Leveraging Wall Jumps in Platformers: A Speedrunner's Guide

Wall jumps, a dynamic and skillful maneuver in platform games, are not just about flashy moves; they are crucial for shaving seconds off your speedrun times. This guide delves into the techniques, strategies, and game mechanics that make wall jumping an essential skill for any aspiring speedrunner.

Understanding Wall Jumps

Wall jumping refers to the ability of a game character to jump off vertical surfaces to reach higher platforms or bypass obstacles. This move is a staple in many platformers and can be a game-changer in speedrunning.

Mastering wall jumps requires precision, timing, and practice. The basic technique involves jumping towards a wall and then jumping again when your character makes contact with the surface, propelling them upward or onward. Variations of wall jumps can include multiple consecutive jumps, diagonal jumps, and combining jumps with other moves.

Games like 'Super Mario Bros', 'Celeste', and 'Ninja Gaiden' are known for their intricate and challenging wall jump mechanics. Each game has its nuances and learning these can significantly cut down your run times.

Key factors to consider while performing wall jumps include the angle of approach, the timing of the jump, and the character's speed at the time of wall contact. These elements can dramatically affect the height and distance achieved through the wall jump.

Techniques for Perfecting Wall Jumps

To excel in wall jumping, you need to start with the basics:

• Practice the basic wall jump in a controlled environment to understand the mechanics.
• Gradually increase the complexity of your jumps by introducing obstacles or timing challenges.
• Use game replays to analyze successful jumps and identify areas for improvement.

Advanced techniques include 'corner boosting', where you use the edge of walls to gain extra momentum, and 'wall jump chains', a series of wall jumps used to navigate complex vertical spaces quickly.