Mastering Level 8-4: The Incredible Journey of a Streamer to Get Under Five Minutes in Super Mario Bros

In the end, his princess was indeed in that castle. And Niftski, the prominent Super Mario Bros speedrunner, has set a new world record by completing the “any%” category in a time of 4:54.565 using a PC emulator. And believe us when we say that it’s no small feat. This phenomenon, who has dominated multiple speedrunning categories, has demonstrated his mastery in an iconic game that, in case you’ve been living under a rock for several years, has become a timeless classic of 2D platformers.

Mamma Mia!

Niftski’s impressive achievement stands out not only for the time achieved but also for the complexity of the run, especially in level 8-4, known for its fast enemies and the need for precise execution filled with strategies. Throughout his attempt, the streamer interacted with his audience while performing perfect jumps and nearly impossible maneuvers, culminating in an explosion of joy once he reached the finish line.

Despite the intense pressure involved in speedrunning, Niftski managed to control his nerves, reaching a heart rate of 188 BPM at the end of the run. Because yes, he was also measuring it, of course. He clarified, however, that he is in good health and that these reactions are typical of the game’s frenetic pace. The speedrunner said he was excited and later shared that his goal is to further improve his record and aim for a time of 4:54.4xx in the near future.

Niftski also defended his choice to use an emulator and keyboard, explaining that this is a legitimate option in the world of speedrunning. According to him, the emulator accurately reproduces the original game and the use of the keyboard is a personal preference. With these achievements and an unwavering focus, Niftski continues to make his mark in the Super Mario Bros. speedrunning community, accumulating records in categories such as Glitchless and Warpless All-Stars, in addition to being the world record holder in The Lost Levels.

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