Summary of "The Simpsons: Hit & Run 100% Speedrun 2:44:27 (World Record)"
Summary of The Simpsons: Hit & Run 100% Speedrun 2:44:27 (World Record)
Game Overview & Speedrun Context
- The video showcases a full 100% speedrun of The Simpsons: Hit & Run, completed in 2 hours, 44 minutes, and 27 seconds, setting a world record.
- The runner highlights the complexity and technical depth of the game’s mechanics, especially from a speedrunning perspective.
- The game features intricate routing, coin collection, and collectible mechanics that heavily influence the run.
- Despite its seemingly simple surface gameplay (driving and mission completion), the game contains many hidden technical layers that make speedrunning both challenging and interesting.
Key Gameplay Mechanics & Speedrun Highlights
WASP Mechanics
- WASPs are collectibles worth 25 coins each, essential for purchasing vehicles and outfits in the 100% run.
- Their collision and behavior patterns are complex:
- Initially, WASPs can be destroyed by car collisions.
- After killing two or three WASPs in a level, they lose collision and must be kicked by the character.
- WASP movement is straightforward, but spawning, collision, and behavior are complicated and interconnected.
- Efficient WASP management is critical for routing and overall strategy.
Coin Grinding
- Coins are vital for vehicle and outfit purchases.
- Coin grinding involves kicking boxes and vending machines to increase the coin meter.
- Originally, coin grinding had a heavy RNG element, sometimes causing losses of up to 300 coins per grind.
- A glitch discovered in a specific studio area allows consistent and reliable coin grinding.
- Maintaining enough coins throughout the run is crucial to avoid time losses.
Driving Mechanics & Strategies
- “Wonky driving” refers to varying car steering sensitivity between vehicles, affecting control and speed.
- Some cars handle wonky driving better than others, influencing vehicle choice and routing.
- Advanced techniques used include:
- “Walking on air” — exploiting camera and character collision mechanics.
- Out-of-bounds glitches to save time.
- Cleanups (missions to collect gags or complete tasks after main objectives) are challenging and risky.
- Traffic and random NPC behavior can cause unpredictable delays or failures.
Routing & Technical Challenges
- The run demands intricate routing decisions, balancing time-saving shortcuts against risks.
- The runner finds it difficult to explain the game’s speedrun mechanics due to many interdependent factors.
- Unlike games such as GTA 5, Hit & Run lacks TAS-only tricks that can be reliably implemented; most strategies are newly discovered and require careful execution.
- Although the game’s source code was leaked, it hasn’t led to major new glitches or strategies due to a lack of speedrunners skilled in both coding and the game.
Run Progress & Commentary Highlights
- The runner frequently comments on luck factors like traffic behavior and WASP cooperation.
- Frustration is expressed during RNG-heavy races and difficult driving segments.
- Major milestones are celebrated, such as efficient coin grinding and successful out-of-bounds glitches.
- The commentary is humorous and casual, including discussions about other games, movies, and personal anecdotes.
- Occasional interactions with chat and media shares occur, but the focus remains on the run’s progress.
Strategies & Tips Discussed
- Prioritize collecting WASPs early to ensure sufficient coins.
- Use the coin grinding glitch to maximize coin consistency.
- Manage wonky driving by selecting cars that handle better or adapting driving style.
- Practice out-of-bounds glitches and cleanups to minimize time loss.
- Prepare for RNG elements, especially traffic and NPC behavior, and have backup plans.
- Avoid unnecessary mission repeats (e.g., no second visit to Homer’s first mission in the 100% run).
- Maintain focus on coin count to avoid running out before vehicle purchases.
Additional Notes
- The runner expresses a desire to create in-depth YouTube content explaining the game’s speedrun but finds the complexity overwhelming.
- There is a brief discussion about the impact of source code leaks on game communities and related ethical concerns.
- The runner mentions plans to stream other licensed games and reflects on the enjoyment of playing games on original consoles versus emulators.
Featured Gamer / Source
- The speedrun and commentary are by a single streamer/gamer (name not explicitly stated in subtitles).
- Chat interactions and media shares are mentioned, but no other specific gamers or sources are prominently featured.
In summary, this video is a detailed, entertaining, and technically rich 100% speedrun of The Simpsons: Hit & Run, showcasing advanced knowledge of the game’s mechanics, strategic routing, and glitch exploitation, culminating in a world record time of 2:44:27.
Category
Gaming