Super Mario 64 16 Star World Record

Okay, picture this: you're Mario. Not just any Mario, but the super-powered, mustachioed plumber from Super Mario 64. Now, imagine having to rescue Princess Peach, not by casually strolling through the Mushroom Kingdom, but by blazing through it at warp speed.

That's essentially what speedrunners do in the world of Super Mario 64. They're not just playing the game; they're bending it to their will.

What's the 16 Star Challenge?

Think of it as the express lane to saving the princess. See, Super Mario 64 has 120 stars. But you only need 70 to unlock the final Bowser fight. The 16-star route is a crazy shortcut, a wild sprint through the bare minimum needed to trigger the end.

It's like ordering pizza and only eating the pepperoni – efficient, and slightly rebellious. Players are getting the job done as fast as humanly possible, even if that means bypassing most of the fun along the way.

The World Record? It's Nuts!

Alright, hold onto your hats because this is where it gets truly mind-blowing. The current 16-star world record is an insane time. These runners aren't just good; they're practically wizards.

We're talking about finishing a game that takes most of us hours, if not days, in about 14 minutes. That's like watching a movie at 10x speed and still understanding the plot (maybe... okay, probably not).

Every jump, every dive, every pixel-perfect movement is planned and executed with precision. Imagine practicing tying your shoes for months to shave off a fraction of a second each time. That's the level of dedication we're talking about here.

Glitches? Oh, There Are Glitches!

This isn't your grandma's Super Mario 64 playthrough. These speedruns rely heavily on glitches. Think of them as secret passages only known to the chosen few.

There's BLJ (Backward Long Jump), which allows Mario to gain ridiculous speed and clip through walls. Imagine using a glitch that literally lets you teleport.

Another iconic glitch is MIPS Clip, using an NPC to clip through a wall. The creativity of how players exploit these glitches is half the fun!

Why Do People Do This?

That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Why spend countless hours perfecting a run that involves exploiting glitches in a decades-old game? The answer, in short, is the challenge.

It's about pushing the boundaries of what's possible, about mastering a skill that requires immense dedication and precision. It's about being part of a community that celebrates the seemingly impossible. Like when you finally beat your younger brother at a video game after years of losing.

Speedrunning is a fascinating mix of skill, strategy, and a healthy dose of obsession. Next time you see a Super Mario 64 speedrun, remember the sheer amount of work and dedication that goes into it.

The Future of the Record?

Who knows what the future holds? Maybe someone will discover a new glitch that shaves off even more time.

One thing's for sure: the hunt for the perfect 16-star run will continue to captivate and inspire. The record could be broken tomorrow, next week, or next year. That's the beauty of speedrunning!

In the meantime, let's raise a glass (or a virtual mushroom) to the speedrunners who are pushing the limits of Super Mario 64. They're the daredevils of the digital world, and we're all along for the ride.