Super Mario 64

This article is about the original Nintendo 64 game. For the Nintendo DS remake, see Super Mario 64 DS.

Super Mario 64
For alternate box art, see the game's gallery.
Developer	Nintendo EAD
Publisher	Nintendo
Platform(s)	Nintendo 64, Nintendo 64DD, Virtual Console (Wii, Wii U), Nintendo 64 - Nintendo Switch Online
Release date	Nintendo 64: Template:Release Virtual Console (Wii): Template:Release Virtual Console (Wii U): Template:Release Nintendo 64 - Nintendo Switch Online: Template:Release[?]
Language(s)	English (United States) French (France) German Japanese Simplified Chinese
Genre	3D platformer, action-adventure
Rating(s)	ESRB: - Kids to Adults PEGI: - Three years and older CERO: - All ages ACB: - General
Mode(s)	Single player
Format	Nintendo 64: Game Pak iQue Player: Digital download Nintendo 64DD: Magneto-optical drive Wii: Digital download Nintendo Switch: Digital download
Input	Nintendo 64: Nintendo 64 Controller iQue Player: iQue Player Wii: Classic Controller Nintendo GameCube Controller Wii U: Wii U GamePad Classic Controller Wii U Pro Controller Nintendo Switch: Joy-Con Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Nintendo 64 Controller
Serial code(s)	NUS-NSMJ-JPN (Japan)

Super Mario 64 is a 3D action-adventure platform game released for the Nintendo 64 in 1996 for Japan and North America and in 1997 for Europe and Australia. It is the eighth entry in the Super Mario series. This game was one of two (three in Japan) launch titles for the Nintendo 64, along with Pilotwings 64, which helped drive initial sales of the console. Despite its name, Super Mario 64 runs in 32-bit, like most Nintendo 64 games at the time. Since its release, Super Mario 64 has been widely acclaimed as one of the greatest and most important games of all time.

In entering the third dimension, Super Mario 64 largely eschews the obstacle course-based design of the 2D Mario platformers for a mission structure and gameplay focused on exploring a larger area. Though not the first 3D platform game, Super Mario 64 codified many of the controls and design conventions of the genre. Being the first 3D Super Mario game, Super Mario 64 has introduced several moves, including triple-jumping, ground-pounding, long-jumping, diving, and side-somersaulting, which would be used in most subsequent installments of the Super Mario series. Punching and kicking were also introduced but would not appear in any later title other than its DS remake. The game popularized Charles Martinet's portrayal as Mario (being the first game of the Super Mario series to feature his voice) and Princess Toadstool's name as Peach in the West, and made them both series standards.

In 1996, a Nintendo 64DD version of the game was shown at Shoshinkai 1996. A sequel, named Super Mario 64 2, was being developed for the Nintendo 64DD, but it was canceled due to the 64DD's commercial failure.

On November 17, 2003, Super Mario 64 was rereleased for the iQue Player as one of the launch titles, and a timed demo of the game was bundled with every iQue Player. The game was digitally rereleased for the Wii's Virtual Console service in November 2006 and for the Wii U's Virtual Console service in April 2015. Super Mario 64 was among the first games released on both Virtual Console services.

A sequel titled Super Mario Sunshine was developed for the Nintendo GameCube and released in 2002. In 2004, a remake was released for the Nintendo DS, titled Super Mario 64 DS. It has several differences, notably the inclusion of Luigi, Yoshi, and Wario as playable characters. An emulation of the 1997 rerelease of the game is bundled in with Super Mario 3D All-Stars for the Nintendo Switch, though with upscaled graphics and a redrawn HUD. The original game is one of the launch titles for Nintendo 64 - Nintendo Switch Online.

As of 2015, Super Mario 64 has sold over 11 million copies worldwide and is marked as the best-selling Nintendo 64 game. The game became the second-best-selling game on the Wii's Virtual Console after Super Mario Bros., as of June 2007.

Storyline

The Princess's letter

Mario in front of a painting, which serves as an entrance to a level

The following is the story given on pages 4 and 5 of the Super Mario 64 instruction booklet. The colors given in the instruction booklet signify who is talking: Mario, Princess Peach, Bowser, and Toad, with black being narration.

"Mario, please come to the castle. I've baked a cake for you. Yours truly, Princess Toadstool."

"Wow, an invitation from Peach! I'll head out right away. I hope she can wait for me!"
Mario is so excited to receive the invitation from the Princess, who lives in the Mushroom Castle, that he quickly dresses in his best and leaves right away.

"Hmmm, something's not quite right here... It's so quiet..."
Shaking off his uneasy premonition, Mario steps into the silent castle, where he is greeted by the gruff words,

"No one's home! Now scram! Bwa, ha, ha."
The sound seems to come from everywhere.

"Who's there?! I've heard that voice somewhere before..."
Mario begins searching all over the castle. Most of the doors are locked, but finding one open, he peeks inside. Hanging on the wall is the largest painting he has ever seen, and from behind the painting comes the strangest sound that he has ever heard...

"I think I hear someone calling. What secrets does this painting hold?"
Without a second thought, Mario jumps at the painting. As he is drawn into it, another world opens before his very eyes.

And so begins the grandest of all adventures!

Once inside the painting, Mario finds himself in the midst of battling Bob-ombs. According to the Bob-omb Buddies, someone...or something...has suddenly attacked the castle and stolen the "Power Stars". These stars protect the castle; with the stars in his control, the beast plans to take over the Mushroom Castle.

To help him accomplish this, he plans to convert the residents of the painting world into monsters as well. If nothing is done, all those monsters will soon begin to overflow from inside the painting.

"A plan this maniacal, this cunning...this must be the work of Bowser!"
Princess Toadstool and Toad are missing, too. Bowser must have taken them and sealed them inside the painting. Unless Mario recovers the Power Stars immediately, the inhabitants of this world will become Bowser's army.

"Well, Bowser's not going to get away with it, not as long as I'm around!"
Stolen Power Stars are hidden throughout the painting world. Use your wisdom and strength to recover the Power Stars and restore peace to the Mushroom Castle.

"Mario! You are the only one we can count on."

Gameplay

The player controls Mario. In addition to his jump and a basic punch string, Mario's repertoire includes a variety of advanced acrobatic moves (many of them carried over from the 1994 game Donkey Kong) accomplished through precise timing and various combinations of the analog stick and the jump button, such as the somersaulting Triple Jump and the low but far-ranged Long Jump. Eschewing the "Super Mario to Small Mario" mechanic found in most of the previous mainline games, Super Mario 64 employs an eight-sided health meter called the Power Meter, which is depleted when Mario makes contact with enemies or obstacles, and is replenished by collecting coins, running through Spinning Hearts, or submerging Mario in a body of water. Like the previous games, Super Mario 64 employs a life system, although as the game saves after most progression tasks, the effect of a Game Over is marginal.

When the player starts a game, Mario starts off outside the Mushroom Castle, a multi-floor hub mostly devoid of enemies and obstacles. Inside the castle are multiple rooms with paintings and other surfaces concealing portals to the game's various courses. The main goal of the game is to collect Power Stars. There is a total of 120 Power Stars in the game, though only 70 need to be collected in order to complete the game. The Power Stars are split between the fifteen main courses, nine secret courses that are smaller and usually contain only one or two Stars, and various secrets inside the Mushroom Castle. The main courses contain six numbered missions each plus a hidden Power Star for collecting 100 coins. Only a limited portion of the castle is explorable at first, but as Mario collects more Stars, he is able to open more rooms and unlock Bowser levels. Defeating Bowser in his first two levels opens the castle's basement and top floor, respectively.

The game employs a mission-based structure. When the player enters a main course, a screen shows them the Stars they have collected and the newest mission unlocked, each having a title hinting at the mission tasks. Missions vary widely in nature, ranging from defeating enemies to reaching a point of interest on the map to racing friendly characters, though every course features a mission that requires collecting eight Red Coins scattered around the map. Accomplishing a mission rewards the player with a Power Star; collecting it boots Mario back to the room he came from, although collecting 100-Coin Stars allows him to stay on the map. The fifteen main courses consist of large open worlds, with many points of interest and paths, and as such, many of the missions can be completed out of order. Some missions, however, can be completed only by selecting a specific scenario from the course-selection screen, as to prompt the appearance or disappearance of a character or object needed to complete the task.

The courses feature various enemies who chase or attack Mario on sight. Most enemies can be defeated by kicking, punching, or jumping on them and leave coins when defeated; some missions also require Mario to defeat a specific type of enemy. Multiple missions involve fighting a large boss, whose defeat usually involves a puzzle or more advanced maneuvering than standard enemies. Not all characters Mario can encounter are hostile, however. Friendly NPCs include Toads sealed inside the castle's walls who give hints or backstory when spoken to, Bob-omb Buddies who give clearance to use a cannon on the course, and mission-specific characters who challenge Mario to a race or ask him to fetch an object in exchange for a Power Star.

Various power-ups can help Mario on his adventure. Koopa Shells can be ridden on land, water, or lava to provide temporary invincibility, and by hitting Cap Switches found in the secret courses, Mario can activate blocks containing the Wing Cap, Vanish Cap, and Metal Cap, whose powers are necessary to complete many of the missions. As the game is a showcase title for a new console and the first 3D Super Mario game, many aspects of the game showcase the Nintendo 64's features. Multiple sections take advantage of the analog stick's precision requiring Mario to walk slowly over narrow passageways or tiptoe to sneak up on enemies. Some bridges and platforms sway under Mario's weight.

Controls

The charts below refer to the original game and subsequent ports, such as those released through Virtual Consoles and Nintendo Switch Online. For the control scheme of the remake released for the Nintendo DS, click here. For the iteration included in Super Mario 3D All-Stars for Nintendo Switch systems, click here. A "→" (right arrow) conveys buttons to press in succession, and a "+" (plus sign) conveys buttons to press simultaneously. A "/" (solidus) conveys an alternative combination of button presses for the action. The controls for the Wii U can be customized in the emulator settings, with the column below displaying the default mapping.

Nintendo 64, iQue, Wii, and Wii U controls

Action(s)	Input(s)
	Nintendo 64 Controller	iQue Player	Nintendo GameCube Controller	Classic Controller	Wii U controllers
Mario controls
Move
Sidestep	◀▶ along a wall	◀▶ along a wall	◀▶ along a wall	◀▶ along a wall	◀▶ along a wall
Jump, swim, fire cannon
Double-jump	Jump when making contact with the ground while moving (do twice)
Triple-jump, take off in Wing form	Jump when making contact with the ground while running (do thrice)
Side-somersault	◀ → (▶ + )	◀ → (▶ + )	◀ → (▶ + )	◀ → (▶ + )	◀ → (▶ + )
Wall-kick	→ against a wall	→ against a wall	→ against a wall	→ against a wall	→ against a wall
Backward-somersault	+	+	+	+	+
Long-jump	+ while running	+ while running	+ while running	+ while running	+ while running
Climb up ledge	+ while hanging from ledge	+ while hanging from ledge	+ while hanging from ledge	+ while hanging from ledge	+ while hanging from ledge
Hang on to wire net	+ hold	+ hold	+ hold	+ hold	+ hold
Grab or release pole	alongside a pole	alongside a pole	alongside a pole	alongside a pole	alongside a pole
Talk, read, engage object, punch
Scroll text	/	/	/	/	/
Kick	+ +	+ +	+ +	+ +	+ +
Jump-kick	in midair	in midair	in midair	in midair	in midair
Throw item	+	+	+	+	+
Swing and toss Bowser by the tail	→ ↻ →	→ ↻ →	→ ↻ →	→ ↻ →	→ ↻ →
Dive	while running	while running	while running	while running	while running
Slide-kick	while sliding	while sliding	while sliding	while sliding	while sliding
Sweep-kick	+	+	+	+	+
Crouch
Slide	while running	while running	while running	while running	while running
Crawl	+	+	+	+	+
Ground-pound	in midair	in midair	in midair	in midair	in midair
Lakitu Bro controls
Rotate camera	/	/
Zoom in, enter first-person view
Zoom out
Shift camera view
Menu controls
Navigate menu
Confirm command
Cancel command
Display pause menu

Nintendo Switch controls

In addition to the controllers listed below, wireless Nintendo 64 Controllers are compatible with Nintendo Switch systems. Nintendo GameCube Controllers can be used through the GameCube Controller Adapter, but it is recognized as a wired Nintendo Switch Pro Controller by Super Mario 64.

Action(s)	Input(s)
	Dual Joy-Con / Nintendo Switch Pro Controller / Nintendo Switch Lite	Horizontal Joy-Con
Mario controls
Move
Sidestep	◀▶ along a wall	◀▶ along a wall
Jump, swim, fire cannon
Double-jump	Jump when making contact with the ground while moving (do twice)
Triple-jump, take off in Wing form	Jump when making contact with the ground while running (do thrice)
Side-somersault	◀ → (▶ + )	◀ → (▶ + )
Wall-kick	→ against a wall	→ against a wall
Backward-somersault	+	+
Long-jump	+ while running	+ while running
Climb up ledge	+ while hanging from ledge	+ while hanging from ledge
Hang on to wire net	+ hold	+ hold
Grab or release pole	alongside a pole	alongside a pole
Talk, read, engage object, punch
Scroll text	/	/
Kick	+ +	+ +
Jump-kick	in midair	in midair
Throw item	+	+
Swing and toss Bowser by the tail	→ ↻ →	→ ↻ →
Dive	while running	while running
Slide-kick	while sliding	while sliding
Sweep-kick	+	+
Crouch
Slide	while running	while running
Crawl	+	+
Ground-pound	in midair	in midair
Lakitu Bro controls
Rotate camera	/ / +	/ +
Zoom in, enter first-person view	/ +	+
Zoom out	/ / +	/ +
Shift camera view
Menu controls
Navigate menu
Confirm command
Cancel command
Display pause menu		+ / +

Locations

Setting

A photograph of a hakoniwa^A (left) compared to a screenshot of Tiny-Huge Island (right). The design principals of the former are the cited influence behind the courses in the game.

Super Mario 64 takes place within the walls of the Mushroom Castle in the Mushroom Kingdom. It is the first Super Mario game to explicitly include the Mushroom Kingdom as a location since Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels. The game's levels, called "courses," are accessed through paintings hung on the walls, but some are more cryptically hidden or require the player to accomplish a task in the castle before becoming accessible. Unlike previous games, the courses are not naturally occurring places. They are "painting worlds" that Bowser has corrupted and modified to his liking using the stolen Power Stars. He has turned some of the inhabitants into monsters, and there apparently is concern that his creations will escape the boundaries of the paintings and enter the real world. Some paratextual material and subsequent titles present the courses introduced in this game as visitable places outside the paintings.

Generally, a course is a sprawling location with interactive environmental elements and several levels of elevation. Courses often have subareas and collectibles obscured in the landscape that passively encourage the player to rotate the camera and explore. Most courses feature prominent landmarks, such as the mountain on the Bob-omb Battlefield and the volcano in Lethal Lava Land, that provide the player with a consistent point of reference that mitigates their chance of getting lost. Like its more immediate predecessors, courses are themed after real-life ecosystems (i.e., deserts, mountains, seas) and more fantastical settings (i.e., haunted houses, clocktowers, rainbow roads in the sky). The theme informs the types of objects that can be interacted with in the level, the types of enemies that can be encountered, and the non-playable characters that can be spoken to. For example, cactus enemies, a condor, and quicksand are in the desert-themed Shifting Sand Land. Penguins, slippery ice, and deep snow appear on Cool, Cool Mountain and Snowman's Land. Most courses contain switches and strikable objects that modify elements of the course, such as the Crystal Taps in Wet-Dry World.

Unlike the levels of prior two-dimensional entries, the courses in this game are open-ended and largely do not funnel the player towards one goal. This was an intentional departure from the level design principals of prior games because the development team did not believe they could be replicated for a fun experience in a three-dimensional environment. Director and series creator Shigeru Miyamoto wanted Super Mario 64 to be a game where players "create their own vision," a decision partially influenced by the technical difficulty of making a precise jump in a 3D environment. This mindset manifested in levels where players were largely free to interact with the world in ways they wanted to, with larger platforms and sprawling spaces that encouraged exploration rather than carry out precise actions to reach a goal. The courses themselves were created using hakoniwa or "box garden" design principals. ^B A hakoniwa is a intricately-arranged miniature garden within an enclosed space, with layers of depth and detail that become apparent to an onlooker when carefully examined. Applying these principals allowed the development team to create complex levels that surprise players, another important tenet during development. In the West, where creating miniature gardens is not as culturally prevalent, these types of levels are most often likened to sandboxes.

Courses

Overview

Top image: Mario entering the painting for the Bob-omb Battlefield
Bottom image: The mission-selection screen

Most of the courses are accessed through paintings inside the Mushroom Castle, the hub world of the game. The surface of a painting ripples like water when near, and Mario is brought to the course it represents by physically jumping through it. Accessing levels in this manner is a departure from the overworld system in previous platform games (see below). However, the castle is divided into several sections that are analogous to the world structure of proceeding games, where multiple levels are available to the player on a single section and the player must complete a boss-dedicated course in order to gain access to the next one. As Mario advances through the castle, he encounters some courses that are accessed through portals other than paintings, such as Shifting Sand Land, which is accessed through what looks like a brick wall at a dead end in the basement, and Tick Tock Clock, which is entered through a clock face. The locations of courses on subsequent sections are generally more complex and are puzzles in themselves, such as the painting for Snowman's Land that is viewable only through a mirror.

Rather than present a unilateral scenario that leads to a single spatially fixed goal, most courses in the game host multiple objectives called "missions" that each have a goal in a different location from each other. For most courses, entering a painting (or equivalency) brings the player to a mission-selection screen, where selecting one sends Mario to the course within the confines of the mission's specific scenario and its unique goal. In nearly all courses, this goal is a Power Star, a collectible token resembling the Super Star of prior entries. Touching one completes the level and returns Mario to the castle. The number of Power Stars collected is tracked by the game and communicated to the player on the user interface in the upper right corner of the screen. Accumulating Power Stars is how new courses become accessible to the player. On the first floor, some ★ doors that seal away certain paintings open only after Mario has collected a specified number of Stars. Mario can access a new section only after clearing the current one's Bowser Course, itself becoming accessible only after a specified number of Power Stars has been obtained. However, there are 120 obtainable Power Stars in a game that requires only 70 to access the final level. The player has some discretion on how many or which ones are obtained to finish the game, as well as the order.

In most courses, one mission correlates with one Power Star, and its name on the mission-selection screen hints at the Star's location in the course. However, some Power Stars can be encountered outside their dedicated missions and collected. Some mission-dedicated Power Stars become available to the player only once they have cleared specific missions (e.g., Footrace with Koopa the Quick becomes available only after Big Bob-omb on the Summit has been completed) or accomplish tasks outside the paintings (e.g., striking the Cap Switch in the Cavern of the Metal Cap makes the titular power-up accessible in Through the Jet Stream, in which it is not optional). Certain actions completed within a course permanently change elements within it regardless of the mission subsequently played. Recurring examples are the cannons found in most courses, which Mario can enter and launch from to reach distant areas. A cannon becomes useable in a course after Mario has spoken to a Bob-omb Buddy, a friendly non-playable character that controls the cannon, and it remains accessible for all subsequent revisits.

Like in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island and a departure from previous Super Mario games, there is no time limit in effect within courses, but there are a few cases where there is one. For example, Blue Coins appear for only a brief period of time once a Blue Coin Block is struck, and Mario must outrun Koopa the Quick in order to earn a Power Star. All power-ups in this game change Mario's form for a limited time, and one cannot be brought outside a course even if he completes it while still under its effect—another similarity to Yoshi's Island.

There are two different types of courses in Super Mario 64.

• Normal Courses, or main courses, contain six dedicated missions and an unlisted 100-coin mission. Some of the dedicated missions build off each other environmentally or narratively. (This means the events that transpire in the completion of one mission are reflected in the events of the subsequent mission.) However, some Power Stars can be encountered before the mission-dedicated one and can be collected, resulting in some instances where the Stars are obtained out of the intended "order." These courses are the most intricate levels in the game. Most include objects that can enable quick traversal between areas, such as cannons and Warp Points. Some courses include accessible subareas, such as the volcano in Lethal Lava Land and the pyramid in Shifting Sand Land. There are 15 Normal Courses in the game, and they are the only levels explicitly numbered and listed on the pause menu.
• Mini courses are smaller and structured more like traditional obstacle courses that emphasize precise platforming. They lack dedicated missions to select, and most contain only one Power Star. Power Stars obtained in mini courses are counted together as "Secret Stars" on the pause menu. Mini courses can further be classified into three subtypes, as detailed below.
  • Bowser Courses (also lowercased) lead to an arena where Mario must defeat Bowser. Each Bowser Course features a Power Star obtained by collecting eight Red Coins, but this does not complete the level. In the first two courses, defeating Bowser awards Mario a key, a different kind of token that completes the level when touched. The key is used to permanently unlock the Key Door to another section of the castle. In Bowser in the Sky, the final course, defeating Bowser releases the Jumbo Star. Collecting it does not contribute to the player's Power Star total, instead freeing Princess Peach. There are three Bowser Courses in the whole game, one for each section.
  • Secret Courses (also lowercased) are cryptically hidden in the castle. All Secret Courses have at least one Power Star to collect, with the sole exception being The Princess's Secret Slide, which has two. None of these courses are accessed through paintings, and they often require the player to investigate a space within the castle to find. There are three in the game.
  • Switch Cap Courses are where Mario is under the effect of a power-up immediately upon entering a course and is needed to reach a Cap Switch. When one is ground-pounded, it causes the power-up to permanently become accessible within the Normal Courses. They are analogous to the Switch Palaces in Super Mario World, though unlike in them, striking the switch does not make Mario exit the course. These are the only courses (along with Wing Mario Over the Rainbow) in the game where Mario can fall down a pit without losing a life; he is instead brought back to the castle.

Chart

There are a number of courses in each section. At least four of them are Normal Courses, and at least two are mini courses. One of the mini courses is always a Bowser Course. Including the Mushroom Castle, there are 25 courses in the game. The chart below lists all of them. Each one is provided with a screenshot, a brief description, and a list of its missions. The order that the courses and missions are listed follows their organization in the Super Mario 64 Player's Guide. Only the names of the missions in Normal Courses are provided in-game. When available, the missions that lack in-game names, such as the 100-coin missions, are also derived from the Super Mario 64 Player's Guide. Where no such name exists, the mission assumes the name of its course.

Courses
First Floor and Mezzanine
01. Bob-omb Battlefield Template:Chart icon×7 Template:Chart icon×6 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Big Bob-omb on the Summit	Template:Chart icon Footrace with Koopa the Quick
	Template:Chart icon Shoot to the Island in the Sky	Template:Chart icon Find the 8 Red Coins
	Template:Chart icon Mario Wings to the Sky	Template:Chart icon Behind Chain Chomp's Gate
Grassy fields surrounding a spiraled mountain. A battle is waged here between the peaceful Bob-omb Buddies and the enemy Bob-ombs. Once the battle is over, the Bob-omb Buddies allow Mario to access their cannons. There is a floating island in the east and a barred cave towards the center with a Chain Chomp leashed in front of it. Unlock criterion: Enter the Mushroom Castle.
02. Whomp's Fortress Template:Chart icon×7 Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Chip Off Whomp's Block	Template:Chart icon To the Top of the Fortress
	Template:Chart icon Shoot into the Wild Blue	Template:Chart icon Red Coins on the Floating Isle
	Template:Chart icon Fall onto the Caged Island	Template:Chart icon Blast Away the Wall
A fortress in the sky. It is ruled by the Whomp King, who sits at the top of the fortress. The path leading to him has falling platforms and stone enemies. Once he is defeated, a climbable tower appears at the top. A chain of floating islands is in the northeast. They can be reached with the help of Hoot, a sleepy owl found in the course's single tree. Unlock criterion: Collect a Power Star.
03. Jolly Roger Bay Template:Chart icon×7 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Plunder in the Sunken Ship	Template:Chart icon Can the Eel Come Out to Play?
	Template:Chart icon Treasure of the Ocean Cave	Template:Chart icon Red Coins on the Ship Afloat
	Template:Chart icon Blast to the Stone Pillar	Template:Chart icon Through the Jet Stream
A cove containing the wreck of a sunken ship. A giant moray eel called Unagi nests in the ship and stirs when approached. An underwater corridor in the northwest leads to a cave that holds Treasure Chests. Solving the puzzle of the chests reveals a Power Star. Unlock criterion: Collect 3 Power Stars.
04. Cool, Cool Mountain Template:Chart icon×7 Template:Chart icon×3	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Slip Slidin' Away	Template:Chart icon Li'l Penguin Lost
	Template:Chart icon Big Penguin Race	Template:Chart icon Frosty Slide for 8 Red Coins
	Template:Chart icon Snowman's Lost His Head	Template:Chart icon Wall Kicks Will Work
A snow-covered mountain inhabited by penguins and snowpeople. Wooden bridges and a moving chairlift are built into the side of the mountain. A log cabin is near its peak. It contains the Cabin's Snow Slide, where Mario is challenged to a race by the Big Penguin. Unlock criterion: Collect 3 Power Stars.
Bowser in the Dark World Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Bowser in the Dark World	Template:Chart icon 8 Red Coins
A winding path in a cavernous void. The path bears Amps and shifting platforms. It ultimately leads to Bowser, who is fought on a circular platform surrounded by floating bombs. Unlock criterion: Collect 8 Power Stars.
The Princess's Secret Slide Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon The Princess's Secret Slide	Template:Chart icon Second Star
A carpeted slide hidden on the mezzanine. Reaching the bottom of the slide gives Mario access to a Power Star—the first Secret Star available to the player. Reaching the bottom within 21 seconds awards Mario a second one. Unlock criterion: Collect a Power Star.
The Secret Aquarium Template:Chart icon×1	Mission
	Template:Chart icon The Secret Aquarium
A closed tank housing blue fish and Red Coins. Collecting all of the Red Coins reveals a Secret Star. The aquarium is accessed through a little alcove in the same room that holds the painting for Jolly Roger Bay. Unlock criterion: Collect 3 Power Stars.
Tower of the Wing Cap Template:Chart icon×1	Mission
	Template:Chart icon Flying for Coins
Towers in a sea of clouds. The turret in the middle holds the Wing Cap Switch that makes the Wing Cap permanently available in Normal Courses once struck. Red Coins appear around the towers and can be collected by Mario only in his Wing form. Unlock criterion: Collect 10 Power Stars.
The Castle Basement and Courtyard
05. Big Boo's Haunt Template:Chart icon×7 Template:Chart icon×4	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Go on a Ghost Hunt	Template:Chart icon Ride Big Boo's Merry-Go-Round
	Template:Chart icon Secret of the Haunted Books	Template:Chart icon Seek the 8 Red Coins
	Template:Chart icon Big Boo's Balcony	Template:Chart icon Eye to Eye in the Secret Room
The haunted house hidden in Princess Peach's courtyard. The rooms of the house contain Boos and animated furniture that try to strike Mario. Navigation requires solving puzzles and memorizing patterns in the halls. Failing to do so often brings Mario to the house's flooded basement, where a spinning carousel filled with Boos can be found. Unlock criteria: Collect 12 Power Stars, and defeat the Big Boo that holds the miniature cage in the courtyard.
06. Hazy Maze Cave Template:Chart icon×7	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Swimming Beast in the Cavern	Template:Chart icon Elevate for 8 Red Coins
	Template:Chart icon Metal-Head Mario Can Move!	Template:Chart icon Navigating the Toxic Maze
	Template:Chart icon A-Maze-Ing Emergency Exit	Template:Chart icon Watch for Rolling Rocks
An underground labyrinth filled with dead ends, traps, and bottomless pits. There are two floors. The first one has a large chamber in the southeast with a controllable elevator, hallways with rolling rocks in the northwest, and a maze with strange clouds in the northeast. The lower floor leads to a pool that holds Dorrie. Unlock criterion: Clear Bowser in the Dark World.
07. Lethal Lava Land Template:Chart icon×7 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Boil the Big Bully	Template:Chart icon Bully the Bullies
	Template:Chart icon 8-Coin Puzzle with 15 Pieces	Template:Chart icon Red-Hot Log Rolling
	Template:Chart icon Hot-Foot-It into the Volcano	Template:Chart icon Elevator Tour in the Volcano
Platforms in a lava sea. Some of them shift back and forth or can be manually rolled. They surround a small volcano that can be physically entered. Bullies appear in this course and knock Mario into lava on contact. Sparkies and other fiery obstacles that burn him when touched also appear. Unlock criterion: Clear Bowser in the Dark World.
08. Shifting Sand Land Template:Chart icon×7 Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon In the Talons of the Big Bird	Template:Chart icon Shining Atop the Pyramid
	Template:Chart icon Inside the Ancient Pyramid	Template:Chart icon Stand Tall on the Four Pillars
	Template:Chart icon Free Flying for 8 Red Coins	Template:Chart icon Pyramid Puzzle
Desert sands surrounding a pyramid. Klepto flies through the sky here. Much of the course is covered in quicksand and steep dunes. Little tornados can be used to avoid obstacles. Narrow walkways are found in the northeast, and a small oasis is in the northwest. The pyramid can be entered, where a labyrinth leads to Eyerok. Unlock criterion: Clear Bowser in the Dark World.
09. Dire, Dire Docks Template:Chart icon×7	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Board Bowser's Sub	Template:Chart icon Chests in the Current
	Template:Chart icon Pole-Jumping for Red Coins	Template:Chart icon Through the Jet Stream
	Template:Chart icon The Manta Ray's Reward	Template:Chart icon Collect the Caps...
Deep water. A whirlpool is at the center of the seabed and is circled by Sushi and a Manta Ray. A corridor in the east leads to an wider area where Bowser has hidden a submarine. Unlock criterion: Collect 30 Power Stars.
Bowser in the Fire Sea Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Bowser in the Fire Sea	Template:Chart icon Power Star for 8 Red Coins
Three narrow pathways surrounded by lava. Portions of the course gently rise and fall in lava, making traversal challenging. The pathway leads to the second battle against Bowser. Unlock criterion: Complete Board Bowser's Sub.
Cavern of the Metal Cap Template:Chart icon×1	Mission
	Template:Chart icon Grab 8 Red Coins
An underground streambed that holds the Metal Cap Switch. Striking it makes the Metal Cap accessible in other courses. The water moves rapidly in this course. If Mario is swept up in it, he is brought to the Castle Grounds. Unlock criterion: Clear Bowser in the Dark World.
Vanish Cap Under the Moat Template:Chart icon×1	Mission
	Template:Chart icon 8 Red Coins
A hidden area accessible only once the castle's moat is drained. When Mario enters the course, he is in his Vanish form, and he must navigate the course while the power-up is still in effect to access the Vanish Cap Switch. Striking it makes the Vanish Cap accessible in other courses. Unlock criteria: Clear Bowser in the Dark World and drain the castle's moat.
Upper Floors and Tower
10. Snowman's Land Template:Chart icon×7 Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Snowman's Big Head	Template:Chart icon Chill with the Bully
	Template:Chart icon In the Deep Freeze	Template:Chart icon Whirl from the Freezing Pond
	Template:Chart icon Shell Shreddin' for Red Coins	Template:Chart icon Into the Igloo
A chilly land surrounding a giant snowman. Slippery ice and freezing ponds appear in this course. The Chill Bully is on a floating island of ice in the east. Narrow paths allow Mario to ascend the snowman, but he begins to blow gusts of air when he nears his head. An enterable igloo is near the base of the snowman. Unlock criterion: Clear Bowser in the Fire Sea.
11. Wet-Dry World Template:Chart icon×7 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Shocking Arrow Lifts!	Template:Chart icon Top o' the Town
	Template:Chart icon Secrets in the Shallows & Sky	Template:Chart icon Express Elevator--Hurry Up!
	Template:Chart icon Go to Town for Red Coins	Template:Chart icon Quick Race Through Downtown!
A flooded empty town. There are Crystal Taps at several locations in the town that cause the water level to rise or fall. There is a hidden downtown area that can be accessed only through the cage in the southeast. Unlock criterion: Clear Bowser in the Fire Sea.
12. Tall, Tall Mountain Template:Chart icon×7 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Scale the Mountain	Template:Chart icon Mystery of the Monkey Cage
	Template:Chart icon Scary 'Shrooms, Red Coins	Template:Chart icon Mysterious Mountainside
	Template:Chart icon Breathtaking View from Bridge	Template:Chart icon Blast to the Lonely Mushroom
A tall mountain surrounded by Mushroom Platforms high above the sea. Gusts of wind and the Fwoosh make ascending the mountain challenging. The entrance to the Mysterious Mountain Slide can be found near the summit. Ukkikis live in this course, one of which attempts to steal Mario's cap. Unlock criterion: Clear Bowser in the Fire Sea.
13. Tiny-Huge Island Template:Chart icon×7 Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×2	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Pluck the Piranha Flower	Template:Chart icon The Tip Top of the Huge Island
	Template:Chart icon Rematch with Koopa the Quick	Template:Chart icon Five Itty Bitty Secrets
	Template:Chart icon Wiggler's Red Coins	Template:Chart icon Make Wiggler Squirm
An island that presents itself in two different ways depending on which painting it is accessed from in the castle. One is large with vast areas and giant versions of normal enemies. Mario can easily access the interior of this version of the island, which is home to Wiggler. The other is tiny with small enemies. Changing the terrain in one version of the island affects the other two, and doing so is required to obtain all of its Power Stars. Unlock criterion: Clear Bowser in the Fire Sea.
14. Tick Tock Clock Template:Chart icon×7	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Roll into the Cage	Template:Chart icon The Pit and the Pendulums
	Template:Chart icon Get a Hand	Template:Chart icon Stomp on the Thwomp
	Template:Chart icon Timed Jumps on Moving Bars	Template:Chart icon Stop Time for Red Coins
A vertical obstacle course within the tower's clock. Moving platforms are found throughout the clockwork, and they can help Mario reach hidden alcoves or throw him back towards the bottom. The speed of these platforms (and whether they move at all) is determined by where the clock's hands are positioned when he enters the course. Unlock criterion: Collect 50 Power Stars.
15. Rainbow Ride Template:Chart icon×7 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Cruiser Crossing the Rainbow	Template:Chart icon The Big House in the Sky
	Template:Chart icon Coins Amassed in a Maze	Template:Chart icon Swingin' in the Breeze
	Template:Chart icon Tricky Triangles!	Template:Chart icon Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Floating islands and moving platforms high in the sky. Magic carpets travel along rainbows in large stretches of the course, one of which feeds through the Cloud House. The Rainbow Cruiser can be found in the northeast. Unlock criterion: Collect 50 Power Stars.
Bowser in the Sky Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Bowser in the Sky	Template:Chart icon 8 Red Coins
A challenging obstacle course that leads to the final confrontation with Bowser. Some of the platforms on this course allow Mario to walk up walls if he maintains momentum, while others shift under his weight. Bowser starts to break the arena he is fought on, leaving it in the shape of a five-pointed star. The reward for defeating him, the Jumbo Star, is not incorporated into Mario's total Power Star count. Unlock criterion: Collect 70 Power Stars.
Wing Mario Over the Rainbow Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×2	Mission
	Template:Chart icon Cloud Hopping for Coins
Clouds and checkerboard platforms in the sky. The platforms are bridged by rainbows. Unlock criterion: Collect 50 Power Stars.
Other
Mushroom Castle Template:Chart icon×5 Template:Chart icon×1	Missions
	Template:Chart icon Toad near Course 6	Template:Chart icon Toad near Course 12
	Template:Chart icon Toad near Course 15	Template:Chart icon Catch the Yellow Rabbit (1st time)
	Template:Chart icon Catch the Yellow Rabbit (2nd time)
Princess Peach's castle in the Mushroom Kingdom. Toads and MIPS are sealed inside. Some of the former give Mario a Power Star when spoken to. The Castle Grounds are the first area of the game and where Mario initially appears every time the player loads their save file. Nearly all other courses are accessed from inside the castle, with the Cavern of the Metal Cap and Vanish Cap Under the Moat being the sole exceptions. Unlock criterion: Begin a new save file.
Level chart information and legend: The Normal Courses are designated with the unique number they are given in-game. Bowser, secret, and Switch Cap Courses lack numerical designation and are listed as they appear in the Super Mario 64 Player's Guide. Three symbols convey attributes about each course: Template:Chart icon denotes the total number of obtainable Power Stars, Template:Chart icon denotes the total number of accessible cannons, and Template:Chart icon denotes the number of boss battles. The name of each mission is accompanied by a symbol that indicates what type of mission it is. Template:Chart icon denotes a mission where the reward is a Power Star, Template:Chart icon denotes a mission where the reward is the Jumbo Star, and Template:Chart icon denotes a mission where the reward is a key.

Mushroom Castle

Main article: Peach's Castle

The Castle Grounds before the Mushroom Castle

The Mushroom Castle is a connective space from which Mario can access the game's levels. It is a white-bricked palace with a red-tiled roof. Five towers are built into the castle: four at each corner and a large one in the center. Each one is topped with a spire, and the four outermost ones are also topped with a red pennant. A stained glass portrait of Princess Peach is above the front doors, in which Peach has been imprisoned by Bowser. The smaller windows on the castle are shaped like mushrooms. The Mushroom Castle overall bears a superficial resemblance to a keep. It is framed as the place where Peach lives in the Mushroom Kingdom and usually contains Power Stars for protection. Several Toads, the princess's subjects, also live in the castle.

In the majority of prior platform games, the player selects levels on a map-like menu with a cursor. The cursor itself may represent the player character, as is done in Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins and Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island, but the degree of control the player has on the cursor is more limited than they would have in the actual levels. Super Mario 64 instead has a fully interactive level as the "map," where Mario controls exactly the same as he does in the courses, and the map itself is an expansive level with its own secrets to find.

The Castle Grounds are the first area in the game where the player takes control of Mario, and it is a risk-free environment for the player to familiarize themselves with his controls. There are no enemies here, nor concrete objectives. While the player is directed to the castle in Peach's letter to Mario, nothing forces them to enter it, implicitly encouraging them to explore. The Castle Grounds are a grassy area with gently sloping hills, trees, picket fences, and a small lake that feeds into the castle's moat. Several readable signs that detail Mario's available actions are near his starting position, but they are not forced upon the player.

The castle's interior is divided into three sections analogous to the worlds of prior Super Mario games: a first floor and mezzanine, a basement and courtyard, and a second and third floor that leads to the central tower. With the exception of the basement, the castle's flooring has a checkerboard pattern and red carpeting. A hilly vista with a blue sky behind it is painted on the walls. The basement is a flooded dungeon-like area lit by torches that can burn Mario. One of the basement's corridors has a pair of brick pillars that, when ground-pounded, drain the moat. The courtyard is a grassy space behind the Mushroom Castle with a fountain at its center. It is filled with Boos, one of which contains a miniature carousel that holds Big Boo's Haunt. Among the courses of a section, Mario can typically play them in any order. There are some exceptions, such as at the start of the game, when only the Bob-omb Battlefield is initially accessible.

Rather than list them individually on the pause menu, all Power Stars collected from the mini courses are collectively listed as the castle's "Secret Stars," and indeed, most of them are well hidden when compared to the main courses in the game. Finding them necessitates exploration and puzzle-solving within the castle's walls. For example, the only way to access Vanish Cap Under the Moat is by draining the moat, the means of which are never explicitly communicated in-game but instead come from familiarity with Mario's moves. The window that leads to The Princess's Secret Slide is not in the center of its room, departing from what is established in the other rooms that contain paintings and can be found only if the player deviates from what is established. This design principal permeates throughout the castle and often awards the player 1UP Mushrooms, hidden courses, or interactable elements.

As in the main courses, several non-playable characters appear in the Mushroom Castle. Toads (including the Toad, as relayed in some paratextual material) can be found on each floor, where they provide gameplay tips and words of encouragement when prompted. Some of them give Mario a Power Star when spoken to. MIPS can be found hopping around the basement once Mario has obtained a certain number of Power Stars (see chart above). He will give Mario one if caught. Yoshi appears on the castle's roof after Mario has collected all 120 Stars. Mario can reach him with a cannon that opens on the Castle Grounds after completing Bowser in the Sky with all 120 Stars collected.

Characters

Owing to his removal during development, Super Mario 64 is one of the few Super Mario games not to feature Luigi, along with Super Mario Land, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins, and Super Mario Sunshine. Many data structures in the code have unused references to Luigi's object slot, but he is considered irrecoverable from the final game's codebase. A prerelease model and textures only surfaced through the Nintendo data leak. However, Luigi was included as a playable character in the game's Nintendo DS remake, Super Mario 64 DS.

Name

Description

Mario

The hero of the Mushroom Kingdom and the game's protagonist. He was invited to the Mushroom Castle by Princess Peach, only to find that she had been kidnapped by Bowser. Mario has significantly expanded movement options to reflect the 3D environment of Super Mario 64. Some notable new moves include the Triple Jump, the Wall Kick, the Pound the Ground attack, and a punch-punch-kick. Unlike in previous installments, Mario has a health meter and does not shrink in size if struck by an enemy.

Non-playable characters

Name	Description	Locations
Lakitu Bros.	A pair of cloud-riding Koopas that are documenting Mario's quest to liberate the Mushroom Castle and rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. One Lakitu Bro is with Mario throughout the entirety of the game, serving as an in-game explanation for the title's 3D camera controls. He is generally unseen, but his reflection can be spotted in a large mirror on the second floor of the Mushroom Castle. The Lakitu Bros. work for the Kingdom News Network.	All courses
Princess Peach	The ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom. She invited Mario to the Mushroom Castle for cake, but she is missing by the time he arrives. Toad informs him that she was kidnapped by Bowser and sealed away within the castle's walls. The game follows Mario's quest to restore the castle's Power Stars and liberate the princess.	Castle Grounds
Toad	One of Princess Peach's attendants and an old friend of Mario's. He is one of several Mushroom Retainers that have been trapped inside the castle. He gives Mario hints, tips, and words of encouragement when spoken to. Some Toads give Mario a Power Star if prompted.	Mushroom Castle
Bob-omb Buddies	Friendly Bob-ombs that lack fuses. They reside on the Bob-omb Battlefield, where they are at war with the Big Bob-omb and his army. A Bob-omb Buddy is hidden away in nearly all subsequent courses. If spoken to, it prepares a cannon for Mario to use. The cannon remains open and accessible for all subsequent revisits.	Bob-omb Battlefield; Whomp's Fortress; Jolly Roger Bay; Cool, Cool Mountain; Shifting Sand Land; Snowman's Land; Wet-Dry World; Tall, Tall Mountain; Tiny-Huge Island; Rainbow Ride; Wing Mario Over the Rainbow
Koopa the Quick	A Giant Koopa from Tiny-Huge Island. He challenges Mario to a race when spoken to and rewards him with a Power Star if he defeats him without using certain shortcuts. Mario first encounters Koopa the Quick on the Bob-omb Battlefield in the mission Footrace with Koopa the Quick after defeating the Big Bob-omb, and he encounters him again on the "huge" side of Tiny-Huge Island in the mission Rematch with Koopa the Quick.	Bob-omb Battlefield; Tiny-Huge Island
Hoot	A talking owl who roosts in a tree near Mario's starting position on Whomp's Fortress. Once woken up, Mario can grab onto Hoot's talons and be carried high into the air for a limited time. Hoot slowly descends while carrying Mario and drops him if he hangs on for too long, citing his weight.	Whomp's Fortress
Penguins	Big talking birds found in courses that feature snow. They are instrumental in several Power Star missions. The Mother Penguin found at the base of Cool, Cool Mountain awards Mario a Power Star if her lost chick, Tuxie, is returned to her, while the Big Penguin found in the cabin at the top of the mountain gives him a Star if beaten in a race. Revisiting this penguin after collecting all 120 Power Stars reveals that he has let himself go. The extra weight makes him a tougher opponent to out-sleigh.	Cool, Cool Mountain; Snowman's Land
Snowmen	Two giant snowmen occur in the game. One snowman is the focus of the mission Snowman's Lost His Head. His head is on a pedestal halfway down the mountain, while his sentient snowball body appears towards the top, by Mario's starting position. Either piece asks Mario to help put him together when prompted. Once assembled, the snowman gifts Mario a Power Star. The other is in Snowman's Land, where he can climbed as if he was a mountain. As Mario nears his head, he starts to complain about an irritating crawling sensation on his body and tries to blow Mario off. A Power Star is on the very top of his head.	Cool, Cool Mountain; Snowman's Land
MIPS	Princess Peach's pet rabbit. He is found in the castle's basement and flees if approached. He gives Mario a Power Star if caught. While captured, MIPS claims to be late for tea.	Mushroom Castle
Dorrie	A gentle giant that resembles a plesiosaur. It can be found swimming in an underground lake, where it can be ridden. Mario can steer Dorrie's body while standing on its back and lower its neck by performing a Pound the Ground attack on its head.	Hazy Maze Cave
Ukkikis	Mischievous monkeys. One steals Mario's cap when grabbed. Mario must grab the Ukkiki again in order to get it back, but he runs away if approached and must be cornered. During Mystery of the Monkey Cage, a Ukkiki appears on the summit and taunts Mario. If grabbed, the Ukkiki begs to be released in exchange for a Power Star.	Tall, Tall Mountain
Yoshi	An old friend of Mario's. He is a dinosaur-like creature with a long tongue. He can be found on the roof of the Mushroom Castle once all 120 Power Star are collected. Yoshi awards the player 100 lives and a special Triple Jump for fully completing the game, then disappears off the side of the castle.	Castle Grounds

Enemies and obstacles

Enemies

Name	Description	Locations	Dam.	Spoils	New
Goomba	Squat mushroom creatures that chase Mario when he is in their line of sight. Goombas can be defeated with any attack.	Bob-omb Battlefield; Whomp's Fortress; Jolly Roger Bay; Bowser in the Dark World; Shifting Sand Land; Bowser in the Fire Sea; Snowman's Land; Tall, Tall Mountain; Rainbow Ride; Bowser in the Sky	1	Template:Chart icon×1	—
Goombette	Little Goombas. Goombettes pursue Mario when near, but they cause only pushback, an action that also defeats them. They are otherwise vulnerable to any attack.	Tiny-Huge Island	0	Template:Chart icon×1	—
Grand Goomba	Giant Goombas. It is easier for Mario to avoid their detection than it is with smaller Goombas. Grand Goombas are immune to punches and kicks.	Tiny-Huge Island	2	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×1	—
Bob-omb	Walking bombs. Bob-ombs actively pursue Mario until they explode. He can pick one up and toss it like a projectile to destroy blocks.	Bob-omb Battlefield; Shifting Sand Land; Bowser in the Fire Sea; Tall, Tall Mountain; Tick Tock Clock; Bowser in the Sky	2	Template:Chart icon×1	—
Koopa Troopa	Green-shelled turtles. Attacking one knocks it out of its shell, leaving it vulnerable to defeat and its shell accessible. An unshelled Koopa Troopa frantically tries to return to its shell in this state.	Bob-omb Battlefield; Tiny-Huge Island	0	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×1	—
Small Koopa Troopa	A tiny Koopa Troopa that is defeated on contact.	Tiny-Huge Island	0	Template:Chart icon×1	Template:Chart icon
Chain Chomp	A giant metal enemy with snapping jaws. It is shackled to a stake and lunges at Mario when he is near. Ground-pounding the stake frees the Chain Chomp.	Bob-omb Battlefield	3	Template:Chart icon	—
Piranha Plant	Carnivorous plants that sleep in flowerbeds. One stays asleep if Mario approaches it slowly, but it otherwise is easy to stir. Disturbed Piranha Plants snap at Mario.	Whomp's Fortress	3	Template:Chart icon×1	—
Piranha Flower	Large Venus Fire Traps that spit fireballs. They erupt and recede into the ground in set intervals.	Tiny-Huge Island	2	Template:Chart icon×2 Template:Chart icon×1	Template:Chart icon
Small Piranha	Small Venus Fire Traps. They behave like the giant Piranha Flowers.	Tiny-Huge Island; Bowser in the Sky	2	Template:Chart icon×1	Template:Chart icon
Whomp	Walking slabs similar to nurikabe. Whomps slam their bodies into the ground when Mario is in front of them. This defeats him, but the attack is easy to avoid. Whomps are defeated when ground-pounded while they are collapsed on the ground. Repeatedly jumping on one's back awards Mario an additional five Yellow Coins.	Whomp's Fortress; Bowser in the Sky	KO	Template:Chart icon×5	Template:Chart icon
Thwomp	Grimacing stones. They slam into the ground every few seconds, immediately knocking out Mario if he is underneath. The top of a Thwomp can be safely stood on.	Whomp's Fortress; Tick Tock Clock	KO	Template:Chart icon	—
Bullet Bill	Missiles fired from Blasters. A Bullet Bill swerves to hit Mario when he is in close proximity. Bullet Bills are destroyed only when they collide with obstructions.	Whomp's Fortress	3	None	—
Unagi	A giant moray eel enemy nestled within a sunken ship. Luring it out grants Mario access to the ship's interior. In subsequent missions, Unagi occurs swimming in open water. Direct contact damages Mario.	Jolly Roger Bay	3	Template:Chart icon	Template:Chart icon
Spindrift	Flying flower enemies that slowly follow Mario when near. Stomping on one launches him into the air, spinning. Spindrifts occur only in snow-themed courses.	Cool, Cool Mountain; Snowman's Land	2	Template:Chart icon×3	Template:Chart icon
Mr. Blizzard	Snowman enemies. Stationary Mr. Blizzards throw snowballs at Mario and rotate to follow his movement. The ones that hop along bridges are indestructible. If Mario loses his cap, he may find it on the head of a Mr. Blizzard upon entering a course with Mr. Blizzards in it.	Cool, Cool Mountain; Snowman's Land	2	Template:Chart icon×3 Template:Chart icon×1	Template:Chart icon
Amp	Smiling electrical orbs that shock Mario on contact. They typically travel in fixed circular patterns.	Bowser in the Dark World; Shifting Sand Land; Vanish Cap Under the Moat; Bowser in the Fire Sea; Snowman's Land; Wet-Dry World; Tick Tock Clock; Rainbow Ride; Bowser in the Sky	1	Template:Chart icon	Template:Chart icon
Scuttle Bug	Big spiders. They scuttle after Mario when he is near. In the Hazy Maze Cave, there is an abyss from which Scuttle Bugs indefinitely leap.	Big Boo's Haunt; Hazy Maze Cave	1	Template:Chart icon×3	Template:Chart icon
Boo	Ghost enemies. Boos pursue Mario when his back is turned towards them. If Mario looks directly at one, it stops moving and turns translucent. It is invulnerable in this state. While Boos can be knocked away, this does not permanently defeat them. Boos phase through walls.	Courtyard; Big Boo's Haunt	2	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×1	—
Mr. I.	Unblinking eyeballs fixed in space that fire projectile bubbles. Mr. I.s rotate to follow Mario's position. Running around one eventually makes it spin out of control, defeating it. Touching a Mr. I. directly damages Mario.	Big Boo's Haunt; Hazy Maze Cave; Lethal Lava Land	2	Template:Chart icon×1	Template:Chart icon
Bookend	Spirited books. In the library of Big Boo's Haunt, Bookends rapidly fly from opposing shelves and damage Mario on impact. Some Bookends slowly emerge from the shelves and snap their pages as if they were jaws. These ones can be stomped.	Big Boo's Haunt	2	Template:Chart icon×1	Template:Chart icon
Mad Piano	A toothy enemy. The Mad Piano sits inert like a normal piano. It springs to life when approached, doggedly snapping at Mario. Its keys clatter as it moves.	Big Boo's Haunt	3	Template:Chart icon	Template:Chart icon
Swoop	Bat enemies. Swoops idly hang upside-down until Mario draws near, at which point they drop and start to fly towards him. The sound of one's wingbeats is percussive.	Hazy Maze Cave	1	Template:Chart icon×1	—
Snufit	Ghostly Snifits that spit bullets at Mario.	Hazy Maze Cave; Cavern of the Metal Cap	2	Template:Chart icon×2	Template:Chart icon
Monty Mole	Mole enemies that pop out of holes. They toss small rocks at Mario that damage him on contact.	Hazy Maze Cave; Tall, Tall Mountain	1	Template:Chart icon×1	—
Flame thrower	Tiny stationary Fire Chomps. One releases a fireball at Mario when it is approached. The flame follows him.	Hazy Maze Cave; Shifting Sand Land; Vanish Cap Under the Moat; Bowser in the Fire Sea; Wet-Dry World; Tiny-Huge Island; Tick Tock Clock; Rainbow Ride; Bowser in the Sky	3	Template:Chart icon	Template:Chart icon
Bully	Horned, orb-shaped enemies that persistently attempt to shove Mario. Bullies cannot be damaged, but striking one knocks it back. Knocking one into lava defeats it.	Lethal Lava Land; Bowser in the Fire Sea	0	Template:Chart icon×1	Template:Chart icon
Sparky	Bouncing fiery plumes that hop across narrow strips of terrain.	Lethal Lava Land; Bowser in the Sky	3	Template:Chart icon	—
Fly Guy	Flying Shy Guys that spit fireballs and try to headbutt Mario when he is close. Stomping one propels Mario high into the air.	Shifting Sand Land; Snowman's Land; Tall, Tall Mountain; Tiny-Huge Island; Rainbow Ride	2	Template:Chart icon×2	—
Pokey	A segmented cactus enemy that slowly shuffles towards Mario. Striking a segment knocks it away and shortens the Pokey's overall body. Hitting the head is ultimately what defeats it.	Shifting Sand Land	2	Template:Chart icon×1	—
Tox Box	Multifaced iron boxes that roll around in set trajectories. Tox Boxes are the same width of the paths they travel, making them difficult to avoid. One of their sides is open and can be safely stood under.	Shifting Sand Land	KO	Template:Chart icon	Template:Chart icon
Grindel	Mummified stone enemies. One Grindel slams up and down like a Thwomp. The other hops along narrow paths.	Shifting Sand Land	KO	Template:Chart icon	Template:Chart icon
Spindel	Rolling stone enemies. Spindels roll back and forth along narrow paths.	Shifting Sand Land	KO	Template:Chart icon	Template:Chart icon
Klepto	A condor that steals Mario's cap. Klepto soars through the sky in Shifting Sand Land and drops low only to grab Mario's cap. Striking the bird makes it let go. In one mission, it carries a Power Star.	Shifting Sand Land	0	Template:Chart icon×1 Template:Chart icon×1	Template:Chart icon
Bub	Pudgy orange fish. They slowly swim towards Mario when he is in close proximity.	Dire, Dire Docks	1	Template:Chart icon	—
Bubba	Large grouper-like Bubs that pursue Mario in shallow water. They swallow him whole when he is close, costing him a life.	Tiny-Huge Island	KO	Template:Chart icon	Template:Chart icon
Sushi	A white shark enemy that swims in a wide circle. It does not actively pursue or attack Mario, but it damages him on contact.	Dire, Dire Docks	3	Template:Chart icon	Template:Chart icon
Manta Ray	A mobula that undulates around a whirlpool. Only the end of its tail can damage Mario. The Manta Ray leaves a trail of bubble rings as it swims. Swimming through five of them awards Mario a Power Star.	Dire, Dire Docks	3	Template:Chart icon	Template:Chart icon
Money Bags	Hopping purse-like creatures. A Money Bags disguises itself as a coin and materializes when approached, at which point it erratically hops around.	Snowman's Land	2	Template:Chart icon×5	Template:Chart icon
Skeeter	Water strider enemies that skim across water. They scuttle their legs rapidly when restricted to land. Contact damages Mario.	Wet-Dry World	2	Template:Chart icon×3	Template:Chart icon
Heave-Ho	Windup machines that slowly track Mario's movements. They hurl him backwards if they manage to slide their shovels under him. Heave-Hos usually occur around other enemies and items of interest, making them easy to overlook.	Wet-Dry World; Tick Tock Clock	0	Template:Chart icon	Template:Chart icon
Chuckya	Big Bob-omb enemies that grip on to Mario and throw him across great distances. Mario can defeat a Chuckya only by tossing it first.	Wet-Dry World; Tall, Tall Mountain; Tiny-Huge Island; Rainbow Ride; Bowser in the Sky	0	Template:Chart icon×5	Template:Chart icon
Fwoosh	A cloud enemy that blows gusts of wind to knock Mario off ledges.	Tall, Tall Mountain	0	Template:Chart icon	Template:Chart icon
Lakitu	Cloud-riding Koopas that drop Spiny bombs. The Lakitu Bros. are of this species.	Tiny-Huge Island; Rainbow Ride	2	Template:Chart icon×5	—
Spiny	Squat, spiked Koopas that slowly pursue Mario. They are defeated when drawn to water.	Tiny-Huge Island; Rainbow Ride	2	None	—
Spiny bomb	The eggs dropped by Lakitus. They hatch into Spinies when they hit the ground.	Tiny-Huge Island; Rainbow Ride	2	None	—

Obstacles

Name	Description	Locations
Blaster	A metal cube that shoots out Bullet Bills.	Whomp's Fortress
Bomb	A stationary spiked explosive used to defeat Bowser.	Bowser in the Dark World; Bowser in the Fire Sea; Bowser in the Sky
Casket	Caskets rise and fall. They can crush Mario if he goes under one.	Big Boo's Haunt
Chair	A haunted piece of furniture that flings itself at Mario.	Big Boo's Haunt
Clam	A giant shellfish that opens and closes its valves, sometimes containing an item.	Jolly Roger Bay; Dire, Dire Docks
Cold water	Chilled water that hurts Mario on contact, either gradually or immediately depending on how cold it is.	Snowman's Land
Current	Rapidly moving water that can forcibly remove Mario from the course if it pulls him far enough.	Jolly Roger Bay; Cavern of the Metal Cap; Dire, Dire Docks; Tall, Tall Mountain
Endless stairs	A magic staircase that loops Mario forever if he tries to climb them without enough Stars.	Mushroom Castle
Falling pillar	A giant precariously balanced stone that tips at Mario.	Jolly Roger Bay
Fireball	A basic flame that appears as either a standalone obstacle or an enemy projectile.	Bowser in the Dark World; Hazy Maze Cave; Lethal Lava Land; Shifting Sand Land; Vanish Cap Under the Moat; Bowser in the Fire Sea; Snowman's Land; Wet-Dry World; Tiny-Huge Island; Tick Tock Clock; Rainbow Ride; Bowser in the Sky; Mushroom Castle
Fire bar	A rotating rock with a constantly alit flamethrower on either side.	Lethal Lava Land
Flamethrower	A jet of fire that usually comes from small holes but can also come from other openings and even lava.	Bowser in the Dark World; Big Boo's Haunt; Hazy Maze Cave; Lethal Lava Land; Bowser in the Fire Sea; Rainbow Ride; Bowser in the Sky
Hidden smasher	A giant mass of metal hidden in a wall that tries to crush Mario when he approaches.	Lethal Lava Land
Ice block shooter	A giant hole with Shy Guy masks that shoots triangular ice blocks.	Snowman's Land
Ice structure	An ice barrier. Ice structures are laid out in mazes. In the igloo, some ice structures contain coins. Vanish Mario is required to phase through those ice structures.	Snowman's Land
Iron ball	A variably sized large black sphere that rolls down slopes.	Bob-omb Battlefield; Tall, Tall Mountain; Tiny-Huge Island
Ivy	Slows Mario's speed and also makes it difficult to jump.	Tall, Tall Mountain
Lava	Molten rock that burns Mario.	Lethal Lava Land; Bowser in the Fire Sea
Moving Bar	A varyingly designed wall protrusion that tries to push Mario but can also be used as a platform.	Whomp's Fortress; Tick Tock Clock
Pendulum	A swinging obstacle that can block Mario's path. Its speed can change depending on the time Mario enters Tick Tock Clock.	Tick Tock Clock
Quicksand	Sand that pulls Mario under at varying speeds.	Shifting Sand Land
Rolling rock	A giant boulder.	Hazy Maze Cave
Slide Box	A skull-marked crate that moves back and forth on the rocking ship.	Jolly Roger Bay
Strange cloud	Putrid gas found in deep, stagnant caves.	Hazy Maze Cave
Tornado	A whirlwind that makes Mario spin.	Shifting Sand Land
Water bomb	A bouncing balloon that pursues Mario after being shot from a cannon.	Bob-omb Battlefield
Water tide	Water that rises up or down.	Wet-Dry World; Mushroom Castle
Whirlpool	A vortex that can suck Mario inside.	Dire, Dire Docks
Wind	A gust that can either help or hinder Mario.	Cool, Cool Mountain; Snowman's Land; Tall, Tall Mountain; Tiny-Huge Island; Rainbow Ride; Bowser in the Sky
Wire net (vertical)	A wall made of iron bars or wire nets. Vanish Mario is required to pass through these walls.	Vanish Cap Under the Moat; Big Boo's Haunt; Hazy Maze Cave; Lethal Lava Land; Shifting Sand Land; Dire, Dire Docks; Wet-Dry World; Tick Tock Clock

Bosses

Bosses are listed in the order that they are first encountered.

Name	Description	Missions
Big Bob-omb	A giant Bob-omb on the Bob-omb Battlefield. He appears as the first boss in the game and has the first Power Star. He refers to himself as the "baron of all blasting matter."	Big Bob-omb on the Summit
Whomp King	A giant Whomp on top of Whomp's Fortress. He has the first Power Star, and after he is defeated, there is a tower on top of the fortress.	Chip Off Whomp's Block
Bowser	Bowser appears in Bowser in the Dark World, Bowser in the Fire Sea (where the arena tilts), and Bowser in the Sky (where he must be thrown three times). Mario needs to swing him by the tail clockwise or counterclockwise and hurl him at bombs on the outside of his circular arena.	Bowser in the Dark World; Bowser in the Fire Sea; Bowser in the Sky
Big Boo	A giant Boo that appears three times in Big Boo's Haunt. He initially appears once all the Boos in the mansion have been defeated, again in the underground merry-go-round, and lastly on the top balcony of the mansion.	Go on a Ghost Hunt; Ride Big Boo's Merry-Go-Round; Big Boo's Balcony
Big Mr. I.	A giant Mr. I. that appears only in the attic of Big Boo's Haunt.	Eye to Eye in the Secret Room
Big Bully	A large Bully that appears in Lethal Lava Land. On both occasions, Big Bullies try to knock Mario into the lava.	Boil the Big Bully; Bully the Bullies
Eyerok	A being composed of two stone hands with eyes on each palm. He appears when Mario blasts open the top of the pyramid in Shifting Sand Land and rides the elevator inside.	Stand Tall on the Four Pillars
Chill Bully	A large Bully made of ice. He tries to ram Mario onto a lethally frozen pond in Snowman's Land.	Chill with the Bully
Wiggler	A giant caterpillar. He becomes angry when his home on Tiny-Huge Island gets flooded.	Make Wiggler Squirm

Items and objects

Items

These are collectibles, pickups, and health-restoring objects.

Name	Description	Name	Description
Power Stars	Power Stars fuel the Mushroom Castle and are stolen by Bowser to seal the castle's inhabitants away. They are the primary objective within missions, and accumulating Stars unlocks new missions. A larger token called the Jumbo Star is made available after the final battle with Bowser. Collecting it does not contribute to the player's total, but it does liberate Princess Peach.	Keys	Tokens awarded to Mario after the first two Bowser battles. A key permanently unlocks a Key Door.
Yellow Coins	Collecting a Yellow Coin restores one wedge to Mario's Power Meter. Collecting 100 during a mission rewards Mario with a Power Star. He also gains an extra life for every 50 coins he has when he completes a mission, but only up to three (i.e., no more than 150 coins).	Red Coins	Red Coins are worth two coins. Eight are scattered around most courses, and collecting them all causes a Power Star to appear. They restore two wedges to Mario's Power Meter when collected.
Blue Coins	Blue Coins are worth five coins. They typically appear after Mario ground-pounds a Blue Coin Block or after he defeats a strong enemy, such as a Mr. I.	Spinning Hearts	Spinning Hearts restore Mario's Power Meter when he passes through one. The amount of health recovered and how fast it does so are dependent on how quickly Mario moves through it.
1UP Mushrooms	Green mushrooms that give Mario an extra life each when obtained.	Bubbles	Bubbles are released from opened underwater Treasure Chests. Making contact with one refills Mario's Power Meter.
Koopa Shells	Shells from Koopa Troopas that Mario can ride, allowing him to defeat enemies he runs over and move around the course quicker. Pressing causes the shell to disappear.	Mario's cap	Mario can lose his cap: It can be stolen by Klepto or a Ukkiki or blown away by wind. He takes more damage without it. Mario can complete a mission or exit a course without his cap, but it is still missing when he returns to the Mushroom Castle. He has to return to the specific course where he lost his cap to retrieve it.
Crates	Small blocks that can be picked up and tossed to defeat enemies. Crates break on impact and release collectible Yellow Coins.	Crazed Crates	Living crates. When Mario grabs a Crazed Crate, it immediately bounces three times in the direction he was facing when it is grabbed, taking him with it. Each bounce is progressively higher. A Crazed Crate breaks at the end of the third bounce, breaking and releasing Yellow Coins.

Power-ups

These are items that transform Mario's appearance and give him unique abilities. Power-ups are available in Cap Blocks, and they start appearing in the main courses only once their corresponding Cap Switches are struck in the hidden switch courses. Unlike in previous Super Mario games, all power-ups in Super Mario 64 only temporarily transform Mario, each one for 60 seconds. If he completes a mission in one of these forms, he will revert to his normal form. Additionally, Mario lacks a weak, diminutive Small form in this game. Mario can be under the effect of two of these power-ups simultaneously in Dire, Dire Docks, namely the Metal and Vanish Caps.

Cap Block	Power-up	Effect	Description
Red block	Wing Cap	Wing Mario	The Wing Cap is available only in red blocks and transforms Mario into Wing Mario. Performing a Triple Jump or launching from a cannon makes Wing Mario fly. Pressing up on makes him descend, and pushing down makes him gain altitude. Alternating between both is necessary to keep Wing Mario airborne. Pressing brings him back to the ground.
Green block	Metal Cap	Metal Mario	The Metal Cap is available in green blocks and turns Mario into Metal Mario, a nearly invincible form. He can receive only fall damage in this form. Metal Mario functions the same as his normal form, but he can destroy enemies just by making contact and is impervious to most hazardous obstacles. Wind and currents cannot push him. While he does not need air, Metal Mario cannot swim and sinks to the bottoms of bodies of water, enabling him to circumvent jet streams and other underwater obstacles.
Blue block	Vanish Cap	Vanish Mario	The Vanish Cap is the final unlockable power-up and is contained in blue blocks. It transforms Mario into Vanish Mario, a form that allows Mario to phase through certain barriers and walls. Vanish Mario is undetectable to enemies, and they cannot harm him. He otherwise has the same abilities as normal Mario.

Objects

Objects are interactable elements of the environment that cannot be picked up or collected by Mario. For objects that primarily function as obstructions or hazards, see above.

Name	Description
Trigger objects
Blue Coin Block	A block that causes a trail of Blue Coins to appear for a temporary period of time when ground-pounded. It disappears for the remainder of the accessed mission once struck.
Brick pillar	A pair of brick pillars is in the basement of the Mushroom Castle. Ground-pounding them permanently drains the moat.
Bubble ring	An underwater ring released by the Manta Ray. Swimming through five consecutive bubble rings rewards Mario with a Power Star.
Cap Switch	A type of ! Switch found only in switch courses. Ground-pounding one permanently makes corresponding semi-visible blocks turn solid, granting Mario access to the power-ups they contain. There are only three Cap Switches in the game, and they correspond as follows: The red one makes the Wing Cap available, the green one makes the Metal Cap available, and the blue one makes the Vanish Cap available.
Crystal Tap	An octahedron in Wet-Dry World that causes the water level to either rise or fall when touched.
Purple Switch	Purple Switches cause temporary changes to the surrounding environment when stepped on.
Secret	One of five cryptically hidden "spots" within a course. Finding one causes a corresponding red number to appear onscreen. Locating all five secrets causes a Power Star to appear.
Stake	A stake needs to be struck by a Pound the Ground attack three times to be fully embedded into the earth, and doing so may produce a Yellow Coin or trigger a nearby event. Running around one may produce multiple coins.
Treasure Chest	A wooden chest that contains a bubble and opens when touched. In some missions, five Treasure Chests appear and either release a Power Star or trigger a change in the environment when opened in a specific order. Opening a chest out of order electrocutes Mario and forces the player to start over.
Climbable objects
Pole	Mario clings to climbable poles by jumping onto them. He can ascend, descend, and change which face of a pole he is on when the player moves . Pressing makes Mario jump from whichever face he is on. Poles' height and designs depend on where they are encountered. The finish line for footraces against Koopa the Quick is marked by a flagpole that operates the same way.
Tree	Trees function like poles. Reaching the top of one sometimes triggers an event or releases a 1UP Mushroom that homes in on Mario.
Wire net (horizontal)	A ceiling of climbable metal netting.
Blocks and platforms
Activatable staircase	A stairway that briefly appears when a switch is pressed.
Arrow Lift	A floating block that begins to move back and forth once stood on. An activated Arrow Lift stops moving for two-second intervals before moving again.
Block	Blocks contain Yellow Coins and release them once struck. They are visually identical to crates, but they are about the same height as Mario and cannot be picked up.
Bowser's Submarine	The submarine appears only in Dire, Dire Docks during Board Bowser's Sub, during which it floats on the surface of the water. Bowser's Submarine does not appear in subsequent missions, and completing Board Bowser's Sub unlocks access to Bowser in the Fire Sea.
Cloud House	A large floating building in Rainbow Ride. Magic carpets travel through the Cloud House on a rainbow that weaves through it. The fireplace in the building shoots flames.
Concertinaing platforms	Blue platforms connected to bridges in Bowser in the Fire Sea that gradually rise up and drop down.
Conveyor belt	A platform with a moving surface. The speed and direction vary depending on the position of the clock hands on Tick Tock Clock's face when Mario enters the course.
Drawbridge	An object in Lethal Lava Land that opens and closes.
Falling Block	A floating platform that falls when stepped on. Thin, holeless Falling Blocks drop quickly, and Mario will lose ground if he does not keep moving forward.
Flipping block	A block platform that flips in set intervals. The speed and direction vary depending on the position of the clock hands on Tick Tock Clock's face when Mario enters the course.
Floating wooden platform	Floating wooden platforms sink slightly in water when stepped on, then rise back up.
Gondola	A moving platform on Cool, Cool Mountain. The gondola moves once Mario steps on it. It stops if it returns to the bottom after Mario has walked off it.
Lift	A moving platform. Some lifts move along tracks. Others move only up and down, like elevators. Their designs and environmental context for moving depend on where they are encountered.
Magic carpet	A type of lift in Rainbow Ride that travels along a rainbow. If Mario remains off a magic carpet for too long, it will disappear and respawn back at its original position.
Merry-go-round	A spinning platform in the basement of Big Boo's Haunt.
Metal crate	A large stone block that can be pushed.
Minute hand	A long platform in Tick Tock Clock. It rotates in incremental intervals around a pivot point at the center of the course. The speed and direction vary depending on the position of the clock hands on Tick Tock Clock's face when Mario enters the course.
Mushroom	A tall platform that looks like a giant mushroom.
Paddle wheel	A set of four lifts attached to a pivot. Standing on a lift causes the paddle wheel to rotate.
Pillar	An object in Shifting Sand Land that can be stood upon to open the top of the pyramid.
Propeller-like platform	A platform in Rainbow Ride that spins. It can either be ridden or hinder Mario's path.
Puzzle	A sliding puzzle of Bowser suspended over lava. The individual pieces constantly shift positions, forming and unforming the image of Bowser on the puzzle.
Pyramid platform	A platform that flips upside down for a few seconds once activated by a Purple Switch.
Rainbow Cruiser	A six-winged airship flying in the direction of strong winds.
Rolling log	Logs roll when stood on. Mario must keep pace with a log's roll to avoid falling off.
Rotating bar	A thin platform embedded in the side of Tick Tock Clock. The speed and direction vary depending on the position of the clock hands on Tick Tock Clock's face when Mario enters the course.
Rotating bridge	A wooden platform in Whomp's Fortress that rotates 180˚ around a pivot point.
Rotating ring platform	A spinning platform surrounding the volcano in Lethal Lava Land. It stops moving periodically, during which the volcano erupts.
Seesaw	A long platform that tilts left or right depending on where Mario walks. Seesaws have different appearances depending on where they are found, as well as unconventional shapes.
Semi-visible block	A transparent block that turns solid and is able to be used after the player hits the Cap Switch.
Ship	A sunken ship appears at the bottom of Jolly Roger Bay, and it is where Unagi nests. Approaching it causes Unagi to stir and exit the vessel, granting Mario access to its hull. The ship subsequently can be found floating on the surface of the water during Red Coins on the Ship Afloat.
Sliding platform	A long rectangular platform in Bowser in the Dark World and Bowser in the Sky that slides in and out.
Spinning disc	A spinning circular platform suspended in the air. Spinning discs' designs and environmental context for moving depend on where they are encountered. In Tick Tock Clock, triangular and hexigonal variants serve the same function as spinning discs, where the speed and direction vary depending on the time Mario enters the course.
Square	One of a pair of square-shaped platforms that move within the rims of a larger square-shaped frame.
Swing	A lift that moves back and forth like a pendulum.
Tapering platform	A square or rectangular platform that floats in lava, occasionally partially sinking. The middle section is higher than the edges and, as such, is the only safe place to stand.
Wire platform	A mesh lift in lava. Some wire platforms move along tracks that temporarily submerge them in lava.
Wobbly platform	A prism-shaped platform that tilts toward the direction that Mario is standing on, dipping the nearest corner into lava.
Wooden beam	A plank in Whomp's Fortress. Kicking or punching the wooden beam causes it to fall over and become useable as a bridge.
Work Elevator	A large flat platform with four arrow-emblazoned buttons. Stepping on a button causes the Work Elevator to move in that direction until it meets an obstruction.
Yellow block	A floating ! Block that contains items. It releases its content when Mario jumps underneath it. It is functionally comparable to the ? Blocks of prior Super Mario games and is the only ! Block available at the start of the game.
Transportation objects
★ door	A door to a room that holds (a) painting(s), four of which open only once Mario has collected the required numbers of Power Stars indicated on the fronts of the doors. Not all paintings are locked behind ★ doors.
Big Star Door	A larger ★ door that has a higher Power Star-threshold to unlock. Three of the four Big Star Doors lead to rooms that contain Bowser courses.
Cannon	Cannons launch Mario to distant areas. They are accessed like pipes. Most cannons are overseen by Bob-omb Buddies and become accessible only after Mario speaks to them.
Clock	The portal for Tick Tock Clock. The placement of the clock's hands when Mario enters the face determines the speed and direction of the platforms and obstacles in the course. None of these objects move if he enters the face with the minute hand on 12, and they move slowly if it is on 3.
Key Door	A door that requires a key to open. Key Doors lead to new sections of the castle.
Painting	A magical portal created by Bowser. Paintings lead to the courses of the game.
Painting (Boo)	Paintings of Boos appear only in Big Boo's Haunt, and Mario can pass through them only in his Vanish form.
Volcano	The volcano is at the center of Lethal Lava Land and periodically shoots fire. The volcano's interior can be accessed, and two Power Stars can be obtained in it.
Warp pipe	A pipe going through the ground that brings Mario to a new area. He enters one by physically jumping into it. The cabin chimney on Cool, Cool Mountain functions like a warp pipe. Some pipes are Shrinker Pipes that change Mario's size and bring him to the two different versions of Tiny-Huge Island.
Warp Point	Warp Points are hidden spots within a course that teleport Mario from one point to another.
Other objects
Arrow Sign	A sign that directs the player towards the intended focus of the mission they enter.
Butterfly	Butterflies may turn into 1UP Mushrooms or giant iron balls that pursue Mario through the air before exploding if he persistently bothers them. They otherwise fly around passively.
Cloud	A cloud in Wing Mario Over the Rainbow that cannot be used as a platform. Some transparent clouds contain a Red Coin.
Rainbow	Rainbows passively indicate an intended direction for the player to follow. Magic carpets move along them in Rainbow Ride, and arches connect different clouds in Wing Mario Over the Rainbow. A ring-shaped rainbow in Rainbow Ride provides a visual target for the player to launch Mario out of a cannon. All rainbows are intangible.
Sign	A posted board that contains information on actions, scenarios, and locations. Signs can be ground-pounded into the ground. There are variants found hanging on walls.
Star Marker	A Power Star appears above a Star Marker in missions where Mario must collect eight Red Coins.

Reissues

Super Mario 64: Shindō Pak Taiō Version

Super Mario 64: Shindō Pak Taiō Version (Japanese: スーパーマリオ64 振動パック対応バージョン) is a version of the original game released in Japan on July 18, 1997, that includes Rumble Pak support. This game is the same as the international release of the game, as it retains all of the glitch fixes as well as graphical and sound changes (except Mario calling Bowser by his name in the "So long kinga^[sic] Bowser!" voice clip, which was changed to "Buh-bye!"). Other differences include a new title screen Easter egg and the fixing of the "Backwards Long Jump" glitch. This version was rereleased for the Virtual Console on the Wii in Japan on December 2, 2006, then on the Wii U on April 8, 2015.

Super Mario 64 DS

Main article: Super Mario 64 DS

Super Mario 64 DS is a remake of the game for the Nintendo DS, bearing some new features in its storyline, gameplay, and graphics. Unlike in Super Mario 64, Mario is not the only playable character (nor is he even available at the start; the only character available at the start of the game is Yoshi); in addition to Yoshi, Luigi and Wario also join the adventure in order to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. Yoshi's being on the roof at the start of the game is a reference to the fact that he is there at the end of the original version. Other new features within the game include a multiplayer mode, in which up to four players can play simultaneously on each Nintendo DS connected together locally; minigames to play with each character; and new additions to the story mode such as new missions and levels.

Super Mario 3D All-Stars

Main article: Super Mario 3D All-Stars

Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a compilation game for the Nintendo Switch featuring high-definition remasters of Super Mario 64 (specifically the Shindō Pak Taiō Version, marking its first international release), Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. It was released on September 18, 2020, as part of the 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. The game is displayed in 720p resolution and contains redone textures.

Version differences

There is a total of four Nintendo 64 releases of Super Mario 64: the original Japanese version, the North American release, the European and Australian release, and the Japanese Super Mario 64: Shindō Pak Taiō Version rerelease.

Changes to the North American release

Text changes

• The script is exclusively in English.
• Princess Peach signs her letter with a large pink "Peach." In the Japanese release, she signs her letter in normal-sized black text.

Audiovisual changes

Japan

International

• The entrance to Jolly Roger Bay is changed. In the original release, it is a painting of bubbles in a blue frame. In Western releases, it is a painting of a sunken ship in a gold frame.
• In the Japanese version, the animation that plays when Mario collects a key after defeating Bowser depicts him dancing with a Power Star, as he does after completing a Power Star mission in all versions of the game. In Western releases, this is changed to a new animation in which Mario dances with the key itself.
• The unused "key" HUD icon is removed from this version. It is replaced with a corrupted graphic.
• The J, Q, V, Z, %, &, !, and ‼ characters are removed from the game's multicolored font and replaced with corrupted graphics similar to the key. None of these symbols are actually used anywhere in the game.
• The Chain Chomp's bark has been changed to a completely different sound.
• The Red Coin sound effect increases in pitch with each coin collected. In the Japanese release, all Red Coins make the same sound.
• The intro cutscene has several additional sound effects not present in the original release:
  • The blowing of wind when Lakitu is flying
  • The click of the camera shutter when the in-game camera moves to Lakitu's perspective
  • The spring sound and voice line "Ha ha!" when Mario jumps out of the pipe
• A sound effect not present in the Japanese game plays when Mario exits a course through the pause menu.
• When Mario enters certain substages, such as the Tower of the Wing Cap, the Power Star collection sound effect plays.
• When Lakitu appears to explain things to Mario, a short tune entitled "Lakitu's Message" plays. Since this tune is not in the original Japanese release, it is not found on the official soundtrack.
• Western releases add more voice acting for Mario:
  • "Hello!" when his face greets the player on the title screen
  • "Okey-dokey!" when the player chooses a save file
  • "Let's-a go!" when the player chooses a Star before entering a course
  • "Game over!" when he runs out of lives
  • "Press START to play!" during the title screen demo
  • "Boing!" when he jumps off a Spindrift
  • "I'm-a tired!" and the names of various pastas when he is sleeping
  • "Mamma mia!" when falling out of a non-painting course after Mario loses a life
  • In the original Japanese version, Mario says, "Here we go!" when he throws Bowser. In Western versions, he says, "Here we go!" only when throwing Bowser a short distance. When he throws Bowser a long distance, he instead says, "So long kinga Bowser!"
  • Similarly, when Mario hits a wall in the Japanese version, he grunts. In Western versions, Mario grunts if he hits a wall at a low speed, but he says, "D'oh!" if he long-jumps or dives into a wall.
  • When Mario triple-jumps in the Japanese release, he says, "Yahoo!" In Western releases, he randomly says, "Yahoo!", "Wha-ha!", or "Yippee!"; however, he says only "Yahoo!" when using the improved Triple Jump obtained after he talks to Yoshi.
• All of Princess Peach's voice acting is new in this version of the game.

Fixed glitches

Mario looking away from the camera

• When Mario steps on one of the Cap Switches, a text box that explains the function of the switch is triggered. In the Japanese release, this text box causes the action in-game to pause until the text box is closed. If a Power Star is collected before this text box appears, the Star does not vanish as it is supposed to do upon collection. In Western releases, the text box does not cause the action to pause, which fixes this glitch.
• If 1,000 coins are collected, the coin counter is intended to immediately set itself back to 999 coins. In the Japanese release, it instead sets the life counter to 999. Because the life counter is stored in memory as a one-byte-wide signed field, this causes an overflow, and Mario's life total becomes -25. Western releases correctly set the coin counter to 999, rather than the life counter.
• The first two times Bowser is defeated, he leaves behind a key. If Mario is standing where the key lands and the player presses to activate the first-person camera, Mario continues to look that way during the key collection cutscene.
• In Shifting Sand Land's pyramid, collecting the fifth secret may cause the audio to stop playing. If this happens, attempting to leave the course in any way causes the game to crash.
• If Mario exits a course while standing on a moving platform, he retains his momentum when the Mushroom Castle loads. This causes Mario to spawn in an abnormal location.

Level design changes

• In the mission Blast to the Stone Pillar, the Power Star is in a yellow block, rather than in the open as it was in the Japanese release.
• In the mission Li'l Penguin Lost, the Power Star's spawn location has been moved from directly above the Mother Penguin to an empty area adjacent to her. This was apparently done because the penguin's hitbox made it difficult to collect the Star in its original location.

Changes to the European and Australian release

These releases feature all the changes of the North American release, plus the following additional changes:

Text changes

• The script can be switched between English, German, and French.
• The North American version's "Sound" menu has been renamed "Options," reflecting the fact that the in-game language can be changed from this menu.
• The characters Ä, Ö, and Ü have been added to the multicolored font, to allow proper representation of the German language. The Ü character is not actually used anywhere in the game. V and Z, which are present in the Japanese release but changed to corrupted characters in the North American release, are restored in this edition of the game.

Audiovisual changes

The North American version

The European and Australian versions

The North American version

The European and Australian versions

• The copyright date on the title screen is changed to reflect the release year of the European and Australian editions. The trademark symbol was changed for unknown reasons, and the logo is slightly narrower.
• The intro screen says "PRESS START" in the NTSC versions but just "START" in the PAL version. The text was also moved slightly to the left in the PAL version.
• The NTSC versions have slight letterboxing, while the PAL version does not. This is most noticeable with the gap between the edge of the HUD elements and the edge of the screen.
• In the intro, Mario jumps out of a pipe and a variation on the classic Mario pipe sound effect plays. In this edition of the game, the sound effect plays at a much quieter volume.
• The sound of a Big Star Door closing is now more similar to the sound of the door opening.
• The Yellow Coin collecting sound is slightly slowed down.
• The sound effect of grabbing and then releasing Mario's face on the title screen is changed.
• Mario's Double Jump sound is different.

Gameplay changes

• This version of the game outputs a signal compatible with the PAL television standard, rather than the NTSC standard used by the North American and Japanese releases. Therefore, it outputs 25 frames per second instead of 30. This causes everything in the game to happen at five sixths of the speed that it happens in the North American release.

Changes in Super Mario 64: Shindō Pak Taiō Version

This release features all the changes of the North American release, plus the following additional changes:

Text changes

• The original Japanese script is restored.
• Text that mentioned pressing to read signs in both the original Japanese and localized scripts now additionally mentions can be pressed as an alternative.

Audiovisual changes

The North American version

Super Mario 64: Shindō Pak Taiō Version

The Easter egg and compatibility notice

• The copyright date on the title screen is updated to reflect the release date of Super Mario 64: Shindō Pak Taiō Version. The trademark symbol is changed.
• A notice in the lower right corner of the intro screen informs players that this release is compatible with the Rumble Pak.
• If the player presses on the intro screen, the background fills with images of Mario's face. These faces are copied from the frame buffer, so they move in synchronization with the modeled Mario face.
• The voice line "So long kinga Bowser!" is changed to "Buh-bye!" likely since Bowser's Japanese name is Koopa.
• Mario's Double Jump sound is a higher-pitched version of the same sound from the European and Australian version.
• One of Mario's single jump sounds is higher-pitched.
• Mario faces the camera after grabbing a tree.

Gameplay changes

• The game is compatible with the Rumble Pak.
• The "Backwards Long Jump" glitch has been fixed. Although the move itself can be performed, the player is prevented from gaining high speeds.
• The Power Star in Blast to the Stone Pillar is out in the open like in the original Japanese release rather than in a yellow block like in the international releases.

Notable mistakes and errors

• If the player copies a save file to another file that already has data, it will say "Save Data Exits" instead of "Save Data Exists." This was fixed in Super Mario 3D All-Stars.
• On the floating island of the Bob-omb Battlefield, one of the signs says, "Pull back to to fly up." This was fixed in Super Mario 3D All-Stars.
• On Cool, Cool Mountain, the Headless Snowman says, "Have you run in to any headhunters lately??" instead of "into."
• At the end of the game, when Mario speaks to Yoshi on the castle roof, he says, "Mario!!! It that really you???" instead of "Mario!!! Is that really you???"
• If Mario is one Star short of opening a ★ door, the message still refers to the word needed in the plural: "You need 1 more Stars" instead of "You need 1 more Star."

Those errors remained in the Virtual Console version. However, they were removed in Super Mario 64 DS, as Yoshi is a playable character and the message that appears when the player does not have enough Stars to open a ★ door is instead "You need [number] more."

Pre-release and unused content

Main article: List of Super Mario 64 pre-release and unused content

One unused asset is the Blargg, which is still in the game's data, and would have appeared in Lethal Lava Land, Bowser in the Fire Sea, and Wing Mario Over the Rainbow. Also, the Big Boo held a key instead of a Star inside him. The purpose of the keys was to unlock many of the doors in Big Boo's Haunt—there was even a "key counter." 32 levels were planned for the game, but only fifteen of them made it into the final product.

Staff

Main article: List of Super Mario 64 staff

Game director

• Shigeru Miyamoto

Assistant directors

• Yoshiaki Koizumi
• Takashi Tezuka

Mario face programmer

• Giles Goddard

Course designers

• Kenta Usui
• Naoki Mori
• Yoshiki Haruhana
• Makoto Miyanaga
• Katsuhiko Kanno

Development

Super Mario 64 was the last game to be directed by Shigeru Miyamoto.

During the development of Super Mario 64, the title screen featuring Mario's face came from 3D struggles, leading Miyamoto to suggest playing with Mario's model like a programmer. Additionally, Miyamoto took up swimming at the time, which is reflected in Mario's breaststroke move.

Reception

Super Mario 64 received critical acclaim, garnering a score of 9.8 from IGN, 9.4 from GameSpot, and 9.75 from Game Informer. Although it was criticized for its camera system and difficulty, it was praised for its graphics, its level design, its soundtrack, and the Super Mario franchise's shift from 2D to 3D. Sometime after the game's release, rumors about secret glitches, Stars, and hidden characters circulated. Among the most notable is the widely publicized hoax that Luigi was hidden and fully playable, causing false rumors to circulate on how to unlock him.

Super Mario 64 was one of the games featured at The Art of Video Games, an exhibition held at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in 2012. The game won voting in the "action" category for the Nintendo 64, beating out Banjo-Kazooie and Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire.

Reviews
Release	Reviewer, Publication	Score	Comment
N64	Doug Perry, IGN	9.8/10	"In fact, this game is exactly as one might hope it would be: Mario in 3D. More freedom, more space, more options, better graphics, improved and elaborated control schemes -- it's all there. Possibly the greatest videogame achievement ever. Don't rent. Buy."
N64	Gamespot Staff, GameSpot	9.4/10	"Mario 64 is a game that rewards the curious, the original, and in some cases the bludgeoningly stubborn and tenacious. If Mario 64 is even a rough indication of what's to be expected from Nintendo, or from games in general, then we just might have a revolution of sorts in our very hands."
Wii	Corbie Dillard, Nintendo Life	10/10	"Finishing the game won't take you too long but as with most Mario games that's not really the point, it will take you weeks (and quite possibly months) to discover all the secrets contained within this game."
Aggregators
Compiler		Platform / Score
Metacritic		94
GameRankings		96.41%

Sales

Super Mario 64 is the best-selling game for the Nintendo 64, selling 11.62 million copies worldwide, as of December 31, 2009.

Appearances in other media

It has been requested that this section be rewritten. Reason: Explain in which books it has been adapted

This section is under construction. Therefore, please excuse its informal appearance while it is being worked on. We hope to have it completed as soon as possible.

Super Mario 64 has received various manga adaptations.

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  Super Mario-kun

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  Super Mario-kun

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  Super Mario-kun

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  Super Mario-kun

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  Super Mario-kun

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  Super Mario-kun (Pikkapika Comics)

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  The Headless Snowman

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  Super Mario (Kodansha manga)

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  Super Mario (Kodansha manga)

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  Super Mario (Kodansha manga)

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  Super Mario (Kodansha manga)

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  4-koma Gag Battle

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  4-koma Gag Battle

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  Ganbare Mario

Official descriptions

Wii U eShop description

North American version: On a bright, sunny day in the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario goes to visit the princess but finds her castle eerily empty. Leaping through pictures hanging from the walls, he enters 15 magical worlds in a quest to collect the 120 Power Stars pilfered by evil Bowser and save the day. The game's vast worlds teem with daunting obstacle courses, hidden items, puzzles and more than 30 types of enemies. Take advantage of Mario's large selection of moves, including running, jumping, swimming, stomping, punching, and even backward somersaulting! Special caps give him short-lived powers, including the ability to fly. Super Mario 64 features unmatched camera control that makes adventuring in its 3D world a snap, even for newcomers.

European and Oceanian version: Invited to Princess Peach's castle, Mario discovers that she has once again been kidnapped by Bowser and his minions. However, something has changed... This time the adventure is in 3D!

Leaping through pictures hanging from the walls, Mario searches for 120 Power Stars stashed away in vast, magical worlds teeming with daunting obstacle courses, hidden items, puzzles and an army of enemies! Mario has a huge repertoire of moves, including running, jumping, swimming, stomping and punching, and performing a backward somersault that can help him reach even the highest platforms. Special caps give him short-lived powers, including the ability to fly - and if troublemakers swipe Mario's cap, he'll have to grab it back!

Mario runs freely in a grassy meadow, tiptoes through a gloomy dungeon, climbs to the top of a snow-covered mountain, hot-foots it over lava lakes and swims in the castle moat. He can explore an ancient pyramid and even race Koopas for fabulous prizes. And, of course, he must fight his arch-nemesis Bowser, King of the Koopas - not once, but three times!

Please note: Super Mario 64 on Wii U Virtual Console is the US version of the game.

Super Mario 3D All-Stars description

Princess Peach has invited Mario to her castle to enjoy some cake! On his arrival, he's greeted by an eerie silence...until Bowser's laughter echoes through the halls. Thus begins an adventure to rescue the princess by exploring the magical worlds within the castle's many enchanted paintings. This first 3D action game in the Super Mario series launched alongside the Nintendo 64 system. The introduction of the analog Control Stick set a new standard for later games in the series.

Nintendo 64 - Nintendo Switch Online description

Retrieve the Power Stars and confront the ruthless Bowser!

On a bright, sunny day in the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario goes to visit the princess but finds her castle eerily empty. Leaping through pictures hanging from the walls, he enters 15 magical worlds in a quest to collect the 120 Power Stars pilfered by evil Bowser and save the day. The game's vast worlds teem with daunting obstacle courses, hidden items, puzzles, and more than 30 types of enemies. Take advantage of Mario's large selection of moves, including running, jumping, swimming, stomping, punching, and even backward somersaulting! Special caps give him short-lived powers, including the ability to fly.

Super Mario 64 features revolutionary camera controls that make adventuring in its 3D world a snap, even for newcomers.

Glitches

Main article: List of Super Mario 64 glitches

A notable glitch is the Backwards Long Jump, which lets Mario slide upward on any staircase, including the endless stairs. Another notable glitch is the Black Room of Death, which traps Mario behind the boundaries of the castle walls. It can be achieved in several ways, including using the Backwards Long Jump glitch. Another rather known glitch is the cloning glitch, often used to collect more coins than the actual number of coins in the game.

As in many other N64 titles, the cartridge can be tilted in the console to achieve messed-up results. For example, Mario's body will flip horizontally, but he can still be controlled. Also, the music will be heavily corrupted.

In multiple areas of the game in the Japanese version, there are unintended invisible walls that Mario can bump into. An example is the one on Tall, Tall Mountain just above the wooden log.

Using a well-timed Triple Jump on the slope near the castle, Mario can climb the castle without the cannon. Also, when he reaches a corner, he can fall down slightly and grab on to a ledge. Mario can then pull himself back up onto the roof, at which point he loses a life. For unknown reasons, he also loses his cap. This occurs because when Mario grabs the ledge, he is out of bounds, but the game waits until he pulls himself back up before causing him to lose a life. Something similar can happen if a door leads out of bounds or into a wall, but that can happen only through modding or glitches.

Angled dive

When Mario enters the water, the angle he was facing before entering is preserved in a datum; therefore, when he jumps and lands on dry land, the next dive he performs starts with this angle. A few frames afterward, the angle fixes itself and the dive is completed correctly. Several things "reset" the angle, including grabbing a ledge, shooting from a cannon, changing areas, and jumping while facing a slope. This glitch does not affect the dive itself, just the animation.

Gallery

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Super Mario 64.

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  Mario

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  Mario and Bowser

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  Metal Mario in the Hazy Maze Cave

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  Goomba

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  Power Star

Soundtrack

Main article: Super Mario 64 Original Soundtrack

Super Mario 64's soundtrack comprises 34 music cues composed by veteran composer Koji Kondo. The majority of the cues are new material, with some being interpretations of familiar melodies from earlier media. It also includes hundreds of sound effects; sound designer Yoji Inagaki felt that sound effects were equally as important as music.

An album tying in with the game was published by Pony Canyon under license from Nintendo as the first of ten soundtracks in the Nintendo 64 Sound Series. In addition to all of the game's music cues, the album includes Mario's opening voiceover and a piano arrangement of the Piranha Plant's lullaby.

The music for Super Mario 64 was scored using Best Service's Voice Spectral, Brüse & Brüse AudioProduction's Acoustic Drums, Digidesign's SampleCell II CD-ROM Library #1, the E-mu Proteus/1, ILIO's Synclavier World & Orchestral, the Korg Wavestation, Optical Media International's Universe of Sounds: Sonic Images Vol. 1, Q-Up Arts' The Denny Jaeger Private Collection Vol. 1, Rarefaction's A Poke in the Ear With a Sharp Stick, Roland's JD-990 synthesizer and Sound Canvas SC-88 module, Spectrasonics' Bass Legends and Supreme Beats, and the Yamaha VL1. Many of the sound effects in the game were sourced from Sound Ideas' General Series 6000 and Series 1000 sound effects libraries and the sound effects libraries of American film studios Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures.

Media

For a complete list of media for this subject, see List of Super Mario 64 media.

Bob-omb Battlefield - Big Bob-omb on the Summit star speed run

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Super Mario 64 - Title Theme

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Super Mario 64 - Super Mario 64 Main Theme

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Super Mario 64 - Inside the Castle Walls

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Super Mario 64 - Piranha Plant's Lullaby

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Super Mario 64 - Powerful Mario

File infoMedia:SM64-Wing Cap.oga 0:28

Help:Media • Having trouble playing?

References to other games

The carving

• Super Mario Bros. – Carvings of Mario and Bowser from this game appear on several pillars in Bowser in the Sky. An arrangement of the Ground Theme plays on the title screen, and the Underground Theme can be heard in the music for the Hazy Maze Cave and Wet-Dry World. There is also a small jingle used at the Power Star select screen that sounds identical to the first few notes of the Ground Theme in this game.
• Super Mario World – The idea of Switch Palaces is, in a way, brought back. Also, when Yoshi is met, he says to Mario "It has been so long since our last adventure!" possibly referring to this game. Also, the soundtrack follows the same composition technique used in Super Mario World in a similar way where there is a signature melody in the game that is heard across different levels in several variations ("Super Mario 64 Main Theme," "Snow Mountain," "Slider").
• Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island – The theme used for invincibility in this game, specifically the string instruments playing in the background, is reworked into Wing Mario/Vanish Mario's theme for Super Mario 64. The idea of collecting Red Coins first appeared in this title as well. Fly Guys appear as enemies. Ukkikis also appear as non-playable characters. The grunts made by certain enemies and bosses, such as Bullies and the Whomp King, are based on those made by the bosses of this game when hit.

References in later media

The recreation of the Mushroom Castle's courtyard in Super Mario Odyssey

• Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! – A possible theme for Wrinkly's Save Cave is similar to "Inside the Castle Walls," the music for the Mushroom Castle, suggesting that Wrinkly Kong is playing this game.
• Mario Kart 64 – The Mushroom Castle is hidden on Royal Raceway, and its appearance is identical to its design in Super Mario 64. The Castle Grounds are also there and unchanged between the two games. As a drawback, the castle is inaccessible. Penguins in Sherbet Land have an identical appearance and come in various sizes.
• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – This game was created using a modified version of Super Mario 64's engine, and it was developed alongside it. Additionally, the notes for the Song of Storms are displayed as stars in the night paintings of the second floor in the Mushroom Castle.
• Mario Party – The board Mario's Rainbow Castle is similar to the secret course Tower of the Wing Cap. Mario's title screen (if he is the most recent winner of a board game) depicts him with the Wing Cap flying with the other playable characters.
• Super Smash Bros. – Most of Mario's moves, animations, and voice clips in this game are derived from the ones in Super Mario 64. Metal Mario appears as a boss. Two levels based on places here are also accessible, namely Peach's Castle and Metal Mario's stage. Although Luigi did not appear in the game, his moves, animations, and voice clips are identical to Mario's in Super Mario 64, except his voice clips are higher-pitched versions of Mario's.
• Trade & Battle: Card Hero series – One of the collectible monsters introduced in the first game resembles the Big Bob-omb and shares the same name in Japanese, ボムキング ("Bomb King"). The monster's redesign in Kousoku Card Battle: Card Hero makes the similarities even more apparent.
• Paper Mario – This game starts the same way, with a letter being sent from Peach. Peach's Castle design in this game is similar to that used in the box art of Super Mario 64. Also, the main room is nearly identical (however, the doors lead to different rooms).
• Mario Kart: Super Circuit – Peach's Castle reappears in the background of Peach Circuit, Mario Circuit 1, and Mario Circuit 4. The music for Bowser's Castle 1, Bowser's Castle 2, Bowser's Castle 3, and Bowser's Castle 4 is a sped-up arrangement of Bowser's battle theme from this game.
• Super Smash Bros. Melee – Two stages based on areas from Super Mario 64 appear: Princess Peach's Castle (which also appears as a trophy) and Rainbow Ride. Metal Mario reappears as a boss and a trophy. Additionally, the Metal Box returns in this game as an item and a trophy. Mario still has his voice clips, moves, and animations, and Luigi still has Mario-like voice clips, moves, and animations. One of Kirby's Stone forms is based on the Thwomp's design first used in this game.
• Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 – A section of the music played inside Peach's Castle plays on the status screen.
• Super Mario Sunshine – A brief clip of Mario's fight with Bowser is seen when FLUDD scans Mario. A few of Mario's voice clips are reused in this game.
• Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga – In Woohoo Hooniversity, a room with four blocks can be seen in it; one of them is a block from Super Mario 64. The name of the game is even mentioned in the description of the blocks, and the professors are trying to figure out why the block vanishes when struck.
• Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door – The game starts in the same way: Peach sends Mario another letter.
• Mario Power Tennis – The music that plays during the minigame Artist On the Court is an arrangement of "Inside the Castle Walls."
• Mario Kart DS – Tick Tock Clock appears as a racetrack in this game. Several bosses found here also reappear in this game.
• Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time – The theme for Peach's Castle is a cover version of this game's castle theme.
• New Super Mario Bros. – This game uses many things that originated in Super Mario 64, such as Dorrie, and a Bowser head closes in on the screen when Mario loses a life. Also, the Wing/Vanish Cap theme is present for invincibility in this game. This is largely because many assets in this game were reused from Super Mario 64 DS.
• Mario Strikers Charged – A cover of the music that plays in Big Boo's merry-go-round is featured in this game, as the theme associated with Boo sidekicks.
• Super Mario Galaxy – The game starts in the same way, with Peach sending Mario another letter. Also, "Bowser's Road" is covered for Bowser's Star Reactor and Bowser's Dark Matter Plant. Also, the falling asleep idle animation returns.
• Super Smash Bros. Brawl – The music from the Bob-omb Battlefield is unlockable, and the Rainbow Ride stage and Metal Box from the previous game return as well. Mario retains the moves and animations that originated in Super Mario 64.
• Mario Super Sluggers – Both songs that play when the player plays in Peach Ice Garden and goes into said place in the Challenge mode are arrangements of the music for Peach's Castle from this game.
• Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story – The music for when the Mario Bros. first enter Peach's Castle and when everyone is removed from Bowser's Belly is a cover of the Peach's Castle theme. Also, both games end in a view of a cake with Mario and Peach figures on it.
• Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games – In the Wii version, an arrangement of Cool, Cool Mountain's and Snowman's Land's music is used in Dream Snowball Fight. The main theme and the Bowser stage theme are also used. In the Nintendo DS version, the Cool, Cool Mountain theme is also rearranged as the second part of the Mario & Sonic Download Medley in Ultimate Figure Skating.
• New Super Mario Bros. Wii – Peach's Castle reappears in the game. Winning a Toad House minigame plays the jingle heard after Mario exits a course with a Power Star, and when the player reveals a pair of Bowser or Bowser Jr. icons in the minigame Power-up Panels, the short tune that plays when Mario tries to enter a locked door is heard.
• Super Mario Galaxy 2 – In both Tall Trunk Galaxy (during the mission Tall Trunk's Big Slide) and Rolling Coaster Galaxy, an arrangement of "Slider" plays at a moment. Also Whomp's Fortress reappears as the Throwback Galaxy, alongside Bob-omb Buddies and the Whomp King. Both games start with Peach sending a letter to Mario. Also, an orchestral cover of "Bowser's Road" plays in Bowser's Lava Lair and Bowser's Gravity Gauntlet.
• Super Mario 3D Land – The sound effect of Mario falling from a high place is reused, plus the platforming style is mixed together with Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario Galaxy. Also, when Mario waits outside a purple Mystery Box on the map screen, the endless stairs music from Super Mario 64 can be heard.
• Mario Kart 7 – Metal Mario appears as a playable character.
• Mario Tennis Open – A cover of the music for Peach's Castle is used for Peach's Palace. On the Bowser's Castle court, a cover of the Bowser battle music is played.
• New Super Mario Bros. 2 – The first few notes of the theme for Peach's Castle are played during the intro.
• Paper Mario: Sticker Star – The theme "Slider" is covered during the minecart part of Bowser's Snow Fort.
• Super Mario 3D World – A cover of the theme "Slider" plays when the player rides Plessie. In Shifty Boo Mansion, a level in Super Mario 3D World, there is a Green Star hidden behind a portrait of a Boo that can be entered like the pictures in Peach's Castle.
• Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – The merry-go-round music from Big Boo's Haunt can be heard near the Aqua Cups ride in Water Park.
  As part of their promotion of Wave 2 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass, several official Mario Kart Facebook pages localized for European audiences posted a screenshot showing Tanooki Mario driving near a penguin in GBA Snow Land, with descriptions that translate to "Penguins never forget" or "A penguin never forgets"; the descriptions, together with the picture, likely reference a popular gameplay act in Super Mario 64 wherein players would intentionally drop the Baby Penguin off-bounds in the course Cool, Cool Mountain, implying that Mario is culpable for this act and that penguins hold a grudge against him as a result.
• Mario Party: Island Tour – A cover of "Koopa's Road" plays in Bowser's Peculiar Peak.
• Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U – Peach's Castle (64) appears as a DLC stage, which returns from the original Super Smash Bros. In Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, the original version of the main theme returns, and an arranged version of the theme is featured in the DLC stage in both games.
• Super Mario Maker – The victory theme and the Game Over theme are used when the Mario, Silver Mario, and Gold Mario costumes complete a level or lose a life, respectively. Additionally, when a Super Star is obtained, the Wing Cap theme is played for the Mario costume and the Metal Cap theme is played for the Silver Mario and Gold Mario costumes.
• Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam – King Bob-omb reappears as a boss in this game.
• Super Mario Odyssey – The game marks a return to the non-linear, open-ended style of gameplay for 3D Super Mario platformers established by this game. An arrangement of Bowser's theme can be heard in the song "Break Free (Lead the Way)." The Mushroom Kingdom is filled with many references to Mario's past, mostly Super Mario 64. Its regional currency is based on the design of the coins from Super Mario 64. Additionally, Mario can dress up as the original Super Mario 64 model of himself by buying the hat and costume separately at the Mushroom Kingdom Crazy Cap shop. Also, the Metal outfit is just the Super Mario 64 suit but with a metal coat. The jingle that plays when Mario collects a Power Moon is an arrangement of the course jingle from Super Mario 64. Also, the brochure held by Hint Toad and in the Odyssey depicts the Bob-omb Battlefield.
• Mario Tennis Aces – An arrangement of Bowser's level and battle themes is played during the final battle against Bowcien in Adventure Mode.
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – The Peach's Castle stage returns in this game, along with Princess Peach's Castle and Rainbow Cruise.
• Super Mario Maker 2 – The original theme "Slider" is featured as a sound effect under the "Musical" category, represented by the Nintendo 64 logo.
• The Super Mario Bros. Movie – A cannon from Super Mario 64 appears. The Main Theme and "Inside the Castle Walls" are arranged into the film's score. The Bob-omb Battlefield appears in the film when Mario, Peach, and Toad are journeying to the Jungle Kingdom. The sun floor pattern surrounding the map is similar to the floor pattern in the first floor of Peach's Castle. King Bob-omb appears at Bowser and Peach's wedding. A Maw-Ray appears. Bowser's laugh is used in "Press Start." One of the attacks used by the Mario Bros. against Bowser in the final battle involves grabbing him by his tail, spinning him, and tossing him upwards, similar to the attack used to defeat Bowser from Super Mario 64.
• Pikmin 4 – The "Mechanical Harp (Lullabies)" treasure found in the second sublevel of the Cavern for a King plays "Piranha Plant's Lullaby" when being carried by Pikmin or interacted in the Treasure Catalog.
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Part of "Koopa's Theme" plays when Bowser is transformed into Castle Bowser from the effects of the Wonder Flower. An arrangement of "Slider" plays during the level Bonus: Coins Galore! A new variant of the Metal Mario power-up theme plays when characters turn metal under a Wonder Effect.

Names in other languages

Language	Name	Meaning	Notes
Japanese	スーパーマリオ６４六十四（ろくじゅうよん）[?] Sūpā Mario Rokujūyon	Super Mario 64
Chinese (simplified)	神游马力欧 (iQue Player)[?] Shényóu Mǎlì'ōu	iQue Mario
	超级马力欧64 (Super Mario 3D All-Stars)	Super Mario 64
Chinese (traditional)	超級瑪利歐64 Chāojí Mǎlì'ōu Liùshísì	Super Mario 64
Korean	Super Mario 64[?]	-

Notes and references

Notes

^A - Mizu-chan (21 Jan. 2014). Miniature Japanese garden. Minato, Tokyo: Muza-chan's Gate to Japan.
^B - Private correspondence with shmuplations clarifies that the text they translated as "diorama" was written as 箱庭 (hakoniwa) in the original text.

External links

• Official Super Mario 64 Japanese website
• Official Super Mario 64: Shindō Pak Taiō Version Japanese website
• Super Mario 64 Chinese website
• American English instruction booklet
• Super Mario 64: Shindō Pak Taiō Version Japanese instruction booklet