I Speedrun "Cursed Mario 64" - My Most Insane Challenge Yet!

What's up, speedrunning fanatics! EazySpeezy here, and today we're diving deep into something truly wild – a speedrun of "Cursed Mario 64." This wasn't your average run; it pushed my skills, my patience, and maybe even my sanity to the absolute limit. If you're looking for the ultimate flex in the gaming world, this might just be my greatest accomplishment. Stick around, because I'm breaking down exactly what went down.

What is Cursed Mario 64?

For those not in the know, "Cursed Mario 64" isn't an official Nintendo release. It's a fan-made, heavily modified version of the original Super Mario 64, often created using tools like the Super Mario 64 PC port. The "curse" comes from the deliberate introduction of glitches, altered physics, unfair enemy placement, and generally chaotic level design. Think of it as Mario 64 on steroids, but the steroids are made of pure, unadulterated chaos. These ROM hacks are designed to be challenging, unpredictable, and often hilarious to watch – especially when a runner is trying to master them for a speedrun.

The Decision to Speedrun It

As many of you know, my channel often delves into the more casual side of speedruns. I love showcasing cool runs and making them accessible. However, I also thrive on pushing boundaries. When I saw the potential for insane challenges within cursed versions of beloved games like Mario 64, I was hooked. The idea of taking a game everyone knows and turning it into a nightmare, and then mastering that nightmare? That's the kind of challenge that gets my adrenaline pumping. It’s about testing the limits of skill and breaking down complex, seemingly impossible tasks into manageable segments.

Training and Strats

Mastering a cursed ROM hack for a speedrun requires a completely different approach than a standard run. You can't rely on muscle memory from the original game. Instead, it's about deep-diving into the specific modifications:
  • Glitch Exploitation: Identifying and reliably executing new glitches introduced by the hack.
  • Pattern Recognition: Memorizing enemy spawn patterns, hazard timings, and unique level mechanics.
  • RNG Manipulation (if possible): Understanding and potentially influencing Random Number Generator (RNG) outcomes to favor favorable events.
  • Route Optimization: Creating the fastest possible path through the cursed levels, often involving risky maneuvers.
This specific run involved figuring out entirely new movement tech and understanding how the "curses" affected physics. It was a steep learning curve, and some days felt like I was back at square one.
The sheer unpredictability of "Cursed Mario 64" meant that hours of practice could be undone by a single, unforeseen event.

Key Moments and Struggles

There were countless moments during practice where I thought about quitting. The infamous "Tick Tock Clock" in this version was a particular beast. The usual time-sensitive mechanics were amplified with new hazards and physics quirks that made reaching the flagpole feel like scaling Mount Everest. I distinctly remember one practice session where I had a near-perfect run going, only to be taken out by a randomly placed Boo that wasn't there in any previous attempt. It’s those moments that test your resolve.
I also had to work closely with the creator of the Super Mario 64 FPS mod, @MixMorris, to understand some of the deeper engine changes that made this cursed version possible. Their insights were invaluable in developing effective strats.
Watching the world record run by others in similar mods often provides inspiration, but for a cursed hack, the record is often just whoever can survive the longest without losing their mind!

RNG and Unpredictability

One of the defining characteristics of a "cursed" ROM hack is the reliance on RNG. Unlike a standard speedrun where routes are meticulously planned and executed with precision, here you often find yourself at the mercy of random elements. Whether it's the timing of enemy patrols, the trajectory of projectiles, or even the placement of platforms, you have to adapt on the fly. This makes every run feel unique and adds an extra layer of tension. You can have the perfect setup, but one bad RNG roll can cost you minutes, or the entire run. It’s a constant battle against the game itself.

The Final Run

When the stars finally aligned, and I felt confident enough to attempt a full speedrun, the tension was palpable. Every input felt critical. The run was a rollercoaster of near-disasters and clutch saves. There were moments where I executed a complex trick flawlessly, followed immediately by a blunder that put me seconds away from failure. It’s this emotional journey that makes speedrunning so addictive. Witnessing the PB come together after so much struggle is an unparalleled feeling. You can watch the full run here: [Link to EazySpeezy's Cursed Mario 64 Speedrun Video].
This run is a testament to perseverance. It's about embracing the chaos and finding a way to win, even when the game actively tries to stop you.

Why Speedrun This Game?

So, why would anyone intentionally subject themselves to this kind of challenge? For me, it's about:
  • Pushing Boundaries: Exploring the extreme limits of gameplay and skill.
  • Community Contribution: Showcasing unique mods and inspiring others.
  • Personal Growth: Overcoming immense difficulty builds incredible problem-solving skills and mental fortitude.
  • Pure Fun: Honestly, mastering something this absurd is incredibly rewarding and entertaining.
My channel generally focuses on a more casual side of speedruns. With these videos, I want to show off cool speedruns, explain how they work, and entertain. Hopefully, you enjoy the content and maybe even take up speedrunning yourself, because it is truly a lot of fun! ---

Preguntas Frecuentes

What is the difference between a normal Mario 64 speedrun and a cursed one?

A normal Mario 64 speedrun follows the intended game mechanics and established optimal routes. A "cursed" run, however, utilizes heavily modified ROM hacks that introduce intentional glitches, altered physics, unfair challenges, and unpredictable elements, requiring entirely new strategies and a higher tolerance for chaos.

Is "Cursed Mario 64" an official game?

No, "Cursed Mario 64" is not an official game. It refers to fan-made modifications, or ROM hacks, of the original Super Mario 64, designed to be significantly more difficult and unpredictable.

How long does a Cursed Mario 64 speedrun typically take?

The duration can vary wildly depending on the specific ROM hack and the runner's skill. Some might be slightly longer than a standard run, while others, due to extreme difficulty and RNG, can take significantly longer or be considered "unbeatable" by many.

Where can I watch more speedruns like this?

You can find more speedruns, including those of cursed ROM hacks, on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Following specific streamers or checking out resources like speedrun.com for leaderboards and discussions is also highly recommended. So there you have it – my insane dive into the world of "Cursed Mario 64." It was a wild ride, filled with frustration, triumph, and a whole lot of laughs (mostly at my own expense). If you've ever attempted a particularly brutal speedrun or tackled a crazy gaming challenge, let me know in the comments below! What's the most cursed game you've ever tried to beat? Join our Discord channel to chat with fellow speedrunners, share your own runs, and get tips on your favorite games. Let's build this community together!

How Long to Speedrun Every Super Mario Game? A Deep Dive into Mario's Fastest Runs

So, you've been watching those incredible speedrun videos, maybe you've even dabbled yourself. You hear about players shaving off milliseconds and pulling off insane glitches to beat games in record time. It's a whole different world from just enjoying a game casually. But when you think about a franchise as massive as Super Mario, a question naturally pops into your head: "How long would it *actually* take to speedrun *all* of them?" It sounds simple, but as any seasoned gamer knows, the devil is in the details, and the Super Mario franchise is a labyrinth of them.

The Sheer Scale of Mario

The Super Mario universe isn't just a few games; it's a sprawling collection that spans decades and genres. From the iconic 2D platformers that started it all to 3D adventures, kart racers, RPGs, and even party games, Nintendo has consistently delivered new ways to experience their flagship franchise. This sheer volume makes any attempt to calculate a "total speedrun time" incredibly complex. It's not just about the number of games, but also the different versions, the evolving speedrun categories for each, and the constant discovery of new strats and glitches.

Understanding Speedrun Categories: Any% vs. 100% and Beyond

When we talk about speedruns, the first thing any true gamer knows is that "speedrun" isn't a single, monolithic goal. The most popular category is typically Any%, which means beating the game as quickly as possible, regardless of what you collect or achieve in-game. This often involves exploiting game exploits and glitches that bypass large portions of the game. On the other hand, 100% Completion runs require you to achieve every in-game goal, collect every item, and perform every necessary action. These are significantly longer and often require different, less glitch-reliant strategies.

Then there are even more niche categories, like Low% (completing the game with the absolute minimum requirements), All Bosses, or specific challenge runs. For a franchise like Mario, this means the potential time investment skyrockets when you consider all the possible ways to play.

The sheer variety of categories for a single Mario game can drastically alter the perceived "speedrun length." A Super Mario World Any% run is vastly different in time and strategy from its 100% counterpart.

The Core Mario Experience: How Long for the Mainline Titles?

Let's break down some of the most iconic mainline Super Mario titles. These are the games that define the franchise:

  • Super Mario Bros. (NES): A classic. Any% runs are incredibly short, often under 5 minutes thanks to TAS-level precision and sequence breaks. A 100% run would be considerably longer, focusing on completing every level perfectly.
  • Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES): Introduced more complex level design and power-ups. Any% runs utilize warp whistles and precise movement to achieve times under 10 minutes.
  • Super Mario World (SNES): Famous for its hidden exits and the introduction of Yoshi. Any% runs are famously around 13-15 minutes, often involving the famous Backwards Long Jump (BLJ) or similar game mechanics exploitation.
  • Super Mario 64 (N64): A revolutionary 3D title. Its speedrun is legendary, with the Any% category (often targeting 70 Stars) being highly optimized and sitting around 15-20 minutes. The 120 Star run is a much longer, more comprehensive challenge, taking over an hour.
  • Super Mario Sunshine (GCN): Known for its unique FLUDD mechanics. Any% runs can be around 30-45 minutes, involving intricate routing and precise usage of FLUDD for movement and butterflying techniques.
  • New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii): A return to 2D side-scrolling with a modern twist. Runs are generally around 20-30 minutes for Any%.
  • Super Mario Galaxy (Wii): Praised for its creative level design and music. Any% runs are typically around 1 hour and 15 minutes, with specific speedrun strategies involving sword flying and precise inputs.
  • Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii): An even more refined experience. Runs are similar to the first, often clocking in around 1 hour and 10 minutes for Any%.
  • Super Mario 3D Land (3DS): A unique blend of 2D and 3D elements. Any% runs are around 30-40 minutes.
  • Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (Switch): A massive game with a robust multiplayer and a significant amount of content. Any% runs for 3D World alone are around 1 hour and 30 minutes, with Bowser's Fury adding another significant chunk for any% completion.
  • Super Mario Odyssey (Switch): Known for its open-ended sandbox kingdoms and the capture mechanic. The Any% run, often requiring around 130 moons, is a masterclass in movement tech and routing, typically around 55 minutes to 1 hour.

Just these mainline titles already represent a considerable time investment if you were to run them all back-to-back. Imagine adding in every single one of them!

Beyond the Platforming: Speedrunning Mario's Spin-offs

But Mario isn't just about jumping! Think about:

  • Mario Kart games: Many of these have Any% categories focusing on winning races quickly, often utilizing item strategies and shortcuts. Times can vary from a few minutes per cup to hours for a full 150cc Grand Prix run.
  • Mario RPGs (e.g., Super Mario RPG, Paper Mario series, Mario & Luigi series): These typically have longer Any% runs, often in the 2-5 hour range, due to their story-driven nature and turn-based combat. Exploiting battle mechanics and dialogue skips are key.
  • Mario Party games: Speedrunning these is less common in the traditional sense, as they rely heavily on multiplayer and RNG. However, some communities attempt "fastest board" or "most coins in X turns" challenges.
  • Sports titles (e.g., Mario Tennis, Mario Golf): These often have categories based on winning tournaments or achieving specific feats quickly.

The sheer diversity means you'd need to learn entirely different speedrunning strategies for each sub-series.

Calculating the Total Time: The Ultimate Speedrunner's Quest

So, let's try to rough out an estimate. If we take the Any% times for just the mainline platformers mentioned above (averaging around 5-6 hours if you were to play them sequentially without breaks and accounting for setup), that’s already a significant commitment. Now, factor in dozens of spin-off titles, each with their own unique speedrunning meta and categories. Add the time it takes to learn each game's specific speedrun analysis, practice difficult speedrun tech, and perfect the routing. You're likely looking at well over 100 hours, and that's a conservative estimate for just Any% runs across a broad selection of Mario games.

If you were to attempt 100% runs for every game? That number would easily climb into the hundreds, possibly even thousands, of hours. It's a task that requires immense dedication and a deep love for the Super Mario franchise.

The most dedicated runners spend years mastering a single game's speedrun. Doing that for the entire Super Mario franchise is a monumental, lifelong endeavor.

The Role of the Speedrunning Community

The beauty of the speedrunning community is its collaborative nature. Resources like speedrun.com, dedicated Discords, and YouTube tutorials are invaluable. Runners constantly share new gaming strategies, discover new game exploits, and refine existing routes. For Mario games, this means that the "optimal" time to beat a game can change overnight thanks to a new discovery.

The data presented here is based on current video game records and community-accepted times, but this landscape is always shifting. What might be a 15-minute run today could be a 14-minute run tomorrow with a new speedrun technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest Super Mario speedrun?

The fastest speedruns are typically for the earliest 2D titles like Super Mario Bros., which can be completed in under 5 minutes using precise glitch execution. However, for a game like Super Mario Odyssey, the Any% speedrun is closer to an hour.

How do speedrunners find new glitches?

Speedrunners often use memory viewers, debug tools, and practice different inputs or actions in unusual sequences to discover new glitches or sequence breaks. It's a process of trial, error, and deep understanding of the game's code.

Is it possible to speedrun ALL Super Mario games?

Technically yes, but it would take an extraordinary amount of time and dedication, likely thousands of hours, to master the speedruns for every title and category within the vast Super Mario franchise.

What's the difference between Any% and 100% speedruns?

Any% focuses on finishing the game as quickly as possible using any means necessary, often including glitches. 100% requires completing all in-game objectives, collecting all items, and finishing with the highest possible completion percentage, which usually takes much longer.

Where can I find specific Mario speedrun times and strategies?

The best resource is speedrun.com, where you can find leaderboards, guides, and videos for almost every game imaginable, including all the Super Mario titles.

Ultimately, the question of "how long" is less about a definitive number and more about appreciating the incredible dedication and skill involved in mastering these beloved games at breakneck speeds. Whether you're aiming for a world record or just want to shave a few minutes off your personal best, the Super Mario franchise offers a lifetime of challenges.

What's your personal favorite Mario speedrun category to watch or attempt? Share your thoughts and any Mario speedrunning tips you have in the comments below! If there's another game or franchise you'd like us to break down, let us know!

A Game-Changing Mario 64 Speedrun Skip Just Dropped: Is This the New Meta?

Hey fellow speedrunners and Mario 64 enthusiasts! If you've been following the competitive scene, you know that even after decades, the legendary Super Mario 64 community is still unearthing revolutionary techniques. Today, we're diving deep into a newly discovered skip that could potentially shake up the world of 16-star and 70-star speedruns. We're talking about the Bob-omb Battlefield (BoB) Koopa Race route, and it’s a big deal!

The Discovery: A New Path Through Bob-omb Battlefield

This isn't just any minor tweak; it's a completely new way to approach a classic level. Shoutout to the incredible @circumark994 (also known as 宇佐美まさむね) for their groundbreaking work in finding and documenting this innovative route. For years, speedrunners have optimized every possible frame, but this find proves there's still magic to uncover in this N64 masterpiece.

The new strategy focuses on the Koopa the Quick race within Bob-omb Battlefield. By expertly chaining together advanced movement techniques, players can now shave precious seconds off their RTA (Real-Time Attack) runs. This is the kind of discovery that reignites passion within the SM64 speedrunning community, pushing boundaries and inspiring new attempts at personal bests (PBs) and even world records (WRs).

Breaking Down the Strategy: Framewalk, Chip Clip, and Beyond

So, what exactly makes this skip so special? It’s a masterful combination of existing high-level techniques, woven together with a new insight. We're talking about the precise execution of framewalking, where players manipulate Mario's movement frame by frame to gain subtle advantages. Then there's the chip clip, a glitch that allows Mario to clip through certain surfaces under specific conditions.

When you combine these with established strategies like the HMC (Hurt Mario Climb) 100 coin strategy and the Koopa SM64 balls route, you start to see the potential. This isn't a simple button press; it requires near-perfect execution and a deep understanding of Mario's physics engine. The goal is to create a smoother, faster path, bypassing the usual slower sections of the race.

"This skip is a testament to the enduring depth of Super Mario 64. Even after all these years, the community continues to find ways to break the game in the most ingenious ways. It’s pure speedrunning artistry."

The exact implementation involves a series of precise jumps, wall kicks, and sometimes even strategic use of the environment itself. It's about finding the shortest possible path, not just the intended one. This often means exploiting the game's engine in ways the developers never anticipated, which is the essence of cutting-edge speedrunning.

Impact on Speedrunning Categories

The implications of this new skip are massive, particularly for the 16 Star and 70 Star categories. These categories rely heavily on efficient movement and exploiting major glitches or shortcuts. A consistent, reliable skip that saves significant time could drastically alter the current world records. We might be looking at a new era of SM64 speedrunning, where runners will need to master this technique to even be competitive.

Even in the highly optimized 120 Star category, where every second counts, new routing possibilities could emerge. While the core route might remain the same, this skip could offer a faster alternative for specific segments, potentially leading to a new World Record. It’s exciting to think about how this discovery will ripple through different categories and challenge established strategies.

Consider the potential for personal bests. For many players, shaving even a few seconds can be a monumental achievement. This new route offers a tangible goal and a new frontier for runners to explore. It’s this constant innovation that keeps the speedrun gaming scene so dynamic.

The Community's Reaction and Future Implications

The SM64 speedrun community has always been incredibly active and collaborative. News of this skip has spread like wildfire, with runners already dissecting the video, practicing the inputs, and discussing its potential. It’s inspiring to see so many people come together, sharing knowledge and pushing the limits of what’s possible.

Will this lead to a "cheese WR" (a world record achieved through a dominant, perhaps less skillful but highly effective strategy)? Or will it be a true testament to skill, requiring immense practice? The debate is already underway.

We've seen legendary runners like Karl Jobst and others analyze major speedrunning breakthroughs, and this discovery is certainly on that level. It’s a reminder that no game, no matter how old, is ever truly "solved." The pursuit of perfection is endless in the world of speedrunning.

The discovery also highlights the importance of documentation and community sharing. Without @circumark994’s detailed breakdown, this skip might have remained an isolated trick for a select few. This collaborative spirit is what makes the speedrunning community so special.

"Every new skip is a puzzle. Some are simple, some are complex, but they all add a new layer to the strategy. This BoB race skip is definitely on the complex side, but the reward is immense."

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a "skip" in speedrunning?

A skip is a technique or glitch that allows a speedrunner to bypass a section of the game that was intended to be played through, saving time.

How much time does this new Mario 64 skip save?

Early estimates suggest it can save around 1.7 seconds in RTA (Real-Time Attack) runs for the Koopa the Quick race in Bob-omb Battlefield, which is significant in competitive speedruns.

Is this skip difficult to perform?

Yes, this skip requires mastery of advanced techniques like framewalking and chip clipping, demanding precise inputs and a deep understanding of the game's mechanics.

Which speedrun categories will this affect the most?

The most significant impact is expected in the 16 Star and 70 Star categories, but it could also influence routing in other categories, including 120 Star, potentially leading to new world records.

Where can I learn more about this skip?

You can find detailed breakdowns and demonstration videos from the discoverer, @circumark994, and discussions within the SM64 speedrun community on platforms like YouTube and Twitch.

This discovery is a thrilling reminder of why we love speedrunning. It's a constant evolution, driven by passion, ingenuity, and the relentless pursuit of the fastest possible time. The world of Super Mario 64 speedrunning just got a whole lot more interesting!

What are your thoughts on this new skip? Do you think it will lead to a new WR? Share your opinions and your own speedrunning achievements in the comments below! We love hearing from the community.

The Impossible Made Possible: Beating Mario 64 All-Stars with Just 1 Star

The Legend of the 1-Star Run

Ever since Super Mario 64 first graced our screens, it has been a cornerstone of the speedrunning community. For years, the ultimate challenge for many was the legendary 120-star completion. But then came a twist, a curveball thrown by Nintendo that sent shockwaves through the speedrunning world: the release of Super Mario All-Stars (specifically, the Super Mario 64 portion within compilations like the Super Mario 3D All-Stars). This reimagining, while fantastic for many, removed a crucial tool in the speedrunner's arsenal. However, where there's a will, there's a way, and the Super Mario 64 speedrun community is nothing if not resilient. Today, we're diving deep into the "impossible": beating Mario 64 with just one star, even after the infamous BLJ was patched out.

When Worlds Collide: Mario 64's All-Stars Dilemma

The Super Mario 64 segment included in the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection presented a unique problem for speedrunners. While offering a polished experience on modern consoles, Nintendo made some changes that significantly impacted established speedrunning **strategies**. The most impactful of these changes was the removal or alteration of the **Backwards Long Jump (BLJ)**. For those unfamiliar, the BLJ was a fundamental **glitch** that allowed players to gain immense speed by performing a long jump backward into a wall, repeatedly. It was the key to unlocking many early-game shortcuts and was absolutely vital for any serious speedrun attempt. Without it, the established routes for categories like "1 Star" became seemingly impossible.
The BLJ wasn't just a glitch; it was the foundation upon which many speedrun categories were built. Its removal forced the community to rethink everything.

The Backwards Long Jump (BLJ): A Speedrunner's Best Friend

Before the All-Stars version, the BLJ was the undisputed king of Mario 64 speedrunning **techniques**. It allowed players to bypass crucial doors and barriers early on, shaving precious seconds, even minutes, off their times. The most famous application of the BLJ was in the "1 Star" category, where players would perform a series of BLJs to reach the Star required to exit the castle’s main lobby, all without collecting any other stars. This demonstrated an incredible mastery of the game's mechanics and a deep understanding of its physics engine. It was a spectacle of precision and execution, a true testament to the dedication of speedrunning.

When the BLJ is Gone: The Rise of New Strats

When Super Mario 3D All-Stars launched, the community initially thought the 1-Star category was dead in the water for that version. However, the spirit of innovation is what drives speedrunning. Instead of giving up, runners began to explore other less commonly used glitches and **skips**. This is where the true depth of gaming strategies shines through. Players started experimenting with other movement **exploits**, object manipulation, and precise ledge grabs that, when combined, could replicate the effect of the BLJ. This led to the development of entirely new **routes** and **strats**, proving that even when a core mechanic is removed, the game still has secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Inside the 1-Star Speedrun: A Technical Breakdown

The Tool-Assisted Speedrun (TAS) video showcases a theoretical best-case scenario, meticulously crafted frame by frame. While not achievable by human players in real-time without assistance, TAS runs are invaluable for discovering new **glitches**, testing complex **strats**, and pushing the boundaries of what's considered possible within a game. The video you're seeing here demonstrates that even without the BLJ, the "1 Star" goal is achievable in the All-Stars version through a complex interplay of other mechanics. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens in such a run: * **Objective**: Reach and collect the first star in Bob-omb Battlefield, the "Big Boo's Haunt" star, to exit the castle, all while collecting only that single star. * **Initial Obstacles**: The main hurdle is bypassing the locked doors that require multiple stars. Without the BLJ, these doors remain impassable through conventional means. * **The Solution**: The TAS utilizes a combination of precise movement, object manipulation (like using enemies or cannonballs), and potentially out-of-bounds glitches to navigate through areas that would normally be blocked.

Key Glitches and Skips in the 1-Star Run

The "BLJ-less" 1-Star run in the All-Stars version relies on a sophisticated set of alternative **techniques**. While the exact sequence can be highly technical and frame-perfect, some common **exploits** that might be employed include: * Object Clipping: Utilizing the game's physics engine to pass through walls or obstacles by carefully positioning and interacting with certain objects or enemies. This could involve manipulating enemy positions or using projectiles in very specific ways. * Ledge Grabs and Dashes: Extremely precise timing of jumps and grabs to gain unintended height or distance, effectively "skipping" sections that require normal progression. * Specific Enemy Interactions: Certain enemies might have unique behaviors that can be exploited for movement, such as being launched by their attacks or using their AI in unexpected ways. * "Sword Flying" or Similar Techniques: While not a standard part of the original Mario 64, some advanced speedruns might incorporate glitches that allow Mario to gain airborne momentum through specific actions, though this is less common in vanilla speedruns.

The "All-Stars" Challenge: What it Really Means

The "All-Stars" in this context refers to the version of Super Mario 64 included in the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection. This means the run is performed on a version with altered game code, specifically where the **Backwards Long Jump glitch** has been patched out. This makes it a distinct challenge from speedruns on original N64 cartridges or emulated versions where the BLJ is present. Runners must adapt their **strats** and find new ways to achieve the same outcome, showcasing the adaptability of the speedrunning community.

Is This the Future of Mario 64 Speedrunning?

For the original N64 version, the BLJ remains a cornerstone and the BLJ-less challenge is more about exploring esoteric glitches. However, for players focusing on the All-Stars version, this 1-Star **speedrun** represents a fascinating evolution. It proves that games, even when "fixed," can still harbor secrets and allow for incredible displays of skill and ingenuity. It opens up new avenues for discovery and challenges the established meta. While it may not replace the classic BLJ runs, it offers a unique and equally impressive challenge for those who want to master this specific version of the game. This dedication to finding new **techniques** and **routes** is what keeps the gaming speedrun scene alive and exciting.
The pursuit of the "impossible" in speedrunning often leads to the discovery of the game's deepest, most hidden mechanics. This 1-star run is a prime example.

FAQ

What is the Backwards Long Jump (BLJ) in Mario 64?

The BLJ is a famous glitch where Mario gains extreme speed by performing a backward long jump into a wall. It was crucial for many speedrunning shortcuts.

Why is the 1-Star run difficult in Mario 64 All-Stars?

Nintendo patched out the BLJ in the All-Stars version, removing the primary method for quickly bypassing locked doors and accessing stars with minimal collectibles. This requires runners to use alternative, often more complex, glitches and skips.

Can a human player perform this 1-Star speedrun without TAS?

While TAS runs show theoretical perfection, many of the discovered glitches and skips are being actively practiced and refined by human players. Achieving a competitive time would still require immense skill and dedication, but it is becoming more feasible.

What are other popular categories for Super Mario 64 speedruns?

Besides the 1-Star run, other major categories include 16 Star, 70 Star, 120 Star (collecting all power stars), and Any% (completing the game as fast as possible, often using BLJs or other glitches).

How do speedrunners find new glitches?

Speedrunners use a combination of extensive gameplay, careful observation of game physics, theoretical analysis, and sometimes specialized tools to discover new exploits and glitches. The community often collaborates and shares findings.
The journey to beat Super Mario 64 All-Stars with a single star is a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring appeal of this classic game. It's a vibrant reminder that even after decades, there are still new ways to play and master the games we love. The community's ability to adapt and innovate when faced with technical challenges is truly inspiring. What are your thoughts on this incredible feat? Have you attempted a low-star run yourself? Share your experiences and any mind-blowing **speedrunning** **strats** you’ve discovered in the comments below! Join our Discord server to discuss the latest in gaming speedrun news and strategies!