Speedrunning Retro Games: Classic Titles Perfect for Speed Running

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Remember blowing into cartridges, fingers crossed that the game would actually start? Those were the days! But some of us haven't left them behind. We've just added a timer.

The quest for pixel-perfect runs and frame-saving maneuvers in old games can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. From obscure glitches to inconsistent emulation, the path to mastering these classics is often fraught with frustration. Not every game is created equal, and figuring out which ones offer a rewarding and engaging speedrunning experience can be a journey in itself.

This article is your guide to finding those retro gems ripe for speedrunning. We'll be diving into what makes a classic title perfect for speedrunning, exploring a few standout examples, and giving you some tips to get started on your own record-breaking journey.

We will look at titles that lend themselves well to speedrunning and talk about why. We will also dive into how to find the fun in pushing old hardware to its absolute limits while chasing after world records.

Why Retro Games Are Great for Speedrunning

My personal foray into retro speedrunning began with "Super Mario Bros." on the NES. What started as a nostalgic trip quickly turned into an obsession. I remember watching a speedrun online and being completely floored by the strategies employed. Suddenly, warp zones weren't just a way to skip levels – they were essential tools in a meticulously planned route. Learning to consistently pull off the flagpole glitch, where you clip through the flagpole to save precious frames, became my sole focus for weeks. The satisfaction of finally executing it flawlessly was immense. It felt like unlocking a secret language of the game, understanding its inner workings on a level I never thought possible.

But speedrunning isn't just about exploiting glitches; it's about optimizing every aspect of the gameplay. It's about knowing enemy patterns, mastering movement, and reacting instantly to the unpredictable. It's a combination of skill, strategy, and a healthy dose of perseverance. For retro games, this often means understanding the limitations of the hardware and finding ways to work within those constraints. The low resolution graphics, the limited color palettes, and the clunky controls all become part of the challenge. Conquering those limitations is a major part of the joy of the game. This is how retro games have grown such a passionate following.

What Makes a Good Speedrunning Game?

A good speedrunning game has a few key ingredients. First, it needs to be relatively short. Nobody wants to spend hours grinding through a single run. Second, it should have clear and measurable goals. Typically, this involves completing the game as quickly as possible. Third, and perhaps most importantly, it needs to have room for optimization. This could involve finding new glitches, discovering faster routes, or simply perfecting existing techniques. The more possibilities there are for improvement, the more engaging the speedrunning experience becomes.

The appeal of speedrunning retro games also lies in their accessibility. Many of these games are readily available through emulators, and online communities are eager to share tips and tricks. You don't need expensive equipment or cutting-edge hardware to participate. All you need is a computer, a controller, and a passion for the game. This low barrier to entry makes it easy for anyone to get started, regardless of their skill level or background. The key is finding a game you enjoy and dedicating the time and effort to master it.

The History and Mythology of Speedrunning

The origins of speedrunning can be traced back to the early days of arcade gaming, where players competed to achieve the highest scores. However, it wasn't until the advent of home consoles and personal computers that speedrunning truly began to take off. Games like "Doom" and "Quake" were among the first to be widely speedrun, thanks to their fast-paced gameplay and the ability to record and share runs online.

One enduring myth surrounding speedrunning is that it's solely about exploiting glitches. While glitches certainly play a role in many speedruns, they're not the only factor. Skill, strategy, and optimization are equally important. In fact, some speedrunners deliberately avoid using glitches, opting instead for a "glitchless" run that showcases their mastery of the game's mechanics. This creates a fascinating dichotomy within the speedrunning community, with different players embracing different styles and approaches.

Hidden Secrets and Glitches

Part of the thrill of speedrunning is uncovering hidden secrets and glitches that were never intended by the game developers. These discoveries can completely change the way a game is played, opening up new possibilities for optimization and creating a sense of excitement and wonder. For example, the "Minus World" glitch in "Super Mario Bros." allows players to access a hidden level that is notoriously difficult to complete. Similarly, the "Item Duplication" glitch in "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" allows players to obtain infinite items, breaking the game in hilarious and unexpected ways.

The search for these hidden secrets often involves a combination of experimentation, research, and collaboration. Speedrunners will spend countless hours pouring over game code, frame-stepping through gameplay footage, and sharing their findings with the community. It's a collective effort that pushes the boundaries of what's possible and reveals the hidden depths of these classic games. The knowledge shared within these groups is amazing and makes it easier than ever to find the games that you want to invest time in.

Top Retro Games to Speedrun

So, which retro games are best suited for speedrunning? Here are a few recommendations, spanning different genres and platforms:

1. Super Mario Bros. (NES): A classic for a reason. Its short length and numerous glitches make it a perfect entry point into speedrunning.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64): A longer game, but with a dedicated community and a wealth of glitches to exploit.
3. Mega Man 2 (NES): Challenging platforming with a satisfying sense of progression.
4. Metroid (NES): A non-linear adventure with plenty of opportunities for sequence breaking.
5. Castlevania (NES): Known for its difficulty, but also its precise controls and rewarding gameplay.

These games all offer a unique and engaging speedrunning experience, with active communities and plenty of resources available online. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced speedrunner, there's a retro game out there waiting to be conquered.

Diving Deeper: Super Mario Bros. Speedrunning

Let's take a closer look at "Super Mario Bros." speedrunning to illustrate the level of dedication and precision involved. A typical "any%" run (completing the game as fast as possible, regardless of glitches) involves using warp zones to skip most of the levels. However, even with warp zones, there's still room for optimization. Skilled players can manipulate Mario's movement to clip through walls, perform pixel-perfect jumps, and take advantage of enemy AI to save fractions of a second.

The world record for "Super Mario Bros." speedrunning is constantly being broken, with runners pushing the limits of what's possible. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of the game and the ingenuity of the speedrunning community. Each new discovery, each new technique, brings the record closer to the theoretical limit. And with each new generation of speedrunners, the game continues to evolve and surprise us. It is a game that most have played, but few have mastered, and even fewer have tried to speedrun.

Tips for Starting Your Speedrunning Journey

Ready to dive in? Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Choose a game you enjoy. Speedrunning requires a lot of practice, so it's important to pick a game that you're passionate about.
2. Watch other speedruns. Learn from the experts and see how they approach the game.
3. Practice, practice, practice. Speedrunning is all about muscle memory and execution.
4. Don't be afraid to experiment. Try different strategies and see what works best for you.
5. Join the community. Connect with other speedrunners, share tips and tricks, and get feedback on your runs.

The key to success in speedrunning is patience and perseverance. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Keep practicing, keep learning, and eventually you'll start to see improvement. And most importantly, have fun! Speedrunning is a challenging but rewarding hobby that can bring you a new appreciation for classic games.

Understanding Speedrunning Terminology

Before diving too deep, it helps to familiarize yourself with some common speedrunning terms:

1. Any%: Completing the game as fast as possible, regardless of glitches or sequence breaks.
2. 100%: Completing the game with all collectibles, upgrades, and achievements.
3. Glitchless: Completing the game without using any glitches.
4. Segmented Run: A speedrun that is broken up into multiple segments, allowing the runner to practice specific sections of the game.
5. RTA (Real Time Attack): Timing a run from the moment the game starts to the moment it ends, without pausing or resetting.
6. IL (Individual Level): Speedrunning a single level or section of the game.

Understanding these terms will help you navigate the speedrunning community and better understand the strategies and techniques used by experienced runners. You'll be able to understand the differences between world records and understand the process that went into obtaining them.

Fun Facts About Retro Game Speedrunning

Did you know that the first documented speedrun was of "Quake" in 1996? A group of players known as the "Quake Done Quick" team collaborated to create a demo showcasing the fastest possible completion of the game. This event is widely considered to be the birth of modern speedrunning.

Another interesting fact is that some speedrunners use specialized hardware to optimize their runs. For example, some "Super Mario Bros." speedrunners use a modified NES controller that allows them to perform frame-perfect inputs. These controllers can cost hundreds of dollars, but they can shave off valuable milliseconds from their times. The extreme dedication of the fanbase is evident.

How to Record Your Speedruns

If you're serious about speedrunning, you'll need to record your runs. This allows you to analyze your gameplay, identify areas for improvement, and share your runs with the community. There are several software options available for recording gameplay, including OBS Studio, XSplit, and Fraps. OBS Studio is a popular choice because it's free and open-source.

When recording your runs, it's important to capture both the video and audio. This allows viewers to see your gameplay and hear your commentary. You should also include a timer on the screen so viewers can track your progress. Once you've recorded your run, you can upload it to You Tube, Twitch, or other video sharing platforms. This allows you to share your achievements with the world and get feedback from other speedrunners.

What If You're Not Good at Speedrunning?

Don't worry! Speedrunning isn't just about breaking world records. It's also about having fun and challenging yourself. Even if you're not the fastest runner in the world, you can still enjoy the process of optimizing your gameplay and improving your personal best. The community welcomes players of all skill levels, and there are plenty of resources available to help you improve.

One of the best things about speedrunning is that it forces you to think about games in new and creative ways. You'll learn to appreciate the intricacies of the game's mechanics and discover hidden depths that you never knew existed. And who knows, you might even stumble upon a new glitch or technique that revolutionizes the speedrunning community. The point is that the fun is in the trying.

Top 5 Most Popular Retro Games to Speedrun

Here's a quick list of some of the most popular retro games for speedrunning, along with a brief explanation of why they're so appealing:

1. Super Mario Bros. (NES): Simple, iconic, and full of glitches.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64): A sprawling adventure with tons of sequence breaks and item duplication glitches.
3. Metroid Prime (Game Cube): A 3D adventure known for its sequence breaking and complex movement techniques.
4. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (Play Station): A classic Metroidvania with a dedicated community and plenty of hidden secrets.
5. Super Metroid (SNES): Widely considered one of the best games of all time, with a deep and rewarding speedrunning experience.

These games are all readily available on various platforms, and there are plenty of resources available online to help you get started. So what are you waiting for? Pick a game, grab a controller, and start your speedrunning adventure today!

Question and Answer

Q: What is the best emulator for speedrunning retro games?

A: The best emulator depends on the game you're trying to speedrun. However, some popular options include FCEUX for NES games, Snes9x for SNES games, and Project64 for N64 games. It's important to choose an emulator that is accurate and stable, as glitches and inconsistencies can affect your run.

Q: How do I find a speedrunning community for a specific game?

A: The best place to find a speedrunning community is on Speedrun.com. This website is a hub for speedrunners of all games, and it includes forums, leaderboards, and resources for each game. You can also find communities on Discord, Reddit, and other social media platforms.

Q: What is the difference between a segmented run and a single-segment run?

A: A segmented run is a speedrun that is broken up into multiple segments, allowing the runner to practice specific sections of the game. A single-segment run is a speedrun that is completed in one sitting, without pausing or resetting.

Q: Do I need special equipment to speedrun?

A: No, you don't need special equipment to speedrun. However, some speedrunners use specialized controllers or capture cards to improve their performance. The most important thing is to have a reliable computer and a stable internet connection.

Conclusion of Speedrunning Retro Games: Classic Titles Perfect for Speed Running

So, there you have it – a glimpse into the captivating world of retro game speedrunning. It’s more than just beating a game quickly; it's about dissecting, mastering, and celebrating the classics. From the thrill of discovering a new glitch to the satisfaction of shaving milliseconds off your personal best, speedrunning offers a unique and rewarding experience for gamers of all skill levels. So, dust off those old cartridges (or fire up your emulator), pick a game that speaks to you, and embark on your own speedrunning adventure. The pixelated world is waiting!