Shifting Sand Land
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Shifting Sand Land is a desert-based portrait world appearing in Super Mario 64 and its re-make, Super Mario 64 DS. It is the eighth course in both games. It can be found in the dungeon of the castle, although the entrance to it is disguised as a wall instead of a portrait. This level is called the Shifting Sand Land due to the fact that much of its ground terrain appears to be a type of quicksand. This course is the first one to have its entrance disguised as a wall; it is followed by Dire Dire Docks.
Four Pillars stick out of the ground at different points in the level. Two of these pillars can be reached via sand, while the other two are located in quicksand and have to be reached with the Wing Cap.
The most prominent feature of the level is the great pyramid in the center. Three Power Stars can be found inside the pyramid. One of these is in the possession of Eyerok an ancient spirit which lives inside the pyramid. Eyerok serves as the boss of the level.
Other notable locations include a small oasis (consisting of a palm tree, a small pool of water, and one Red Coin) located in the corner of the stage. A stone gazebo can be found near the beginning of the level, under which are two Goombas and on top of which is a Red ! Block. There is also a maze path which rests on top of quick sand and is traveled on by Tox Boxs. This maze is one of a few ways to traverse from the east to the west side of the level. Other ways include a Wing Cap and the Crazed Crate at the beginning of the level.
The level also features the first appearance of Klepto the Condor, (in the Nintendo 64 version this was Klepto's only appearance, although the DS version had him in multiple levels).
Super Mario 64
Star 1: In the Talons of the Big Bird
While exploring the area, Mario will come to see a large condor with a powerstar in it's talons. Climbing one of the 4 pillars or a Wing Cap will allow Mario to attack the bird. Once it is hit, the Power Star will float over to the left side of the Pyramid's main entrance.
Star 2: Shining Atop the Pyramid
The next star requires Mario to get on to the pyramid. This can be achieved by either using a Wing Cap, or using the Ramp on the far side of the course. Mario must walk on the platforms around the Pyramid to get up to the platform at the top of the Pyramid. The Star is located in a small alcove.
Star 3: Inside the Ancient Pyramid
Star 4: Stand Tall On the Four Pillars
Star 5: Free Flying For 8 Red Coins
Collect the 8 red coins
Star 6: Pyramid Puzzle
Super Mario 64 DS
Star 7: Tox Box Switch Star
Pyramid
Inside the pyramid are numerous levels and enemies. There are enemies both unique to this course and ones found in other courses. Unique enemies include Grindels and Spindels. Common ones are Amps and Goombas. Using conventional methods, it can be quite difficult to reach the power star at the highest reaches of the pyramid, considering that if one falls, they must start all over again. Occupying a large portion of the center of the pyramid is a large body of shifting sand. In the center of this body of sand is a structure with a passage leading to Eyerok's platform.
Trivia
The golf course Shifting Sands, which appeared in Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour may have been based on this level. Also in the Mario Party 6 mini-game "Pokey Punch-Out" this course appears a long with Klepto in the background, (it is likely that this is the Shifting Sand Land due to the Pokeys in the background being drawn as they were in Super Mario 64 instead of the more recent Super Mario Sunshine).
