Uploaded March 2020 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago

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The action-packed sequel has arrived!

Here I'm just TASing Super Mario 64 with the exact same goal as before. Initiate the Bowser Death Screen transition as fast as possible, but this time with Full HP. I decided to show the HP Value (in Decimal Form) so you would know it's at the maximum value obtainable.

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(If you're already familiar with SM64 TASing, you don't need to read this lol.)

Now, here's a breakdown of the run. First I jump kick the sign in order to build a decent amount of negative speed, and then walk backwards to the corner of the platform. This corner of the platform happens to have a Misalignment in it. A Misalignment is a 1x1 Unit Wide area of space that Mario can fit into. This allows Mario to get near the platform a bit closer than normal.

Just before falling off the edge of the platform, I punch to reduce some speed, dive within the misalignment, get burned by the lava, and then Mario begins his action and animation of lava boosting. Since Mario is currently within the misalignment, Mario's horizontal position is much closer to the floor hitbox of the platform. This makes it much easier to utilize the game mechanic of Mario vertically "snapping" to the nearest floor by him. Since Mario is in a misalignment, he can vertically snap up onto floors that are no more than 78 units higher than his vertical position. That's exactly what occurs here.

Once Mario lands, I perform an Eru Drop instantly. An Eru Drop is a trick that exploits Mario's movement when tilting the joystick as little as possible. During this joystick movement, Mario's speed fluctuates between positive and negative values. Within the first couple of frames of this movement, his total net gain of speed actually turns out to be negative, meaning he will move backwards. Since Mario's positioned near the edge of the platform, the Eru Drop can be performed, allowing him to move backwards off of the platform, allowing him to fall into the lava again.

Eru Drop (found by AruaErueru): youtube.com/watch?v=Tl1qDika4Bk

For entertainment value, I jumped after the second lava boost. Landing in the lava immediately again would not have initiated the Bowser Death Screen transition any earlier due to the limited decrement speed of Mario's HP. If I had landed a frame earlier after the final lava boost (which was possible), Mario would perform a standing death action & animation, which would initiate the death screen transition several frames slower.

If you didn't understand any of that, check out Pannenkoek's videos explaining this game's geometry, and game mechanics here!
Units: youtube.com/watch?v=3lADTcTkAvk
Wall Hitboxes: youtube.com/watch?v=a9fUV7uA2_s
Steep Steps (Vertical Snapping Mechanic): youtube.com/watch?v=Oa5aaJst8NI
Walls, Floors, and Ceilings: youtube.com/watch?v=UnU7DJXiMAQ

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Re-Records: 2,788

Timing:
1st VI & Frame of Course Loading:
- VI: 398
- Frame: 175

1st VI & Frame of Bowser Death Transition:
- VI: 608
- Frame: 280

VI's: (608 - 398) / 60 = 3.50
Frames: (280 - 175) / 30 = 3.50

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This is a Tool-Assisted Speedrun/Superplay.
Don't know what that is?
Check out these videos explaining what a TAS is. I highly recommend both of them!

Introduction to TAS: Tool-Assisted Speedrunning (What, How, Why?) - by Sonicpacker
youtu.be/R3-ohYvi_fc

Tool-Assisted Speed-Running Explained - by Bismuth
youtube.com/watch?v=Ietk1-Wb7oY

If that wasn't enough, check out the official forums and webpage for TAS Videos:
tasvideos.org