Summer Games Done Quick 2021 speed runs to watch
When I first saw the lineup for this year’s Summer Games Done Quick I exclaimed, “No way,” at least a dozen times.
The twice-annual speed running marathon event returns on July 4–11, 2021. The event allows speedrunners to showcase their skills and games all to raise money for Doctors Without Borders. This was definitely the most difficult show for me to narrow down my most anticipated speed runs but let me try!
Sunday, July 4
11 a.m. Dragon Age: Inquisition
This summer show kicks off with what looks to be a great intro into the practice of speedrunning. Dragon Age: Inquisition is a huge roleplaying game and some how the speedrunner cuts this epic adventure into less than an hour.
12:54 p.m. F-Zero GX
F-Zero GX is a brutally difficult and fast futuristic racing game released on the Nintendo Gamecube. Seeing how speedrunners have perfected racing techniques, found shortcuts, or in some cases completely broken tracks is always a treat.
Monday, July 5
4:22 a.m. Nintendogs
The runner plans to finish All Beginner Contest Golds within 25 minutes. Nintendogs was such a cutting edge pet simulator when it was released. One of the first things you have to do when you choose your virtual pet is get it to learn its name by repeating the name into the microphone, which can take 25 minutes itself. When I worked at a game store we had customers come and return Nintendogs because they thought it was broken because they couldn’t get the dog to respond in the first 25 minutes.
10:51 p.m. Bayonetta
Bayonetta is a stylish action game that requires dexterity. With a 1:55 estimated time for this game I look forward to seeing the runner show complete dominance of this game’s systems and combat.
Tuesday, July 6
11:47 a.m. Battletoads
Battletoads is a notoriously difficult NES game that while may be full of sweet childhood memories it can be an actual nightmare to complete. TheMexicanRunner has shown he has the retro game chops and I can’t wait to see him finish this game that I never beat with the style only he can bring.
10:22 p.m. Dead Space
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If you’re a baby like me horror games can be a bit much but there’s nothing that neuters a horror game more than watching a speedrunner dismantle a game’s scares and enemies.
Wednesday, July 7
4:40 p.m. Hitman 3
This is a bonus game so there is a chance it may not show. That said, the recent Hitman trilogy are amazing sandbox games that provide the player with a mission and a wide and wacky variety of tools. I am interested to see how speedrunners have perfected this style of game.
8:46 p.m. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
If you played the Zelda N64 games growing up and loved them for the adventures they were. You’re going to love seeing how nutty the game really is.
Thursday, July 8
Noon Sonic CD 1993
Sonic the Hedgehog games are all about going fast so it’s fun to see speedrunners embrace that mindset and go even faster than the developers intended.
3:25 p.m. Vanquish
Vanquish is a stylish and action-packed third-person shooter. I could even make the game look good so I can’t wait to see what the game looks like when a master is behind the controller.
Friday, July 9
5:02 p.m. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Breath of the Wild took a beloved franchise and completely changed the game with its sandbox game play. I’m sure the runners will show some mind-blowing exploits.
Saturday, July 10
1 a.m. Let’s Give Up
I’ve never heard of this game and don’t know what to expect but that’s one of my favorite things about Awesome Games Done Quick, seeing new games.
1:52 p.m. Super Mario 64
This run is for 70 stars blindfolded! That’s it, that’s the blurb. Blindfolded.
The full schedule is available online. What speedruns are you most looking forward to?
