Super Mario 64
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| Super Mario 64 | |
| Developer | Nintendo EAD |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| System | Nintendo 64 Nintendo DS Virtual Console |
| Release Date | Nintendo 64 JP June 23, 1996 US September 29, 1996 EU March 1, 1997 CH November 2003 Nintendo DS JP December 2, 2004 US November 21, 2004 EU March 11, 2005 AU February 24, 2005 CH June 29, 2006 Virtual Console JP December 2, 2006 US November 19, 2006 EU December 8, 2006 |
| Gallery | GH Gallery |
| Rating | ESRB: K-A |
Super Mario 64 was the first Mario game to feature true 3D. The game has become the standard for 3D platformers and, to a less extent, 3D games in general. This game did away with power suits in favor of different caps. This game was the first appearance of Metal Mario.
Story
One day, Mario receives a letter from Princess Peach asking him to come to her castle and have a piece of cake. When Mario arrives, he discovers that Bowser has taken over the castle and is holding Peach prisoner. It's up to Mario to save her.
Gameplay
The players controls Mario as he works his way through the levels. Mario is capable of a larger variety of movement than he had ever managed in his 2D games. Gone our the power suits; in their place are three caps. One cap grants flight, another makes Mario invisible, and a third gives Mario a metal suit. The caps don't play as prominent a part as the power suits did in the 2D platformers.
The game is divided into three different areas: the main floor, the basement, and the second floor. Each area is separated by a locked door. The key can be obtained by defeating Bowser. Each of these floors contain a variety of levels, which are usually accessible by jumping into a painting. Some, however, are hidden and can only be entered by a special method. Each painting is behind a door that requires a certain number of stars to open.
Legacy
The most lasting legacy of Super Mario 64 was it's affect on 3D platformers. Others came before it, but Super Mario 64 was the first game to do it well. Many people tried to copy this game's style. Metal Mario has also become a part of the larger Nintendo universe, by serving as a boss in Super Smash Bros.
Sequels
At one time, Nintendo was working on Super Mario 64 2 for the Nintendo 64DD, but it was canceled due to the failure of the peripheral. The game slowly turned into Super Mario Sunshine for the Gamecube.
Ports and Remakes
- The game was remade as Super Mario 64 DS. The game included several new stars and the ability to play as Luigi, Wario, or Yoshi as well as Mario.
- The original Nintendo 64 version was released on the Wii's Virtual Console in late 2006.