Super Mario 64

 Nintendo 64
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
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  1. Bitbat
    Apr 28, 2019
    9
    The is one of the best games I have ever played on the system. There are huge levels, each providing a unique experience that the other levels do not have. One of the things I love about this game is the controls and the movement, which if you are a fast player you can take shortcuts around the level such as surfing on a turtles shell, etc.
  2. TheNiceGuyHere
    Mar 17, 2019
    9
    This has been one of the most revolutionary games of all time for 22 years and should be love by all platformer fans. Good controls, Fun mission structure, Mario, this is the game you need.
  3. Robbinsfam
    Jul 22, 2020
    9
    Just play it, it is of the utmost quality. Very possibly the best game that nintendo has ever released.
  4. GrimStomper
    Apr 28, 2019
    9
    This game revolutionized 3D gaming and is everything you've come to expect from a Super Mario game. The only issue with the game is the camera which can make levels more difficult than necessary. I've enjoyed the game a lot and 100% the game which was difficult, but in the best kind of way.
  5. zmandude2
    Jul 17, 2019
    9
    This is one of the most revolutionary games in gaming history and is still fun to play even today. The controls are somewhat dated today, but they are still good. Some of those stars particularly in Peach's castle are so difficult to find to the point where it feels like those several offending stars were put in to sell Nintendo Power magazines. Most of the stars just require explorationThis is one of the most revolutionary games in gaming history and is still fun to play even today. The controls are somewhat dated today, but they are still good. Some of those stars particularly in Peach's castle are so difficult to find to the point where it feels like those several offending stars were put in to sell Nintendo Power magazines. Most of the stars just require exploration and the levels give you a hint for each star.… Expand
  6. Bcap1415
    Mar 1, 2020
    9
    If not for the camera, this would be a ten. At the time it came out I got frustrated with the camera and the fact that you basically had to guess what you had to do to get the stars. The name of the star before the level started would give a clue but not a great one. I would have also liked to be able to get Yoshi without having to get all the stars. Other than that, the game ages well andIf not for the camera, this would be a ten. At the time it came out I got frustrated with the camera and the fact that you basically had to guess what you had to do to get the stars. The name of the star before the level started would give a clue but not a great one. I would have also liked to be able to get Yoshi without having to get all the stars. Other than that, the game ages well and is still a great game to play nearly 25 years later… Expand
  7. DarCbrGr
    Jun 26, 2021
    9
    While the controls might not be the greatest, this thing is a blast to play casually or even speedrun if that's your thing.
  8. Indigo_
    Sep 27, 2019
    9
    Super Mario 64 was released on the Nintendo 64 in September of 1996. I will be reviewing this game by looking at the game and it’s contemporaries when it came out 23 years ago.

    Story: 7/10 At this point, the same Mario story had been repeated three times (SMB, SMB3, SMW). Luckily, SM64 changes it up a bit with Peach being locked away within her own castle. Bowser has kidnapped Peach and    Super Mario 64 was released on the Nintendo 64 in September of 1996. I will be reviewing this game by looking at the game and it’s contemporaries when it came out 23 years ago.

    Story: 7/10

    At this point, the same Mario story had been repeated three times (SMB, SMB3, SMW). Luckily, SM64 changes it up a bit with Peach being locked away within her own castle. Bowser has kidnapped Peach and you must collect power stars to unlock more of the castle rooms. Overall, a decent story for the time, but nothing special.

    Level Design: 8/10

    This game’s level design is mostly pretty good. Bomb-Omb Battlefield is a great first level to mess around in, and Whomp’s Fortress is my favorite level in the game. Even though the game is held together by a thread, as you can use glitches and exploits to beat the game with 0 stars, you most likely will have a stable experience if you don’t have knowledge of these game-breaking strategies. Some of the later levels like Jolly Roger Bay and Rainbow Ride are slow and tedious. SM64 should be about constant action, as you move around these sandboxes. But these levels are slow and monotonous to play, which goes against this game’s design philosophy.

    Control: 9/10

    Contrary to the majority opinion, I still think SM64 controls beautifully. I rarely have problems with the camera and the N64 controller was made for this game. Diving and long jumping helps make this game just that much more fun to run around in and allows for some sick movement through levels.

    Completion: 10/10

    This game has 120 stars, and that’s about it. The only other “collectibles” are coins and red coins, which are used to get more stars. But in my opinion that’s all the game needs. There are 105 stars spread across 15 stages with seven each. The remaining 15 stars are found in secret stages that are usually the linear segments of the game. Super Mario 64 will only last you around ten hours on your first play through, but this game has so much replay-ability. Case and point-

    Speedrunning: 10/10

    Speedrunning SM64 is a wild ride, no matter what category your running.

    0 Star - Constant glitches through walls and barriers, as well as highly optimized movement.

    1 Star - Same as 0 Star but you complete the Bowser 2 requirement of getting one star in Dire, Dire Docks.

    16 Star - BLJ’s, optimized movement and clipping through walls in around a quarter of an hour if your the best.

    70 Star - Pick which stars are the quickest and use only a few glitches to beat the game.

    120 Star - Complete the entire game.

    If you have a mild interest in Speedrunning and you like this game, give it a try.

    Final Score: 8.8/10

    Super Mario 64 has aged very well compared to other games at the time and deserves being regarded as a 90’s classic. A must play if you haven’t tried it.    … Expand
  9. Azuris
    Oct 1, 2020
    9
    One of the best Games ever made.
    The Game gives you the Freedom to "mess around" in the World and find your Way through.
    Controlling Mario feels really great and the dated Graphics are still nice because they are bright and colourful. The Music is really memorable, may it the aquatic Theme or the Overworld Music. Only the Camera hasn't aged as well as the Rest, but it is still    One of the best Games ever made.
    The Game gives you the Freedom to "mess around" in the World and find your Way through.
    Controlling Mario feels really great and the dated Graphics are still nice because they are bright and colourful.
    The Music is really memorable, may it the aquatic Theme or the Overworld Music.
    Only the Camera hasn't aged as well as the Rest, but it is still manageable because it follows more or less the same Rules as modern ones.    … Expand
  10. piscesperiod
    Oct 13, 2020
    9
    Super Mario 64 - the first Mario 3D platformer. The game that established what 3D games would look like from that moment on. This game is legendary, and it is okay that the camera is bad: they were learning and shaping a free-roaming, exploration-driven experience with a camera system that is independent of the perspective of the character - it's a full 360 degrees 3D world. Such a thingSuper Mario 64 - the first Mario 3D platformer. The game that established what 3D games would look like from that moment on. This game is legendary, and it is okay that the camera is bad: they were learning and shaping a free-roaming, exploration-driven experience with a camera system that is independent of the perspective of the character - it's a full 360 degrees 3D world. Such a thing didn't exist, and it's okay that they didn't get it right. Nintendo established what would become the standard, and many games built on top of this idea.

    So many revolutionary aspects in this game, not just the camera - you can collect stars in no particular order, you don't need to collect them all, but if you are a completionist you can, and you are rewarded for your effort. It controls well (despite the camera), it's fun to play. It's a masterpiece and songs will forever be sung about Super Mario 64. The songs that sweetened our childhoods.    … Expand
  11. bancandrei
    May 13, 2020
    9
    The only thing to complain about regarding this game is that the graphics have not aged very well. For Nintendo to hit the ball so far out of the park on their first attempt is nothing short of amazing. This is still a good contender for title of best 3d platformer of all time, and simply a game full of joy and fun.
  12. Davee
    May 31, 2020
    9
    This game is a masterpiece. As someone has no nostalgia for this game (the first time I played was the Ds version in 2016. I played the original game on my wii u in May of 2020) this game is a classic. Everyone should play this game. The music is incredible, the levels have the perfect amount of style and substance. If you want to beat the game with 70 stars it will take you maybe 10This game is a masterpiece. As someone has no nostalgia for this game (the first time I played was the Ds version in 2016. I played the original game on my wii u in May of 2020) this game is a classic. Everyone should play this game. The music is incredible, the levels have the perfect amount of style and substance. If you want to beat the game with 70 stars it will take you maybe 10 hours. Going for the 120 stars is much more tins consuming with the 50 stars remaining being harder than the first 70. The difficulty curve is steep, but if you managed to collect enough stars to get to the hard levels, you can master the games mechanics and get the rest. This game started an entire genre, and it still has yet to topped on a mechanical level. Other games may be more consistently fun, but this game trumps them on how you want to make your fun. Almost every star can be done differently. This game is easy to learn, and difficult to master. By current (and past) standards this game has stood the test of time and deserves a perfect 10. But then theres this stupid monkey that constantly steals your hat so the game gets a 9… Expand
  13. IntrovertRobot
    Dec 16, 2020
    9
    Super Mario 64 is perhaps one of the best 3D platformer I've ever played period. There are some amazing moments in the game but my only problem with the game is the controls. But once you've mastered it the game has never felt better to play! 9/10 - perhaps the best Mario game I've ever played!
  14. Toasty87
    Jul 10, 2020
    9
    All time classic and it still holds up today very good fun to be had by all.
  15. Oyin
    Jul 17, 2020
    9
    9.4/10 A gaming experience that still holds up to this day. The amount of content in this game is extraordinary for it’s time and keeps the player engaged throughout the entirety of the play through.
  16. JamesDrawsThngs
    Jul 30, 2020
    9
    The grand daddy of all 3D Platformers. The OG. One of the most revolutionary games ever created. A true trend-setter. Super Mario 64 is unquestionably worthy of respect and admiration for how much it moved the industry forward and for just being a kick a** game. Close to 25 years after its initial release, SM64's DNA is still felt within modern day platformers. However, 25 years is enoughThe grand daddy of all 3D Platformers. The OG. One of the most revolutionary games ever created. A true trend-setter. Super Mario 64 is unquestionably worthy of respect and admiration for how much it moved the industry forward and for just being a kick a** game. Close to 25 years after its initial release, SM64's DNA is still felt within modern day platformers. However, 25 years is enough time for other games to come along, refine its formula and in some ways even surpass it. SM64 may be the king, but it's not immune to criticism. More and more of its age has shown itself over time, but that doesn't mean its not still worth experiencing.

    Most of SM64's age come from its overall design. Obviously, the game visually could be considered ugly, but really it's unfair to compare the game to standards set even a console generation after this so it's a moot point to make. Besides, I still really dig the blocky, simplistic style this game goes for. It's what helps add a lot to this game's charm and memorable presentation. When it comes to design, I'm not talking simply about the general design of the courses themselves, but rather the game's structure. The general goal is to collect power stars in each stage. Upon collecting one, you are immediately booted from the level and you'll have to start back at the beginning to start the next task. In more open-ended stages like Bob-Omb Battlefield, Shifting Sand Land or Dire, Dire Docks this isn't an issue. It's when you get to more linear stages like Womp's Fortress, Tick Tock Clock and Tall, Tall Mountain where this starts to become more of an issue and a majority of the missions simply require to climb to the top at a certain point and collect the star. It can feel tedious having to climb all the way back just to go a little further, finish the mission and repeat the process. Thankfully, a majority of the levels do not follow this philosophy so this is not at all a game-breaker. However, the one consistent problem that every stage has is the 100 coin star missions. Early in the game, it's not that big of a deal, but once you start reaching higher floors in the castle it can become an absolute chore as coins become more and more spread out, and you struggle to find those last handful that you need. God forbid you get that last coin in a spot that is either dangerous or damn near impossible to reach.

    General controls have also started to show their age, particularly with the camera. For a first crack at it, they did a darn good job. Unfortunately, there will be times where the camera either doesn't give you a proper view of your surroundings or gets stuck in a position to where you can't turn it around any further to try and improve your view.

    That's really about it as far as personal gripes, because for everything wrong with this game, everything else more than makes up for it. For starters, Mario is an absolute dream to control. He's got such an incredible amount of moves at your disposal for you to take full advantage of and to finish missions in a multitude of ways. There few things as satisfying in life as getting good at playing this game. While I may have an issue with the general mission structure, SM64 gives players an insane amount of wiggle room when it comes to unlocking new areas of the castle. Every star in the game is of equal value. As long as you collect enough to reach new areas, you grab whichever ones you feel like getting. You can avoid entire levels you don't like this way if you're thorough. Personally, SM64 just isn't the same unless I collect everything, but I'm glad that Nintendo gives you the option regardless. You'll also find scattered about a few power ups that, while situational, are enjoyable to use. I also love most of the levels themselves. Many are the standard Mario flare, but obviously they would want to keep things a little safe to ease people into it. They are simply fun to explore about, and a majority of the star collecting is very satisfying. This game also houses some of the most memorable and fun secrets in gaming, some you'll discover on you own while others take a bit of know-how.

    If for whatever reason you have yet to experience SM64, it is a definite must. Make no mistake, it's aged a fair bit, and there are just some things that are hard to forgive when you've played other games similar to this that came afterwards and refined it, but really there's a charm to this game that can never be matched.    … Expand
  17. AbeFiletti
    Nov 20, 2020
    9
    Super Mario 64 is still one of the best Mario games ever. This 3D platformer is over 20 years old and it holds up remarkably well. The controls(while on a bad controller) are fluid and control very well. Also some of the levels in this game are super iconic. I mean who doesn't love Bomb Om Battlefield, Whomp's Fortress, Lethal Lava Land, Shifting Sand Land, Tall Tall Mountain, Tiny hugeSuper Mario 64 is still one of the best Mario games ever. This 3D platformer is over 20 years old and it holds up remarkably well. The controls(while on a bad controller) are fluid and control very well. Also some of the levels in this game are super iconic. I mean who doesn't love Bomb Om Battlefield, Whomp's Fortress, Lethal Lava Land, Shifting Sand Land, Tall Tall Mountain, Tiny huge world, and I could keep going. This game pretty much reinvented platformers and it turned out so well. It is also super satisfying. You can't tell me it didn't feel good to finally grab that star. But just like Ocarina of Time, even though you're revolutionary, it doesn't mean you won't have faults. For example while I named so many iconic levels there are also some bland and forgettable ones as well. Dire Dire Docks, Wet Dry World, and Hazy Mazy Cave being the worst. These all just felt forgettable and I didn't care to get the stars in them. Other than that, this game is a masterpiece. I give Mario 64 a 9.5/10, and I would put it on the S tier. Even though Ocarina of Time is great as of 10/23/20 Mario 64 is my favorite N64 game.… Expand
  18. deycd
    Aug 13, 2021
    9
    LA historia stiene algunos huecos argumentativos. Ese es el único defecto. La música es genial, a la altura de la de Mario Sunshine. LA jugabilidad es de las mejores. La batalla final no es tan buena como la de Galaxy o Mario 3dLand, pero es aceptable. Posiblemente, de haber tenido que catalogarlo en su día le habría puesto más de un 9, pero hpy en día, se queda con el 9, que también estáLA historia stiene algunos huecos argumentativos. Ese es el único defecto. La música es genial, a la altura de la de Mario Sunshine. LA jugabilidad es de las mejores. La batalla final no es tan buena como la de Galaxy o Mario 3dLand, pero es aceptable. Posiblemente, de haber tenido que catalogarlo en su día le habría puesto más de un 9, pero hpy en día, se queda con el 9, que también está muy bien.… Expand
  19. weal009
    Dec 12, 2020
    9
    Is this game perfect? No. Is it amazing? Yes. The main upside to this game according to be is how charming and simple it is, which I honestly can't say for Galaxy and Odyssey, though I do like those games better. The music, the design, the worlds, the dialogue, the game play, it is so charming, and makes this game super addicting. The worlds are so unique, like Shifting Sand Land, and CoolIs this game perfect? No. Is it amazing? Yes. The main upside to this game according to be is how charming and simple it is, which I honestly can't say for Galaxy and Odyssey, though I do like those games better. The music, the design, the worlds, the dialogue, the game play, it is so charming, and makes this game super addicting. The worlds are so unique, like Shifting Sand Land, and Cool Cool Mountain. And the physics are amazing. My only problem with them is that they don't feel fluid, like Sunshine, and Galaxy's physics. Other than that, just wall kicking, long jumping, diving, it is all so satisfying, and I can say the same for the whole game. Though my main problem with the game, I hate the controls. The camera being able to go at only a few angles makes going in a straight line super annoying and difficult. And don't even get me started on the horrid Wing Cap controls. And how you have to time wall kicks perfectly, ugh.

    TL;DR: Amazing Game, just the controls suck, and some other minor flaws.    … Expand
  20. GameDudeGuy
    Feb 4, 2021
    9
    Its a classic and its just super fun you can backflip dive long jump triple jump wall jump roll dive backwards long jump and so so so much more
  21. BeeSting1
    Nov 26, 2021
    9
    Good

    - controls are smooth - Mario has various animations that makes him feel alive. Idle sleep animation, getting squished when falling from high up, or getting squashed by enemies. - cap power-ups are fun - going into paintings to enter levels is cool. The levels themselves are also diverse in visuals and environment. - when I played this as a kid, I never read the    Good

    - controls are smooth

    - Mario has various animations that makes him feel alive. Idle sleep animation, getting squished when falling from high up, or getting squashed by enemies.

    - cap power-ups are fun

    - going into paintings to enter levels is cool. The levels themselves are also diverse in visuals and environment.

    - when I played this as a kid, I never read the dialogue, but it’s actually not bad.

    - so much movement and attack options making the platforming very versatile.

    Bad

    - a button that automatically put the camera behind Mario would have been great. But completely forgive-able given this was the first foray into 3D camera controls.

    - I felt like they could have used a more appealing font. The text font used is a little hard to read and ugly.

    - rotating the camera in fixed lengths messes up with the movement

    Reflection

    - This game felt so difficult when I played it as a kid. The worlds felt so massive and detailed. It’s crazy to see how much bigger games have grown since. The worlds we see in Mario games now are so much more detailed.    … Expand
  22. monkeyjumbo
    Sep 30, 2021
    9
    This game rules. Like one of my favorites ever. Sure, there are some areas that have aged REALLY poorly, but its still freaking rules. It's Super Mario 64 and I wouldn't have it any other way. A must play for basically anyone.
  23. kingdragon
    Mar 11, 2021
    9
    From what I have seen and played, this game is incredible. The only reason it is not 10/10 is because the camera is so bad in this game, but other than that, its a true masterpiece.
  24. Luigi64bros
    Mar 22, 2021
    9
    El juego esta muy buen disfrutable , como para pasar un rato divirtiendote , no te recomiendo jugar con amigos a esto , pero es uno de los mejores juegos del mundo segun mi opinion.
    Si quieres jugar un plataformero en 3D te recomiendo jugarlo .
    10 de 10
  25. Coolx5556
    May 28, 2021
    9
    All I have to say is that this game is fun and always encourages multiple playthroughs with different challenges. Nice game Nintendo!
  26. ntBagel
    Apr 23, 2022
    9
    this game is a treat to play, its one of the best Mario games ever made the game play is satisfying and the levels are memorable. the soundtrack is great, this game was a great foundation for 3d Mario games the only reason I'm not giving it a 10 is because of controls are some times wacky or slippery and the camera is not the best but the rest of the game is great please try it out. 9/10this game is a treat to play, its one of the best Mario games ever made the game play is satisfying and the levels are memorable. the soundtrack is great, this game was a great foundation for 3d Mario games the only reason I'm not giving it a 10 is because of controls are some times wacky or slippery and the camera is not the best but the rest of the game is great please try it out. 9/10 (outstanding)… Expand
  27. Luigination
    Sep 21, 2021
    9
    What can I say that hasn't been said already? Besides the camera controls and the graphics not aging well, with 15 iconic levels & fun, challenging gameplay, I still consider this one of the greatest video games ever made! I will say, after replaying Super Mario Odyssey and realizing that it wasn't as great as I thought it was, when I replayed this I really appreciated the varied moveset,What can I say that hasn't been said already? Besides the camera controls and the graphics not aging well, with 15 iconic levels & fun, challenging gameplay, I still consider this one of the greatest video games ever made! I will say, after replaying Super Mario Odyssey and realizing that it wasn't as great as I thought it was, when I replayed this I really appreciated the varied moveset, cool boss ideas and whilst you can find the Power Stars pretty easily after a few playthroughs, I prefer their placement in this game more than I do the Moons in Odyssey, most likely because of the environmental design!… Expand
  28. XxMicManxX
    Aug 24, 2021
    9
    While it has aged poorly in many aspects such as the camera control, it is impossible to ignore how much of a positive impact this game has had on gaming from 1996 onwards, and is definitely worth going back to today.
  29. WPB
    Oct 13, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Wehee wahoo. Yeah, oh nooooooo, Okey doke, wahoowahwahwahehwhwhahwgahwhwgoooo… Expand
  30. ThisReview2000
    Sep 26, 2021
    9
    This is a light hearted great explorative video game it has you collect scattered power stars and has great worlds no offense but not to creative of worlds but for most part the controls are pretty ok it's just pretty basic and get's kind of bland after at least 4 levels. The presentation can be pretty slow with running a round worlds and finding talking characters but the controlsThis is a light hearted great explorative video game it has you collect scattered power stars and has great worlds no offense but not to creative of worlds but for most part the controls are pretty ok it's just pretty basic and get's kind of bland after at least 4 levels. The presentation can be pretty slow with running a round worlds and finding talking characters but the controls gameplay and music defined a generations of 3D platformers.… Expand
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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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. 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.
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  2. Electric Playground
    100
    It has quickly grown to become the standard by which almost all other games are measured.
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  3. Gaming Maxx
    99
    This is definitely a game no game collection should be without...Seriously!
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