Flame Fatales: More of That Speedrun Goodness

 Last weekend I was watching some of the best fighting game players in the world compete on the grandest stage. While that was exhilarating, this week I am tuning into Flame Fatales. A speedrunning event that raises money for Malala Fund, a charity that advocates and supports for education for girls. The event features women and non-binary speedrunners. This event may not get the recognition that its parent, Games Done Quick, gets, but it deserves it nonetheless. The runners are exceptional and we get to see communities and runners that may not get awarded the same screen time during the big events like SGDQ and AGDQ. 

Flame Fatales 2023 Banner. The event runs August 13-August 20 and benefits Malala Fund. The banner also depicts the logo on the left with fem-presenting characters from video games.
The event is in full swing while in the midst of Day Three. I tuned in for a bit on Sunday, but I was hooked on the runs from yesterday. That hook was when I noticed that Illblleed was being ran. A Dreamcast exclusive that I have never played, yet the speedruns for the game are so fun to watch everytime. This survival horror game is set in a theme park with some dark humor mixed in. A true classic that I wish Sega could work with the rights holder on for a port of the game. 

Illbleed (Good Ending) was being ran by Abbiescorner with commentary from PippyInATopHat and UmbrellaJill. As I have seen the game many times, I had in the background. But I had to constantly glance over because the run had such a fun energy throughout. For a game where you fight killer dolls and a hellish incarnation of Sonic the Hedgehog, the atmosphere was extremely pleasant. A great run to chill and relax to. Funnily enough that is usually the vibe of the Horror blocks in these speedrun events. Just everyone having a good time while horrendous events happen. That trend continued with the Signalis and Resident Evil 4 Remake runs that happened afterwards. 

Illbleed Box Art. The title is prominently overhead in bold, red letters with demonic imagery featired below.
Signalis was ran by Miss Scarlet Tanager with commentary from soulmass218. A game that I really enjoyed the narrative for, but not so much the gameplay in some combat sections. I loved the Silent Hill references though. The Falke fight was so good, especially as a Silent Hill 4: The Room fan. So, I really enjoyed seeing what was possible when trying to beat the game fast while also trying to get the Promise ending. A task where managing damage taken and deaths along with other story related elements that can be difficult to account for when trying to go for speed. I commend Miss Scarlet Tanager for being able to do the mental gymnastics and still manage to get this fantastic ending. A great game and speedrun.

Signalis Box Art. The title is featured overhead the main character Elster who looks to be done with this shit.
It wouldn't be a Horror block without some Resident Evil and it delivered just as Illbleed had. A game that I have seen played multiple times, but I just never tire of it. That is even with RE4 Remake just having been released this year. Resident Evil 4 Remake was ran by KatLink with commentary from Katastrophe, Marphoria, and Phant_TV. The run itself was just New Game Standard Any%, but had some nice incentives and bid wars attached to it. Leon got to dress as a crow person while Ashley sported the Blue Gatorade hair. And donors were able to give KatLink's dog a treat and some pets. Just a fun time all around as Leon goes to bingo with his parasite pals. 

Resident Evil 4 Remake Box Art. Leon is featured on top looking solemnly with the title of the game in the middle. The bottom has some spooky shit going from the village.
Those are my current standout runs at the time of writing this. I'm currently watching the Dr. Mario Shuffler for levels 00-10 that is being ran by Savage_Octagon with commentary from BettyB and it is as stressful as the Super Mario variants. Constant shifting between level states in a game like Dr. Mario just has an intimidating aura. Only the battle hardened games can approach it.

Dr. Mario Box Art. Dr. Mario is looking at all the viruses he has to kill with antibiotics with such enjoyment.
Upcoming games that I am curious about are the Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity (Wii) run on Wednesday, August 16 at 5:20 P.M. CST by Luna Valkyr, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX randomizer on Thursday, August 17 at 7:40 P.M. CST by AirAngel, and the Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix run on Friday, August 18 at 4:00 P.M CST by Risuruuu.

There are many more runs on the schedule that I didn't shout out, yet I am sure they will all be bangers regardless. I have been looking forward to this event because I love watching speedruns and my time can be divided for a good cause. Support these wonderful women and non-binary runners because they deserve it. 

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