Super Mario Speedrunning: A Journey Through Time and Pixels

Part 1: Introduction to Super Mario Speedrunning

Speedrunning is a unique form of video game competition where players aim to complete a game or a specific level as quickly as possible. This high-intensity gaming style has gained significant popularity over the years, with Super Mario games being one of the most popular choices for speedrunners worldwide.

The history of Super Mario speedrunning is as colorful as the games themselves. It all started with the release of the original Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985. The game’s simple yet challenging design made it a perfect candidate for speedrunning. Over the years, players have discovered and mastered numerous techniques to shave off precious seconds from their run times. The pursuit of faster times has led to the creation of a vibrant and dedicated community of speedrunners. Super Mario Bros. Speedrun Techniques provides a comprehensive guide to these techniques.

Part 2: Techniques and Strategies in Super Mario Speedrunning

Common Techniques in Super Mario Speedrunning

Speedrunning Super Mario games involves a variety of techniques that players use to navigate levels faster. Some of these include:

  • Flagpole Glitch: This technique allows players to slide down the flagpole at the end of a level faster than usual.
  • Pipe Clip: This involves clipping through a pipe to bypass certain sections of a level.
  • Bullet Bill Glitch: This is a technique where players use a Bullet Bill to boost their speed and skip parts of a level.

Strategies for Specific Super Mario Games

Each Super Mario game has its unique strategies that speedrunners use to achieve faster times. Here are some strategies for specific games:

  • Super Mario Bros.: This game is all about precision and timing. Speedrunners often use the Flagpole Glitch and Pipe Clip to save time. The Super Mario Bros. Speedrun World Record Video showcases these techniques in action.
  • Super Mario Bros. 2: Unlike the first game, Super Mario Bros. 2 offers different characters to play with, each with their unique abilities. Speedrunners often choose the character that best suits the level they’re playing.
  • Super Mario Bros. 3: This game introduced the P-Wing, a power-up that allows Mario to fly for an entire level. Speedrunners often save their P-Wings for longer levels to bypass large sections quickly.
Picture of Super Mario Bros. gameplay for article about speedrunning.
Super Mario Bros. gameplay, where precision and timing are key. Speedrunners often use techniques like the Flagpole Glitch and Pipe Clip to shave off precious seconds.

Part 3: Notable Super Mario Speedrunners and Their Achievements

The Super Mario speedrunning community is filled with talented individuals who have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in these classic games. Here are profiles of some notable speedrunners:

  • Kosmic: Known for his exceptional skills in Super Mario Bros., Kosmic holds multiple world records in the game. His dedication and precision have earned him a significant following in the speedrunning community. You can watch him in action on his Twitch channel.
  • Darbian: Another prominent figure in the Super Mario Bros. speedrunning scene, Darbian is known for his consistency and innovative strategies. His contributions have greatly influenced the way the game is played today.
  • Somewes: Somewes has made a name for himself with his impressive performances in Super Mario Bros. His deep understanding of the game’s mechanics has led to several world record runs.

Recent achievements in Super Mario speedrunning include Kosmic achieving a world record time in Super Mario Bros., completing the game in under five minutes. This feat was a significant milestone in the speedrunning community, showcasing the potential for even faster times in the future.

Part 4: The Impact and Future of Super Mario Speedrunning

The impact of speedrunning on the gaming community has been profound. It has transformed the way players approach games, encouraging them to explore and exploit game mechanics to their advantage. Super Mario speedrunning, in particular, has inspired a new generation of gamers to challenge themselves and push the limits of what’s possible in these beloved games.

Looking ahead, the future of Super Mario speedrunning is bright. As new strategies and techniques are discovered, and as more players join the community, we can expect to see even faster times and more incredible feats of gaming skill. The spirit of competition and the pursuit of perfection will continue to drive the evolution of Super Mario speedrunning for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Super Mario speedrunning:

  1. What is the fastest time for Super Mario Bros.?
    The fastest time for Super Mario Bros. is currently under five minutes. Speedrunner Kosmic achieved this record-breaking time. You can watch his world record run on his Twitch channel.
  2. Who holds the world record for Super Mario Bros.?
    The world record for Super Mario Bros. is currently held by Kosmic. His record-breaking speedrun showcases the high level of skill and precision required in speedrunning.
  3. How does speedrunning work?
    Speedrunning is a form of gaming where players aim to complete a game or a specific level as quickly as possible. This involves exploiting game mechanics, using specific strategies, and practicing to achieve the fastest times. The Super Mario Bros. Speedrun Techniques guide provides a comprehensive overview of the techniques used in speedrunning this classic game.

— Total Retro Gaming