The Art of Speedrunning: How to Complete Retro Games in Record Time
Speedrunning, the art of completing a video game as quickly as possible, has become a beloved aspect of gaming culture. While it may seem like a feat reserved for the most skilled and dedicated gamers, speedrunning is accessible to players of all levels. In this article, we’ll explore the world of speedrunning, focusing on retro games, and provide tips on how to get started and improve your skills.
What is Speedrunning?
Speedrunning is the act of completing a video game in the least amount of time possible, often using glitches, exploits, and optimised routes to shave precious seconds off your completion time. The community is incredibly active, with speedrunners competing against each other to set new records and push the limits of what’s thought possible.
Retro Games and Speedrunning
Retro games offer an ideal platform for speedrunning, as they often lack the complexities and nuances of modern titles. Classic games typically have fewer paths to explore, less branching storylines, and fewer enemies to contend with, making it easier to focus on optimal route-finding and execution. Some of the most popular retro games for speedrunning include:
- Super Mario Bros. (1985)
- The Legend of Zelda (1986)
- Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
- Castlevania (1986)
- Mega Man (1989)
Getting Started with Speedrunning
To start speedrunning, you’ll need access to the original game and a compatible emulator or console. Here are the basic steps to get started:
- Choose a Game: Select a retro game that interests you, focusing on ones with a strong speedrunning community.
- Familiarize Yourself with the Game: Spend time playing the game, getting to know its mechanics, enemy patterns, and level layouts.
- Find a Route: Research popular routes and strategies online, or experiment with different approaches to find your own most efficient path.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: The key to speedrunning is repetition. Practice your route until it becomes second nature.
Tips for Improvement
Once you’ve got the basics down, here are some tips to help you improve:
- Focus on Route Optimisation: Look for ways to reduce your route’s length and eliminate unnecessary sections.
- Master Your Character’s Moveset: Understand your character’s abilities and how to use them to your advantage.
- Use Glitches and Exploits: Familiarize yourself with game-breaking glitches and exploits that can shave precious seconds off your time.
- Watch and Learn from Others: Observe how other speedrunners tackle the game, taking note of their strategies and techniques.
- Join the Community: Connect with other speedrunners online, sharing tips and advice to help you improve.
Speedrunning Events and Championships
If you’re serious about speedrunning, you might want to consider participating in official speedrunning events or championships. These events provide a platform for speedrunners to compete against each other, with categories for different games and categories. Some popular speedrunning events include:
- Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ)
- Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ)
- Marathon Speedrunning
Conclusion
Speedrunning is an art that requires dedication, patience, and practice. By following these tips and getting started with retro games, you can join the vibrant speedrunning community and push your skills to new heights. Whether you’re looking to improve your own completion times or simply enjoy the thrill of racing against the clock, speedrunning is an exciting and rewarding aspect of gaming culture. So, grab your controller, dust off that old console, and get ready to speedrun!
