This complaint only applies to the NG+ category which states: "Runs under 2 hours shall include full video which starts before creating a new save optionally with clear data from an existing save file, and end after the final save file time." This is an issue because no runs are even close to sub 2 hours (the fastest being a 2:15). Because of the lack of high standards for runs, very few runs on the leaderboard have complete video footage that stands today (the fastest time with great proof that I could find was a 2:48 by iNoja which places 13th out of 21 on the leaderboard). This does not apply to the Any% category as the rules state: "For all runs submitted or verified after January 1st, 2020 and timed below 4:00:00 (4 hours): Proof shall consist of a single segment video starting from when a new save file is created without using clear data, and ending after showing the final save file time following the ending cutscene." As expected, all submitted runs in this category that are faster than 4 hours of IGT have complete video proof. Video proof is great not only for proving a run's legitimacy, but to allow for an easier barrier of entry for the category as new runners can watch runs by top players to help themselves improve. To help prove why record contending runs without complete video proof can ruin a leaderboard, I created this video: . As you can see, my run follows the rules of the category, and beats the WR by 14 minutes. Many ways can be used to cheat in the game with modern knowledge such as tampering with the save file's IGT, setting text speed to instantaneous, editing warp point values, or even using 255 point miraculous fossils to outspeed opponents in some battles or guarantee some KOs. Even the categories' own rules can be easily broken by using DLC vivos without getting caught. I believe the rules for video proof for sub 2 hours NG+ and sub 4 hours Any% came from a time where the game's limits were less known and those barriers were expected to be reasonably beaten by top runners. Now I believe is a great time to reconsider the rules for NG+ and change video proof for new runs to at least sub 2:30. Even if the rules do not get changed, I plan on running this category and submitting runs with complete video proof. Thank you for taking the time to read my long post.

Ouch... The only reason I ran for this category is that I don't have a method of recording an entire NG+ run, let alone putting it on YouTube because of the thing where you have to give it a phone number (I don't have a phone). But I see where you're coming from. The only thing I have going for me is basically "Dude trust me", whether I'm putting in my first run or I've been in the speedrunning community for a while. So, honestly, I can't say I'm for a rule change, simply because it would lock me out of running for now. However, like I said, I completely get where you're coming from. However, I am curious: How did you manage that with a physical DS instead of an emulator? I realize it sounds a bit shady but I found that interesting. Thanks for bringing this to light.

I didn't make this post because I doubted any of the times of current runners or had a grudge against anyone. Past record holders seemed to all have very extensive knowledge of this game. It's unfortunate that you don't have an easy way of recording an entire run and I wish you the best should you consider recording lengthy runs in the future. I understand that I also have an old time on the leaderboard with very poor proof, which may seem a bit hypocritical (although I submitted that run a few years ago). The method I used is through an Action Replay cheat code that changed my IGT to around 1hr 50min. There are already cheat codes that you can find online that change your IGT, so a code like that can be easily modified to whatever value you want. You don't need an Action Replay either. You can cheat on emulator, export the save file, then copy it over to a cartridge using 3DS hacks.

I never thought this post was against anyone, but I do understand your reasoning for your position. Also, I forgot you could do AR on the DS and that you could export saves.