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Subcon's Speedrunning Genesis
Released in 1988 for the NES, *Super Mario Bros. 2* (or *Super Mario USA* in Japan) presented a unique departure from its predecessor. Instead of the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario, Luigi, Princess Toadstool, and Toad embark on a surreal adventure through the land of Subcon to defeat the tyrannical Wart. This quirky gameplay, with its item-throwing mechanics and distinct character abilities, quickly captured the hearts of players. And, as is the nature of #videogames, especially ones with such a dedicated fanbase, the competitive spirit soon turned towards mastering the game in the shortest time possible.The Dawn of Record Breaking
The quest for the ultimate #worldrecord in *Super Mario Bros. 2* didn't kick off immediately. It took time for the community to form, for optimal strategies to emerge, and for the game's mechanics to be fully understood through a speedrunning lens. The first widely recognized #WR was set by Andrew Gardikis in 2001, with an impressive time of 8 minutes and 3 seconds. This was a monumental achievement back then, setting a benchmark for all aspiring runners. This initial record laid the groundwork, proving that the game could be completed significantly faster than its intended playthrough.Back in the early 2000s, breaking 8:03 felt like an insurmountable challenge. It was a testament to sheer dedication and countless hours of practice.
Exploiting the Dream: Key Strats and Glitches
What makes *Super Mario Bros. 2* a prime candidate for speedrunning? Its relatively short length is a factor, but the real magic lies in the game's inherent quirks and the runners' ability to exploit them. Discovering and refining glitches and specific strategies, often referred to as 'strats', is the heart of any great #speedrun. * **Mushroom Picks**: Mastering the precise timing and placement for picking and throwing mushrooms is crucial for consistent enemy KOs and quick level progression. * **POH Glitch (Pick Up and Hold)**: This advanced technique allows runners to maintain possession of an item (like a turnip or a bomb) while performing other actions, enabling faster movement and enemy clearing. * **Wall Jumps and Skips**: Certain sections can be bypassed entirely through skillful wall jumps or sequence breaks, shaving off precious seconds. * **Boss Strategies**: Each boss, especially Wart, has specific, optimized strategies to defeat them as quickly as possible, often involving precise bomb throws or enemy manipulation. * **RNG Manipulation**: While not always a "glitch," understanding and influencing the game's random number generator (RNG) to get favorable item drops or enemy spawns is a key part of top-tier #speedruns. The exploration of these elements has transformed the game from a casual play-through to a highly technical race against the clock.Legends of Subcon
The history of *Super Mario Bros. 2* speedrunning is decorated with the names of incredibly talented individuals who pushed the boundaries. Runners like Rizzy, Kottpower, and Plush are celebrated for their significant contributions to the community, developing strats and setting records that were once thought impossible. Their dedication not only advanced the #WR but also inspired a new generation of players to pick up the controller and join the race.The Pinnacle of Speed: Niftski's WR
The current Any% #worldrecord for *Super Mario Bros. 2* is an astonishing 6 minutes and 39 seconds, achieved by the legendary speedrunner Niftski on March 27, 2021. This time represents the culmination of years of strategy refinement, glitch discovery, and near-perfect execution. Niftski's run is a masterclass in *Super Mario Bros. 2* speedrunning, showcasing an intimate understanding of the game's engine and an incredible level of skill.Niftski's record isn't just a time; it's a symphony of precise inputs and optimized movement. It's what many runners aspire to, or even surpass.This record shattered previous benchmarks and set a new, incredibly high bar for the #speedrun community. It's a prime example of how the #poggers community continually pushes limits.
Beyond Any%: Exploring Different Challenges
While Any% (completing the game as fast as possible, regardless of what's collected) is the most popular category, the *Super Mario Bros. 2* speedrunning scene thrives on variety. Other significant categories include: * **100%**: This category requires collecting all items, defeating all enemies, and completing the game with maximum efficiency. It demands a different set of skills and strategies compared to Any%. * **Warpless**: This category focuses on completing the game without utilizing any warp zones, adding a significant challenge and length to the run. Each category offers a unique puzzle for runners to solve, showcasing the depth and replayability of *Super Mario Bros. 2* as a speedgame.What's Next for SMB2 Speedrunning?
The pursuit of speed never truly ends. As the community continues to analyze the game, it's possible that new glitches will be discovered, or existing strategies will be further optimized. Could we see a sub-6-minute run someday? It's hard to say, but the ingenuity of speedrunners suggests that anything is possible. The #gaming community is always innovating, and *Super Mario Bros. 2* remains a fertile ground for that innovation. We might witness new routing discoveries or even major breakthroughs that redefine how the game is played at top speed.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current world record for Super Mario Bros. 2 Any%?
As of March 27, 2021, the Any% world record is 6 minutes and 39 seconds, set by Niftski.
Who are some famous Super Mario Bros. 2 speedrunners?
Notable runners include Niftski, Rizzy, Kottpower, and Plush, among many others who have contributed significantly to the game's speedrunning history.
What are the main categories for Super Mario Bros. 2 speedruns?
The most popular categories are Any%, 100%, and Warpless, each offering unique challenges and requiring different strategies.
Is Super Mario Bros. 2 a popular game for speedrunning?
Yes, *Super Mario Bros. 2* is a well-established and popular title within the speedrunning community due to its unique mechanics, potential for glitches, and engaging gameplay.
Are there any major glitches used in Super Mario Bros. 2 speedruns?
Yes, key glitches and strats like the POH (Pick Up and Hold) glitch, optimized boss strategies, and specific level skips are crucial for achieving top times.
In conclusion, the #speedrun history of *Super Mario Bros. 2* is a captivating saga of pushing limits and mastering a classic game. From its humble beginnings to Niftski's record-shattering performance, the dedication of the #gaming community shines through. Whether you're inspired to chase a #WR yourself or simply appreciate the incredible skill involved, *Super Mario Bros. 2* remains a timeless title for #speedrunners. What are your favorite *Super Mario Bros. 2* speedrun moments or strategies? Did you ever attempt to set a personal best? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on our GamingSpeedrun Discord! Let's keep the spirit of #WR and #poggers alive!