The world of speedrunning for Super Mario 64 has been fundamentally altered with the discovery of a new trick that could redefine how players approach the game. This revelation, particularly impactful for the 1 Star Speedrun, was documented by speedrunner Bubzia, who specializes in blindfolded runs. The technique eliminates the long-established side backwards long jump (SBLJ), a critical maneuver used to bypass the 30-star door in Peach’s Castle.
The SBLJ has been a staple of speedrunning for nearly three decades. Yet, players FramePerfection and Crackhex have introduced a workaround, humorously dubbed the “crackslide.” This method, which initially emerged through emulation tools, has since been successfully executed by runner haribo39, demonstrating its viability in actual gameplay.
Bubzia showcased this groundbreaking technique in a recent video, where he performed the trick with surprising ease. At approximately 8:53 minutes into the video, viewers can witness his execution of the crackslide. The technique involves lining up against a specific wall in the basement of Peach’s Castle, performing a backflip, and then butt sliding along a railing. This maneuver propels the player up to the door, allowing them to pass through the wall after a brief text sequence.
Impact on Speedrunning Community
The significance of this discovery extends beyond the 1 Star category, particularly for blindfolded speedruns, which have long aimed to break the ten-minute barrier. With the crackslide, achieving this milestone now appears more feasible. Bubzia has already completed a run in under 11 minutes, a mere few seconds shy of the current world record, despite making several mistakes.
As speedrunning continues to evolve, this new technique promises to heighten competition among players. The community is buzzing with excitement, and many are eager to attempt the trick themselves. For those interested, Bubzia has provided a detailed tutorial at the end of his video, making it accessible for aspiring speedrunners.
This innovation showcases the enduring popularity of Super Mario 64, even as it approaches its 30th anniversary. The game’s legacy remains strong, with speedrunners pushing the limits of what is possible. As 2025 unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how this discovery shapes future speedrunning strategies and community interactions. Players are invited to share their experiences and thoughts in the comments section, reflecting the vibrant engagement within the gaming community.
