
Alright, speedrunning community, let's talk about Super Mario 64. We're diving deep into one of the most controversial glitches to ever hit the 120-star category: the infamous "Framewalk." For years, it was known, but not actively exploited in top-tier runs. Now, it's causing a massive schism, and we're here to break down exactly why. Whether you're a seasoned speedrunner, a casual player, or just curious about the drama, this guide will shed light on the Framewalk and its implications.
Table of Contents
- What Exactly IS the Framewalk?
- How Does the Framewalk Actually Work?
- The Heart of the Controversy: Why is it So Divisive?
- Community Divisions: For and Against
- Historical Context: From Known Glitch to Speedrun Staple
- Rulings and Votes: What's the Official Stance?
- Expert Analysis: The Case for and Against the Framewalk
- Implications for SM64 Speedrunning
- The Future of the Framewalk
What Exactly IS the Framewalk?
At its core, the Framewalk is a complex sequence of inputs and game mechanics in Super Mario 64 that allows a player to manipulate Mario's position and movement in ways that defy normal gameplay. It's not a simple jump or a common enemy exploit; it's a deep dive into the game's engine that has been meticulously studied and practiced by a dedicated segment of the speedrunning community.
The term itself, "Framewalk," hints at its nature. It involves precise timing, often down to individual frames, to exploit how the game processes Mario's movement and interactions with the environment. This isn't just about performing a trick; it's about understanding the fundamental building blocks of SM64's physics and collision detection.
How Does the Framewalk Actually Work?
Breaking down the Framewalk requires a granular understanding of SM64's internal workings, often referred to as "game mechanics" or "engine exploits." While a full technical breakdown can get incredibly dense, the essence of the Framewalk involves:
- Precise Input Timing: Executing button presses and joystick movements within extremely narrow frame windows. This is where the "frame" in Framewalk comes into play.
- Leveraging Physics: Manipulating Mario's velocity, acceleration, and deceleration by interacting with surfaces, slopes, and even certain objects in specific ways.
- Collision Exploitation: Finding unintended interactions between Mario and the game world that cause him to move in unexpected directions or gain unintended momentum.
- Input Display and Frame Analysis: Speedrunners often use input displays and frame-by-frame analysis tools to identify and perfect these timings. Footage from players like Droz and Puncayshun showcases this visually, with inputs clearly displayed to demonstrate the precision required.
This isn't a simple glitch; it's a testament to the community's deep dive into the game's code and mechanics. It requires immense practice and a true understanding of how the game *really* works beneath the surface.
The Heart of the Controversy: Why is it So Divisive?
The Framewalk glitch isn't just about a faster way to clear a level; it's about the philosophy of speedrunning itself. Here's why it's ignited such a firestorm:
- "True" Skill vs. Exploitation: The core debate revolves around whether the Framewalk represents "true" skill or an unintended exploit that trivializes challenges. Some argue that mastering such a complex technique is a skill in itself, pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Others feel it bypasses the intended challenges of the game and diminishes the accomplishment of traditional gameplay.
- Impact on Time: The Framewalk can lead to significant time saves in specific levels and categories, most notably the 120-star run. This has a direct impact on World Records (WRs) and Personal Bests (PBs), leading to a period of uncertainty and debate as runners adapt.
- Game Integrity: For some, using such a deep glitch questions the integrity of the speedrun itself. Does a run completed with the Framewalk hold the same weight as one achieved through more "legitimate" means? This is a question that has plagued many speedrunning communities over the years.
The debate is less about whether the trick is cool, and more about what defines a 'legitimate' speedrun.
Community Divisions: For and Against
The Super Mario 64 speedrunning community is notoriously passionate, and the Framewalk has brought this to the forefront. The discussion has largely split into three camps:
- The Purists: These runners and fans believe the Framewalk is an exploit that should be banned, particularly from categories like 120-star. They champion runs that stick to intended gameplay mechanics and view the Framewalk as a shortcut that devalues traditional skill.
- The Innovators: This group embraces the Framewalk. They see it as a testament to the community's ingenuity and dedication, pushing the game to its absolute limits. For them, mastering a complex glitch is just as valid, if not more so, than executing precise platforming. They argue that if a glitch exists and can be mastered, it becomes part of the game's speedrunning meta.
- The Undecided: A significant portion of the community falls into this category. They acknowledge the impressive execution required for the Framewalk but also understand the concerns of the purists. Many are advocating for clear rules and potentially separate categories to accommodate different playstyles.
This division is not unique to SM64; similar debates have occurred in communities for games like The Legend of Zelda and Metroid. It highlights a fundamental tension in speedrunning: innovation versus tradition.
Historical Context: From Known Glitch to Speedrun Staple
The Framewalk wasn't a sudden discovery. It was a phenomenon that existed within the game's code for a long time, often observed but not necessarily exploited for speedrunning purposes. Early discussions and observations about its potential can be found in archived forum posts and discussions among dedicated SM64 players.
However, it was relatively recently that runners like Cheese, Puncayshun, LiamKings, and Paracusia began actively incorporating it into high-level 120-star attempts. This shift from theoretical possibility to practical application in WR chases is what truly ignited the controversy. The availability of footage, like Puncayshun's with input display or Droz's controller cam, allowed the community to witness the trick's execution firsthand, fueling the debate.
Rulings and Votes: What's the Official Stance?
The controversy surrounding the Framewalk has led to official discussions and votes within the Super Mario 64 speedrunning community. Websites like speedrun.com are the central hubs for these decisions. Initially, there was uncertainty, but a consensus has started to form.
As of recent developments, the community has reached a conclusion, often involving votes to determine the trick's status. The linked YouTube video ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkl_k1HYsgM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkl_k1HYsgM)) likely details the outcome of these discussions. In many established speedrunning communities, a formal vote is conducted, and the results dictate whether such glitches are allowed, disallowed, or placed into specific categories. For example, discussions around the ESS adapter and remapping schemes have also occurred, showing the community's proactive approach to rule-making.
Expert Analysis: The Case for and Against the Framewalk
From an expert perspective, the Framewalk is a fascinating intersection of game design, player skill, and community evolution. Here's a breakdown of the arguments:
Arguments FOR the Framewalk:
- Demonstration of Mastery: The sheer difficulty and frame-perfect precision required to execute the Framewalk is a skill in itself. It requires hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of practice.
- Pushing Boundaries: Speedrunning is about finding the fastest way through a game, intended or not. The Framewalk opens up new possibilities and can lead to significantly faster times, driving competition.
- Community Engagement: Debates like this, while sometimes heated, are vital for a community's growth. They force runners to think critically about the game and the rules.
- Exploration of Game Mechanics: Understanding and utilizing such deep glitches shows a profound understanding of the game's engine, akin to highly technical plays in other competitive fields.
Arguments AGAINST the Framewalk:
- Bypasses Intended Challenges: Critics argue that it circumvents the designed gameplay and skill tests that make SM64's 120-star run iconic.
- Trivialization: Some feel that it makes certain parts of the game too easy, reducing the sense of accomplishment for players who achieve it.
- Barrier to Entry: The extreme difficulty of mastering the Framewalk can alienate newer runners who may not have the time or resources to dedicate to such specialized techniques.
- Definition of "Playing the Game": The debate touches on what it means to "play" a game. Is exploiting a deep, unintended mechanic still considered playing the game as intended?
"It's not just about beating the game fast; it's about how you beat it. That's where the Framewalk hits a nerve for many."
Implications for SM64 Speedrunning
The Framewalk controversy has had significant implications for the Super Mario 64 speedrunning scene:
- Category Splits: It's highly probable that this will lead to the establishment of distinct categories. We could see "Framewalk Allowed" and "Framewalk Banned" (or "Glitchless") categories, similar to how other games handle major glitches.
- Record Resets: The introduction of a game-breaking glitch like the Framewalk often leads to a reset of existing records, as times achieved with the glitch are not comparable to those without it.
- Increased Scrutiny: Speedrunning communities are becoming more vigilant about identifying and discussing new glitches or exploits, leading to a more robust verification process.
The community's response to the Framewalk is a microcosm of the broader speedrunning evolution, where innovation constantly clashes with tradition.
The Future of the Framewalk
Regardless of where the community ultimately lands, the Framewalk has left an indelible mark on Super Mario 64 speedrunning. It has sparked critical discussions about skill, integrity, and the very nature of pushing game boundaries.
Whether it becomes a celebrated technique in its own category or is relegated to niche runs, its legacy as one of the most divisive and discussed speedrunning tricks in SM64 history is secured. The ongoing discourse is what makes the speedrunning community so vibrant and dynamic.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Framewalk in SM64?
- The Framewalk is a complex glitch in Super Mario 64 that allows players to manipulate Mario's movement with frame-perfect precision, often to gain unintended speed or bypass obstacles. It's a technique that has sparked significant debate in the speedrunning community.
- Why is the Framewalk controversial?
- It's controversial because it represents an unintended exploit that can drastically alter run times, leading to debates about "true" skill versus glitch exploitation and the integrity of speedrunning records.
- Has the Framewalk been banned in SM64 speedruns?
- The status of the Framewalk can change based on community votes and rulings on platforms like speedrun.com. It has led to discussions about creating separate categories for runs that use the glitch versus those that don't.
- Is the Framewalk difficult to perform?
- Yes, the Framewalk requires extreme precision and timing, often down to individual frames, demanding extensive practice and a deep understanding of the game's mechanics.
- Where can I see the Framewalk in action?
- Videos featuring top SM64 speedrunners like Cheese, Puncayshun, and Droz often showcase the Framewalk. You can find these on platforms like YouTube, often with input displays for clarity.
The world of speedrunning is always evolving, and the Framewalk is a prime example of how new discoveries can shake up established communities. What are your thoughts on the Framewalk? Is it a testament to skill or an exploit that undermines the spirit of speedrunning? Let us know in the comments below! If you're looking to improve your own runs, check out our guides on various Gaming Strategies and explore new GamingSpeedrun techniques!




