Super Mario 64 is not just a beloved platformer; it's also the foundation of a vibrant speedrunning community, with a variety of techniques and strategies that players use to complete the game as quickly as possible. Among these methods is the concept of Ace, or "Any% Completion," which attracts players eager to push their skills and knowledge of the game to its limits. This guide aims to be your ultimate resource for mastering Super Mario 64 Ace, combined with comprehensive insights into techniques, in-depth tricks, and the culture that surrounds speedrunning this iconic title.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know to become a proficient speedrunner of Super Mario 64, from understanding the fundamental mechanics of the game to the advanced strategies that can save precious seconds. We will delve into tricks like the Backwards Long Jump (BLJ), the famous "Bomb Clip," and the use of glitches that allow players to bypass certain obstacles. We will also explore the community's efforts in sharing techniques, and the importance of practice and consistent performance in achieving Personal Bests (PB).

Speedrunning is not just about playing quickly; it’s a deep rabbit hole of mastering the game’s mechanics down to the frame. For new players, we will provide a detailed breakdown of the terminology found in the community, alongside tips for choosing the right categories for your runs. Advanced players will find refined techniques to knock valuable seconds off their runs and maintain good form throughout their journey.

Understanding Super Mario 64

Released in 1996 for the Nintendo 64, Super Mario 64 revolutionized the gaming world by introducing a 3D platforming environment that was both immersive and interactive. The mechanics of the game were designed to give players full control over Mario’s movements in a way that had not been experienced in previous titles. Learning to control Mario is essential for both casual play and speedrunning. Mastering Mario's jumps, wall kicks, and dives will lay the foundation for executing advanced techniques later on. Additionally, getting familiar with the layout of each level, the location of Power Stars, and the designs of different enemies will give players a significant edge.

The Importance of Any% Speedrunning

In speedrunning, the term "Any%" indicates the completion of a game with no restrictions – meaning players can use any techniques available, including glitches and unintended tricks, to finish as quickly as possible. For Super Mario 64, this opens up a variety of pathways and strategies that can drastically alter the speedrun. Understanding the nuances of "Any%" speedrunning compared to 70% and 120% categories is crucial for anyone interested in joining the speedrunning community.

The Any% category for Super Mario 64 has been a prime focus for many runners globally. With the advent of new techniques and breakthroughs in the community, times have decreased significantly over the years. Record holders pushing the limits of what's possible in Super Mario 64 continue to inspire new runners to hone their skills and pursue PBs in their own times.

Key Techniques to Master

One of the most important aspects of excelling in Super Mario 64 Ace is mastering key techniques. Here, we will delve into some essential tricks that aspiring speedrunners should focus on:

• Backwards Long Jump (BLJ): This technique allows Mario to gain incredible speed by performing a long jump backward, effectively bypassing certain doorways and obstacles. The BLJ exploits the game’s physics, allowing runners to skip large sections of the game.

• Bomb Clip: The Bomb Clip is another significant trick that involves using explosives to transition through walls or doors quickly. This technique can remove entire cycles from some levels, saving massive time in a run.

• Clip through walls: Advanced runners often discover ways to traverse through walls using specific jump combinations, allowing them to skip to the end of levels or reach Power Stars much earlier.

• Slide Scrolling: By using certain speed tricks during sliding sections, players can manage to conserve momentum and complete stages quicker.

Practice, Patience, and Perseverance

Speedrunning can be both rewarding and frustrating. It requires a commitment to continuously refine your technique and learn how to recover from mistakes during runs. Regular practice on certain levels can help build muscle memory, allowing for smoother execution during runs. There are many resources, such as videos and tutorials, available to assist in learning specific techniques, and the community is rich with experienced players willing to share advice.

In addition to practice, it's essential to keep a positive mindset. Recognizing that everyone has off days can aid in building resilience. Keeping a logbook or recording your gameplay can be helpful for analysis, allowing you to identify areas for improvement. Learning to read segments of a run fluently—where time is consistently saved or lost—is crucial for long-term improvement.

Related Questions

1. What is the history of Speedrunning in Super Mario 64?

The speedrunning community for Super Mario 64 began emerging shortly after the game’s release, quickly evolving into a passionate showcase of skill, dedication, and innovation. Early runners approached the game casually, attempting standard playthroughs to see just how fast they could go. As more players became interested in breaking records, they began to share strategies and techniques, facilitating the growth of the speedrunning culture.

Events such as Games Done Quick have further popularized speedrunning, showcasing the impressive abilities of players while raising funds for charity. Over time, strategies like the BLJ and Bomb Clip have become commonplace. With online platforms like Twitch and YouTube, the sharing of records, tutorials, and techniques has seen a massive increase in participation and competition. Current record holders stand as pillars of inspiration, constantly pushing the game’s limits, while new runners aid in discovery and community growth.

2. What equipment and setup is recommended for Speedrunning Super Mario 64?

When it comes to speedrunning Super Mario 64, having the right equipment can make a significant impact on your performance. First and foremost is the choice of console: while the Nintendo 64 is the original platform for the game, many runners also choose to play on emulators or even remastered versions available on the Nintendo Switch. Each platform has its advantages, with the Original Console often praised for its authenticity, while the emulator allows for frame advance options for practice. The latter can serve as an effective training ground for mastering frame-perfect techniques.

Your controller preference is also crucial to maintain comfort and accuracy. Finding a responsive and comfortable controller can significantly enhance your control over Mario’s movements. A capture card is essential if you’re using a console setup, allowing you to stream or record gameplay for analysis and improvement. Finally, ensuring you have a good setup for overlays and timing software will aid you in tracking performance and segments in your speedrun.

3. How do I improve my times in Super Mario 64 Ace?

Improving your times in Super Mario 64 Ace relies heavily on consistent practice and analysis. Start by breaking down each level into segments, focusing on key areas where you can save time. Record your runs and analyze the footage to identify errors or weaknesses. Watching top runners can also provide insights into advanced techniques and strategies that you may not have thought of before.

Setting up a practice schedule that allocates time to work individually on tough sections will yield significant returns. Many runners also engage in community discussions, either on forums or Discord groups, to exchange tips and strategies. This communal learning helps keep motivation high while developing new techniques or improving existing ones. Finally, consider participating in events or races, as they often provide structure and camaraderie, which can greatly enhance your speedrunning experience.

4. What are the best resources for learning Super Mario 64 Speedrun techniques?

There are a wealth of resources available for those looking to dive into Super Mario 64 speedrunning. Websites dedicated to speedrunning, like Speedrun.com, offer leaderboards, community resources, and guides categorized by game versions and techniques. Many experienced runners also maintain personal YouTube channels where they post tutorials, strategy videos, and runs showcasing high-level techniques and efficient routing.

Joining communities on platforms like Discord also creates opportunities for real-time interaction with other runners, allowing for strategy discussion, live practice sessions, and motivation. Resources like Twitch for live streaming enable you to learn from others while connected to the community. Online forums often compile comprehensive guides detailing the most effective strategies and maintained lists of the latest techniques discovered by advanced players. As the Super Mario 64 speedrunning community continues to thrive, there’s never been a better time to engage and learn.

In summary, whether you’re an experienced speedrunner or just starting, understanding the core principles of Super Mario 64 speedrunning with a focus on the Ace category will provide you with the tools you need to succeed.