Super Mario 64 – Review

We have Super Mario 3D All-Stars and within that collection of games is Super Mario 64. This game is one of the most influential video games ever created. We’ve enjoyed it very much and in my review you’ll find out more!

Why Super Mario 64?

Originally released for the Nintendo 64, it introduced players to a fully three-dimensional adventure starring Mario. The game helped define how 3D platform games could work and set the foundation for many games that followed. With its open levels, creative design, and memorable characters, Super Mario 64 remains a classic that continues to be enjoyed by players many years after its release.

The story is simple but effective. Princess Peach invites Mario to her castle for cake, but when he arrives he discovers that Bowser has taken over the castle and trapped Peach inside. Bowser has hidden powerful objects called Power Stars throughout the castle and its magical worlds. Mario must collect these stars, unlock new areas, and eventually confront Bowser to rescue the princess.

One of the most revolutionary aspects of the game is its 3D exploration. Instead of moving through flat side-scrolling levels like in earlier Mario games, players can move Mario freely in all directions. The castle acts as a central hub, with magical paintings that serve as portals to different worlds. Each world contains several missions where players must complete challenges to earn Power Stars.

The levels are varied and imaginative. Players explore floating islands, underwater environments, icy mountains, deserts, haunted houses, and many other unique locations. Each world includes multiple objectives, such as racing enemies, collecting coins, solving puzzles, or defeating bosses. This variety keeps the gameplay fresh and encourages players to explore every part of the environment.

Mario’s movement abilities are another highlight. Players can perform a wide range of actions including jumping, diving, wall kicking, long jumping, and swimming. These abilities allow players to experiment with movement and find creative ways to reach hidden areas. Learning how to control Mario effectively becomes part of the fun, and skilled players can perform impressive moves to reach difficult places.

The game also encourages exploration and discovery. Many Power Stars are hidden in clever ways, requiring players to carefully examine the environment. Sometimes players must solve puzzles or use Mario’s abilities in creative ways to reach secret areas. This design rewards curiosity and experimentation.

Another strength of Super Mario 64 is its sense of freedom. Unlike many platform games that force players to move in a straight line from start to finish, the worlds in this game are open. Players can choose how to approach challenges and often discover shortcuts or alternate paths.

The game’s music is also memorable. Each level features a unique theme that helps set the mood for the environment. The cheerful and energetic soundtrack has become iconic and is still recognized by many players today.

Visually, the game was impressive for its time. While the graphics are simple compared to modern games, the colorful environments and expressive character animations helped bring the world to life. The castle hub area also adds to the feeling of adventure, as players gradually unlock more rooms and discover new secrets.

However, the game does have some drawbacks when viewed from a modern perspective.

One of the most common issues is the camera system. The camera can sometimes be difficult to control, especially during precise platforming sections. While the game provides some camera adjustments, it does not always position itself in the most helpful way.

The controls, while groundbreaking at the time, may also feel slightly less precise compared to modern platform games. Players might occasionally miss jumps or struggle with tight platforming sections.

Additionally, the graphics show their age. Although the environments are still charming, the polygon shapes and textures are much simpler than those found in modern games.

Some missions can also feel repetitive, as players may revisit the same world multiple times to collect different Power Stars. While the objectives change slightly, the environment remains the same.

Despite these minor issues, the game’s creativity and design still shine.

How We Test Games

For testing games we use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. This game is up to 1-players on one Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 64.

Pros

Groundbreaking 3D platform gameplay.

Open levels that encourage exploration.

Wide variety of creative environments.

Many movement abilities for Mario.

Memorable music and atmosphere.

Strong sense of discovery and adventure.

Cons

Camera system can sometimes be difficult to control.

Graphics show their age compared to modern games.

Some missions require revisiting the same levels multiple times.

Certain platforming sections can be challenging due to camera angles.

Summary

Overall, Super Mario 64 is a landmark game that helped shape the future of 3D gaming. Its open design, creative levels, and fun movement mechanics created an experience that still feels special today. While some technical aspects have aged over time, the game remains a beloved classic and an important chapter in the history of video games. For many players, it represents the beginning of Mario’s adventures in three dimensions and continues to be a joyful and memorable journey.