Speedruns of retro games can be pretty entertaining, especially as we see the end result of many hours of experimentation and work. Quite how some of these workarounds are discovered is beyond us.
In recent months we've shared a few videos from the A+Start channel, as it demonstrates and explains classic speedrun tricks from a range of games. The latest entry focuses on a very specific - and lesser known - run for The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, as it necessitates playing the earliest version of the Super Famicom iteration. That's because it has a particular workaround that was fixed in subsequent versions and in copies that came to the West.
You can see this below, which allows the game to be cleared in under two minutes.
Comments 19
I'm sorry but I just don't understand why glitches and speedruns are so interesting. It defeats the entire purpose of the adventure and journey through the game. I watched the video and was not impressed at all. Again, sorry but it's just lame imo. You can't get the triforce without fighting Gannon.
@ravens326 I think it is more for people who like the ins and outs of how the game is actually coded and put together. Like I found it interesting that all the cave screens are basically on one separate big map. It isn't meant to replace the game but is a nice aside to people who maybe have played Zelda to death but still crave a challenge from the game. Pretty sure this guy is not advocating people playing the game this way on your first run through. It is however like everything, Horses for Courses. Like how behind the scenes extras on a DVD might ruin the magic of the film for some people. But to those interested in film making are seen as a cool insight. I think we both agree that ALTTP is a beautifully made game, however you play it
I was already aware of this glitch.
@Antray1984 That makes sense. I guess it isn't for me, but I can appreciate the fact the people do find it interesting. Actually, the way you described it gave me some interest in how the game is designed. Thank you for opening my eyes a little bit.
@ravens326
Track down a copy of the first version of Metroid Prime for Gamecube, experience first hand the insanity of getting several major powerups FAR before intended (Space Jump Boots as soon as you land on Tallon IV? Yes please), going so far as to take advantage of a boss weakness you normally can't exploit, and you'll understand why glitches can be fun (and by extension, speedruns).
@ravens326 Im a video editor for Tv so I geek out at stuff like this. I also briefly did QA testing for SEGA. So maybe I am in the minority in liking this stuff. As long as it isn't used to diminish the magic of the game itself im good with it. If you want to see crazy skills. Go watch some of the AGDQ(awesome games done quick)videos on youtube. The nerd in them is turned up to 11 but their skills on games like Mario is Jedi like. And it is all done for charity too. Nice chatting with ya.
Yes this 1.0 cart exploits aren't news worthy.
Surely if they fixed it in later versions this glitch must have been known in 1991...
I'm just not a fan of speed runs. I like to play games all the way through.
Of course, you never fail to see people complain about speedruns and glitches.
These clips are more of informative nature then to boast about being able to beat the game by breaking it, it wasnt so bad but one thing I learned when watchting this video is that this game is such a magical creation that even today it brings a warm fuzzy feeling to my heart and no matter how much i've played it. I still like going back to it. This, Chrono Trigger and the Donkey Kong series are by far my top 3 SNES game. (I just can't pick a favorite in the DKC trilogy cuz I love them all equally for different reasons )
@khululy I always find it fascinating how people find these glitches in the first place.
Also @khululy best SNES list ever! But + Super Metroid to that list and you're in flavour country!
@ravens326 I'm right with you man. This type of speed run is pretty weak to me.
I respect a speedrun based on skill and knowing the game inside out - not this. I applaud these guys for having the patience to find these glitches. But making use of them for gamebreaking speed runs is pretty lame imho.
@ravens326 Nobody uses game-breaking glitches to speedrun games and takes that as the experience the developers intended. It's fine if you're not interested in the concept, but it's important to bear in mind that speedrunners aren't paying £50/$60 for every game to try and beat it in two minutes. Nobody's saying a speedrun is the principle purpose of a game.
Oh wow.
Cool.
How many of those complaining buy strategy guides?
I think the problem with glitch runs like this isn't that they exist, since they can be interesting, but more so that once they're found, nobody seems to bother doing glitch-free runs. Sure, they exist, but they don't grab people's attention when you've videos saying "Zelda beat in two minutes" floating around, so instead people just hunt for whatever glitch will beat it faster. Eventually someone will glitch their way to the ending from the title screen somehow, and that'll be that.
Lol, he doesn't even need to fight Ganon!
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