNG Factor: Luck of the Draw
While skill is paramount, speedrunning, especially in games with procedural elements, always involves a degree of Random Number Generation (RNG). In Super Metroid, this can affect:- Enemy Placement: Aggressive enemies or desirable enemy spawns for damage boosts can significantly impact time.
- Item Drops: Though less common in Any%, certain enemy drops can occasionally be beneficial.
- Boss Patterns: While bosses are generally predictable, slight variations can occur.
"You can have the best route and execution in the world, but if the RNG gods aren't smiling, that WR might just slip through your fingers."
The Community Behind the Record
The Super Metroid speedrunning community is one of the most dedicated and passionate groups out there. Platforms like Speedrun.com are the central hubs where records are tracked, strategies are shared, and runners push each other to new heights. The discovery of new glitches, the optimization of existing strats, and the sheer inspiration drawn from watching incredible runs like this 40:46 WR are what keep the #gamer spirit alive. This record is more than just a number; it's a milestone built on the collective knowledge and effort of countless individuals who love this game and the challenge of #speedrunning it. It’s a reminder that even in a decades-old game, there’s always room for improvement and new records to chase. This truly represents a pinnacle of #gaming achievement.Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does "Any%" mean in speedrunning?
A: Any% means completing the game as quickly as possible, regardless of completion percentage or collected items. The primary goal is reaching the end credits in the shortest time.
Q: Is the 40:46 run the current Super Metroid World Record?
A: The run published on August 28, 2020, set a World Record at that time. Records are constantly being broken, so it's always good to check Speedrun.com for the latest standings.
Q: Are glitches allowed in Any% speedruns?
A: Absolutely! Glitches, sequence breaks, and exploits are not only allowed but are often essential for achieving top times in Any% categories, as they allow runners to skip large portions of the game.
Q: How much practice does it take to achieve a run like this?
A: It varies greatly, but reaching a World Record pace typically requires hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of dedicated practice. This includes mastering individual techniques, memorizing the route, and perfecting execution under pressure.
Q: Can I watch the 40:46 run?
A: Yes, you can typically find videos of World Record runs on platforms like YouTube or Twitch archives. Searching for "Super Metroid Any% 40:46 WR" should lead you to it.