What's up, speedrunning community! If you're here, you're probably buzzing from the sheer chaos and brilliance of a massive speedrun event, or maybe you're just looking to dissect a legendary run. Today, we're diving deep into the legendary Fallout Anthology run by tomatoanus at AGDQ 2020. This wasn't just any run; it was a rollercoaster of emotions, unexpected hiccups, and pure gaming grit that ended with an incredible time of 2:16:21. Let's break down what made this run so memorable, from the early game strats to the hilarious commentary during unexpected downtime.
Table of Contents
The AGDQ Stage and the Anthology Challenge
Taking on the entire Fallout Anthology – that's Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, and Fallout 4 – in one go is a monumental task. It requires deep knowledge of each game's mechanics, optimal routing, and the ability to execute under immense pressure. AGDQ events are known for showcasing some of the most impressive speedruns in gaming history, and this run was no exception. The sheer scale of combining three distinct titles, each with its own quirks and potential glitches, makes this a true test of endurance and skill. For anyone interested in Baldurs Gate Speedrun or similar long-form runs, the Fallout Anthology is a masterclass in sustained performance.
Tomatoanus: The Strategist and Entertainer
Tomatoanus brought incredible energy and strategic depth to the AGDQ 2020 stage. While the run itself faced some challenges, his ability to adapt and keep the audience engaged was paramount. His introduction, starting at 0:10, sets the stage for the epic journey ahead. It’s clear from the outset that this isn't just about hitting buttons fast; it's about telling a story through gameplay and reacting to whatever the game throws at you.
"This run was absolutely wild to say the least. While it may not have certainly gone the most smoothly in terms of gameplay, it definitely made for a lot of hilarious and interesting scenarios that I'm glad we all got to share together."
This quote perfectly captures the spirit of the run. It wasn't a flawless execution, but it was undeniably entertaining and full of memorable moments. His commitment to the community and the games he loves shines through, embodying the spirit of Aventura Gamer.
Key Segments of the Fallout Anthology Run
The run officially kicks off at 1:54, diving straight into the Wasteland. Each segment of the anthology presents unique challenges:
- Fallout 3: Navigating the Capital Wasteland efficiently, dealing with combat encounters, and executing any necessary Challenge Run skips or glitches.
- Fallout: New Vegas: The intricate routing and potential for sequence breaks in New Vegas are often exploited by speedrunners. Tomatoanus likely employed established Classic Gaming strats to shave off precious minutes.
- Fallout 4: From the early game sequences to navigating the Commonwealth, Fallout 4 offers its own set of hurdles and opportunities for optimization.
Even in a highly optimized run, RNG (Random Number Generation) plays a significant role. Unexpected enemy placements or loot drops can force a runner to adapt on the fly, adding to the inherent excitement and unpredictability of speedrunning. The strategy often involves finding the fastest routes, minimizing combat where possible, and exploiting game mechanics.
When the Donation Tracker Went Down
A significant event during this run was the donation tracker going offline during Fallout 3 and remaining down for the rest of the anthology. This is where the couch commentary from CovertMuffin, bloodthunder, and Sharo truly shone. With limited direct interaction with the donation totals, the commentators and tomatoanus had to rely on their knowledge of the games and their personalities to keep the stream engaging. This often leads to more candid and hilarious moments, as seen when tomatoanus would glance towards the donation table, only to be met with a shake of the head from host Edobean, indicating no fix was in sight.
"About when we got to Fallout 3 in the run, the donation tracker at the event went offline and stayed down for the rest of the run. [...] a lot of moments throughout the run was just us trying to think of things to talk about."
This situation highlights the resilience of the speedrunning community and the event staff. Despite technical difficulties, the show must go on, and the entertainment value remained high thanks to the improvisational skills of everyone involved. It’s a testament to the dedication seen in events like Community Gaming gatherings.
The Unseen Efforts: GDQ Staff and Volunteers
It's crucial to acknowledge the immense effort put in by the Games Done Quick (GDQ) staff and volunteers. Their dedication to ensuring the event runs smoothly, even when faced with technical setbacks like the donation tracker outage, is incredible. Tomatoanus expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to run at AGDQ 2020, and this sentiment is shared by many runners who value the platform GDQ provides.
"I'm incredibly grateful for GDQ giving me the opportunity to do the Fallout Anthology run at their event, and can't thank them enough for the opportunity."
These events are a collaborative effort, showcasing not just the skill of the runners but also the hard work of the organizers, commentators, and technical staff. It's a true celebration of the Comunidad Gamer.
What We Learned from This Wild Run
This Fallout Anthology run at AGDQ 2020 serves as a powerful reminder of several things:
- Adaptability is Key: Speedruns, especially long ones, rarely go exactly as planned. The ability to adapt to unexpected issues is crucial.
- Entertainment Value Matters: Even if a run isn't technically perfect, a runner's personality and ability to entertain can make it a standout moment.
- Community Spirit is Strong: When challenges arise, the community and event staff pull together to overcome them.
- The Fallout Series is Ripe for Speedrunning: The depth and complexity of the Fallout games offer endless possibilities for optimized runs and new discoveries. For more on similar RPG speedruns, check out Baldurs Gate discussions.
It's runs like these that fuel the passion for games and the dedication seen in the speedrunning community. Whether you're aiming for a Any% record or just enjoy watching skilled players tackle challenges, this run has something for everyone. If you’re interested in other major events, exploring CD Projekt Red games might lead you to similar community showcases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What exactly is the Fallout Anthology run?
A1: It's a speedrun that attempts to complete all main Fallout games in a single continuous session, starting from Fallout 3, then Fallout: New Vegas, and finally Fallout 4.
Q2: Why did the donation tracker go offline during the run?
A2: The original post mentions that technical difficulties prevented the donation tracker from working for the majority of the run. The GDQ staff worked hard to fix it but couldn't get it operational until after the run concluded.
Q3: Who provided commentary for the run?
A3: Couch commentary was provided by CovertMuffin, bloodthunder, and Sharo. Edobean was the host.
Q4: What does AGDQ stand for?
A4: AGDQ stands for Awesome Games Done Quick, a major speedrunning marathon event held by Games Done Quick.
Q5: Where can I watch the full run?
A5: You can typically find full runs from AGDQ events on their official YouTube channel or through Twitch VODs. Search for "Fallout Anthology AGDQ 2020 tomatoanus" to find the specific video.
What did you think of this incredible Fallout Anthology run? Did any particular moment stand out to you? Let us know in the comments below! If you want to connect with fellow speedrunning enthusiasts, join our Discord server and share your thoughts, strats, and favorite runs. Don't forget to follow us on social media for more gaming news and speedrun breakdowns!