Super Mario 64 16 Star Speedrun Record: Cheese Achieves 15:39 Masterclass!

What's up, speedrunning community! Get ready to witness a new benchmark in the legendary Super Mario 64 speedrun scene. A phenomenal run has just been uploaded, and it’s a testament to sheer dedication and insane skill. We're talking about a new Personal Best (PB) in the highly competitive 16 Star category, clocking in at an astonishing 15 minutes and 39 seconds, achieved by the one and only Cheese. This isn't just a good run; it's a masterclass that pushes the boundaries of what we thought was possible. If you're a fan of classic platformers and the thrill of chasing fractions of a second, this is for you!

A New Record Shatters Expectations

The speedrunning world is buzzing, and for good reason. Cheese has delivered a performance that redefines excellence in the Super Mario 64 16 Star category. This particular run isn't just about hitting the 16-star goal; it's about the execution, the precision, and the sheer speed at which every movement is performed. For anyone who has ever tried a speedrun of this iconic game, you know how brutal the 16 Star category can be. Achieving a PB like this is a monumental feat.

Cheese's Ascent to the Top

Cheese has been a consistent force in the Super Mario 64 community for a long time. Their dedication to optimizing routes and perfecting strats is evident in every frame of this record-breaking run. Watching Cheese play is like watching a finely tuned machine. They navigate the levels with an almost preternatural understanding of the game's mechanics, executing complex maneuvers like

The precision required for these precise frame-perfect inputs is truly astounding. It’s a level of skill that many only dream of achieving.

This new PB of 15:39 is a significant improvement and sets a new standard for aspiring runners. It demonstrates that even in a game as thoroughly explored as Super Mario 64, there's always room for innovation and faster times. This is what makes the speedrun scene so exciting!

The 16 Star Category Explained

For newcomers to the game, the 16 Star category in Super Mario 64 is one of the most popular and challenging race against time. The goal is to reach the final Bowser fight by collecting only 16 Power Stars. This might sound like a lot, but it requires incredibly efficient routing and execution of specific glitches and skips to bypass entire sections of the game.

  • Objective: Reach the final Bowser in the Dark World.
  • Star Requirement: Collect a minimum of 16 Power Stars.
  • Difficulty: High, requiring deep knowledge of game mechanics and precise execution.
  • Key Elements: Utilizes several out-of-bounds glitches and sequence breaks.

This category is a fan favorite because it balances a significant challenge with a relatively shorter overall run time compared to categories like 70 Star or 120 Star. It’s a perfect showcase for high-level play and quick thinking. The pursuit of faster times in this category has driven countless hours of practice and innovation within the Comunidad Gamer.

Key Strategies and Skips in the Run

Cheese's 15:39 run is packed with optimized strats. While a full breakdown would require a dedicated video analysis, some key elements likely include:

  • Early Game Optimization: Efficient collection of the first few stars, likely including speedy runs through Bob-omb Battlefield and maybe Jolly Roger Bay.
  • BLJ (Backward Long Jump): The infamous BLJ is crucial for bypassing many doors and barriers, allowing runners to access later parts of the castle much earlier than intended. Mastering the precise angle and timing of a BLJ is a cornerstone of any good Super Mario 64 speedrun.
  • Mips Clip: This is a critical out-of-bounds glitch that allows runners to skip collecting certain stars, saving significant time. Executing this reliably requires perfect positioning and movement.
  • Specific Level Strats: Optimized routes within levels like Whomp's Fortress, Bowser in the Fire, and Hazy Maze Cave are essential. Every jump, every dive, every wall kick matters.
  • Fastest Bowser Fight Route: The route to and through the final Bowser fight needs to be flawless, minimizing any wasted movement.

In my experience, the Mips Clip is often the most nerve-wracking part for many runners. The slightest miscalculation can cost precious seconds or even end the run. Cheese's consistent execution here is a mark of their expertise.

The Role of RNG in Super Mario 64 Speedruns

No discussion of Super Mario 64 speedruns would be complete without mentioning RNG, or Random Number Generation. While skill is paramount, certain elements in the game are still subject to random factors that can significantly impact a run. In the 16 Star category, key RNG elements often include:

  • Mips the Rabbit's Location: Mips can appear in different locations, and having him appear near the player when needed saves time.
  • Star Placement: While the 16 stars are fixed, the exact behavior of certain game elements or enemy patterns can sometimes vary.
  • Object Spawns: The spawning of certain objects or enemies can occasionally be favorable or unfavorable.

A great runner like Cheese knows how to mitigate bad RNG and capitalize on good RNG. This run likely benefited from favorable RNG, but it was their masterful execution that truly sealed the deal.

Behind the Scenes: Editing and Music

A high-quality speedrun video isn't just about the gameplay; it's also about presentation. This incredible run was expertly edited by zayloox, whose work ensures that the viewer can follow every critical moment of Cheese's achievement. The choice of music is also vital for setting the mood. The outro track, "Super Mario 64 Staff Roll" by Helynt/GameChops, is a classic choice that resonates with long-time fans of the game and the series. It’s a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern production.

The editing really brings out the intensity of the run, making it incredibly satisfying to watch even if you're not a top-tier runner yourself.

Supporting the Speedrunning Scene

Watching Cheese's incredible run is inspiring! If you appreciate this kind of dedication to Hardcore Gaming and the speedrun community, there are several ways to show your support. Cheese streams live on Twitch, where you can watch them practice and attempt runs in real-time. Following them on Twitter and Instagram also keeps you updated on their latest achievements and future plans. Joining their Discord server is a great way to connect with Cheese and fellow fans.

Remember, supporting creators directly fuels the passion and dedication that drives events like AGDQ2020 and allows amazing content like this to be produced. Every follow, share, and cheer makes a difference!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 16 Star category in Super Mario 64?

The 16 Star category requires players to collect exactly 16 Power Stars to access the final Bowser fight and complete the game. It's a popular category known for its difficulty and reliance on glitches like the Backward Long Jump (BLJ) and Mips Clip.

Who is Cheese?

Cheese is a highly skilled speedrunner known for their exceptional performances in Super Mario 64, particularly in the 16 Star category. They are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of the game's speedrunning potential.

What is a PB in speedrunning?

PB stands for Personal Best. It represents the fastest time a runner has ever completed a specific game or category. Cheese's new 15:39 is their personal best for the Super Mario 64 16 Star run.

How important is RNG in Super Mario 64 speedruns?

RNG (Random Number Generation) plays a role, influencing factors like enemy positions or specific event triggers. While skill and strategy are paramount, favorable RNG can significantly help in achieving top times, and runners must learn to adapt to or mitigate unfavorable RNG.

Where can I watch Super Mario 64 speedruns?

You can watch live speedruns on Twitch, often by following specific runners like Cheese or by checking the leaderboards on speedrun.com. Many completed runs are also uploaded to YouTube.

This incredible 15:39 16 Star run by Cheese is a landmark achievement in the Super Mario 64 speedrunning community. It’s a reminder of the enduring legacy of this N64 classic and the passion of the players who continue to explore its limits. We're excited to see what Cheese and other runners will achieve next. What do you think of this new record? Let us know in the comments below or join the discussion on our GamingSpeedrun Discord server!

Donkey Kong Country 3: A Deep Dive into the Any% World Record History

Donkey Kong Country 3 Speedrun

Hey speedrunning enthusiasts and Donkey Kong fans! Ever wondered how the best players shave off every precious second in Donkey Kong Country 3? The pursuit of the Any% World Record is a relentless journey of precision, strategy, and sometimes, sheer luck. In this deep dive, we're going to explore the history of the Any% WR in DKC3, dissecting the incredible runs, the glitches that changed everything, and the strategies that define this iconic speedgame.

Introduction to DKC3 Any%

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! might seem like a quirky platformer on the surface, but beneath its vibrant 16-bit aesthetic lies a surprisingly deep and competitive speedrunning scene. The Any% category, where the goal is simply to finish the game as fast as possible by any means necessary, has seen its fair share of evolution. From early attempts focused on pure platforming skill to the exploitation of intricate glitches, the WR has been a constant battleground.

In my experience, the beauty of DKC3 Any% lies in its blend of demanding execution and strategic route planning. It’s not just about speed; it’s about knowing every enemy placement, every platform's timing, and when to deploy those powerful, run-saving strats.

The Early Days: Establishing the Baseline

When speedrunning first started gaining traction for Donkey Kong Country 3, the initial WRs were largely based on straightforward gameplay. Players focused on mastering the core mechanics, optimizing movement, and finding the fastest paths through each world without any major sequence breaks or glitches. These early runs laid the groundwork, showing what was humanly possible with solid platforming and a good understanding of the game's level design.

Think of it like this: players were figuring out the fastest way to walk across a room before learning to teleport. The times were respectable, but the potential for faster runs was clearly there. This phase was crucial for building the foundational knowledge that later runners would build upon.

Game-Changing Glitches and Skips

The real revolution in DKC3 Any% speedrunning came with the discovery and exploitation of various glitches. These weren't just minor exploits; some allowed runners to skip entire sections of levels or even worlds. One of the most significant discoveries was the ability to manipulate enemy behavior or utilize specific object interactions to gain massive advantages.

The discovery of the 'Banana Peel Clip' completely changed how we approached World 7. What used to take minutes of precise platforming could now be bypassed in seconds.

These discoveries often came from dedicated community members experimenting relentlessly. It’s a testament to the depth of the game that even decades later, new exploits can be found or refined. The community around games like Donkey Kong Country is incredibly adept at finding these unique strats.

Another key area for skips involves precise wall jumps and out-of-bounds tricks. Mastering the timing for these maneuvers is essential for any runner looking to compete at a high level. These techniques often require perfect inputs and a deep understanding of the game's physics engine.

Modern Strategies and Route Optimization

Today's Any% runs are the result of years of refinement. The established routes meticulously detail every jump, every enemy killed or avoided, and every item collected (or not collected!). The current meta often involves a combination of near-perfect platforming and the exploitation of known glitches.

Key elements of modern strategies include:

  • Boss Skip Techniques: Finding ways to bypass boss encounters that aren't strictly necessary for completion.
  • Optimal Enemy Manipulation: Using enemies as platforms or to trigger events faster.
  • Fastest World Transitions: Minimizing time spent in the world map or between levels.
  • Leveraging Karts and Animal Buddies: Knowing exactly when and how to use specific abilities or partners for maximum speed.

The optimization never truly stops. Even with a WR in place, runners are constantly looking for tiny improvements, perhaps saving a few frames here and there. This is the true spirit of speedrunning – pushing the limits of what's possible.

The Thrill of the Race: Current WR Holders

The Any% WR for Donkey Kong Country 3 has seen fierce competition over the years. Records are broken by mere milliseconds, showcasing the intense dedication of the top runners. While specific current holders can change rapidly, the names that consistently appear at the top of the leaderboards on sites like speedrun.com are legendary within the community.

These runners often dedicate thousands of hours to practicing specific tricks and perfecting their execution. The pressure to maintain a world record is immense, with countless other skilled players vying for the top spot. It’s a high-stakes game where one mistake can cost you everything.

The tension during a WR attempt is palpable. You can feel it through the stream, through the chat. It's electric!

Watching these top-tier runs is an education in itself. You see strategies and techniques that would never occur to a casual player, demonstrating a mastery of the game that is truly awe-inspiring. For those interested in learning more, checking out the leaderboards and watching past WR runs is highly recommended.

The DKC3 Speedrunning Community

The DKC3 speedrunning community is a passionate and dedicated group. They are the ones who discover new glitches, refine existing strategies, and push the boundaries of what's possible. Forums, Discord servers, and Twitch streams are hubs where runners share knowledge, practice together, and celebrate new records.

Platforms like GamingSpeedrun.com aim to be a central resource for this kind of information, but much of the day-to-day discussion happens within the community itself. If you’re interested in getting involved, don't hesitate to join a relevant Discord server or follow your favorite DKC3 runners on Twitch. The learning curve can be steep, but the community is generally welcoming to newcomers.

Participating in events like AGDQ2020 or other marathons also brings significant attention to games like DKC3, inspiring new runners and showcasing the incredible talent within the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Any% category in speedrunning?

Any% means completing the game as fast as possible by any means necessary. This typically includes using glitches, exploits, or any available game mechanics to reach the end credits.

How long does a typical Any% run of Donkey Kong Country 3 take?

World Records are currently under 50 minutes, often closer to the 47-48 minute mark, thanks to optimized routes and glitch exploitation.

Where can I find the current Donkey Kong Country 3 World Record?

The most up-to-date leaderboards for Donkey Kong Country 3, including the Any% category, can be found on speedrun.com.

Is Donkey Kong Country 3 a difficult game to speedrun?

Yes, DKC3 Any% is considered a challenging speedrun due to the precise platforming required and the execution needed for many of the advanced glitches and skips. It demands significant practice and dedication.

Are there other speedrun categories for Donkey Kong Country 3?

Yes, besides Any%, there are other categories like 101% (collecting everything) or specific challenge runs, each offering a different kind of test for speedrunners.

The history of the Donkey Kong Country 3 Any% World Record is a thrilling narrative of dedication, innovation, and pure gaming passion. From the foundational runs of the early days to the highly optimized glitch-fests of today, the community's commitment to shaving off every possible second is inspiring. Whether you're a seasoned speedrunner or just a curious fan, exploring the world of DKC3 speedruns offers a fascinating glimpse into the dedication it takes to master a classic.

What are your favorite moments in DKC3 speedruns? Did we miss any crucial glitches or strategies? Let us know in the comments below! And if you're inspired to start your own DKC3 speedrunning journey, join our Discord community – we’d love to see your progress!