Super Mario 64
| 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 | Platformer | ||||||||
| Rating(s) |
| ||||||||
| Mode(s) | Single player | ||||||||
| Input | Nintendo 64: iQue Player: Wii: Wii U: Nintendo Switch:
| ||||||||
- Kids to Adults
- Three years and older
- All ages
- General
Super Mario 64 is a 3D Super Mario game released for the Nintendo 64 in 1996 for Japan and North America and in 1997 for Europe and Australia. 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. Since its release, Super Mario 64 has been widely acclaimed as one of the greatest and most important games of all time.[1][2][3]
In entering the third dimension, Super Mario 64 largely eschews the obstacle-coursed based design of the 2D Mario platformers for a mission structure and gameplay focused on exploring large open world. Though not the first 3D platforming game, Super Mario 64 codified many of the controls and design conventions of the genre.[4] Being the first 3D Mario game, Super Mario 64 has introduced several moves, including triple-jumping, ground-pounding, long-jumping, diving, and 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. 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.[5] 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. In November 2006, the game was digitally rereleased for the Wii's Virtual Console service, and again 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[6] 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.[7]
Storyline
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: blue, hotpink, orange, and red, with black being narration.
hotpink
blue
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.blue
Shaking off his uneasy premonition, Mario steps into the silent castle, where he is greeted by the gruff words,orange
The sound seems to come from everywhere.blue
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...blue
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.
blue
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.blue
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.red
Gameplay
The player controls Mario. In addition to his Jump and a basic Punch string, Mario's repertoire include a variety of advanced acrobatic moves (many of them carried over from the 1994 Donkey Kong game) 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 a eight-sided Health 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 starting 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 only contain 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 up more rooms and unlock Bowser levels, whose completion open the basement, then the top floor, of the castle.
The game employs a mission-based structure. When entering a main course, a screen shows players the starts they have collected and the newest mission unlocked, each having a title hinting at the mission task's. Missions vary widely in nature, ranging from defeating enemies, reaching a point of interest in the map, or racing a 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-coins stars allow him to stay on the map. The fifteen main courses consist of large open world, with many points of interests and paths, and as such many of the missions can be completed out-of-order. Some missions, however, can only be completed 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 are also require Mario to defeat a specific type of enemies. Multiple missions involve fighting a large Boss character, whose defeat usually involve 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 gives hints or backstory when spoken to, Bob-omb Buddies who give clearance to use a Cannon on the course, or 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 or underwate to provide a temporary invincibility and by hitting Cap Switches found in the secret courses, Mario can activate blocks containing the Wing Cap, Vanish Cap or Metal Cap, whose powers are necessary to complete many of the missions. As a showcase title for a new console and the first 3D Mario game, many aspects of the game showcase the Nintendo 64's features. Multiple sections take advantage of the analog stick's precisionm requiring Mario to walk slowly over narrow passageways or tiptoe to sneak up on enemies. Some bridges and platform sway under Mario's weight.
Controls
Nintendo 64
Super Mario 64 uses a majority of the buttons on the Nintendo 64 controller; the only buttons not used are the Control Pad and 
.
- Move Mario/cursor, climb poles, angle camera in second-person mode, fly (when wearing the Wing Cap)
- Jump, swim, confirm
- Punch, dive, grab, throw, cancel
- Crouch
, 
- Move camera
- Zoom in, enter second-person mode (which allows the player to look around)
- Zoom out
- Toggle camera mode
- Pause the game, show Power Star list (when in the castle) or pause menu (when in courses)
Wii (Classic Controller)
- Move Mario/cursor, climb poles, angle camera in second-person mode, fly (when wearing the Wing Cap)
- Jump, swim, confirm
- Punch, dive, grab, throw, cancel
- Crouch
(left/right) - Move camera- (up) - Zoom in, enter second-person mode (which allows the player to look around)
- (down) - Zoom out
- Toggle camera mode
- Pause the game, show Power Star list (when in the castle) or pause menu (when in courses)
Wii (GameCube controller)
- Move Mario/cursor, climb poles, angle camera in second-person mode, fly (when wearing the Wing Cap)
- Jump, swim, confirm
- Punch, dive, grab, throw, cancel
- Crouch
(left/right) - Move camera- (up) - Zoom in, enter second-person mode (which allows the player to look around)
- (down) - Zoom out
- Toggle camera mode
- Pause the game, show Power Star list (when in the castle) or pause menu (when in courses)
Wii U (default)
The Wii U Virtual Console version's controls can be customized.
- Move Mario/cursor, climb poles, angle camera in second-person mode, fly (when wearing the Wing Cap)
- Jump, swim, confirm
- Punch, dive, grab, throw, cancel
- Crouch
(left/right) - Move camera- (up) - Zoom in, enter second-person mode (which allows the player to look around)
- (down) - Zoom out
- Toggle camera mode
- Pause the game, show Power Star list (when in the castle) or pause menu (when in courses)
Additional moves
To navigate the courses more efficiently and complete certain missions, Mario has to use several moves. Along with the standard moves listed above, there are several additional moves that can be done by using button combinations.
In the following list, a "→" (right arrow) shows buttons to press in succession, and a "+" (plus sign) shows buttons to press simultaneously.
- While running, quickly turn around + : Sideways Somersault
- Upon hitting a wall, : Wall Kick
- → upon landing: Double Jump
- → → : Triple Jump (while running); lift off (wearing the Wing Cap)
- → : Jump Kick (from a standstill); Midair Dive (while running)
- → → : Punch → Punch → Kick
- In midair, : Pound the Ground
- + : Crawl
- + : Backwards Somersault (from a standstill); Long Jump (while running)
- + : Sweep Kick (from a standstill); Slide Kick (while running)
Characters
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
 Mario |
The hero of the Mushroom Kingdom and the game's protagonist. He was invited to 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, Wall Kick, Pound the Ground, and a punch-punch-kick. Unlike 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 turtles 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. They work for the organization 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[note 1] |
 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 in 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 |
 Koopa the Quick |
A Giant Koopa from Tiny-Huge Island. He challenges Mario to a footrace if spoken to and awards him a Power Star if beaten without using certain shortcuts. A diminutive enemy Koopa Troopa appears in courses that feature Koopa the Quick after he is beaten, which suggests some sort of correlation between the two. | 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 |
.png) 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 |
 Snowman (Cool, Cool Mountain) |
A giant snowman. He 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. | Cool, Cool Mountain |
 MIPS |
Princess Peach's pet rabbit.[8] 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 on its head. | Hazy Maze Cave |
 Snowman (Snowman's Land) |
An enormous snowman that can be climbed as if it were a mountain. Wooden platforms and slopes line his body, allowing Mario to ascend. Once he nears his head, the snowman starts to complain about an irritating crawling sensation on his body and tries to blow Mario off of him. A Power Star is one the very top of his head, and a deceptively spacious igloo can be found on his lower body. | Snowman's Land |
 Ukkiki |
A mischievous monkey who steals Mario's cap when grabbed. Mario must grab Ukkiki again in order to get it back, but the monkey runs away if approached and must be cornered. During "Mystery of the Monkey Cage", Ukkiki appears on the summit and taunts Mario. If grabbed, he 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 with 99 extra lives and a special Triple Jump for fully completing the game. After which, he disappears off the side of the castle. | Castle Grounds |
- ^ Only appears here after the final battle with Bowser in "Bowser in the Sky".
Courses
Levels are laid out inside paintings in the castle, or sometimes the walls themselves. They can also be found in holes, portals, oil pits, and inside a clock. Each world has seven Power Stars. Within each, one of which is gained by finding one hundred coins in the level. The other six Power Stars are found by performing "missions", accomplished by fighting bosses, winning races, etc. Every course has boundaries to limit Mario from going too far, either as a strict wall or an invisible boundary.
Castle Secret Stars
In addition to the main courses of the game and the Bowser Courses, there are also a few hidden courses that house several of the castle's Secret Stars, as well as the three Cap Switches.
- The Princess's Secret Slide (2 Stars)
- The Secret Aquarium (1 Star)
- Bowser in the Dark World (1 Star)
- Toads' Stars (3 Stars)
- Tower of the Wing Cap (Wing Cap) (1 Star)
- Cavern of the Metal Cap (Metal Cap) (1 Star)
- Vanish Cap Under the Moat (Vanish Cap) (1 Star)
- MIPS (2 Stars)
- Bowser in the Fire Sea (1 Star)
- Wing Mario Over the Rainbow (1 Star)
- Bowser in the Sky (1 Star)
Three of the Toads in the castle give Mario a Power Star when talked to. One of the Toads is in a corner near the entrance to Hazy Maze Cave, another is under the staircase on the second floor, and the third is to the right of Tick Tock Clock.
Enemies
New enemies
| Name | Description | Defeat reward | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
 Amp |
Small, floating, invincible metal balls that spin around fixed points while emitting electricity. | Indestructible | 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 |
 Bookend |
Haunted books that either emerge from their bookcases to bite Mario or shoot straight out at him en masse. |  (biting type, if jumped into) Nothing (otherwise) |
Big Boo's Haunt |
 Bubba |
Enormous and quick fish that try to swallow Mario whole. | Indestructible | Tiny-Huge Island |
 Bully |
Horned creatures that attack Mario by pushing, and can only be beaten by pushing them into lava. | 
|
Lethal Lava Land Bowser in the Fire Sea |
 Butterfly |
Normally passive creatures, butterflies in later courses may turn into 1-Up Mushrooms or giant iron balls that pursue Mario through the air before exploding if he continually bothers them. | Indestructible  (varies) |
Castle Grounds Whomp's Fortress Tall, Tall Mountain Tiny-Huge Island |
 Chair |
Haunted furniture that flings itself at Mario. | Nothing | Big Boo's Haunt |
 Chuckya |
Huge purple Bob-ombs that pick up and throw Mario and can only be defeated by doing the same to them. | x5
|
Wet-Dry World Tall, Tall Mountain Tiny-Huge Island Rainbow Ride Bowser in the Sky |
 Clam shell |
Giant shellfish that open and close their valves, sometimes containing an item. | Indestructible | Jolly Roger Bay Dire, Dire Docks |
 Fwoosh |
A cloud that blows gusts of wind to knock Mario off the ledge. | Indestructible | Tall, Tall Mountain |
 Grindel |
Mummified Thwomps that attempt to squish Mario by either slamming down or leaping forward. | Indestructible | Shifting Sand Land |
 Heave-Ho |
Wind-up machines that powerfully toss Mario over their backs. | Indestructible | Wet-Dry World Tick Tock Clock |
 Keronpa Ball |
Tiny Fire Chomp-like spheres that float in place, shooting a homing flame at Mario when approached. | Indestructible | 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 |
 Klepto |
A condor that tries to steal Mario's cap. | Indestructible | Shifting Sand Land |
 Mad Piano |
A haunted mini grand piano that noisily pursues Mario over a small area while chomping. | Indestructible | Big Boo's Haunt |
 Manta |
An enormous passive ray that damages Mario on contact and leaves behind a trail of rings. | Indestructible | Dire, Dire Docks |
 Money Bags |
Hopping purses that disguise as coins. | x5
|
Snowman's Land |
 Moving Bar |
Varyingly designed wall protrusions that try to push Mario, but can also be used as platforms. | Indestructible | Whomp's Fortress Tick Tock Clock |
 Mr. Blizzard |
Snowmen that either throw snowballs at Mario or hop back and forth oblivious to him, with the former type being beatable by running around them enough. | x3 (throwing type) Indestructible (hopping type) |
Cool, Cool Mountain Snowman's Land |
 Mr. I. |
Giant floating eyeballs that shoot bubbles at Mario, but can be defeated by running around them enough. |
|
Big Boo's Haunt Hazy Maze Cave Lethal Lava Land |
 Scuttle Bug |
Giant spiders that pursue Mario and sometimes leap from pits. | x3
|
Big Boo's Haunt Hazy Maze Cave |
 Skeeter |
Giant water striders that skim across the water passively, pursuing Mario while on land. | x3
|
Wet-Dry World |
Small Koopa Troopa |
A tiny Koopa Troopa that is defeated immediately upon contact. |
|
Tiny-Huge Island |
 Small Piranha |
Miniature Venus Fire Traps that sprout suddenly, shoot a homing fireball, then retract. |
|
Tiny-Huge Island Bowser in the Sky |
 Snufit |
Small, ghostly Snifits that shoot small bullets at Mario. | x2
|
Hazy Maze Cave Cavern of the Metal Cap |
 Spindel |
A cylindrical Grindel that rolls back and forth. | Indestructible | Shifting Sand Land |
 Spindrift |
Slow, flying floral creatures that like cold environments and make Mario spin if he jumps on one. | x3
|
Cool, Cool Mountain Snowman's Land |
 Sushi |
Large but passive sharks that swim in wide circles. | Indestructible | Dire, Dire Docks |
 Tox Box |
Huge moving metal cubes with one hollow side. | Indestructible | Shifting Sand Land |
 Unagi |
A huge moray eel that likes to stay in tight places. | Indestructible | Jolly Roger Bay |
 Whomp |
Stone slabs with faces and weak backs that attack Mario by slamming forward. | x5
|
Whomp's Fortress Bowser in the Sky |
Returning enemies
| Name | Description | Defeat reward | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
 Beach Koopa |
Koopa Troopas after being evicted from their shells, which they frantically try to return to. |
|
Bob-omb Battlefield Tiny-Huge Island |
 Bob-omb |
Walking, respawning bombs that pursue Mario after lighting themselves, but can be picked up and thrown. | (if exploding the first time) Nothing (if exploding again) |
Bob-omb Battlefield Shifting Sand Land Bowser in the Fire Sea Tall, Tall Mountain Tick Tock Clock Bowser in the Sky |
 Boo |
Ghosts that turn transparent and invulnerable when looked at. | (courtyard) Birdcage (courtyard, large) (Big Boo's Haunt) |
Courtyard Big Boo's Haunt |
 Bub |
Fish that swim slowly after Mario. | Indestructible | Dire, Dire Docks |
 Bullet Bill |
Giant bullets that swerve to hit Mario. | Nothing | Whomp's Fortress |
 Chain Chomp |
A huge iron guard dog shackled to a stump. | Indestructible | Bob-omb Battlefield |
 Fly Guy |
Shy Guys that spit fireballs and fly with propellers that make Mario spin when jumped on. | x2
|
Shifting Sand Land Snowman's Land Tall, Tall Mountain Tiny-Huge Island Rainbow Ride |
 Goomba |
Small enemies that pursue Mario and often come in groups of three but can be beaten 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 |
 Goombette |
Tiny Goombas that are instantly defeated when they touch Mario, but also push him back unless he attacks them. | Nothing (if walked into) (if attacked) |
Tiny-Huge Island |
 Grand Goomba |
Huge, strong Goombas immune to punches and kicks that also sometimes fail to notice Mario. | (if jumped on) (if Ground Pounded) |
Tiny-Huge Island |
Koopa Troopa |
Timid turtles that run away from Mario and get knocked from their shells upon being attacked. | Indestructible | Bob-omb Battlefield Tiny-Huge Island |
 Lakitu |
Cloud-riding turtles that throw an endless supply of Spiny Eggs at Mario. | x5
|
Tiny-Huge Island Rainbow Ride |
 Monty Mole |
Endlessly respawning creatures that emerge from holes to throw rocks at Mario. | Nothing (usually) (eight consecutively) |
Hazy Maze Cave Tall, Tall Mountain |
 Piranha Plant |
Sleepy plants that chomp upon being woken up. | (when beaten the first time) Nothing (if beaten again) |
Whomp's Fortress |
 Pokey |
Tall segmented cacti with weak heads. |
|
Shifting Sand Land |
 Sparky |
Fireballs that hop along land after spawning from lava or fire. | Indestructible | Lethal Lava Land Bowser in the Sky |
 Spiny |
Spiked turtles that walk around slowly and can only be destroyed by going underwater. | Nothing | Tiny-Huge Island Rainbow Ride |
 Spiny Egg |
Spiked eggs thrown by Lakitus which hatch into Spinies, and are vulnerable to explosions. | Nothing | Tiny-Huge Island Rainbow Ride |
 Swoop |
Bats that hang upside-down until approached, at which point they start flying around. |
|
Hazy Maze Cave |
 Thwomp |
Floating stone cubes that slam to the ground every few moments, and can also be used as platforms. | Indestructible | Whomp's Fortress Tick Tock Clock |
Obstacles
| Name | Description | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder | Giant rolling rocks. | Hazy Maze Cave |
 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 | Giant, precariously balanced stones that tip at Mario. | Jolly Roger Bay |
 Fireball |
Basic flames found either by themselves or shot from enemies. | Mushroom Castle 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 |
 Fire Bar |
Rotating rocks with a constantly alit flamethrower on either side. | Lethal Lava Land |
 Flamethrower |
Jets of fire that usually come 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 |
 Floating Mine |
Spiked, stationary explosives used to defeat Bowser. | Bowser in the Dark World Bowser in the Fire Sea Bowser in the Sky |
Freezing water |
Chilled water that hurts Mario on contact, either gradually or immediately depending on how cold it is. | Snowman's Land |
| Ice block | Sliding triangular ice chunks that come in two sizes and push Mario into the freezing water. | Snowman's Land |
Iron ball |
Variably sized large black spheres that roll down slopes. | Bob-omb Battlefield Tall, Tall Mountain Tiny-Huge Island |
 Lava |
Molten rock that burns Mario. | Lethal Lava Land Bowser in the Fire Sea |
 Pit |
Bottomless abysses that remove Mario from a course. | Whomp's Fortress Cool, Cool Mountain The Princess's Secret Slide Tower of the Wing Cap Bowser in the Dark World Hazy Maze Cave Vanish Cap Under the Moat Tall, Tall Mountain Tiny-Huge Island Tick Tock Clock Rainbow Ride Wing Mario Over the Rainbow Bowser in the Sky |
 Quicksand |
Sand that pulls Mario under at varying speeds. | Shifting Sand Land |
| Slide Box | A skull-marked crate that moves back and forth on the rocking ship. | Jolly Roger Bay |
| Steel slab | A giant mass of metal hidden in a wall that tries to crush Mario when he approaches. | Lethal Lava Land |
 Tornado |
Whirlwinds that make Mario spin. | Shifting Sand Land |
 Toxic cloud |
Putrid gas found in deep, stagnant caves. | Hazy Maze Cave |
 Treasure Chest |
Treasure boxes that give an electric shock if Mario tries to open them in the wrong order. | Jolly Roger Bay Dire, Dire Docks |
 Turtle Cannon |
A metal cube that shoots out Bullet Bills. | Whomp's Fortress |
 Water bomb |
Bouncing balloons that pursue Mario after being shot from cannons. | Bob-omb Battlefield |
 Whirlpool |
A vortex that can suck Mario inside. | Dire, Dire Docks |
| Wind | Gusts 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 |
Bosses
There are various bosses in some stages, but the primary boss is Bowser, who appears in three different levels. Each boss holds a Power Star, except for Bowser, who holds a Big Key in his first two battles and a Jumbo Star in his third battle. This is a list of the bosses in the game.
 Bosses
| |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bob-omb | white | white | |||||||||
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| A giant Bob-omb in Bob-omb Battlefield. He appears as the first boss in the game and has the first Power Star. | 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. | 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. | |||||||||
| Missions | Missions | Missions | |||||||||
| Big Bob-omb on the Summit | Chip Off Whomp's Block | Bowser in the Dark World Bowser in the Fire Sea Bowser in the Sky | |||||||||
| white | white | white | |||||||||
|
|
| |||||||||
| 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. | A giant Mr. I. which only appears in the attic of Big Boo's Haunt. | Two of these giant Bullies appear in Lethal Lava Land. On both occasions, they try to knock Mario into the lava. | |||||||||
| Missions | Missions | Missions | |||||||||
| Go on a Ghost Hunt Ride Big Boo's Merry-Go-Round Big Boo's Balcony |
Eye to Eye in the Secret Room | Boil the Big Bully Bully the Bullies | |||||||||
| white | white | Piranha Flowers | white | ||||||||
|
|
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| ||||||||
| An ancient being composed of two stone hands with eyes on his palms. He appears when Mario blasts open the top of the pyramid in Shifting Sand Land and rides the elevator inside. | A large Bully made of ice. He tries to ram Mario onto a lethally frozen pond in Snowman's Land. | A quickly growing and receding group of five giant, fire-breathing Piranha Plants in Tiny-Huge Island. | A giant Wiggler, which becomes angry when his home in Tiny-Huge Island gets flooded. | ||||||||
| Missions | Missions | Missions | Missions | ||||||||
| Stand Tall on the Four Pillars | Chill with the Bully | Pluck the Piranha Flower | Make Wiggler Squirm | ||||||||
Items
Throughout the game, Mario can make use of several items. Some items are out in the open, whereas others are found by breaking open yellow blocks or completing challenges.
| Image | Description | Image | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 Coin |
A standard coin found in the levels. When collected, it restores one wedge of Mario's Power Meter. |  Yellow block |
A floating block that holds either coins, 1UP Mushrooms, or Power Stars. |
 Red Coin |
A red variant of the Yellow Coin, each worth two coins. Eight are scattered around most courses, and collecting them all causes a Power Star to appear. They restore two wedges of Mario's Power Meter when collected. |  Red block |
A floating red ! Block that holds a Wing Cap. It becomes solid once the red Wing Cap Switch is pressed. |
 Blue Coin |
A blue variant of the Yellow Coin, each worth five coins. They usually appear after Mario pounds Blue Coin Blocks or after he defeats stronger enemies such as a Mr. I. |  Blue block |
A floating blue ! Block that holds a Vanish Cap. It becomes solid once the blue Vanish Cap Switch is pressed. |
 Spinning Heart |
A large heart than spins when Mario walks through it, which recovers his health. The amount of health it recovers and how fast it does so is dependent on how quickly Mario moves through it. |  Green block |
A floating green ! Block that holds a Metal Cap. It becomes solid once the green Metal Cap Switch is pressed. |
 1UP Mushroom |
A green spotted mushroom that gives Mario an extra life when collected. |  Wing Cap |
Once collected from a red block, the Wing Cap allows Mario to fly for a limited time. |
 Koopa Shell |
A shell from a Koopa Troopa that Mario can ride, allowing him to defeat enemies he runs over and move around the course quicker. Pressing causes the shell to disappear. If a Koopa Shell is grabbed underwater by using , Mario can hold on to the shell for a short time and move underwater easier.
|
 Vanish Cap |
Once collected from a blue block, the Vanish Cap turns Mario invisible, allowing him to pass through wired cages and ignore enemies. |
 Power Star |
The main objective of the game. Collecting enough Power Stars allows Mario to open ★ doors. |  Metal Cap |
Once collected from a green block, the Metal Cap turns Mario into metal, allowing him to walk underwater and defeat small enemies by simply running into them. |
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 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 re-released for the Virtual Console on Wii in Japan on December 2, 2006, then on 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 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 Toadstool from the hands of Bowser. Other new features within the game include a multi-player 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,[9] 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 are a total of four Nintendo 64 releases of Super Mario 64: the original Japanese version, the American release, the European and Australian release, and the Japanese Super Mario 64: Shindō Pak Taiō Version re-release.
Changes to the 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
- 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 entering certain substages, such as 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 isn't 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 only says "Here we go!" 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 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 any of "Yahoo!", "Wha-ha!", or "Yippee!"; however, he says only "Yahoo!" when using the improved Triple Jump obtained after talking to Yoshi.
- All of Princess Peach's voice acting is new in this version of the game.
Fixed glitches
- When Mario steps on one of the Cap Switches, a text box is triggered that explains the function of the switch. 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 1000 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 hit box 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 American release, plus the following additional changes:
Text changes
- The script can be switched between English, German, and French.
- The American version's "Sound" menu has been renamed to "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 American release, are restored in this edition of the game.
Audiovisual changes
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- 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 Japanese and American versions, but just "START" in the European/Australian version. The text was also moved slightly to the left in the European/Australian version.
- The Japanese and American versions have slight letterboxing, while the European/Australian 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 American and Japanese releases. Therefore, it outputs 25 frames per second instead of 30. This causes everything in the game to happen at 5/6ths of the speed that it happens in the American release.
Changes in Super Mario 64: Shindō Pak Taiō Version
This release features all the changes of the 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 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
- At the end of the game, when speaking 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, it 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, the former was removed and the latter was fixed in the remake, as Yoshi is a playable character, and the message that appears when Mario does not have enough stars to open a ★ door is "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've appeared in the Lethal Lava Land, Bowser in the Fire Sea, and Wing Mario Over the Rainbow stages. Also, Big Boo held a key instead of a Star inside of him. The purpose of the keys was to unlock a variety of the various 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
During the development of Super Mario 64, the title screen featuring Mario's face came from 3D struggles, leading Shigeru 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 breast stroke move.[10]
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, level design, soundtrack, and the Mario series' 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.[11] 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.
Template:More images Super Mario 64 has received various manga adaptations.
Super Mario-Kun
Super Mario-Kun
Super Mario-Kun
Super Mario-Kun
The Headless Snowman
Super Mario (Kodansha manga)
Super Mario (Kodansha manga)
Super Mario (Kodansha manga)
4-koma Gag Battle
Official descriptions
Wii U eShop description
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 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 using 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 in 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 Mario reaches a corner, he can fall down slightly and grab onto a ledge. Mario can then pull himself back up onto the roof, at which point he will lose a life. For unknown reasons, he also loses his hat. This occurs because when Mario grabs the ledge, he is out of bounds, but the game waits until Mario 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 only happen through modding or glitches.
Angled Dive
When Mario enters the water, the angle Mario was facing before entering is preserved in a datum; therefore, when Mario jumps and lands on dry land, the next dive Mario 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.
Mario and Bowser
- Goomba SM64 art.jpg
Soundtrack
- Main article: Super Mario 64 Original Soundtrack
Super Mario 64's soundtrack comprises thirty-four 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.[12]
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 the Akai S1000 synthesizer, Best Service's Voice Spectral, Digidesign's SampleCell II CD-Rom Library #1, E-mu Systems' Proteus/1 synthesizer, ILIO's Synclavier World & Orchestral, 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, L-CD702 Orchestral Family Vol. 1 and Sound Canvas SC-88 synthesizers, and Spectrasonics' Bass Legends and Supreme Beats.[13] 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.[14]
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 | File info 1:12 |
 Super Mario 64 - Title Theme | File info 0:29 |
| Super Mario 64 - Super Mario 64 Main Theme | File info 0:30 |
| Super Mario 64 - Inside the Castle Walls | File info 0:29 |
| Super Mario 64 - Piranha Plant's Lullaby | File info 0:29 |
| Super Mario 64 - Powerful Mario | File info 0:28 |
References to other games
- Super Mario Bros. - Carvings of Mario and Bowser from this game appear on several pillars in Bowser in the Sky. An arrangement of the overworld theme plays on the title screen, and the underground theme can be heard in the music for Hazy Maze Cave and Wet-Dry World. There is also a small jingle used at the Power Star select screen which sounds identical to the first few notes of the overworld 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's a signature melody in the game that's heard across different levels in several variations (Bob-omb Battlefield, 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/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. Ukikis also appear as non-playable characters.
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - This game was created using a modified version of Super Mario 64's engine, and 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.[15]
References in later games
- 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.
- 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 didn't 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.
- 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 near 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 the Bowser Castle courses 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 heard inside Peach's Castle plays on the status screen.
- Super Mario Sunshine - A brief clip of Mario's fight with Bowser is seen when F.L.U.D.D. scans Mario.
- 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 it 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."
- Super Mario 64 DS - This game is a remake of Super Mario 64. Also, at the start, Yoshi is on the roof and jumps down, a reference to the fact that he is there at the end of Super Mario 64.
- Mario Kart DS - Tick Tock Clock appears as a race track 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 dies. Also, the Wing/Vanish Cap theme is present for invincibility in this game. This is largely due to 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 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 playing in Peach Ice Garden and going into said place in 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 exiting a course with a Power Star, and when revealing a pair of Bowser or Bowser Jr. icons in the Power-up Panels minigame, the short tune that plays when trying 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 the "Slider" theme plays at a moment. Also, the 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" can be heard in Bowser's Lava Lair and Bowser's Gravity Gauntlet.
- Super Mario 3D Land - The sound effect of Mario falling from heights 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 "Slider" theme is covered during the minecart part of Bowser's Snow Fort.
- Super Mario 3D World - A cover of the "Slider" theme plays when riding 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.
- 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 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 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 are based on 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 collecting 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 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 "Slider" theme is featured as a sound effect under the "Musical" category, represented by the Nintendo 64 logo.
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | スーパーマリオ６４[?] Sūpā Mario Rokujūyon |
Super Mario 64 | |
| Chinese (simplified) | 神游马力欧 (iQue Player) Shényóu Mǎlì'ōu 超级马力欧64 (Super Mario 3D All-Stars)[16] Chāojí Mǎlì'ōu Liùshísì |
iQue Mario Super Mario 64 |
|
| Chinese (traditional) | 超級瑪利歐64[17] Chāojí Mǎlì'ōu Liùshísì |
Super Mario 64 | |
| Korean | Super Mario 64[?] | - |
Trivia
- Like most Nintendo 64 games at the time, Super Mario 64 does not use the full 64-bit capabilities of the console, but actually runs in 32-bit.
- Owing to his removal during development, Super Mario 64 is one of the few Super Mario games not to feature or directly mention Luigi, along with 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.[18] A prerelease model and textures only surfaced through the 2020–21 Nintendo data leak. However, Luigi was included as a playable character in the Nintendo DS remake.
References
- ^ GameFaqs - The top 10 games Ever
- ^ Edge Online - The 100 Best Games to Play Today
- ^ Official Nintendo Magazine - 100 Best Nintendo Games
- ^ GameSpot - 15 Most Influential Games of All Time
- ^ http://gamingafterhours.com/2014/06/24/super-mario-64dd-version-discovered-in-japan/
- ^ O'Malley, James (September 11, 2015). 30 Best-selling Super Mario Games of All Time on the Plumber's 30th Birthday. Gizmodo. Archived from the original. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
- ^ https://www.gamespot.com/articles/wii-vc-47m-downloads-100-games/1100-6171850/
- ^ Shogakukan. 2015. Super Mario Bros. Hyakka: Nintendo Kōshiki Guidebook, Super Mario 64 section, page 85. 「ピーチ姫の飼っているウサギ。」 ("Princess Peach’s pet rabbit.")
- ^ Master0fHyrule (September 18, 2020). 5 MAJOR Differences In Super Mario 64 That You Will Miss! (Super Mario 3D All Stars). YouTube. Retrieved September 23, 2020.
- ^ MacDonald, Keza (September 14, 2020). Super Mario at 35: Mario's makers on Nintendo's most enduring mascot. The Guardian. Retrieved November 15, 2020.
- ^ http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/archive/2012/games/#games
- ^ https://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0106/koukaon/interv/talk/index.html
- ^ https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JJBlHHDc65fhZmKUGLrDTLCm6rfUU83-kbuD8Y0zU0o/edit?pli=1#gid=717751203
- ^ https://soundeffects.fandom.com/wiki/Super_Mario_64
- ^ HiteiGG's Twitter post, showing the Song of Storms in Super Mario 64
- ^ 《超级马力欧64》、《超级马力欧阳光》和《超级马力欧银河》。 3款历代的3D马力欧收录在Nintendo Switch的《超级马力欧 3D 收藏辑》，将于9月18日发售！ Nintendo HK. Retrieved September, 2020.
- ^ 《超級瑪利歐64》、《超級瑪利歐陽光》和《超級瑪利歐銀河》。3款歷代的3D瑪利歐收錄在Nintendo Switch的《超級瑪利歐 3D 收藏輯》，將於9月18日發售！ Nintendo HK. Retrieved September, 2020.
- ^ JoshDuMan. August 28, 2019. Decomp is out! …but what does that mean? – Ukikipedia News Week 10
External links
- Official Super Mario 64 Japanese website
- Official Super Mario 64: Shindō Pak Taiō Version Japanese website
| Nintendo 64 games | ||
|---|---|---|
| Super Mario franchise | Super Mario 64 (1996) • Mario Kart 64 (1996) • Mario no Photopi (1998) • Mario Party (1998) • Mario Golf (1999) • Mario Artist: Paint Studio* (1999) • Mario Party 2 (1999) • Mario Artist: Talent Studio* (2000) • Mario Artist: Communication Kit* (2000) • Mario Tennis (2000) • Paper Mario (2000) • Mario Artist: Polygon Studio* (2000) • Mario Party 3 (2000) • Dr. Mario 64 (2001) | |
| Donkey Kong franchise | Diddy Kong Racing (1997) • Donkey Kong 64 (1999) | |
| Yoshi franchise | Yoshi's Story (1997) | |
| Crossovers | Super Smash Bros. (1999) | |
