Propeller
Propeller is the most important powerup to understand for Any%, and is still very relevant for every other category besides Low%.
Using the propeller powerup requires using motion controls. You will often hear about runners “dropping spins” or getting “delayed spins” because of the accelerometer in the wii remote not being reliable. Motion control sensitivity can vary between wii remotes as well. To get motion inputs (commonmly called ‘spinputs’) more consistently, we recommend shaking with your left hand, or the hand on the side with the dpad.
The accelerometer is inside the Wiimote below the A button when held with the dpad on the left.
General Usage
Here are some of propellor Mario’s speeds during certain actions. Moving at full speed holding 1 is assumed:
| Action | X-Speed | Y-Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Running | 3.0 | ”-“ |
| Spinning up | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Spinning (falling) | 1.5 | (-1.0, -1.25)* |
| Spin-drilling | 0 | -6.0 |
| Ground pounding | 0-X | -6.0 |
*To fall slower with after a spin, continuously shake the Wiimote to go from -1.25 to -1.0 Y-speed.
Spin-drilling is done by pressing DOWN after spinning and being high enough above the ground below you. This will make Mario move downward with -6.0 Y-speed, the same Y-speed as ground-pounding. Note that you cannot slightly move left or right while spin-drilling like you can while ground-pounding.
Becuase your max X-speed goes from 3.0 to 2.5 when spinning, the goal is to minimize propellor spinning (in horizontal levels). Falling after spinning is slow (1.5 X-speed, -1.0 Y-speed), so let’s talk about a few ways to “cancel” a spin:
Throwing
One of the most common ways we cancel a prop spin is by throwing something, usually an enemy. Optimally we want to spin as little as possible and hover after throwing to maximize vertical height.
Notice Mario’s speed accelerate from 2.5 to 3.0 after throwing the buzzy beetle. This is “8-1 shellboost” and was the first strat that used throwing to cancel a spin.
Wallkicking
If there is a wall near the peak of your spin, wallkicking is almost the fastest way to continue upward. Remember, you have to be near the peak of your spin in order to wallkick.
This wallkick’s timing is hard to get down at first but is essential to getting “556” in 5-Tower.
The Spin Timer shown in the Info Display counts down the frames until you can wallkick with prop.
Instantlanding
Instantlands have been implemented in most vertical levels. This technique negates the need for any space between Mario and the ground. There are two types of platforms that allow for instandlanding in different ways.
Lifts
You can easily instantland on lifts like basic yellow platforms and mushrooms. Simply spin from below the platform and press DOWN as Mario’s feet approach the platform.
Semisolids and Ground Corners
For a visual explanation on instantlands, go to 12:30 in Pidgey’s History of 5-T Video:
To summarize prop movement:
For horizontal stages, spin as little as possible and throw enemies to cancel spins.
For vertical stages, prop is fast when you can’t simply jump. Use instantlands and wallkicks to climb as fast as possible.
Get ready to cover the fastest, yet most technically complex powerup in the game…