If anyone still is trying to use the ff2-based Deathrun subplugin on newer FF2 versions.
Turns out it actually needs a HELPER plugin to change the charset properly since the subplugin itself can't do it (since it loads after FF2 loads the subplugins, by the time, it's too late to change the charset).
DO NOT RENAME deadrun_helper.smx into an .ff2, as this is needed INSIDE the plugins folder to change the charset properly. ONLY rename deadrun.smx into deadrun.ff2 and place in freaks folder.