The speedrunning community has been abuzz with action this week, from record-breaking performances to deep discussions about the nature of speedrunning itself. Here’s a roundup of the most exciting news and conversations:
World Records Galore
It’s been a thrilling week for record chasers, with several high-profile games seeing new milestones:
- Breath of the Wild – Any%: Player 5 smashed the Any% record with a time of 23:09, further pushing the boundaries of this iconic game .
- Final Fantasy VII – Any% (PSX): Zheal achieved a monumental 5:21:27 in one of the most storied RPGs of all time .
- Super Mario 64 – Blindfolded 31 Star: Bubzia astounded the community with a 36:53, beating the previous record by over two minutes .
- Crash Team Racing – Any% (No Major Glitches): Hypnoshark clocked in at an impressive 48:19, refining the art of speedrunning this kart-racing classic .
- Phantom Hourglass – Any%: Mr_Shasta completed the run in 3:04:49, showcasing mastery of this DS gem .
Discussions: The Evolution of Speedrunning
- Why Did Ocarina of Time Slow Down?: A Reddit thread explored why Ocarina of Time’s once-thriving speedrunning scene has seemingly waned. Factors include the difficulty of pushing the limits further in a heavily optimized game and the rise of new titles capturing attention .
- Games That Change When Speedran: A popular discussion dove into how some games transform entirely when approached through a speedrunner’s lens, offering a unique perspective on gameplay mechanics .
Featured Videos
- Karl Jobst’s Tribute to Suigi: Karl Jobst released a video chronicling the journey of Suigi, hailed as one of the greatest speedrunners of all time .
- The History of Donkey Kong 64’s 101% Runs: Bismuth detailed the evolution of strategies in this marathon of a category, providing a nostalgic yet insightful look into its history .
- FFX Any% Strategies: DoctorSwellman delved into the advanced techniques behind recent records, shedding light on how runners achieve seemingly impossible times .
Upcoming Events
- Pokémon Red Any% Glitchless Tournament: The finals are just around the corner, promising some intense competition .
- Speedrun Competitions: Developers are increasingly engaging the community, with a $2,200 prize pool announced for an upcoming game and a $260 demo contest for Ninja Ming .
Niche Records and Challenges
- Pokémon Puzzle League: CardsOfTheHeart completed a run defeating every opponent at every level in under an hour, a feat combining strategy and execution .
- Ty the Tasmanian Tiger: KamaCrimson set a new benchmark with a time of 27:39, demonstrating a love for retro-platforming excellence .
Spotlight: Experimental Techniques
- STALKER 2’s Bubblejump: A newly discovered glitch is opening doors for potential time saves in this much-anticipated title .
- Blindfolded Runs: Bubzia continues to push the limits of what’s possible, inspiring runners to explore unconventional challenges .
The speedrunning scene thrives on innovation and community spirit, and this week showcased both in spades. From jaw-dropping records to engaging discussions, it’s clear that the passion for going fast remains as strong as ever. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a casual fan, there’s no shortage of excitement to dive into!
Source: reddit.com