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This episode we take a look at NES hardware and the finely tuned customized NES controllers being produced by individuals looking to take controller precision to the next level. Our guest is CHX42, holder of several world records in Metroid for the NES. He also customizes and tunes NES controllers. We discuss our experiences with controllers like these, why they are important, and all things Metroid. 8-Bit SteveFB: https://www.facebook.com/8bitsteve/Twitter: https://twitter.com/EightBitSteveWebsite: https://www.8bitsteve.com/ The Retro RunnerTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrorunnerTwitter: https:www.twitter.com/retro_runnerYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/theretrorunnerFB: https://www.facebook.com/theretrorunnerCHX42Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/chx42NES Custom Hardware website - CHX Collective: https://www.chxcollective.com/chx-store/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/chickenhawk666Speedrun.com: https://www.speedrun.com/user/CHX42

We sit down and chat with your friend VeeGeeA. We talk about 8-bit Steve and VeeGeea's recent co-op pairing,  the history of VeeGeea and Maximum Carnage, and Steve and VeeGeea both get a new catch phrase. 

We break down routing in this episode. While routing is an expansive topic we do our best to give insight and our own personal experiences. We interviewed the legendary high score expert Tom Votava.  We talk with Tom about his historic records and also delve into his own experiences with routing games, specifically the dreaded Adventures of Bayou Billy. 8-Bit SteveFB: https://www.facebook.com/8bitsteve/Twitter: https://twitter.com/EightBitSteveWebsite: https://www.8bitsteve.com/ The Retro RunnerTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrorunnerTwitter: https:www.twitter.com/retro_runnerFB: https://www.facebook.com/theretrorunner Tom VotavaTwin Galaxies: https://www.twingalaxies.com/rdrunner

This episode's topic is muscle memory. We discuss the amazing things that muscle memory allows runners to do, how it can be developed, and how it allows runners to achieve nearly impossible feats.Our guest this episode is Slackanater, world record holder of Jaws and Kung Fu on NES. We pal around quite a bit, discuss his very unique, fun, and interactive stream layout, as well as his inspiring approach to learning, teaching, and speed running in general as well as a ton of other stuff!8-Bit SteveFB: https://www.facebook.com/8bitsteve/Twitter: https://twitter.com/EightBitSteveWebsite: https://www.8bitsteve.com/ The Retro RunnerTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrorunnerTwitter: https:www.twitter.com/retro_runnerFB: https://www.facebook.com/theretrorunner SlackanaterTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/slackanaterSRC: https://www.speedrun.com/user/slackanaterTwitter: https://twitter.com/slackanater

This episode's topic is death abuse. We talk about all the ways a player can use death to their advantage, as a resource for speed, and to wrong warp.Our guest this episode is LRock617, who has a prolific speedrun history in many arcade titles. We talk about the nuances of running arcade games, the different ways you can run them, and the merits and particulars of different categories. Occasionally, we laugh.8-Bit SteveFB: https://www.facebook.com/8bitsteve/Twitter: https://twitter.com/EightBitSteveWebsite: https://www.8bitsteve.com/ The Retro RunnerTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrorunnerTwitter: https:www.twiiter.com/retro_runnerFB: https://www.facebook.com/theretrorunner LRock617Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/lrock617SRC: https://www.speedrun.com/user/LRock617Twitter: https://twitter.com/lrock617

We sit down with one of the founders of the Long Island Retro Game Expo. We talk about the pandemic and the creation of UPLINK a revolutionary new way to experience a video game convention. We also talk video games and share some stories from our past. 

Our very first podcast guest is back on the cast for our very first extended episode. We catch up with PGHGuitary guy and talk Friday the 13th, Super Mario Bros, and WWF Wrestlemania. We also discuss some old stories and memories from our childhood. Video Portion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWLaAPcVRsM&t=13s8-Bit Steve: FB: https://www.facebook.com/8bitsteve/Website: https://www.8bitsteve.com/ The Retro RunnerTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrorunnerTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/retro_runnerYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/theretrorunnerFB: https://www.facebook.com/theretrorunner PGHGuitarGuy: Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/pghguitarguySpeedrun.com:  https://www.speedrun.com/user/PGHGuitarGuy

This episode's topic is frame rule. We attempt to dissect this dense, often misunderstood topic as it pertains to games like Super Mario Bros and Castlevania.Our guest this episode is Kosmic, world record holder of one of the most competitive and optimized games in retro speedrunning, Super Mario Bros. We further discuss the topic of frame rule with him and pick his brain on the ridiculously precise inputs and tricks that made his record possible. We also talk to him about other games that he runs outside of the mario franchise. We did our best to explain frame rule, but it's a very difficult topic to get across verbally. Below are some links that do a great job of making frame rule clearly understandable.Bismuth (Explanation Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CgC2g43smA2Snek (Castlevania Frame Rule Explanation): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LF4SJCyWDc8-Bit SteveFB: https://www.facebook.com/8bitsteve/Twitter: https://twitter.com/EightBitSteveWebsite: https://www.8bitsteve.com/ The Retro RunnerTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrorunnerTwitter: https:www.twitter.com/retro_runnerFB: https://www.facebook.com/theretrorunner KosmicTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/kosmicSRC: https://www.speedrun.com/user/KosmicTwitter: https://twitter.com/Kosmicd12

This is a short episode that looks back on our first year in the podcast arena. We talk about some of our favorite guests and which guests we would really like to have the podcast in the future. We also announce all of the new changes to the podcast that are coming this season which include, a new name, new intro, new outro, and a new monthly segment. There may be a surprise at the end. 

The episode's topic is quick  kills. We attempt to clarify this broad topic that is widely used and how it relates to games like Ninja Gaiden.Speaking of Ninja Gaiden, our guest this episode needs no introduction to the retro game community ...:Drum roll:...The ninja cowboy ARCUS himself joins us! We discuss his speedrunning roots, questions that he is frequently asked, and his favorite non Ninja Gaiden moments throughout his career. This is a game that is very near and dear to Ian, who picks his brain in technical detail regarding all things Ninja Gaiden and his contributions to the game and community. This is not the episode to miss, folks! So come join us as this speedrunning giant shares his candid thoughts and insights with us all.8-Bit SteveFB: https://www.facebook.com/8bitsteve/Twitter: https://twitter.com/EightBitSteveWebsite: https://www.8bitsteve.com/ The Retro RunnerTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrorunnerFB: https://www.facebook.com/retrorunnerofficial/ ArcusTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/arcusSRC: https://www.speedrun.com/user/ArcusTwitter: https://twitter.com/arcus87

The speed-run topic for this game is Item Manipulation. We discuss what item manipulation is and how its applied in speedrunning. We also discuss our experiences with using this technique and well known games that use it. Our featured game for this episode is Super Ghouls N Ghost on the SNES. We talk about our history with the game and how Ian started with this game in his early days as a runner. We also discuss the NES version and the Sega Genesis version. Our guest for this episode is the girthy Jay_Cee. Jay_cee recently broke the world record in both of the major categories for Super Ghouls N Ghosts and currently holds records in Battletoads on the NES. We have a lot of fun on this one talking with Jay_cee about all kinds of topics and of course we go in-depth on Super Ghouls N Ghosts. 8-Bit SteveFB: https://www.facebook.com/8bitsteve/Twitter: https://twitter.com/EightBitSteveWebsite: https://www.8bitsteve.com/ The Retro RunnerTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrorunnerFB: https://www.facebook.com/retrorunnerofficial/ Jay_CeeTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jay_ceeSRC: https://www.speedrun.com/user/jay_cee

The speed-run topic for this game is Button Mashing. We talk about our own experiences, the dangers of mashing fast, and the tools you can use to improve your abilities. We also talk about the legacy of pressing the the buttons fast and how its shaped the stigma of current world records. Our featured game for this episode is Contra on the NES. What really needs to be said about this game? Its in the top 10 of almost any list you can find and it still holds up as one of the best games on the console. Our guest for this episode AngryLanks. He holds the world record in almost every category for this game and he discusses his own origins as well as his connection  to this game. We also discuss button mashing with him as that is an element of the Contra records. Ninja Gaiden TAS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E016qCxFoX48-Bit SteveFB: https://www.facebook.com/8bitsteve/Twitter: https://twitter.com/EightBitSteveWebsite: https://www.8bitsteve.com/ The Retro RunnerTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrorunnerFB: https://www.facebook.com/retrorunnerofficial/ AngryLanksTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/angrylanksTwitter: https://twitter.com/angrylanksYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vsf0LwZkZ6i5-XsbQv0jwSRC: https://www.speedrun.com/user/Angrylanks

The speed-run topic for this game is Frame Perfect. We discuss the different types of possible interpretations of this term reveal our own definitions. We also discuss our history with games that have frame perfect tricks and explain how those tricks are achieved by speedrunners. Our featured game for this episode is Castlevania 1 on the NES We discuss its roots in our childhoods and what we think makes this game great. We also discuss this games notorius difficult and Steve breaks down why he thinks the difficulty is overratted by most. Our guest for this episode is SBDwolf. SBD is an Italian speedrunner who holds the speedrun world record for this game, Castleania 2, and Castlevania 3 along with an extensive background in Cuphead. We discuss his history and he explains how he was able to break all of these records in a short amount of time. Listen to hear the hows and whys of his incredible journey. 8-Bit SteveFB: https://www.facebook.com/8bitsteve/Website: https://www.8bitsteve.com/ The Retro RunnerTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrorunnerFB: https://www.facebook.com/retrorunnerofficial/ SBDwolfTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/sbdwolf/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt7f4L6bqHwF2G_M1MCkcjQSRC:https://www.speedrun.com/user/SBDWolfOn this episode we talk about the NES classic Castlevania. We discuss its roots in our childhoods and what we think makes this game great. The speed-run topic for this game is Frame Perfect. We discuss the different types of possible interpretations of this term reveal our own definitions. We also discuss our history with games that have frame perfect tricks and explain how those tricks are achieved by speedrunners. Our guest for this episode is SBDwolf. SBD is an Italian speedrunner whoholds the speedrun world record for this game, Castleania 2, and Castlevania 3 along with an extensive background in Cuphead. We discuss his history and he explains how he was able to break all of these records in a short amount of time. Listen to here the hows and whys of his incredible journey. 

The topic for this episode is Tool Assissted Speedruns. We discuss the importance of this area as it helped to grow the speedrunning community and its current effect on the landscape.  You can find out more about TAS at http://tasvideos.org/Our featured game for this episode is Skyblazer on the SNES. Steve and Ian both believe this to a hidden gem on the system in every sense of the word and we discuss all the great aspects of the game including its use of the infamous mode 7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mode_7Our featured guest for this Episode is Omnigamer. Omnigamer holds the world record for Skyblazer and is the Author of speedrunnings first book called "Speedrun Science". We discuss the game itself, TAS, and his background and involvement with Dragster on the Atari 2600 as it relates to Todd Rogers.  8-Bit Steve: FB: https://www.facebook.com/8bitsteve/Website: https://www.8bitsteve.com/ The Retro RunnerTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrorunnerFB: https://www.facebook.com/retrorunnerofficial/ OmnigamerTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/omnigamer/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheOmnigamerYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/OmnigamerSRC: https://www.speedrun.com/user/OmnigamerBook: https://www.fangamer.com/products/speedrun-book

The topic for this episode is Zips & Skips. We discuss the different types of Zips and skips along with other methods and terminology inside the speed-run community. Ian and Steve pull from their own experiences and knowledge and we find out just how broad the term "skip" is. Our featured game for this episode is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for the NES. We discuss our thoughts on the game when it was released, tell some stories about ourselves involving the game and also dive into the infamous dam section. Our featured guest for this Episode is Skunky48. Skunky48 holds the Any% speed-run world record for the featured game along with most of the other categories on the leader board. We talk about his start in speed-running, a crazy blindfolded run that he did, and also his interest in wild guns on the SNES. 8-Bit Steve: FB: https://www.facebook.com/8bitsteve/Website: https://www.8bitsteve.com/ The Retro RunnerTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrorunnerFB: https://www.facebook.com/retrorunnerofficial/ Skunky84Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/skunky48/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Skunky_48Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skunky48SRC: https://www.speedrun.com/user/Skunky48

On this episode we discuss Twin Galaxies, its history, and 8-Bit Steve's personal thoughts and experiences with the website. Our featured game for this episode is Splatterhosue on Arcade. We discuss how bizzare this game is, the similarities between the main character and Jason Voorhees, plus plenty more interesting topics.The featured guest for this episode is the legendary Zallard1. Zallard1 plays punchout games with a blindfold on. This includes NES, SNES, and Wii (Links at the bottom). He has appeared at multiple GDQ's and has plently of other World Records on games other than Splatterhouse. 8-Bit Steve: FB: https://www.facebook.com/8bitsteve/Website: https://www.8bitsteve.com/ The Retro RunnerTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrorunnerFB: https://www.facebook.com/retrorunnerofficial/ Zallard1Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/zallard1Twitter: https://twitter.com/zallard1sdaYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/zallard1SRC: https://www.speedrun.com/user/zallard1Twin Galaxies: https://www.twingalaxies.com/scores.php?player=50230ADGQ 2014 Super Punch-out Blindfolded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSr3aXd4XuQStarfox High Score Run:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvYwDotkoTkWii Punchout Blindfolded:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj5Dcsr1AkQ

On this episode we welcome a special guest host The Uncanny Sync. Sync is a multi world record holder and long time friend of 8-Bit Steve. We discuss differences in controllers as they relate to the speed-run world and our own personal preferences. Our featured game for this episode is Streets of Rage. 8-Bit Steve and Sync are former world record holders in Streets of Rage Co-op and they discuss their experiences and love for this classic Sega title. The featured guest for this episode is Cest'Patou He is a Twitch streamer / speed-runner who holds the speed-run world record for Streets of Rage in 27 categories and has been featured at SGDQ 2019. We delve into some the difficult tricks in the game and also discuss the connection between the former Titans of Co-op and Cest'Patou. 8-Bit Steve: FB: https://www.facebook.com/8bitsteve/Website: https://www.8bitsteve.com/ The Uncanny Synchttps://www.facebook.com/1coinonly/https://www.speedrun.com/user/TheRealSynchttps://www.twingalaxies.com/scores.php?player=69512Tuesdays at 7PMThe Retro RunnerTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrorunnerFB: https://www.facebook.com/retrorunnerofficial/ CestPatou: Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/cestpatouSpeedrun.com:  https://www.speedrun.com/user/cestpatouSDGQ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX-fLaiiirQ

On this episode we discuss RNG (Random Number Generator) in video games. A term that is often used in speed running conversations and also among casual gamers. We discuss how it is applied in both a casual and elite environment. We also discuss how it is often misused. Our featured game for this episode is Actraiser for the SNES. We talk about our history with the game and what makes it a very unique play experience. We also delve into its music, graphics, and its other aspects as it related to us when we were younger.  The featured guest for this episode is PJ dicesare. PJ is a legendary speed runner that has performed at nearly every GDQ event since it first launched. He held the world record for Actraiser for over 9 years and discusses the game in detail with us. PJ also reveals a very bizarre story involving RNG that I think everyone needs to hear. Additionally PJ lives across the street from a fire station, you will have to listen to find out why that information is important. 8-Bit Steve: FB: https://www.facebook.com/8bitsteve/Website: https://www.8bitsteve.com/ The Retro RunnerTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrorunnerFB: https://www.facebook.com/retrorunnerofficial/ PJ DiCesareTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/pjdicesareWebsite: https://www.thesupersnes.tv/

On this episode we discuss differences in game ports, consoles, roms, and cartridges as they relate to video game world records. 8-bit Steve and The Retro Runner tell about their own experiences with these differences and how they affect the world records as a whole.   Our featured game for this episode is Cuphead. We discuss the emergence of retro style games that are being released in modern times and tell why this one is special. We will discuss its graphics, its difficulty, and discuss our personal experiences with the game.    The featured guest for this episode is Redsonja. She is a Twitch streamer / speed-runner and is currently the only ranked female on the Cuphead leaderboards. We discuss her path to becoming a streamer and speed-runner, tell us about her life growing up, and tell us about an incredible feat that she accomplished in Cuphead. 8-Bit Steve: FB: https://www.facebook.com/8bitsteve/ Website: https://www.8bitsteve.com/ The Retro RunnerTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrorunnerFB: https://www.facebook.com/retrorunnerofficial/ Redsonja:Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/redsonjaSpeedrun.com: https://www.speedrun.com/user/redsonjaNOTICE:     Months after this episode aired we were informed of a video being prepared that would provide evidence that Redsonja faked her blindfolded Cuphead run. After reviewing this evidence we have decided to leave the episode as it was originally recorded and also leave the description the same. We are doing this to provide accurate documentation of the events and we are including the link to the video below. We have given permission to the video creator to use the audio from our podcast because we believe that it is fair. I want to make it clear that by us allowing the creator to use the audio in no way indicates our opinions or approval of this video or the content inside it. It simply means that if you are going to come onto a public podcast that you should be held accountable for the things that you say. While our podcast is fun and lighthearted we also want to maintain a level of credibility. This episode was recorded as a part of our first two pilot episodes. We want to make it known that we do have a vetting process for each guest and that process has been expanded after our first two episodes. Please watch the video for yourself, listen to the podcast and make your own determinations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLInRzmCUj4