Table of Contents
- The Dawn of Speedrunning: Early Hurdles and Obscurity
- Unlocking the Secrets: The Evolution of Strategies
- Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Major Record Progression
- The Reigning Champions and the Unbeatable Records
- Technical Hurdles and Community Innovations
- Why New Super Mario Bros. DS Still Captivates Speedrunners
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Dawn of Speedrunning: Early Hurdles and Obscurity
When *New Super Mario Bros. DS* first hit the shelves, the speedrunning scene wasn't the organized, globally connected phenomenon it is today. The idea of meticulously optimizing every jump and fireball for a sub-minute completion seemed distant for this particular title. Early attempts were hampered by a lack of widespread knowledge about its mechanics and, critically, the difficulty in capturing clean gameplay footage from the Nintendo DS. This meant that initial runs were often overlooked, not due to a lack of skill, but due to the technical barriers preventing them from being widely shared and verified. It was a niche within a niche, a hidden gem waiting to be unearthed by dedicated players. The absence of readily available advanced movement techniques and deep understanding of the game's engine meant that players were often at the mercy of basic gameplay, making significant time saves feel like distant dreams.Unlocking the Secrets: The Evolution of Strategies
As the DS emulation scene grew and recording technology improved, a dedicated group of players began to delve deeper into the game's code and physics. This era saw the discovery and refinement of crucial strats and glitches that would fundamentally change how the game was played at speed. Players started experimenting with precise jumps, manipulating enemy AI, and finding ways to optimize movement through levels that weren't immediately obvious. The introduction of the `Any%` category became the primary focus, aiming to complete the game as quickly as possible, regardless of collecting items or reaching certain milestones. This pushed runners to find the most efficient path, often involving risky but rewarding maneuvers. The community began to document these discoveries, sharing videos and discussions on forums and early community platforms. It was during this period that concepts like frame-perfect inputs and optimal RNG manipulation started to become part of the conversation, even if not fully understood or exploited initially.The early days were about raw exploration. We were essentially mapping uncharted territory, finding out what the game would allow and what it wouldn't. Every new skip or trick felt like a monumental discovery.
Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Major Record Progression
With a growing understanding of the game's mechanics, the world record for *New Super Mario Bros. DS* began to see significant drops. Players like Pidgey and Yiply were instrumental in pushing the boundaries, introducing new routing and demonstrating superior execution. The focus shifted from simply finishing the game to shaving off fractions of seconds, and then whole seconds, from the previous best times. This period was characterized by intense competition, with multiple runners constantly vying for the top spot. Discoveries made by one player would often be quickly adopted and improved upon by others, creating a dynamic and fast-paced evolution of the speedrun. The community itself became a crucial part of this progression, with shared knowledge accelerating the process. It was no longer just about individual skill, but about collective understanding and innovation. The refinement of techniques like efficient use of power-ups and precise wall jumps became paramount. Even seemingly minor optimizations in level traversal could lead to substantial time savings over the course of the entire game. The community also began to analyze the specific challenges presented by each level, developing tailored strategies to overcome them as quickly as possible. This included mastering the timing of specific jumps and the optimal sequence of actions to minimize Mario's movement time and maximize his forward momentum.The Reigning Champions and the Unbeatable Records
Today, the world record for *New Super Mario Bros. DS* stands as a testament to years of dedication and cutting-edge strategy. Players like Glitchman24 and AndreMH have been at the forefront, achieving times that were once thought impossible. The current records often involve intricate sequences of glitches and highly optimized movement that demand near-perfect execution. These runners are not just playing the game; they are dissecting it, understanding its deepest intricacies to shave off every possible millisecond. The level of skill required is immense, often relying on frame-perfect inputs and an intimate knowledge of the game's physics engine. The pursuit of these records is a continuous cycle of practice, analysis, and refinement. A single mistake can cost precious seconds, making consistency a crucial factor. The community at sites like GamingSpeedrun.com actively tracks these progressions, celebrating each new milestone and dissecting the strategies that lead to them. The dedication of these runners is truly inspiring, showcasing the incredible potential of human skill and perseverance in video games.Technical Hurdles and Community Innovations
The journey of *New Super Mario Bros. DS* speedrunning has been heavily influenced by the technical limitations and innovations within the community. Early on, the lack of reliable recording methods meant that many impressive feats went undocumented. As technology advanced, so did the possibilities. The development of better capturing hardware and more sophisticated emulation allowed for cleaner runs and more accurate timing. Moreover, the community's collaborative spirit has been a driving force. Platforms like Discord have become vital hubs for strategizing, sharing new discoveries, and coordinating efforts. This collaborative environment has allowed for the rapid identification and exploitation of game mechanics, leading to faster times and more refined routes. The sharing of saves and set seeds (where applicable) has also played a role in allowing runners to practice specific segments more efficiently, though true RSG (Random Seed Glitchless) or SSG (Set Seed Glitchless) categories still test raw adaptability.It’s not just about personal bests; it’s about collectively understanding the game on a level most players never reach. We’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, not just for ourselves, but for the entire community.
Why New Super Mario Bros. DS Still Captivates Speedrunners
Despite being a game from the Nintendo DS era, *New Super Mario Bros. DS* continues to hold a special place in the hearts of speedrunners. Its blend of classic Mario platforming with new mechanics and a diverse range of levels provides a rich playground for optimization. The game offers a perfect balance: it's accessible enough for newcomers to grasp the basics, yet deep enough to allow for significant technical mastery and strategic innovation. The evolution of its world record history is a fascinating case study in how communities uncover the hidden depths of games. It demonstrates that even seemingly straightforward titles can hold complex secrets that reward dedicated exploration. The ongoing pursuit of faster times, the constant discovery of new skips, and the incredible execution displayed by top runners make *New Super Mario Bros. DS* a perennial favorite for those who love to push the limits of gameplay. It’s a game that continues to challenge, inspire, and entertain the speedrunning community.Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the current Any% world record for New Super Mario Bros. DS?
A1: The Any% world record is held by players like Glitchman24 and AndreMH, with times consistently pushing the boundaries of human capability. For the most up-to-date record, it's best to check the official leaderboards on sites like speedrun.com.
Q2: What are some of the most important glitches or skips used in NSMB DS speedruns?
A2: Key discoveries include various out-of-bounds exploits, precise wall jumps that allow for sequence breaks, and manipulation of enemy AI to gain speed. The specific glitches and skips are constantly evolving as runners discover new techniques.
Q3: Is New Super Mario Bros. DS a difficult game to speedrun?
A3: Yes, it is considered a challenging speedrun. It requires high precision, extensive knowledge of the game's mechanics, and the ability to consistently execute difficult tricks and sequences, often involving tight timing and precise inputs.
Q4: How did early speedrunning of this game differ from today?
A4: In the early days, speedruns were hampered by technical limitations in recording and verification, as well as a less developed understanding of the game's engine. Today, with better technology and community knowledge, speedruns are far more optimized and often involve complex glitches and strategies that were undiscovered initially.