The speedrunning community is once again abuzz with excitement over fresh world records, innovative techniques, and thrilling gameplay in both classic and new games. Here are some highlights:
1. GreenSuigi’s New World Record in Super Mario 64
In a remarkable achievement, speedrunner GreenSuigi has set a new world record for the Super Mario 64 120-star category, clocking in at an astounding 1:35:34. This popular category requires runners to collect all 120 stars in the game, pushing their skills, strategies, and knowledge of the game’s intricacies to the limit. Super Mario 64 has a storied history in speedrunning, and this new record is a testament to GreenSuigi’s dedication and refined techniques in a game that has seen nearly three decades of optimization and innovation. Catch the full run on GreenSuigi’s Twitch channel.
2. Final Fantasy 7’s “Oceanfly” Skip
A newly discovered skip, nicknamed “Oceanfly,” has shaken up the world of Final Fantasy 7 speedrunning. This skip allows players to bypass a significant portion of Disc 1, saving precious minutes and offering a fresh take on the game’s route. In a game famous for its story and complex mechanics, the skip opens up new possibilities for speedrunners who seek to optimize their playthroughs even further. Whether or not it becomes standard in speedrun categories is yet to be determined, but it has certainly caught the community’s attention.
3. Double World Record in Red Ball by Niftski
In a double feat, speedrunner Niftski secured two new world records for Red Ball—a charming but challenging indie game. They achieved times of 2:32.581 for 12 levels and 3:51.742 for 17 levels. This accomplishment showcases the runner’s precision and speed in navigating the game’s bouncy physics and tricky obstacles. Niftski’s run highlights how indie games, often overlooked by the larger community, provide unique and captivating challenges that can be just as exhilarating to watch.
4. Blindfolded Speedrun of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Speedrunner CrystalSaver managed an incredible blindfolded run in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, a fan-made game based on the original Zelda series, completing it in 1:15:01. Blindfolded runs are one of the most challenging forms of speedrunning, as players must rely solely on memory, audio cues, and incredible spatial awareness. This run is a remarkable demonstration of skill, and it continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of speedrunning.
5. Creating Games with Speedrunners in Mind
In a recent discussion on Reddit, game developers shared ideas on making games more speedrun-friendly. Aspects like skippable cutscenes, stable frame rates, and accessible in-game timers make a big difference for speedrunners. Ensuring clear level design and minimizing randomness can make games more approachable while still offering challenges that require practice and strategy. For developers hoping to engage the speedrunning community, these considerations can help foster enthusiasm for both casual and competitive play.
6. Retro and Lesser-Known Games in the Spotlight
Speedrunning isn’t limited to big-name titles; retro games and lesser-known ones are also drawing attention. A speedrunner tackled Frogger II: Three Deep, a classic game from the Commodore 64, setting a personal best of 9:31.650. Additionally, other unique records were set in Cool Spot on the Sega Master System, Silent Hill 2 (2024), and even a sub-50-minute run in Hell of an Office, a challenging indie game that combines office humor with hardcore platforming mechanics. These runs underscore how diverse and inclusive speedrunning has become.
7. Speedrunning Events and Friendly Competition
The recent “Run Arena: Edition 2” event brought together speedrunners to compete in various categories, showcasing their skill and pushing for personal bests and records. As fans gather to watch their favorite runners and discover new talents, these events keep the community vibrant and provide a platform for collaboration, friendly rivalry, and shared passion.
From classic platformers to modern indie titles, the speedrunning community is as vibrant as ever, with players continuing to push the limits of what can be achieved. For fans and newcomers alike, there’s always something new to discover—whether it’s an unthinkable new world record, a clever skip, or simply the thrill of watching dedicated players master the games they love.