Super Mario 64

 Nintendo 64
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Electric Playground
    100
    It has quickly grown to become the standard by which almost all other games are measured.
  2. All Game Guide
    100
    As the first true 3D platform game, the game does everything right. Super Mario 64 is a masterpiece in the truest sense of the word.
  3. Gaming Maxx
    99
    This is definitely a game no game collection should be without...Seriously!
  5. IGN
    98
    Complete in every way, and the challenging experience of working toward each new level is far greater than the game's minimal flaws. Nintendo's craftsmanship and zeal for creating fantastically enjoyable games has never shown through more than in Super Mario 64.
  6. Nintendojo
    97
    I haven't met anybody who hasn't wasted at least half an hour just running around outside the castle, sliding, jumping, stomping, diving, swimming... There are no enemies here and there's really nothing to do, but boy is it fun!
  7. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    95
    There'll never be another Mario game that will make the same impact as Super Mario 64. [Jan 2004, p.189]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. GameSpot
    94
    A game that rewards the curious, the original, and in some cases the bludgeoningly stubborn and tenacious.
  9. TotalGames.net
    93
    The sheer scale of the achievement, in originality, variety and technological muscle earns it a 'Best Game Ever' acclamation through sheer muscle, almost regardless of its undoubted and typically Nintendo artistry.
  10. GameShark
    90
    It was the first game on the system, and regretfully, it was also the only great game for the system that could stand the test of time.
  11. Computer and Video Games
    90
    The graphics are so finely detailed that you'll soon forget you're playing a game - it's more like taking part in the best cartoon you've ever seen.
  12. Games Domain
    90
    The five years it took to write have been well used and it is easily in contention for being one of the best games of the decade.
  13. Game Revolution
    83
    While we've seen some more creative and impressive world design, no game yet has had this kind of crystal clear 3D graphics, remarkable texture mapping, absence of pixillation, and a frame refresh rate that makes your PC look like the toy.
  14. Nintendorks
    80
    The distribution of power stars in the levels is horrendous. I think 7 stars in one level is more than enough, don't you think? I understand that there are memory constraints, but there either could have been less stars overall, or 1 (maybe 2) more level(s). Definately a problem.

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best N64 Game of 1996
1
#1 Most Discussed N64 Game of 1996
1
#1 Most Shared N64 Game of 1996

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 1818 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,635 out of 1818
  2. Mixed: 117 out of 1818
  3. Negative: 66 out of 1818
  1. RolandJ.
    Feb 5, 2006
    10
    If you want to play the very best 3D platform game that has been made, play Mario 64. This is the flagship title for the console at the peak If you want to play the very best 3D platform game that has been made, play Mario 64. This is the flagship title for the console at the peak of console gaming. It is not just a superb game; it's a piece of history. If you want to know about videogames, you must play this game. Console gaming grew up around platformers and this is the only thing resembling a blueprint for platforming in the 3D era. You don't know where videogames have got to unless you play this.… Full Review »
  2. EpicNate6
    May 24, 2014
    5
    I know this game was revolutionary, but whenever I pick it up and play it- it always ends in frustration about one of the many things thatI know this game was revolutionary, but whenever I pick it up and play it- it always ends in frustration about one of the many things that this game hasn't aged well in. Some of these bad things are: that the camera is clunky, Mario cannot turn around without running in a circle, the music (while great) gets old very quickly, and also the fact that there are so many stars per level- I get tired of going back to the same boring level over and over again to get stars. In conclusion, while the game was an 8.5/10 in 1996, now the game is extremely dated and frustrating because of it.… Full Review »
  3. mbele
    Mar 3, 2013
    10
    The perfect Mario. The controls, the environments, the "open world levels", the castle with its secrets... I could go on!

    Id buy an HD    The perfect Mario. The controls, the environments, the "open world levels", the castle with its secrets... I could go on!

    Id buy an HD remake in an instance!    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »