23 Years Later, Link Gets the Triforce in Ocarina of Time - TASBot SGDQ 2022

TASBot has always been one of the most interesting feats of engineering and coding at Games Done Quick events. These Tool Assisted Speedruns have been a staple of the culture for a long time, utilizing various automated inputs that drive the game in a set, often perfected, sequence of inputs. The TASBot team has outdone themselves once again in the Ocarina of Time Beta Showcase during Summer Games Done Quick, showing off several assets and quests left on the cutting room floor while also allowing Link to get the Triforce, make a wish, and see a constructed future of speedrunning brilliance. 

We were given a slight peek into what makes this particular speedrun of Ocarina of Time tick before the feat was performed in front of a full room of live viewers and almost a hundred thousand viewers online. As shared in a press release, this particular speedrun is a “hybrid RTA/TAS run” on an “unmodified console and cartridge” where both the runner, known as “Savestate” online, and the TASBot play the game together. Through Arbitrary Code Execution (ACE) these tech wizards are able to use beta and debug content from the final retail release of Ocarina of Time, which includes unused assets and code that still reside on the game cartridge’s data. 

It took the TASBot team two and a half years to develop the OoT Beta Showcase and the team claims that is one of the most ambitious things they have ever done. Of course, that’s already a high bar as the team was able to make a Skype call from a Super Nintendo at AGDQ 2017. Over 25 people were involved in this latest project. This run also revealed the new model of the TASBot, tossing aside the original R.O.B. shell for a cuter original design. Savestate played most sections on controller port one, while TASBot fired commands into the other three ports. Sauraen and dwangoAC were also on stage, explaining the process. 

Highlights of the run included things like having a Star Fox Arwing fire lasers at Link, something that people have been able to see before through tools like a GameShark and was used to fine-tune the Z-Targeting that defines Ocarina of Time’s combat. However, things really started to get interesting as a series of cut quests was activated, leading to upgrading masks, battling the running man in a hilarious boss battle, and sneaking into the Gerudo ranks as a child. Link was eventually led to the Sacred Realm, chatting to each of the Sages while climbing stairs of light, reminiscent of Kingdom Hearts. After chats with each Sage, Link opened a chest and finally held the fabled Triforce, an item that has eluded players since the game’s release. 

Then, the game has three choices for Link’s wish. After some nudging, the crowd agreed for him to see the future. This transitions to a scene inspired by Breath of the Wild with Link donning his blue clothes and Zelda appearing in her white dress. The two exchange sentiments and watch over the horizon as Twitch chatters appear on the screen. 

This TASBot speedrun is a phenomenal debut for the new, adorable robot and the amazing team behind it. Years of effort, thousands of hours, and immense ingenuity created an unforgettable moment in Games Done Quick history. This event also showed off a ton of unused content that further connects the dots between Link’s Awakening and Ocarina of Time, a goldmine for those fascinated by video game history. 

All in all, this speedrun shows just how far technology can be pushed. Despite their age, the Nintendo 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of millions. Even better, this further energized the amazing donation efforts being done at the marathon, reaching well over 1.5 million dollars. 

Learn more about TASBot online. Games Done Quick’s website is the best place to find upcoming runs, news, and more.