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Additionally, frame rules can serve as a window for making up time if a runner makes a mistake earlier in the level, but is still able to reach the end of the level in that 21-frame window, the runner will stay on the optimal frame rule despite being “technically” behind.įrame rules are essential for determining enemy spawns and patterns. In regards to time, catching frame rules right at the refresh rate means that you won’t have to wait as long for the level to load. The two major factors that frame rules play a role in are time and enemy patterns. However, if he just misses the bus, he will have to wait for the additional frames for the level to load. If Mario reaches a bus right before it leaves, he will immediately start the next level. This means that when Mario reaches the end of a level, how quickly the next level loads will depend on where he is in the frame rule a player who reaches the end on frame 3 and a player who reaches the end on frame 19 will both be on the same frame rule.įamed Mario speedrunner Darbian illustrates the concept with an analogy: Imagine a bus stop where a bus arrives every 21 frames. How does this play out? In Super Mario Bros., the game refreshes every 21 frames that window is considered a frame rule. Rather than tracking every single frame, which the NES likely wasn’t capable of doing, the developers would have the game refresh every certain number of frames, and this would loop continuously throughout the game.
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Frame rules are essentially what the developers use to track time in the game, specifically in reference to loading the different levels in Super Mario Bros.
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