A Recap of Awesome Games Done Quick 2021
The annual Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) event for this year has concluded, with new competitors, world records, and a whopping $2,760,886 in donations raised for the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
Despite taking place in a virtual setting, AGDQ still managed to feature some of the best professional speedrunners in the world. It also introduced new and fierce competitors who will likely return to the stage in future events.
Record-Breaking Runs and Community Collaboration
AGDQ 2021 witnessed the breaking of multiple world records in popular speedrunning franchises such as Sonic and Diablo. Additionally, newer games like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice showcased innovative strategies in attempts to climb the leaderboards.
The event also highlighted a variety of fan-games and modded titles that have gained popularity among speedrunners. This showcased the collaborative efforts of the community throughout the week-long event.
Pokémon Platinum: Etchy’s Record Attempt
Etchy’s run of Pokémon Platinum was a highlight of AGDQ 2021. He embarked on a record-setting journey in the Sinnoh Region with his trusty Piplup. Etchy provided insights into his decision-making process regarding Pokémon choices, moves, and game plans. Though his run had setbacks, he managed to defeat Champion Cynthia in four hours.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order: Pnash’s Epic Showcase
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was one of the most anticipated runs of AGDQ 2021. Pnash demonstrated the power of the Force through incredible lightsaber combat and clever exploits. He showcased various Force-controlled mechanics that allowed him to bypass walls, cutscenes, and even boss fights. Pnash’s run saved more than 10 minutes by utilizing newly discovered techniques and achieved a third-place finish on the “any percent no PBC leaderboard.”
Halo 3: SasquatchSensei’s Explosive Adventure
SasquatchSensei’s run of Halo 3’s PC port added excitement to AGDQ 2021. Despite the tempting explosions, SasquatchSensei focused on progressing quickly through the game’s areas. The Gravity Hammer and grenade skips added an amusing twist to the run. The cinematic escape in the Warhog, complete with a daring double barrel roll, provided a thrilling finale.
Beat Saber: Kungfufruitcup’s VR Showcase
Kungfufruitcup showcased the Expert+ mode of Beat Saber, a virtual reality game that captivated AGDQ 2021 viewers. Her performance quickly trended on Twitter, impressing fans with her skill in conquering difficult songs. Kungfufruitcup used mods to bring iconic video game songs into the game, giving credit to the talented modders within the Beat Saber community. Her showcase attracted attention to VR games in the speedrunning community.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2013 and Sonic 3: Angel Island Revisited: World Records Achieved
AGDQ 2021 witnessed the consecutive setting of world records in two Sonic games. Flying Fox achieved a remarkable time as Tails in Sonic the Hedgehog 2013’s mobile port. Immediately after, Zaxon96 set a world record in Sonic 3: Angel Island Revisited, completing the game in just 34 minutes and 34 seconds. Both runners utilized unique strategies and took advantage of each character’s abilities to surpass previous records.
The AGDQ 2021 runs were filled with excitement, surprises, and historic moments. The event showcased the talent and dedication of speedrunners, leaving a lasting impact in the speedrunning community.